Image recording device, program, and the like

Abstract

To provide a technique for formatting recording media for recording image data.SOLUTION: An image recording device includes a control unit 11 that performs processing of recording image data showing an image photographed by a photographing device 14 in recording media 13, and format processing for setting the recording media 13 in a predetermined recording format. When a first operation button 151 is pressed for short time, the control unit 11 receives an input of a format instruction and executes the format processing on the recording media 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, an image recording device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drive recorder that records image data captured by a CCD camera onto an SD card. When the volume of recorded image data reaches the storage capacity of the SD card, the drive recorder overwrites the recorded image data with newly captured image data if overwrite recording is set. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-170143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When captured image data is repeatedly recorded on an SD card while overwriting it, fragmentation progresses, and chronological image data may not be recorded on the SD card in chronological order, resulting in long read / write times. To eliminate fragmentation, it is necessary to format recording devices such as SD cards periodically or at appropriate intervals. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide technology related to formatting recording devices.

[0005] The above-mentioned problems are stated as independent, and the present invention does not necessarily solve all of the problems stated. The purpose of the present invention is not limited to these, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by parts of the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses a problem in which the phrase "can be" is read as "the problem is...". The problems are stated as independent, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve these problems separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to claim part of the configuration described in this specification through amendments or divisional applications. Problems that combine these independent problems are also disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) Provide an image recording device having a function of recording image data representing an image captured by a capturing means in a recording means, an input acceptance function of accepting input of a formatting instruction at least during the capturing or recording, and a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and executes formatting processing on the recording means. In this way, input of a formatting instruction from a user is accepted while the image recording device is capturing an image or recording the captured image data, which is the status in which the image recording device is operating. This allows the user to input a formatting instruction more easily than if the user had to stop an operation such as capturing or recording by the image recording device before inputting the formatting instruction.

[0007] (2) The recording function may record the image data in a manner in which the image data is arranged contiguously in contiguous recording areas reserved in advance in the recording means, and the formatting function may perform a formatting process to reserve the contiguous recording areas in the recording means. In this manner, the image data is arranged contiguously in contiguous recording areas reserved in advance in the recording means, and thus the image data is recorded in a recording format that is less likely to cause fragmentation. With this recording format, formatting of the recording medium is unnecessary or less necessary in terms of preventing errors in the image data recording process caused by fragmentation. However, users may wish to quickly erase image data recorded in the recording means. Users may also wish to check for malfunctions in the recording means to prevent situations in which image data is not recorded when it is necessary. Some users may easily format the recording means for such purposes. The recording area may be reserved, for example, by making a predetermined recording area available for writing image data, and may be made writable from the beginning regardless of whether data is stored in the recording area.

[0008] (3) The recording function preferably includes a function of recording the image data so that addresses are consecutive in chronological order in a predetermined area of the recording means using a method that does not record FAT (File Allocation Tables) on the recording means, and the formatting function preferably includes a function of performing the formatting process to enable the image data to be recorded so that addresses are consecutive in chronological order in the predetermined area of the recording means. The method of not recording FAT is a recording method in which time-series image data exists across multiple discrete clusters and does not require the chronological order of these clusters to be managed by FAT, so fragmentation is less likely to occur even when image data is repeatedly recorded on the recording means. Therefore, in terms of preventing errors in the image data recording process due to fragmentation, there is no or little need to format the recording medium. Even in such cases, formatting the recording medium can be easily performed.

[0009] (4) The input acceptance function may be configured to allow the user to input the formatting instruction with a single action. Since the input of the formatting instruction can be accepted with a single action, the formatting function can be quickly activated, enabling, for example, formatting of the recording means. A single action may consist of, for example, one or a series of actions or behaviors. For example, a single touch, such as pressing an operation unit for accepting the input of the formatting instruction once, is an example of one action or behavior, and a gesture, for example, is an example of one or a series of actions or behaviors by the user. A series of actions or behaviors may be long or may be considered continuous, but it is preferable for the series of actions to be performed within a predetermined time period, as this allows for easy and quick input of the formatting instruction. Using actions that last longer than the predetermined time period is advantageous in that it reduces the possibility of the user accidentally inputting the formatting instruction or of a third party inputting the same. The predetermined time period may be limited to a certain extent, such as several seconds or tens of seconds. Furthermore, an action of touching a screen or the like multiple times, such as a double touch, may be considered as a single input operation as a whole and may be considered as a single action, or as a continuous action, and either way is included in one action. For example, when a movement of one hand or arm is followed by a movement of the other hand or arm, the continuous movements of both hands constitute a continuous action, and such an action is also an example of one action. A user's speech is also an example of a user's action or behavior, and even a single word, keyword, or a combination of multiple words corresponds to at least a continuous action or behavior and is an example of one action.

[0010] On the other hand, for example, after a button area to be selected is displayed on the screen, tapping various locations or performing a specified button operation each time the screen switches before issuing a format instruction means that each tapping action, etc. performed each time the screen switches is independent and does not constitute a single action, etc., or a series of actions, etc. For example, if multiple hierarchical menu screens used for mode setting, etc. are prepared and formatting is prepared as one item on those menu screens, selecting one of the multiple items on the menu screen, displaying a lower-level menu screen based on that selection, and performing an action of selecting one of the multiple items on the newly displayed menu screen multiple times, combined with tapping, etc. in different locations on each different screen, does not constitute a single action.

[0011] (5) The input acceptance function may include an externally exposed operation means for inputting the formatting instructions. In this manner, since the operation means for inputting the formatting instructions is externally exposed, the user can easily provide formatting instructions. The exposed input acceptance function may include, for example, a dedicated button for accepting input of formatting instructions. A dedicated button may accept input by performing a predetermined action, such as pressing the dedicated button. For example, even if multiple different functions are assigned to a dedicated button, a dedicated button in a standby state that accepts formatting instructions by performing a predetermined action, such as a long press, a short press, or multiple consecutive presses, is considered a dedicated button. For example, it is particularly preferable that no other functions be assigned to the dedicated button. Furthermore, the dedicated button may be, for example, a soft button displayed on a display unit, but may also be a physical button.

[0012] (6) It is preferable that the device is provided with a display means, and the input receiving function is configured to allow the formatting instruction to be input without displaying a menu screen on the display means. This reduces the operational burden on the user. For example, the user does not need to display a menu screen, and also does not need to search for a menu corresponding to the formatting process among the menus included in the menu screen.

[0013] (7) The image recording device may include a display means and a function for displaying a menu screen including a format menu for instructing the recording means to format, and for executing formatting of the recording means in response to an operation of selecting the format menu, and the input receiving function may receive the input of the format instruction without displaying the menu screen on the display means. In this way, if a user wants to immediately format the recording means while using the vehicle, the input receiving function can realize this. Also, for example, if a user displays a menu screen including a menu for setting the operation of the image recording device and performs an operation related to the setting, the user can make the setting and then select a format menu included in the menu screen to immediately format the recording means.

[0014] (8) When the formatting function is activated, it is preferable to perform a process of confirming with the user whether or not to execute formatting of the recording means, which reduces the possibility that the user will erroneously execute formatting or will not execute formatting, for example.

[0015] (9) The device may include a display unit, wherein the input receiving function receives the formatting instruction by designating a predetermined portion of the display surface of the display unit, and the process of confirming with the user includes displaying a confirmation screen on the display surface to confirm whether or not the formatting process should be performed, and the predetermined portion and an area on the confirmation screen for receiving the confirmation may at least partially overlap. In this way, the user designates an area on the display surface for providing the formatting instruction, and the area on the confirmation screen for receiving the confirmation overlaps at least partially with the position of the first touch. Therefore, the user can issue a formatting instruction and a confirmation instruction by touching the same or nearby positions consecutively, for example, and each instruction can be easily issued. The predetermined portion on the display surface of the display unit for accepting the formatting instruction may be a fixed position, or the non-fixed touch position may be the predetermined portion.

[0016] (10) If the input of the format instruction is received while the image data is being recorded, it is preferable to continue recording the image data and ask the user for confirmation. In this way, even if the user gives a format instruction but then changes their mind or makes a mistake and does not perform the formatting process, the image data can be continuously recorded while the operation is being performed.

[0017] (11) When the formatting function is activated, it is preferable to execute a formatting process on the recording means. In this way, the recording means is formatted in response to the activation of the formatting function, and the recorded image data can be deleted all at once. In particular, when the formatting function is activated, it is preferable to execute the formatting process without a confirmation process. In this way, it is possible to execute the formatting process quickly and delete the recorded image data all at once.

[0018] (12) The device may have a display means for displaying an image being captured by the image capture means, and the formatting function may be activated when the input of the format command is accepted while the image being captured is being displayed. In this way, the user can use the fact that the image captured by the image capture means is being displayed as a clue that the formatting function can be activated, making it easier for the user to understand the situation.

[0019] (13) The input reception function may receive the formatting instruction by operating a first operation unit among a plurality of operation units, the first operation unit being more time-consuming than the second operation unit. Because of this time-consuming operation, a user attempting to perform a formatting process will perform the operation with the intention of providing a formatting instruction, thereby minimizing the risk of a formatting instruction being input through a simple operation such as accidentally touching the unit. The time-consuming operation may not be the same as the operation on the second operation unit, but may be a relatively difficult operation or an operation that is not accepted as input, such as touching the first operation unit in an unintended situation. For example, the time-consuming operation may be a time-based operation, such as a long press of the first operation unit for a predetermined period of time, while the second operation unit is operated by a short press, or an operation, such as a first number of presses of the second operation unit, while the first operation unit is operated by a second number of presses (e.g., a double tap within a predetermined period of time). Furthermore, for example, compared to operating the second operating unit by stretching out one's hand while seated, if the user cannot reach the first operating unit while seated or cannot operate it smoothly even when touching it, the user may need to lift their hips slightly or stand up, which is an example of a time-consuming operation.

[0020] (14) The device may have a housing provided with the first operation unit and the second operation unit, the second operation unit having an operation unit for issuing an instruction to start recording the image data, and the first operation unit and the second operation unit may be located on different sides of the housing. Since the first operation unit for receiving a formatting instruction and the second operation unit for issuing an instruction to start recording the image data are located on different sides of the housing, the possibility of an erroneous operation, such as activating a formatting function when an operator intended to start recording the image data, can be reduced. For example, if the first operation unit is located on a side that is more difficult to operate than the second operation unit, the possibility of unintentionally touching the first operation unit is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of an erroneous operation. The difficult-to-operate side may be, for example, a side that is far from the operator's location or that does not face the operator.

[0021] (15) It is preferable that a user authentication function is provided, and the formatting function is activated upon authentication by the authentication function. In this way, formatting instructions input from users other than the specified users are not accepted, and image data can be prevented from being deleted by a third party due to malicious or negligent actions.

[0022] (16) The authentication function may be performed based on photographed information of the user. User authentication may be performed using the photographing function of the image recording device. For example, if the user's photograph is taken using a photographing means for capturing image data to be recorded in a recording means, no special authentication device or authentication equipment may be added, but a separate photographing means for authentication may be provided. Authentication may be performed, for example, by facial recognition based on image data capturing the operator's face, or, as the photographing means becomes more accurate, by iris recognition or fingerprint recognition. Authentication may also be performed based on a predetermined user's movements.

[0023] (17) The device is mounted on a vehicle and has a function of performing parking monitoring based on images captured by the photographing means while the vehicle is parked. The input receiving function preferably receives the input of the formatting instruction based on the user's movements captured within a predetermined time after the start of parking monitoring, and switches to parking monitoring after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, a formatting instruction can be given without contact. During the predetermined time, the driver is often inside the vehicle and not driving, so various movements can be easily performed. If a formatting instruction is input, the time thereafter can be effectively utilized. In particular, immediately after the start of parking monitoring, the driver is inside or near the vehicle, so there is not much problem even if parking monitoring is not performed, and the formatting function can be activated during that period to perform the predetermined processing. It is preferable that the input of the formatting instruction is not accepted outside the predetermined time.

[0024] (18) When the recording means is formatted, it is preferable to provide a function of recording information about the formatting process in the recording means. Since the information about the formatting process is recorded, for example, if image data is not recorded, it is possible to know whether the image data was not recorded in the first place or whether the image data was deleted by the formatting process.

[0025] (19) The recording means may have a first recording area and a second recording area, and the recording function may alternately write data to the first recording area and the second recording area. When certain conditions are met, the formatting function may operate to format the first recording area and the second recording area that have not yet been written to. This allows for automatic formatting. The first recording area and the second recording area may be provided in different recording means, or may be provided as separate partitions on a single recording means. In particular, one partition may be made readable by a computer, such as FAT, and the other partition may have the configuration described in (2) or (3). Formatting may be performed on only some partitions, but it is preferable to format all partitions. After formatting, it is preferable to perform a process to record predetermined initial data and files used by the image recording device.

[0026] (20) It is preferable to provide an allow mode that allows overwriting of the image data stored in the first recording area and the second recording area, and an inhibit mode that inhibits overwriting, and to activate the format function in the allow mode and not activate the format function in the inhibit mode. In this way, it is possible to prevent the image data from being deleted by activation of the format function when the inhibit mode is set to prevent the recorded image data from being overwritten and erased.

[0027] (21) The device may include a continuous recording mode that continuously records the image data while the vehicle is in use and a recording mode different from the continuous recording mode. Upon receiving the formatting instruction, the device compares the recording period of the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode with the recording date and time of the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode, and suppresses formatting if the recording date and time are outside the recording period. Since image data recorded in the continuous recording mode is continuously recorded while the device is in operation, it typically relates to images captured relatively recently. Therefore, users often remember what is recorded, allowing them to relatively accurately determine whether or not it is okay to delete the image data, i.e., whether formatting is acceptable. Furthermore, even if the image data was recorded in a recording mode different from the continuous recording mode, for similar reasons, users can also determine whether or not it is okay to delete the image data if it is within the recording period of the continuous recording mode. On the other hand, if the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode contains image data older than the recording period of the continuous recording mode, even if the image data should not be deleted, the user may not be able to accurately determine whether the old image data is okay to delete, and may not even remember that it was recorded. If there is old data outside the recording period, the formatting process is suppressed, so that it is possible to prevent the data from being accidentally deleted by the formatting process.

[0028] (22) The system may include a continuous recording mode in which the image data is continuously recorded while the vehicle is in use and an event recording mode in which the image data is recorded based on manual operation. When the formatting instruction is received, the system determines whether image data recorded in the event recording mode is present. If the image data is recorded, the system may suppress the execution of the formatting process of the formatting function. When image data is recorded based on manual operation, the event recording is performed based on the user's intention to record it, and the image data may be more important than image data recorded in the continuous recording mode or may be data that the user wants to keep. Even if the user forgets that they performed an event recording based on manual operation, if image data based on the event recording is recorded, the formatting process is suppressed, thereby preventing the image data from being accidentally deleted by the formatting process. For example, the suppression may be performed by not performing formatting or by prompting the user to confirm whether to format.

