In-vehicle electronic device and program

Abstract

To provide an image recording device that continuously records captured images, in which the image recording device can relatively easily execute processing related to other data even during an operation of continuously recording captured images, and to provide an image recording system, and a program .SOLUTION: A drive recorder includes a CCD camera for acquiring image information, SD card readers 311, 312 which are media storage units for accommodating storage media (SD cards) such that the storage media can be insertable and removable, and a controller capable of executing control for recording captured images in the storage medium. The controller is capable of executing a control mode for recording a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time in the past using the storage medium by deleting captured images in order from the oldest captured image and storing new captured images in a free space while securing the free space in a storage area of the storage medium, and the controller includes at least two media storage units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device capable of continuously recording captured images, such as a drive recorder or a surveillance device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image recording devices such as a drive recorder that captures and continuously records the scenery ahead of a vehicle and a monitoring device that captures and continuously records a predetermined monitoring area have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, some image recording devices such as a drive recorder erase old captured images and secure free space while recording new captured images one after another as long as the power supply state continues after the vehicle ignition is switched on. Drive recorders that perform such a recording operation can constantly update and hold captured images spanning a predetermined period of time up to the present.

[0003] The purpose of recording captured images over a predetermined period of time in this way is to identify the cause of a traffic accident, etc., for an employer to manage the driving of an employee driver, etc. In recent years, as inexpensive drive recorders have become available at mass retailers of car supplies, some users have begun to use them for personal enjoyment, such as to record driving scenes or cityscapes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-64126 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Image recording devices such as drive recorders that continuously record captured images use memory areas significantly differently from cameras, video cameras, etc. Image recording devices such as drive recorders can repeatedly erase old captured images and record new captured images indefinitely as long as they are powered on.

[0006] In such an image recording device such as a drive recorder, when an operation of endlessly repeating erasing and writing is being performed to continuously record captured images, if an attempt is made to write or erase other data in addition to the continuous recording of captured images, the frequency of data access to the storage medium may become excessive, or the processing may not be able to keep up. Therefore, when an operation of endlessly repeating erasing and writing is being performed to continuously record captured images, there is a problem that the processes that can be simultaneously executed are limited, or certain processes may become impossible to execute.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and aims to provide an image recording device capable of continuously recording captured images, which is capable of relatively easily performing processing related to other data even during the operation of continuously recording captured images. Furthermore, conventional drive recorders that record onto a memory card, such as those equipped with only one memory card, have the following problems and issues: (a) If the memory card is damaged or malfunctioning, it will no longer be able to record. In particular, if continuous recording is being performed, the recording is constantly being overwritten while driving (repeatedly erasing and storing), so there is a high probability of damage. Also, there is a high possibility of damage if the memory card is removed while in operation. Most drive recorders are turned on and off in conjunction with the engine key, but depending on the vehicle, there may be voltage fluctuations, interruptions, or surges, especially when the engine is started, which may have a negative effect and cause abnormalities in the control of the memory card, resulting in damage or malfunction of the memory card. (b) The main purpose of a drive recorder is to record accidents, and the accident record must be saved so that it will not be erased. Accident detection is generally based on a G-sensor or other device that detects an impact of a certain magnitude or greater, and the images before and after the accident are often saved with overwrite protection. However, it is difficult to reliably detect only accidents, and impacts can also be detected due to bumps or unevenness in the road surface, or the driver's driving style, so in reality, most recordings that do not require recording or saving due to impact detection other than accidents are very common. If the sensitivity of the sensor is lowered, accidents cannot be detected. In addition, recordings of dangerous or reckless driving, dangerous experiences that could lead to accidents, and scenic places are often recorded manually, and the images before and after the accident are often saved with overwrite protection, and some users record a lot with overwrite protection. If the memory card becomes full with such overwrite protection recordings, it is natural that no more recordings can be made. It is necessary to take steps such as replacing the memory card, extracting and deleting images, and initializing the camera, but there may be cases where these steps cannot be taken immediately due to circumstances such as while driving or traveling. In such cases, the camera will not be able to store any more data and will no longer function as a dashcam. (c) It is common to store continuous continuous recording and recording of events that are prohibited from being overwritten on the same memory card, but the number of overwrite-prohibited recordings will increase if no measures are taken. Daily maintenance / measures can be performed, but this is not easy to do. In some cases, the continuous continuous recording area and the overwrite-prohibited recording area are separated within the memory card, but in many cases, overwrite-prohibited recordings are given priority without being separated into areas, and the continuous recording area is reduced in proportion to the increase in overwrite recordings. In this case, even if the memory card does not become full with overwrite-prohibited recordings as in (b) above, the continuous recording area is reduced and the continuous recording time is shortened, and the time to look back and check images is shortened. At the same time, the time it takes for one round of overwrites to be completed is shortened, and the frequency of repeated erasure and recording increases, which increases the probability of damage to the memory card or malfunction. If the continuous continuous recording area and the overwrite-prohibited recording area are separated, it is natural that when the overwrite-prohibited recording area becomes full, no more recording can be performed, and it is more likely to become full than with a method that does not separate the areas. (d) The memory card may be removed from the drive recorder in order to view or extract the recorded images using a PC viewer, etc. If you forget to remove the memory card, or if for some reason you are unable to use the removed memory card and drive without the memory card, the drive recorder will not be able to record or store any images and will not function as a drive recorder. (e) As the number of multi-function drive recorders increases, the amount of data and information stored on the memory card becomes very large, which can slow down the processing speed or cause some parts to be unable to be processed. In addition, the memory card is used more frequently, which increases the probability of damage or malfunction of the memory card. If the memory card is damaged or malfunctions, all functions may become unusable. The present invention is an invention that aims to provide an image recording device or the like that can more continuously function as a drive recorder and solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) An image recording device including a control means having a function of recording an image captured by an imaging means in a removable storage medium, The storage device includes a plurality of medium storage units each of which removably holds a storage medium; The control means may be an image recording device having a function of executing a predetermined write process on a storage medium attached to at least one of the multiple media storage sections while recording an imaged image on a storage medium attached to any other media storage section.

[0009] This image recording device has a plurality of the medium storage units and can accommodate a plurality of storage media. The control means has a function of executing a predetermined write process on a storage medium loaded in at least one of the plurality of medium storage units while recording a captured image on a storage medium loaded in any other medium storage unit. Therefore, this image recording device can execute a predetermined write process on the other storage medium in parallel with the recording process of the captured image.

[0010] When a predetermined write process is executed on a storage medium other than the storage medium on which the captured image is recorded, even if the predetermined write process is executed while the captured image is being recorded, it is possible to reduce the risk of excessive frequency of data access, such as data writing and reading, on the storage medium on which the captured image is recorded and the storage medium on which the predetermined write process is executed. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of problems occurring in recording the captured image by executing the predetermined write process.

[0011] In this image recording device, a process that accesses data to the storage medium relatively frequently can be executed as the predetermined write process within a range that limits the impact on the recording operation of the captured image. If various write processes can be executed while the captured image is being recorded, the image recording device can be used not only for recording the captured image, but also for recording vehicle data such as engine RPM and speed, thereby improving convenience.

[0012] In addition, as a configuration for executing other writing processes during or while recording a captured image, a plurality of arithmetic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) may be provided to simultaneously execute a process for recording a captured image and a process for executing other writing processes, but even if a single arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used, the process for recording a captured image and the process for executing other writing processes may be simultaneously executed in a time-division manner. For example, it is preferable to perform writing processes to other files without closing a file for recording a captured image. For example, after the image recording device starts recording a captured image, the CPU may execute other writing processes by interruption until the recording operation is completed.

[0013] For example, in an image recording device equipped with a control means having a function of recording an image acquired by an imaging means on a removable storage medium, the image recording device may be characterized in that it has a plurality of media storage sections for removably holding storage media, and the control means has a function of executing a predetermined write process using a storage medium attached to at least one of the plurality of media storage sections as a primary storage medium and a storage medium attached to any other media storage section as a secondary storage medium.

[0014] (2) The control means is capable of executing a control mode in which a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time in the past is recorded using the storage medium by deleting captured images in order from the oldest captured images and sequentially storing new captured images in the free space of the storage medium while securing free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium, It is preferable that at least two medium containers are provided.

[0015] An image recording device comprising: an imaging means for acquiring image information; a medium housing section for housing a storage medium in an insertable and removable manner; and a control means for controlling recording of an image captured by the imaging means on the storage medium housed in the medium housing section, the control means is capable of executing a control mode in which a series of captured images spanning a predetermined period of time in the past is recorded using the storage medium by deleting the captured images in order from the oldest captured images and sequentially storing new captured images in the free space while securing free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium; It is preferable that the image recording device is provided with at least two medium containers.

[0016] As described above, image recording devices such as drive recorders that continuously record captured images use storage areas significantly differently from cameras, video cameras, etc. That is, image recording devices such as drive recorders, for example, endlessly repeat erasing old captured images and recording new captured images as long as they are in a powered state. In cameras and video cameras, old captured images are not automatically erased by overwriting with new captured images, but are erased after being read out to a terminal device such as a personal computer, for example.

[0017] In image recording devices such as drive recorders that endlessly repeat erasing and writing in order to continuously record captured images, there is a problem that data write errors, erasing errors, etc. may occur as the captured images are repeatedly recorded and erased, which may cause defects in the recorded data in the memory area.

[0018] In contrast, the image recording device has at least two medium storage units, so that multiple storage media can be mounted. By using multiple storage media, the number of times data is rewritten or erased from each storage medium can be reduced compared to when only one storage medium is used, reducing the burden. This reduces the probability of occurrence of problems such as write errors and erase errors when recording the captured images, and improves operational reliability.

[0019] In this manner, the image recording device is a device for continuously recording captured images, and is a useful device for improving the stability of the recording operation of captured images.

[0020] The number of medium containers provided in the image recording device may be two, but it is particularly preferable to provide three or more medium containers. The imaging means may be an imaging camera equipped with an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS, or an imaging means utilizing an area sensor such as a laser radar, a millimeter wave sensor, or an infrared sensor. The image recording device is useful in applications such as drive recorders and monitoring devices. The series of captured images may be, for example, a predetermined period including the time point at which an event occurs (for example, a predetermined period consisting of a first predetermined period before the event occurs and a second predetermined period after the event occurs), as in so-called event recording, but it is particularly preferable to record the images regardless of the event, and in particular to record the images continuously.

[0021] The control means can execute a control mode in which captured images are recorded using the storage medium, and a control mode in which the captured images are not erased, by sequentially deleting the captured images beginning with the oldest captured image and storing new captured images in the free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium while securing free space in the storage area, and it is preferable that the image recording device be provided with at least two medium storage units.

[0022] (3) The control means may be capable of executing a control mode in which each of the storage media contained in any two or more of the media storage sections is utilized to record the series of captured images, and while a new captured image is being recorded in any one of the storage media, the storage area of ​​any of the other storage media is initialized. The control means of the image recording device may be capable of executing a control mode in which each storage medium contained in any two or more media storage sections is utilized to record captured images, and while a new captured image is being recorded in any one of the storage media, the storage area of ​​any other storage medium is initialized.

[0023] By adopting the above (3), when recording captured images on either storage medium, recording can always start from an initialized state. Starting recording from an initialized state can greatly reduce the probability of occurrence of write errors, etc. While one storage medium is being initialized, captured images can be recorded on the other storage medium, so there is no need to interrupt the recording operation of captured images for the initialization operation, and the processing efficiency of the recording operation is not impaired. It is also possible to write the same data to two or more storage media. By recording the same data on physically independent storage media, even if a problem occurs with one storage medium, the data can be read from the other storage medium, improving reliability.

[0024] (4) In the image recording device, when two storage media are used to record the series of captured images, it is preferable that a control mode be executable in which the two storage media are alternately used to record the series of captured images and, while a new captured image is being recorded in one of the storage media, the storage area of ​​one of the storage media is initialized. When two storage media are used to record captured images, the image recording device should be capable of executing a control mode in which the two storage media are alternately used to record captured images and the storage area of ​​one of the storage media is initialized while a new captured image is being recorded in the other storage medium. By adopting the above-mentioned (4), the two storage media are initialized alternately, so that when recording of a captured image on either storage medium is started, recording can always start from the initialized state.

[0025] (5) In the image recording device, when three or more storage media are used to record the series of captured images, it is preferable to be able to execute a control mode in which two of the storage media are selected in sequence from among the storage media, and while a new captured image is being recorded in one of the two selected storage media, the storage area of ​​one of the other storage media is initialized. When three or more storage media are used to record captured images, the image recording device can execute a control mode in which two storage media are selected from the storage media in sequence, and while a new captured image is being recorded in one of the two selected storage media, the storage area of ​​one of the other storage media is initialized.

[0026] For example, when there are first to third storage media in the initialized state, first, captured images are recorded in the first and second storage media in order, and then, when a new captured image is recorded in the third storage medium, the first and third storage media are selected, and the first storage medium is initialized while the captured image is being recorded in the third storage medium. After the captured image is recorded in the third storage medium, the first and second storage media are selected, and the second storage medium is initialized while the captured image is being recorded in the first storage medium. After the captured image is recorded in the first storage medium, the second and third storage media are selected, and the third storage medium is initialized while the captured image is being recorded in the second storage medium. By switching the two selected storage media in order in this way, captured images can be recorded over a long period of time using three or more multiple storage media.

[0027] (6) The storage medium has file management information recorded thereon for managing the recording position of data within the storage area, When any one of the storage media is initialized while a new captured image is being recorded in the other storage medium, the captured images already recorded in the other storage medium are erased beginning with the oldest one at the time of recording in conjunction with the operation of recording the new captured image, and after all the captured images have been erased, the file management information is erased to complete the initialization.

[0028] The file management information is information for managing which data is recorded at which location in the storage area of ​​the storage medium, and may be management information required when reading data such as recorded captured images. For example, after such file management information is erased, even data before the erasure becomes unreadable. If the file management information is erased at the start of the initialization process, it becomes difficult to read the captured images recorded on the storage medium at the same time as the initialization process starts. On the other hand, if the file management information is erased at the end of the initialization process, it becomes possible to read the recorded captured images even after the initialization process starts.

[0029] As an example of a mode of erasing the captured image in one of the storage media in conjunction with the recording operation of the captured image in the other storage media, the duration of the captured image newly recorded in one of the storage media is made to be almost equal to the duration of the captured image erased from one of the other storage media. In this case, the degree to which the duration of the captured image readable from the storage medium varies depending on the progress of the initialization work can be suppressed. If the file management information is erased at the same time as the initialization work starts, the captured image recorded in the storage medium becomes unreadable in an instant, and the duration of the captured image readable from the storage medium is suddenly shortened at the same time as the initialization work starts.

[0030] (7) The control means is capable of executing a plurality of types of control modes for recording data on the storage medium, At least one of the storage media stores setting information corresponding to one of the plurality of control modes, The control means may be configured to execute control corresponding to the setting information read from the storage medium when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is accommodated in the medium accommodation section.

