System and program

Abstract

To provide a system capable of initializing a recording medium in an efficient manner.SOLUTION: A processing device 10 is a memory card reader, and includes a recording part 150 that also functions as detection means that detects that a recording medium (memory card) 250 has been mounted, and a control part 100 that functions as processing means that executes a process of initializing the recording medium based on the detection means detecting that the recording medium has been removed and the detection means detecting that the recording medium has been mounted thereafter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Recently, there are many recording devices that record video for public use, such as security cameras and drive recorders installed in public facilities such as trains, taxis, and buses. These recording devices record video data on recording media such as memory cards, but due to privacy and security concerns, it is necessary to periodically initialize the devices and erase the recorded video data.

[0003] As a method for easily erasing data recorded on a recording medium, an invention has been disclosed in which, for example, when a memory card is detected to have been inserted into a digital video camera, the memory card is initialized (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-14229 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as mentioned above, the number of installed camera devices has increased in recent years, and the number of recording media on which video data is recorded has also increased dramatically. Furthermore, the amount of video data captured for public use will become even larger when considering the length of time the data was captured and the number of locations where the recording devices are installed.

[0006] As mentioned above, considering privacy and security issues, it is necessary to erase data recorded on recording media at regular intervals, but there has not previously been any idea of ​​how to efficiently initialize a large number of recording media.

[0007] The above-mentioned Cited Document 1 is intended simply for initialization at the start of use in an apparatus, and does not take into consideration efficient initialization of a large number of recording media.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one object of the present invention is to provide a system that relates to a technique for handling a recording medium, for example, that can realize initialization of a recording medium in an efficient manner.

[0009] The object of the present invention is not limited to this, 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 problems in which the phrases "can" and "is possible" are read as "the problem is." Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve each problem 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. Furthermore, the applicant has disclosed configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) In view of the above-mentioned problems, the system of this embodiment is characterized by including a processing means for detecting the removal of a recording medium and, based on the detection that a recording medium has subsequently been installed, executing a process to initialize the recording medium.

[0011] In this way, the system can initialize the recording medium based on the detection of the insertion of a recording medium after detecting the removal of the recording medium. Therefore, by repeatedly inserting and removing the recording medium, it is possible to continuously initialize the recording medium. Preferably, the detection means can continuously initialize the memory card by detecting the insertion and removal of a memory card into the card slot. For example, after the initialization process of the recording medium is completed, the system can perform initialization simply by inserting and removing the recording medium without any other operation.

[0012] (2) Furthermore, the system of this embodiment may be configured to further include a display means for displaying a display screen in accordance with the state in which the mounting of the recording medium is detected and the processing being executed by the processing means.

[0013] In this way, the system can display the status of the recording medium on the display screen according to the installation status of the recording medium and the processing being executed by the processing means, allowing the user to easily understand the current status and the next operation to be performed.

[0014] (3) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, the display means is characterized in that, if the recording medium is not installed, it displays a first display screen instructing the user to install the recording medium.

[0015] In this way, the system can notify the user that a recording medium should be inserted, thereby enabling the user to know the timing to insert the recording medium to be initialized.

[0016] (4) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, when the initialization process is completed, the display means displays a second display screen indicating that the process is completed, and when the processing means detects that a recording medium has been inserted after or during the display of the second display screen, it initializes the recording medium.

[0017] In this way, the system can initialize the next recording medium after or while the screen indicating that the initialization process has been completed is displayed. By looking at the screen indicating that the initialization process has been completed, the user can know when the process to initialize the next recording medium can be performed.

[0018] (5) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means, upon detecting the installation of the recording medium, reads recording medium information about the recording medium from the recording medium and displays a third display screen, and after displaying the third display screen, executes processing to initialize the recording medium.

[0019] In this way, when the system initializes the recording medium, it can read out the recording medium information (e.g., memory card information) that is information about the recording medium and display it on the display screen, allowing the user to check the various pieces of information recorded on the recording medium to be initialized.

[0020] (6) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means is characterized in that, when a user instructs initialization while the third display screen is being displayed, it executes processing to initialize the recording medium.

[0021] In this way, the system will initialize the recording medium in response to an initialization instruction from the user while displaying the recording medium information, so that the user can instruct initialization of the recording medium after checking the recording medium information on the display screen.

[0022] (7) In the system of this embodiment, the recording medium information includes information about video data recorded on the recording medium.

[0023] In this way, the system can display information about the video data on the display screen, such as the date and time when the video data was recorded, the location, and whether the video data is continuously recorded.

[0024] (8) In the system of this embodiment, the recording medium information further includes event information associated with the video data.

[0025] In this way, the system further includes event information associated with the video data, and can display information on whether or not an event occurred during the period in which the video data was recorded on the display screen, as well as the number of events. The event here may refer to, for example, the detection of a predetermined pattern of acceleration or the detection of acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined pattern (specifically, the occurrence of sudden braking in the vehicle in which the recording device is installed, or the application of an impact to the vehicle).

[0026] (9) In the system of this embodiment, the recording medium information further includes information about a recording device that recorded the video data on the recording medium.

[0027] In this way, the system can also display information about the recording device that recorded the video data on the recording medium. The information about the recording device is, for example, the model name, information about the vehicle in which it is installed, etc. Furthermore, if the location where the recording device is installed is a public transportation vehicle (for example, a train), the information about the recording device may include information indicating the vehicle (for example, the name), the name of the route on which it is installed, the vehicle number, etc. Furthermore, if the location where the recording device is installed is a car, the information may include the car number, the car model, the name of a bus route, the taxi service number, etc.

[0028] (10) In the system of this embodiment, the recording medium information is information relating to at least acceleration and speed acquired by the recording device.

[0029] In this way, the system can determine whether an event has occurred in the video data (for example, whether sudden braking or the like has occurred during the period in which the video data was recorded).

[0030] (11) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the recording device is installed in a vehicle having a photographing device, the video data is photographed by the photographing device, and the recording medium information is information about the vehicle in which the recording device is installed.

[0031] In this way, the system can use the video data captured by the image capture device and also display information about the vehicle in which the recording device is installed.

[0032] (12) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means is characterized in that, after a user performs an execution operation, it executes a process to initialize the recording medium based on detecting that the recording medium has been mounted.

[0033] In this way, the system detects the recording medium and executes the initialization process after the user has performed a single operation, so that the system will perform initialization continuously only when the user has clearly performed an operation.

[0034] (13) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means is characterized in that, if it detects that the recording medium has been inserted before the user performs any further execution operations, it displays a fourth display screen indicating a warning.

[0035] In this way, if the recording medium is inserted before the user performs the execution operation, the system can display a display screen (warning screen) showing a warning. Therefore, if the recording medium is inserted before the initialization process starts, the system will issue a warning because it may be inserted by mistake.

[0036] (14) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means is characterized in that after detecting the removal of the recording medium, it executes a process to initialize the recording medium based on further detection of the installation of the recording medium.

[0037] In this way, the system will initialize the recording medium after the user has removed the recording medium after issuing a warning, thereby providing a system with higher safety.

[0038] (15) In the system of this embodiment, the processing means executes a process to initialize the recording medium when it is determined that the recording medium matches a specific condition.

[0039] In this way, the system will not initialize all recording media, but will execute initialization processing only when specific conditions are met, thereby making it possible to prevent unintended initialization of recording media by the user.

[0040] (16) In the system of this embodiment, the specific condition is that the format of the mounted recording medium matches the format initialized by the processing means.

[0041] In this way, the system will not perform consecutive initializations if the recording media are in different formats, thus making it possible to prevent the mistaken initialization of recording media that are not in the specified format.

[0042] (17) In the system of this embodiment, the specific condition is that the format of the loaded recording medium must match the format of an already formatted recording medium.

[0043] In this way, the system will not perform consecutive initializations if the recording medium is formatted differently from other recording media, thereby preventing the mistaken initialization of a recording medium that does not have the specified format.

[0044] (18) In the system of this embodiment, the specific condition is that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the date on which the video data was recorded on the recording medium.

[0045] In this way, if the video data has been recorded only recently, the system will determine that there is a high need to record the data, and it will be possible to prevent the data from being erroneously initialized.