[0029] (23) The device may include an event recording mode that records captured image data in association with a predetermined event level when the level of the predetermined event exceeds a first standard. When the formatting instruction is received, the execution of the formatting process of the formatting function may be inhibited if the level associated with the image recorded in the event recording mode exceeds a second standard that is higher than the first standard. Among the image data recorded based on a predetermined event, if the event level is particularly high, the image data may be important and should not be deleted. Even if the user has forgotten or was unaware of the relevant impact, the process is inhibited if such image data with a particularly high level is recorded, thereby preventing accidental deletion by the formatting process. On the other hand, if the event level exceeds the first standard but does not exceed the second standard, the image data may not be very important and its deletion may not have a significant impact. Therefore, even if event-recorded image data is recorded, if the event level associated with all the image data exceeds the first standard but does not exceed the second standard, the user's formatting instruction takes priority and the formatting process is performed. This allows for formatting and the associated image data deletion to be performed in accordance with the user's intentions.

[0030] (24) The camera has a display means and an event recording mode for recording captured image data when a predetermined event occurs, and the formatting function has a function for, upon receiving the formatting instruction, reading out the predetermined image data recorded in the event recording mode and displaying it on the display means, and for confirming with the user whether or not to execute the formatting process, and the formatting process is executed or stopped based on the result of the confirmation process. In this way, if image data recorded in the event recording mode exists, the image is displayed, allowing the user to determine whether or not to delete the image data, and the user can correctly determine whether to execute the formatting process and delete the image data, or to stop the formatting process and keep the image data recorded in the event recording mode.

[0031] (25) It is preferable to provide a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image recording device of any one of (1) to (24).

[0032] The above-described system may be configured from one device or multiple devices.

[0033] The inventions (1) to (25) above can be combined in any way. For example, it is possible to combine all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one invention from (2) onwards. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one invention from (2) onwards. The applicant intends to obtain patent rights, design rights, etc. for those including these configurations by filing amendments, divisional applications, or applications for conversion to design registration applications, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, for example, a technique for formatting a recording means can be provided. For example, when a formatting instruction is ready to be received, a recording medium for recording image data can be formatted based on a single action input by a user.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the components disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc., are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can..." clearly state the effects that are achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate the effects even without the statement "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the components even without such statements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image recording device that records image data on a recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the image recording device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of a recording format using FAT, which is prone to fragmentation. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a first recording format that is less likely to cause fragmentation. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of a second recording format that is less likely to cause fragmentation. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a formatting operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a function of a control unit. [Figure 8] 10A is a diagram showing an example of an input reception function for inputting a format instruction, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed thereafter. [Figure 9] FIG. 1(a) is an external view showing another embodiment of an image recording device, and FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram thereof. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a function of a control unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a function for suppressing formatting processing. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a function for confirming image data of a recorded event. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a function for confirming image data of a recorded event. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system using the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configurations and shapes of the described devices are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. Various changes, modifications, and improvements may be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the following description, labeling using numbers such as 1, 2, etc. is intended to identify each element and does not define the number of elements.

[0038] When recording image data on a recording device, it is necessary to set the recording device to a predetermined recording format. For example, when formatting the recording device, setting it to a predetermined recording format, and deleting the recorded image data all at once, as in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an SD card, which is an example of a recording device, is removed from a drive recorder, inserted into a personal computer's reader / writer, and a setting tool installed on the personal computer is used. The setting tool writes the drive recorder's operating conditions and various modes to the SD card and configures the drive recorder's operation via the SD card. One of the setting items in the setting tool is a format command. Therefore, while the SD card is inserted into the reader / writer, the SD card is formatted using a setting tool with a hierarchical menu screen. In this case, for example, it is necessary to insert and remove the SD card from the drive recorder, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, if a setting tool function is implemented in an image recording device such as a drive recorder, the SD card can be configured on the drive recorder itself. However, operating the hierarchical setting screen is still cumbersome. In particular, some drive recorders have small display screens, making them difficult to use. Furthermore, some recording formats require the user to stop recording in order to launch the settings screen, which can be cumbersome. Furthermore, the user cannot issue a format command unless they are aware that the recording needs to be stopped. Furthermore, some recording formats are less prone to fragmentation, which can result in unnecessary formatting or the frequency with which formatting is performed being very low. In such formats, the priority of formatting is lowered, and even if a formatting function is provided, it may be set at a lower level in the settings screen, making formatting difficult. On the other hand, even with formats that are less prone to fragmentation, as described above, formatting may still be necessary. When this becomes necessary, various problems arise, such as the infrequent nature of the formatting operation, which makes the operation of issuing a format command more cumbersome and reduces usability.Each embodiment of the present invention described below proposes a technique relating to the format of a recording medium for recording captured image data, which can solve certain of the various problems mentioned above.

[0039] [1. Configuration of image recording device] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image recording device 10 that records image data on a recording medium 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the image recording device 10. This image recording device 10 has a photographing function, a function for recording image data photographed by the photographing function, and a formatting function. Recording image data will be referred to as "recording" below, and the function for recording image data will be referred to as the "recording function" below.

[0040] First, a brief description of the formatting function will be provided. The formatting function is a function related to formatting the recording medium 13, for example, a function related to formatting the recording medium 13 on which image data captured by the shooting function is recorded. The formatting function has at least the function of performing formatting processing on the recording medium 13. The formatting processing may be defined as a process of erasing data such as image data recorded on the recording medium 13, for example, data such as image data recorded on the recording medium 13 after the previous formatting processing was performed. The formatting processing may also be defined as a process of setting the recording medium 13 for use with the image recording device 10 (or as an initial setting process). In this embodiment, the formatting processing may be defined as a process of writing setting information indicating the contents of operational settings to the recording medium 13 so that the image recording device 10 can use the recording medium 13 (for example, a state in which image data can be read and written) as described below. However, the formatting processing is not limited to this, and may also be defined as a process of putting the recording medium 13 into a specific file state. For example, the formatting processing may include a process of creating a specified folder. The folder may be a folder in which image data in a continuous recording mode (described below) is stored, or a folder in which image data in an event recording mode (described below) is stored. It is more preferable that the folders for the event recording mode are divided into folders for each event.

[0041] As will be described in detail later, the formatting process of this embodiment is a process for preparing the recording medium 13 for recording image data using a recording format using FAT (described later) or a format-free format (described in this embodiment, as exemplified by the first or second recording format). For example, when using a recording format using FAT, the image recording device 10 generates a file when writing image data to the recording medium 13. When using a format-free format (described later, as exemplified by the first or second recording format), the image recording device 10 reserves a specified area on the recording medium 13 or generates a dummy file. The reservation of a specified area is a process in which, although no data is actually written to the recording medium 13, it is determined in advance that data will be written from this sector to this sector. In the case of a dummy file, a dummy file that is normally invisible may be used.

[0042] In this embodiment, the entity that performs the formatting process on the recording medium 13 and the entity that uses the recording medium 13 are the same entity in the image recording device 10. In addition to the formatting process, the formatting function may also include a process that confirms with the user whether or not to execute the formatting process as a pre-stage process.

[0043] The image recording device 10 is, for example, a drive recorder installed in a vehicle. The vehicle may be a private automobile, a bus, a linear motor car, a monorail, or other transportation vehicle. The vehicle may be a transportation vehicle, or a taxi, a rental car, a hire car, or other vehicle that may carry an unspecified number of people (for example, an unspecified number of people). The vehicle may also be a vehicle other than a car, such as a ship or an airplane.

[0044] In this embodiment, the image data is moving image data, which may be in, for example, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4), but may also be in AVI, MOV, WMV, or other formats.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, image recording device 10 includes control unit 11, reader / writer 12, recording medium 13, image capture device 14, operation unit 15, display device 16, microphone 17, speaker 18, acceleration sensor 19, power supply unit 20, and camera jack 21, which is an example of an interface unit for connecting to an external device. These components may be mounted in a single housing or in multiple housings. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, these components are mounted in a single housing 24. However, if image recording device 10 is configured with multiple housings, the multiple housings may be connected to each other directly or via a predetermined connecting member, or may be separated and configured to transmit and receive data via wired or wireless communication.

[0046] The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other arithmetic processing circuits. The memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into the memory and performing arithmetic processing. This data includes programs. The control unit 11 executes the various controls described below based on these programs.

[0047] The reader / writer 12 is configured to allow the recording medium 13 to be attached / detached, and reads / writes data from / to the attached recording medium 13. The recording medium 13 is an example of a recording means. In this embodiment, the recording medium 13 is an SD card, but it may also be a recording medium such as a USB memory or a hard disk drive. Note that the recording medium 13 may also be a recording means built into the image recording device 10 and not detachable from the image recording device 10.

[0048] The image capturing device 14 is an example of an image capturing means and includes a camera unit that captures an image capturing area with a predetermined angle of view. The camera unit includes a lens 141, an image capturing element such as a CMOS sensor that captures light collected by the lens 141, and a circuit unit that processes an output signal from the image capturing element. The lens 141 may be a lens with a wide angle of view, such as a wide-angle lens, a fisheye lens, or a hemispherical lens. The hemispherical lens is not limited to a lens with an angle of view of 180 degrees, but also includes a lens with an angle of view of 180 degrees or more.

[0049] The operation unit 15 is one of the user interfaces for inputting various instructions to the image recording device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, an example of the operation unit 15 is various operation buttons arranged on a predetermined surface of the housing 24. Details will be described later.

[0050] The display device 16 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The control unit 11 controls the display screen of the display device 16 to display, for example, image data being captured by the imaging device 14 in real time, or to read and display image data recorded on the recording medium 13.

[0051] The microphone 17 collects, for example, surrounding sounds, such as the voices of people riding in the vehicle and other sounds generated inside and outside the vehicle. When the control unit 11 records image data captured by the image capturing device 14 on the recording medium 13, it also records the sounds collected by the microphone 17 in association with the image data.

[0052] The speaker 18 outputs sounds. The control unit 11 outputs predetermined sounds from the speaker 18 at the time of predetermined recording, alarm, operation, etc. The control unit 11 uses the speaker 18 to notify, for example, operation sounds in the operation unit 15 and various messages (guides, alarms, etc.).

[0053] The acceleration sensor 19 is a three-axis sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (X, Y, Z) and detects the state of the vehicle, such as an impact on the vehicle, the acceleration, and tilt of the vehicle. The detected value of the acceleration sensor 19 is constantly output and provided to the control unit 11. When the detected value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds a threshold value or shows a predetermined temporal change indicating, for example, the occurrence of an impact, the control unit 11 may perform event recording, in which image data captured by the image capture device 14 and sounds collected by the microphone 17 are recorded.

[0054] The power supply unit 20 receives power from an external source and supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to devices and equipment within the image recording device 10. The power supply unit 20 includes a DC jack 201 for attaching a power cable for connecting to an external power source, for example.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the external configuration of the image recording device 10 includes a flat, substantially rectangular housing 24. The housing 24 stands upright when attached to a predetermined position on a vehicle, such as a car. A lens 141 of the built-in image capturing device 14 is disposed on a front surface 241 that is located forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle when in the upright position. The image capturing device 14 captures an image of the area ahead in the direction of travel of the vehicle. A through-hole 181 for a speaker 18 built into the housing 24 is provided above the lens 141 on the front surface 241 of the housing 24. Furthermore, a through-hole 171 for a microphone 17 built into the housing 24 is provided below the lens 141 on the front surface 241 of the housing 24.

[0056] A joint rail 23 and a camera jack 21 are provided on the top surface 244 of the housing 24. One end of a bracket, which is an example of an attachment member (not shown), is detachably attached to the joint rail 23. The other end of the bracket serves as an attachment portion for attachment to, for example, a predetermined position above the windshield of the vehicle, the vehicle's rearview mirror, or the ceiling inside the vehicle cabin. This attachment portion is affixed and fixed to, for example, the windshield of the vehicle, which is an example of an attachment location. In this way, the image recording device 10 is positioned at a predetermined position inside the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, when the image recording device 10 is positioned at the predetermined position and is in the normal position as described above, the front surface 241 faces the windshield of the vehicle, and the image capturing device 14 captures the area in front of the vehicle.

[0057] One end of a camera cable (not shown) is connected to camera jack 21. The other end of this camera cable is connected to another external imaging device. The external imaging device may, for example, be configured to capture an area different from the area captured by imaging device 14, such as the interior of the vehicle or an area outside the vehicle in the direction of travel.

[0058] The rear surface 242 of the housing 24 is provided with a display surface of the display device 16, an operation unit 15, and a power lamp 28. In the example shown in Fig. 2(b), the operation unit 15 has a plurality of operation buttons arranged vertically in an area to the right of the display surface of the display device 16. In this embodiment, four operation buttons are arranged from top to bottom: a first operation button 151, a second operation button 152, a third operation button 153, and a fourth operation button 154.

[0059] The first operation button 151 is a button that switches the image displayed on the display surface of the display device 16 when pressed briefly, and accepts a formatting instruction for the recording medium 13 when pressed and held. When the control unit 11 accepts a formatting instruction input using the first operation button 151, it activates a formatting function. A long press of the first operation button 151 is an example of a single action. Details of the function of accepting a formatting instruction input associated with a long press will be described later. As described above, the image recording device 10 has a function of connecting a separate external imaging device (not shown) using a camera cable connected to the camera jack 21, and displaying image data captured by the external imaging device on the display surface of the display device 16. When the first operation button 151 is pressed and held, the control unit 11 switches the display between an image captured by the imaging device 14 built into the image recording device 10 and an image captured by the external imaging device.

[0060] The second operation button 152 is a button that displays a selection screen for selecting image data to be played back. When this second operation button 152 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen for selecting and playing back image data recorded on the recording medium 13. As described above, the types of image data recorded in this embodiment include "continuous recording," "recording based on an acceleration sensor," and "one-touch recording based on operation of an operation button (fifth operation button 155)." Therefore, the selection screen that is first displayed is a menu screen for selecting one of these three types, and when one type is selected, a selection screen such as a list of image data of that type is displayed. Unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting a format command, the second operation button 152 is preferably configured to operate with a short press.

[0061] The third operation button 153 is a button that displays a setting screen for performing various operation settings, etc. This setting screen has a plurality of hierarchical menu screens, and by appropriately operating each operation button, a lower-level menu screen is displayed, and various operation modes, etc. are set on the menu screen having the desired menu items. Unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting formatting instructions, the third operation button 153 is preferably configured to operate with a short press.

[0062] The fourth operation button 154 is a button for starting / stopping recording. For example, if the fourth operation button 154 is pressed briefly during recording using the continuous recording function, the control unit 11 detects this and pauses the recording, and if the fourth operation button 154 is pressed briefly during the pause, the control unit 11 resumes recording. Furthermore, if the fourth operation button 154 is pressed for a long time, the control unit 11 changes the frame rate during recording. Unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting a format command, the fourth operation button 154 is preferably configured to operate with a short press.

[0063] A DC jack 201 and a recording medium insertion slot 25 are provided on the right side surface 243 of the housing 24. The DC jack 201 is used to supply power to the image recording device 10. For example, a cigarette lighter plug cord connector can be connected to the DC jack 201, and the cigarette lighter plug cord can then be connected to a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power. Instead of the cigarette lighter plug cord, an OBDII adapter connectable to the vehicle's OBDII connector is recommended. The OBDII connector, also known as a diagnostic connector, is connected to the vehicle's ECU and periodically outputs various vehicle information. By connecting the OBDII adapter to the OBDII connector on the vehicle body and connecting the connector attached to the end of the OBDII adapter's connection cord to the DC jack 201, power is supplied to the image recording device 10, and the control unit 11 periodically acquires various vehicle information. The recording medium insertion slot 25 is an insertion slot for inserting an SD card, which is an example of the recording medium 13. A reader / writer 12 is mounted at the back of this recording medium insertion slot 25, and a recording medium 13 such as an SD card can be attached to and detached from the reader / writer 12.

