System and program

Abstract

To provide a system and the like that are convenient.SOLUTION: This system repeats a cycle for storing video data in a storage area. The system, when a predetermined cycle termination condition is satisfied, terminates a cycle currently in progress and starts a new cycle for overwriting video data stored in the terminated cycle, in order from the oldest using new video data. The system makes output means output information on a position at which overwriting is being performed (hereinafter referred to as overwriting position information) based on at least either of a capacity of video data stored in a cycle currently in progress and a capacity of video data that has not been overwritten of video data stored at the immediately previous cycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an electronic device that uses the same recording area to perform continuous recording, which continuously records video data, and intermittent recording, which intermittently records video data every time a specified event occurs (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, this electronic device constantly records video data in a continuous area while the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned on.

[0003] When the capacity of the recording area becomes full due to the continuous recording and intermittent recording, the video data that was continuously recorded in the recording area is overwritten and new continuous recording and intermittent recording are performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-92464 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional method, when the capacity of the recording area becomes full, the continuously recorded video data is overwritten. If the continuously recorded video data includes video data that the user does not want to erase, there is a concern that the video data may be erased without the user realizing it.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a system etc. that is easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A system for repeating a cycle of recording video data in a recording area, comprising: When a predetermined cycle termination condition is satisfied, the system terminates the currently ongoing cycle and starts a new cycle in which the video data recorded in the ended cycle is overwritten with new video data in the oldest order, and outputs to an output means information about the overwrite position (hereinafter referred to as overwrite position information) based on at least one of the capacity of the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle and the capacity of the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle that has not been overwritten.

[0008] A user who stores information about the positions where video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded between the start and end of one cycle can easily notice a situation where the video data that the user does not want to erase is likely to be overwritten with new video data, based on the overwrite position information output to the output means. For example, it becomes possible to notice a situation where the video data that the user does not want to erase is likely to be overwritten before it is actually overwritten. This provides a system that is easy for the user to use.

[0009] The video data may be video data captured by an imaging device such as a camera. The video data may be video data. For example, when the video data is video data, the video data is composed of a plurality of frames of data. The frame rate of this video data may be, for example, 30 fps, 24 fps, etc. Furthermore, the video data may be, for example, a plurality of still image data acquired in time series at a fixed time interval.

[0010] The recording area for the video data may be secured in a removable medium that is detachable from the system. The entire storage area in the removable medium may be secured as the recording area for this video data, or more preferably, a part of the storage area in the removable medium may be secured as the recording area for this video data. In this case, for example, the remaining area of ​​the storage area in the removable medium may be used for other purposes.

[0011] The predetermined cycle end condition may be, for example, a predetermined time having elapsed since the start of the cycle, or more desirably, a condition that there is no free space in the recording area where video data can be recorded, or no area in the area where video data was recorded in the immediately preceding cycle where video data can be overwritten. For example, it may be determined that the cycle end condition is satisfied when the capacity of the free space or the area in the area where video data was recorded in the immediately preceding cycle where video data can be overwritten falls below a lower limit of the capacity required for recording video data. The capacity of the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in one cycle may correspond to the total capacity of the recording area.

[0012] As the recording positions in the recording area at the start and end of one cycle, for example, positions specified by the first and last physical addresses in the recording area may be adopted. In this case, for example, video data may be recorded from the first physical address to the last physical address over time. Alternatively, the recording area may be divided into a plurality of sectors, and each sector may be identified by a sector number. In this case, for example, as the recording positions in the recording area at the start and end of one cycle, sectors specified by the first and last sector numbers in the recording area may be adopted.

[0013] The information output by the output means may be output as a sound, for example, and more preferably as an image. For example, when outputting as a sound, a numerical value indicating the information may be output as a sound. For example, a sound such as "Now overwriting at 30% of the total position" may be output. For example, when outputting as an image, the information may be displayed as a number, and more preferably as a graphic. When displayed as a number, for example, the ratio of the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle to the total capacity of the recording area may be displayed as a fraction or percentage. When displayed as a graphic, the information may be displayed as a graph, and more preferably as a pie chart or bar chart. For example, when displayed as a pie chart, the capacity of the total recording area may be made to correspond to an area with a central angle of 360°, and the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle may be displayed as a sector. For example, when displaying the data in a bar graph, the total capacity of the recording area is made to correspond to the total length of the bar graph, and the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle is made to correspond to the length from one end of the bar graph. good.

[0014] For example, when the overwrite position information is displayed as an image, the latest image included in the acquired image data may be displayed on the same screen as the image displaying the overwrite position information. For example, the overwrite position information may be displayed as a graphic on the edge of the screen, superimposed on the image displayed on the screen.

[0015] (2) The cycle end condition may include a condition that the recording area has no free space available for recording new video data or no free space available for overwriting in the currently ongoing cycle.

[0016] This maximizes the amount of recording space that can be used in one cycle, which results in a longer grace period before old video data is overwritten. For example, the video data may be recorded in the recording area for each recording unit. For example, the video data may be temporarily stored in a buffer memory, and the video data stored in the buffer memory may be transferred to the recording area. In this case, for example, the video data temporarily stored in the buffer memory may correspond to one recording unit. For example, in determining whether the cycle end condition is met, the free space remaining in the recording area or the capacity that can be overwritten in the currently ongoing cycle may be compared with the capacity of this recording unit.

[0017] (3) The capacity of the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in one cycle may correspond to the total capacity of the recording area.

[0018] In one cycle, video data can be recorded in an area that corresponds to the entire recording area, thereby increasing the amount of video data that can be recorded in one cycle.

[0019] (4) The output means may output to a screen that displays an image, and the overwrite position information may be displayed graphically on the screen.

[0020] The user can visually recognize the overwrite position information by looking at the displayed figure, which makes it easier for the user to notice a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data.

[0021] (5) defining start and end positions on the graphic that correspond to the start and end points of the cycle, respectively; The overwritten position information may be a system including a marker displayed on the graphic between the start position and the end position.

[0022] By visually checking the start position, end position, and relative positional relationship of the mark, the user can visually recognize the position in the recording area where the latest video data is recorded. For example, a straight line symbol, a triangle, an arrow, or other symbol may be used as the mark. Also, for example, the boundary of an area with a different color may be used as the mark.

[0023] (6) It is preferable that the system be such that a first position and a second position on the figure correspond to the start position and the end position, respectively, and the distance from the start position to the mark corresponds to the amount of space in the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle.

[0024] The user can visually recognize the position in the entire recording area where the latest video data is being recorded from the start position, end position, and distance from the start position to the mark on the diagram. As video data is recorded in the recording area, the mark is moved from the start position to the end position. It is advisable to move it towards the end position.

[0025] For example, the latest image contained in the acquired video data may be displayed in a portion of the screen excluding at least one of the upper and lower end areas where the graphic is displayed (hereinafter referred to as the video display area). For example, a graphic indicating the overwrite position information may be displayed in the video display area, superimposed on the image displayed on the screen. For example, a strip-shaped graphic may be displayed vertically as the graphic. In this case, the top end of the graphic may correspond to the start position, and the bottom end to the end position. For example, the strip-shaped graphic may be displayed so that the top and bottom ends do not extend beyond the video display area. The acquired video data may be displayed in real time in the video display area. In this case, the video display area functions as a camera viewfinder.

[0026] (7) It is preferable that the system displays the figure by applying different colors to the portion from the start position to the mark and to the portion from the mark to the end position, and that the boundary between the portions of different colors serves as the mark.

[0027] The user can intuitively grasp the size of the portion that is given the same color and thereby recognize the position of the mark in the displayed figure. The user can immediately recognize the state in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by seeing the situation in which the mark approaches the position where the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0028] A graph may be used as a graphic representation of the overwritten position information. A user can intuitively grasp numerical information by looking at the displayed graph. For example, a pie chart, a bar chart, or the like may be used as the graph. For example, when a pie chart is used, one radius may be associated with the start position and the end position, and the radius at a position separated from the start position by a certain central angle may be associated with a mark. For example, when a bar chart is used, one end may be associated with the start position, the other end may be associated with the end position, and a mark may be placed at a position separated from the start position by a certain length.

[0029] (8) It is preferable that the color of each part of the figure remains unchanged until it is overwritten in a new cycle.

[0030] The user can remember which color area of ​​the entire recording area the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting was recorded in. As the area of ​​the color remembered by the user gets overwritten and becomes smaller, the user can foresee the occurrence of a situation in which the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting will be overwritten. Also, as the area of ​​the color remembered by the user disappears, the user can recognize that the video data that the user wants to keep has been overwritten.

[0031] (9) The recording area is initialized to make the entire area a free area, outputting information on the recording position (hereinafter referred to as recording position information) based on the amount of video data recorded during the progress of the first cycle after the initialization to the output means; It is preferable that the system be configured so that the output means outputs the recording position information when the first cycle after initialization is in progress and the overwrite position information when the second or subsequent cycles are in progress in different formats.

[0032] The user can easily recognize whether the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle after initialization or the second or subsequent cycle. When the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle, the user does not need to worry about old video data being overwritten. Furthermore, the user can easily notice that the second or subsequent cycle, in which old video data may be overwritten, has started.

[0033] For example, the recording position information and the overwriting position information are displayed graphically, applying a first color to a portion of the figure that corresponds to a free area after initialization; during the first cycle, applying a second color different from the first color to a portion of the figure from a start position of the figure to a mark based on the recording position information; During the second cycle, a portion of the graphic from the start position of the graphic to the mark based on the overwrite position information may be colored with a third color different from the first color and the second color. During the second or subsequent cycles, the color to be applied to the portion of the figure from the start position of the figure to the mark based on the overwrite position information may be selected from a plurality of color candidates not including the first color. The color to be selected may be rotated through the plurality of color candidates as the number of cycles increases. For example, if there are two color candidates, the second color and the third color, the second color and the third color are selected alternately for each cycle.

[0034] By visually checking the color of the shape, the user can easily recognize whether the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle, in which there is no need to worry about overwriting, or a second or subsequent cycle in which there is a possibility of overwriting.

[0035] The first color, the second color, and the third color may be distinguished by making one of the three color attributes, hue, saturation, and brightness, different, and more preferably by making the hue different. By distinguishing the first color, the second color, and the third color by hue, the user can remember the colors by words that represent the colors.

[0036] (10) Furthermore, an overwrite mode, which indicates whether or not overwriting is permitted, can be turned on and off by a user operation. when the overwrite mode is on, displaying the figure indicating the recording position information on the output means, and starting a new cycle when one cycle ends; When the overwrite mode is off, the figure indicating the recording position information is not displayed on the output means, and when recording of video data in a manner that does not overwrite old video data is completed, the system stops recording of video data in the recording area.

[0037] By looking at the information displayed on the screen, the user can easily recognize whether the overwrite mode is currently on or off. When the overwrite mode is on, the user can easily notice a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by looking at the displayed figure.

[0038] (11) When the overwrite mode is off, the system may calculate the remaining recordable time based on the capacity of the recording area for recording video data in the current cycle, and display information indicating the calculated remaining time on the screen.

[0039] When the overwrite mode is off, the user can easily recognize the remaining recordable time. When a recording area is secured in the removable media, for example, the remaining recordable time is a useful criterion for the user as to whether or not to prepare to replace the removable media. In addition, since the remaining time is not displayed when the overwrite mode is on, and is displayed when the overwrite mode is off, it is easy to see whether the overwrite mode is on or off.

[0040] (12) Further, the device has an event detection means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event, It is preferable that the system display an event occurrence mark, which notifies the occurrence of an event, in association with the graphic image based on a position in the recording area in which video data is recorded at the time when the occurrence of an event is detected by the event detection means.

[0041] A user can easily notice a situation in which the video data at the time when a specific event occurs is likely to be overwritten with new video data. For example, it is possible to notice a situation in which the video data at the time when a specific event occurs is likely to be overwritten before the video data is actually overwritten. This allows the user to perform an operation to avoid the video data that the user wants to keep at the time when the specific event occurs from being overwritten. When the recording area is secured in a removable medium, an operation to avoid overwriting is, for example, an operation by the user to remove the removable medium from the system.

[0042] For example, it is advisable to use a different color for the event occurrence mark for each event. In this way, the user can easily recognize the location where the video data of the event he or she wants to keep is recorded. From the distance between the mark indicating the current overwriting location and the location where the video data of the event he or she wants to keep is recorded, the user can know the time remaining before performing an operation to avoid overwriting.

[0043] (13) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, The system may be configured to display the graphic in such a manner that the divisions of the units of video data can be recognized.