[0031] In this case, by storing the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded in the medium storage unit, it becomes possible to immediately start control according to the setting information. Since the operation of the image recording device can be changed by rewriting the setting information recorded in the storage medium, it is very convenient. If the control mode of the image recording device can be changed by the setting information recorded in the storage medium, for example, it becomes unnecessary to provide an operation means for changing the control mode in the image recording device body. In this case, the hardware configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced, and troubles in the operation means, which are prone to malfunction, can be avoided in advance, improving operational reliability. In addition, if it is made difficult for the user to change the setting information through an operation, it is possible to prevent, for example, a driver employed by a transportation company, a taxi company, or the like from changing the setting information without permission. Such a configuration is advantageous in application to management of driving by an employer of a transportation company, a taxi company, or the like, who is an employee of the image recording device.

[0032] (8) The image recording device includes: a change operation means for accepting an operation for changing the setting information recorded in the storage medium; It is preferable that the configuration further includes a warning means for warning, when an operation to change the setting information is accepted via the change operation means, that the data recorded on the storage medium may be erased due to the change in the setting information. In this case, it is possible to prevent the recorded captured images and the like from being erased due to carelessness or the like caused by changing the setting information, thereby reducing the risk of important captured images being erased and making the image recording device easier to use.

[0033] (9) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various data, The control means may be configured to, when a storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is accommodated in the medium accommodation section, read the setting information from the storage medium and store the setting information in the storage means. In this case, even if the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is removed, control according to the setting information can be realized. For example, when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is removed, the setting information of the storage means may be recorded on another storage medium. In this case, the setting information is recorded in two physically independent locations, improving safety. The storage means may be a means using an electronic device such as a non-volatile memory, such as a flash ROM.

[0034] (10) When initializing the storage area of ​​the storage medium in which the setting information is recorded, the control means may be configured to record the setting information stored in the storage means again in the storage medium after initialization. In this case, it is possible to initialize the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded by erasing the entire storage area of ​​the medium. If the setting information is recorded again after the initialization process is completed, the original state in which the setting information was recorded can be reproduced.

[0035] (11) The control means records the series of captured images in some of the storage media contained in any two or more medium containers, while It is preferable that any of the remaining storage media is configured to be capable of executing a control mode for recording a specific image, which is an image captured in a specific time interval or a specific image including a specific time interval, of the series of captured images.

[0036] If the series of captured images and the specific image are recorded on independent storage media, the captured images and the specific image can be recorded efficiently. As the specific time period, for example, a time period during which storage is required may be set. Since the series of captured images recorded on one storage medium needs to be updated from time to time, it is not appropriate to prohibit overwriting. However, the captured images may be recorded on the other storage medium in an overwrite-prohibited mode. In this case, the captured images recorded on the other storage medium can be stored with high reliability.

[0037] Generally, when recording on a storage medium, the series of captured images is often managed, for example, in file units. In such a configuration, it may be difficult to create a file only for a specific time period. In this case, it is advisable to copy or move the captured images in file units that include the captured images in the specific time period. The control means may be an image recording device capable of executing a control mode in which a series of captured images spanning a predetermined past period is recorded on some of the storage media contained in any two or more media storage sections, while a specific image, which is an image captured during a specific time period from the series of captured images or an image captured including a specific time period, is recorded on one of the remaining storage media.

[0038] (12) The specific image may be a copy or a moved version of a portion of the series of captured images recorded on one of the storage media. When duplicating a part of the series of captured images, the corresponding part of the series of captured images may be erased or left as it is. For example, if a part of the series of captured images is duplicated after recording the series of captured images, a specific image can be recorded by a post-event process after the series of captured images is recorded. Since it is not necessary to simultaneously record both the series of captured images and the captured images in the specific time period in parallel, the processing load can be distributed over time and the occurrence of an excessive load can be avoided.

[0039] (13) The image recording device is an image recording device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data reflecting a status of the vehicle, The control means records the series of captured images in some of the storage media contained in any two or more medium containers, while It is preferable that any of the remaining storage media is configured to be capable of executing a control mode for recording the vehicle data acquired by the data acquisition means.

[0040] In this case, the storage medium for recording the captured image and the storage medium for recording the vehicle data are physically independent, so that the captured image and the vehicle data can be efficiently recorded. For example, the vehicle data may be recorded in an overwrite-prohibited mode. In this case, the risk of important vehicle data being inadvertently erased can be prevented.

[0041] For example, a signal for synchronizing the timing of the series of captured images with the vehicle data may be recorded, so that the captured images and the vehicle data can be played back in a synchronized manner. The vehicle data includes, for example, information flowing on an in-vehicle network that transmits vehicle control information, and information obtained based on the information. For example, speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5 second speed, average 5 second speed, maximum 5 second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, outside temperature, maximum outside temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on ordinary roads, average fuel consumption on expressways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h minimum acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h Vehicle data includes minimum acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / h average acceleration, minimum acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, minimum acceleration, 0-80km / h driving time, 0-20km / h driving time, 20-40km / h driving time, 40-60km / h driving time, 60-80km / h driving time, driving time over 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, lifetime engine mileage ratio, etc.

[0042] (14) The control means may be configured to record the specific image when a predetermined event occurs. For example, the series of captured images is recorded while being updated at any time, regardless of the occurrence of an event. The specific image may be recorded when the predetermined event occurs. Also, for example, the storage medium on which the specific image is recorded may be made overwrite-protected. In this case, the recording state of the specific image, which is the captured image when the predetermined event occurs, can be maintained with high reliability, and the captured image can be reliably referenced after the fact.

[0043] (15) The control means may be configured to record the vehicle data when a predetermined event occurs. For example, the series of captured images may be updated and recorded at any time regardless of the occurrence of an event. Also, for example, the storage medium in which the vehicle data is recorded may be made overwrite-protected. In this case, the vehicle data at the time the predetermined event occurs can be stored with high reliability, and the vehicle data can be reliably referenced after the event.

[0044] (16) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various data, The control means may be capable of executing a control mode in which, when a predetermined event occurs, a specific image, which is an image captured in a specific time interval among the series of captured images, is recorded in a memory area of ​​the memory means.

[0045] (17) An image recording device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data reflecting the vehicle's status; and a storage means for storing various data. The control means may be capable of executing a control mode in which, when a predetermined event occurs, the vehicle data is recorded in a storage area of ​​the storage means.

[0046] In these cases, the specific image or vehicle data at the time the predetermined event occurs can be recorded in the storage means. Unlike a storage medium, the storage means is built-in, so that the specific image or vehicle data can be recorded even if a storage medium is not contained in the medium container.

[0047] (18) The specific image or vehicle data recorded in response to the occurrence of the specified event may be an image or vehicle data captured in a specific time period including both before and after the moment the specified event occurred. In this case, captured images or vehicle data for a specific time period including the moment when the specified event occurred and starting from a point before that moment can be recorded. Captured images, etc. from a point before the moment when the specified event occurred are useful materials that are useful for, for example, analyzing the cause and progress of the event after the fact. For example, if the event is a traffic accident, it is useful for identifying the cause of the accident. For example, if the event is that specific vehicle data indicates a specific situation, it is useful for identifying the behavior of the vehicle at that time and the vehicle operation through which the situation occurred.

[0048] (19) It is preferable that the system further comprises a storage operation means for receiving an operation requesting recording of the specific image or vehicle data, and that the predetermined event includes at least an operation of the storage operation means. In this case, the user can operate the image recording device to record a specific time period. When a scene that the user wants to record appears, the user of the image recording device can operate the save operation means to record the captured image of that scene.

[0049] The storage operation means may be a real-time operation when recording the captured images, or may be an operation during playback of the series of captured images later. For example, in order to record captured images by an operation during playback, it is preferable to provide a display means such as a liquid crystal display for playing and displaying the series of captured images.

[0050] (20) The image recording device is provided with a data acquisition means for acquiring a measured value of a specified physical quantity, and the specified event preferably includes at least an event in which the measured value of the specified physical quantity indicates a predetermined state. In this case, when the measured value indicates a predetermined state, the captured image or vehicle data can be recorded. The recorded captured image or vehicle data can be used to analyze the cause and process of the occurrence of the state after the fact.

[0051] In addition, there are various ways in which the measured value indicates a predetermined state, such as when the measured value exceeds a predetermined threshold, when the measured value shows a predetermined change, when a predetermined combination condition pattern is satisfied, etc. The measured value may be, for example, acceleration in three axial directions, speed, etc. In addition, it is also possible to set detection of approach to a pre-stored position as the predetermined event. Approach to a specific position can be detected, for example, by using position information from a GPS.

[0052] (21) An image recording device is an image recording device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data reflecting a status of the vehicle, The predetermined physical quantity may be a physical quantity acquired as the vehicle data. In this case, the captured image or vehicle data can be recorded when the vehicle data indicates a predetermined state. The captured image or vehicle data can be used to identify the cause and process of the occurrence of the predetermined state.

[0053] (22) In the image recording device, a display unit that shows whether data recorded in the memory area of ​​the storage medium is being read or data is being written to the memory area may be provided corresponding to the medium storage unit. In this case, the storage medium during data access can be clearly indicated, thereby reducing the risk of the storage medium being inadvertently removed during data access. As for the configuration in which the display unit is provided corresponding to the medium storage unit, for example, a display unit may be provided individually for each of the plurality of medium storage units, but it is particularly preferable to provide a display unit shared by the plurality of medium storage units.

[0054] (23) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various data, It is preferable that the configuration be capable of executing a control mode in which the memory area of ​​a storage medium accommodated in one of the media accommodation sections and the memory area of ​​the storage means are alternately used to record the series of captured images, and the other memory area is initialized while the captured images are being recorded in either memory area. It is preferable that the image recording device is capable of executing a control mode in which the storage area of ​​a storage medium accommodated in any one of the medium accommodation units and the storage area of ​​the storage means are alternately used to record captured images, and while the captured images are being recorded in one of the storage areas, the other storage area is initialized. In this case, even if only one storage medium is installed, the storage medium and the storage means are alternately used, so that a control can be executed in which one is initialized while the captured images are recorded in the other.

[0055] (24) The control means may be capable of executing two or more control modes in parallel. In this case, data from multiple systems can be recorded in parallel, enhancing data logger-like functionality. Each control mode may be configured as a unique mode that is distinguished from other modes, for example, and may be configured to adopt a certain state, perform a certain process, or have a certain function.

[0056] (25) In the image recording device, it is preferable that at least one of the medium housing sections is configured such that an operation for inserting and removing a storage medium is different from that of the other medium housing sections. In this case, the storage medium stored in the medium storage section that is easier to operate can be preferentially removed. For example, it is also possible to configure the storage medium that records the setting information to be stored in the medium storage section that is more difficult to operate. In this case, it is possible to prevent the storage medium that records the setting information from being accidentally removed.

[0057] (26) The control means may have a function of individually controlling writing, reading, erasing, and initialization of data for each storage medium attached to each of the plurality of medium housing sections. If each control of writing, reading, erasing, and initializing data can be individually performed for each storage medium, the effect is that the number of types of recording operations that can be performed in parallel in the image recording device increases. This diversifies the functions of the image recording device and improves convenience. For example, while recording captured images on a specific storage medium, vehicle data such as engine speed and vehicle speed can be recorded on other storage media. For example, when recording captured images using two or more storage media, it is recommended to initialize the storage area of ​​the other storage media that was recorded earlier when the captured image was captured while the latest captured image was being recorded. In this case, when the storage area of ​​the storage medium in which the latest captured image is being recorded becomes full, the other storage media in the initialized state can be used to continue recording the captured images thereafter. By using the initialized storage medium, captured images can be recorded efficiently with less risk of write errors.

[0058] (27) The control means controls a storage medium attached to any one of the medium housings as a first storage medium for recording a new captured image by overwriting a recorded captured image, while It is preferable to provide a function for controlling a storage medium attached to any of the other medium housing sections as a second storage medium that does not erase recorded captured images by prohibiting overwriting. In this way, if the first storage medium is used as a storage medium for overwrite recording and the second storage medium is prohibited from being overwritten by overwrite prohibition, for example, the first storage medium can be used for continuous recording in which captured images are continuously recorded, while the second storage medium can be used for recording captured images that one particularly wants to keep. The control means may be configured as an image recording device having a function of controlling a storage medium mounted in any one of the medium housing sections as a first storage medium for overwriting recorded captured images and recording new captured images, while controlling a storage medium mounted in any of the other medium housing sections as a second storage medium having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased by overwrite prohibition. For example, the second storage medium can be configured to store data that is not prohibited from being overwritten. For example, in the case of recording an event, when the G-sensor detects a certain impact and then records the time before and after the impact, if the impact detection is an accident, it is better to prohibit overwriting. However, in reality, impacts may also be detected due to road conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's driving operation, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten will accumulate. To prevent this, it is recommended to determine a specific capacity and provide a function to overwrite within that range.

[0059] In particular, it is preferable to configure the device so that multiple storage media (e.g., memory cards) can be attached, one of which can be controlled as the main storage medium and the others as secondary, and so that if the main storage medium is removed or the above-mentioned problems or malfunctions occur, the secondary storage medium can be used to compensate. In this way, the drive recorder can function more continuously than before. In particular, the main storage medium should be configured to store images that one wishes to keep, such as records of accidents or scenic spots, with a low probability of being overwritten or erased. The secondary storage medium should record images continuously while driving, and should have a function for later searching for images that could not be recorded on the main storage medium for some reason, and a function for at least one of moving or copying images to the main storage medium. As mentioned above, continuous recording has a higher probability of causing damage or malfunction to storage media such as memory cards, but if you record in this way, any images you particularly want to save will be stored on the main device, so even if the secondary device is damaged or malfunctions, the damage will be minimal. For example, the first storage medium in (27) to (38) may be a secondary storage medium, and the second storage medium may be a primary storage medium. It is advisable to use multiple storage media in rotation as main and secondary, rather than fixing the main storage medium, and to have a function for initializing the secondary storage medium while recording is being performed on the main storage medium. In this way, the probability of damage or malfunction occurring can be further reduced. In this case, it is advisable to provide a function for recording both the constant overwrite recording and the non-overwrite event recording to the same main storage medium. In particular, it is preferable to store the recording data that is the basis of the drive recorder in a main storage medium, and store the non-basic data in a secondary storage medium, so that they are separated. In this way, it is possible to prevent the processing speed from slowing down and the occurrence of parts that cannot be processed, particularly in a multi-function drive recorder. In addition, by separating the storage media, the frequency of use of one storage medium is reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the probability of damage or malfunction of the storage medium.

[0060] (28) The control means may preferably have a function of executing continuous recording for recording new captured images by overwriting older captured images in sequence at the time of capture among the captured images recorded on the first storage medium. This allows continuous recording of captured images, and allows images from a specific time range in the past to be recorded based on the current time. For example, it allows images to be recorded at the moment an accident occurs, providing evidence that will be useful in identifying the cause of the accident.

[0061] In addition, in the second storage medium that prohibits overwriting, it is preferable to record images other than images recorded during continuous recording, such as images captured by event recording when some event occurs, images captured by manual operation recording in response to manual operation, and still recording. When there are few storage media installed and they cannot be allocated to the first storage medium and the second storage medium, it is also possible to treat the installed storage medium as the first storage medium and perform continuous recording by continuously recording captured images.