[0064] A fifth operation button 155, which is an example of the operation unit 15, is provided on the left side surface 245 of the housing 24. This fifth operation button 155 is an input button for manually instructing the start of recording, and when this fifth operation button 155 is pressed, the control unit 11 may perform event recording, in which image data captured by the imaging device 14, etc. and sound collected by the microphone 17, etc. are recorded.

[0065] With the above configuration, the control unit 11 has, for example, a recording function for exchanging image data with the photographing device 14 or an external photographing device, and controlling the reader / writer 12 to record the exchanged image data on the recording medium 13, a playback function for reading out the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 and outputting and displaying it on, for example, the display device 16, and a formatting function for performing formatting processing on the recording medium 13.

[0066] [2. Recording format for recording medium 13] First, some examples of recording formats for image data onto the recording medium 13 that can be adopted will be explained.

[0067] [2-1.FAT method] For example, a recording format using FAT such as FAT32 can be used. With this recording format, the clusters stored in the recording area for time-series image data become scattered (i.e., discrete) over time, which can easily lead to fragmentation. For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), even if data is initially recorded in order from the beginning, as use progresses, free clusters will be generated if the recording conditions are changed or some image data is deleted (see Figure 3(b)). In the figure, each block is one cluster, and the numbers within the blocks indicate the order in which the images were taken. For convenience of illustration, the storage capacity is full when 24 clusters have been recorded, and new image data is recorded by overwriting the old data.

[0068] In this case, in FIG. 3(a), the 24th data is recorded, and when the recording capacity is full, the 25th data is recorded in the cluster where the oldest data (number 1) was recorded. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(b), data is overwritten sequentially up to number 33. However, if the recording conditions change, for example, from number 34 onward, a free cluster will be generated. When writing image data, the control unit 11 searches for free clusters and writes there, which gradually progresses fragmentation (see FIG. 3(c)). The more scattered the free clusters are, the longer it takes to search for free clusters, slowing down the writing speed to the recording medium 13. If the time required to search for free clusters exceeds the time required to write, a write error will occur. Therefore, to eliminate fragmentation, it is necessary to perform a formatting process on the recording area of the recording medium 13 periodically or at appropriate times. In contrast, there are recording formats that are less prone to fragmentation than FAT, such as the following:

[0069] [2-2. Recording function onto recording medium 13 using the first recording format that is less likely to cause fragmentation] The recording function includes, for example, a continuous recording function that operates in a continuous recording mode and an event recording function that operates in an event recording mode. The continuous recording process in the continuous recording function is, in principle, performed constantly (continuously) while the image recording device 10 is powered on. The event recording process in the event recording function is performed when a condition (hereinafter referred to as an "event condition") indicating that a predetermined event (an example of a phenomenon) has occurred is met. In this embodiment, the event condition includes acceleration sensor recording, which is performed when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 meets a predetermined condition, and one-touch recording, which is performed when a manual recording instruction is received through operation of the operation unit 15. Acceleration sensor recording and one-touch recording are stored in separate recording areas.

[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates the internal structure and recording format of the recording medium 13. The recording medium 13, such as an SD card, is divided into a file system area 131 and an image recording area 132. The file system area 131 is a file system that can be read and written by the computer's operating system, similar to general computer storage media. This file system area 131 stores dedicated browser software. If a dedicated browser is not installed on the computer when playing back the contents recorded on the recording medium 13, the dedicated browser can be installed on the computer from this file system area 131. The image recording area 132, which records image data and the like without using a FAT recording method, is a proprietary partition that cannot be read or written by the computer's operating system. This image recording area 132 is divided into a continuous recording area 133, a G-sensor recording area 134, and a one-touch recording area 135. The image data recorded in each of these areas is referred to as a "captured image" in FIG. 4. A captured image is recorded in each recording area as multiple frames arranged in chronological order. The figure shows an area for recording image data captured by the camera 14, and although not shown, the recording area for image data captured by an external camera will have a similar recording format. This also applies below.

[0071] The continuous recording area 133 includes a management area 133A and a recording area 133B. The management area 133A is an area where various setting information is recorded by a dedicated browser. When the image recording device 10 records image data, no recording is performed in the management area 133A. This prevents the setting data in the management area 133A from being lost even if a power outage occurs during recording. The management area 133A records an overwrite count master value MUC, a format count master value MFC, an overwrite upper limit value UL, and the like. The overwrite count master value MUC indicates the maximum number of overwrites performed on each storage unit in the continuous recording area 133. When setting information is recorded in the management area 133A of the recording medium 13 by a dedicated browser, the overwrite count master value MUC is updated to the same value as the maximum overwrite count value UC in the recording area 133B. The format count master value MFC indicates the number of times the continuous recording area 133 has been formatted. The overwrite upper limit value UL indicates the number of overwrites that will cause a failure of the recording medium 13, and can be used as a guide for determining the lifespan (i.e., how many more times the recording medium 13 can be overwritten). The overwrite upper limit value UL differs depending on the type of recording medium 13. When formatting the recording medium 13 using a dedicated browser, the user can record the overwrite upper limit value UL in the management area 133A by specifying the model number of the recording medium 13 to be used or by directly entering the value.

[0072] Recording area 133B is an area for storing image data captured by the imaging device 14. The control unit 11 provides a header and a footer for one frame of image data, and records additional information for the image data of that frame in the header and footer. The combined recording size of the image data and additional information is larger than one byte, which is the address assignment unit of the recording medium 13, so one frame's worth of image data and additional information are recorded in multiple consecutive addresses. In the example shown in FIG. 4, 32,768 bytes (32 kilobytes) are recorded per frame.

[0073] The additional information recorded in the header and footer of each frame includes the capture time CT of the image data of that frame, a format count value FC, an overwrite count value UC (set to "1" when written for the first time), and a trigger flag TF indicating that the image was captured when an event was recognized. The format count value FC indicates the number of times formatting has been performed on the recording medium 13. The overwrite count value UC indicates the number of times data has been written to that address. The format count value FC and overwrite count value UC are used for managing the lifespan of the recording medium 13, recording control, etc. The information recorded in the header and footer may not overlap or may be completely identical, but it is particularly preferable to have only partial overlap, as in the example shown in Figure 4. By only partially overlapping the contents of the header and footer, it is possible to increase the difficulty of tampering with the data, including the additional information.

[0074] The control unit 11 of the image recording device 10 sequentially stores image data continuously captured by the image capturing device 14 in the recording area 133B at consecutive addresses in chronological order in the order of capture. Specifically, when capturing images are recorded in the recording area 133B for the first time, recording begins sequentially from the first address of the recording area 133B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the captured images are recorded in the order of capture using consecutive addresses in the recording area 133B, such as addresses 0 to 32767 for the first frame and addresses 32768 to 65535 for the second frame. When the last address of the recording area 133B is reached, the control unit 11 returns to the first address of the recording area 133B and continues recording while overwriting data that has already been written. When recording from the second round onward, the overwrite count value UC is increased by 1 from the current value and recorded.

[0075] The G-sensor recording area 134, which is used for acceleration sensor recording, a type of event recording, also includes a management area 134A and a recording area 134B, similar to the continuous recording area 133. The management area 134A stores a format count master value MFC, an overwrite count master value MUC, an overwrite upper limit value UL, and the like. The recording area 134B stores image data captured around the time of a specific event, such as when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds a threshold, along with additional information. The management area 134A and the recording area 134B store the same information as the management area 133A and the recording area 133B, respectively. The additional information recorded here is the same as the additional information stored in the recording area 133B of the continuous recording area 133.

[0076] When a predetermined event condition is met, such as the detection value of acceleration sensor 19 exceeding a threshold value, control unit 11 stores image data captured by imaging device 14 during a recording period that includes the time period before and after the moment when the event condition is met in recording area 134B, sequentially at consecutive addresses in the same manner as recording in recording area 133B.

[0077] The one-touch recording area 135, which is used for one-touch recording associated with a manual operation, which is one type of event recording, also includes a management area 135A and a recording area 135B, similar to the continuous recording area 133. The management area 135A stores a format count master value MFC, an overwrite count master value MUC, an overwrite upper limit value UL, and the like. The recording area 135B stores image data captured around the time of the event occurrence, along with additional information. The management area 135A and the recording area 135B store the same information as the management area 133A and the recording area 133B, respectively. The additional information recorded here is the same as the additional information stored in the recording area 133B of the continuous recording area 133.

[0078] When a predetermined event condition is met, such as the detection value of acceleration sensor 19 exceeding a threshold value, control unit 11 stores image data captured by imaging device 14 during a recording period that includes the time period before and after the moment when the event condition is met in recording area 134B, sequentially at consecutive addresses in the same manner as recording in recording area 133B.

[0079] Using the above-described recording method, each type of image data is written cyclically to the designated recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B at consecutive addresses within the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B. As a result, the most recent overwrite count value UC is recorded in the additional information of the most recently written frame, and the overwrite count value UC less by one is recorded in the additional information of the next frame. The control unit 11 finds the frame where the overwrite count value UC changes for consecutive addresses within the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B and controls the next writing to start from that frame. This allows recording while overwriting the oldest data as needed. Moreover, by simply finding the frame where the overwrite count value UC changes and controlling the next writing to start from that frame, the oldest data can be overwritten as needed without requiring any other complex control. Furthermore, the number of overwrites performed on the captured image data is recorded and can be confirmed during playback, so the overwrite count value UC (and other additional information) can be used to verify whether data has been tampered with.

[0080] In this embodiment, the areas for recording each piece of image data are determined in advance, and the image data are recorded in those areas in a predetermined order. Therefore, the captured and stored chronologically ordered image data are arranged in chronological order in memory. In other words, the cluster numbers and sector numbers for recording image data are arranged in chronological order, and unlike FAT32, sequential writing to empty areas, i.e., empty clusters, is not performed. This recording format is less prone to fragmentation. Because the recording medium 13 is thus less prone to fragmentation, image data can be continuously recorded in a predetermined order by overwriting it without formatting after use. Since formatting is not required for long periods of time, it is sometimes referred to as "format-free." This also applies to the second recording format described below. This recording format does not record FAT on the recording medium 13. More specifically, it does not require information about which cluster a file is located in when it spans multiple clusters.

[0081] Furthermore, the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B can be used evenly, and it is possible to prevent a location that has been overwritten many times locally from becoming a bottleneck and shortening the life of the memory card itself.

[0082] [2-3. Recording function to recording medium 13 using the second recording format that is less prone to fragmentation] Figure 5 shows the main parts of the second recording format, which is less prone to fragmentation. This recording format creates large dummy files made up of clusters, creating a space for data in advance. These files are created, for example, for each specified unit of time (F1, F2, F3, ...) with consecutive sector numbers.

[0083] The control unit 11 records the time-series image data captured by the camera 14 in files for each unit time in order without recording FAT on the recording medium 13. Then, when image data is recorded in the last file, it returns to the first file and overwrites it. Recording is repeated thereafter in order. This ensures that the time-series image data is recorded in the correct order of sector numbers.

[0084] Furthermore, if recording conditions such as resolution are changed, empty clusters may occur at the end of a file, as shown in Figure 5(b). In such a case, when writing image data next, the empty clusters are ignored and the data is written sequentially from the beginning of the next file. In this way, empty clusters will occur, but the time-series image data will be recorded in chronological order with no shifting in sector numbers. This makes fragmentation less likely to occur.

[0085] Since the control unit 11 writes image data in a predetermined file order, there is no need to search for free clusters, and write errors are less likely to occur regardless of whether free clusters exist. Image data can be read and written without recording FAT.

[0086] Such a file F for each unit time is created for each type of image data to be recorded, for example, a file group for continuous recording (F1, F2, F3, ...), a file group for acceleration sensor recording (F1, F2, F3, ...), a file group for one-touch recording (F1, F2, F3, ...). The files are then written in the corresponding file order according to the type of image data to be recorded. For example, a recording medium 13 that is attached to and sold together with the image recording device 10 may be set in advance by the manufacturer to the second recording format described above.

[0087] The recording medium 13 set to the above-described recording format is used in the image recording device 10. The recording medium 13 may be, for example, attached to the image recording device 10, sold together, and set to the above-described recording format in advance by the manufacturer. By setting the recording format to a predetermined format in this way, a user who has purchased or otherwise acquired the image recording device 10 can start using the recording medium 13 by simply inserting it into the reader / writer 12, and image data captured by the photographing device 14 or the like is recorded in chronological order on the recording medium 13. The image recording device 10 may have a function of performing formatting processing to set the recording medium 13 to one of the above-described recording formats when the recording medium 13 is first installed.

[0088] [3. Input reception function and format function] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 accepts input of a formatting instruction from the user while the image recording device 10 is operating, at least while the image recording device 10 is taking a picture or recording the taken image data. This allows the user to give a formatting instruction more easily than if the user had to stop an operation such as taking a picture or recording by the image recording device 10 before inputting a formatting instruction. Note that the image recording device 10 may be configured to allow input of a formatting instruction at any other time while the power of the image recording device 10 is on, as an operating state of the image recording device 10. The formatting function of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0089] [3-1. The significance of the format function] For example, in the case of a recording format that is prone to fragmentation, such as the FAT format, frequent formatting can help prevent problems caused by fragmentation.

[0090] In contrast, the first and second recording formats are examples of a so-called format-free recording format that is less prone to fragmentation. In this case, formatting the recording medium 13 is unnecessary or only slightly necessary to prevent errors in the image data recording process due to fragmentation. However, a user may want to quickly erase image data recorded on the recording means. For example, this may occur when the user does not want a third party to see the image data. Furthermore, a user may want to check whether the recording means is malfunctioning to prevent image data from being recorded when it is necessary. For example, if an accident or other trouble occurs and the user wants to review captured images later, it may be inconvenient if the image data is not recorded due to a malfunction of the recording medium 13. For some users, for example, it is desirable to be able to easily format the recording medium 13 for such purposes. Therefore, the image recording device 10 has the following formatting functions.

[0091] [3-2. One-touch formatting function] [3-2-1. Background of establishing a formatting function based on one-touch operation] For example, if the formatting process is configured to require operating a menu screen of a hierarchical setting screen and switching between multiple screens, the process can become cumbersome. Furthermore, if multiple screen switching processes are required, it takes time to reach the screen for formatting, and if there is a request to immediately erase screen data, for example, the request cannot be met.

[0092] Furthermore, if formatting is performed infrequently, it is difficult to place the screen for giving formatting instructions at a higher level due to its relationship with other setting items.Furthermore, if formatting is performed infrequently, there is a risk that when attempting to perform such formatting, it will be difficult to smoothly reach the desired menu screen.

[0093] Furthermore, the settings screen may be used to set and rewrite the operating conditions of the image recording device 10. For example, if continuous recording mode is active, the settings screen may not be accessible until recording is stopped. If the settings screen cannot be accessed until recording is stopped, an action is required to stop recording, making it impossible to quickly issue a formatting command, and ultimately making it impossible to quickly delete all image data at once. Furthermore, if users are unaware that recording must be stopped in order to access the settings screen, they may find themselves unable to access the settings screen in the first place, which could be mistaken for a malfunction.