[0044] A user can easily recognize the division of the units of video data by looking at the figure displayed on the screen. Also, if the user remembers the position of the unit of video data at the current time in the figure, the user can easily identify the position where the current video data is recorded in the future.

[0045] For example, the time when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is turned on and the time when it is turned off may be the trigger for starting and stopping the power supply to the system, respectively. In this case, for example, video data recorded during the period from when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is turned on to when it is turned off may be considered as one unit. Since the vehicle is considered to be mainly driving during the period from when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is turned on to when it is turned off, this unit of video data may be considered to correspond to one driving unit.

[0046] When a figure displayed on the screen includes portions corresponding to multiple units of video data, it is preferable to apply different colors to the corresponding portions of the figure for each of these units. The user can memorize which unit contains the video data that the user does not want to erase by the color applied to the portion corresponding to that unit. The user knows that overwriting may be performed until the mark indicating the position currently being overwritten reaches the area in the figure of the memorized color. The user can know when to perform an operation to avoid overwriting based on the distance from the mark indicating the position currently being overwritten to the area in the figure of the memorized color. It is preferable to prepare, as candidates for colors to be applied to the portions corresponding to these units, more types of colors than the number of units of video data expected to be included in one figure.

[0047] (14) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, calculating a grace period from a current time until overwriting of the video data at the start time of the unit recorded in the recording area is started; It is preferable that the system has a function of informing the user that overwriting of the unit next to the unit currently being overwritten will start when the grace period becomes shorter than a predetermined period.

[0048] The user should remember which unit contains the video data that the user does not want to erase. When the user notices the notification that the unit containing the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten, the user can take measures to prevent the video data that the user does not want to erase from being erased. The predetermined time to be compared with the grace period may be, for example, a time (e.g., 3 minutes) that is sufficient for the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe place and perform an operation to avoid overwriting. For example, when the recording area is secured in a removable medium, the user may replace the removable medium to avoid overwriting.

[0049] A method of outputting the information by voice may be adopted as a method of notifying the driver that overwriting of the next unit following the unit currently being overwritten will start. The driver can notice the notification without looking away. When notifying the driver, the date and time when the first image data of the unit where overwriting will start next was acquired, or the date and time when the last image data of the unit was acquired may be notified. For example, a voice saying "Overwriting of the image data from XX / XX / XX will soon start" or a voice saying "Overwriting of the image data recorded during the driving period that ended XX / XX / XX will soon start" may be output from the output means.

[0050] Instead of informing the user that the data will be overwritten, the user may be informed of the grace period until the data is overwritten. The grace period may be notified in a certain time interval. The user can recognize that the grace period until the data is overwritten for the unit including the video data that the user does not want to erase is getting shorter and shorter.

[0051] (15) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, It is preferable that the system has a function of calculating a scheduled time until the start of overwriting of the unit next to the unit currently being overwritten at a time point triggered by the start of power supply to the system, and notifying the user of the scheduled time.

[0052] When power supply to the system is started, the user can recognize the time until the oldest unoverwritten unit starts to be overwritten. For example, if the oldest unoverwritten unit contains video data that the user does not want to erase, the user can perform an operation to prevent the video data from being overwritten when power supply to the system is started.

[0053] (16)Furthermore, a function of recording the video data in the recording area in the cycle and a function of recording the video data in another recording area secured in the same recording medium as the recording area; A function for changing the capacity of the recording area and the capacity of the other recording area by a user operation. having It is preferable that when the capacities of the recording area and the other recording area are changed, the system initializes the recording area and the other recording area to a state in which no video data is recorded.

[0054] This makes it possible to provide a system in which inconsistencies are unlikely to occur easily when the capacity of the recording area and the other recording areas is changed. For example, it is preferable to initialize the recording area and the other recording areas regardless of whether the capacity of the recording area for recording video data is expanded or reduced in the cycle.

[0055] (17)Furthermore, a connection means for connecting a removable medium in which the recording area is secured; A function of initializing a removable medium connected to the connection means; a function of storing at least one of the total number of cycles performed on the recording area in the removable medium connected to the connection means, the number of cycles performed after initialization, and the number of times initialization was performed, in the removable medium connected to the connection means; a function of outputting at least one of the number of times to the output means; It is preferable to have a system having the above.

[0056] A user can infer the degree of deterioration of the removable medium from the total number of cycles performed on the recording area. For example, this deterioration degree is useful information for determining whether or not the removable medium should be replaced.

[0057] The content to be output to the output means may be, for example, "Total overwrite 10 times / Overwrite after formatting 2 times / Format 2 times" or the like. By outputting in this manner, it is easy for the user to know when to replace the removable medium or initialize (format). The user may decide whether or not to initialize based on the number of cycles performed after initialization. Information that changes according to the degree of deterioration may be displayed on the output means. For example, an icon indicating the removable medium may be displayed and the icon may be changed, or a figure indicating the overwrite position information may be changed.

[0058] The user can know how many cycles the initialization is performed on average. For example, it is advisable to state in the instruction manual how many cycles the initialization should be performed at each cycle. The user can know whether the initialization is performed too frequently or not frequently enough.

[0059] When an icon representing a removable medium is displayed, for example, the icon may be displayed to become gradually broken as the deterioration progresses, or the icon may be displayed to become gradually decayed as the deterioration progresses, or the shape of the icon may change from a normal (new) state to a cracked or shattered state, or the color of the icon may gradually change from a light color (e.g., white) to a dark color (e.g., black).

[0060] When changing the graphic that indicates the overwrite position information, for example, the color filling the graphic may be changed as the deterioration progresses, or the shape of the graphic may be changed. When changing the color filling the graphic, it is preferable to change from a light color to a dark color as the number of cycles increases. By changing the icon or graphic in this way, the user can easily know when to replace the removable media.

[0061] (18) The system may be such that the video data recorded in the recording area is divided into a plurality of processing units based on a predetermined division condition, and processing is executed for each of the processing units.

[0062] After the video data is recorded in the recording area, the video data can be divided into a plurality of processing units. After the video data is divided into processing units, processing can be performed for each processing unit. This makes the system more user-friendly for the user.

[0063] The predetermined classification condition may be a condition that the video data is classified at a fixed time interval. The classification conditions may be a time point triggered by the start and stop of power supply to the system. Furthermore, the classification conditions may be set based on information acquired by various sensors. The classification condition that the video data is classified at a time point triggered by the start and stop of power supply to the system and the classification condition that the video data is classified at a fixed time interval may be used in combination.

[0064] The predetermined classification conditions may be input to the system by, for example, a user operation. Alternatively, the system may read out classification conditions stored in an area other than the recording area of ​​a medium in which a recording area is reserved. The processing for each processing unit may be, for example, a process of assigning an attribute to each processing unit, a process of cueing and playing back video data from the beginning of the processing unit, a process of displaying a list of multiple processing units, etc.

[0065] (19) The system may preferably include a process for causing the output means to output attributes of the processing unit for each processing unit.

[0066] The user can easily check the attributes of each processing unit by looking at the display means. For example, the date and time when the first video data included in the processing unit was acquired, a thumbnail of the first video data, etc., may be displayed on the display means as the attributes of each processing unit. The user can easily find the video data that he / she wants to play and check or the video data that he / she wants to delete by looking at the date and time information or the thumbnail.

[0067] It is preferable that the user is allowed to select some of the processing units based on the attributes of the plurality of processing units output to the output means, and processing can be performed on the part of the processing units selected by the user.

[0068] (20) Further, the device has a function of allowing a user to select a part of the processing units, It is preferable that the system executes the processing for each of the processing units for the processing unit selected by a user.

[0069] A user can select a part of the processing units that the user wants to process from among all the processing units, and perform processing on the selected processing units. A specific attribute may be assigned to the processing units selected by the user. For example, a process of assigning an attribute of "exclude from playback" may be performed as a process for each processing unit. When playing back video data, the video data in the processing units to which the attribute of "exclude from playback" has been assigned may be omitted from playback. By assigning the attribute of "exclude from playback" to some of the processing units, the user can play back the video data that the user does not want to play back, omitting it. The attributes of a plurality of processing units may be output to the output means in the form of a list. At this time, the processing units to which the attribute of "exclude from playback" has been assigned may not be output to the display means.

[0070] (21) The system may further include a function for allowing a user to input the classification conditions, and may classify the video data recorded in the recording area based on the classification conditions input.

[0071] A user can input desired classification conditions to classify the video data according to the desired classification conditions. A user who wishes to assign a particular attribute to a portion of the video data can input classification conditions that will classify that portion relative to other portions.

[0072] (22) The recording area is secured in a removable medium, It is preferable that the system stores the sorting conditions input by the user in an area of ​​the removable medium that is different from the recording area.

[0073] By moving the removable medium between the first device and the second device of the system, the video data and the classification conditions recorded in the recording area can be transferred from the first device to the second device, or vice versa. For example, when the video data is recorded by the first device, In this case, the classification conditions for classifying the video data can be input in a second device different from the first device, and the input classification conditions can be transferred to the first device. Conversely, the second device may have a function for classifying the video data based on the classification conditions set in the first device.

[0074] For example, a first device for acquiring video data may be mounted on a vehicle, and the video data collected in the vehicle may be divided by a second device such as an external personal computer. Generally, the screen of the second device such as a personal computer is larger than the screen of the first device mounted on the vehicle. The user can easily check the date and time when the first video data of each processing unit was acquired and a thumbnail on the second device. This allows the user to easily perform operations on the video data for each processing unit.

[0075] (23) Furthermore, after dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of the processing units based on the division conditions, if a user inputs division conditions different from the current division conditions, the system may re-divide the video data based on the input division conditions.

[0076] When the user finds it difficult to perform a desired process on the video data using the current classification of the video data, the user can change the classification conditions to classify the video data in a way that makes it easier to perform the desired process.

[0077] When using the FAT file system to record video data, it is difficult to re-divide the video data into files using different division conditions. This system allows the user to re-divide the video data using the division conditions of their choice, making it easy for the user to use.

[0078] (24) The system may further include storing information for identifying a position within the recording area where the video data for each of the plurality of processing units is recorded.

[0079] The location for storing information specifying the position in the recording area where the video data of each of the multiple processing units is recorded may be, for example, a work area of ​​the system. When a user selects a specific processing unit, the system can access the video data of the selected processing unit in a short time using the information specifying the position in the recording area. This improves operability for the user. This information may specify the position in the recording area where the first video data in the processing unit is recorded. For example, by using this information during cue-to-playback, the cue-to-play time for the first video data in the processing unit can be shortened.

[0080] (25) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, recording the video data in the recording area when a power supply to the system is started, and recording the video data in the recording area when a power supply to the system is stopped; The classification condition may be a system including a power supply condition in which recording of video data to the recording area is started when power supply to the system is started, and recording of video data to the recording area is stopped when power supply to the system is stopped.

[0081] The video data acquired during the period from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply to the system is stopped can be recorded in the recording area, and the video data can be processed as one unit. The video data may be, for example, a video captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle. The start and stop of the power supply to the system may be, for example, the on and off of the accessory power of the vehicle.

[0082] (26) The classification conditions may include other classification conditions in addition to the power supply conditions, and the system may classify the portion of the video data classified based on the power supply conditions from the beginning to the end based on the other classification conditions.

[0083] The processing unit obtained by dividing the processing unit based on the power supply condition is prevented from overlapping with the processing unit obtained by dividing the processing unit based on the power supply condition. When dividing the processing unit obtained by dividing the processing unit based on the power supply condition based on another dividing condition, if video data of a length that cannot be divided by the other dividing condition remains, the entire remaining video data may be treated as one processing unit.

[0084] (27) The system may preferably be such that the division conditions include a condition that the video data recorded in the recording area be divided at regular time intervals.

[0085] A user who remembers the time that has elapsed from the start of the video data in the recording area to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit from the beginning contains the desired video data, thereby allowing the user to easily access the processing unit containing the desired video data.

[0086] If the video data is divided using only the power supply condition as the division condition, the user can easily find the video data at the time when the accessory power of the vehicle was turned on. If the video data is divided using only the condition of a fixed time interval without using the power supply condition as the division condition, the elapsed time from the first video data to the last video data of all processing units can be made constant. By dividing the video data in this way, the burden required for the user to check the video data for each processing unit can be equalized.