[0062] (29) The control means may preferably have a function of recording a captured image onto the second storage medium when a specific recording condition is met. In this case, the captured image when the specific recording condition is satisfied can be stored with high reliability in a state where overwriting is prohibited. In particular, if the captured image corresponding to the satisfaction of the specific recording condition is recorded in a second storage medium different from the first storage medium for continuous recording, even if some trouble occurs during the process of continuously recording the captured image in the first storage medium, there is little risk of problems such as being unable to read the captured image. The specific recording condition may be, for example, some kind of event, a manual operation by a driver, etc. The event may be the occurrence of an accident in which an airbag is deployed, the occurrence of sudden braking or steering, the occurrence of large acceleration, etc.

[0063] (30) The control means may have a function of setting an overwritable storage area in a part of the free space in the storage area of ​​the second storage medium when the first storage medium is removed from the first and second storage media while the first storage medium is installed, resulting in a state in which only the second storage medium is installed. In this case, even after the first storage medium is removed and only the second storage medium is used, continuous recording in which captured images are continuously recorded is possible, and deterioration in the functionality or convenience of the image recording device can be suppressed.

[0064] In a configuration having a function of controlling the second storage medium as having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device having a function of setting an overwritable memory area in a portion of the free space in the memory area of ​​the second storage medium to store data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium when the first storage medium is removed while the first and second storage media are installed and the state transitions to a state in which only the second storage medium is installed.

[0065] (31) The control means may have a function, when only one storage medium is inserted, to control the one storage medium as a third storage medium having an overwritable storage area and a non-overwritable storage area in its storage area. Even if there is only one storage medium, data such as overwrite-prohibited captured images can be recorded separately from captured images recorded continuously. The overwrite-prohibited captured images can be captured images recorded by event recording, captured images recorded by manual operation recording, captured images recorded by still recording, etc. After that, for example, when a storage medium usable as the first or second storage medium is newly attached, the storage medium can be treated as the first or second storage medium. When the storage medium is treated as the first storage medium, all or a part of the captured images recorded in an overwriteable manner, for example, captured images recorded continuously, can be transferred to and recorded in the first storage medium. When the storage medium is treated as the second storage medium, all or a part of the data such as overwrite-prohibited captured images recorded in the third storage medium can be transferred to and recorded in the second storage medium.

[0066] In a configuration having a function of controlling the storage medium as a second storage medium having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device having a function of controlling, when only one storage medium is installed, the one storage medium as a third storage medium having both storage areas for data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium and the second storage medium.

[0067] (32) The control means may have a function of controlling a new storage medium as the second storage medium when a new storage medium is installed when only one storage medium is installed. If the newly installed storage medium is treated as a second storage medium, the captured images and other data can be stored with high reliability by recording the captured images and other data in the second storage medium, which is prohibited from being overwritten. If there is a large amount of captured images and other data to be stored, it is convenient to install a storage medium that serves as the second storage medium. Furthermore, when the stored data is to be taken to an external computer or the like, it is sufficient to simply remove the second storage medium. In addition, if there is no storage medium controlled as a second storage medium and only a storage medium controlled as a first storage medium, a part of the storage area of ​​this first storage medium can be treated as an area where overwriting is prohibited, and then, when a storage medium controlled as a second storage medium is newly installed, all or part of the data recorded on the first storage medium with overwriting prohibited can be transferred and recorded on the second storage medium.

[0068] (33) The control means may have a function of controlling a new storage medium as the second storage medium when a new storage medium is inserted when only one storage medium is inserted, and of recording data recorded in a storage area of ​​the third storage medium that is prohibited from being overwritten, onto the second storage medium. In this case, the data recorded in the overwrite-prohibited storage area of ​​the third storage medium can be transferred to and recorded in the second storage medium, thereby making it possible to store the data with a high degree of reliability.

[0069] In addition, even if multiple storage media are installed and the first storage medium and the second storage medium can be allocated, a mode in which all storage media are controlled as the first storage medium may be provided. In this case, the storage area of ​​the first storage medium becomes large, so that the recording time when the captured image is continuously recorded can be extended. In this case, when there are multiple first storage media, when the amount of data recorded in one storage medium becomes full, the storage medium to be used for continuously recording the captured image may be switched to another first storage medium. In this case, the captured image can be continuously recorded efficiently by alternately using any of the multiple first storage media. It is preferable that the storage media are configured so that the recorded data can be erased or initialized individually.

[0070] In a configuration having a function of controlling the third storage medium as a second storage medium having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device having a function of controlling a new storage medium as the second storage medium when a new storage medium is inserted when only one storage medium is inserted, and recording recorded data in the storage area of ​​the third storage medium that corresponds to the storage of the second storage medium onto the second storage medium.

[0071] (34) The image recording device may also include a display means for displaying a reproduced image of a captured image recorded on a storage medium, and a save operation means for accepting an operation to record at least a portion of the captured image that is the source of the reproduced image on the second storage medium while prohibiting overwriting. In this case, the image recording device can check the playback image to determine whether it should be saved, and then record the original captured image of the playback image that was determined to be saved with overwriting prohibited. If the playback image can be confirmed, the captured image that is to be saved can be recorded with high reliability in a state where overwriting is prohibited. For example, while playing back the captured image recorded in the first storage medium by continuous recording, a part of the captured image can be transferred and recorded in the second storage medium. Alternatively, captured images before and after the marked portion during playback can be transferred and recorded in the second storage medium.

[0072] (35) The control means may also have a function of recording, when the saving operation means is operated while the playback image is being displayed, a portion of the corresponding captured image that corresponds to a time period based on the point in time at which the operation is performed, in a state in which it is prohibited from being overwritten, on a storage medium. In this case, by operating the save operation means when the playback image to be saved is displayed, the original captured image can be recorded in a highly reliable overwrite-prohibited state. By operating the save operation means while the playback image is displayed, there is little risk of accidentally recording an image other than the captured image to be saved. The time period of the captured image to be recorded in an overwrite-prohibited state may be a time period going back a predetermined time from the time of operation as a criterion, a time period until a predetermined time has passed from the time of operation as a criterion, or a time period extending before and after the time of operation as a criterion.

[0073] The image recording device may be provided with a sensor such as a G sensor for detecting an impact, or an external input function. In the case where one of the attached storage media is controlled as a first storage medium and the other as a second storage medium, it is also possible to record, in the second storage medium, a captured image for a time period up to a point going back a predetermined time from the point of time when the triggering signal was input, using the sensor or an externally input signal as a trigger, or a captured image for a time period up to a point of time when the predetermined time has elapsed, or both of these captured images, in a state where they are not overwritten.

[0074] In a configuration having a function of controlling the second storage medium having an area where the recorded captured image is not erased by the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device having a function of recording, when the save operation means is operated while the playback image is being displayed, a portion of the corresponding captured image that corresponds to a time interval based on the time point at which the operation is performed, or a portion including the time interval in an overwrite-prohibited state, on the storage medium. Data movement or copying is often performed on a file basis, and in many cases, a file contains not only "a portion that corresponds to a time interval based on the time point at which the operation is performed" but also other portions.

[0075] (36) The second storage medium may have a communication function for transmitting data to an external device in addition to the function of storing data, and the control means may have a function for transmitting the captured images recorded on the second storage medium to an external device. In this case, the captured image recorded in the second storage medium in a state where overwriting is prohibited can be transmitted externally, and the captured image can be viewed at the transmission destination. Such a configuration is particularly effective in the event of an accident. For example, when a driving situation such as dozing while driving occurs in a taxi, if the captured image at that time is immediately transmitted to the taxi company, the manager can grasp the dangerous situation before an accident occurs. Also, for example, if the captured image at that time is immediately transmitted when an accident occurs thereafter, the manager can grasp the situation immediately and can quickly take measures after the accident.

[0076] When a storage medium with a communication function and a storage medium without a communication function are installed, the storage medium with the communication function may be controlled as a second storage medium, and the storage medium without a communication function may be controlled as a first storage medium. Then, all or part of the data recorded in the second storage medium may be preferentially transmitted. Here, preferential transmission may be performed automatically.

[0077] (37) The image recording device; It is preferable that the image recording system includes a terminal device having a setting change means for changing the setting information recorded in the storage medium, and a change operation means for accepting an operation for changing the setting information.

[0078] (38) It is preferable that the terminal device constituting the image recording system is configured to include a warning means for warning the user that the recorded data on the storage medium may be erased when an operation to change the setting information is accepted via the change operation means. In this case, the possibility that the recorded data recorded in the storage medium will be erased due to an inadvertent operation can be prevented. Depending on the relationship between the original setting information and the changed setting information, the recorded data recorded in the storage medium may not be erased. It is also possible to provide a judgment means for comparing the original setting information with the changed setting information to judge the risk of the recorded data being erased and for deciding whether to issue a warning depending on the possibility.

[0079] (A) It is preferable to switch the descriptions of "first storage medium" and "second storage medium" described in (27) to (38) above, and configure the first storage medium as the main medium and the second storage medium as the secondary medium. For example, it is preferable to configure as follows (B) to (E). For (27), it is particularly preferable to configure as follows (B). (B) The image recording device may be characterized in that the control means controls a storage medium attached to any one of the media storage sections as a first storage medium, which has an area in which recorded captured images are not erased due to overwrite protection, while controlling a storage medium attached to any other media storage section as a second storage medium, which is used as a sub-storage medium for overwriting recorded captured images and recording new captured images. It is preferable to configure the first storage medium to store data that is not prohibited from being overwritten. It is preferable to use the first storage medium as the main storage medium and the second storage medium as the secondary storage medium. For example, in the case of recording an event, when the G-sensor detects a certain impact and then records before and after the impact, if the impact detection is an accident, it is better to prohibit overwriting. However, in reality, impacts may also be detected due to road conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's driving operation, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten will accumulate. To prevent this, it is better to determine a specified capacity and overwrite within that range. For example, with regard to (30), it is particularly preferable to configure it as in (C) below. (C) The control means may be an image recording device having a function for setting up an overwritable memory area in a portion of the free space in the memory area of ​​the first storage medium when the first and second storage media are installed and the second storage medium is removed, resulting in a state in which only the first storage medium is installed, to store data corresponding to the storage of the second storage medium. For example, with regard to (31), it is particularly preferable to use the following configuration (D). (D) The control means may be an image recording device having a function, when only one storage medium is installed, to control the one storage medium as a third storage medium having both storage areas for data corresponding to those stored in the first storage medium and the second storage medium. For example, with regard to (32), it is particularly preferable to configure it as in (E) below. (E) The control means may be an image recording device having a function of, when a new storage medium is inserted while only one storage medium is inserted, controlling the new storage medium as the first storage medium, and recording data recorded in the memory area of ​​the third storage medium that corresponds to the storage of the first storage medium onto the first storage medium. For example, with regard to (35), it would be particularly good to have the following configuration (F). The control means may be an image recording device having a function of recording, when the save operation means is operated while the playback image is being displayed, a portion of the corresponding captured image that corresponds to a time period based on the time point at which the operation is performed, or including the portion that corresponds to the time period, on a storage medium in a state in which it is prohibited from being overwritten. Data is often moved or copied on a file-by-file basis, and files often contain more than just the "part that corresponds to the time period based on the time of the operation." (39) It is preferable that the function of the image recording device be realized by a computer as a program.

[0080] (a) It is preferable that the image recording device has a plurality of media storage sections for mounting storage media for recording recording data, which is data of captured images to be recorded, and records data by distinguishing the recording method and the type of recording data in each media storage section. When differentiating the recording method and type of recorded data for each media storage unit, it is preferable to be able to differentiate functions for each media storage unit. When mounting a storage medium, it is only necessary to select a media storage unit according to the recorded data, etc., which makes it easier to use. For example, it becomes easier for the user to understand the different recording methods for each media storage unit, and mistakes such as removing a storage medium while writing can be prevented. For example, it is preferable to have different recording methods, such as one media storage unit allowing overwriting and the other not allowing overwriting. It is also preferable to have different recorded data, such as one media storage unit for continuous recording and the other for event recording.

[0081] (b) It is preferable that the image recording device be provided with a plurality of medium housing sections in which storage media for recording recorded data are attached, and that the probability of the recorded data being erased in each medium housing section is controlled to be different. For example, it is preferable to provide one medium storage unit with a high probability of the recorded data being erased by overwriting, and the other with sufficient storage capacity for the amount of recorded data so that overwriting is prohibited or the probability of data being erased by overwriting is low. Even if both are overwritten, it is preferable to have one store a large amount of data such as continuous recording data and the other store a small amount of data such as event recording, so that the probability of the recorded data being erased is different.

[0082] (c) It is preferable that the image recording device has a plurality of medium storage units not arranged vertically or horizontally, or arranged so that the conspicuousness of the units differs, or the order of the units is clear. In this case, the ease of access for the user can be differentiated for each media storage section. For example, storage media / media storage sections that are frequently removed and inserted should be placed in an easy-to-find location, while those that are removed less frequently should be placed in a less obvious location. Storage media / media storage sections that are removed more frequently can be easily identified by drawing a line around the edge of the media storage section or adding color to it. Those that are removed less frequently can be covered so that they are less obvious. Alternatively, the media storage sections can be printed or engraved with a ranking such as 1, 2... or A, B..., and the storage media / media storage sections that are removed more frequently can be numbered 1 or A to make it difficult to make a mistake when removing the wrong storage media.

[0083] (d) Of the multiple storage media, at least one may be an image recording device having a different shape or size from the others. In this case, it is possible to prevent the mistaking of multiple storage media. For example, by using different types of SD cards, such as standard type storage media such as SD cards for storage media / media storage units that are frequently inserted and removed, and storage media such as micro SD cards for storage media / media storage units that are less frequently inserted and removed, it is possible to prevent the mistaking of the storage media to be removed.

[0084] (e) It is preferable that the image recording device has a plurality of media storage sections for mounting storage media for recording video data, and in the control of initializing one storage medium while recording is being performed on another storage medium, the initialization is controlled so as to be performed automatically or semi-automatically under specified conditions. By performing initialization automatically or semi-automatically, problems such as the inability to read data recorded on the storage medium can be avoided, and the data recording efficiency on the storage medium can be maintained high, thereby maintaining the amount of recordable data close to its maximum. It is desirable to initialize storage media on a regular basis. Initialization can be performed automatically when a specified number of rewrites have been made since the last initialization, or when a specified amount of overwrite recording has been made, or when a specified condition has been met; or semi-automatically, by informing the user that the time for initialization has come with a display, alarm or sound, and / or by the user performing a confirmation operation to start initialization.

[0085] (f) It is preferable that the image recording device has a plurality of media storage sections for storing recording data, and in the control for automatically initializing one storage medium while recording is being performed on the other storage media, the storage medium stored in at least one media storage section is not automatically initialized. By setting the medium storage unit not to be automatically initialized, data that is to be stored for a long period of time can be retained with a high degree of certainty. For example, it is advisable to set the storage medium storing event recordings not to be automatically initialized. Event recordings are considered to be overwritten less frequently than continuous recordings, and it is considered that there is a high possibility that event recordings include recordings that are to be stored for a relatively long period of time, so it is preferable to set the storage medium storing event recordings not to be automatically initialized.