[0094] [3-2-2. Input acceptance function for accepting input of format instructions] The objective is to solve these problems and make it possible to easily input a format command. Therefore, in this embodiment, a format button is provided on the image recording device 10 to issue a format command with a single touch. In this embodiment, this format button is assigned to the first operation button 151 provided on the rear surface 242 of the housing 24, and further, pressing and holding the first operation button 151 inputs a format command.

[0095] The image recording device 10 has an input acceptance function that accepts input of a formatting instruction. The input acceptance function is realized when a user inputs a formatting instruction using an input means used for inputting information, and the control unit 11 recognizes the acceptance of the input of this formatting instruction. In this embodiment, the input acceptance function accepts the input of a formatting instruction using a first operation button 151 exposed on the exterior (surface) of the image recording device 10. Therefore, a user who wants to format can issue an instruction by pressing (long pressing in this example) the first operation button 151. A formatting instruction can be issued quickly without the need to open a settings screen and navigate through hierarchical menu screens, and the formatting process can be executed quickly accordingly, allowing, for example, all recorded image data to be erased.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the format instruction by the long press is accepted even during recording. As a result, when a user wants to format while recording, the user can quickly perform the formatting process by immediately long pressing the first operation button 151 without operating the fourth operation button 154 to stop recording. Also, a user who wants to format can simply operate the operation button for formatting (first operation button 151), which makes the operation easy to understand, and there is no risk of mistaking the above-mentioned case where the formatting operation is not performed even if the operation button for formatting instruction is operated, leading to a malfunction.

[0097] [3-2-3. Confirmation of accepted format instructions: Part of the format function] In this embodiment, when the first operation button 151 is pressed and held down, the control unit 11 displays a format confirmation screen 51 on the display surface of the display device 16 (see FIG. 6(a)). When displaying this format confirmation screen 51, the control unit 11 does so without changing the recording state. In other words, if recording is in progress, the format confirmation screen 51 is displayed while recording is in progress.

[0098] When the control unit 11 receives an operation to press the button marked "Execute" included in the format confirmation screen 51, it receives this as an operation to instruct the execution of formatting processing (see FIG. 6(b)). Then, the control unit 11 stops the recording if recording is currently in progress, and executes the actual formatting processing on the recording medium 13. By including the confirmation processing in this way, it is possible to prevent image data from being deleted as a result of a formatting processing that is not intended by the user being executed as a result of an erroneous or mistaken pressing of the first operation button 151.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the format confirmation screen 51 has a layout in which the menu items [Cancel] and [Execute] are arranged below the message "Do you want to format the SD card?", with [Cancel] selected by default. On this confirmation screen, either [Cancel] or [Execute] is selected by operating the third operation button 153 or the second operation button 152. That is, when the third operation button 153 is pressed with [Cancel] selected as shown in FIG. 6(a), [Execute] is selected as shown in FIG. 6(b), and when the second operation button 152 is pressed in this state, the screen changes to the state shown in FIG. 6(a). Then, when the fourth operation button 154 is pressed, the currently selected menu item ([Cancel] / [Execute]) is confirmed.

[0100] When the fourth operation button 154 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 6(b), the control unit 11 stops recording if it is in progress, and executes formatting processing on the recording medium 13 (here, an SD card). This formatting processing will be described later. When the formatting processing is complete, the control unit 11 displays a message screen stating "SD card initialization completed" on the display surface of the display device 16 for a few seconds, and then ends the formatting processing. Specific details of the formatting processing will be described later. Note that the word "initialization" is used in the screens of FIG. 6 and other figures, and this is done with an emphasis on making the formatting processing easy for the user to understand.

[0101] When the formatting process is completed, the control unit 11 may resume continuous recording. When continuous recording is resumed, the captured image data is written in order from the first address of the recording area. When the formatting process is completed, the control unit 11 may automatically resume recording. At this time, the control unit 11 may display information indicating that recording will resume, such as "Recording will resume," on the display device 16, or output a voice message.

[0102] 6(a), the control unit 11 turns off the display of the format confirmation screen 51, terminates the process without formatting the recording medium 13, and maintains the recording state. Therefore, if the first operation button 151 is pressed and held down during recording, the recording state is maintained even while the format confirmation screen 51 is displayed. Therefore, even if the first operation button 151 is pressed and held down by mistake, the captured image data can be recorded without interruption by canceling the operation on the format confirmation screen 51.

[0103] In this embodiment, the four operation buttons, first operation button 151 to fourth operation button 154, are assigned functions used for formatting processing based on a one-touch operation of first operation button 151, and characters, logos, marks, etc. indicating each function are provided on the surface of each operation button. This allows the user to intuitively understand which operation button to press. In this example, the surface of first operation button 151 is provided with a logo consisting of a diagram of an SD card and the letters SD, allowing the user to understand that pressing this operation button will perform processing on the SD card, i.e., issue a formatting command. The surfaces of second operation button 152 and third operation button 153 are provided with upward and downward triangles, respectively, making it easy to understand that they are used to change the selected menu item. Furthermore, the word OK is provided on the surface of fourth operation button 154, making it easy to understand that it is used to issue a confirmation command.

[0104] [3-2-4. Processing of the control unit 11 that executes input reception function and format function] 7, in order to perform the above-described processing, the control unit 11 waits for the first operation button 151 to be pressed and held down, and if the first operation button 151 is pressed and held down (Yes in S11), the control unit 11 displays the format confirmation screen 51 (S12). When the control unit 11 receives a short press of the second operation button 152 or the third operation button 153 while the format confirmation screen is displayed, the control unit 11 switches the selection of the menu item ([Cancel] / [Execute]) on the format confirmation screen. Then, in response to the pressing of the fourth operation button 154, the control unit 11 determines whether the currently selected menu item is [Cancel] or [Execute] (S13). If cancel is selected, the current format instruction is canceled, and the process returns without performing the formatting process.

[0105] On the other hand, if execution is selected, the control unit 11 determines whether or not recording is currently in progress (S14). If recording is not in progress, the control unit 11 executes formatting processing on the recording medium 13 (S16). If recording is in progress, the recording operation is stopped (S15) and then the control unit 11 executes formatting processing on the recording medium 13 (S16). The specific formatting processing is as follows. Then, when formatting processing on the recording medium 13 is completed, the control unit 11 resumes recording (S17). In this way, the user can easily issue a formatting instruction to the image recording device 10 and have it execute formatting processing.

[0106] [3-2-5. Formatting process for the first recording format] The control unit 11 accesses the recording medium 13 and checks whether it is in a predetermined recording format. That is, it determines whether the recording medium 13 is structured with a file system area 131 and management areas 133A, 134A, 135A, etc., as shown in FIG. 4. If no predetermined areas are provided, the control unit 11 sets each area, secures recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B for continuously recording image data, and resets the values of the management areas 133A, 134A, 135A to their initial values to form a predetermined recording format. The control unit 11 only needs to secure the area for recording image data, such as a permanent area, and does not need to erase data by writing predetermined data. By resetting the values of the overwrite count master value MUC, format count master value MFC, and overwrite upper limit value UL of the management areas 133A, 134A, 135A to their initial values, image data is not recorded in the recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B. Therefore, when recording image data in the predetermined recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B of the formatted recording medium 13, the control unit 11 records the data in order from the top address of each of the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B.

[0107] On the other hand, if a predetermined recording format has already been set, a process for erasing all data already recorded in the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B is performed. This process for erasing all data in each recording area may be performed by controlling the controller 11 to erase all data in each recording area. However, it is preferable that the controller 11 perform formatting by incrementing the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A by 1. During this formatting process, no writing or erasing process is performed on the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B. The image recording device 10 considers that the data has been erased for frames in which a format count value FC smaller than the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A is recorded as additional information. Specifically, when writing new image data into an area where old image data is stored, the control unit 11 compares the format count value FC recorded as additional information in the old image data with the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A. If the format count value FC is smaller than the format count master value MFC, the old image data (or a fragment of data) is considered to have been erased and can be overwritten, and is written into that area. By updating the count values and the like in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A in this way, the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B for writing image data are placed in a state similar to that in which no image data is written, making it appear as if the image data has been erased. The recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B are secured so that writing can be performed from the starting address of each recording area 133B, 134B, and 135B. This type of control eliminates the need to perform control (e.g., application of a high voltage) to erase data from elements in recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B during formatting, which contributes to extending the life of the elements and speeding up the formatting process.

[0108] [3-2-5. Formatting process using the second recording format] This second recording format is also a recording format that is less prone to fragmentation, so by using a recording medium 13 that is set to the second recording format in advance, it is not necessary to provide a formatting function after starting to use it. However, in this embodiment, a formatting function is provided so that formatting processing can be performed on a recording medium 13 that has image data already recorded on it.

[0109] In formatting the second recording format, for example, the control unit 11 accesses the recording medium 13 and checks whether it is in a predetermined recording format. That is, it determines whether the structure of the recording medium 13 includes predetermined files. If not, it sets up dummy files with predetermined storage capacities for each type of image data, and ensures a continuous recording area for recording each type of image data. These dummy files may also be hidden files.

[0110] On the other hand, if a predetermined recording format has already been set, the control unit 11 erases all image data recorded in each file. For example, if the recording medium 13 is an SD card, the control unit 11 performs control (such as applying a high voltage) to erase data from elements in the file, and erases all recorded image data at once. This ensures a continuous recording area for recording image data from the beginning of each file.

[0111] Furthermore, without checking whether or not a predetermined recording format has been set in this way, it is advisable to set up dummy files or the like with a predetermined storage capacity for each type of image data, in the same way as in processing a new recording medium 13, and secure a continuous recording area for recording each type of image data.

[0112] This makes it possible to meet the user's desire to easily format the recording medium 13 in the case of a recording format called format-free.

[0113] [3-2-6. Formatting using FAT recording format] The formatting process may be performed in the same manner as above for the recording medium 13 on which image data is recorded in a recording format that is prone to fragmentation, such as the FAT system. Upon receiving a formatting instruction based on a one-touch operation, the control unit 11, for example, accesses the recording medium 13 and checks whether the recording format is the predetermined FAT system, and if the predetermined recording format is set, deletes the FAT information, for example, to make the recorded image data inaccessible or deletes the image data.

[0114] [3-3. Preventing incorrect input from being accepted by operating buttons that give format instructions] It is preferable that the operation of the first operation button 151 performed to give a format instruction be a time-consuming operation. If the operation is not time-consuming, there is a risk that the operation will be performed by mistake and the input of a format instruction will be accepted unintentionally, but if the operation is time-consuming, the user will perform the operation with the purpose of giving a format instruction, and it is possible to minimize the risk of the format function being activated due to a mistaken operation, etc.

[0115] The time-consuming operation may be, for example, a time-consuming operation such as a long press in the above-described embodiment, or an operation-related operation such as pressing multiple times in succession within a predetermined time. For example, the second operation unit, which is a short press, may be pressed a first number of times to operate, while the first operation unit, which is a long press, may be pressed a second number of times (e.g., double tapping within a predetermined time) to operate. For example, even if the first operation button 151 is accidentally touched and pressed for a short time when trying to correct the orientation of the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 or to operate another operation button, the control unit 11 does not recognize this as a format instruction, and therefore, the format function is prevented from being erroneously activated.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, multiple functions are assigned to first operation button 151, with a long press inputting a format instruction and a short press performing another function (screen switching), and format instructions are given by a time-consuming long press, but even if first operation button 151 is a dedicated operation button for giving format instructions, it may be acceptable to accept the instruction by a time-consuming operation such as a long press. Furthermore, when multiple operation buttons are provided, this time-consuming operation may be made more time-consuming (for example, by pressing for a longer period of time) for first operation button 151 than for other operation buttons, for example, fifth operation button 155 for performing one-touch recording based on a manual operation.

[0117] [3-4. Preventing incorrect input by placing buttons that provide formatting instructions] The button for issuing a format instruction (first operation button 151) should be located in a position that is more difficult to press than the other operation buttons. By locating it in a position that is more difficult to press, it is possible to minimize the possibility that the user will press first operation button 151 unintentionally (when not wanting to format, for example) and a format instruction will be accepted.

[0118] An example of a position that is difficult to press is a position far from the driver sitting in the driver's seat, or on a surface that is difficult to operate. A position far from the driver may be, for example, located on the upper side when the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 is in the upright position. If the first operation button 151 is located on the upper side of the housing 24, it may be difficult to reach while sitting, or may be difficult to press even if it is within reach, and this can prevent the user from unintentionally pressing and holding the first operation button 151.

[0119] In this embodiment, multiple operation buttons are arranged on the same surface of the housing 24 (in this embodiment, the back surface 242), and the first operation button 151 for issuing a format instruction is arranged at the top. This makes it difficult to press in relation to the other operation buttons, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the first operation button 151 from being pressed accidentally and causing formatting. When multiple operation buttons are arranged in this way, it is preferable to arrange the button for issuing a format instruction (here, first operation button 151) at the farthest position as seen by the driver sitting in the driver's seat.

[0120] On the other hand, the operation button with the highest priority during operation of the image recording device 10 is the fifth operation button 155, which triggers event recording based on a manual operation. Therefore, the fifth operation button 155 (event button) is located in a location where it can be pressed quickly. A good example of a location where it can be pressed quickly is a lower position on the left side surface 245 on the driver's side when the housing 24 is installed in an upright position. If the fifth operation button 155 is located on the left side surface 245, for example, a driver riding in a right-hand drive vehicle can easily press the fifth operation button 155 by, for example, placing the thumb of his left hand on the fifth operation button 155 and grasping the right side surface 243 and the left side surface 245 with his left hand. In particular, if the fifth operation button 155 is located at a lower position as in this embodiment, it can be operated without having to raise the palm of his left hand very high. Furthermore, the fifth operation button 155 can be pressed by fisting the palm of his left hand, allowing for quick operation.

[0121] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide first operation button 151, which issues a formatting instruction, and fifth operation button 155, which issues a one-touch recording instruction, on different sides of housing 24, and furthermore, to place first operation button 151 on a side that is difficult to operate. In this way, it becomes easier to operate fifth operation button 155, which is frequently used, and it is possible to reduce the risk of accidentally pressing first operation button 151 to issue a formatting instruction to control unit 11 and activate the formatting function when, for example, you are trying to start recording image data. Then, if a situation arises where you want to format, for example, to delete all recorded image data at once, you can issue a formatting instruction with a simple operation such as pressing and holding first operation button 151, regardless of whether recording is in progress or not.

[0122] [3-5. Combination of formatting using the menu screen and formatting based on operation on the operation unit 15 of the image recording device without displaying the menu screen] The setting screen displayed upon a short press of the third operation button 153 includes a plurality of hierarchical menu screens each having a menu item for configuring various operational settings. A menu screen several levels below this setting screen may include a menu item for formatting. In this manner, the control unit 11 may have the function of displaying a menu screen on the display device 16, including a format menu for instructing the execution of formatting processing on the recording medium 13, and executing formatting processing on the recording medium 13 in response to an operation to select the format menu. This allows the image recording device 10 to display a menu screen and perform formatting in response to the selection of "Format" from the menu screen, and, as in the above-described embodiment, to perform formatting in response to a format instruction based on an operation on the first operation button 151, an operating means of the image recording device 10, without displaying such a menu screen.