[0046] (19) In the system of this embodiment, the specific condition is that no event information associated with the video data recorded on the recording medium is recorded.

[0047] In this way, if event information is recorded on the recording medium, the system can prevent initialization so as not to erase video data.

[0048] (20) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, when the processing means determines that the recording medium does not match specific conditions, it outputs an operation screen to confirm whether or not to initialize the recording medium.

[0049] In this way, if the recording medium does not meet the specific conditions, the system can ask the user whether it is OK to initialize the recording medium. Therefore, even if the user repeatedly initializes recording media, the system can check whether the recording medium is OK to be initialized based on the specific conditions.

[0050] (21) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, when event information corresponding to the video data recorded on the recording medium is recorded, the processing means outputs an operation screen that allows the user to select whether to initialize the recording medium or display the recording medium information recorded on the recording medium.

[0051] In this way, if event information associated with video data recorded on the recording medium is recorded, the system can confirm with the user whether or not it is OK to initialize the recording medium. Therefore, even if the user is continuously initializing recording media, it is possible to confirm whether or not it is OK to initialize the recording media on which event information is recorded.

[0052] (22) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the processing means is capable of executing a first initialization process that is simply executed and a second initialization process as the initialization process, and is characterized in that the first initialization process is executed on the recording medium based on the detection means detecting the installation of a recording medium.

[0053] In this way, when the system is to initialize recording media consecutively, it will execute the first simplified initialization process, so that when the user is to initialize recording media consecutively, the user can efficiently initialize the recording media by executing the simplified initialization.

[0054] (23) In the system of this embodiment, the first initialization process can be executed at a higher speed than the second initialization process.

[0055] In this way, the system can execute the first initialization process faster than the second initialization process, so that when a user initializes recording media consecutively, the processes can be executed quickly.

[0056] (24) In the system of this embodiment, the first initialization process is logical formatting, and the second initialization process is physical formatting.

[0057] This allows the system to use logical formatting, which is one of the high-speed methods, as the first initialization process, allowing the user to perform a simple and fast first initialization, and a more careful second initialization, even if it takes longer.

[0058] (25) In the system of this embodiment, the first initialization process is a process of deleting video data recorded on the recording medium.

[0059] In this way, the system can perform the first initialization process by simply deleting the video data, which allows for high-speed initialization. Here, deleting the video data may involve, for example, rewriting data in the FAT (File Allocation Table) area or changing flags in the file management area.

[0060] (26) Also, in the system of this embodiment, the recording medium is initialized in a format that can be accessed by a standard file system of a computer, and the processing means is characterized in that it continuously generates virtual files in an area of ​​the recording medium where video data is previously recorded.

[0061] In this way, when the system initializes, it also generates consecutive dummy virtual files. Therefore, files are recorded consecutively in the sectors of the area where video data is recorded, and the system can replace and record the virtual files when recording video data. Because the system records video data in consecutive recording areas in the recording area, it is possible to avoid the risk of some video data not being recorded or video data recording failing.

[0062] (27) Also, in the system of this embodiment, the recording medium is initialized in a format that is inaccessible to a computer's standard file system, and the recording medium records management information that manages the video data and the video data, and the processing means performs the initialization process by rewriting the management information.

[0063] In this way, the video data is recorded in an area that cannot be accessed by the file system. Therefore, when the system performs initialization, by rewriting only the management information, the video data becomes inaccessible, achieving the same effect as erasing the video data.

[0064] (28) Also, in the system of this embodiment, the recording medium is characterized in that a first partition and a second partition are created, video data is recorded in the second partition, and management information for managing the video data is recorded in the first partition.

[0065] This makes it possible to separate the area where video data is recorded from the area where management data is recorded. Also, when initializing, simply erasing the data recorded in the first partition can achieve the same effect as erasing the video data.

[0066] (29) Also, in the system of this embodiment, the first partition is initialized in a format that is accessible by the file system, and the second partition is initialized in a format that is inaccessible by the file system.

[0067] This makes it possible to separate the area where video data is recorded from the area where management data is recorded. Also, when initializing, simply erasing the data recorded in the first partition can achieve the same effect as erasing the video data.

[0068] (30) Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, when the recording media detected to have been mounted include a first recording medium and a second recording medium, the processing means is characterized in that, based on the detection of the mounting of the first recording medium, it initializes the first recording medium and then executes a process to initialize the second recording medium.

[0069] In this way, the system can execute initialization processing for multiple recording media, and therefore, while initializing one recording medium, it is possible to insert and remove a recording medium of another detection means, making initialization even more efficient for the user.

[0070] (31) In addition, the system of this embodiment is characterized by further comprising a history management means for managing a history of the execution of the initialization process by the processing means.

[0071] This allows the system to manage the history of initialization processes, making it clear when an initialized recording medium was initialized, and providing a system with high security.

[0072] (32) The system of this embodiment is characterized by further comprising a report output means for outputting a report based on the history managed by the history management means.

[0073] This allows the system to output a report based on the history, making it possible to check from the report when an initialized recording medium was initialized, providing a system with high security.

[0074] (33) In addition, in the system of this embodiment, the history managed by the history management means is characterized in that it includes at least the date and time when the initialization process was performed and identification information that identifies the recording medium.

[0075] In this way, the system's history includes at least the date and time when the initialization process was performed and identification information that identifies the recording medium, making it possible to confirm when the initialization of the recording medium was performed, thereby providing a system with high security.

[0076] (34) In the system of this embodiment, the initialization process includes a process of writing setting information indicating a predetermined initial setting of the system to the recording medium.

[0077] In this way, setting information indicating initial settings can be written onto the recording medium so that a predetermined system can use the recording medium.

[0078] (35) In the system of this embodiment, the predetermined system is a camera mounted on a vehicle and records video data on the recording medium.

[0079] In this way, setting information indicating the initial settings can be written to the recording medium so that the camera mounted on the vehicle can record video data on the recording medium.

[0080] (36) The program of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to function as the processing means of any one of the systems (1) to (35).

[0081] The inventions described in (1) to (35) above can be combined in any way. For example, a configuration may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items to all or a portion of the configuration of the invention described in (1). In particular, an invention may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and subsequent items to the invention described in (1). Furthermore, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions described in (1) to (35) and combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions including these configurations. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that are not in these cases or times. 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 applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0082] According to the system etc. of the present invention, it is possible to realize a technique for handling a recording medium, for example, to initialize the recording medium in an efficient manner.

[0083] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the configuration disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configuration achieving such effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, phrases such as "can" and "is possible" are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate effects even without the phrases "can" and "is possible." Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such phrases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first format. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second format. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third format. [Figure 6] 4 is an operational flow for explaining processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a menu transition in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an operational flow for explaining processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is an operational flow for explaining processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is an operational flow for explaining processing in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is one embodiment of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

[0086] [0. Background to the conception of the present invention and summary of the present invention] The present invention was conceived by the inventors based on the background described below. Regarding cameras (e.g., dashcams) used for public use on public transportation vehicles such as trains, buses, taxis, airplanes, monorails, and linear motor cars, the risk of the external leakage of footage captured by such cameras is a concern. This leakage can occur, for example, when video data recorded on an SD card (an example of a memory card) is copied to another SD card. Therefore, one possible method is to format and initialize a newly purchased SD card using an SD card that has already been initialized to write setting information indicating the camera's operational settings as the source of the copy.

[0087] However, in this case, the number of SD cards required for the front-view cameras alone is equal to the number of cameras installed. If the cameras are also used for in-car security, the number of cameras will increase, and the number of SD cards required will also increase. For this reason, there is a demand for the process to be completed as quickly as possible. Furthermore, when formatting such SD cards periodically, there is a problem that the images recorded on the SD card can be viewed using software that displays the images recorded on the SD card.

[0088] One possible solution is to use an SD duplicator to copy the settings information from the source (master) SD card to the destination (e.g., a newly purchased) SD card. However, this method has the following problems (1) and (2). (1) When using a duplicator, it is advisable to use SD cards of the same quality and from the same manufacturer at the same time, and you need the knowledge to be able to check the SD card status at the cluster level after copying. (2) When copying a master SD card using a duplicator, the information and traces on the destination SD card, such as the number of overwrites, are also erased, making it impossible to analyze if a problem occurs.