[0086] (g) If the image recording device is provided with two media storage sections for mounting storage media for recording video data, and is set up so that one storage medium is set for continuous recording and the other for event recording, it is preferable that the image recording device be controlled so that the continuous recording is temporarily stored in a portion of the capacity of the storage medium for event recording while the storage medium for continuous recording is being initialized. In this case, it becomes possible to initialize the storage medium for continuous recording as well, and the occurrence of problems related to that storage medium can be suppressed. For example, if there are multiple storage media for continuous recording, they can be initialized in order, but if there are two media storage units, and one is used for event recording and automatic initialization is prohibited as described above, it is advisable to control so that recording is made to the storage medium for event recording at least while the storage medium for continuous recording is being initialized.

[0087] (h) If the image recording device is provided with a plurality of media storage sections for mounting storage media for recording recording data, and is set to store event recordings in at least one storage medium and record continuous recordings in the other storage media, it is preferable that when the remaining capacity of the storage medium for storing event recordings falls below a predetermined level, the image recording device controls so that the event recordings are stored in the storage medium for continuous recording. In this case, for example, if event recording is prohibited from being overwritten, it is possible to prevent a situation in which recording becomes impossible when the storage medium becomes full. It is advisable to inform the user, for example, by an alarm, voice, display, etc., that the remaining capacity of the storage medium has fallen below a predetermined level, or that event recording is being performed on the storage medium for continuous recording.

[0088] (i) It is preferable that the image recording device has a plurality of media storage units in which storage media for recording recorded data can be attached, and at least both continuous recordings that are stored by overwriting and event recordings that are stored by preventing overwriting are stored in one main storage medium, and when the capacity of the other storage media stored by preventing overwriting of the main storage medium reaches a predetermined value or more, or when there is no storage medium in the main media storage unit, the image recording device is controlled to store data in storage media other than the main storage medium.

[0089] When removing the storage medium and viewing the recorded data on an external device such as a PC, it is convenient to be able to view all the data stored in both continuous recording and event recording. Also, in the case of an accident, the storage medium on which the image of the accident is recorded may be removed and stored. In such a case, it is better to have all the data, both continuous recording and event recording, stored in one storage medium. However, if there is only one storage medium, it will not function as an image recording device if the capacity is full due to overwriting prohibition or if the storage medium is not installed. If multiple storage media are installed, it will function even in such a case. The main storage medium may be large capacity, and the others may be small capacity. It is also possible to erase some or all of the data recorded in the main storage medium, and when there is free capacity or when a new storage medium is installed, transfer some or all of the data stored in the other storage media to the main storage medium.

[0090] (j) It is advisable to designate a media storage section in which the main storage medium is to be loaded, and to place a lamp near the media storage section so that the lamp flashes or lights up when the capacity is full due to the overwrite prohibition or when no storage medium is loaded. In this case, the media storage section that cannot record data can be clearly displayed, so that the user can recognize the fact. For example, when data is stored in a storage medium other than the main storage medium, it is easy to know by making the lamp of the media storage section in which the main storage medium is attached blink. Also, for example, it is good to configure it so that the user is notified by a display on the display unit, an alarm, a sound, etc. at the same time as the lamp blinks or lights up.

[0091] (k) It is also possible for the image recording device to be configured to have a plurality of media storage sections for mounting storage media for recording recorded data, with one main storage medium storing at least both continuous recording that is stored by overwriting and event recording that is stored without overwriting, and when initializing the main storage medium, at least the data that is not overwritable that is stored in the main storage medium is copied or moved to another storage medium, and then the main storage medium is initialized. With this configuration, it becomes possible to initialize a storage medium that contains overwrite-protected data, for example.

[0092] (l) It is preferable that the image recording device has a built-in media storage section for mounting a storage medium for recording recorded data, and a non-repeatable memory for recording recorded data, and that the recorded data is always stored in the storage medium, and that the built-in memory stores the recorded data when the data capacity stored in the storage medium is greater than a predetermined amount due to overwriting protection, or when there is no storage medium in the main media storage section, or when the storage medium is initialized, and that when some or all of the data recorded in the storage medium is erased and there is free capacity, or when a new storage medium is mounted, some or all of the data stored in the built-in memory is transferred to the storage medium. In this case, only one medium container is required, which reduces production costs.

[0093] (m) When initializing the storage medium, it is preferable for the image recording device to switch storage from the storage medium to be initialized to another storage medium, and then initialize the storage medium after a predetermined period of storage or a predetermined capacity of storage has been performed in the other storage medium. To avoid erasing new data as much as possible, it is recommended to initialize the storage medium after the storage progresses on other media. It is recommended to initialize the storage medium only when the storage capacity of other media has been reached and overwriting has begun.

[0094] (n) It is preferable to provide a plurality of medium storage units, one of which is a dummy image recording device. By providing a dummy media storage section, it is possible to obtain the effect of using it as a storage location for spare storage media. A spare storage medium can be attached to the dummy media storage section, and when the main storage medium is removed, it is good to replace it with the spare storage medium in the dummy media storage section.

[0095] (o) It is preferable that the car has a car navigation function and has multiple media storage units in the same housing, at least one of which is dedicated to storing recorded data and information and data accompanying the recorded data. Car navigation systems, commonly known as PNDs, often have media storage units such as memory card slots for updating maps and software, providing music and video sources, recording TV, storing driving routes, etc. When combining car navigation and drive recorder functions, there is a method of using one media storage unit for both functions, but if the drive recorder function is given the ability to constantly record images while driving, image data must be constantly stored in the storage medium while driving, and if data related to the car navigation function is also stored in the storage medium, processing problems may occur. Therefore, it is better to provide multiple media storage units, with at least one dedicated to the drive recorder function.

[0096] (p) It is preferable that the device has a radar detector function and has multiple media storage units in the same housing, at least one of which is dedicated to storing recorded data and information and data accompanying the recorded data. Radar detectors are often used by storing data such as the location of an alarm on a memory card. For the same reasons as (o) above, it is advisable to provide multiple media storage units, with at least one dedicated to the drive recorder function.

[0097] (q) In the above (o) and (p), one of the multiple media storage units may be the main media storage unit for the above (c) and (d) and (i), (j), and (k). This is particularly applicable to memory cards dedicated to recorded data and information and data associated with recorded data. The above-mentioned configurations can be implemented in any combination within the scope of the present invention without causing any contradiction in the configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0098] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment ((a) is a rear side, and (b) is a front side). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder on which an acceleration sensor is mounted in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views of an imaging unit housed inside in a first embodiment ((a) is the rear side, and (b) is the front side). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the drive recorder in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] A graph showing the correlation between acceleration and time when braking suddenly at 100km / h. [Figure 6] A graph showing the correlation between acceleration and time when braking suddenly at 80km / h. [Figure 7] 11 is a graph illustrating an image of a threshold value set based on the magnitude of acceleration and time. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of sequential recording in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an event occurrence determination routine in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transfer of an SD card between a drive recorder and a personal computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the personal computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen displayed by a personal computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an event file sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a dialog box displayed on a monitor of a personal computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another sequential recording in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of dual recording in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of mirror recording in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the front side of the drive recorder in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rear side of the drive recorder in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an installation state of a drive recorder in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rear side of another drive recorder in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rear side of another drive recorder in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0099] The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. Example 1 1 of this embodiment, a drive recorder 1 as an example of an image recording device includes a substantially cylindrical main body case 2 that houses an imaging unit, etc. The main body case 2 can be attached to, for example, the windshield of a vehicle via an attachment bracket 3.

[0100] Bracket 3 includes a retaining ring that is fitted onto the substantially cylindrical main body case 2, and a substantially flat mounting plate 5 that circumscribes the retaining ring. An end of main body case 2 that is fitted onto the retaining ring of bracket 3 is configured so that a substantially doughnut-shaped cap 4 can be screwed into it. If cap 4 is screwed into the main body case 2 with the rotation angle of main body case 2 adjusted, main body case 2 can be fixed to bracket 3. If the rotation angle of main body case 2 relative to bracket 3 is adjusted, the depression angle of drive recorder 1 can be changed to adjust the shooting range. The drive recorder 1 can be attached to, for example, a windshield via a mounting plate 5 so that the lens 14 of the CCD camera 13 faces a predetermined direction (generally the front direction).

[0101] An access hole 171 to the DC jack 16 and a USB port 172 to which a USB cable extending from a personal computer or the like can be connected are drilled in the side end surface of the main body case 2 that is approximately flush with the end of the screwed-in cap 4. Insertion openings 181 and 182 for inserting an SD card are provided in the opposite side end surface of the main body case 2. In particular, the drive recorder 1 of this example has two insertion openings. LEDs (display units) 181A and 182A are arranged on both sides of the insertion openings 181 and 182. The LED 181A lights up during data access to an SD card, which is a memory card as an example of a storage medium inserted in the insertion opening 181. The LED 182A lights up during data access to an SD card inserted in the insertion opening 182.

[0102] The main body case 2 is a hollow case made up of a camera cover 2b and a back cover 2a, which are roughly cylindrical parts split vertically in two. On the surface of the back cover 2a, a holder 7 (Fig. 2) that rotatably holds a holder main body 7a, first and second push buttons 8 and 9 that serve as operating means, and illumination blocks 10 and 11 for first and second pilot lamps are arranged. A lens 14 of a CCD camera 13 is exposed on the surface of the camera cover 2b.

[0103] An acceleration sensor 15 is mounted on the holder body 7a in Fig. 2 as a data acquisition means. In the holder 7, the acceleration sensor 15 can be positioned in a horizontal direction that serves as a reference position according to the rotation of the holder body 7a. The acceleration sensor 15 measures acceleration, which is a measurement value of a physical quantity that reflects the vehicle situation.

[0104] An imaging unit 21 is housed inside the main body case 2. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the imaging unit 21 is a unit having a board structure in which a main board 22 and a sub-board 25 are stacked on top of each other. The main board 22 is mounted with a CCD camera 13, a GPS receiver 24, a DC jack 16, a power supply circuit (not shown), etc.

[0105] On the sub-substrate 25, switches 27 and 28 corresponding to the first and second push buttons 8 and 9 are arranged, and LEDs 291 and 292 corresponding to the first and second pilot lamp illumination blocks 10 and 11 are arranged. Furthermore, on the sub-substrate 25, a connector (not shown) is provided for connecting a signal line extended from the acceleration sensor 15. On the front and back surfaces of the sub-substrate 25, SD card readers 311 and 312, which are an example of a medium storage section for mounting an SD card and reading and writing data, are mounted. Of the two SD card readers 311 and 312, the SD card reader 311 is the master, and the SD card reader 312 is the slave. In the following description, the SD card loaded in the master SD card reader 311 is referred to as the master, and the SD card loaded in the slave SD card reader 312 is referred to as the slave.

[0106] 4, the drive recorder 1 is electrically configured with a controller 30, which is an example of a control means, as a central component. The controller 30 is connected to the CCD camera 13, the acceleration sensor 15, the GPS receiver 24, the SD card readers 311 and 312, and the database 32. The controller 30 includes a CPU (not shown), a main memory such as a flash ROM, a ROM, or a RAM, which is an example of a storage means, a timer, and the like.

[0107] The ROM of the control controller 30 stores various programs such as a GPS information processing program that processes GPS information received by the GPS receiver 24, an image processing program that stores images captured by the CCD camera 13 in the main body memory or an SD card, an acceleration change calculation program that records acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 15 over time and calculates an acceleration change pattern, a correlation function program that determines the correlation between the calculated acceleration change pattern and existing acceleration change patterns and, based on the result, determines whether the calculated acceleration change pattern exceeds a threshold value, and an OS (Operation System).

[0108] The GPS receiver 24 is a receiver that detects the position information of the vehicle at the current time according to an instruction from the controller 30. In this example, the detection timing by the GPS receiver 24 is set to every second. The position information detected includes the position, speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. The GPS receiver 24 inputs the detected position information to the controller 30. The CCD camera 13 is an imaging means that captures an image of a scene ahead via a lens 14 and acquires image data. The CCD camera 13 inputs the image data to the controller 30 via an interface unit 33 that is capable of performing data compression and digital conversion. The acceleration sensor 15 is a three-axis type sensor that detects the acceleration and tilt in each of the three axial directions (X, Y, Z), and inputs the detected values ​​to the controller 30. The SD card readers 311 and 312 read and write data from and to the SD card under the control of the controller 30.

[0109] The data recorded on the SD card under the control of the controller 30 includes imaging data (captured images) from the CCD camera 13, position data and speed data from the GPS receiver 24, acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 15, and the like. Each of these data is recorded in association with the time of recording. By such association, it is possible to acquire position data, speed data, and acceleration data at each time in synchronization with the reproduction of the imaging data. In the following description, recording of imaging data means synchronously recording imaging data together with speed data, position data, acceleration data, and the like. Similarly, recording of event data (specific images) means synchronously recording imaging data together with speed data, position data, acceleration data, and the like.

[0110] The database 32 is a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM, that is provided within the controller 30 or externally to the controller 30. In the database 32, a plurality of event occurrence determination function patterns are stored according to speed. An event occurrence judgment pattern is a pattern that combines an event occurrence judgment function pattern and an event occurrence judgment threshold pattern. An event occurrence judgment function pattern is a multidimensional function that is expressed by the relationship between the magnitude of acceleration at the time of the occurrence of an event (shock, sudden start / break, sudden steering) and the elapsed time, and can be graphed (curve) two-dimensionally. As the event occurrence judgment function pattern, multiple patterns are prepared corresponding to the specific speed range for each event.

[0111] In the drive recorder 1 equipped with the acceleration sensor 15 capable of detecting acceleration in three axial directions, the event occurrence determination function pattern is stored in association with three types of patterns as a set. Ideal patterns of the event occurrence determination function pattern include, for example, the waveforms shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 illustrates the event occurrence determination function pattern in the X-axis direction (vehicle travel direction) when braking suddenly while cruising at a speed of 100 km / h. Fig. 6 also illustrates the same case at a speed of 80 km / h. From these patterns, it can be seen that the slower the speed, the quicker the acceleration converges.

[0112] In the database 32, thresholds are stored as event occurrence judgment threshold patterns in association with all event occurrence judgment function patterns. The thresholds are set according to the tendency of each event occurrence judgment function pattern, with the magnitude, direction, and time of acceleration as parameters. For example, in the case of the event occurrence judgment function pattern of FIG. 5 in which sudden braking is an event, a large acceleration occurs in a relatively short time, and then the large acceleration continues, and then a large acceleration in the opposite direction occurs in a relatively short time. It is preferable to set the threshold value based on whether or not there is a deviation from such a tendency of acceleration and time. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable to set the threshold value as a sustained state A1 of a positive acceleration of 0.3G that continues for a time L1 and a negative acceleration A2 of 0.15G (which does not need to continue) for a time L2. When such threshold values ​​are set, if there is a continuation of a positive acceleration of more than 0.3G for a time L1 and then a negative acceleration of more than 0.15G for a time L2 (which does not need to continue), it is determined that the threshold value of the event at that speed has been exceeded.

[0113] The number of thresholds may be the same as the number of event occurrence determination function patterns, and a common threshold may be used when similar event occurrence determination function patterns are shown. For example, in the case of the same event, in a certain range of speed bands, there is not much difference in the patterns, so it is possible to associate a common threshold.