[0123] The formatting function activated in response to the operation of the first operation button 151 accepts input of a formatting command without displaying a menu screen on the display device 16, and is different from a formatting process that is performed by operating the third operation button 153 to display the top page of the setting screen, and then appropriately operating the second operation button 152, the third operation button 153, and the fourth operation button 154 to display the desired format menu. The formatting process based on the formatting function activated by the operation of the first operation button 151 can reduce the operational burden on the user. For example, the user does not need to display a menu screen, and also does not need to search for a menu corresponding to the formatting process among the menus included in the menu screen. Furthermore, if the user wants to immediately format the recording medium 13 while using a vehicle, for example, this can be achieved by operating the first operation button 151.

[0124] On the other hand, for example, in the formatting process using the menu screen displayed in response to the user's operation of the third operation button 153, a menu screen including menus for setting the operation of the image recording device 10 is displayed, and while the user is performing an operation related to the setting, the user can immediately format the recording medium 13 by switching between a series of menu screens and selecting a format menu included in the menu screen. In this way, since there are multiple ways to format, the user can input formatting instructions according to the user's usage situation, utilization situation, etc., improving user convenience.

[0125] [4-1. Formatting without confirmation] In the above-described embodiment, if the first operation button 151 is pressed and held during recording, the control unit 11 displays the format confirmation screen 51, and executes formatting processing on the recording medium 13 on the condition that another execution command is received, and all image data, etc. recorded on the recording medium 13 are deleted at once. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the control unit 11 may have a function to execute formatting processing on the recording medium 13 and delete all image data, etc., without displaying the format confirmation screen 51, when it detects that the first operation button 151 has been pressed and held.

[0126] In this way, for example, a user who wants to delete all image data at once can simply press the first operation button 151, eliminating the need for subsequent button operations for confirmation, thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome operations. Furthermore, since the time required for such confirmation operations is not required, all recorded image data can be deleted more quickly.

[0127] When a format command is input, such as by pressing and holding the first operation button 151, the control unit 11 may have a mode in which a confirmation process is performed, such as by displaying the format confirmation screen 51, and a mode in which the format process is performed without the confirmation process as described above, and it is preferable that either mode can be selected by setting the mode using a setting screen, for example. For example, this can accommodate both users who prioritize safety by reducing the possibility of accidentally erasing recorded image data, and users who want to perform formatting work simply and quickly, and the mode setting can realize functions that suit each user.

[0128] [4-2. Allowing input of format instructions when recording is stopped] Even if an operation to give a format instruction is performed, such as by pressing and holding the first operation button 151 during recording, the control unit 11 does not perform formatting processing, and it is preferable that the control unit 11 has a function to perform formatting processing when an operation to give a format instruction is performed while recording is stopped.

[0129] For example, when the control unit 11 detects a long press of the first operation button 151, it determines whether recording is currently in progress. If recording is not in progress, it performs a predetermined process, such as displaying the format confirmation screen 51 as in the above-described embodiment, or immediately executing formatting without displaying the confirmation screen. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that recording is in progress, the control unit 11 continues recording. In this case, the control unit 11 may display a message screen stating, for example, "Please stop recording before long-pressing the format button," or provide an audio notification. By displaying such a message screen, the user can understand the steps required for formatting. Furthermore, if a user is unaware that formatting cannot be performed during recording, and no response is obtained when the first operation button 151 is long-pressed during recording, they may mistakenly believe that the device is malfunctioning. However, by providing a visual or audio notification, such a mistake is prevented.

[0130] It is preferable to provide a mode that does not allow input of formatting instructions during recording, as in the present embodiment, and a mode that allows input of formatting instructions, as in the above-mentioned embodiments, and to enable selection of either mode by, for example, setting the mode using a setting screen. For example, this can accommodate both users who prioritize safety by reducing the possibility of accidentally erasing recorded image data, and users who want to perform formatting work simply and quickly, and the mode setting can realize functions that suit each user.

[0131] [4-3. Stopping continuous recording based on format instructions] In a configuration that allows input of a format command during continuous recording, it is preferable to have a function that stops continuous recording when a format command is input. In the above-described embodiment, if a configuration is configured to perform a confirmation process even when a format command is input, continuous recording continues until confirmation such as acceptance of an execution command is obtained, but it is preferable to stop recording immediately when a format command is input.

[0132] In the various embodiments described above, a user who inputs a format command may want to perform the formatting process quickly, but since the execution of the formatting process also deletes the image data recorded immediately before, there is often no point in recording it because the data cannot be viewed afterwards. Therefore, by immediately stopping continuous recording, the formatting process can be performed immediately after the confirmation process, etc.

[0133] Furthermore, it is preferable that an item for formatting be provided as one of the menu items of the menu screens several levels lower than the menu screens in the lower hierarchical levels. In this way, it is preferable that the control unit 11 has a function of displaying on the display device 16 a menu screen including a format menu for instructing the execution of formatting processing on the recording medium 13, and executing formatting processing on the recording medium 13 in response to an operation of selecting the format menu. The formatting function that operates in response to the operation of the first operation button 151 accepts input of formatting instructions without displaying a menu screen on the display device 16, and is different from the formatting process that is performed by operating the third operation button 153 to display the top page of the setting screen, and then operating the second operation button 152, the third operation button 153, and the fourth operation button 154 as appropriate to display the desired format menu.

[0134] The image recording device 10 has a formatting function that is activated by operating the first operation button 151, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user. For example, the user does not need to display a menu screen, nor does the user need to search for a menu corresponding to the formatting process among the menus included in the menu screen. Furthermore, if the user wants to immediately format the recording medium 13 while using a vehicle, for example, this can be achieved by operating the first operation button 151. Meanwhile, for example, when the user displays a menu screen including menus for configuring settings related to the operation of the image recording device 10 and performs an operation related to the settings, the user can immediately format the recording medium 13 by switching between a series of menu screens and selecting a format menu included in the menu screen. Thus, since multiple formatting methods are available, the user can input formatting instructions according to the user's usage situation, improving user convenience.

[0135] 5. Other Embodiments The present invention can be implemented in forms different from the above-described embodiment. For example, the present invention can be implemented in the following forms. The forms described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0136] [5-1. Inputting format instructions other than using physical operation buttons] [5-1-1.Soft buttons displayed on the screen] The input means for the user to input a formatting instruction is not limited to the first operation button 151. The input means may be various means, including the operation means described below. For example, a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display device 16, and when a predetermined position on the screen is tapped, swiped, or otherwise operated on the touch panel (hereinafter simply referred to as a "tap, etc."), the control unit 11 displays a formatting instruction button section 52 (soft button) on the display surface (see FIG. 8(a)). This tap, etc. is an example of a single action. When the formatting instruction button section 52 is not displayed, it is not in a state where it can accept an input of a formatting instruction. When the formatting instruction button section 52 is tapped, etc., the input of a formatting instruction is accepted, and the predetermined process described above is executed.

[0137] The predetermined position on the screen where the tap that triggers the display of the format instruction button section 52 is made should be the entire screen. The soft button for the first tap should be provided on the entire screen while being invisible. The format instruction button section 52 is normally hidden, making it difficult to determine the tap position. Therefore, it is preferable that the format instruction button section 52 be displayed when tapped anywhere on the display surface of the display device 16. In particular, when no image data is displayed on the display surface of the display device 16 and the screen is blank, there is no indication of the tap position, so it is preferable that the entire screen be displayed. When the soft button is blank, any part of the screen can be pressed, so it can be pressed without worrying about a specific area. Furthermore, since the format instruction button section 52 is normally hidden, it does not obscure the image data when image data being captured is displayed in real time or when images recorded on the recording medium 13 are displayed on the display surface. Then, when the screen is tapped, the format instruction button section 52 is displayed and ready to accept a tap. Tapping the format instruction button section 52 at this point accepts input of a format instruction.

[0138] The predetermined processing when the format instruction button section 52 is tapped is, for example, to display a format confirmation screen 53 (see Figure 8(b)), and perform formatting processing on the recording medium 13 in accordance with the instructions (execute / cancel) on the format confirmation screen 53, or to close the format confirmation screen 53 without performing the formatting processing and end the series of processing.

[0139] The display layout of the format confirmation screen 53 may include, for example, a cancel button area 531 and an execute button area 532, and the content of each button area may be confirmed by tapping, etc. As in the above-described embodiment, a confirm button area corresponding to the fourth operation button 154 for issuing a confirmation instruction may be provided, but in this example, such a confirm button area is not provided, and the instruction can be confirmed by simply tapping, etc., once on either the execute or cancel button area, thereby eliminating the need to tap the confirm button area and making it easy to input instructions related to the formatting process.

[0140] In addition, it is preferable to provide a confirmation button area at a predetermined position, such as below the execution button area 532, and to select either the cancellation button area 531 or the execution button area 532 by tapping, etc., and then confirming the final instruction by tapping, etc., on the confirmation button area.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display position of the format instruction button section 52 and the display position of the execution button area 532 of the format confirmation screen 53 are at least partially overlapped. As a result, although the confirmation screen is displayed to call attention, the formatting process can be executed by touching the same location multiple times as a user operation, improving operability.

[0142] Furthermore, rather than fixing the display position of the format instruction button section 52, it is preferable to change the display position of the format instruction button section 52 depending on the position where the display surface is tapped or the like while the format instruction button section 52 is not displayed. For example, the display area of the format instruction button section 52 may include the position where the initial tap occurred. This further improves the operability for inputting format instructions. Furthermore, in response to a change in the display position of the format instruction button section 52, it is also preferable to change the display positions of the format confirmation screen 53 and the execute button area 532.

[0143] Also in this embodiment, when the display surface is tapped or the like, regardless of whether image data is being recorded or not, the format instruction button section 52 is displayed, and subsequent processing such as displaying the format confirmation screen 53 is performed, and it is preferable that these processing be performed while the recording processing is continuing.

[0144] Instead of inputting a format instruction by tapping or the like on the above-described format instruction button section 52, when a soft button is tapped or the like on the display surface of the display device 16 while it is not displayed, the control unit 11 may accept this as an input of a format instruction and execute a predetermined process. When the display surface is tapped or the like, the predetermined process may display a format confirmation screen 53 shown in Fig. 8(b) and, after receiving confirmation, execute or cancel the format process.

[0145] It is preferable that a tap or the like on the display surface be treated as a format instruction when it is held down for a predetermined period of time or longer. A short tap or the like on the display surface may also be accepted as a format instruction input, but there is a risk that an erroneous input will be accepted if the display surface of the display device 16 is accidentally touched when adjusting the orientation of the housing 24 or touching the housing 24 to operate another operation button, etc. Therefore, by not accepting a short tap, such as a momentary touch, as a format instruction input, the possibility of such an erroneous input being accepted is reduced.

[0146] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, when a tap or the like is made to instruct formatting, formatting processing may be performed directly on the recording medium 13 without performing confirmation processing such as displaying the format confirmation screen 53. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, while a captured image is normally displayed, soft buttons such as the format instruction button section 52 are hidden, and when a tap or the like is made on the screen, the format instruction button section 52 or the like is displayed, but even while an image is being displayed, the format instruction button section 52 or the like may be displayed, allowing input of a format instruction to be accepted.

[0147] [5-1-2. Inputting format instructions into image recording device 10 in a state where it can accept data with a single non-contact action] Instead of the function of issuing a format instruction with one action such as one touch to the image recording device 10, such as the first operation button 151 or the touch panel format instruction button section 52, it is preferable to provide a function for inputting a format instruction through a contactless operation without touching the image recording device 10. In this way, it is possible to execute a contactless formatting process suitable for the COVID-19 era without providing a new button or the like for issuing a format instruction.

[0148] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to provide a function for inputting formatting instructions without contact, in addition to providing a formatting function that operates in response to touching the first operation button 151, etc. Inputting formatting instructions using a contact method may be faster or require simpler operations, and providing both functions allows for selection according to the user's preference, usage environment, etc. As a means for accepting input of formatting instructions without contact, for example, the following may be used.

[0149] [5-1-2-1. Voice input instructions] The control unit 11 recognizes voices collected by the microphone 17 as an input unit, and if the recognition result is a predetermined phrase such as "format" or "initialize card," the control unit 11 stops continuous recording and starts formatting the recording medium 13. The user's input of the predetermined phrase is an example of a single action. This voice recognition may be continuously accepted while the image recording device 10 is in operation, or, for example, after recognizing a call from the image recording device 10, such as "Hi, XX," the image recording device 10 enters a state in which it is ready to accept a formatting instruction, and then starts formatting when it recognizes the voice of the predetermined phrase described above in that state. By not accepting formatting requests through voice recognition when calls are normal, for example, it is possible to prevent unintended formatting from being performed when the user utters a predetermined phrase in everyday conversation with a passenger.

[0150] Furthermore, when a predetermined phrase is recognized, a predetermined confirmation process is preferably performed before formatting the recording medium 13. The confirmation process may be performed by displaying a message on the display screen of the display device 16 or outputting a voice message from the speaker 18, and the predetermined process may be performed upon receiving a voice response such as "Yes," "Execute," or an affirmative response such as "No," "Cancel," or a negative response such as "No," "Cancel," or the like. These response responses may be registered in advance.

[0151] Although the phrases such as "format" that are used as the comparison standard for the voice recognition results may be registered as defaults in advance, it is preferable to provide a function for the user to register them, and to execute formatting processing when the voice recognition results match the registered phrases. This makes it less likely that the user will forget the phrases used to provide formatting instructions, and ensures that formatting instructions can be input by voice. On the other hand, by not using general phrases such as "format" as the registered phrase, it is possible to prevent a third party from using voice recognition to format the recording medium 13 and deleting the recorded image data.

[0152] [5-1-2-2. Input instructions using gestures] The image recording device 10 of this embodiment is, for example, an image recording device 14 that captures images in all directions, such as a 360-degree camera, or an image recording device 10 such as a drive recorder that has multiple cameras and is configured to capture images of the inside and outside of the vehicle as well as the outside, and is equipped with a parking monitoring mode that captures images of the inside and outside of the vehicle and records image data even while the vehicle is parked.

[0153] Then, within a predetermined period of time after entering parking monitoring mode, such as within 30 seconds, when the driver is likely to remain in the vehicle, the parking monitoring camera may be used as an input means. If a formatting gesture by the driver is detected by motion detection using this camera, the control unit 11 may perform formatting processing. This gesture is an example of a single user action. After a predetermined period of time, such as 30 seconds, has elapsed, the input of a formatting command may not be accepted. By limiting the period to this time, constant image analysis is not required. Furthermore, since the period is limited to 30 seconds after entering parking monitoring mode, the driver will not perform a predetermined gesture for formatting while driving. Since formatting is performed when a specific gesture is performed, a third party who is unaware of the specific gesture cannot format the device.

[0154] Furthermore, although a camera is used to detect gestures, other than a camera, for example, an optical sensor or other gesture sensor capable of recognizing gestures may be used.

[0155] [5-1-2-3. Input instructions using a non-contact touch panel] Although the touch panel described above has been described as a contact type, a non-contact type touch panel may also be used as an input means. Because it is a non-contact type, instructions can be given in close proximity without touching the surface of the touch panel. For example, when a user approaches a predetermined area of the touch panel with, for example, a finger, the touch panel recognizes that the predetermined area has been selected when the finger approaches within a certain distance. This recognition determines that a button provided in the predetermined area has been selected, and a format instruction or a cancel instruction can be given, similar to the input instruction using the above-mentioned touch panel. Inputting information into this non-contact type touch panel is an example of a single user action.