[0089] Considering the above issues, the need for caution when handling footage from publicly used cameras, and the problem of footage being viewed during formatting, the inventor of the present application conceived of providing "regular formatting" software for administrators, primarily for corporate use. This software is, for example, a formatting tool specialized solely for formatting. This tool formats data that you do not want others to see, or that should not be seen, using an application program that erases the data without requiring you to view the content or video. This tool is a formatting version of an SD card configuration tool. While configuration tools require updates with each new model, it is conceivable that such formatting tools do not require updates. The software also incorporates a safe removal procedure: (1) launch the software, (2) insert the SD card, (3) press the software's regular format button, (4) a message indicating format completion is instantaneous, (5) remove the SD card, (6) insert the next SD card, and then repeat steps (3) through (6). The inventor of the present application conceived this application based on the idea of ​​enabling administrators to complete tasks easily and quickly using the above method.

[0090] [1. First embodiment] [1.1 System Overview] System 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1( a), system 1 includes a processing device 10 capable of reading and writing data from and to a memory card 250, which is a recording medium. The processing device 10 has a function for initializing the memory card 250. When video data is recorded on the memory card 250, the processing device 10 is configured to prevent unauthorized viewing of the video data by a user of the processing device 10. This is, for example, from the perspective of privacy and security. To this end, for example, the video playback function of the processing device 10 may be limited (e.g., the playback function may be disabled), the video data may be configured to be unplayable by the playback function (e.g., by applying a data format or encryption technology), or the processing device 10 may not have a video playback function. Furthermore, a memory card reader 15 may be connected to the processing device 10 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In this case, the processing device 10 reads and writes data from and to the memory card 250 via the memory card reader 15. In this embodiment, the processing device 10 is realized by a personal computer, but it may also be realized by a recording device 30 that records video on a memory card 250, or a dedicated machine manufactured to perform initialization processing on the memory card 250.

[0091] The recording medium may be, for example, a USB memory. The USB memory is connected to the processing device 10 or a USB interface. In the following, this embodiment will be described taking a memory card 250 as an example of the recording medium.

[0092] The system 1 can also be realized as a single device such as a processing device 20 as shown in Fig. 1(b). In this case, the processing device 20 includes, for example, a display unit 22 and a plurality of memory card readers 24. In other words, the processing device 20 may be a device such as a gang programmer or a gang reader / writer.

[0093] The memory card 250, which is a recording medium, is generally called an SD card (registered trademark) or a microSD card. The memory card 250 is a recording medium that is mainly composed of semiconductors, but may be any other recording medium (for example, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, etc.) that can be connected to other devices.

[0094] In this embodiment, the memory card 250 is used as a recording device that continuously captures and records video as content, either continuously or as needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the recording device 30 is installed as a drive recorder in the front of a vehicle, such as an automobile or train, and captures and records the video ahead of the vehicle. The recording device 30 may record video captured by itself as well as video captured by another camera via a wired or wireless communication path. For example, the recording device 30 may capture and record video of at least one of the interior of the vehicle, the side of the vehicle (left or right relative to the direction of travel), and the rear of the vehicle, in addition to the video captured by itself. In this embodiment, the recording device 30 is described as a drive recorder as an example. However, the recording device 30 may also be a device that continuously captures video, such as a surveillance camera that monitors a specific area, such as a work area in a factory, or a security camera that captures and records the inside of a store, or a device that records device logs (e.g., the operation log of a machine tool installed in a factory, etc.).

[0095] The recording device 30 includes a camera 32. The camera 32 is, for example, a device with a built-in CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera. Images are constantly captured by the camera 32 and recorded on a memory card 250.

[0096] The recording device 30 may record the video that is continuously captured as is on the memory card 250 as video data, or may record only the video before and after the occurrence of an event on the memory card 250. The recording device 30 may also switch the method of recording video data depending on the state of the vehicle. For example, when power is supplied from an external device such as the vehicle (for example, while the engine is running), the recording device 30 records the video that is continuously captured on the memory card 250 as video data. When power is not supplied from the external device (for example, while the engine is stopped), the recording device performs interval shooting and records video at predetermined intervals on the memory card 250 as video data.

[0097] Furthermore, the recording device 30 may not record video data all the time, but may record only video data when an event occurs or for a predetermined period of time before and after the event. An event may be anything that triggers the recording device 30 to specifically record video data.

[0098] For example, the recording device 30 detects an event when an impact is applied to the vehicle in which the recording device 30 is installed (specifically, when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the recording device 30 is an acceleration of a predetermined pattern (for example, when a waveform showing a change in acceleration over time satisfies a predetermined condition) or when the acceleration is equal to or greater than a threshold value). Specifically, if the threshold value for acceleration (gravitational acceleration) is set to 0.3 G, the recording device 30 may detect an event when an acceleration of 0.3 G or greater is detected, or when an acceleration equal to or greater than twice the acceleration detected during normal deceleration is detected. Note that the threshold value is an example, and may be set to another value, such as 0.4 G.

[0099] This makes it possible to detect, for example, the timing at which sudden braking (sudden braking, sudden acceleration, sharp curve) is detected, and accidents such as collisions and rear-end collisions, as events in a vehicle in which the recording device 30 is installed. In addition to impacts, the recording device 30 may also detect events based on, for example, the driver's state (for example, looking away, dozing, etc.), the vehicle's driving conditions (for example, long-term driving without a break, swaying, speeding, wrong-way driving detection, etc.), and the vehicle's surrounding conditions (for example, pedestrian detection, bicycle detection, traffic light recognition, etc.).

[0100] Furthermore, in the case of a drive recorder installed in a vehicle, the recording device 30 may acquire information about the vehicle and record the information on the recording medium. For example, the recording device 30 may record location information, speed information about the vehicle speed, and acceleration information acquired using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, or a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), on the memory card 250. The recording device 30 may also record information about place names (such as city, ward, town, or village, station name, or address) corresponding to the location information on the memory card 250.

[0101] Here, the memory card 250 is formatted in a predetermined format by the initialization process, and the recorded video data, etc. is erased (initialized). If the memory card 250 has been initialized, the recording device 30 can record, for example, video data as content.

[0102] The initialization process is a process of initializing a recording medium. Initializing a recording medium may refer to configuring the recording medium for a specific system. In this embodiment, initializing a recording medium may refer to writing setting information indicating operational settings to the recording medium so that the specific system can use the recording medium (e.g., a state in which video data can be read and written). However, initializing a recording medium may also include one or more of writing the setting information to the recording medium, formatting the recording medium, and setting the recording medium to a specific file state. In this embodiment, the entity that initializes the recording medium and the entity that uses the recording medium are different; the former is the processing device 10 and the latter is the recording device 30. If the entity that initializes the recording medium cannot operate according to the operational settings set by the initial setting, for example, if the recording medium does not support the format described below, the entity that initializes the recording medium will initialize the recording medium so that the entity that uses the recording medium can use it, even though it cannot use it itself. However, this initialization may also include operational settings compatible with both the entity that initializes the recording medium and the entity that uses the recording medium. For example, this would be the case if both were compatible with a general-purpose personal computer format.

[0103] The initial setting in this embodiment involves formatting the recording medium. In this embodiment, formatting the recording medium means making the recording medium ready for reading and writing video data in the recording device 30. For example, the processing device 10 formats the memory card 250 in a specified format, thereby creating an area on the memory card 250 for recording video data, etc.

[0104] In this embodiment, initializing a recording medium may also include making it impossible to recognize that video data is recorded on the recording medium. The state in which video data cannot be recognized may refer to, for example, a state in which the video data cannot be played back when a user checks the video data on the recording medium using playback device 40, or a state in which the number of video data items recorded on the recording medium is displayed as zero. Furthermore, the state in which video data cannot be played back may refer to a state in which there is no video data to play back, a state in which the video data to play back is not recognized, a state in which the video data is concealed, etc.