[0087] As in (26) above, the power supply condition and the division condition of dividing at a fixed time interval may be used together for division. Once a division is made based on the power supply condition, it is advisable to make a new division at a fixed time interval from that point on. In this way, for example, a processing unit obtained by dividing based on the power supply condition (called a first processing unit) is divided into smaller processing units (called a second processing unit) based on the division condition of dividing at a fixed time interval. A user who remembers the elapsed time from the beginning of the first processing unit to the desired video data can easily calculate which second processing unit from the beginning of the first processing unit contains the desired video data. In this way, the user can easily access the second processing unit containing the desired video data within the first processing unit.

[0088] (28) The processing for each processing unit includes a process of excluding video data included in the processing unit from a target for playback, It is preferable that the system has a function of omitting video data excluded from the playback target when playing back the video data recorded in the recording area.

[0089] It is possible to prevent video data excluded from being played back. For example, a user can exclude video data that the user does not want a third party to see from being played back. The attribute of the processing unit excluded from being played back can be set to "exclude from being played back" and the other processing units can be set to "not exclude from being played back." When playing back video data, the playback can be stopped when the video data excluded from being played back is reached, and more preferably, the video data excluded from being played back can be skipped and the playback of the video data that is not excluded from being played back can be continued.

[0090] The video data in a processing unit that has been excluded from playback is not deleted from the recording area. Therefore, the attribute of the processing unit that has been excluded from playback can be changed to "Do not exclude from playback." It can be returned.

[0091] (29) When the processing unit excluded from the playback target by the process of excluding it from the playback target includes the last piece of video data among the video data recorded in the latest cycle, it is preferable that the system overwrites the video data obtained by dividing the video data recorded in the recording area with new video data in chronological order, starting from the video data immediately after the last processing unit that has not been excluded from the playback target.

[0092] The time until the oldest video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle starts to be overwritten becomes longer. If video data that is not desired to be erased is recorded in the currently ongoing cycle, for example, there is time until the user performs a process to avoid overwriting. After the overwriting has progressed to the end of the video data that was recorded in the currently ongoing cycle and excluded from the playback target, for example, the video data recorded in the immediately previous cycle may be overwritten with new video data in order of oldest to newest.

[0093] (30) The functions of the system described in any one of (1) to (29) above may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions.

[0094] (31) Of the functions of any of the systems (18) to (26) above, at least the function of dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on predetermined division conditions and executing processing for each of the processing units may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the function.

[0095] The computer can be caused to execute a function of dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on a predetermined division condition and executing a process for each processing unit. Effect of the Invention

[0096] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that is easy for users to use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0097] [Figure 1] 1A, 1B, and 1C are respectively a perspective view seen obliquely from the front, a perspective view seen obliquely from the rear, and a bottom view of a drive recorder included in a system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the windshield, dashboard, etc. inside a vehicle with a drive recorder mounted thereon. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of video data recorded on an SD card by the drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the usage status of a recording area in which video data is recorded. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space of the recording area when video data is recorded in the recording area of ​​an SD card, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space of the recording area after it has been overwritten with new video data. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of a block, which is a transfer unit of video data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on an LCD display by a drive recorder according to the first embodiment when the overwrite mode is set to on, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on an LCD display when the overwrite mode is set to off. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an indicator of the period after the recording area is initialized and before video data is recorded, FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the first cycle after initialization is in progress, FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an indicator at the point when the first cycle after initialization is completed, FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the second cycle is in progress, FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an indicator at the point when the second cycle is completed, and FIG. 9F is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the third cycle is in progress. [Figure 10]10A to 10D are diagrams showing an indicator according to a modified example of the first embodiment, FIG. 10E is a diagram showing an example of displaying numbers instead of the graph indicator of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10F is a diagram showing an example of outputting by voice. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing indicators displayed by the drive recorder according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example of an indicator and an event occurrence mark displayed on a liquid crystal display by the drive recorder according to the third embodiment and its modified example. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an indicator and a mark indicating a position during overwriting displayed on a liquid crystal display of a drive recorder according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an indicator and a mark indicating the position during overwriting displayed on a liquid crystal display of a drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the memory space of an SD card used in a drive recorder according to the sixth embodiment is used. [Figure 16] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the division of memory space in an SD card used in a drive recorder according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on an LCD display by the drive recorder according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display by a drive recorder according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment, and FIGS. 17B to 17D are diagrams showing an example of how the icon of the SD card changes depending on the degree of deterioration. [Figure 18] FIG. 18A is an oblique view of the drive recorder according to the eighth embodiment seen diagonally from the rear, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on an LCD display by the drive recorder when the double mode is selected in the drive recorder according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19]19A to 19G are diagrams showing changes in an indicator displayed by a drive recorder according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an indicator displayed on a liquid crystal display by the drive recorder according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram of a system according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 21B is a block diagram of a personal computer. [Figure 22] Figures 22A and 22B are figures showing a screen for inputting classification conditions displayed on an LCD display by a drive recorder according to the tenth embodiment, and Figure 22C is a figure showing an example of an image in which the attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on an LCD display. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a timing chart during continuous recording in the drive recorder according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24A shows an image for inputting classification conditions displayed on a monitor of a personal computer according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 24B shows an example of an image in which attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on a monitor. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25A shows an image for inputting classification conditions displayed on a monitor of a personal computer according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 25B shows an example of an image in which attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on a monitor. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how to classify (create a list) when "1 minute", "2 minutes", "3 minutes", and "power on-off" are selected as the classification conditions. [Figure 27] FIG. 27A shows an image on the monitor after a user has selected a processing unit starting at 12:02:00 on January 1, 2016 and clicked the “Delete one” button, and FIG. 27B shows an example of an image on the monitor displaying the attributes of the processing unit after the unlisted flag has been set. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a sequence of frames of video data recorded in the recording area. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a diagram showing how overwriting is performed when the unlisted flag is not set for the block or frame located at the end of the latest cycle. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 shows how to overwrite a block or frame located at the end of the latest cycle when the unlisted flag is set. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing indicators displayed on the liquid crystal display of a drive recorder or on the monitor of a personal computer by a system according to the eleventh embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the allocation of memory space in an SD card used in a system according to the twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0098] [First Example] Hereinafter, as a first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the present system is realized by an on-vehicle drive recorder will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 9. FIG.

[0099] 1A, 1B, and 1C are respectively a perspective view seen obliquely from the front, a perspective view seen obliquely from the rear, and a bottom view of a drive recorder 1 included in a system according to a first embodiment. A camera including a lens 2 attached to the front is built into the drive recorder 1. A DC jack 3 is provided on one side, and an SD card insertion port 4 is provided on the other side. A speaker 5 and an HD output terminal 6 are provided on the bottom surface. A joint rail 7 is provided on the top surface. An LCD display 8 and a plurality of operation buttons 9 are provided on the back surface.

[0100] A camera including a lens 2 captures, for example, an image in front of the vehicle. The DC jack 3 is a jack for connecting to a DC power source via a power cable. The SD card insertion slot 4 is an insertion slot for inserting an SD card. The speaker 5 outputs sound and audio. The HD output terminal 6 is a terminal for connecting to another information device via a cable. The joint rail 7 is for attaching a joint for mounting the drive recorder 1 on the vehicle. The liquid crystal display 8 displays various images. The operation button 9 is for inputting various commands to the drive recorder 1 by the user operating it.

[0101] 2 is a diagram showing the windshield, dashboard, etc. inside a vehicle with the drive recorder 1 mounted thereon. The drive recorder 1 is disposed on the upper part of the vehicle's windshield 15, in a position adjacent to the rearview mirror 16 near the center in the left-right direction, on the passenger side. The drive recorder 1 is attached and fixed to the windshield 15 with a mounting member such as double-sided tape. The DC jack 3 (FIG. 1A) of the drive recorder 1 is connected to a cigarette lighter socket 18 via a power cable 17. When the vehicle's accessory power supply is turned on, power is supplied to the drive recorder 1 from the cigarette lighter socket 18.

[0102] 3 is a block diagram of the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment. The drive recorder 1 includes a controller 20, a camera 21, a database 22, a GPS receiver 23, an SD card reader 24, an acceleration sensor 25, a speaker 5, a liquid crystal display 8, and operation buttons 9. Strictly speaking, the SD card reader 24 should be called an "SD card reader / writer", but in this specification it is simply called an "SD card reader".

[0103] The speaker 5 and the liquid crystal display 8 function as output means for notifying the user of various information. The speaker 5 issues warnings and various information by sound or voice under the control of the controller 20. The liquid crystal display 8 displays various information by images under the control of the controller 20. The operation buttons 9 allow the user to input commands to the drive recorder 1. It functions as an input means for giving various commands.

[0104] The camera 21 functions as an imaging device that captures moving images within a viewing angle. The camera 21 outputs the captured moving images as video data to the controller 20. The controller 20 records the video on an SD card connected to the SD card reader 24 based on the video data input from the camera 21.

[0105] The database 22 is stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) externally attached to the controller 20. The database 22 includes, for example, map data.

[0106] The GPS receiver 23 detects the position information of the vehicle at the current time based on an instruction from the controller 20. The position information includes the time, the speed, latitude, and altitude of the vehicle, which are obtained based on signals from GPS satellites. The controller 20 performs a process of recording the history of this position information.

[0107] Under the control of the controller 20, the SD card reader 24 reads data from an SD card inserted into the SD card insertion slot 4 (FIG. 1B) and stores data in the SD card.

[0108] A three-axis type sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) is used as the acceleration sensor 25. The acceleration sensor 25 constantly outputs detection values ​​to the controller 20. The controller 20 acquires three-axis acceleration information, for example, every 10 ms.

[0109] The controller 20 is composed of a personal computer or the like having a known CPU 20a, memories such as a ROM 20b and a RAM 20c, a timer 20d, and other peripheral circuits. Various programs are stored in the ROM 20b of the controller 20. The controller 20 realizes various functions by executing these programs. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a GPS information processing program, an image processing program, and the like.

[0110] The controller 20 executes a GPS information processing program to store GPS information received by the GPS receiver 23 in an SD card connected to the SD card reader 24. The controller 20 executes a video processing program to continuously record video data in which the video captured by the camera 21 is associated with the time in a predetermined recording area of ​​the SD card. In this embodiment, the video data that the drive recorder 1 continuously records in the SD card is video data.

[0111] Next, the data structure of the video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 on the SD card will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The format of the SD card shown in Fig. 4 is not a common format such as a FAT file system (e.g., FAT32), but a format unique to this system (called the YP format).

[0112] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of video data that the drive recorder 1 records in the SD card. The drive recorder 1 records the video data in frame units in chronological order in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30. The memory space of the SD card 30 is divided into sectors of, for example, 512 bytes, and a position in the memory space can be specified by a sector number. Frames are of variable length, and one frame is stored in, for example, several sectors. Multiple frames are made up of frames (called I frames) that are coded without using inter-frame prediction, and frames (called P frames) that are compression coded using only forward prediction. In this embodiment, In this example, the entire memory space of the SD card 30 is reserved as a recording area 31 for continuous recording of video data.

[0113] Immediately after the drive recorder 1 is initialized, the entire recording area 31 of the SD card 30 is free. When the vehicle power supply is turned on and power supply to the drive recorder 1 is started, the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) starts recording the video data captured by the camera 21 in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30 in the order of sector numbers (sector order) with the start of power supply as a trigger. In the frame field that stores one frame of video data, in addition to the field that stores the video data itself, a frame header portion that stores attribute data of the video data is provided. As attribute data, the frame number and the running unit number are stored in the frame header portion. When the vehicle power supply is turned off and the supply of power to the drive recorder 1 is stopped, the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) stops recording the video data with the stop of the power supply as a trigger. The recording of video data performed during the period from when the power is turned on to when it is turned off is called "power on-off recording".

[0114] One driving unit includes frames of video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle's power is turned on to when it is turned off. The drive recorder 1 assigns the same driving unit number to frames within one driving unit, and increments the driving unit number by one each time a new driving unit starts. Although the vehicle does not always drive during the period when the vehicle's power is turned on, it is usually considered that the vehicle is driving for the majority of the time. Therefore, here, a collection of video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle's power is turned on to when it is turned off is defined as one driving unit.

[0115] Next, a method for constantly recording video data in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The drive recorder 1 constantly records video data based on an overwrite mode that indicates whether or not overwriting is permitted. The overwrite mode is set to on or off by a user operation. Setting the overwrite mode on corresponds to an "overwrite setting," and setting the overwrite mode off corresponds to a "no overwrite setting."