[0156] [6. Restriction function for format operators] A drive recorder, which is an example of an image recording device 10, mainly records the scenery while driving, for example, as a continuous recording, and in addition to the aspect of the user playing back and viewing the images at a later date out of interest or memories of the drive, the drive recorder may also play back image data recorded by the court, police, insurance company, operation manager, etc., for example, to check the situation when an accident occurs or to manage operations in the event of dangerous or reckless driving.

[0157] In the former case, where the images are viewed and enjoyed by an individual, it is desirable to prevent a third party from formatting the image. In the latter case, where the image is used by a third party, even the user of the image recording device 10 may not want to allow the recording medium 13 to be easily formatted. If the recorded image data of a drive recorder can be easily erased, this can lead to problems, such as a decrease in the reliability of evidence in court. Therefore, it is advisable to raise the hurdle for deleting image data so that only certain individuals can erase it.

[0158] For example, when the image recording device 10 is for consumer use, the user uses it for his or her own use, so it is preferable that only the user can delete image data and that formatting instructions are not accepted from operations other than the user. Also, when the image recording device 10 is for business use, there are roles for an administrator and a driver, and the administrator uses it to manage the driver's operations. Therefore, when the image recording device 10 is for business use, only the administrator can delete image data and it is preferable that formatting instructions are not accepted from operations other than those of the administrator, including the driver.

[0159] In this case, since it is highly convenient to be able to format in one go by any person, as in the above-described embodiments, it is preferable to leave the relevant function as it is and provide a function to restrict the person who can input formatting instructions as an option to restrict the activation of the function. This makes it possible to prevent unintended formatting processing from being executed. It is preferable to be able to select which function to enable, for example, in mode settings. Furthermore, authentication, etc. for restricting the operators who can give specific formatting instructions can be performed, for example, as follows.

[0160] [6-1. Fingerprint authentication] An authentication device for fingerprint authentication is installed in the image recording device 10, and fingerprint information of specific individuals who are permitted to format the image is registered in advance. When a formatting command is input, fingerprint authentication is performed using the authentication device at a predetermined timing, and only input from registered users is accepted, and a predetermined formatting process is performed. The predetermined timing may be, for example, an appropriate timing after the image recording device 10 is turned on. Once fingerprint authentication is successful, the authentication process may be enabled until the power is turned off. By completing the authentication in advance, authentication is not required when inputting a formatting command, and formatting can be performed quickly. Furthermore, once a formatting process is performed in this manner, authentication may be enabled until the power is turned off. However, it is particularly preferable to disable authentication once the formatting process is completed. Once a formatting process is performed, there is often no need to reformat for a while. Therefore, enabling authentication minimizes the possibility of a formatting command being issued and recognized as valid by someone other than the registered user.

[0161] Furthermore, the predetermined timing should be when a format command is input (for example, at the same time as or immediately before). It is rarely necessary to perform formatting every time the power is turned on, and if formatting is not performed between turning the power on and off, the authentication process performed after turning the power on will be wasted. Therefore, it is advisable to perform authentication when issuing a format command.

[0162] The authentication device may be prepared separately from the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 and connected by a cable or the like so that the control unit 11 can receive the authentication result, but it is preferable to incorporate it into the housing 24. For example, if a fingerprint authentication button or the like implemented on a smartphone or tablet is employed, and the first operation button 151 is used for the function of accepting input of formatting instructions, the fingerprint authentication button may be provided on the top surface (the part touched with a finger) of the first operation button 151. In this way, fingerprint authentication is performed simultaneously when pressing the first operation button 151 to input formatting instructions. In particular, since the first operation button 151 is pressed and held, information required for fingerprint authentication can be obtained sufficiently.

[0163] [6-2. Authentication based on image data captured by a camera] For example, it is preferable to perform authentication processing based on image data capturing an image of the operator's face, etc., so that formatting processing can only be performed by a pre-registered user, etc. Although an authentication camera may be provided as the image capturing device for performing authentication, it is particularly preferable to use an image capturing device 14 that captures images in all directions, such as a 360-degree camera, or a camera that captures images inside the vehicle cabin in an image recording device 10 such as a drive recorder that has multiple cameras and is configured to capture images inside the vehicle cabin as well as outside the vehicle. This may be realized as an additional function of a camera that can capture images inside and outside the vehicle simultaneously.

[0164] The authentication process may be, for example, face authentication or iris authentication based on image data of the operator captured by a camera capturing images of the interior of the room when the first operation button 151 is operated. Furthermore, the authentication process is not limited to being based on a captured still image, and may also identify whether the operator is a legitimate person based on image data such as a specific gesture. In this way, anyone who does not know the specific gesture cannot format and delete the image data.

[0165] [6-3. Recognition using ID card information] For example, a reading device that reads information from a card on which information for identifying an individual is recorded, such as a driver's license, a My Number card, an employee ID card, or the like, is attached externally to or built into the housing 24 of the image recording device 10. The reading device may be, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) compatible card reader.

[0166] For example, authentication is performed by inserting an authentication card into a reader, reading the authentication information recorded on the card, and determining whether it matches the authentication information previously registered by the control unit 11. If it matches, the card is set to a state in which formatting is possible. When a formatting instruction is received in this formatting-possible state, the control unit 11 activates the formatting function and performs a predetermined process to execute the formatting process. The formatting-possible state may be achieved, for example, by obtaining authentication after the image recording device 10 is turned on, and may remain valid until the power is turned off. Furthermore, if the formatting-possible state is maintained only when the card is inserted into a reader, the risk of a third party formatting the card can be further reduced.

[0167] Furthermore, it is preferable that the image recording device 10 equipped with such a reading device will not operate, or will not operate normally, unless a card identifying the individual is inserted into the reading device. This will meet the needs for a drive recorder to have a personal authentication function using a driver's license, for example. To realize this function, the reading device may be mounted in the housing 24, but it is also preferable to provide it as an external optional device and realize it as an additional function.

[0168] Furthermore, when a reading device is provided, the control unit 11 may record the authentication information for identifying the individual read from the card, for example, in association with the recorded image data, on the recording medium 13. In this way, it is possible to identify, for example, the driver who was driving the vehicle when the image data was captured. When the recorded image data is played back, if the associated information for identifying the individual is also displayed, it is easy to understand who was driving while playing back the image.

[0169] [6-4. Pairing with smartphones, etc.] The image recording device 10 may have a function for establishing communication and pairing with a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other short-range communication. The formatting process may be performed only when the pairing is established. When the control unit 11 receives a formatting instruction, it determines whether the pairing is established, and if the pairing is established, it executes a predetermined process for formatting. On the other hand, if the pairing is not established, the control unit 11 may terminate the process or may terminate the current process after informing the user that pairing is required.

[0170] By registering portable terminal devices that can be paired in advance, operators who can give formatting instructions can be limited, and unless a specific person carrying the portable terminal device is near the image recording device 10, formatting cannot be performed, thereby preventing a third party from formatting and deleting image data.

[0171] [7. Recording format information] When the control unit 11 executes the formatting process, it is preferable that the control unit 11 has a function of recording information about the formatting process in, for example, an invisible area of the recording medium 13 after formatting. If no image data is recorded on the recording medium 13, it is not clear whether the image data was not originally captured or recorded, or whether it was intentionally deleted. However, by recording information about the execution of the formatting process (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "format execution information"), it is possible to confirm whether the image data was deleted by formatting based on the presence or absence of the format execution information. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of inputting a format command while preventing malicious deletion.

[0172] The format execution information may be, for example, information about the date and time when the formatting process was performed. This makes it possible to determine that if no image data has been recorded between the date and time when the formatting process was performed and the present time, it is not that the image data has been deleted, but that the image data was never recorded in the first place. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may acquire information about the recording date and time of the recorded image data before performing the formatting process, and record information about the period when the image data to be deleted by the formatting process was captured and recorded as format execution information after formatting. In this way, it is possible to confirm the date and time when the image data actually deleted by formatting was recorded, and it is possible to determine whether the image data was never captured or recorded in the period prior to the date and time when the formatting process was performed, or whether the image data was intentionally deleted.

[0173] Furthermore, regarding the date and time information when image data was recorded, it is advisable to record the start date and time and the end date and time for a continuous period. Furthermore, if it is cumbersome to obtain the date and time information recorded for all image data prior to formatting, it is advisable to obtain the date and time information when image data was recorded based on an event record and record format information based on that after formatting. By leaving information based on the event record, it is possible to know whether image data that can serve as evidence in the event of an accident or dangerous driving has been deleted.

[0174] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned previous format execution information is recorded on the recording medium 13 to be formatted, the control unit 11 may read out and temporarily store such information, and after the formatting process, record it on the recording medium 13 together with information regarding the current format.

[0175] Furthermore, a reader for reading information from a card containing information for identifying an individual, such as a driver's license, My Number card, employee ID card, or other card, may be attached to or built into the housing 24 of the image recording device 10, and at least formatting is performed with the card attached to the reader. The control unit 11 may then read information from the card used for formatting, i.e., the card that was attached when the formatting process was performed, and record this information on the image recording device 10 or write it to the recording medium 13 after formatting. When writing this information to the recording medium 13, it may be included as part of the formatting execution information. This makes it possible to confirm who issued the formatting and deletion command, further improving the effectiveness of preventing malicious deletion.

[0176] In this embodiment, in which information about the card used for formatting is recorded, this may be applied when the operators who can format are restricted by the authentication described above, or it may be applied to a device in which anyone can give formatting instructions without imposing such restrictions.

[0177] 8. Automatic formatting of devices with two recording areas For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a housing 24 is provided with two recording medium insertion slots 25 for recording media 13 (e.g., SD cards). In the illustrated example, the two are arranged side by side, one above the other, but they may also be arranged side by side or on different sides. A reader / writer 12 is arranged at the back of each recording medium insertion slot 25, and a first recording medium 26 and a second recording medium 27 are detachably attached to each recording medium insertion slot 25. The recording area of the first recording medium 26 (referred to as the first recording area) and the recording area of the second recording medium 27 (referred to as the second recording area) are set in advance to the same recording format.

[0178] The control unit 11 alternately writes image data to the first recording area of the first recording medium 26 and the second recording area of the second recording medium 27, for example, in a predetermined order until the end of one recording area, and then writes the image data to the other recording area.

[0179] For example, if the control unit 11 is currently writing to the first recording medium 26 and the remaining capacity of the first recording area falls below a set value, it accepts input of a format command and performs formatting processing on the currently standby second recording area. This formatting processing is intended to end before the end of the first recording area currently being written is reached. The set value should be set so that the time required to write the remaining capacity when overwriting data using continuous recording is longer than the time required for formatting. The remaining capacity may be, for example, a specific numerical value such as XX%, or may be determined when the writing address exceeds a predetermined value in the case of a configuration in which image data is recorded in a predetermined order that is less prone to fragmentation, as described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. Managing the remaining capacity by address simplifies control because it is not necessary to calculate the remaining capacity.

[0180] In this way, when writing to one recording area (for example, the first recording area) nears completion, the control unit 11 executes formatting processing on the other recording area (for example, the second recording area). Since the other recording area is not currently undergoing image data recording processing, there is no problem in formatting the other recording area. Then, when writing to one recording area is completed, writing to the other recording area has already been completed, so image data is written in a predetermined order from the beginning of the other recording area (for example, the second recording area) from which the image data has been formatted and deleted. After the writing target has been changed to the second recording area, when the remaining capacity of the second recording area falls below a set value, the control unit 11 executes formatting processing on the first recording area.

[0181] In this way, the user can execute formatting processing on the installed first recording medium 26 and second recording medium 27 without being particularly aware of the formatting processing or performing any special operations. For example, as with the recording methods of the above-mentioned embodiments, even if formatting will not be required for a long period of time, it may be desirable to execute formatting processing to check for malfunctions of the recording medium 13 or for other reasons. Furthermore, even if a device is advertised as "format-free" because formatting will not be required for a long period of time, automatic formatting is a good option for users who think it is strange that formatting is required.

[0182] The formatting process may be performed each time the recording area to be written to is changed, but it is preferable to perform it when writing to the recording area is nearing completion and certain conditions are met, rather than every time. For example, if the first recording medium 26 and the second recording medium 27 are SD cards, the formatting process also applies a high voltage, just like writing data, so it may not be desirable to perform the formatting process frequently. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to record and manage the number of times overwritten and the number of days elapsed since the formatting process, and when writing to the recording area is nearing completion and a certain number of times or period has been exceeded, to perform the formatting process on the other recording area.

[0183] In addition, in the case of a device that allows the user to select between an overwrite mode in which data is recorded to the end of the recording area and the first address is returned to and overwritten, and an overwrite-protect mode in which no new data is recorded when data is recorded to the end of the recording area, the control unit 11 may perform the above-mentioned formatting process in the overwrite mode and may not perform the formatting process in the overwrite-protect mode. This prevents the recorded image data from being automatically deleted even when the overwrite-protect mode is selected.

[0184] It is preferable to provide a notification function that indicates whether the current image data is to be recorded on the first recording medium 26 or the second recording medium 27. Such a notification function may be implemented, for example, by providing light-emitting units such as LED lamps around each recording medium insertion slot 25 of the housing 24, and lighting only the LED lamp on the recording side, or lighting both lamps and changing the light emission state (color, blinking, etc.).

[0185] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a function for issuing a formatting instruction based on the user's operation of the first operation button 151 or other operations, but it is preferable to provide such a function as well. In this way, while formatting is performed automatically at an appropriate timing, formatting can be performed at any timing between the automatic formatting processes based on the user's will, allowing all recorded image data to be erased at once.

[0186] Furthermore, while the automatic formatting in this embodiment is performed on the target recording area that is not currently being written to, when formatting is performed based on user operation, it is preferable to perform the formatting on the currently used recording area that is currently being written to. For example, when it is desired to delete all recorded image data at once, this may be relatively recent data that the user remembers, and in some cases, there may be circumstances where the user does not want to erase old image data recorded in the other recording area that is not currently being written to, so it is preferable to format only the currently used recording area and not format the other recording area. In this way, when formatting is performed only on the currently used recording area, it is preferable to write new image data to the formatted recording area.

[0187] Furthermore, the recording format of the recording area is not limited to one that is less prone to fragmentation, and may be applied to one that is prone to fragmentation due to the use of, for example, FAT32.

[0188] Furthermore, the first recording area and the second recording area are not limited to being set on different recording media (first recording medium 26 and second recording medium 27) as in the above-described embodiment, but may be configured, for example, by dividing one recording medium 13 into two partitions. In this way, the first recording area and the second recording area may be physically or logically distinguished. Furthermore, in addition to the first recording area and the second recording area, one or more other recording areas may exist.

[0189] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which image data is written alternately to the first and second recording areas in the same recording format, but it is particularly preferable to configure one partition to be readable by a PC, such as FAT, and the other partition to be in a recording format that is less prone to fragmentation. Formatting may be performed on only some partitions, but it is preferable to perform formatting on all partitions. After formatting, it is preferable to perform processing to record predetermined initial data and files used by the image recording device 10.