[0105] The processing device 10 executes an initialization process to initialize the memory card 250, which is a recording medium. Here, the initialization includes a first initialization process, which is a simple process that does not take much time, and a second initialization process (full initialization process), which takes a relatively long time. For example, the first initialization process takes time on the order of microseconds, while the second initialization process takes time on the order of milliseconds. On the other hand, the second initialization process is more desirable than the first initialization process in terms of preventing videos recorded on the memory card 250 from being viewed. In this sense, "simple" can also mean, for example, that the algorithm related to the initialization process is simple.

[0106] For example, when executing the first initialization process, the processing device 10 does not perform the above-mentioned formatting, but deletes only the video data, or overwrites the area where the video data is recorded with new dummy data. Also, the processing device 10 erases or rewrites management information indicating that video data is recorded, thereby making the video data recorded on the recording medium unrecognizable.

[0107] That is, in the processing device 10, the first initialization process refers to making the video data unable to be displayed or read by other devices (for example, the playback device 40) regardless of whether the video data is recorded on the recording medium. The initialization process may also involve concealing the video data so that it cannot be read by other devices.

[0108] Furthermore, when the processing device 10 executes the second initialization process, it erases the video data from the recording medium. For example, it executes the initialization process after performing the above-described formatting or rewrites the sectors of the recording medium so that no video data remains on the recording medium. However, the processing time required for the second initialization process is relatively longer than that of the first initialization process.

[0109] In the following embodiments, when simply referred to as "initialization," it refers to the first initialization, and when referred to as "full initialization," it refers to the second initialization. Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between the processes in an embodiment, either initialization process may be executed.

[0110] The video data recorded on the memory card 250 can be played back on other devices. For example, when the memory card 250 is inserted into the playback device 40 shown in FIG. 1(c), the playback device 40 plays back the video data recorded on the memory card.

[0111] The playback device 40 is an information processing device such as a computer or a tablet. The playback device 40 can read and play back video data recorded on the memory card 250 by executing a playback application.

[0112] The playback device 40 may execute a dedicated playback application, or may use a playback function built into the OS (for example, Windows (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), etc.). By using the playback application, the playback device 40 can also access areas that cannot be accessed using a file system that the OS can implement as standard (for example, FAT32, NTFS (NT File System), HFS (Hierarchical File System), etc.).

[0113] [1.2 Functional Configuration] 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the processing device 10. The functional configuration of the processing device 10 will be described below.

[0114] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire processing device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 110, and is configured, for example, by one or more arithmetic units (for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units)).

[0115] Furthermore, the control unit 100 functions as an initialization unit 102 and a full initialization unit 104 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 110. The control unit 100 functions as a processing unit by reading the programs and executing processes. The processing unit may be a general-purpose arithmetic unit such as the control unit 100, or may be another control device (controller) that executes each process.

[0116] The initialization unit 102 initializes (first initialization) the memory card 250, which is a recording medium, by executing an initialization process (first initialization process). When the initialization unit 102 initializes the memory card 250, other devices (e.g., playback device 40) will no longer be able to read or play video data from the memory card 250. After the first initialization process of the memory card 250 is complete, the initialization unit 102 has a function of performing initialization (continuous initialization process, described later) simply by inserting or removing the memory card 250 without any other operation.

[0117] Here, the first initialization process is, for example, a process of deleting video data or a process of logical formatting. Possible methods for deleting video data in the first initialization process include simply deleting information in a file management area such as FAT, rewriting management information that manages the video data, or rewriting a flag that indicates that video data has been recorded. In other words, the first initialization process deletes or conceals the video data, thereby rendering the video data recorded on memory card 250 unreadable or unplayable in playback device 40 or the like.

[0118] The complete initialization unit 104 performs a complete initialization process (second initialization process) to completely initialize (secondly initialize) the memory card 250, which is a recording medium. For example, in the complete initialization process, the first initialization process is performed after formatting the memory card 250, and an area required after formatting the memory card 250 and data required for the initial state are recorded. The complete initialization unit 104 also erases all data, including video data, stored in the memory card 250 by sending a reset command to the memory card 250.

[0119] Furthermore, the second initialization process may be performed if the format of memory card 250 is different before and after initialization, or if it is different, the second initialization process may not be performed. For example, if the first initialization process performs logical formatting, the second initialization process performs physical formatting. For example, if the first initialization process only rewrites video data management information or flags, the second initialization process may re-create a recording area or generate a new partition.

[0120] Here, the initialization process (first initialization process) performed by the initialization unit 102 can be executed faster than the initialization process (second initialization process) performed by the full initialization unit 104.

[0121] The first initialization process may be performed, for example, by the process described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-135436. In this case, the first initialization process may store a format count master value indicating the number of times the memory card 250 has been initialized in a management area. As video is recorded at consecutive addresses in the recording area of ​​the memory card 250, the format count master value is transcribed as a format count value (also referred to as a format counter) for each video. Video data for which a format count value different from the current format count master value is recorded is treated as having been erased. This reduces the time required for formatting. Furthermore, the difference in processing time between the first initialization process and the second initialization process does not necessarily need to be noticeable to the user. Even if the difference in time required for the initialization process for a single memory card 250 is not noticeable, when initializing a large number of memory cards 250, such as 100 or 1000 cards, the user may be able to notice the difference in time required for the initialization process. In this way, the first initialization process may have any specific processing content as long as it can be executed more simply than the second initialization process.

[0122] Additionally, the initialization unit 102 and the full initialization unit 104 can initialize multiple types of memory cards 250. The type refers to, for example, the manufacturing date, manufacturer, and quality of the SD card that is the memory card 250. In this way, the initialization unit 102 and the full initialization unit 104 have the function of initializing multiple memory cards 250 of the same standard but different types.

[0123] As described above, when the processing device 10 initializes the memory card 250, it does not play back the video recorded on the memory card 250. In this embodiment, the activated program does not have a playback function. Thus, the program of this embodiment is a program dedicated to initializing the memory card 250 and does not have a playback function. Alternatively or additionally, if the processing device 10 has a video playback function, the control unit 100 may further include a means for restricting playback of the video recorded on the memory card 250 (hereinafter referred to as a "restriction unit"; not shown). For example, the restriction unit may disable the playback function of the processing device 10, but may also control the display unit 130 to prevent the video recorded on the memory card 250 from being displayed. The restriction unit may further have a function for controlling the processing device 10 to prevent the video data from being output to an external device via the communication unit 140 or another video output unit. The restriction unit may be implemented as either hardware or software. Furthermore, the playback function (e.g., a playback program) may have the restriction function.

[0124] The storage unit 110 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the processing device 10. The storage unit 110 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0125] Furthermore, the storage unit 110 stores user information 112 and history data 114 as necessary. The user information 112 stores information about the user. For example, authentication information such as a user ID and a password is stored.

[0126] The history data 114 stores information related to the history of processing performed by the processing device 10. For example, the history data 114 stores the person who performed the processing, the date and time, and the details of the processing. The history data 114 may also store information related to the memory card 250 (for example, identification information of the memory card, information such as the date and time of the video data recorded before initialization, etc.).

[0127] The input unit 120 accepts input from a user. For example, it is configured by a hardware switch such as a switch key, or a touch panel that accepts input from a software switch displayed on the display unit 130. The input unit 120 may also be an externally connected input device such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0128] The display unit 130 displays various states of the processing device 10 and the state of operation inputs. For example, it is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, electronic paper using an electrophoretic system, or the like. The display unit 130 also displays a display screen. Here, the display screen refers to what is displayed on the display unit 130, and may be the entire screen displayed on the display of the display unit 130, or a partial area of ​​the screen. For example, a window display or a dialog displayed on the display unit 130 may be referred to as the display screen, or the entire screen including these may be referred to as the display screen. The display screen may be a screen that is displayed in a certain area.

[0129] The communication unit 140 communicates with other devices and communicates with other devices via a network. For example, it includes interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), a Network Interface Card (NIC) for connecting to a wired / wireless LAN, and a communication module for connecting to a mobile communication network such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4G, or 5G.

[0130] The recording unit 150 writes data to a recording medium and reads data from the recording medium. The recording unit 150 is what is called a memory card reader, and is configured to allow a memory card to be attached and detached as one of the recording media. In addition, the processing device 10 is configured as a card slot, and may detect the attachment and detachment (mounting and removal) of the memory card 250.