[0116] First, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for continuous recording when the overwrite mode is set to ON will be described.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the usage status of the recording area 31 in which video data is recorded. The diagrams on the left and right of FIG. 5 each show the entire recording area 31. The diagram on the left of FIG. 5 shows a state in which video data recording is started from the first sector of the recording area 31 and recorded up to the last sector. For example, video data of a plurality of driving units 32 is recorded in the recording area 31. When the current recording position reaches the last sector, the recording returns to the first sector and starts overwriting the video data. In this specification, the process of starting recording of video data from the first sector to recording video data up to the last sector is referred to as a "cycle". When one cycle ends, the drive recorder 1 starts a new cycle and repeats this cycle. As the recording positions in the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle, sectors specified by the first sector number and the last sector number in the recording area 31 are adopted, respectively.

[0118] When one cycle C(n) in the currently ongoing running unit 32 ends, a new cycle C(n+1) begins. In the new cycle C(n+1), the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) is overwritten with new video data in chronological order. At this time, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5, the recording area 31 contains a mixture of areas in which video data has been recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) and areas in which video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) that has not yet been overwritten remains.

[0119] Next, a method for recording video data in the recording area 31 and a method for determining that one cycle has ended will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7. FIG.

[0120] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space of the recording area 31 when recording video data in the recording area 31 of the SD card. The drive recorder 1 temporarily stores the video data captured by the camera 21 in the buffer memory 20e. The drive recorder 1 secures the buffer memory 20e, for example, in the RAM 20c (FIG. 3). The DMA controller transfers the video data in the buffer memory 20e to a predetermined destination area 33 in the recording area 31 based on an instruction from the controller 20. The destination area 33 is located immediately after the end of the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). That is, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the oldest video data that was recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) and remains at the present time with the new video data.

[0121] 6B is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space of the recording area 31 after the drive recorder 1 overwrites new video data. The end position (current overwrite position) of the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) advances to the end position of the destination area 33.

[0122] Next, a method of continuous recording when the overwrite mode is set to OFF will be described. When the overwrite mode is OFF, when there is no free space in the recording area 31 shown in FIG. 4 in the first cycle after the initialization of the recording area 31, that is, when the recording of the video data in a mode in which the old video data is not overwritten is completed, the continuous recording of the video data in the recording area 31 is stopped.

[0123] 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of a block 26, which is a transfer unit of video data. A frame field 27 storing the video data to be transferred is sandwiched between area information fields 28. A predetermined number of frames of video data, for example 60 frames, are stored in the frame field 27. The frame field 27 has a field for storing video data and a frame header portion for storing frame attributes for each frame. When the video data to be recorded is 30 fps video data, the time length of the video data for 60 frames corresponds to 2 seconds. The area information field 28 stores the attributes of the video data in the frame field 27, link information to the position in the recording area 31 of the block 26 previously transferred to the recording area 31, and the like.

[0124] Next, a cycle end condition that ends one cycle and starts a new cycle will be described.

[0125] The end condition for the first cycle after the recording area 31 is initialized is that there is no free space available for recording video data in the recording area 31. The end condition for the second or subsequent cycles is that, when old video data is being overwritten with new video data, there is no area available for overwriting video data (hereinafter referred to as overwritable area) in the area recorded in the previous cycle (the previous cycle C(n) shown in FIG. 5). In other words, it is determined that the cycle end condition is met when the capacity of the free space or overwritable area becomes smaller than the lower limit of the capacity required for recording video data.

[0126] The capacity required for recording video data is the capacity of one block 26 (FIG. 7). By comparing the free space remaining in the recording area or the capacity that can be overwritten in the currently ongoing cycle with the capacity of one block 26 (FIG. 7), it is possible to determine whether the cycle end condition has been met. When this cycle end condition is adopted, The capacity of the recording area 31 occupied by the video data recorded in this cycle corresponds to the total capacity of the recording area 31.

[0127] Next, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIG. 1B) by the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9A to 9F.

[0128] 8A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 when the overwrite mode is set to ON. The screen of the liquid crystal display 8 is partitioned into an upper end area (hereinafter referred to as the mode display area) 41 located at the upper end, a lower end area (hereinafter referred to as the time display area) 42 located at the lower end, and an image display area 40 sandwiched between them. Icons indicating various modes are displayed in the mode display area 41. The current image captured by the camera 21 is displayed in real time in the image display area 40. The image display area 40 functions as a finder for the camera 21. The current time is displayed in numbers in the time display area 42.

[0129] The drive recorder 1 displays an indicator 50 as a graphic within the image display area 40, for example near the right end, superimposed on the current image captured by the camera 21. The indicator 50 has a vertically long belt-like shape (for example, a bar shape). The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) displays the indicator 50 on the liquid crystal display 8 so that the upper and lower ends do not extend beyond the image display area 40. The function of the indicator 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9F.

[0130] Fig. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 when the overwrite mode is set to OFF. Below, a description will be given of the differences from the image shown in Fig. 8A when the overwrite mode is set to ON.

[0131] When the overwrite mode is off, the drive recorder 1 does not display the indicator 50 (FIG. 8A), but displays the remaining recordable time in numbers in addition to the current time in the time display area 42. The remaining recordable time is calculated by the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) based on the capacity of the free space in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) (the capacity available for recording video data in the recording area 31 in the currently ongoing cycle), the capacity of the block 26 (FIG. 7) which is the transfer unit of video data, and the number of frames per second.

[0132] Next, the operation and function of the indicator 50 (FIG. 8A) will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9F. In Figures 9A to 9F, green, light blue, and pink are represented by the lowest density dot pattern, the medium density dot pattern, and the high density dot pattern, respectively. In the drive recorder 1, the indicator 50 is configured as a vertically long band-shaped figure.

[0133] The position of the indicator 50 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the position within the recording area 31 (FIG. 4). The top end 51 of the indicator 50 corresponds to the first sector of the recording area 31, i.e., the position where video data is recorded at the start of one cycle, and the bottom end 52 corresponds to the last sector of the recording area 31, i.e., the position where video data is recorded at the end of one cycle. The top end 51 and bottom end 52 of the indicator 50 are referred to as the start position 51 and end position 52, respectively.

[0134] 9A is a diagram showing the indicator 50 after the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) has been initialized and before video data is recorded. Immediately after the initialization, the drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 from the start position 51 to the end position 52 in green. That is, the portion corresponding to the free area in the recording area 31 is filled in green.

[0135] FIG. 9B shows indicator 50 during the first cycle after initialization. As the continuous recording of the video data progresses in the first cycle, the drive recorder 1 fills in the green part of the indicator 50 with light blue in accordance with the area of ​​the continuous recorded video data in the recording area 31. The boundary between the green part and the light blue part becomes a mark 53 indicating the current position where the video data is being recorded. As the video data is recorded in the recording area 31, the mark 53 moves from the start position 51 to the end position 52. The distance from the start position 51 to the mark 53 corresponds to the capacity of the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle, more precisely, the capacity of the recording area 31 occupied by the video data. The distance from the end position 52 to the mark 53 corresponds to the capacity of the free space in the recording area 31. The total length of the indicator 50 corresponds to the total capacity of the recording area 31.

[0136] 9C is a diagram showing the indicator 50 at the end of the first cycle after initialization. The drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 from the start position 51 to the end position 52 with light blue. When the overwrite mode is set to on, the drive recorder 1 starts the second cycle after filling the entire indicator 50 with light blue (after recording video data in the entire recording area 31 for continuous recording). When the overwrite mode is set to off, continuous recording is stopped at the point when the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 that was green is filled with light blue.

[0137] FIG. 9D is a diagram showing the indicator 50 during the period when the second cycle is in progress. In the second cycle, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the video data recorded in the first cycle with new video data. The light blue part is filled with pink in accordance with the area overwritten by the continuous recording in the second cycle. The boundary between the light blue part and the pink part becomes a mark 54 indicating the current position where the video data is being overwritten. The indicator 50 with the mark 54 serves as a figure indicating the overwrite position information. As the video data is overwritten in the recording area 31, the mark 54 moves from the start position 51 toward the end position 52. The distance from the start position 51 to the mark 54 corresponds to the capacity of the video data overwritten in the currently ongoing cycle, more precisely, the capacity of the recording area 31 occupied by the video data. The distance from the end position 52 to the mark 54 corresponds to the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the immediately previous cycle and remaining up to the present time without being overwritten.

[0138] 9E is a diagram showing indicator 50 at the end of the second cycle. Drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​indicator 50 from start position 51 to end position 52 in pink. When indicator 50 is filled with the pink area, it starts the third cycle.

[0139] FIG. 9F is a diagram showing the indicator 50 during the period when the third cycle is in progress. In the third cycle, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the video data recorded in the immediately preceding second cycle with new video data. The drive recorder 1 fills in the pink parts with light blue in accordance with the areas overwritten by continuous recording in the currently ongoing third cycle. After that, the drive recorder 1 alternates between light blue and pink as the color for filling in the indicator 50 each time a new cycle is started.

[0140] [Effects of the first embodiment] Next, the effects of adopting the configuration of the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0141] By visually checking the relative positions of the start position 51, end position 52, and marks 53, 54 of the indicator 50 (Figures 9B, 9D, and 9F), the user can visually recognize the position within the recording area 31 where the latest video data is recorded.

[0142] When the overwrite mode is set to ON, old video data recorded in the recording area 31 is overwritten with new video data. However, some video data recorded in the recording area 31 may be desired to be kept and not erased. The user may memorize the position of the mark 53 (FIG. 9B) or the mark 54 (FIG. 9D, FIG. 9F) displayed on the indicator 50 when video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0143] After a new cycle begins, the user can easily notice a situation in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is likely to be overwritten with new video data, based on the distance from the position of the mark 54 (FIGS. 9D and 9F) shown on the indicator 50 to the position where the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded. Since it becomes possible to notice a situation in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is likely to be overwritten before it is actually overwritten, the user can take an action to avoid the overwriting. Examples of the action to avoid the overwriting include turning off the power of the drive recorder 1 and removing the SD card from the SD card insertion port 4 (FIG. 1B).

[0144] In the first embodiment, information indicating the current overwrite position is displayed graphically as an indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D and 9F) including a mark 54. This allows the user to visually recognize the overwrite position information by looking at the displayed graphic. This makes it easier for the user to notice a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data.

[0145] The user can intuitively grasp the size of the portions in the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9A to 9F) that are given the same color, thereby recognizing the positions of the marks 53, 54 (FIGS. 9B, 9D, and 9F) in the indicator 50. The user can immediately recognize the state in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten, by seeing the situation in which the marks are approaching the position where the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0146] Since the color of each portion in the indicator 50 remains unchanged until it is overwritten in a new cycle, the user can remember which color area of ​​the entire recording area 31 the video data that the user wants to keep without being overwritten is recorded in. As the area of ​​the color remembered by the user is overwritten and becomes smaller, the user can foresee the occurrence of a situation in which the video data that the user wants to keep without being overwritten will be overwritten. Furthermore, as the area of ​​the color remembered by the user disappears, the user can recognize that the video data that the user wants to keep has been overwritten.

[0147] For example, it is easy to see whether something recorded in the past is about to be overwritten. It is easy to see whether video data recorded yesterday will be overwritten. Since the indicator 50 can be colored in only two colors, the overwrite status is easy to see.

[0148] In the first embodiment, the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9B, 9C) displayed during the first cycle after initialization and the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) displayed during the second or subsequent cycles are displayed in different modes. Specifically, the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9B, 9C) displayed during the first cycle is painted in green and light blue, and the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) displayed during the second or subsequent cycles is painted in light blue and pink.

[0149] By visually checking the color of the indicator 50, the user can easily recognize whether the currently ongoing cycle is the first cycle after initialization or the second or subsequent cycle. When the currently ongoing cycle is the first cycle, the user does not need to worry about old video data being overwritten. Furthermore, the user can easily notice that the second or subsequent cycle, in which old video data may be overwritten, has started.

[0150] In the first embodiment described above, the end condition for the first cycle after the recording area 31 is initialized is that there is no more free area in the recording area 31 in which video data can be recorded. The end condition for the second and subsequent cycles is that there is no more overwritable area. By employing such cycle end conditions, video data can be recorded in an area corresponding to the entire recording area 31 in one cycle. This maximizes the capacity of the recording area 31 that can be recorded in one cycle. As a result, the grace period before old video data is overwritten is longer.

[0151] In the first embodiment described above, when the overwrite mode is on, the indicator 50 is displayed as shown in Fig. 8A, and when the overwrite mode is off, the indicator 50 is not displayed as shown in Fig. 8B. This allows the user to easily recognize whether the overwrite mode is currently on or off by looking at the information displayed on the screen (by checking the presence or absence of the indicator 50). When the overwrite mode is on, the user can easily notice a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by looking at the displayed indicator 50.