[0114] The controller 30 samples the detection value of the acceleration sensor 15 at a constant timing based on the acceleration change calculation program, calculates a function of the pattern of the acceleration change defined by the magnitude of the acceleration and time, and judges the correlation between the calculated function and an existing function of the pattern of the acceleration change based on the correlation function program. If it judges that there is a correlation similarity, it judges whether the calculated pattern of the acceleration change exceeds a threshold value.

[0115] In this example, when the event is "impact", the sensitivity is changed simply by changing the magnitude of the threshold acceleration depending on the level. For example, the magnitude of acceleration at level 3 is 100%, level 4 is 120%, level 5 is 140%, and so on, increasing or decreasing the ratio based on the default. On the other hand, when the event is "sudden start / sudden braking, sudden steering", in addition to changing the ratio of the magnitude of acceleration, the duration of the acceleration is also changed.

[0116] Next, the operations of the drive recorder 1 configured as above will be described in the following order: (1) an operation for recording imaging data onto an SD card, (2) an event determination operation, and (3) an operation for recording event data. When the vehicle ignition is switched on and the drive recorder 1 is energized, the setting information stored in the SD card is read out and copied to the main memory (RAM), and the operation according to the setting information is started. If the setting information is not stored in the SD card, the default (initial setting) setting information stored in the main memory (ROM) is stored in the master SD card, and then copied to the main memory (RAM).

[0117] Although details will be described later, the setting information of the SD card can be generated using the personal computer 35. In the following explanation, the operation of the drive recorder 1 according to the default setting information will be described. In the default setting, a sequential recording operation mode (control mode) is set in which a series of image pickup data over a long period of time is recorded using the master and slave SD cards. As the operation mode of the drive recorder 1, as will be described later in the second embodiment, in addition to sequential recording, there are also dual recording, mirror recording, and the like.

[0118] (1) Recording of image data (sequential recording) The operation of recording imaging data onto the SD cards is an operation that is continuously performed when the power is on and no events such as shocks are occurring. Under the control of the controller 30, a series of imaging data is recorded using two SD cards as shown in FIG. 8. The recorded imaging data includes speed data, position data (latitude and longitude), acceleration data, etc., which are recorded in chronological synchronization as described above. The storage area of ​​each SD card is managed by blocks such as sectors. The squares of each SD card in the figure represent these blocks in a schematic manner.

[0119] If the two SD cards are in the initialized state, the control controller 30 starts recording (recording of imaging data) from the master SD card as shown in A of the figure. If the memory area of ​​the master SD card becomes full, it starts recording to the slave SD card as shown in B of the figure. After that, when the memory area of ​​the slave SD card also becomes full, the memory area of ​​the master SD card is erased to generate free space as shown in the upper part of C of the figure. The order of erasure at this time is from the oldest (oldest imaging timing) recorded imaging data in the memory area of ​​the SD card, and the imaging data is erased in the order of 1, 2, 3, ... as shown in the figure. While erasing the old imaging data in this way, the control controller 30 records new imaging data as shown in the lower part of C of the figure. After that, when all the imaging data in the master SD card has been rewritten, the imaging data recorded in the slave SD card is erased as shown in D of the figure, in the same way as in the case of the master SD card described with reference to C of the figure.

[0120] For example, in the case where imaging data has been recorded up to block 40 on the slave SD card as shown in FIG. 13E, if the vehicle ignition is turned off and the power supply is cut off, the control controller 30 will continue recording imaging data from block 41 on the slave SD card when the vehicle ignition is subsequently turned on.

[0121] (2) Event determination operation, (3) Event data recording operation The event determination operation is an operation that is realized by executing a predetermined event determination routine by the controller 30. The event data recording operation is executed in the event determination routine when the occurrence of an event such as an impact, a sudden start / break, or a sudden turn is determined.

[0122] An example of an event occurrence determination routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. In the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment, this routine is executed at intervals of about 10 ms. The control controller 30 samples the acceleration every time step S1 is executed, thereby acquiring the pattern of the acceleration for the most recent second (the past second based on the current time), and at the same time corrects the event occurrence determination function pattern according to the vehicle speed at that time (the current time). For example, if the vehicle speed is 75 km / h, the event occurrence determination function pattern must also be compared with the pattern for 75 km / h. The control controller 30 calculates the event occurrence determination function pattern for 75 km / h by weighting a plurality of patterns close to the vehicle speed, for example, the event occurrence determination function patterns for 80 km / h and 60 km / h, among the event occurrence determination function patterns prepared in advance, based on the standard.

[0123] In step S2, the controller 30 determines whether the acceleration pattern and the corrected event occurrence determination function pattern match, that is, the similarity between the patterns. Since both the acceleration pattern and the event occurrence determination function pattern are functions in the same dimension, the similarity between the two functions can be determined by a correlation function.

[0124] If it is determined that the pattern is not similar to any of the event occurrence judgment function patterns (S2: NO), it is determined that the acceleration pattern is not one to be saved and the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pattern is similar to the event occurrence judgment function pattern (S2: YES), it is determined in step S3 whether the speed exceeds a specific threshold value of the event occurrence judgment threshold pattern. The threshold value used here is a threshold value that has already been corrected based on the threshold correction data.

[0125] When the threshold value is exceeded in step S3 (S3: YES), the control controller 30 determines that the event is to be stored. The control controller 30 specifies a specific time period from 10 seconds before to 5 seconds after the event occurrence, and copies the imaging data (specific image) of that time period from the series of imaging data recorded in the SD card to the main memory (flash ROM). The imaging data copied to the main memory (flash ROM) is treated as event data (information on the occurrence of the event, which includes position data, speed data, and acceleration data synchronized with the imaging data) for 15 seconds including the time of the event occurrence. When an event occurs, the acquisition operation of the acceleration pattern is canceled for 5 seconds, and the routine ends (S4). This cancellation of the acquisition operation is a process for preventing the acquisition of duplicated event data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded and an event has not occurred (S3: NO), it is determined that the threshold value to be saved has not been exceeded, and the routine proceeds to step S1.

[0126] Next, we will explain in this order: (1) viewing of image data, (2) viewing of event data, (3) setting of thresholds for event determination, and (4) setting of operating modes using a personal computer 35, which is a terminal device on which an application program compatible with the drive recorder 1 is installed. (1) Viewing image data The imaging data recorded on the SD card can be imported into a personal computer 35 and viewed as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 is a block diagram explaining the general electrical configuration of the personal computer 35. The personal computer 35 is equipped with an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 37, which is a control device. The personal computer 35 is equipped with user interfaces such as data input means, including a keyboard 42 and a mouse 43, and data output means (or display means), including a printer 44 and a monitor 45.

[0127] The MPU 37 is connected to a ROM 38 and a RAM 39, as well as to SD card readers / writers 361, 362 as data interface means, a hard disk drive 40, etc. The hard disk contained in the hard disk drive 40 stores general programs for the personal computer 35 and a viewer program for displaying an image of an acceleration pattern on a monitor 45 together with data. The personal computer 35 constitutes a drive recorder system (image recording system) in combination with the drive recorder 1.

[0128] When a predetermined operation is performed by a data input means such as the keyboard 42, the personal computer 35 starts a viewer program, prompts the user to insert an SD card, and displays a viewer screen on the monitor 45. FIG. 12 shows an example of a viewer screen 51 displayed on the monitor 45. A menu bar 52 for executing various operations is arranged at the top of the viewer screen 51. The area below the menu bar 52 is divided into left and right areas by a vertical line arranged on the right side. In the left area, which occupies about 2 / 3 of the screen width, an image display area 53 for displaying captured image data, a display switching button 54, a driving speed display area 55, an acceleration display area 56, a latitude and longitude display area 57, an image drive and stop button 58, and an acceleration history display area 59 are arranged from the top. In the right area, which occupies about 1 / 3 of the screen width, a playlist 60 and a map area 61 are arranged from the top.

[0129] When two SD cards recording a series of captured image data are inserted, the file numbers of the series of captured image data are displayed with focus on the playlist 60. The file numbers are a series of numbers indicating the shooting date, start time, and end time.

[0130] The PC 35 displays an image based on the captured image data in response to the operation of the image drive / stop button 58 on the viewer screen 51. While the image is being displayed, the displays of the driving speed display area 55, acceleration display area 56, latitude / longitude display area 57, acceleration history display area 59, and map area 61 change according to the displayed image. The image can be subjected to various operations such as reverse playback to go backwards and pausing. In addition, by operating the display switching button 54, it is possible to select one of a pattern in which one screen is displayed on the entire image display area 53, and a pattern in which consecutive frame images (for example, 16 screens) are displayed.

[0131] (2) Viewing event data Event data recorded in the main memory (flash ROM) of the drive recorder 1 can be written to a PC 35 connected in a communicable state via a USB cable by a predetermined write operation using the operation buttons of the drive recorder 1. The main body case 2 may be removed from the bracket 3 and connected to the PC 35, or an easily portable notebook computer may be brought into the vehicle and connected to the drive recorder 1. When connected to the PC 35, power is supplied via the USB cable and the drive recorder 1 can operate even if the vehicle ignition is off.

[0132] It is also possible to write the event data to an SD card, USB memory, etc. In this case, the data recorded on the SD card is overwritten as the event data is written. When using an SD card to write the event data, it is recommended to remove the SD card on which the series of captured image data is recorded and insert another SD card before performing a specific write operation. When the specific write operation is performed, a voice message is output to warn that the data on the SD card will be overwritten before the event data is actually written.

[0133] The PC 35, which has read the event data via a USB cable or SD card, displays a list of the file numbers of each event data (the file number is a series of numbers representing the year, month, date, and time when the data was taken) in a playlist 60 on the viewer screen 51 (Fig. 12). The playlist 60 is a list read from the event file column 63 in Fig. 13. In the playlist 60, each event data is listed in order of oldest to newest. For each event data, the file name, the event name indicating the type of event that triggered it, and the sensitivity level of the event are displayed. For example, L3 means that the threshold for the data in that file is determined at level 3 (i.e. the default state).

[0134] When any file number is specified by operating the menu bar 52, the PC 35 displays the image data of the corresponding event data in the image display area 53. The image displayed at this time is a still image at the time when it is determined that the event has occurred. Along with the display of this image, the driving speed display area 55, the acceleration display area 56, and the latitude and longitude display area 57 display data corresponding to the image, and the map area 61 displays a surrounding map including the point where the image was taken. The acceleration history display area 59 displays the acceleration history over the time (15 seconds in total) during which the image data of this event data was saved, and the acceleration position at the time displayed in the image display area 53 is plotted. The image operation by operating the image drive / stop button 58 and the like is the same as when viewing a series of image data.

[0135] (3) Setting thresholds for event detection A method for setting the sensitivity level of the threshold correction data constituting the setting information in the personal computer 35 having the function of the setting change means will be described below. This operation is performed in a state where an application program is launched and the viewer screen 51 is displayed, as described above. When the data input means of the personal computer 35 detects that the setting button 52G (the part with the gear icon) on the menu bar 52 is pressed, the personal computer 35 displays a dialog box 65 shown in Fig. 14 on the monitor 45.

[0136] In the impact sensitivity setting area 66 of the dialog box 65, sliders 67a-c for each event of impact, sudden start / sudden braking, and sudden steering are displayed. The user can set a desired sensitivity level for each item by appropriately operating these sliders 67a-c using a data input means. By default, all sliders 67a-c and 68 are set to level 3, and this state is set as the threshold value stored in the database 32 (i.e., the coefficient is set to "1"). When the OK button icon 69 is operated, threshold correction data (sensitivity level) representing the threshold value set by each slider 67a-c is written to the SD card as setting information. When the SD card storing the setting information is inserted, the drive recorder 1 changes the threshold value of each event (impact, sudden start / sudden braking, sudden steering) based on the threshold correction data (sensitivity level) included in the setting information.

[0137] (4) Operation mode setting A method for setting an operation mode constituting setting information in the PC 35 having a function as a setting change means will be described. This operation is performed on a mode selection screen (not shown) which is displayed by switching with the viewer screen. This mode selection screen constitutes a change operation means for changing the operation mode, and on this screen, selection buttons corresponding to each operation mode of sequential recording, dual recording (described later in Example 2), and mirror recording (similar) as well as a confirmation button are arranged. By operating the confirmation button after selecting one of the selection buttons, the desired operation mode can be selectively set. When the confirmation button is operated, the PC 35 displays a message that the imaging data recorded on the SD card may be erased due to the change in the operation mode (a function of the warning means), and switches to displaying a confirmation screen for confirming with the user whether or not it is OK to rewrite the setting information. When an operation is performed on this confirmation screen indicating that it is OK to change, new setting information is stored in the SD card.

[0138] The drive recorder 1 of this embodiment configured as described above can record a series of imaging data over a long period of time using two SD cards, for example, in the operation mode of sequential recording. After the storage capacity of the two SD cards becomes full, the imaging data recorded on one SD card is erased in order from the oldest at the time of recording, and new imaging data is recorded in the free space created by the erasure. By recording new imaging data while erasing old imaging data in this way, it is possible to effectively use the storage capacity of the two SD cards and record imaging data over a long period of time. Furthermore, when a series of imaging data is recorded on two SD cards, the frequency of erasing and rewriting data can be reduced compared to when recording on one SD card, and the burden on the SD cards can be reduced. If the burden on the SD cards can be reduced, the probability of occurrence of problems such as write errors and erase errors when recording imaging data can be reduced, and the operation reliability can be improved.

[0139] Furthermore, in this drive recorder 1, when an event such as an impact exceeding a threshold occurs, imaging data (specific images as event data) for a specific time period (15 seconds in this example) spanning the moment the event occurs is copied from the SD card to the main memory (flash ROM) and recorded. When an event occurs, information specifying the timing of the event may be temporarily stored, and then, when there is room for the CPU's calculation load, etc., the imaging data for the specific time period may be copied to the main memory (flash ROM). In this case, the CPU processing load may be distributed over time, thereby suppressing load concentration.

[0140] The drive recorder 1, which continuously records imaging data, uses the storage area of ​​a memory card such as an SD card in a way that is significantly different from cameras, video cameras, etc. The difference is that an image recording device such as the drive recorder 1 endlessly repeats erasing old imaging data and recording new imaging data as long as it is in a powered state. In cameras and video cameras, old imaging data is not automatically erased by being overwritten with new imaging data, but is erased after being read out by a terminal device such as a personal computer, for example.

[0141] In an image recording device such as the drive recorder 1 that endlessly repeats erasing and writing to continuously record imaging data, data write errors and erasing errors may occur during the repeated recording and erasing of imaging data, which may cause defects in the recorded data in the storage area. In contrast, the drive recorder 1 of this example has two medium storage units, so multiple memory cards can be installed. By using multiple memory cards, the number of times data is rewritten and erased from each memory card can be reduced compared to when only one memory card is installed, thereby reducing the burden. This reduces the probability of occurrence of problems such as write errors and erasing errors when recording imaging data, and improves operational reliability. The drive recorder 1 is a device with excellent characteristics that improves the stability of the recording operation of imaging data.