[0131] That is, the recording unit 150 also functions as a detection means for the memory card 250. When it detects that the memory card 250 has been inserted into the recording unit 150 (card slot), it transmits a signal indicating the insertion to the control unit 100. Similarly, when it detects that the memory card has been removed from the recording unit 150 (card slot), it transmits a signal indicating the removal to the control unit 100. Based on the signal from the recording unit 150, the control unit 100 detects (determines) that the memory card 250 has been inserted and removed.

[0132] Furthermore, the recording unit 150 may be connected to the memory card wirelessly. For example, the recording unit 150 may be connected to the memory card via short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). In this case, inserting the memory card means connecting to the memory card (establishing communication). Furthermore, removing the memory card means disconnecting from the memory card.

[0133] For convenience of explanation, the input unit 120, display unit 130, communication unit 140, and recording unit 150 will be described as being built into the processing device 10, but external devices may be connected as needed. For example, by connecting a memory card reader to the communication unit 140 (USB interface), the memory card reader functions as the recording unit 150.

[0134] That is, the input unit 120, the display unit 130, the communication unit 140, and the recording unit 150 only need to be provided with the necessary control devices, and may function in unison with externally connected devices.

[0135] The memory card 250 is a portable recording medium, such as an SD card, a microSD card, a CF card, etc. The memory card 250 may be any card that can be connected to the recording unit 150 and from which data can be read and written.

[0136] Furthermore, memory card 250 stores memory card information 252, which is recording medium information that is information about the recording medium, and video data 254, which is content data. Memory card information 252 is information about the memory card and device other than content data. For example, information such as the memory card identification number and capacity, as well as other information (such as format type and partition information) can be stored.

[0137] The memory card information 252 can also include information about the settings of the recording device 30. For example, the image quality and file format when the recording device 30 takes a picture are recorded as setting information in the memory card information 252. When the memory card 250 is inserted, the recording device 30 can read the setting information recorded on the memory card 250 and set the operation of the recording device 30.

[0138] The memory card information 252 can also include various information that the recording device 30 records in association with the video data. For example, the information about the recording device 30 can include the model name of the recording device 30, the type of video data (such as video data recorded continuously or video data when an event is detected), and event information. It can also include information about the vehicle in which the recording device 30 is installed (such as the car license plate number, train / bus / taxi vehicle number, route name, and location), acquired location information, impact-related information (such as acceleration), and speed information.

[0139] This memory card information may be recorded in association with the video data, or simply in association with the memory card 250. For example, location information, speed information, impact information, etc. acquired by the recording device 30 are recorded in association with the video data (for example, in association with the recording time of the video data). In contrast, the vehicle license plate number, the vehicle number where the recording device 30 is installed, the name of the road, etc. are recorded independently of the video data.

[0140] Furthermore, the video data 254 is preferably video captured by the recording device 30 into which the memory card 250 is attached and recorded as video data. In this embodiment, the recording device 30 will be described using video data as an example of content data recorded on the memory card 250, but still image data, audio data, etc. may also be used.

[0141] Furthermore, the video data 254 may be any data that can be played back by the playback device 40. For example, the video data 254 may be in a predetermined video format such as MPEG format or AVI format. Alternatively, the video data 254 may be video data in a unique format that can be played back by a playback application executed on the playback device 40.

[0142] [1.3 Format] Next, the format format of the memory card 250 will be described. The processing device 10 can format the memory card 250 by having the control unit 100 execute a formatting process. By executing the formatting process, the processing device 10 can generate a memory card 250 in the following format format. Note that the formatting process will be described as being executed by the full initialization unit 104, but it may also be executed by the initialization unit 102. Here, the format format of the memory card applicable to this embodiment will be described.

[0143] (First format) In the first formatting method, a user area is reserved on the memory card, and a video file to be recorded in this user area is generated in advance as a virtual file (dummy data), as shown in Fig. 3. The control unit 100 formats the memory card 250 using the FAT file system. As a result, the following areas are generated on the memory card 250:

[0144] MBR (Master Boot Record): This is an area reserved in the first sector of a memory card and stores information about partitions. BPB (BIOS Parameter Block) is an area that stores information about the FAT and RDE, which are reserved as later areas. FAT (File Allocation Table): An area that stores information indicating the location of files. RDE (Root Directory Entry): This is an area that stores information about files and folders that exist in the root directory.

[0145] User data area: This is an area where data files created and used by the user are recorded. In the first format, a virtual file with a data name is generated as dummy data and recorded in a contiguous area of ​​the user data area (for example, an area of ​​contiguous sectors). When recording video data, the recording device 30 replaces (rewrites) the dummy data already recorded on the memory card.

[0146] As a result, dummy data is recorded in consecutive sectors at the time of initialization, and video data is also recorded in consecutive sectors. Generally, since the recording device 30 writes data while processing video images such as continuous shooting, it is preferable to record video data in consecutive areas to prevent frame dropping or recording failure.

[0147] In other words, if dummy data is recorded in advance as a reserved area for recording video data, the recording device 30 can record the video data without any problems by replacing the dummy data. Also, since a continuous area of ​​dummy data is reserved in advance on the recording medium as a reserved area for video data, the recording device 30 can prevent fragmentation.

[0148] Furthermore, the dummy data can be generated by generating multiple files of the same size as the video data. For example, if the data size of each video data file is 100 MB, multiple 100 MB dummy data files can be generated and recorded.

[0149] Also, dummy data of large and small sizes may be generated. For example, when the recording device 30 records high-resolution and low-resolution video data or records shooting information (e.g., information on latitude, longitude, altitude, acceleration, speed, etc.) as shot information, dummy data of sizes corresponding to the corresponding data may be generated.

[0150] Furthermore, the recording device 30 may record high-resolution video data and low-resolution video data by distinguishing them based on image size, compression method, encoding method, and the like.

[0151] Furthermore, when generating and recording multiple sizes of dummy data, the control unit 100 may record large and small sizes alternately, or may first record small dummy data in succession and then record large dummy data in succession.

[0152] The first format type is characterized by recording consecutive dummy data in advance in the user data area. Therefore, as long as a user area for recording dummy data is secured, formatting with a file system other than FAT, such as NTFS, exFAT, or HFS, may be used.

[0153] (Second format) 4, the second formatting method is a formatting method that secures a video data recording area that can be used by another system in the user data area of ​​memory card 250. In this case, the video data recording area where the video data is recorded cannot be accessed in a normal file system (for example, FAT32).

[0154] In the video data recording area, video data is recorded sequentially. The video data recorded in the video data recording area is managed based on management information recorded in the data management area. For example, the playback device 40 uses a playback application to refer to the management information and identify the location of the video data in the video data recording area.

[0155] Here, the management information may be information that correlates and records the date and time when the video data was recorded, a management flag, and the address where the video data is recorded. Based on the management information, the playback device 40 can identify the location where the video data is recorded within the video data recording area and read the video data.

[0156] At this time, the playback device 40 may switch the output of the video data depending on the management flag. For example, if the management flag is "1", the playback device 40 recognizes that the video data has been recorded validly, and reads and plays back the video data. On the other hand, if the management flag is "0", the playback device 40 recognizes that the video data has not been recorded validly, and is unable to play back the video data. A management flag may be recorded for each piece of video data generated for each predetermined size. The management flag may be added before and / or after the video data.

[0157] Therefore, in the case of the second format, when the initialization unit 102 performs initialization (first initialization), it may simply rewrite all of the management flags to "0".

[0158] Furthermore, the video data recording area is an area that cannot be accessed by a normal file system, but it may be an area that can be accessed by a normal file system. In this case, one large area capable of recording data sequentially is secured in the area. The processing device 10, recording device 30, and playback device 40 can read and play back the video data from the area capable of recording data sequentially. In this case, the video data may be configured to appear as a single file from a terminal device that only has a normal file system that cannot perform playback.

[0159] (Third format method) The third formatting method, as shown in Fig. 5, is a formatting method when multiple partitions are used within memory card 250. Specifically, control unit 100 reserves multiple partition areas within memory card 250. Then, control unit 100 reserves a video data recording area in the user data area of ​​each partition area. In addition, control unit 100 writes information indicating the partitions into the MBR of memory card 250.