[0152] Furthermore, when the overwrite mode is off, the remaining recordable time is displayed as shown in FIG. 8B. The user can easily recognize the remaining recordable time by looking at the displayed information. For example, the remaining recordable time is useful information for the user as to whether or not to prepare to replace the SD card. Also, since the remaining time is not displayed when the overwrite mode is on, and the remaining time is displayed when the overwrite mode is off, it is easy to see whether the overwrite mode is on or off.

[0153] Furthermore, it is easy to notice an error in setting the overwrite mode. For example, when the overwrite mode is set to off and the entire recording area 31 (FIG. 4) for continuous recording is in a recorded state (FIG. 9C), if the overwrite mode is mistakenly set to on, the light blue part of the indicator 50 starts to be eroded by the pink part. This makes it easy for the user to notice that the overwrite mode has been mistakenly set to on. If the SD card is removed at the point when the pink part starts to erode the light blue part, the damage caused by the recorded video data being mistakenly overwritten can be minimized.

[0154] [Modification of the first embodiment] Next, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the boundaries of two areas painted in different colors are used as the mark 53 (FIG. 9B) indicating the current recording position in the indicator 50 and the mark 54 (FIGS. 9D, 9F) indicating the current overwriting position. Alternatively, the marks 53 and 54 may be horizontal lines extending in the width direction of the indicator 50 as shown in FIG. 10A, or may be triangular symbols as shown in FIG. 10B, or may be arrow symbols as shown in FIG. 10C.

[0155] In the first embodiment, a bar-shaped graphic (bar graph) is used as the indicator 50, but a pie chart may also be used as the indicator 50.

[0156] Fig. 10D shows an example of the indicator 50 displayed as a pie chart. In this case, the capacity of the entire recording area 31 may correspond to a central angle of 360°. The capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 in the current cycle may be indicated as a sector. For example, one radius 55 may correspond to the start position 51 and the end position 52 (Figs. 9A to 9F), and a radius 56 at a position separated by a certain central angle from the radius 55 corresponding to the start position may correspond to the marks 53 and 54 (Figs. 9B, 9D, and 9F).

[0157] By using a graph such as a bar graph or a pie chart as the indicator 50, the user can intuitively grasp numerical information by looking at the displayed graph.

[0158] Instead of displaying the indicator 50 as a graph, it may be displayed as a number as shown in Fig. 10E. For example, it may be displayed as a percentage of the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle to the total capacity of the recording area 31. This ratio may also be displayed as a fraction.

[0159] Instead of displaying the indicator 50 on the screen, it may be output as sound from the speaker 5 (FIGS. 1C and 3). For example, a numerical value indicating the ratio between the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle and the total capacity of the recording area 31 may be output as sound. For example, a sound such as "Now overwriting at 30% of the total position" may be output.

[0160] In the first embodiment, the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9A to 9F) is colored in green, light blue, and pink, but it may be colored in other colors. During the second or subsequent cycle, the color to be applied to the portion of the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) from the start position 51 to the mark 54 may be selected from a number of color candidates that do not include the color to be applied to the empty area after initialization. The color to be selected may be cycled through the multiple color candidates as the number of cycles increases.

[0161] The multiple colors that are used to paint the indicator 50 may be distinguished by one of the three attributes of color: hue, saturation, and brightness, and more preferably by different hues. By distinguishing multiple colors by hue, the user can remember the colors by words that represent the colors.

[0162] A cycle end condition for ending one cycle may be different from the end condition used in Example 1. For example, the cycle end condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cycle.

[0163] In the first embodiment, the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) for recording video data is secured in the memory space of the SD card, but it may be secured in other removable media. When using removable media other than an SD card, a connection means corresponding to the removable media to be used may be provided in place of the SD card insertion slot 4 (FIG. 1) and the SD card reader 24 (FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the entire memory space in the removable media is used as the recording area 31, but a part of the memory space may be secured as the recording area 31 for continuous recording. In this case, for example, other areas of the memory space in the removable media can be used for other purposes.

[0164] In the first embodiment, moving image data is used as the video data to be recorded in the recording area 31. However, for example, data of a plurality of still images captured in time series by a camera at regular time intervals may be used.

[0165] In the first embodiment, the sectors specified by the first sector number and the last sector number are used as the recording positions in the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle, but the start and end positions may be specified by other methods. For example, the positions specified by the first and last physical addresses in the recording area may be used as the recording positions in the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle. In this case, it is preferable to record video data from the first physical address to the last physical address as time passes.

[0166] In the first embodiment, a format unique to this system (called the YP format) is used as the format for the memory space of the SD card, but other formats may be used. For example, a general format such as the FAT file system (e.g., FAT32) may be used.

[0167] [Second Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

[0168] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, one driving unit 32 is constituted by video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle power is turned on to when it is turned off. However, as shown in Figs. 9A to 9F, the indicator 50 does not display the boundaries of the driving units 32. In the second embodiment, the indicator 50 displays the boundaries of the driving units 32.

[0169] 11 is a diagram showing an indicator 50 displayed by the drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment. The video data of the immediately preceding cycle C(n) is overwritten by the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). The indicator 50 includes portions corresponding to a plurality of travel units 32. For each of these travel units 32, a different color is applied to the corresponding portion of the indicator 50.

[0170] 11, as an example, the video data of the i-th running unit 32 is recorded across the immediately preceding cycle C(n) and the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). The video data of the (i-2)-th running unit 32 is overwritten with the video data of the currently ongoing (i+1)-th running unit 32. As a mark 54 indicating the position during overwriting, in addition to the boundary line of the different colored parts, a symbol (e.g., a triangular symbol) is used.

[0171] By looking at the indicator 50, the user can easily recognize the division of the driving units 32 of the video data. Furthermore, by remembering the position in the graphic of the driving unit 32 of the current video data, the user can easily identify the position in the future where the current video data is recorded. For example, it is advisable to remember that the (i+1)th driving unit 32, which is the current driving unit 32, is the second driving unit 32 from the top of the indicator 50. Based on the information that it is "second from the top," the user can identify the position in the indicator 50 of the driving unit 32 in which the current video data is recorded in the future.

[0172] In the second embodiment, since a different color is assigned to each running unit 32, the user can remember the current (i+1)th running unit 32 by its color. That is, the user can remember the part corresponding to the running unit 32 containing the video data that the user does not want to erase by the color assigned to the part corresponding to that running unit 32. For example, when an incident occurs in which the user wants to keep the video data, the user can remember the color of the part corresponding to the running unit 32 at that time. The user can know that overwriting may be performed until the mark 54 indicating the position currently being overwritten reaches the part of the color of the running unit 32 in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded (for example, until the part of that color is about to start being erased). When the mark 54 indicating the position currently being overwritten reaches just before the part of that color, the user can know that it is sufficient to replace the SD card. The user can know the time to perform an operation to avoid overwriting by the distance between the mark 54 indicating the position currently being overwritten and the part of the color of the running unit 32 in which the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0173] It is advisable to prepare a greater number of colors than the number of running units 32 expected to be included in one indicator 50 as candidates for colors to be applied to the portions corresponding to these running units 32. This prevents the same color from appearing in two or more places in the indicator 50. If a number of running units 32 appear in the indicator 50 that is greater than the number of color candidates prepared, the colors may be cyclically used in the order starting from the color applied to the portion corresponding to the oldest running unit 32.

[0174] In the second embodiment, different colors are used for each travel unit 32 in the indicator 50, but the indicator 50 may be displayed in a manner that allows the separation of each travel unit 32 to be recognized. For example, a mark such as a horizontal line may be added to the location where the travel unit 32 is separated, and more preferably, each travel unit 32 may be color-coded as in the second embodiment.

[0175] [Third Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12A and 12B. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0176] In the third embodiment, the occurrence of an event is detected during a period in which video data is constantly being recorded in the recording area 31. Events include, for example, two types: a G-sensor event and a one-touch event. A G-sensor event occurs when the acceleration sensor 25 (Fig. 3) detects an impact of a certain magnitude or greater. A one-touch event occurs when the user performs an operation using the operation button 9 (Figs. 1 and 3) to notify the occurrence of an event. The acceleration sensor 25, the operation button 9, and the controller 20 (Fig. 3) function as event detection means.

[0177] When the drive recorder 1 detects the occurrence of an event, it displays an event occurrence mark, which notifies the occurrence of the event, in association with the indicator 50, based on the position in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) where the video data at that time is recorded. Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 assigns an attribute called "event occurrence" to the video data recorded when the event occurs. This attribute is stored in the area information field 28 (FIG. 7) or in the header portion of each frame in the frame field 27.

[0178] 12A is a diagram showing an example of an indicator 50 and an event occurrence mark 57 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the third embodiment. The drive recorder 1 fills in the areas corresponding to the immediately preceding cycle C(n) and the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) in different colors. The boundary between these two areas becomes a mark 54 indicating the overwrite position.

[0179] The drive recorder 1 displays an event occurrence mark 57 at a location on the indicator 50 where an event has occurred. As the event occurrence mark 57, a horizontal line extending in the width direction of the indicator 50 is displayed within the indicator 50. The horizontal line serving as the event occurrence mark 57 is given a different color for each event.

[0180] The distance between the mark 54 indicating the current overwrite position and the event occurrence mark 57 makes it easy for the user to notice a situation in which the video data at the time when the specified event occurred is likely to be overwritten with new video data. For example, it becomes possible to notice a situation in which the video data at the time when the specified event occurred is likely to be overwritten before the video data is actually overwritten. This allows the user to perform an operation to avoid the video data that the user wants to keep at the time when the specified event occurred from being overwritten. If the recording area 31 is secured in the SD card, the user can simply remove the SD card from the drive recorder 1 to avoid overwriting.

[0181] Even if the drive recorder according to the third embodiment is a device dedicated to continuous recording without an event recording function, the user can know the position where the event occurred and can also record new images up to that position. You can see that it is okay to overwrite the data. You can replace the SD card before the overwrite position is reached.

[0182] Since the color of the event occurrence mark 57 differs for each event, the user can easily recognize the position where the video data of the event that the user wants to keep is recorded. From the distance between the mark 54 indicating the position currently being overwritten and the position where the video data of the event that the user wants to keep is recorded, the user can know the time remaining before performing an operation to avoid overwriting.

[0183] 12B, an icon 59 corresponding to an event type may be displayed near the horizontal line that is the event occurrence mark 57. Event types include a G-sensor event and a one-touch event. This makes it easier for the user to remember the location where an event occurred for which the user wants to keep the video data.

[0184] When the FAT file system is used as the format for the recording area 31 of the SD card, it is advisable to store the attribute "event occurrence" to be added to the video data in an area within the file.

[0185] [Fourth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0186] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of an indicator 50 and a mark 54 indicating the position being overwritten, displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by the drive recorder 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the indicator 50 is painted in a different color for each driving unit 32. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) calculates a grace period T1 from the current time until the start of overwriting of the video data at the start point (start point of continuous recording) of the driving unit 32 next to the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten. The grace period T1 can be calculated based on the capacity from the current overwriting position to the start point of the driving unit 32 next to the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten. The calculation of the grace period T1 is performed periodically at a fixed time interval.

[0187] The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) compares a predetermined notification threshold T0 with the grace period T1. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the grace period T1 becomes equal to or less than the notification threshold T0, the drive recorder 1 notifies by voice that overwriting of the next driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten will start. When notifying by voice, the drive recorder 1 notifies the date and time when the first video data of the driving unit 32 that will start overwriting next was acquired, or the date and time when the last video data of the driving unit 32 was acquired. For example, the speaker 5 (FIGS. 1 and 3) issues a voice saying, "Overwriting of the video data from XX / XX / XX will start soon," or "Overwriting of the video data recorded during the driving period that ended XX / XX / XX will start soon."

[0188] The user should remember which driving unit 32 contains important video data that the user does not want to erase. When the user notices the notification that overwriting of the driving unit 32 containing important video data that the user does not want to erase will begin, the user can take measures to prevent the video data that the user does not want to erase from being erased. The notification threshold T0 may be set to, for example, a sufficient time (e.g., about 3 minutes) for the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe place and perform an operation to avoid overwriting. For example, the user may perform an operation to remove the SD card from the drive recorder 1 or an operation to replace the SD card to avoid overwriting.

[0189] Since the notification is given by audio output, the driver can notice the notification without looking away.