[0142] The recording operation of the imaging data in this example described with reference to FIG. 8 may be modified as shown in FIG. 15. The operation when starting recording to the master SD card in FIG. 15A is the same as that in FIG. 8A. The difference is in the control after the memory area of ​​the master SD card becomes full. As shown in FIG. 15B, the imaging data recorded in the master SD card is erased in conjunction with the recording of the imaging data to the slave SD card. Here, "in conjunction" means that the recording and erasure of imaging data are performed in parallel and in sync with each other while the amount of imaging data recorded in the slave SD card and the amount of imaging data erased from the master SD card are approximately the same or a certain difference is maintained.

[0143] Thereafter, when the storage area of ​​the slave SD card becomes full, all the imaging data recorded in the master SD card is erased, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 15C. It is preferable to leave file management information that manages the data addresses (recording positions) of the data files stored in the storage area of ​​the SD card valid and not erased until all the imaging data is erased. By performing such control, it becomes possible to read the imaging data that remains undeleted until the SD card is initialized. It is preferable to execute an initialization format of the storage area after erasing all the imaging data, and erase the file management information. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. C, the imaging data recorded in the slave SD card is erased in synchronization with the recording operation of the imaging data in the master SD card. In addition, when initializing an SD card that stores setting information, it is preferable to restore the setting information storage state by first copying the setting information stored in the main memory (RAM) after initialization.

[0144] When the memory area of ​​the master SD card becomes full again, all image data on the slave SD card will have been erased and it will be in an initialized state, as shown in Figure 15D, and it will be able to start recording image data. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 1E, if the vehicle ignition is turned off with image data recorded up to block 40 on the slave SD card, and then turned back on, recording will resume using the slave SD card on which the latest image data has been recorded.

[0145] It is also possible to provide three or more SD card readers. For example, it is also possible to divide the three or more SD cards into two groups and apply the same recording operation to the SD cards in each group as the two SD cards in this example. In this case, by recording the same image data to two or more SD cards belonging to the same group, it is possible to read the image data even if some kind of recording error occurs in one of the SD cards.

[0146] In this example, two SD cards are used to enable recording of a series of image data over a long period of time. Instead of this configuration, a series of image data may be recorded using a combination of one of the SD cards and the main body memory (flash ROM). In this configuration, event data may be recorded on one of the SD cards, the remaining SD card, or the main body memory (flash ROM).

[0147] In this example, in order to determine the occurrence of an event, acceleration and the like are used as a physical quantity reflecting the vehicle's situation. In addition to acceleration and the like, the physical quantity may include, for example, information flowing on an in-vehicle network that transmits vehicle control information and information obtained based on the information. For example, speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5 second speed, average 5 second speed, maximum 5 second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, outside temperature, maximum outside temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on ordinary roads, average fuel consumption on expressways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h minimum acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h It is also possible to adopt any of the vehicle data such as shortest acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / h average acceleration, 0-60km / h shortest acceleration, 0-80km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, 0-80km / h shortest acceleration, 0-20km / h driving time, 20-40km / h driving time, 40-60km / h driving time, 60-80km / h driving time, 80km / h or more driving time, lifetime engine driving distance, lifetime engine driving ratio, etc. These vehicle data can be acquired, for example, via an OBD connector (fault diagnosis connector) provided on the vehicle side in accordance with the OBD (On-board Diagnostics)-II (II is the Roman numeral "2"; hereinafter referred to as "OBD") standard, which is a vehicle inspection standard. In this case, the configuration for acquiring vehicle data from the OBD connector serves as the data acquisition means.

[0148] For example, a record button (save operation means) may be provided for recording imaging data for a specific time interval by manual operation on the user side. In this case, the operation of the record button becomes an event. By operating the record button, imaging data before and after the operation can be recorded in the main body memory (flash ROM) or SD card. For example, when the user passes a point of interest or encounters a traffic situation that the user wants to record, the user can conveniently record imaging data including the point or the traffic situation as event data by operating the record button after the fact. Note that, for an event of a user's operation, there is a high possibility that a time lag occurs between the appearance of an object to be recorded and the actual occurrence of the event. Therefore, when recording event data in response to an event of a user's operation, it is also good to set the time interval corresponding to the event data to be long. In particular, if the time interval on the past side is set to be long, the desired scenery can be recorded as event data with high reliability even if the operation of the record button is delayed. For example, a drive recorder equipped with a liquid crystal display capable of reproducing and displaying the image data recorded on the SD card may be used. In this case, the event data can be recorded by operating the record button while the image data is being reproduced by the drive recorder.

[0149] In this example, the insertion port 181 of the SD card reader 311 corresponding to the master SD card and the insertion port 182 of the SD card reader 312 corresponding to the slave SD card are opened in parallel on the side of the main body of the drive recorder 1. For example, the insertion port 181 corresponding to the master SD card may be provided with a cover, while the insertion port 182 corresponding to the slave SD card may be left without a cover. In this case, the operation procedure for removing the master SD card may be more complicated than the operation procedure for removing the slave SD card, and this may lead to the slave SD card being preferentially removed. This may reduce the risk of removing the master SD card on which important data such as setting information is recorded, and may prevent problems caused by the master SD card being removed unexpectedly.

[0150] The drive recorder 1 may be provided with an operation button serving as a change operation means for changing the setting information (operation mode, threshold correction data, etc.). In this case, the setting information can be changed by the drive recorder 1 alone. A function for displaying the set operation mode, the operation mode to which the setting is changed, etc., may be provided, or a reading function may be provided. Furthermore, when the drive recorder 1 is configured to be able to change the setting information, it is preferable to add a warning means for warning that changing the setting information may erase the recorded data on the SD card. As the warning means, it is preferable to adopt a text reading function or the like. In this case, there is no need to add a display screen such as an LCD display, and it is possible to suppress the increase in costs due to the setting of the warning means.

[0151] Example 2 This example is an operation example of the drive recorder 1 in an operation mode other than the sequential recording described in the first embodiment. The contents will be described with reference to Fig. 16. As described in the first embodiment, the operation modes of the drive recorder 1 include (2) dual recording and (3) mirror recording in addition to (1) sequential recording in the first embodiment. This example is an operation example under the (2) dual recording operation mode.

[0152] (2) Dual recording As shown in Fig. 16, the dual recording is an operation mode in which event data is recorded on the master SD card and a series of imaging data is recorded on the slave SD card. A series of imaging data that is continuous in time is recorded on the slave SD card, and when the memory area becomes full, imaging data with the oldest imaging timing is overwritten with new imaging data in order. On the other hand, when an event such as an impact occurs, imaging data for a specific time period (10 seconds before the event occurs and 5 seconds after the event occurs) including the moment of occurrence is copied (data copied) from the slave SD card and recorded on the master SD card. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the recorded imaging data includes not only the imaging data but also speed data, position data, acceleration data, etc., which are recorded synchronously.

[0153] In the case of Fig. 16, as shown in the bottom row, after the master SD card becomes full of recorded data (event data), old recorded data is erased to secure free space for recording new event data. Alternatively, event data may be recorded with overwrite-prohibited. When the memory area of ​​the master SD card becomes full with event data, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to insert an SD card with free memory area. For example, an overwrite-prohibited SD card may be set to an allowable mode in which overwriting is permitted. In this case, when an important scene that needs to be recorded appears after the memory area of ​​the overwrite-prohibited SD card becomes full, the allowable mode can be set to record the image data of the important scene. It is also possible to configure the system so that imaging data is normally recorded in the slave SD card, and when passing a location where the imaging data is to be stored, the imaging data is recorded in the master SD card that is not overwritable, by a switch operation. This switch operation may be a changeover switch operation, or a switch operation that holds the switched state for a predetermined time after operation and returns to the original state after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0154] When operating in dual recording mode, event data may also be recorded in the main memory (flash ROM) as in Example 1. In this case, by recording event data in both the SD card and the main memory (flash ROM), data can be backed up, and problems such as being unable to read data when an event occurs can be avoided.

[0155] This example shows dual recording using two SD cards. Alternatively, dual recording can be performed using one of the SD cards and the main body memory (flash ROM). Furthermore, dual recording can be performed using two or more SD cards and the main body memory (flash ROM). Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0156] If a series of imaging data is recorded on the secondary slave memory card and imaging data for a specific time period corresponding to the occurrence of an event is recorded on the primary master memory card, the series of imaging data and the imaging data for the specific time period can be recorded efficiently. Note that, as the specific time period, for example, a time period when storage is required may be set. Since the series of imaging data recorded on the slave memory card needs to be updated from time to time, it is not appropriate to prohibit overwriting. On the other hand, imaging data may be recorded on the master memory card in an overwrite-prohibited mode, in which case imaging data for a specific time period recorded in response to the occurrence of an event can be stored with high reliability.

[0157] Generally, when recording on a memory card, a series of imaging data is managed, for example, on a file basis. In such a configuration, it may be difficult to create a file containing only imaging data from a specific time period. In this case, it is advisable to copy or move data on a file basis that contains imaging data from a specific time period.

[0158] In the dual recording operation mode, the controller of the drive recorder 1 controls the secondary slave memory card as a first storage medium that allows overwriting, while controlling the primary master memory card as a second storage medium that prohibits overwriting. Here, the first and second numbers of the storage medium do not indicate priority or master-slave relationship, but are completely unrelated, and the numbers may be interchanged. If the secondary slave memory card is used as a storage medium for overwriting recording and the primary master memory card is prohibited from overwriting, as described above, it becomes possible to perform continuous recording in which imaging data is continuously recorded on the slave memory card, while recording imaging data that is particularly desired to be saved on the master memory card.

[0159] In the dual recording operation mode, the controller of the drive recorder 1 executes continuous recording, which sequentially overwrites the old image data recorded in the memory card of the secondary slave at the time of capture to record new image data. This enables continuous recording of image data at all times, and makes it possible to record images from a predetermined time range in the past based on the current time. For example, it becomes possible to record images at the moment an accident occurs, and to obtain evidence that will be useful in investigating the cause of the accident.

[0160] In addition, in the main master memory card that prohibits overwriting, it is preferable to record captured images other than those recorded continuously, such as captured image data recorded by event recording when some event occurs, captured image data recorded by manual operation in response to manual operation, still image recording, etc. When there are not many memory cards installed in the drive recorder 1 and they cannot be assigned to the master / slave, it is also possible to treat the installed memory cards as secondary slave memory cards and perform continuous recording by continuously recording the captured image data.

[0161] In the dual recording operation mode, imaging data is recorded in the master memory card in an overwrite-protected state when a specific recording condition is met, such as when the acceleration detected by the G-sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. This allows imaging data to be saved in an overwrite-protected state with high reliability when the specific recording condition is met. In particular, in the drive recorder 1, imaging data corresponding to the establishment of a specific recording condition is recorded in an independent master memory card that is different from the slave memory card for continuous recording. Therefore, even if some trouble occurs during the process of continuously recording imaging data to the slave memory card, there is little risk of the master memory card becoming unable to read data or other problems.

[0162] The specific recording condition for recording the image data in the master memory card in an overwrite-protected manner may be, for example, some kind of event, a manual operation by the driver, etc. The event may be, for example, the occurrence of an accident in which an airbag is deployed, the occurrence of sudden braking or steering, the occurrence of large acceleration, etc.

[0163] When the amount of data recorded in the overwrite-protected storage medium exceeds a predetermined amount, or when it becomes necessary to initialize the storage medium, captured images and the like may be recorded in the main memory of the drive recorder. After that, when the data capacity of the storage medium becomes free due to data deletion, or when a new storage medium is installed, some or all of the data stored in the main memory may be moved to the storage medium. In this case, it may be possible to configure the drive recorder with only one media storage unit, making it possible to realize a low-cost version of the drive recorder. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0164] Example 3 This example is an operation example of the drive recorder 1 in an operation mode other than the sequential recording described in the first embodiment. The contents will be described with reference to Fig. 17. As described in the first embodiment, the operation modes of the drive recorder 1 include (2) dual recording and (3) mirror recording in addition to (1) sequential recording in the first embodiment. This example is an operation example under the (3) mirror recording operation mode.

[0165] (3) Mirror recording Mirror recording is an operation mode in which the same imaging data is recorded on the master and slave SD cards as shown in Fig. 17. Event data is recorded in the main body memory (flash ROM) as in the sequential recording operation mode of the first embodiment. If the same data is recorded on both the master SD card and the slave SD card, even if a recording error occurs on one of the SD cards, a series of imaging data can be read from the other SD card, ensuring high reliability of the recording operation.

[0166] This example is an example of mirror recording using two SD cards. Alternatively, mirror recording may be performed using one of the SD cards and the main body memory (flash ROM). Furthermore, mirror recording may be performed using two or more SD cards and the main body memory (flash ROM). Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0167] The drive recorder 1 of the first to third embodiments includes a plurality of medium storage units that detachably hold memory cards such as SD cards. The controller 30 of the drive recorder 1 can execute various processes, such as writing and initializing, in parallel with the memory cards stored in the other medium storage units while recording image data in the memory card stored in at least one of the plurality of medium storage units.

[0168] For example, when another write process is executed on a memory card other than the memory card on which the imaging data is recorded, even if the other write process is executed while the imaging data is being recorded, the risk of excessive data access, such as data writing or reading, being performed on the memory card on which the imaging data is recorded or the memory card on which the other write process is executed can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the other write process is executed in parallel with the recording of the imaging data, there is less risk of problems occurring in the recording of the imaging data or the recording of images.

[0169] In the drive recorder 1, other processes that require relatively frequent data access to the memory card can be executed within a range that limits the impact on the recording operation of the imaging data. If various write processes can be executed while recording the imaging data, the drive recorder 1 can be used not only for recording the imaging data but also for recording various data, thereby improving convenience.

[0170] The controller 30 of the drive recorder 1 has a function of individually controlling data writing, reading, erasing, and initialization for each memory card attached to each of the multiple medium storage units. If data writing, reading, erasing, and initialization can be individually controlled for each memory card, the drive recorder 1 can perform a larger number of recording operations in parallel. This provides a variety of functions for the drive recorder 1 and improves convenience. For example, while recording imaging data on a specific memory card, vehicle data such as engine speed and vehicle speed can be recorded on another memory card. In addition, for example, when recording imaging data using two or more memory cards, it is recommended to initialize the storage area of ​​the other memory cards that have recorded imaging data at an older time point while recording the latest imaging data. In this case, when the memory card in which the latest imaging data is being recorded becomes full, the other initialized memory cards can be used to continue recording the subsequent imaging data. By using initialized memory cards, imaging data can be recorded with high reliability with little risk of writing errors.

[0171] Example 4 This example is based on the dual recording of the second embodiment, and is an example of a drive recorder that executes dual recording with higher functionality.

[0172] (1) A configuration example in which data that is not prohibited from being overwritten is recorded on the master memory card. For example, in the case of recording an event, when the G-sensor detects a certain impact and then records the time before and after the impact, it is better to prohibit overwriting if the impact detection is an accident, but in reality, impacts may also be detected due to road conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's driving operation, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary prohibited data will accumulate. In order to prevent the overflow of unnecessary prohibited data, it is recommended to determine a specific capacity and provide a function to overwrite within that range.