[0160] The size of the video data recording area allocated in each partition may be changed depending on the size of the video data to be recorded. For example, the control unit 100 allocates a first recording area that is smaller than the second recording area. In this case, the recording device 30 records low-resolution video data in the video data recording area of ​​the first recording area. The recording device 30 also records high-resolution video data in the video data recording area of ​​the second recording area. The difference in size between the areas of multiple partitions and / or the video data recording areas allocated thereto may be, for example, two or three times the size, or may be a difference of one or two orders of magnitude. The sizes of the areas of multiple partitions and / or the video data recording areas allocated thereto do not need to be the same for each formatting operation; the control unit 100 may change them regularly or in response to a user instruction, for example.

[0161] Furthermore, the video data recording area secured in the third formatting method may utilize either the first formatting method or the second formatting method, or a combination of the two.

[0162] Also, each partition may be configured to be accessible from the OS file system. For example, all data other than video data, such as memory card information and management information, is recorded in the first partition as usual. However, video data is recorded in the second partition.

[0163] The method by which the playback device 40 or the like can access each partition may differ. For example, the first partition, which has a small capacity, may be accessible using a file system that is a standard function of the OS, but the second partition may not be accessible using a file system that is a standard function of the OS.

[0164] [1.4 Processing Description] The processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, when the attachment (connection) of the memory card 250, which is a recording medium, is detected, an initialization process is executed immediately.

[0165] First, the control unit 100 runs a program for executing initialization processing. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 runs the program in response to an operation of selecting (e.g., double-clicking) an icon corresponding to the program displayed on the display unit 130. When the program is run, the control unit 100 displays an insertion screen on the display unit 130 (step S102). The insertion screen is a UI (user interface) that prompts the user to insert a memory card. The control unit 100 uses the insertion screen as a method of prompting the user to insert a memory card, but may also use a voice notification or a lamp notification other than the insertion screen.

[0166] Next, when the control unit 100 detects that the memory card 250, which is a recording medium, has been inserted by the recording unit 150 (step S104; Yes), it executes an initialization process (step S106).

[0167] The control unit 100 waits until a memory card is inserted (step S104; No), but may stop this process if the user performs a stop operation.

[0168] The initialization process in step S106 is a process executed by the initialization unit 102 (control unit 100). From the viewpoint of consecutively initializing multiple memory cards, it is preferable to execute the first initialization process, which takes less time to complete, but the second initialization process may also be executed.

[0169] When the initialization of memory card 250 is completed (i.e., when the initialization process is completed), control unit 100 displays a completion screen on display unit 130 indicating that the initialization has been completed (step S108; Yes→step S110).

[0170] The completion screen is one method for notifying the user that initialization has been completed. It is preferable that the completion screen be made a little more flashy and of a different size than the insertion screen, so that it has a clearly different screen format. This is because it is more likely to attract the user's attention. Instead of displaying the completion screen, the control unit 100 may notify the user by voice or send a notification to another device.

[0171] When the control unit 100 detects the removal of the memory card 250 (step S112), it displays the insertion screen again (step S112; Yes → step S102). Note that the control unit 100 may not display the insertion screen from the second time onwards. In this case, the control unit 100 transitions the process to step S104 instead of step S102. Therefore, the user can continuously initialize the memory card 250 by simply inserting and removing the card.

[0172] In this embodiment, the detection of attachment / removal of the memory card 250 by the control unit 100 may refer to, for example, detecting attachment / removal of the memory card 250 in a card slot of the recording unit 150, or receiving a signal indicating attachment / removal from a memory card reader. Furthermore, if the memory card 250 is connected via NFC or the like, the control unit 100 may detect attachment when communication with the memory card 250 is established, and may detect removal when communication is disconnected.

[0173] Also, in steps S104 to S106, the control unit 100 detects the insertion of the memory card 250 and performs the initialization process, but it may also perform the initialization process only on memory cards that can be initialized (can be initialized by the first initialization).

[0174] Here, it is advisable to determine whether a memory card that can be initialized is a memory card whose format can be recognized or a memory card on which video data in a specific data format is recorded.

[0175] For example, if the control unit 100 detects that a memory card formatted in the third formatting method has been inserted after a memory card formatted in the first formatting method described above, the control unit 100 does not initialize the memory card 250.

[0176] As described above, according to the processing of this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes initialization processing when it detects the insertion of the memory card 250. Furthermore, the control unit 100 executes initialization processing when it detects the removal of the memory card 250 and then reinserts the memory card 250. Therefore, the user can successively initialize the inserted memory cards 250 by inserting and removing multiple memory cards 250 in sequence.

[0177] These processes may be provided as a program or as hardware, or may be provided as a formatting tool APP (application program) for formatting a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0178] [1.5 Example of operation] An example of the operation of the control unit 100 when it is executing the process of Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 130. In the display screen described below, the words "Format" or "FORMAT" are used in some places to make it easier for the user to understand, but instead, the words "initialization" or "initialization process" may be used.

[0179] 7(a) is an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 130 in this embodiment. The display screen W100 may be displayed superimposed on another screen, or may be displayed as a single screen. As shown on the display screen W100, the control unit 100 displays a message saying "Please insert a memory card." In other words, the display screen W100 is an insertion screen (SD insertion screen) that prompts the user to insert a recording medium (e.g., an SD card).

[0180] Also, a button R100 is displayed on the display screen W100. When the user performs a selection operation (for example, a touch operation or a click operation) on the button R100, the processing is stopped. Note that a button for executing a process other than the button R100 may be displayed on the display screen W100, or the button R100 may not be displayed at all.

[0181] The control unit 100 executes initialization processing when it detects the insertion of the memory card 250. Then, when the initialization of the memory card 250 is completed, the display screen transitions to the display screen W110 of FIG. 7(b).

[0182] Display screen W110 is a termination screen for informing the user that the initialization process of the memory card has been completed. For example, as shown in display screen W110 in FIG. 7(b), control unit 100 displays a message indicating that the initialization process has been completed, such as "Format completed." Control unit 100 also displays a message urging the user to take the next action, such as "Please remove the memory card."

[0183] If the user removes the memory card, the display screen W110 in FIG. 7(b) transitions back to the display screen W100 in FIG. 7(a). That is, the end screen transitions to the insertion screen again. In this way, the user can continuously initialize the memory card by simply inserting and removing the memory card. Note that the memory card may be inserted and removed while the end screen is displayed, without the insertion screen being displayed.

[0184] Instead of a display method in which display screen W110 is displayed and then the display screen W100 is displayed again, a method in which a single screen including display screen W110 and the information included in display screen W100 is displayed may be employed. In this case, control unit 100 may display, for example, on the single screen, a message indicating that the initialization process is complete, such as "Format completed," and a message prompting the user to take the next action, such as "Please remove the memory card and insert another memory card." If memory card 250 is removed and a new memory card 250 is inserted while the single screen is being displayed, control unit 100 starts the initialization process.

[0185] Note that the control unit 100 may use different display modes or methods to notify the user that the initialization process has been completed. For example, the font size of the message on the display screen W120 in FIG. 7(c) is different. As shown on the display screen W120, the control unit 100 displays "FORMAT completed!" in a larger font size than on the display screen W110.

[0186] In addition to this, the control unit 100 may change the display mode, such as changing the color of the message, changing the background color, or blinking. Additionally, the control unit 100 may also output an alarm sound, display a separate icon, or display the window display surrounded by a thick line. The display mode used by the control unit 100 may be any method that clearly notifies the user that the initialization process has been completed.

[0187] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 cannot initialize (does not initialize) the memory card 250, it may display that fact on the display screen. For example, if the format of the memory card 250 is different from the immediately previous format or the currently set format, or if the type of video data recorded is different, it displays that fact.

[0188] Specifically, the control unit 100 may display a message such as "The format is different!" on the display screen W130 in Fig. 7(d). The control unit 100 may display a message on the display screen indicating that the format is different or that the format of the recorded video data is different.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display a button R130 for forcibly performing initialization, as shown in Fig. 7(d). For example, when the user selects button R130, the control unit 100 continues the initialization process even if the format or video data format is different. In this case, since the user has already confirmed it, it is possible to prevent the memory card 250 from being accidentally initialized.