[0190] Instead of informing the user that the data will be overwritten, the user may be informed of the grace period until the data is overwritten. The grace period may be notified in a certain time interval. The user can recognize that the grace period until the data is overwritten on the running unit 32 including the video data that the user does not want to erase is getting shorter and shorter.

[0191] [Fifth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Below, differences from the fourth embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the notification performed in the fourth embodiment is performed at engine start (for example, at the start of continuous recording), etc.

[0192] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the indicator 50 and the mark 54 indicating the position during overwriting displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by the drive recorder 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, a grace period T1 from the current time until the start of overwriting of the video data at the start of the driving unit 32 next to the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten is calculated at regular time intervals. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, a scheduled period T2 until the start of overwriting of the driving unit 32 next to the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten is calculated at a time triggered by the start of power supply to the drive recorder 1. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) notifies the calculated scheduled period T2 by voice from the speaker 5. For example, the drive recorder 1 outputs a voice from the speaker 5 saying, "Overwriting of the video data from XX:XX on XX date will start in 15 minutes."

[0193] When power supply to the system starts (for example, when the accessory power of the vehicle is turned on or when the engine is started), the user can recognize the scheduled time T2 until overwriting of the oldest unoverwritten driving unit 32 starts. For example, if the oldest unoverwritten driving unit 32 contains video data that the user does not want to erase, the user can perform an operation to avoid overwriting of this video data, such as replacing the SD card, when power supply to the system starts.

[0194] [Sixth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0195] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the memory space of the SD card used in the drive recorder 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the first embodiment, the entire memory space of the SD card is reserved as the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) for continuous recording. In contrast to this, in the sixth embodiment, in addition to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, a parking monitoring recording area 38 and an event recording area 39 are secured in the memory space of the SD card. The drive recorder 1 records video data during the period when the vehicle is parked with the accessory power supply of the vehicle turned off in the parking monitoring recording area 38. Video data for a certain period before and after the occurrence of an event is recorded in the event recording area 39.

[0196] The recording area 31 for continuous recording includes an area in which video data is recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1) and an area in which video data is recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n).

[0197] The user can change the amount of storage capacity allocated to the continuous recording recording area 31, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39. In FIG. 15, the amount of storage capacity allocated to the continuous recording recording area 31 and the event recording area 39 is reduced, and the parking surveillance recording area 39 is increased. An example of increasing the allocation amount to the area 38 will be shown.

[0198] When the amount of storage capacity allocated to the continuous recording recording area 31, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39 is changed, the drive recorder 1 initializes all of the continuous recording recording area 31, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39. This initialization is performed regardless of whether each area has been enlarged or reduced. The initialization makes all of these areas free space. Simultaneously with or after the initialization of the continuous recording recording area 31, the indicator 50 turns green as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0199] When the capacity of a recording area and another recording area is changed, all areas are initialized, so inconsistencies are unlikely to occur. For example, when the recording area 31 for constant recording is expanded, the expanded area does not necessarily need to be initialized. In the sixth embodiment, initialization is performed even when the recording area 31 for constant recording is expanded, so that inconsistencies that may occur due to changes in capacity allocation can be easily avoided.

[0200] [Seventh Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16A to 17D. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0201] 16A is a diagram showing the usage division of the memory space of the SD card 30 used in the drive recorder 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In addition to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, a management area 35 for storing the number of writes and the like is secured in the memory space of the SD card 30. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) counts the total number of cycles in which video data was recorded in the recording area 31, the number of cycles in which video data was recorded after initializing (formatting) the recording area 31, and the number of initializations, and stores the count results in the management area 35.

[0202] 16B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the drive recorder 1 displays, for example, in the time display area 42, the total number of cycles in which video data was recorded in the recording area 31 (total number of overwrites), the number of cycles in which video data was recorded after the recording area 31 was initialized (number of overwrites after initialization), and the count result of the number of initializations.

[0203] The user can infer the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 from the total number of cycles performed on the recording area 31 for continuous recording. For example, this degree of deterioration is useful information for determining whether or not to replace the SD card 30. For example, if the format of the recording area 31 has a characteristic in which file fragmentation progresses as the number of overwrites increases after initialization, the number of cycles in which video data has been recorded after initialization is useful information for determining the timing of initialization. The user can determine whether or not to initialize based on the number of cycles performed after initialization.

[0204] Based on the total number of cycles and the number of initializations, the user can know how many cycles the initialization was performed on average. For example, it is advisable to state how many cycles the initialization should be performed after in the instruction manual of the drive recorder 1. Based on the number of cycles per initialization and the recommended number of cycles stated in the instruction manual, the user can know whether the initialization was performed too frequently or not frequently.

[0205] [Modification of the Seventh Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A to 17D. In the seventh embodiment, the total number of overwrites is displayed in the time display area 42 as a number. However, in this modification, the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 is displayed as an image.

[0206] 17A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. The drive recorder 1 displays an icon 44 of the SD card 30 (FIG. 16A) in, for example, the mode display area 41. The total number of overwrites of the SD card 30 is an index of the deterioration level of the SD card 30. The drive recorder 1 changes the icon 44 of the SD card 30 according to the deterioration level of the SD card 30 in a manner that allows the user to easily recognize the deterioration level.

[0207] 17B to 17D are diagrams showing an example of how the icon 44 of the SD card changes according to the degree of deterioration. In the example shown in FIG. 17B, the icon 44 is displayed to gradually break down as the deterioration progresses. More specifically, the icon 44 changes from a normal state (as if it were brand new) to a cracked state and then to a shattered state as the deterioration progresses. In the example shown in FIG. 17C, the icon 44 is displayed to gradually decay as the deterioration progresses. In the example shown in FIG. 17D, the color of the icon 44 gradually changes from a light color (e.g., white) to a dark color (e.g., black) as the deterioration progresses.

[0208] In addition to the icon 44, information that changes according to the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 8. For example, the shape or color of the indicator 50 may be changed. For example, the color filling the indicator 50 may be changed as the deterioration progresses, or the shape of the indicator 50 may be changed. When changing the color filling the indicator 50, it is preferable to change from a light color to a dark color as the number of cycles increases.

[0209] By changing the icon 44 or indicator 50 according to the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30, the user can easily know when to replace the SD card 30.

[0210] [Eighth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18A, 18B, and 19A to 19G. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the first embodiment, one SD card was used to constantly record video data, but in the eighth embodiment, two SD cards are used.

[0211] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the drive recorder 1 according to the eighth embodiment, seen from the diagonal rear. Two SD card insertion slots 4 are provided on the side of the drive recorder 1, arranged vertically. A drive recorder 1 provided with two SD card insertion slots 4 is called a double slot type. An SD card is inserted into each of the two SD card insertion slots 4. Two modes are available: a mode in which the recording area 31 for continuous recording (FIG. 4) is secured across two SD cards (hereinafter referred to as double mode); and a mode in which the recording area 31 for continuous recording is secured only on one SD card, and other video data is recorded on the other SD card (hereinafter referred to as single mode). Either mode can be selected by the user's operation. When the double mode is selected, the drive recorder 1 records video data for continuous recording in sequence from the SD card inserted in one SD card insertion slot 4 to the SD card inserted in the other SD card insertion slot 4.

[0212] FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 according to the eighth embodiment when the double mode is selected. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) displays two vertically long indicators 50 arranged vertically in a single straight line near the right end of the video display area 40. The upper and lower indicators 50 respectively represent the recording areas 31 secured on the SD cards inserted in the upper and lower SD card insertion slots 4 (FIG. 18A). The top end of the upper indicator 50 indicates the recording area 31 secured for continuous recording. the lower end of the lower indicator 50 is the end position 52 of recording in the recording area 31 for continuous recording.

[0213] When the single mode is selected, the drive recorder 1 displays only one indicator 50 representing the recording area 31 for continuous recording.

[0214] When the recording areas 31 of the two SD cards are initialized, the drive recorder 1 fills the entire areas of the two indicators 50 with green, as shown in Fig. 19A. During continuous recording, a mark 53 indicating the current recording position moves downward from a start position 51, as shown in Fig. 19B. When the mark 53 reaches the bottom end of the upper indicator 50, the mark 53 moves to the top end of the lower indicator 50, as shown in Fig. 19C, and then starts moving from the top end toward an end position 52. The first cycle ends when the entire areas of the two indicators 50 are filled with light blue, as shown in Fig. 19D.

[0215] When the drive recorder 1 starts the second cycle, the mark 54 starts to move downward from the start position 51 of the upper indicator 50, and the portion from the start position 51 to the mark 54 is filled in pink. As shown in FIG. 19F, the second cycle ends when the entire area of ​​the two indicators 50 is filled in pink. After that, when the drive recorder 1 starts the third cycle, the mark 54 starts to move downward from the start position 51 of the upper indicator 50, as shown in FIG. 19G. At this time, the portion from the start position 51 to the mark 54 is filled in light blue. In this way, the two indicators 50 are combined and change in the same way as the single indicator 50 of the first embodiment.

[0216] When the mark 54 is located within the lower indicator 50, the drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the upper indicator 50 and the portion of the lower indicator 50 from the top end to the mark 54 with the same color.

[0217] The user can intuitively know whether the double mode or the single mode is currently selected simply by looking at the display of the indicator 50.

[0218] In the eighth embodiment, when the single mode is selected, only one indicator 50 is displayed, but the indicators 50 may be displayed side by side. One indicator 50 corresponds to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, and the other indicator 50 corresponds to the area for recording other video data.

[0219] In the eighth embodiment, the recording area 31 for continuous recording is secured on two SD cards, but the recording area 31 for continuous recording may be secured on three or more SD cards. In this case, it is preferable to display the indicators 50 corresponding to the number of SD cards arranged vertically.

[0220] [Ninth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Below, differences from the eighth embodiment will be described, and explanations of common configurations will be omitted. In the eighth embodiment, the two indicators 50 are filled with two different colors, but in the ninth embodiment, each travel unit 32 is filled with a different color, as in the second embodiment (Fig. 11).

[0221] 20 is a diagram showing an example of indicators 50 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the ninth embodiment. The drive recorder 1 fills the two indicators 50 with different colors for each driving unit 32. A mark 54 indicating the current overwrite position is displayed at the end of the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1).

[0222] When video data for one running unit 32 is recorded across two SD cards, the portion corresponding to one running unit 32 spans both the upper indicator 50 and the lower indicator 50. The portion corresponding to one running unit 32 that spans two indicators 50 is filled in with the same color.

[0223] The user can intuitively grasp the driving unit 32 in which the video data is recorded across two SD cards. If the user wants to view the video data of the driving unit 32 across two SD cards on another information device such as a personal computer, the user can intuitively understand that the two SD cards need to be removed from the drive recorder 1.

[0224] [Tenth Example] Next, a system according to the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21A to 30. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of common configurations will be omitted. Below, an example in which the system according to the tenth embodiment is realized by an in-vehicle drive recorder, or an in-vehicle drive recorder and a personal computer will be described.

[0225] In the tenth embodiment, a unique format (called the YP format) is used as the format for the continuous recording recording area 31 (FIG. 4) of the SD card. On an SD card initialized in the YP format, reserved areas such as the boot sector used in the FAT file system and the file allocation table area are not secured.

[0226] 21A is a schematic diagram of a system according to a tenth embodiment. This system includes a drive recorder 1 and a personal computer 60. The SD card 30, which is attached to the drive recorder 1 and on which video data and the like are recorded by the drive recorder 1, is removed from the drive recorder 1 and attached to an SD card reader 61 connected to the personal computer 60. This allows the personal computer 60 to process the video data. Conversely, information stored in the SD card 30 by the personal computer 60 can be read by the drive recorder 1.

[0227] 21B is a block diagram of a personal computer 60. The personal computer 60 is equipped with a microprocessing unit (MPU) 62. A ROM 63 and a RAM 64 are connected to the MPU 62. A hard disk drive 65, a keyboard 66, and a monitor 67 are also connected to the MPU 62 via corresponding interfaces, etc. Furthermore, an SD card reader 61, a mouse 68, and a printer 69 are also connected to the MPU 62 via a USB port of the personal computer 60. The hard disk drive 65 stores the operating system (OS) of the personal computer 60, application programs that run on the OS, various data, etc.

[0228] A user can launch a desired application program by utilizing the functions of the OS, for example by double-clicking an icon for launching the application program using mouse 68. The launched application program is executed by MPU 62, whereby personal computer 60 realizes the function desired by the user.

[0229] The system according to the tenth embodiment can divide the video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 into smaller video data (hereinafter referred to as processing units) based on a predetermined division condition during continuous recording. Furthermore, the video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 can be divided into processing units based on a predetermined division condition by an application program of the personal computer 60 (FIG. 21A) after recording. The drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 execute processing for each of the further divided processing units.