[0173] It is also possible to control the master memory card so that a part of the memory area is prohibited from being overwritten, while controlling the remaining part or all of the memory area to be allowed to be overwritten. For example, in the case of recording an event before and after a G-sensor detects a certain impact, if the impact detection is an accident, it is better to prohibit overwriting. However, in reality, an impact may also be detected due to road conditions such as road bumps or the driver's driving operation, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten will accumulate. In order to prevent the overflow of unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten, it is also possible to control the data to be temporarily recorded in an area that is allowed to be overwritten when the data that is prohibited from being overwritten is generated, and then moved to the area that is prohibited from being overwritten when the possibility of an accident increases, for example, because the vehicle is stopped after the impact occurs.

[0174] (2) An example configuration that enables mutual backup of master / slave memory cards. In a drive recorder, multiple memory cards can be installed, and one of them is controlled as a main master and the others as secondary slaves. If either the master or slave memory card is removed or some problem or malfunction occurs, a configuration can be adopted in which the other memory card has a function to compensate for the function of the master or slave memory card. With this configuration, even if either the master or slave memory card is removed or some problem or malfunction occurs, the same functionality as before the malfunction can be maintained.

[0175] In particular, the main master memory card should be configured to record images that one wishes to save, such as records of accidents or scenic places, in a manner that prevents them from being overwritten or reduces the probability of them being erased. The secondary slave memory card should record images continuously while driving, and should have a function for later searching for images that could not be recorded on the master memory card for some reason, or a function for moving or copying the images to the main storage medium. In general, continuous recording has a higher probability of causing damage or malfunction to storage media such as memory cards. In the case of the dual recording mode described above, images that one wishes to save are recorded on the master memory card, so that even if the slave memory card is damaged or malfunctions, the damage is minimal.

[0176] When the master and slave memory cards are installed and the slave memory card that allows overwriting is removed, and the drive recorder 1 transitions to a state in which only the master memory card that prohibits overwriting is installed, the controller of the drive recorder 1 may set an overwritable memory area in a part of the free area of ​​the memory area of ​​the master memory card. With this configuration, even after the slave memory card is removed and only the master memory card remains, continuous recording that continuously records image data is possible, and a decrease in convenience due to a decrease in the functionality of the drive recorder 1 can be suppressed.

[0177] In a configuration having a function of controlling the second storage medium as having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device having a function of setting an overwritable memory area in a portion of the free space in the memory area of ​​the second storage medium to store data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium when the first storage medium is removed while the first and second storage media are installed and the state transitions to a state in which only the second storage medium is installed.

[0178] In addition, when only one memory card is installed, the controller of the drive recorder 1 may treat the memory card as a third storage medium and execute control to provide an overwritable storage area and an overwrite-prohibited storage area in the storage area. In this case, even if only one memory card is installed, data such as overwrite-prohibited imaging data can be recorded in addition to imaging data of continuous recording. The overwrite-prohibited imaging data may be images captured by event recording, images captured by manual operation recording, images captured by still recording, etc. After that, when a memory card that can be used as a master or slave is newly installed, the memory card may be treated as a master or slave memory card. When the memory card is treated as an overwritable slave memory card, all or part of the imaging data of continuous recording, for example, recorded in an overwritable manner in the original memory card controlled as the third storage medium, may be transferred and recorded in the new slave memory card. If it is treated as a master memory card that does not allow overwriting, all or part of the image data, etc. that was recorded with overwrite protection on the original memory card controlled as the third storage medium can be transferred and recorded on the new master memory card.

[0179] In addition, even if multiple storage media are installed and the first storage medium and the second storage medium can be allocated, a mode in which all storage media are controlled as the first storage medium may be provided. In this case, the storage area of ​​the first storage medium becomes large, so that the recording time when the captured image is continuously recorded can be extended. In this case, when there are multiple first storage media, when the amount of data recorded in one storage medium becomes full, the storage medium to be used for continuously recording the captured image may be switched to another first storage medium. In this case, the captured image can be continuously recorded efficiently by alternately using any of the multiple first storage media. It is preferable that the storage media are configured so that the recorded data can be erased or initialized individually.

[0180] In a configuration having a function of controlling the third storage medium as a second storage medium having an area in which recorded captured images are not erased by overwriting prohibition, when a new storage medium is inserted when only one storage medium is inserted, the control means may control the new storage medium as the second storage medium and may also record data recorded in the storage area of ​​the third storage medium with overwriting prohibition to the newly inserted storage medium.

[0181] (3) An example of a configuration that allows master / slave memory cards to be swapped. This is an example of a configuration in which a main master memory card is not fixed, multiple storage media including the main memory of the drive recorder 1 are used in turn as main and secondary, and the secondary storage medium is initialized while recording is being performed on the main storage medium. By adopting such a configuration, the load on each storage medium can be made closer to uniform, thereby reducing the probability of damage or malfunction. In this case, it is advisable to provide a function for recording both the constant overwrite recording and the non-overwrite event recording to the same main storage medium.

[0182] In particular, it is preferable to record the recording data (image data) that is the basis of the drive recorder in a main storage medium, and record the data that is not the basis of the drive recorder in a secondary storage medium, and to separate the storage media (storage areas) according to the type of recorded data. In this way, it is possible to prevent the processing speed from slowing down or the occurrence of parts that cannot be processed, particularly in a multi-function drive recorder. In addition, by separating the above, the frequency of use of one storage medium is reduced, and the probability of damage or malfunction of the storage medium can be reduced.

[0183] In the drive recorder, when one storage medium is being recorded while the other storage medium is being initialized, it is preferable to control the drive recorder to perform the initialization automatically or semi-automatically under a predetermined condition. By performing the initialization automatically or semi-automatically, it is possible to prevent troubles such as the inability to read data recorded in the storage medium, and to maintain the high recording efficiency of data in the storage medium and to maintain the recordable data amount close to the maximum. It is preferable to initialize the storage medium periodically, and it is preferable to perform the initialization automatically under a predetermined condition such as when a predetermined number of rewrites have been performed since the last initialization, when a predetermined amount of overwrite recording has been performed, or when a predetermined capacity of overwrite recording has been performed, or to perform the initialization semi-automatically by notifying the user by a display, alarm, or voice that the time for initialization has come and performing a confirmation operation to start the initialization.

[0184] It is preferable not to automatically initialize storage media that are not overwritten. By setting a media storage unit that is not automatically initialized, data that you want to store for a long period of time can be stored with a high degree of certainty. For example, it is preferable not to automatically initialize storage media that store event recordings. Since event recordings are considered to be overwritten less frequently than continuous recordings, and since there is a high possibility that event recordings include recordings that you want to store for a relatively long period of time, it is preferable to set storage media that store event recordings not to be automatically initialized.

[0185] It is preferable that the image recording device performs control so that continuous recording is temporarily stored in a portion of the capacity of the storage medium for event recording while the overwritable storage medium for continuous recording is being initialized. In this case, it becomes possible to initialize the storage medium for continuous recording as well, which can prevent problems with that storage medium. For example, if there are multiple storage media for continuous recording, they can be initialized in order, but if there are two media storage units and one is used for event recording and automatic initialization is prohibited, it is advisable to control so that recording is performed on the storage medium for event recording at least while the storage medium for continuous recording is being initialized.

[0186] When the remaining capacity of the overwrite-protected storage medium that stores the event recording falls below a predetermined level, it is preferable to control the storage of the event recording to be stored in an overwrite-protected storage medium for continuous recording. In this case, for example, it is possible to prevent the overwrite-protected storage medium for event recording from becoming full and becoming unable to record captured images when an event occurs. It is possible to notify the user, for example, by an alarm, voice, display, etc. that the remaining capacity of the storage medium has fallen below a predetermined level or that an event recording is being performed on the storage medium for continuous recording, and to urge the user to copy data to an external device such as a PC or to replace the storage medium. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0187] Example 5 This embodiment is an example of a drive recorder 5 based on the other embodiments and provided with a storage operation means for recording a part of the captured image data in a manner that prohibits overwriting. The contents of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0188] The drive recorder 5 in Figs. 18 and 19 is an electronic device that houses an electronic board (not shown) inside a housing 50 that is substantially rectangular on the front side. A lens 611 of a camera unit 61 is arranged on the front side of the housing 50, and a liquid crystal display screen 630, which is an example of a display means, and various operation buttons 505 are arranged on the back side. A record button 521, which is an example of a save operation means for starting and stopping a recording operation, and a power button 523 are arranged on the top side of the housing 50, and a screw hole 501 for attaching a bracket 7 (see Fig. 20) is drilled. A power terminal 57 for supplying power and two card slots 55, which are an example of a medium storage section for inserting a microSD card (an example of a memory card, which is an example of a storage medium), are arranged in parallel on the side of the housing 50.

[0189] The drive recorder 5 can be attached to the windshield 80 of the vehicle via an attachment bracket 7 as shown in Fig. 20. The bracket 7 has an attachment stay 73 attached to the windshield 80 via a double-sided tape 700 or the like, a base 71 including a screw 711 corresponding to the screw hole 501 of the drive recorder 5, and the like.

[0190] As shown in Fig. 20, the attachment stay 73 is a member in which a spherical sliding ball 435 is provided at the tip of a curved arm 433 that is extended from the back surface of a circular attachment plate 730 that is attached to the glass surface of the windshield 80. The base 41 is a member in which an inner peripheral spherical recess 417 is provided on the opposite side of the base surface 410 on which the screw 411 is provided. On the outer peripheral side of the recess 417, an outer peripheral screw 415 into which the outer peripheral nut 45 is screwed is provided. If the outer peripheral nut 45 is tightened with the sliding ball 435 accommodated in the recess 417, the sliding ball 435 can be tightened and fixed, and the angle of the attachment stay 43 relative to the base 41 can be fixed.

[0191] When installing the drive recorder 5, for example, first, as shown in FIG. 20, prepare the bracket 7 in which the attachment stay 73 and the base 71 are connected by lightly tightening the outer periphery nut 75, and attach the attachment plate 730 to the windshield 80 using the double-sided tape 700. Next, the drive recorder 5 is grasped so that the screw 711 of the bracket 7 can be inserted into the screw hole 501, and the drive recorder 5 itself is rotated to screw in the screw 711. The screw 711 is screwed in until the housing 50 is pressed against the base surface 710, thereby fixing the drive recorder 5 to the base 71 of the bracket 7. After adjusting the imaging range of the drive recorder 5 to a desired range, the outer periphery nut 75 is tightened to fix the sliding ball 435 of the attachment stay 73. This fixes the mounting posture of the drive recorder 2, sets the imaging range to a predetermined range, and completes the installation of the drive recorder 2.

[0192] Of the two card slots 55, the card slot located on the front side of the housing 50 is a medium storage section that stores an overwritable microSD card, and the card slot on the rear side is a medium storage section that stores an overwrite-protected microSD card. By fixing the positions of the memory card for continuous recording and the memory card for overwrite-protected in this way, it is possible to prevent the user from mixing up the memory cards. For example, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as inserting a memory card with recorded data that is overwrite-protected into the card slot for continuous recording, and erasing data that should be saved due to overwriting.

[0193] The drive recorder 5 plays back and displays the captured images recorded in the overwritable microSD card on the liquid crystal screen 630 by appropriately operating the operation button 505. When the record button 521 is operated while the playback image is being displayed on the liquid crystal screen 630, the drive recorder 5 transfers and records the captured images including a predetermined period before and after the time of the operation to the overwrite-prohibited microSD card. Note that, in order to prevent concentration of the processing load, it is also possible to configure the drive recorder 5 to mark the time of the operation and to execute the transfer and recording later.

[0194] In the drive recorder 5, the original captured image of the played-back image that is determined to be saved can be recorded with overwriting prohibited after checking the played-back image and judging whether it should be saved. If the playback image can be confirmed, the captured image to be saved can be recorded with high reliability in an overwrite-prohibited state. While playing back the captured image recorded in the overwritable microSD card by continuous recording, a part of the captured image can be transferred to and recorded in the overwrite-prohibited microSD card. By operating the record button 521 while displaying the played-back image, there is little risk of recording an image other than the captured image to be saved by mistake. The time section of the captured image to be recorded in an overwrite-prohibited state may be a time section going back a predetermined time from the time of operation as a criterion, a time section until a predetermined time has passed from the time of operation as a criterion, or a time section extending before and after the time of operation as a criterion.

[0195] It is also possible to provide the drive recorder 5 with a sensor such as a G sensor for detecting an impact or an external input function. In the case where one of the multiple attached storage media is an overwritable storage medium and one of them is controlled as a storage medium for continuous recording that does not allow overwriting, it is also possible to record captured images for a time period up to a predetermined time before the time point when the triggering signal was input as a trigger, captured images for a time period up to a predetermined time before the time point as a trigger, or both of these captured images, in the overwritable storage medium.

[0196] In addition, when recording a part of a captured image in an overwrite-prohibited manner, data is generally moved or copied in file units in many cases. Therefore, it is also possible to transfer or copy not only the part corresponding to the time interval based on the time point when the record button 521 is operated, but also the file including that part. In this case, the part other than the part corresponding to the time interval will be included in the data to be transferred, etc. In this case, when playing back a part of a captured image recorded in an overwrite-prohibited manner, it is also possible to perform control so that the playback of the part other than the part corresponding to the time interval can be omitted.

[0197] In the drive recorder 5, the recording method and the type of recorded data are distinguished for each card slot 55, which is an example of a medium storage unit, and the functions are different. When a memory card, which is an example of a storage medium, is inserted, it is easy to use because the card slot 55 can be selected according to the recorded data, etc. For example, it becomes easier for the user to understand the different recording methods and recording timings for each card slot 55, and mistakes such as removing a memory card during writing can be prevented. As in this example, it is preferable to use different recording methods such as overwriting permitted for one card slot 55 and overwriting prohibited for the other card slot 55. It is also preferable to use different recorded data such as continuous recording for one card slot 55 and event recording for the other card slot 55.

[0198] It is also possible to control the probability of recorded data being erased differently for each card slot 55 of the drive recorder 5. For example, it is preferable to provide a sufficient storage capacity for the amount of recorded data so that one card slot 55 has a high probability of recorded data being erased by overwriting, and the other card slot 55 has a low probability of recorded data being erased by overwriting. Even if both are overwritten, one card slot can store a large amount of data such as continuous recording data, and the other can store a small amount of data such as event recording, so that the probability of recorded data being erased is different.

[0199] In the drive recorder 5, two card slots 55 are arranged side by side. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange one medium storage unit on a side that is visible from the driver's side and the other on a side that is not visible from the driver, so that the plurality of medium storage units have different levels of visibility or have a clear ranking. In this case, it is possible to provide a difference in the ease of access from the user side for each medium storage unit. For example, it is preferable to arrange a storage medium / medium storage unit that is frequently attached / detached in an easy-to-find location, and a storage medium / medium storage unit that is less frequently attached / detached in a relatively difficult-to-find location. It is preferable to surround the edge of the medium storage unit with a line or color it, or provide internal lighting so that the storage medium / medium storage unit that is frequently attached / detached is easily visible. For example, in the case where the card slots 55 are arranged side by side as in the drive recorder 5, it is also possible to cover the storage medium / medium storage unit that is less frequently attached / detached with an opening / closing cover 558, which is an example of a lid, so that the storage medium / medium storage unit that is less frequently attached / detached is relatively difficult to find, as shown in FIG. 21. Alternatively, it is preferable to print or engrave the area near the media storage section so that the ranking can be indicated, such as 1, 2... or A, B..., and to rank storage media / media storage sections that are frequently attached and removed as 1 or A to make it difficult to make a mistake in which storage media is removed.