[0190] In this case, the control unit 100 may switch the initialization process from the first initialization process to the second initialization process (complete initialization process), or may execute initialization process according to the format. For example, if the format of the video data currently recorded on the memory card is different from that of other memory cards, the control unit 100 may record dummy data corresponding to the format of the video data recorded on the other memory cards. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may generate and record dummy data in a video data format predetermined in the initialization process or in the format of the video data recorded on the memory card that was initialized immediately before.

[0191] The program may be activated not only when an operation to select an icon is received, as described above. For example, the control unit 100 may activate the program when it detects that a first memory card 250 has been inserted into the card slot of the recording unit 150. Furthermore, the control unit 100 does not play back video recorded on the memory card 250 during the period in which the process of FIG. 6 is executed. For example, the program for executing the process described in FIG. 6 does not include a function for playing back video. Even if the processing device 10 has a video playback function due to another program (e.g., an OS, a viewer, or other video playback program) or other function, the processing device 10 does not play back the video. For example, the control unit 10 of the processing device 10 may restrict playback of video recorded on the memory card 250 using a function of the program for executing the process described in FIG. 6. For example, the control unit 10 may disable the playback function of the processing device 10, but may also control the display unit 130 to not display the video recorded on the memory card 250. The control unit 100 may further perform control so as not to output the video data from the processing device 10 to an external device via the communication unit 140 and other video output units.

[0192] According to the embodiment described above, when the processing device 10 initializes the memory card 250, it does not play back video recorded on the memory card 250 during the period from when the memory card 250 is detected as being inserted to when the memory card 250 is removed. Furthermore, the initialization of the memory card 250 involves operational settings for making the recording device 30 ready for use. This prevents the data of video recorded on the memory card 250 from leaking to the outside and also prevents the data from being viewed by administrators and the like. Therefore, even if the memory card 250 is used to record video on a recording device 30 installed in a public place, such as a train, privacy and security issues caused by the video being leaked can be avoided.

[0193] Furthermore, even if there are many memory cards 250 that need to be initialized, the continuous initialization process described above makes it easier and shorter for the administrator to perform initialization work than would be possible without this process.

[0194] Furthermore, unlike copying the operational setting information of a source (master) memory card to a destination (e.g., a newly purchased) memory card, the requirement that memory cards of the same quality and from the same manufacturer at the same time is relaxed. Therefore, the memory cards initialized by the processing device 10 may vary in their manufacturing dates, manufacturers, quality, and other characteristics. In this way, the processing device 10 can initialize multiple memory cards of different types. Furthermore, the administrator does not need to have advanced specialized knowledge regarding the condition of the memory cards. Furthermore, unlike copying a master memory card using a duplicator, the processing device 10 can retain information and traces on the destination memory card, such as the number of overwrites, allowing for analysis if a problem occurs.

[0195] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, multiple initialization methods can be selected from, for example, a menu display. The configuration in the second embodiment is essentially the same as the configuration in the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the same configurations and processes will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0196] [2.1 Overall overview] 8 is a diagram for explaining the overall flow of this embodiment. The control unit 100 of this embodiment displays a top screen for allowing the user to select a process. Here, the control unit 100 of this embodiment first displays the top screen on the display unit 130. Then, the user can select "continuous initialization process," "complete initialization process," or "confirmation initialization process" from the top screen, and the control unit 100 executes the selected process.

[0197] The continuous initialization process executes the first initialization process in the first embodiment. The complete initialization process executes the second initialization process (complete initialization process) in the first embodiment. The confirmed initialization process is the first initialization process with confirmation processing added.

[0198] The processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The control unit 100 displays a top screen (F10) on which the user can select each process. When each process is selected, the control unit 100 executes the selected process.

[0199] For example, when the user selects the continuous confirmation process from the top screen, the control unit 100 executes the continuous initialization process (F12). The continuous initialization process is executed repeatedly until the user instructs to stop the process or performs an operation to return to the top screen. The continuous initialization process is the process shown in FIG. 6.

[0200] Furthermore, when the user selects the confirmation initialization process, the control unit 100 executes the confirmation initialization process (F14). The confirmation initialization process includes an operation of confirming with the user when executing the initialization process. The confirmation initialization process is executed repeatedly until the user instructs to stop the process or performs an operation to return to the top screen. The confirmation initialization process is the process shown in FIG. 9.

[0201] Furthermore, when the user selects the complete initialization process, the control unit 100 executes the complete initialization process (F16). The complete initialization process executes the second initialization process described above. In the complete initialization process, the control unit 100 transitions the process to the top screen when the user instructs the process to be stopped or when an operation to return to the top screen is performed. In the complete initialization process, the control unit 100 transitions the process to the top screen once after the complete initialization is completed. Note that the complete initialization process may also be repeatedly executed until the user instructs the process to return.

[0202] [2.2 Processing flow] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the confirmation initialization process in the second embodiment. The confirmation initialization process is substantially the same as the processing flow explained in Fig. 6, and the same processes are assigned the same reference numerals, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0203] When the control unit 100 detects that the memory card 250 is inserted, the control unit 100 causes the display unit to display a display based on information related to the memory card 250 (step S202). The information related to the memory card 250 may be information included in the memory card information 252, or may be information extracted from the video data 234.

[0204] Various types of information can be displayed as memory card information 252. For example, information about recording device 30 may include the recording date and time of video data, the model and manufacturer of recording device 30, and the number of times an event has occurred. Also, information such as information about the automobile in which recording device 30 is installed, icons, railway information, and icons indicating vehicles can be recorded. Additionally, control unit 100 can select and display necessary information from the information recorded in memory card information 252.

[0205] Then, the control unit 100 confirms with the user whether it is OK to initialize the memory card 250 (step S204). If the user gives an instruction that it is OK to initialize the memory card 250, the control unit 100 initializes the memory card 250.

[0206] This allows the user to determine what type of memory card they are trying to initialize when they are repeatedly initializing memory cards. The system described in this embodiment can prevent the user from accidentally deleting data on the memory card when necessary.

[0207] [2.3 Example of operation] This embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. In Fig. 10(a), the control unit 100 displays a display screen W200 as a top screen. Here, the display screen W200 displays a button R202 that can be selected by the user to execute a continuous initialization process, a button R204 that can execute a confirmation format, and a button R206 that can execute a complete format (complete initialization process).

[0208] Here, as an example, when button R204 is selected, control unit 100 executes confirmation and initialization processing. When control unit 100 selects confirmation and initialization processing button R204, the display screen transitions to display screen W210 in FIG. 10(b).

[0209] When the user inserts a memory card, the control unit 100 reads information from the memory card and displays it on the display unit 130. Fig. 10(c) is a diagram showing a display screen W220, which is an example of the control unit 100 displaying information on the memory card.

[0210] On the display screen W220, area R224 displays information about the memory card, such as the type of memory card, the model name of the recording device 30 that recorded the video data, the date and time the video data was recorded, and the number of events recorded as event information. Display screen W220 is also called a model confirmation screen.

[0211] Here, the event information is the number of times that the recording device 30 detects an event when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the recording device 30 records the detection of a predetermined pattern of acceleration or an acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold as an event, and the number of times that event occurred is displayed as the event information. Additionally, the control unit 100 can display the number of events included in the event information. The control unit 100 can also display the number of times each type of event occurred.

[0212] Also displayed on display screen W220 are a button R220 for issuing an instruction to execute initialization and a button R222 for issuing an instruction to cancel the process (to return to the top screen). When the user selects button R220, control unit 100 executes the initialization process. Then, when memory card 250 is initialized, control unit 100 displays on display screen W230 that the initialization has been completed (ended).

[0213] Also, if no event information is recorded or there is no memory card information to display, a message indicating that there is no event information may be displayed, or the display in Fig. 10(c) may simply be hidden. In other words, if there is event information, the control unit 100 displays a confirmation screen for the user to confirm, but if there is no event information, initialization may be performed as is.

[0214] Note that the control unit 100 may display not only the information recorded on the memory card but also other corresponding information as the memory card information. For example, Fig. 10(e) is an example of a display screen W240 displaying information on the memory card 250. Here, the memory card 250 records, as one piece of card information, the location where the recording device 30 is installed (e.g., No. 001 on Line A).