[0190] Furthermore, providing multiple recording areas in this way and realizing the function of alternately writing to one area and formatting the other area can be applied to various recording means, not just recording media 13 such as SD cards.

[0191] [9. Format suppression function] In each of the above-described embodiments, the control unit 11 may have a function of determining whether to execute formatting based on predetermined conditions when a formatting instruction is received based on a predetermined user operation or an automatic execution condition, etc. In this way, even if data that you want to keep is recorded on the recording medium 13, it is possible to minimize the risk of forgetting to do so and issuing a formatting instruction, which could result in the deletion of necessary image data.

[0192] [9-1. Suppression based on data recording date and time] The predetermined determination condition may be based on the date and time when image data is recorded on the recording medium 13. For example, the image recording device 10 has a continuous recording function that continuously records images captured by the image capturing device 14 from when the power is turned on until it is turned off, and a recording function that records under different conditions from the continuous recording function, such as an event recording function that records image data captured within a predetermined period before and after an event condition is met. The continuous recording function is a function that continuously records while the vehicle is in use. "While the vehicle is in use" refers to the period when the user is in the vehicle. "While the vehicle is in use" refers to, for example, the period when the vehicle engine is running (for example, the period when an accessory power is turned on). The recording area in which image data is recorded by the continuous recording function and the recording area in which image data is recorded by the event recording function are separated, for example, by a partition. The continuous recording function uses the recording area for continuous recording to record image data in chronological order while overwriting, and the event recording function uses the recording area for event recording to record image data in chronological order while overwriting. When different types of event conditions are provided, a separate recording area may be provided for each event condition, as shown in FIG. 4, or the same recording area may be overwritten while recording.

[0193] Event recording occurs less frequently than continuous recording, and even when it does occur, it is only for a predetermined period of time before and after the event occurs. Therefore, the amount of image data recorded is smaller than that recorded with continuous recording. If the capacities of the respective recording areas are the same, continuous recording will quickly fill up and begin overwriting. The retention period for image data recorded on recording medium 13 is the period from when the image data is written until the next overwrite. Therefore, if the capacities of the recording areas for continuous recording and event recording are equal as described above, the retention period for image data recorded based on event recording will be longer than that for image data recorded by continuous recording. Furthermore, because event recording records less image data during the same driving period than continuous recording, the capacity of the recording area for continuous recording may be larger. Even in such cases, because event recording occurs less frequently and image data recorded by event recording is often important, the retention period before overwriting tends to be longer. In addition, the retention period for continuous recording is determined to some extent based on the vehicle's driving time, since recording is performed continuously while the power is on, but the retention period for image data based on event recording varies greatly depending on the frequency of occurrence.

[0194] 10, when the control unit 11 receives a format instruction, it searches for the dates and times when all image data recorded in the recording area for continuous recording was recorded, and acquires the oldest date and time T1 (S21). Similarly, the control unit 11 checks the dates and times when all image data recorded in the recording area for event recording was recorded, and acquires the oldest date and time T2 (S22). Note that the processes of S21 and S22 may be performed in reverse order.

[0195] If the oldest date and time T2 recorded in the recording area for event recording is older than the oldest date and time T1 recorded in the recording area for continuous recording (Yes in S23), the control unit 11 cancels the formatting instruction and ends the current process without performing the formatting process (S24).

[0196] If the oldest date and time T2 recorded in the recording area for event recording is not older than the oldest date and time T1 recorded in the recording area for continuous recording (No in S23), the control unit 11 performs processing to perform normal formatting. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether recording is currently in progress (S14). If recording is not in progress, the control unit 11 performs formatting processing on the recording medium 13 (S16). If recording is in progress, the recording operation is stopped (S15) and then formatting processing on the recording medium 13 is performed (S16). The specific processing of the formatting processing is as follows. Then, when formatting processing on the recording medium 13 is completed, the control unit 11 resumes continuous recording (S17).

[0197] If the date and time of recording of image data based on event recording is earlier than the oldest data in the continuous recording, i.e., if there is older data in the past, formatting should be suppressed, and in this embodiment, it is canceled. For example, as shown in Figure 11, if the horizontal axis is the time axis, continuous recording data is continuously recorded while the power is on, and the recording time that can be recorded in the recording area for continuous recording may be, for example, several hours. Therefore, for example, in a commercial vehicle or when driving for personal use, the vehicle may be driven for several hours without turning off the engine. In this case, as shown in the figure, image data D based on continuous recording is written chronologically over a continuous, fixed recording period T.

[0198] In contrast, image data d1, d2, ... based on event recording are, for example, each one of them becoming a single image file (a moving image file in this embodiment) and are recorded at the time the event occurs. Therefore, as shown in the figure, depending on the occurrence status of the event, for example, image data d1 and d2 (single moving image file) of event recording where some time has passed from the present are recorded in an older past period outside the range before the recording period T of continuous recording, and image data d3 and d4 are recorded within the recording period T of continuous recording.

[0199] In such a case, in this embodiment, if image data d1, d2, ... based on event recording exists within the recording period T of continuous recording (for example, the period from T1 to the present), formatting is not performed on the recording medium 13. On the other hand, if image data based on event recording does not include, for example, d1 and d2, but exists within the recording period T of continuous recording, such as d3 and d4, formatting is performed.

[0200] Since continuous recording has a fixed recording time of a few hours, it is easy for the driver to determine whether the image data recorded during that time is something that should be kept. In other words, if the driver has been driving for the last few hours, and nothing particularly unusual has happened, the image is unnecessary and can be formatted, but since the driver may remember the occurrence of an event that needs to be kept, the driver will decide not to format it.

[0201] On the other hand, as mentioned above, event recordings are stored for a long period of time, and image data recorded, for example, two weeks ago or even longer, may remain recorded on the recording medium 13. It is expected that many drivers will not remember the existence of such image data. When the recorded image data is played back, they may realize that it is an image they need and remember it.

[0202] Therefore, if an operator in each of the above-described embodiments gives a formatting instruction and formats the drive, thinking that it is okay to format the drive based on the memory of the last few hours of driving, there is a problem that in such a case, the operator may find that he or she did not want to delete the video that was recorded for an event two weeks ago, etc. In this embodiment, in such a case, the formatting process is not executed based on the old recording date and time of the event recording, so that the risk of unnecessarily deleting image data based on important past event recordings can be minimized.

[0203] Furthermore, event recordings are generally important and valuable data that one would like to keep. However, if the recording period for continuous recording is only a few hours, if an event recording has occurred, it is important to recognize this fact more than the image data recorded in continuous recording, and it is understandable that the image data recorded in the event recording needs to be saved. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if image data based on an event recording has been recorded, if the recording date and time of the image data based on the event recording falls within the recording period for continuous recording (No in S23), formatting can be performed. This can prevent situations where formatting is not possible even when you want to include image data based on the event recording.

[0204] While examples of predetermined data other than continuous recording include data with a long storage period and image data from event recordings, other data such as GPS log data may also be included. In the case of GPS log data, some users may not remember whether or not it is data that needs to be kept, especially if it is old data. Therefore, if there is old data that is not continuous recording and it is difficult to immediately determine whether it is necessary, it is best not to format it.

[0205] [9-2. Format suppression based on one-touch recording data] For example, when there is data recorded using a manual operation as a trigger, such as pressing the fifth operation button 155 in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 may have a function to reserve or not perform formatting even if it determines that formatting is required.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment, the decision as to whether to format the image data is based on the date and time data of the image data recorded by the event recording, but in this embodiment, formatting is prohibited if image data recorded by manual one-touch recording is recorded, regardless of the recorded date and time data. This makes it possible to minimize the risk of accidentally deleting necessary one-touch recording data due to a mistake or other malfunction.

[0207] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may have a function to individually specify and delete image data recorded by one-touch recording, for example. In this way, the contents of the data can be confirmed and deleted using a separate function. This makes it possible to format the data.

[0208] It is also advisable to provide a mode in which formatting is not possible when one-touch recording has been recorded, and a mode in which formatting is possible, so that either one can be selected by mode setting. With such a selectable mode, the mode can be set to a mode in which formatting is not possible normally to prevent deletion, while the mode can be set to a mode in which formatting can be performed when necessary, thereby eliminating the need for the individual deletion function described above and improving operability. Furthermore, in this embodiment, one-touch recording is also used as a guideline for suppressing formatting, but formatting may also be prevented if, for example, the acceleration sensor detection value or other event recording is present.

[0209] [9-3. Format suppression based on event recording trigger level] The image recording device 10 may have a function to reserve or not perform formatting even if it determines that formatting is required when the event recording data contains data that exceeds a predetermined level higher than the trigger level of the event recording. For example, the reserve function may be to issue a warning that image data recorded based on the high trigger level has been recorded, or to perform format confirmation processing as in the above-described embodiments.

[0210] For example, in the case of acceleration sensor recording, in which event recording is performed based on the detection value of acceleration sensor 19, control unit 11 uses, for example, the detection value of acceleration sensor 19 exceeding a first threshold as a trigger, and records image data captured during a predetermined period before and after the trigger in a recording area for event recording, etc., and associates the detection value of acceleration sensor 19 (here, the acceleration value) with the image data and records it.

[0211] Then, upon receiving the input of the formatting instruction, the control unit 11 accesses the recording area for event recording, searches for the acceleration values recorded in association with the image data, and if there is a strong acceleration value exceeding, for example, a second threshold (for example, a collision accident > the first threshold), performs processing to suppress formatting processing, such as outputting a format warning, etc. On the other hand, even if there is an event recording, if all of the acceleration values are weak and less than the second threshold, the control unit 11 performs formatting processing as is.

[0212] [9-4. Playing back event recorded images and checking the format] When the control unit 11 receives input of a formatting instruction, it accesses the recording area of the event recording, and if image data of the event recording is recorded, it plays back the image at the trigger position while issuing a notification asking whether it is really OK to perform the formatting process, and it is preferable that the control unit 11 has the function of receiving input of an instruction as to whether or not to perform the formatting process, and executing the process according to the received instruction.

[0213] As described above, event recordings are generally important and valuable data that users want to keep. Furthermore, because event recordings tend to have longer storage periods, image data that is relatively older than the recording period of image data based on continuous recording may be recorded without being overwritten. In such cases, even if the user is notified of the existence of event recording image data, they may not remember the recorded image data and may not be able to confirm whether or not to format the image data. In this embodiment, the device automatically plays back image data at the trigger position without the user having to perform any special operations, such as operating a settings screen to play back the recorded image data. Therefore, the user can check the played back image and determine whether or not to format the image data. Therefore, if the user realizes that data they want to keep exists, they can cancel the formatting instruction to prevent the deletion of necessary data. Furthermore, even if image data based on event recordings has been recorded, if the data is unnecessary, the device can simply perform formatting and delete the image data.

[0214] When multiple image data based on event recordings are recorded, it is advisable to play them in order of importance. Image data with a high degree of importance is image data that should not be deleted or image data that is highly necessary for the user to check, and it is advisable to determine the degree of importance based on, for example, time or the type of image data. In the case of time, it is possible to play back the most recently recorded data, but it is particularly advisable to assign higher importance to older data and play them back in the order in which they were recorded. The user is more likely to have forgotten that they recorded older data, and it is data that is highly necessary for the user to check.

[0215] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, when the types of event recording are prepared as one-touch recording based on a user's manual operation and acceleration sensor recording based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19, it is preferable to give higher importance to one-touch recording recorded based on the user's intention and play it back preferentially. Also, when multiple image data based on acceleration sensor recording are recorded, for example, playing them back in descending order of acceleration may play back image data of more dangerous driving in order, but it is particularly preferable to give priority to the time as described above and play back the oldest first regardless of the magnitude of acceleration. Playing back in chronological order is easier for the user to understand.

[0216] 12, the recording area for event recording is divided into a recording area for one-touch recording and a recording area for acceleration sensor recording, and each recording area creates a large dummy file that combines clusters, with a recording format in which data storage space is created in advance. These files are created, for example, for each predetermined unit of time (F1, F2, F3, ...) with consecutive sector numbers.

[0217] In this recording format, when recording is performed upon the occurrence of an event, the control unit 11 sequentially records the time-series image data captured by the image capture device 14 into files for each unit time corresponding to each type of event recording. That is, for example, image data for one-touch recording is recorded sequentially starting from the first file for one-touch recording, and when image data is recorded in the last file, the first file is recorded and overwritten. Recording is repeated thereafter. In the illustrated example, image data captured from the 22nd to 30th images are recorded in files. The control unit 11 stores, for example, information about the file into which image data will be written next, such as the starting address. When image data is next captured by one-touch recording, the file containing the 22nd image data is overwritten by recording the image data in sequence starting from the stored starting address. The same applies to the recording area for acceleration sensor recording.

[0218] When a format command is input in this state, the control unit 11 accesses the oldest data of the image data stored in the one-touch recording recording area, i.e., the next file to be written (in this example, the file in which the 22nd image data was recorded), reads out the predetermined image data recorded in that file, and displays it on the display surface of the display device 16 (see FIG. 13).The control unit 11 then sequentially reads out the image data in chronological order and displays it on the display device 16, and it is preferable that the image data be automatically played back based on the occurrence of multiple events.

[0219] The control unit 11 displays the read image data and, as shown in FIG. 13( a), arranges a message display unit 54, a cancel button area 55 for receiving confirmation from the user, and an execute button area 56 in appropriate positions on the screen. The message display unit 54 displays a message such as "Event recording playback in progress. Do you want to initialize?", which indicates that the image data of the event recording recorded on the recording medium 13 is being played back and provides a final confirmation of whether or not to format (initialize). In the illustrated example, an input means such as a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display device 16. When the cancel button area 55 is tapped, the control unit 11 terminates the formatting process without performing the formatting process, and when the execute button area 56 is tapped, the control unit 11 performs the formatting process on the recording medium 13.

[0220] The message display area 54, the cancel button area 55, the execute button area 56, etc. may be displayed as an OSD (On-Screen Display) or superimposed, and may be drawn semi-transparently so that the image can be seen through.

[0221] Furthermore, the image data accessed and read from each file may be read in its entirety from the first address of the file, but it is preferable to use, for example, image data from the time of occurrence of a trigger that triggered event recording (for example, pressing the fifth operation button 155). Playing back all image data would take a long time to complete the confirmation, which may hinder smooth and rapid formatting execution, so it is preferable to use representative image data from the time of event occurrence. Also, since it may be difficult to grasp the content if only one image is displayed for one event, it is preferable to display multiple images for one event and play back a digest in a frame-by-frame manner, such as for a predetermined period before and after the event occurrence (a period shorter than the event recording period), or by playing back while thinning out the images as appropriate from the first address of the file, so that the general content can be grasped.

[0222] If neither the cancel button area 55 nor the execute button area 56 is tapped until playback of the image data recorded in one-touch recording is completed, the control unit 11 accesses the oldest data of the image data stored in the recording area for acceleration sensor recording, i.e., the next file to be written (in this example, the file that recorded the 27th image data), reads out the specified image data recorded in that file, and displays it on the display surface of the display device 16. The control unit 11 then sequentially reads out the image data in chronological order and displays it on the display device 16, and it is preferable to automatically play back image data based on the occurrence of multiple events. Selection of image data to be read out is the same as for one-touch recording.