[0230] 22A to 23, a process of classifying video data based on a predetermined classification condition during continuous recording by the drive recorder 1 will be described.

[0231] Fig. 22A is a diagram showing a screen for inputting classification conditions displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1. The MPU 62 (Fig. 21B) displays symbol marks 70 indicating four classification conditions, "1 minute," "2 minutes," "3 minutes," and "power on-off," on the liquid crystal display 8. A check box 71 is displayed for each of these classification conditions. In addition, a "Back" button and an "OK" button are displayed.

[0232] The division conditions of "1 minute," "2 minutes," and "3 minutes" mean that the video data is divided into fixed time intervals, i.e., 1 minute, 2 minute, and 3 minute intervals, respectively. Since the time interval corresponds to the number of frames in a video, when dividing into fixed time intervals, it is sufficient to divide into units of a fixed number of frames. When dividing the video data, there is no division between frames contained in one block 26 (FIG. 7), which is the transfer unit of the video data, and the video data is divided into blocks 26 as one indivisible chunk. The division condition of "power on~off" means that the video data is divided into the points at which the vehicle power is turned on and off. The division condition of "power on~off" is referred to as the "power condition."

[0233] The user can select one classification condition by operating the operation button 9 (FIGS. 1B and 3) to check the check box 71. After selecting one classification condition, when the "OK" button is selected, the selected classification condition is input to the drive recorder 1. FIG. 22A shows an example in which the classification condition "1 minute" is selected, and FIG. 22B shows an example in which the classification condition "2 minutes" is selected.

[0234] Fig. 23 is a timing chart during continuous recording. When the vehicle power is turned on, the drive recorder 1 starts continuous recording, and when the vehicle power is turned off, continuous recording stops. In Fig. 23, the period during which continuous recording is being performed is indicated by a thick solid line, and the period during which continuous recording is stopped is indicated by a dashed line. The video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period during which the vehicle power is turned on constitutes one driving unit 32.

[0235] FIG. 23 shows an example in which the classification condition is set to "1 minute" when the vehicle is turned on, and the user changes the classification condition to "2 minutes" while driving. During the period in which the classification condition is set to "1 minute", the drive recorder 1 classifies the continuously recorded video data at 1 minute intervals. This causes the video data to be classified into a plurality of processing units 36 with a recording time of 1 minute. When the classification condition is changed to "2 minutes", from that point on, the drive recorder 1 classifies the continuously recorded video data at 2 minute intervals. This causes the video data to be classified into a plurality of processing units 36 with a recording time of 2 minutes.

[0236] When the segmentation conditions are changed, if the time corresponding to the segmentation conditions has not elapsed since the currently recorded video data was last segmented, a processing unit 36 ​​shorter than the time specified by the segmentation conditions will be generated. Similarly, when the vehicle power is turned off, a processing unit 36 ​​shorter than the time specified by the segmentation conditions will be generated.

[0237] The drive recorder 1 stores information for identifying the divided processing units 36 in the RAM 20c (FIG. 3). The information for identifying the processing units 36 includes information for identifying the position in the recording area 31 where each processing unit 36 ​​is recorded, for example, the first sector number. The information for identifying the processing units 36 stored in the RAM 20c by the drive recorder 1 is called a file list. The process of dividing into processing units 36 is called listing. The process of creating information for identifying the position in the recording area 31 where each processing unit 36 ​​is recorded is called list creation. The divided processing units The 36th place can also be called the file list unit.

[0238] The drive recorder 1 can perform processing for each processing unit 36. An example of the processing for each processing unit 36 ​​is a process of displaying the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​on the liquid crystal display 8 in a list format.

[0239] FIG. 22C is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the drive recorder 1 displays attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​(FIG. 23) in a list format on the liquid crystal display 8. As attributes of each processing unit 36, the drive recorder 1 displays, for example, date and time information 72 when the first video data of the processing unit 36 ​​was acquired, and a thumbnail 73 of the first video data. In addition, the drive recorder 1 displays a scroll bar, a "delete one" button, and a "delete all" button. The functions of "delete one" and "delete all" will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

[0240] 24A to 26, a process in which the PC 60 (FIGS. 21A and 21B) classifies the video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 based on a predetermined classification condition will be described. First, the user removes the SD card 30 from the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 21A) and inserts it into the SD card reader 61 of the PC 60.

[0241] FIG. 24A is a diagram showing an image for inputting classification conditions displayed by the personal computer 60 on the monitor 67 (FIG. 21B). Similar to the image displayed by the drive recorder 1 on the liquid crystal display 8 shown in FIG. 22A, the personal computer 60 displays a symbol mark 75 and a check box 76 indicating the classification conditions on the monitor 67. In addition, a "Back" button and an "OK" button are displayed. FIG. 24A shows an example in which "1 minute" has been selected as the classification condition. When the user selects "1 minute" and clicks the "OK" button, the computer classifies the video data recorded in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) of the SD card 30 into 1-minute intervals.

[0242] The first row of FIG. 26 shows how to classify (list) when "1 minute" is selected as the classification condition. For example, video data of two driving units 32 is recorded in the recording area 31. The personal computer 60 classifies the video data into one-minute intervals for each driving unit 32. As a result, the video data of each driving unit 32 is classified into a plurality of processing units 36 (file list units) with a recording time of one minute. At the end of each driving unit 32, a processing unit 36 ​​with a recording time of less than one minute is generated. One driving unit 32 can be said to be a collection of video data classified based on power supply conditions. In other words, classifying video data based on a classification condition of one-minute time intervals is equivalent to classifying the portion from the beginning to the end of the video data (corresponding to the driving unit 32) classified based on the power supply conditions based on the classification condition of one-minute time intervals.

[0243] The second and third rows of Fig. 26 show how video data is divided when "2 minutes" and "3 minutes" are selected as the division conditions, respectively. The data is divided into processing units 36 consisting of video data with recording times corresponding to 2 minutes and 3 minutes, respectively. In this way, when creating a file list, the period from power on to power off (for example, from the start of recording to the end of recording) is divided into a set number of frames (for example, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc.), and the file list is created.

[0244] Fig. 25A shows an image displayed by the personal computer 60 on the monitor 67 (Fig. 21B) when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. The check box corresponding to the classification condition "power on-off" is checked. The fourth row of Fig. 26 shows how classification is performed when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. In this case, the classified processing unit 36 ​​matches the running unit 32.

[0245] The personal computer 60 stores information (file list) for identifying the divided processing units 36 in the RAM 64 (FIG. 21B). The information for identifying the processing units 36 includes link information to each processing unit 36, such as the first sector number, in the same manner as in the case of division by the drive recorder 1.

[0246] The personal computer 60 displays the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​in a list format on the monitor 67 (FIG. 21B).

[0247] Fig. 24B is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the personal computer 60 displays the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​in a list format on the monitor 67. Fig. 24B shows an example in which "1 minute" has been selected as the classification condition. The personal computer 60 displays, as the attributes of each processing unit 36, for example, date and time information 77 when the first video data of that processing unit 36 ​​was acquired, and a thumbnail 78 of the first video data. In addition, the personal computer 60 displays a scroll bar, a "Delete one" button, and a "Delete all" button. The date and time information 77 of the processing unit 36 ​​increases in one-minute increments.

[0248] 25B shows an example of an image that the personal computer 60 displays on the monitor 67 when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. Date and time information 77 of the processing unit 36 ​​indicates the date and time when the power was turned on.

[0249] When a user inputs a classification condition different from the current classification condition for video data that has already been classified based on a certain classification condition, the personal computer 60 reclassifies the video data based on the input new classification condition.

[0250] Next, with reference to Fig. 27A to Fig. 28, a process of making an image invisible will be described as an example of a process for each processing unit 36. This process can be executed by either the drive recorder 1 or the personal computer 60. The process of the personal computer 60 will be described below. The process executed by the drive recorder 1 is similar to the process of the personal computer 60.

[0251] As shown in FIG. 27A, for example, a case where the user selects one processing unit 36 ​​starting at 12:02:00 on Jan. 1, 2016, and clicks the "Delete One" button will be specifically described.

[0252] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an arrangement of frames of video data recorded in the recording area 31. Video data of a plurality of running units 32 is recorded in the recording area 31. The video data is divided into a plurality of processing units 36 for each running unit 32. For each running unit 32, a plurality of frames are assigned serial numbers starting from 1. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the number of frames in one processing unit 36 ​​is n. For example, the first frame Fa of the first running unit 32 in the recording area 31 corresponds to video data recorded at 12:02:00 on January 1, 2016. Frames from the first frame Fa to the last frame Fb of this running unit 32 are subject to the erasure process.

[0253] The personal computer 60 performs an erasure process on the processing unit 36 ​​starting with frame Fa of the first running unit 32 in the recording area 31. In the erasure process, the personal computer 60 sets a non-list flag (hereinafter referred to as a non-list flag) defined in the frame header portion and area information field 28 in the frame field 27 (FIG. 7) of the block 26. The erasure process does not make the area in which the block 26 and frames Fa to Fb are recorded that are the subject of the erasure process free space.

[0254] FIG. 27B is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the attributes of the processing unit 36 ​​are displayed in a list format on the monitor 67 after the non-list flag is set. ) displays the attributes of a plurality of processing units 36, excluding the processing unit 36 ​​that starts at 12:02:00 on Jan. 1, 2016. The personal computer 60 does not display in the list the processing units 36 for which the unlisted flag has been set. Furthermore, when playing back video data, the personal computer 60 plays back the video data excluding the video data included in the processing units 36 for which the unlisted flag has been set. In other words, the video data (part of the video data) included in the processing units 36 for which the unlisted flag has been set cannot be played back. Therefore, the deletion process can be called "a process of excluding from playback targets." Furthermore, since the processing units 36 for which the unlisted flag has been set are not displayed in the list and are not played back, the deletion process can also be called "a process of making them invisible."

[0255] In the example shown in Fig. 28, a dot pattern is applied to frames Fa to Fb that have been excluded from playback. Furthermore, by repeating the process of deleting one item, it is possible to exclude a plurality of processing units 36 from playback. When the user clicks the "delete all" button shown in Fig. 24B, the personal computer 60 excludes all processing units 36 in the recording area 31 from playback.

[0256] When re-partitioning video data in which a non-listing flag has been set for some of the processing units 36, the blocks 26 (FIG. 7) or frames for which the non-listing flag has been set are not subject to listing, listing is skipped, and partitioning is performed on the video data consisting of blocks 26 or frames for which the non-listing flag has not been set.

[0257] Next, we will explain the process of resuming continuous recording on an SD card that has video data with unlist flags set in some blocks 26 (FIG. 7) or frames. This process differs depending on whether or not the unlist flag is set in the block 26 or frame at the end of the video data recorded in the latest cycle.

[0258] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a method of overwriting when the block 26 or frame Fc located at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1) has not been flagged as unlisted. In FIG. 29, a dot pattern is added to the frame with the unlisted flag. When the drive recorder 1 starts a new continuous recording, it overwrites the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) with new video data in the order of oldest to newest. When the recording area 31 becomes full and one cycle ends, the old processing unit 36 ​​(frame recorded at the beginning of the recording area 31) before the processing unit 36 ​​with the unlisted flag is overwritten with new video data. The video data (e.g., a frame) of the processing unit 36 ​​with the unlisted flag is overwritten after overwriting the video data recorded before it. This overwriting process is the same as the process of overwriting the recording area 31 in a state where no block 26 or frame has been flagged as unlisted.

[0259] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing how to overwrite when a non-listing flag is set in the block 26 or frame Fd (for example, the video data last recorded in the SD card) located at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1). Frame Fd corresponds to the last frame of the video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1). In FIG. 30, a dot pattern is added to the frame with the non-listing flag set. The block 26 or frame with the non-listing flag set is located at the end of the video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1). When the drive recorder 1 starts a new continuous recording, it erases the oldest processing unit 36 ​​that has not been flagged as non-listing among all the processing units 36 obtained by dividing the video data recorded in the recording area 31 or the video data (invisible video data) immediately after the last frame Fe, and overwrites it with new video data. That is, the overwriting position goes back from the position of frame Fd to the position immediately after frame Fe.

[0260] After overwriting the rear video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1), the drive recorder 1 overwrites the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) with new video data in the oldest order.