[0200] At least one of the multiple storage media should have a different shape or size from the others. By making the storage media different sizes, it is possible to prevent the multiple storage media from being mixed up. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, by using different types of SD cards, such as a standard type storage medium such as SD card 555 in the medium storage section 55 that is frequently attached and detached, and a micro SD card 555A in the medium storage section 55A that is lower, it is possible to prevent the storage medium from being removed from being mixed up.

[0201] It may be a drive recorder with a car navigation function. At least one of the multiple media storage units of the drive recorder is preferably dedicated to the recorded data and information and data associated with the recorded data. Car navigation, generally called PND, often has a media storage unit such as a memory card slot for updating maps and software, providing sources of music and video, recording TV, storing driving routes, etc. When the car navigation function and the drive recorder function are combined, there is a method of using both functions separately with one media storage unit, but if the drive recorder function has a function of constantly recording images while driving, it is necessary to constantly store image data in the storage medium while driving, and if data related to the car navigation function is also stored in the storage medium, processing may be inconvenient. Therefore, it is better to provide multiple media storage units and to have at least one dedicated to the drive recorder function.

[0202] It may be a drive recorder with a radar detector function. At least one of the multiple media storage units of this drive recorder should be dedicated to the recording data and information and data associated with the recording. Radar detectors are often used by storing data such as the location of an alarm on a memory card. For the same reason as in the case of the drive recorder with the car navigation function described above, multiple media storage units should be provided and at least one should be dedicated to the drive recorder function. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments.

[0203] Example 6 This example is based on the other embodiments and is an example of setting a main storage medium. The contents of this example will be described. The drive recorder of this example, like the other embodiments, has a plurality of media storage units in which storage media for recording video data based on captured images are loaded. The drive recorder controls the storage medium loaded in the main media storage unit, which is one of the plurality of media storage units, as the main storage medium.

[0204] The main storage medium records at least both continuous recording that can be overwritten and event recording that is stored in an overwrite-prohibited manner. When the capacity of the main storage medium that is stored in an overwrite-prohibited manner reaches or exceeds a predetermined capacity, or when there is no storage medium in the main medium housing, the drive recorder executes control to record captured images in another storage medium.

[0205] When removing the main storage medium and viewing the recorded data on an external device such as a PC, all the data stored in the storage medium, both continuous recording and event recording, can be viewed, which is very convenient. Also, in the event of an accident, the storage medium containing the recorded images of the accident may be removed and stored. In such cases, it is better to have all the data, both continuous recording and event recording, stored on a single storage medium.

[0206] For example, if only one storage medium can be installed, the function as a drive recorder will be insufficient if the capacity is full due to overwriting prohibition or if no storage medium is installed. If other storage media are installed in addition to the main storage medium as in the drive recorder of this example, the function as a drive recorder can be realized even if the capacity of the main storage medium is full or not installed. Note that the main storage medium may be large capacity and the other storage media may be small capacity. When some or all of the data recorded in the main storage medium is erased and there is free capacity or when a new storage medium is installed, some or all of the data stored in the other storage media may be transferred to the main storage medium.

[0207] It is also possible to determine a media storage section in which the main storage medium is to be mounted, and to place a lamp near that media storage section, which will blink or light up when the capacity is full due to overwriting prohibition or when no storage medium is mounted. In this case, the media storage section that cannot record data can be clearly displayed, and the user can be made aware of this. For example, when data is being stored in a storage medium other than the main one, it is easy to understand if the lamp of the main media storage section is made to blink. It is also possible to configure the system so that, for example, a display, an alarm, a voice, etc. is displayed on the display at the same time as the lamp blinks or lights up to notify the user.

[0208] When the drive recorder initializes the main storage medium, it copies or moves at least the overwrite-prohibited data stored in the main storage medium to another storage medium before executing the initialization. By executing such initialization control, for example, even a storage medium containing overwrite-prohibited data can be safely initialized without damaging the data.

[0209] When there is no storage medium in the main media storage section, or when the main storage medium is initialized, captured images and the like may be recorded in the main memory built into the drive recorder. After that, when the data in the main storage medium is erased and there is free data capacity, or when a new storage medium is installed, some or all of the data stored in the main memory may be moved to the main storage medium or another storage medium. In this case, only one media storage section is required, which reduces product costs.

[0210] In addition, when initializing a storage medium, it is preferable for the image recording device to switch storage from the storage medium to be initialized to another storage medium, and then initialize the storage medium after a predetermined period of storage or a predetermined capacity of storage has been performed in the other storage medium. To avoid erasing new data as much as possible, it is recommended to initialize the storage medium after the storage progresses on other media. It is recommended to initialize the storage medium only when the storage capacity of other media has been reached and overwriting has begun.

[0211] Alternatively, one of the multiple media storage units may be a dummy media storage unit. Providing a dummy media storage unit has the effect of allowing it to be used as a storage location for spare storage media. By mounting a spare storage medium in the dummy media storage unit, when the main storage medium is removed, the spare storage medium in the dummy media storage unit can be conveniently inserted into the main storage medium, reducing the risk of losing the spare storage medium during storage. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments.

[0212] Example 7 This example is based on the other embodiments and is an example in which a storage medium has a communication function. A memory card controlled with overwrite protection has a communication function for transmitting data to an external device in addition to storing data. A drive recorder can execute control to transmit captured images recorded with overwrite protection to an external device.

[0213] The drive recorder is capable of externally transmitting captured images recorded on a memory card in an overwrite-protected state, and the captured images can be viewed at the transmission destination. Adopting such a configuration is particularly effective in the event of an accident. For example, when a driving situation such as dozing while driving occurs in a taxi, if the captured images at that time are immediately transmitted to the taxi company, the manager can grasp the dangerous situation before an accident occurs. Also, for example, if the captured images at that time are immediately transmitted when an accident occurs later, the manager can grasp the situation immediately and take prompt action after the accident.

[0214] When a memory card with a communication function and a memory card without a communication function are inserted into a drive recorder, the storage medium with the communication function is controlled as an overwrite-protected memory card, and the storage medium without the communication function is controlled as an overwrite-protected memory card. Then, all or part of the data recorded in the overwrite-protected memory card is preferentially transmitted. Here, the preferential transmission is preferably performed automatically.

[0215] For example, when the G sensor detects a certain impact, the captured images before and after the impact can be recorded on a memory card that does not allow overwriting. The captured images can be immediately transmitted to the outside, but in reality, the impact may be detected due to road surface conditions such as road bumps or the driver's driving operation. In order to prevent captured images within the normal range from being transmitted to the outside indiscriminately, for example, after the captured images are recorded on a memory card that does not allow overwriting in response to the detection of an impact, the captured images recorded in a non-overwriting state can be controlled to be transmitted to the outside when the vehicle stops and the stopped state continues for a certain period of time, or when the vehicle stops and the hazard lamps are turned on.

[0216] It is also possible to control a part of the storage area of ​​a memory card with a communication function to prohibit overwriting, while controlling the remaining part or all to allow overwriting. For example, in the case of recording an event before and after a G-sensor detects a certain impact, if the impact detection is an accident, it is better to prohibit overwriting. However, in reality, impacts may also be detected due to road conditions such as road bumps or driving operations by the driver, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten will accumulate. In order to prevent the overflow of unnecessary data that is prohibited from being overwritten, when the data that is prohibited from being overwritten is generated, it is also possible to record the data in an area that is permitted to be overwritten, and then move the data to the area that is prohibited from being overwritten when, for example, the vehicle is stopped after the occurrence of an impact, or when the vehicle moves to a situation where it is estimated that an accident is likely to occur due to the operation of turning on the hazard lights, etc. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments.

[0217] The drive recorder of each embodiment has multiple medium storage units and can accommodate multiple memory cards. This drive recorder has the following advantages over a drive recorder with only one medium storage unit: (a) For example, if the memory card is damaged or defective, it will not be possible to record. In particular, when continuous recording is performed, the recording is constantly overwritten while driving (deletion and storage are repeated), so the probability of damage is high. In addition, there is a high possibility of damage if the memory card is removed during operation. In most cases, the power of the drive recorder is turned on and off in conjunction with the engine key, but in some vehicles, there are voltage fluctuations, interruptions, surges, etc., especially when the engine is started, which may have a negative effect and cause abnormalities in the control of the memory card, resulting in damage or malfunction of the memory card. In contrast, the drive recorders of each embodiment can be equipped with multiple memory cards, so that even if one of the memory cards is damaged, it is possible to control it so that it can be backed up by the other memory cards. Therefore, with the drive recorders of each of the ten examples, there is less of a risk of falling into a situation where recording is completely impossible.

[0218] (b) The main purpose of a drive recorder is to record accidents, and the accident record must be saved so that it will not be erased. Accident detection is generally based on a G-sensor or other device that detects an impact of a certain magnitude or greater, and the images before and after the accident are often saved with overwrite protection. However, it is difficult to reliably detect only accidents, and impacts can also be detected due to bumps or unevenness in the road surface, or the driver's driving style, so in reality, most recordings that do not require recording or saving due to impact detection other than accidents are very common. If the sensitivity of the sensor is lowered, accidents cannot be detected. In addition, recordings of dangerous or reckless driving, dangerous experiences that could lead to accidents, and scenic places are often recorded manually, and the images before and after the accident are often saved with overwrite protection, and some users record a lot with overwrite protection. If the memory card becomes full with such overwrite protection recordings, it is natural that no more recordings can be made. It is necessary to replace the memory card, take out / delete images, initialize, etc., but there are cases where the steps cannot be taken immediately due to some circumstances such as while driving or traveling, in which case the drive recorder cannot store any more data and does not function as a drive recorder. In response to this, the drive recorder of each embodiment can be equipped with multiple memory cards. For example, when the capacity of an overwrite-prohibited memory card becomes full, it is possible to set an overwrite-prohibited area in the memory area of ​​a memory card for continuous recording (continuous recording) that allows overwriting, and temporarily store the captured images that you want to save. By executing such control, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the overwrite-prohibited memory area becomes full and you cannot record the captured images that you want to save. Note that, of course, the smaller the capacity of a storage medium such as a memory card, the cheaper it is, and the larger the capacity, the more expensive it is. There is a technical limit to capacity, and among memory cards available on the market, those with large capacities that are close to this limit tend to be very expensive. For example, the price of this large-capacity memory card is not twice the price of a memory card with half the capacity, but can be three, four, or five times the price. If multiple memory cards can be inserted as in each embodiment, for example, by inserting two memory cards with reasonable capacity, it is possible to realize the same effect as inserting a memory card with twice the capacity.Compared to a drive recorder that can only accommodate one memory card, the purchase price of a memory card to secure the same storage capacity is significantly less.

[0219] (c) In the case of a drive recorder that can only accommodate one memory card, it is common to store continuous continuous recording and recording of events that are prohibited from being overwritten on the same memory card, but the number of overwrite-prohibited recordings will increase if no measures are taken. Daily maintenance / measures can be performed, but this is not easy to do. In some cases, the continuous continuous recording area and the overwrite-prohibited recording area are separated within the memory card, but in many cases, the overwrite-prohibited recordings are given priority without being separated into areas, and the continuous recording area is often reduced as the overwrite-prohibited recordings increase. In this case, the continuous recording area is reduced and the continuous recording time is shortened before the memory card capacity is filled with overwrite-prohibited recordings, and the time available to look back and check images is shortened. At the same time, the time it takes for one round of overwriting to be completed is shortened, and the frequency of repeated erasure and recording increases, increasing the probability of damage to or malfunction of the memory card. On the other hand, if the continuous recording area and the overwrite-prohibited recording area are separated, naturally, when the overwrite-prohibited recording area becomes full, no more recording can be performed, and the timing when recording to the overwrite-prohibited recording area becomes impossible is earlier than the above method in which the area is not separated. In contrast, since the drive recorder of each embodiment can be equipped with multiple memory cards, for example, it is possible to separate the overwrite-prohibited memory card from the memory card for continuous recording. Even if an expensive large-capacity memory card is not prepared, the capacity of the overwrite-prohibited recording area can be secured by installing multiple inexpensive memory cards. Since the captured images to be saved can be recorded with high reliability without the need to purchase an expensive large-capacity memory card, the running cost is suppressed and it is economical.

[0220] (d) In order to check or extract the recorded images using a PC viewer, the memory card may be removed from the drive recorder and forgotten. Or the memory card may be removed for some reason. In such a case, if the drive recorder can only accommodate one memory card, the vehicle must be driven without the memory card, and recording and storage will not be possible, resulting in the drive recorder not functioning. In contrast, since the drive recorders of the embodiments can accommodate multiple memory cards, control is possible to back up the data using other memory cards even when one of the memory cards is removed. For example, when a memory card that is not overwrite-protected is removed, backup control such as providing an overwrite-protected area in part of the storage area of ​​the overwrite-protected memory card can be considered. By executing such backup control, even when the vehicle is driven with a specific memory card removed, a situation in which a specific function cannot be realized will not occur, and the degree to which the function of the drive recorder is impaired can be suppressed.

[0221] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are obtained by variously modifying, changing, or appropriately combining the specific examples by utilizing publicly known technologies and the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] 1. Drive recorder 2 Main unit case 8, 9 Push Buttons 13 CCD camera 15 Acceleration Sensor 181, 182 Insertion port 181A, 182A LEDs 24 GPS receiver 30 Controller 311, 312 SD card reader 32 Database 35 PC 361, 362 SD card reader / writer 45 Monitor

Claims

1. 1. An image recording device including a control means having a function of recording an image captured by an imaging means in a removable storage medium, The device has at least one medium storage unit for removably holding a storage medium and has built-in storage means for storing various data; The control means is capable of executing a control mode in which the storage area of ​​the storage medium attached to the medium container and the storage area of ​​the storage means are alternately used to record a series of captured images, and while the captured images are being recorded in one of the storage areas, the other storage area is initialized.

1. An image recording apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the storage means and the storage medium have file management information recorded therein for managing the recording positions of data within the storage area, When initializing one of the storage means and the storage medium while a new captured image is being recorded in the other, the image recording device erases the captured images already recorded in the other storage medium beginning with the oldest one at the time of recording in conjunction with the operation of recording the new captured image, and after all the captured images have been erased, erases the file management information and completes the initialization.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of executing a plurality of types of control modes for recording data on the storage medium, The storage medium stores setting information corresponding to any one of the plurality of control modes, the control means executes control corresponding to the setting information read from the storage medium when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is accommodated in the medium accommodation section, a change operation means for accepting an operation for changing the setting information recorded in the storage medium; and a warning means for, when an operation to change the setting information is received via the change operation means, warning that the data recorded on the storage medium may be erased due to the change in the setting information.

4. An image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a terminal device including a setting change means for changing the setting information recorded in the storage medium, and a change operation means for accepting an operation for changing the setting information, The terminal device is provided with a warning means for warning that the recorded data on the storage medium may be erased when the terminal device receives an operation to change the setting information via the change operation means.

5. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images