[0223] Fig. 13(a) is an example of a display when an input means such as a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display device 16. If, for example, an input means such as a touch panel is not provided, it is preferable to operate using multiple operation buttons as shown in Fig. 13(b). For example, a cancel section 57 and an execute section 58 are displayed on the display surface, and one of them is selected. In the figure, the cancel section 57 is selected and has changed color. Switching between the cancel section 57 and the execute section 58 can be performed by pressing the second operation button 152 and the third operation button 153, and the confirmation instruction content can be confirmed based on the selected item (cancel / execute) when the fourth operation button 154 is pressed.

[0224] In the above-described embodiment, the first operation button 151 for issuing a format command and the fifth operation button 155 for issuing a manual event recording command are mounted on the same housing 24. However, they may be mounted on separate housings (e.g., the first housing and the second housing). In the case of separate housings, data transmission and reception between the devices mounted on the first and second housings may be performed using wired or wireless communication. By using separate housings, for example, the second housing with the fifth operation button 155 may be mounted in a location that is easy for the driver to operate, while the first housing with the first operation button 151 may be mounted in a location that is difficult for the driver to operate. For example, the second housing with the fifth operation button 155 for one-touch recording may be mounted on a third housing (which may be the same as the first housing) in which the image capture device 14 and the like are mounted, and the second housing may be mounted near the driver. In this way, one-touch recording commands can be easily issued while driving.

[0225] In the above-described embodiments, the recording format is one that is resistant to fragmentation, but it is also possible to apply the present invention to recording formats that become more fragmented with use. Also, in the above-described embodiments, an example of an image recording device is described in which the image recording device is implemented as a drive recorder installed in a vehicle or other vehicle, but it is also possible to apply the present invention to in-vehicle devices other than drive recorders and other image recording devices.

[0226] 10. Other Embodiments FIG. 14 shows an example of a drive recorder 30, which is an example of an image recording device, and FIG. 15 shows an example of a network system to which the drive recorder 30 is connected. In addition to the configuration of the drive recorder, which is an example of the image recording device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the drive recorder 30 includes an LTE module 31 for performing LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication as a first communication unit, a wireless LAN module 32 for connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as a second communication unit, and the like. The devices constituting the drive recorder 30 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and the drive recorder 30 may further include other devices, or some of the devices may not be included. The other devices may include, for example, a position information acquisition unit such as a GPS module that acquires the vehicle's position (latitude and longitude) based on a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), a gyro sensor, and the like.

[0227] The control unit 11 is configured with a microcomputer or the like including a CPU 111, an EEPROM 112, a RAM 113, etc. The functions of the drive recorder 30 are stored in the EEPROM 112 of the control unit 11 as firmware to be executed by the CPU 111 provided in the control unit 11, and are realized by the CPU 111 executing this firmware. The RAM 113 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes various functions, for example.

[0228] [10-1. Standard configuration] Furthermore, the drive recorder 30 can be provided with different functions by connecting it to an external device, for example. For example, a standard configuration is one in which a cigarette plug cord 37 is connected to the DC jack 201 and power is supplied from the battery via the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.

[0229] [10-2.Vehicle information acquisition function type] Alternatively, for example, an OBDII adapter 38 can be connected to the DC jack 201 instead of the cigarette lighter plug cord 37, and the OBDII adapter 38 can be attached to the vehicle's OBD connector. This allows the drive recorder 30 to acquire vehicle information via the OBDII adapter 38 via a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). The acquired vehicle information includes brake information, turn signal information, and vehicle speed pulses. The control unit 11 records each piece of acquired information on the recording medium 13 in association with date, time, and location information. This type of device that records vehicle speed information can be implemented in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trains, and used for operation management, etc.

[0230] [10-3. Sub-camera connection type] In addition to the imaging device 14 provided in the drive recorder 30, one end of a camera cable is connected to the camera jack 21, and a predetermined sub-camera is connected to the other end of the cable, thereby forming a two-camera 30. When installing the drive recorder 30, the imaging device 14 is set to capture, for example, the front of the vehicle, and the sub-camera is installed in a position to capture, for example, the rear of the vehicle or in a position to capture the interior of the vehicle, thereby making it possible to capture and record different areas.

[0231] The variations of the drive recorder 30 include a standard type that does not connect a sub-camera and a type that connects a sub-camera, and by selecting the sub-camera to be connected from multiple types of sub-cameras, an even wider variety can be created. For example, a manufacturer may provide a first sub-camera 35 with a wide-angle camera and a second sub-camera 36 with a hemispherical camera, and the user can select the appropriate sub-camera depending on their usage situation and connect it to the camera jack 21. In addition to the differences in the angle of view as described above, it is also good to provide various types of cameras, such as infrared cameras, to vary the sub-cameras.

[0232] [10-4. Communication function type] This is a communication type in which the LTE module 31 is enabled. In this case, the drive recorder 30 can access, for example, a management server using LTE communication and transmit recorded data. For example, by sending data to, for example, a management server in real time or near real time before the vehicle returns to a garage, parking lot, etc., the transmitted data can be checked in real time or near real time at, for example, a traffic management center. Alternatively, the drive recorder 30 may be a communication type in which the wireless LAN module 32 is enabled. By enabling the wireless LAN module 32 in this way, it can be linked to, for example, a smartphone carried by the driver, and the drive recorder 30 can access, for example, a management server via the smartphone and transmit predetermined data.

[0233] [10-5. Downloading firmware] As described above, this drive recorder 30 can operate as a drive recorder 30 with various different functions while having the same hardware configuration, but in order to perform such operations, firmware, which is a program for controlling the operation of various devices according to each configuration and type, must be implemented in the drive recorder 30 in order to realize each function.

[0234] For example, a drive recorder 30 for a customer who wants to connect to Company A's server using LTE communication requires firmware incorporating a program to control the operation of the LTE module 31 and the communication specifications of Company A's server. If the destination server changes, a different firmware is required. Similarly, a drive recorder 30 for a customer who wants to access Company C's server via a smartphone using wireless LAN requires firmware incorporating a program to control the operation of the wireless LAN module 32 and the communication specifications of Company C's server. Thus, firmware needs to be updated depending on the device being used and the connection destination. As mentioned above, firmware also implements control programs that determine whether to accept input of vehicle information and the model of the connected rear camera. Furthermore, when inputting vehicle information, if control is performed based on the type of vehicle information to be acquired, whether the acquired information is simply recorded, and the value of the vehicle information, a program for such control is also implemented as firmware. In addition to the programs tailored to the devices and usage patterns used by each customer, a common program for each customer, such as controlling the device to operate as the drive recorder 30, is also implemented as firmware.

[0235] In this embodiment, the customer side performs the process of recording the firmware in the EEPROM of a specific drive recorder 30. The manufacturer creates firmware that matches the specifications of the drive recorder 30 used by the customer and records it, for example, in the server 60. The firmware for each customer (in the figure, for customer A, for customer B, for customer C, etc.) is identified by a recording location on the Internet specified by a specific URL.

[0236] The manufacturer notifies a customer who purchases the drive recorder 30 of a customer-specific URL where firmware for that customer is recorded. The customer operates, for example, a personal computer 61 connected to the Internet 62, specifies the customer-specific URL obtained, accesses the server 60, and downloads the firmware for that customer to, for example, the personal computer 61. The personal computer 61 transfers the downloaded firmware to an SD card, which is the recording medium 13, installed in a reader / writer built into the personal computer 61 or an external reader / writer.

[0237] Next, the customer inserts the SD card on which this firmware is recorded into the reader / writer 12 of the drive recorder 30. The CPU 111 of the control unit 11 of the drive recorder 30 reads the firmware recorded on the SD card and writes it to the firmware recording area of the EEPROM 112. As a result, even if, for example, standard firmware has been written as initial data or firmware for executing other functions has been written, it can be rewritten with firmware for that customer.

[0238] Writing and rewriting firmware to the drive recorder 30 is performed, for example, as follows. First, with the drive recorder 30 powered off, an SD card is inserted into the reader / writer 12. When the drive recorder 30 is powered on in this state, the CPU 111 of the control unit 11 performs a predetermined startup process. During this startup process, the CPU 111 checks whether firmware to be rewritten is recorded on the SD card, and if so, reads the firmware recorded on the SD card and overwrites it in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 112. The CPU 111 then performs a predetermined process and then turns the power off. When the power is next turned on, the CPU 111 reads the rewritten firmware and performs control based on that firmware. This results in the drive recorder 30 having the predetermined functions that operate in accordance with the firmware for that customer.

[0239] Whether or not rewrite firmware is recorded can be determined, for example, by comparing the recording date and time of the firmware recorded on the SD card with the recording date and time of the firmware recorded in EEPROM 112, and if the recording date and time on the SD card is newer, it can be determined that rewrite firmware is present. Also, as described above, when CPU 111 writes firmware recorded on the SD card to EEPROM 112, it can be configured to perform processing to erase the firmware recorded on the SD card, and if firmware is recorded on the SD card, it can be determined that rewrite firmware is present.

[0240] Furthermore, when the firmware has been rewritten as described above, it is advisable to format the SD card, which is the recording medium 13, while the device is running on the new firmware. In such a case, formatting can be easily performed by issuing a format command with a single operation such as a one-touch operation of the first operation button 151, as in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0241] The customer-specific URL may be recorded in advance on a recording medium 13 such as an SD card attached to the drive recorder 30. In this case, when the SD card or the like is set in the reader / writer of the personal computer 61, the personal computer 61 accesses the SD card, reads out the recorded customer-specific URL, and displays it on the display device of the personal computer 61. The customer can then easily access and download the firmware for that customer by copying the displayed customer-specific URL and pasting it into the address input field of a browser, or by clicking on the displayed customer-specific URL if it is recorded as a hyperlink.

[0242] In addition, in addition to writing the customer-specific URL linked to the firmware to a recording medium 13 such as the SD card mentioned above, various methods can be used to notify the customer of the customer-specific URL linked to the firmware, such as printing the URL as text or distributing it as a printed material with a QR code (registered trademark) printed on it, or posting it on a homepage.

[0243] Furthermore, if the drive recorder 30 has, for example, an LTE module 31 or a wireless LAN module 32 in an operable state, and a customer-specific URL is recorded on the recording medium 13, such as an SD card, the CPU 111 reads the recorded customer-specific URL, accesses the server 60 using the communication function of a predetermined module based on the URL, downloads firmware for the customer linked to the customer-specific URL, records the firmware in the EEPROM 112, and rewrites it. This allows the drive recorder 30 to become the drive recorder 30 for that customer.

[0244] As described above, a customer accesses the server 60 using their own customer-specific URL, obtains firmware for that customer, and rewrites it into the drive recorder 30, thereby changing the drive recorder 30 into a drive recorder 30 with various functions for that customer. Even if a drive recorder 30 with the same hardware configuration is used, by writing different firmware based on a different customer-specific URL, the drive recorder 30 can become a drive recorder 30 with different functions. In this way, a drive recorder 30 with one model number can be adapted to the specifications of many customers. For a drive recorder 30 with one model number, a customer-specific URL is stored in a storage device such as an SD card, and firmware is downloaded based on the stored customer-specific URL, thereby becoming a drive recorder for that customer.

[0245] Furthermore, since the drive recorder 30 does not have a large memory space like a personal computer, it is difficult to prepare and store firmware to support all functions. Therefore, by rewriting the firmware according to the customer as in this embodiment, a drive recorder 30 tailored to the customer can be realized even with limited memory space.

[0246] The firmware to be rewritten in this embodiment is a program for controlling the operation of a device or equipment, and is different from, for example, mode settings for changing operating conditions, and the customer cannot change this program. By rewriting each firmware, which cannot be changed by the customer, the customer can configure the drive recorder 30 with functions that suit the customer.

[0247] In the above-described embodiment, the LTE module 31 and the wireless LAN module 32 are pre-installed in the drive recorder 30 and are configured to operate or not operate depending on the firmware contents, but they may be externally mounted as shown in Fig. 16, for example, and a predetermined module may be connected to the USB terminal 33. This connection may be made using, for example, a USB-compatible cable, but it is particularly preferable to connect a USB terminal provided on the module directly to the USB terminal 33 without using a cable and integrate it into the main body of the drive recorder 30.

[0248] In this embodiment, firmware that controls the operation of the drive recorder 30 device equipment is created according to the customer's specifications, and the customer can download and rewrite the firmware using the associated customer-specific URL, thereby providing a drive recorder 30 with functions tailored to the customer while using, for example, a drive recorder of the same model number.

[0249] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which an LTE module 31 was used as an example of the first communication unit and a wireless LAN module 32 was used as an example of the second communication unit, but the first communication unit and the second communication unit may have different communication standards and communication methods, for example, one may be a public communication line such as LTE or 5G, and the other may be a short-range wireless communication system such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0250] In the above example, the drive recorder 30 is provided with different functions by writing firmware, but for example, firmware for surveillance devices such as surveillance cameras in residential facilities and firmware for surveillance devices in factories, etc. can be prepared, and customers can download the corresponding firmware using a customer-specific URL linked to it and write it to the EEPROM 112 of the drive recorder 30, thereby making the drive recorder 30 a device for a different purpose.

[0251] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the structures explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. The structures of the present invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the appended claims, but it is the intention of the present inventors to claim structures disclosed in this specification in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

[0252] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention also intends to obtain rights to these configurations through amendments or divisional applications of the present application. Even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them.

[0253] Furthermore, we intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by converting the application to a design registration. The drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, but they also include partial designs claimed for parts of the device. For example, a partial design can be a partial design for a part of the device, or a part of that part. A partial design can be a part of the device, or a part of that part. We intend to obtain rights not only for the overall design, but also for partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawing is drawn as a broken line. Furthermore, the modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to independent commerce, and we intend to similarly obtain rights by converting the application to a design registration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0254] 10: Image recording device 11: Control section 12: Reader / writer 13: Recording media 14: Imaging device 141: Lens 15:Operation section 151: First operation button 152: Second operation button 153: Third operation button 154: 4th operation button 155: 5th operation button 16:Display device 17:Mike 18: Speaker 19: Acceleration sensor 20: Power supply section 201: DC jack 21: Camera Jack 23: Joint rail 24: Housing 241:Front 241:Front 242: Back 243: Right side 244:Top surface 245: Left side 25: Recording medium insertion slot 26: First recording medium 27: Second recording medium 28: Power lamp

Claims

1. a function of recording image data representing an image captured by the imaging means onto a recording medium; an input receiving function for receiving an input of a format instruction for the recording medium during recording on the recording medium; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that performs a formatting process on the recording medium; An image recording device having the same.

2. When the formatting function is activated, the recording on the recording medium is stopped and a formatting process is performed on the recording medium.

2. The image recording device according to claim 1.

3. When the formatting process for the recording medium is completed, the recording function resumes recording the image data on the recording medium.

3. The image recording device according to claim 2.

4. When resuming recording of the image data on the recording medium, the recording device has a function of outputting information indicating that recording will resume.

4. The image recording device according to claim 3.

5. When the formatting function is activated, the recording medium is formatted in a mode in which a user is asked to confirm whether or not the recording medium should be formatted, and in a mode in which the recording medium is formatted without the user being asked to confirm the confirmation. Equipped with a function to select and execute one of the modes by setting the mode 5. The image recording device according to claim 1.

6. 6. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image recording apparatus according to claim 1.

Images