[0261] [Effects of the 10th embodiment] Next, the excellent effects of the above-mentioned tenth embodiment will be described. In order to maximize the writing speed of the SD card and to enable DMA access for all writing, it is desirable to access the SD card with sector numbers (sector addresses) as consecutive as possible. In the tenth embodiment, by adopting a unique format (YP format), consecutive frames of video data can be recorded in areas with consecutive sector numbers in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4). This allows the writing speed of the SD card to be maximized. For example, it is possible to use two cameras to perform double recording of continuous recording and event recording at a resolution of 1080PHD. When a normal FAT file system is adopted, generally, only one of continuous recording and event recording at a resolution of 1080PHD can be left on the SD card using one camera. In the drive recorder 1 according to the tenth embodiment, the writing speed can be increased and stabilized.

[0262] In a normal FAT file system, a management area such as a directory entry area is provided in the memory space, and file names and cluster positions are recorded together in the management area. The drive recorder 1 is used in situations where unexpected events such as power on / off, SD card insertion / removal, and accidents may occur. If data happens to be written to the management area when such an event occurs, there is a risk that all files on the SD card will become unreadable.

[0263] In the tenth embodiment, a unique format that does not have such a management area is adopted. In the unique format, a portion equivalent to the management area of ​​the FAT file system is included in the frame header portion of each frame in the frame field 27 (FIG. 7) and in the area information field 28 (FIG. 7). Therefore, even if a sudden event occurs when data is being written to any part of the SD card, the chronological link will not be broken. Even if the SD card is removed while data is being written to the SD card, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire data area of ​​the SD card cannot be read due to destruction of the management area. In this way, the safety performance of recording can be improved.

[0264] Furthermore, because a unique format is used, it is not easy to read or rewrite the data using a general information terminal. Therefore, the system according to the tenth embodiment has high security and anti-tampering features. In this way, the credibility of the video is increased and security performance can be improved.

[0265] In the tenth embodiment, after the video data is recorded in the recording area 31, the video data can be divided into a plurality of processing units 36. After the division into the processing units 36, processing can be performed for each processing unit 36. As processing for each processing unit, for example, processing for assigning an attribute to each processing unit 36, processing for cueing and playing back the video data from the beginning of the processing unit 36, processing for displaying a list of a plurality of processing units 36, etc. can be realized. This makes the system easier for users to use.

[0266] The time when the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is started and the time when the power supply is stopped can be set as a classification condition for classifying the video data. For example, the data can be divided into smaller processing units 36 by dividing the data into intervals of 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc. This dividing condition can be input to the drive recorder 1 or the personal computer 60 by the user's operation, for example.

[0267] A user can input desired classification conditions to classify the video data according to the desired classification conditions. A user who wishes to assign a particular attribute to a portion of the video data can input classification conditions that will classify that portion relative to other portions.

[0268] The user can easily check the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​by looking at the list (FIG. 22C) displayed by the drive recorder 1 on the liquid crystal display 8 and the list (FIGS. 24B, 25B) displayed by the personal computer 60 on the monitor 67. If, for example, the date and time when the first video data included in the processing unit 36 ​​was acquired and a thumbnail of the first video data are displayed as the attributes of each processing unit 36, the user can easily find the video data that he / she wants to play and check or the video data that he / she wants to erase by looking at the date and time information or the thumbnail.

[0269] Based on the attributes of the multiple processing units 36 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60, the user can select some of the processing units 36 that he or she wishes to process. This allows processing to be performed on the part of the processing units 36 selected by the user. The user can assign specific attributes to the selected processing units 36. For example, a process of assigning an attribute of "exclude from playback targets" can be performed as a process for each processing unit 36.

[0270] In the unique format of the SD card adopted in the tenth embodiment, sectors in the memory space are used sequentially, so that it is difficult to erase only the video data in some intermediate sectors. In the tenth embodiment, instead of erasing the video data, an attribute "exclude from playback" is given to the processing unit 36, so that the video data in the processing unit can be skipped and played back. When displaying the attributes of a plurality of processing units 36 in a list format, the processing unit 36 ​​to which the attribute "exclude from playback" is given is not displayed in the list. This makes it possible to realize a function almost equivalent to erasing the video data. For example, the user can exclude video data that he does not want a third party to see from the playback targets.

[0271] Since the video data in a processing unit 36 ​​that has been excluded from playback is not deleted from the recording area, the attribute of a processing unit that has been excluded from playback can be changed back to “not excluded from playback.”

[0272] When a user finds it difficult to perform a desired process on the video data using the current classification of the video data, the user can change the classification conditions to reclassify the video data so that the desired process can be more easily performed.

[0273] When the FAT file system is used for recording video data, it is difficult to re-partition the video data under different partition conditions after the video data has been partitioned into file units. In the system according to the tenth embodiment, the video data can be re-partitioned under partition conditions desired by the user, which is convenient for the user. Furthermore, the video data itself in the frame field 27 (FIG. 7) is not changed even after re-partitioning. Therefore, there is no need to decode and encode the video data when re-partitioning the video data. In other words, the video data can be re-partitioned without tampering with it. In contrast, in order to divide and combine video data files in the FAT file system or the like, the video data must be decoded and encoded.

[0274] When the user selects a particular processing unit 36, the system can access the video data of the selected processing unit 36 ​​in a short time by using information specifying the position within the recording area 31. This improves operability for the user. This information should be information specifying the position within the recording area 31 where the first video data in the processing unit 36 ​​is recorded. For example, by using this information during cue-to-playback, the time required to cue to the first video data in the processing unit 36 ​​can be shortened.

[0275] If the video data is divided into fixed time intervals, a user who remembers the time that has elapsed from the start of the video data in the recording area 31 to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit 36 ​​from the beginning contains the desired video data. This allows the user to easily access the processing unit containing the desired video data.

[0276] In many cases, a user wants to process video data for each running unit 32. In the division method according to the tenth embodiment, a processing unit 36 ​​obtained by dividing the data according to the division condition of dividing the data at a fixed time interval is prevented from spanning two processing units (running units) obtained by dividing the data based on the power supply condition. Therefore, the data can be divided into processing units 36 in a form that meets the user's needs. A user who remembers the elapsed time from the beginning of the running unit 32 to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit 36 ​​from the beginning of the running unit 32 contains the desired video data. This allows the user to easily access the processing unit 36 ​​that contains the desired video data within the running unit 32.

[0277] If the video data is classified using only the power condition as the classification condition, the user can easily find the video data when, for example, the accessory power of the vehicle is turned on.

[0278] 30, by overwriting the video data excluded from playback at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1) with new video data, the time until overwriting the oldest video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) is started is extended. If video data that is not desired to be erased is recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1), for example, this provides some time until the user performs a process to avoid overwriting.

[0279] [Modification of the 10th embodiment] Next, a modification of the tenth embodiment will be described. In the tenth embodiment, a certain time interval and a power supply condition are used as the classification conditions for the video data. However, the classification conditions may be set based on information acquired by various sensors.

[0280] In the tenth embodiment, when playing back video data, the video data excluded from the playback target is skipped and playback of the video data that is not excluded from the playback target is continued, but playback may be stopped when the video data excluded from the playback target is reached.

[0281] In the tenth embodiment, when dividing the video data into processing units 36 at a fixed time interval, the processing units 36 are divided so that they do not span two running units 32, but the entire video data may be divided at fixed time intervals without considering the running units 32. This makes it possible to make the elapsed time from the first video data to the last video data of all processing units 36 in the recording area 31 constant. By dividing in this way, the burden on the user to check the video data for each processing unit 36 ​​can be equalized.

[0282] [Eleventh Example] Next, a system according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Below, differences from the tenth embodiment will be described, and explanations of common configurations will be omitted. Eleventh embodiment In this case, the indicators 50 shown in the first to ninth embodiments (FIGS. 8A, 9A to 9F, 11, etc.) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60.

[0283] 31 is a diagram showing an indicator 50 displayed by a system according to the 11th embodiment on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60. A mark 54 indicating the position being overwritten is displayed at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1). The indicator 50 is filled in with a different color for each driving unit 32. The video data is divided into processing units 36, and marks 58 indicating the division positions, such as horizontal lines, are displayed at positions corresponding to the boundaries of the processing units 36.

[0284] The user can easily grasp the positions where the video data is divided by the function of dividing the video data. Instead of using horizontal lines as the marks 58 indicating the division positions, different colors may be applied to the processing units 36, and the boundaries between the different colors may be used as the marks 58.

[0285] [Twelfth Example] Next, a system according to the 12th embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Below, differences from the 10th embodiment will be described, and explanations of common configurations will be omitted. In the 12th embodiment, the drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 store the segmentation conditions that segment the video data in the SD card.

[0286] 32 is a diagram showing the allocation of memory space in an SD card 30 used in a system according to a twelfth embodiment. In addition to a recording area 31 for continuous recording, a classification condition storage area 37 is secured in the memory space of the SD card 30. The recording area 31 includes an area in which video data is recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1) and an area in which video data is recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n).

[0287] The drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 store the classification conditions input by the user in the classification condition storage area 37 of the SD card 30.

[0288] By moving the SD card 30 between the drive recorder 1 (first device) and the personal computer 60 (second device) of the system according to the 12th embodiment, the video data and classification conditions recorded in the recording area 31 can be transferred from the drive recorder 1 to the personal computer 60, or vice versa. For example, classification conditions for classifying the video data can be input in the personal computer 60, which is a device different from the drive recorder 1 that recorded the video data, and the input classification conditions can be transferred to the drive recorder 1. Conversely, the personal computer 60 may have a function for classifying the video data based on the classification conditions set in the drive recorder 1.

[0289] For example, the video data collected by the drive recorder 1 mounted on the vehicle may be divided by an external personal computer 60. In general, the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60 is larger than the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 mounted on the vehicle. The user can easily check the date and time when the first video data of each processing unit 36 ​​was acquired and a thumbnail on the personal computer 60. This allows the user to easily perform operations on the video data for each processing unit.

[0290] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. The components described in each embodiment may be combined in any desired manner. In addition, the invention and components described in the Summary of the Invention may be further applied to combinations of the components of each embodiment. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned in each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, and the like are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 1. Drive recorder 2 Lenses 3 DC Jack 4 SD card slot 5 Speakers 6 HD output terminal 7 Joint Rail 8. Liquid crystal display 9 Operation buttons 15 Windshield 16. Rearview Mirror 17 Power Cable 18 Cigarette lighter socket 20 Controller 20a CPU 20b ROM 20c RAM 20d Timer 20e Buffer Area 21 Camera 22 Database 23 GPS receiver 24 SD card reader 25 Acceleration Sensor 26 Blocks as transfer units 27 Frame Field 28 Area Information Field 30 SD card 31 Continuous recording area 32 Running Units 33 Destination area 35 Management Area 36 Processing Units 37 Classification condition storage area 38 Parking monitoring recording area 39 Event Recording Area 40 Image display area 41 Top area (mode display area) 42 Bottom area (time display area) 44 SD card icon 50 Indicators 51 Upper end (starting position) 52 Bottom end (end position) 53 Marker showing the current recording position 54 Marker showing the current overwriting position 55, 56 radius 57 Event occurrence mark 58 Processing unit boundary marker 59 Icons corresponding to event occurrences 60 PC 61 SD card reader 62 Microprocessing Unit (MPU) 63 ROM 64 RAM 65 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 66 Keyboard 67 Monitor 68 Mouse 69 Printers 70 Symbol mark showing classification conditions 71 Checkbox 72 Date and time information 73 Thumbnails 75 Symbol mark showing classification conditions 76 Checkboxes 77 Date and Time Information 78 Thumbnails C(n+1) Current (latest) cycle C(n) Previous cycle T0 Notification threshold T1 Grace period T2 Scheduled Time

Claims

1. A drive recorder having a function of dividing video data into smaller processing units based on a predetermined division condition during recording, The predetermined classification condition is a classification condition selected based on a user's operation from among a plurality of classification conditions selectable by the user, The plurality of division conditions selectable by the user's operation include both a division condition of a fixed time interval and a division condition of power on / off. A drive recorder characterized by the above.

2. The classification condition of a certain time interval is provided multiple times. The drive recorder according to claim 1 .

3. When the division condition is changed, if the time corresponding to the division condition has not elapsed since the currently recorded video data was last divided, a processing unit shorter than the time specified by the division condition is generated.

3. The drive recorder according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The attribute for each processing unit is displayed in a list on a display unit.

4. The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The function of displaying a thumbnail of the video data at the beginning of each processing unit as an attribute of each processing unit is provided. The drive recorder according to claim 4 .

6. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the drive recorder according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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