[0215] Therefore, the control unit 100 obtains a railway icon corresponding to the card information from the storage unit 110 or an external server, and displays it in the area R240. In this way, the control unit 100 can provide a more easily understandable display screen by visualizing the information based on the card information.

[0216] FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen when the user selects button R206 in FIG. 10(a) and the control unit 100 executes a complete initialization process.

[0217] 11(a) is an example of a display screen W250 displayed during the execution of a complete initialization process. The control unit 100 displays an alert on the display screen W250 to inform the user that complete initialization will take time. The control unit 100 may also display the estimated processing time for complete initialization.

[0218] When the user selects the "OK" button on the display screen W250 of Fig. 11(a), the screen transitions to the display screen W260 of Fig. 11(b). The display screen W260 of Fig. 11(b) is the same as the display screen W100 of Fig. 7(a).

[0219] Next, the control unit 100 performs a complete initialization when it detects the insertion of the memory card 250. While the control unit 100 is performing the complete initialization on the memory card 250, the control unit 100 may display a display screen W270 as shown in FIG.

[0220] The display screen W270 includes the message "Complete Formatting" as the current processing content. The control unit 100 does not display the message for the continuous initialization process or the confirmation initialization process because they are executed for a short time. However, the control unit 100 displays the message for the complete initialization process because it is executed for a long time.

[0221] The control unit 100 may display a progress bar on the display screen W270 to indicate the progress of the process, or may display a progress indicator such as "XX% completed."

[0222] When the complete initialization process is completed, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W280 in Fig. 11(d) and ends this process. In this embodiment, when the complete initialization process is completed, the display returns to the top screen, but it may be executed continuously.

[0223] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can select and execute the initialization process in accordance with the desired method. Furthermore, the control unit 100 can output an alert if an event has been recorded on the memory card. This allows the user to initialize the memory card in a more convenient and secure manner.

[0224] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, when the top screen is displayed and a memory card is already inserted, a warning screen is displayed in case the memory card is forgotten to be removed. The configuration of the third embodiment is essentially the same as that of the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the second and third embodiments. Therefore, the same configurations and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0225] [3.1 Processing flow] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 100 in this embodiment. The control unit 100 executes the processing of Fig. 12 before displaying the top screen. The trigger for running the program for executing the processing of Fig. 12 may be the same as in the first embodiment described above. The control unit 100 does not play back video recorded on the memory card 250 during the period in which the processing of Fig. 12 is executed.

[0226] First, the control unit 100 detects whether or not a memory card is already inserted (S302). If the memory card 250 is already inserted when the top screen is launched, the control unit 100 displays a warning screen on the display unit 130 (step S302; Yes → step S304). Note that the control unit 100 may notify the user by sound or an alert, in addition to the warning screen.

[0227] Then, when the control unit 100 detects the removal of the memory card 250 (step S306; Yes), it displays the top screen (step S308). Also, the control unit 100 displays the top screen even when the insertion of a memory card is not detected at first (step S302; No → step S308).

[0228] Then, the control unit 100 executes the selected initialization process (step S310). That is, it executes one of the continuous initialization process, the confirmation initialization process, and the complete initialization process. The user can also execute the initialization process repeatedly until this process is terminated (step S312; No → step S310).

[0229] Furthermore, when the user instructs to end the process (step S312; Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0230] [3.2 Example of operation] 13A and 13B are examples of display screens displayed on the display unit 130 to explain an example of operation in this embodiment. Fig. 13A shows an example of a display screen W300 that is displayed on the display unit 130 when the control unit 100 executes processing and the memory card 250 is already inserted.

[0231] The display screen W300 displays the message "Please remove the memory card at once!" Therefore, the user cannot proceed with the process unless he or she removes the memory card 250 from the card reader.

[0232] 13(b), the control unit 100 may display a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to continue the process. In this case, if the user selects to continue the process, the control unit 100 displays the top screen as is. If the user selects to cancel, the control unit 100 may display the display screen W300, or may perform processing such that the top screen is not displayed unless the memory card 250 is removed.

[0233] 12, the control unit 100 displays the warning screen and then the top screen, but the top screen may be displayed first. For example, in FIG. 13(b), the top screen is displayed as the display screen W315. In this case, the warning screen W300 may be superimposed on the top screen W315, or may be switched between the two screens.

[0234] Although the display screen W310 is displayed superimposed on the display screen W315, which is the top screen, it may be displayed integrally with the display screen W315, which is the top screen. For example, the control unit 100 may use a partial area of ​​the top screen to display the message "A memory card has already been inserted."

[0235] 13(c), the control unit 100 may display information about the memory card 250. After checking the displayed information about the memory card 250, the user can select whether to continue the process or remove the memory card 250.

[0236] According to this embodiment, if the memory card is still inserted when the process is started, the control unit 100 displays an error and stops the process. Note that, although the above embodiment has been described as being at the time of initial start-up, if the memory card remains inserted after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour), a warning display may also be applied.

[0237] [4. Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, when an inserted memory card meets certain conditions during initialization processing, a process is performed to confirm with the user whether or not to initialize the memory card. Note that the configuration of the fourth embodiment is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0238] The processing in Fig. 14 replaces the processing in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, common reference numerals are used to designate common processes between Fig. 14 and Fig. 6, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0239] When the insertion of a memory card is detected (step S102 → step S104; Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the memory card 250 matches a specific condition (step S402). If the memory card matches the specific condition, the control unit 100 checks whether the user wants to initialize the memory card (step S402; Yes → step S404).

[0240] Then, only when the user performs an operation to perform initialization (an operation to continue the initialization process), that is, only when it is determined that the execution of the initialization process is OK, does the process proceed to step S106 (step S404; Yes → step S106). As a result, when a specific condition is met, the control unit 100 does not automatically perform an operation to initialize the memory card, but instead confirms with the user once. Then, if the user performs an operation that allows initialization, the memory card is initialized (step S404; Yes → steps S106 to S112).

[0241] Here, the specific condition may be a predetermined condition, or a condition selected or set by the user. For example, the following selection conditions may be considered:

[0242] (1) Whether the formatting method of the memory card 250 is a specific formatting method or not The specific condition is whether the formatting method of the memory card 250 is a specific formatting method or not. Here, the specific formatting method may refer to a formatting method supported by the recording device 30 (processing device 10) or a formatting method desired by the user among the supported formatting methods. If the specific condition is that the formatting method of the memory card 250 is not the specific format, the control unit 100 confirms with the user whether to proceed with the initialization process. For example, the control unit 100 displays to the user that the formatting method is not the specific formatting method (for example, the display screen W400 in FIG. 15(a)).

[0243] Furthermore, if the specific formatting method is, for example, the first formatting method described above, the initialization unit 102 and the full initialization unit 104 store the first formatting method as the specific formatting method. Then, the initialization unit 102 and the full initialization unit 104 select the first format as the default formatting method.

[0244] It may also be determined based on the characteristics of subsequent memory cards. For example, it may be determined whether the formatting method is the same as that of the memory card formatted immediately before. In this case, as long as the first person does not make a mistake, the same formatting method can be used continuously.

[0245] Furthermore, when the user selects the initialization button on the display screen W400 of Fig. 15, the control unit 100 continues the process. In this case, the control unit 100 may execute a complete initialization process.

[0246] (2) The elapsed time since the last initialization is set as a specific condition. The specific condition is the amount of time that has elapsed since the memory card 250 was last initialized to the current time. For example, for security reasons, video data recorded on the memory card must be stored for a predetermined period of time. If this predetermined period is set to, for example, one week, the control unit 100 will display a message if one week has not yet elapsed since the memory card 250 was last initialized (for example, display screen W410 in FIG. 15(b)).

[0247] (3) Based on the recorded content The specific conditions are whether or not an event has been recorded in memory card 250 and the number of events recorded. For example, if an event has been recorded in memory card 250, control unit 100 displays a message to that effect and allows the user to select an initialization method.

[0248] Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays a message indicating that the event has been recorded on the memory card 250 (for example, the display screen W420 in FIG. 15(c)).

[0249] 15(c), the control unit 100 displays, as initialization methods, a button (R420) for performing normal initialization and a button (R422) for performing initialization after displaying information on the memory card 250. The control unit 100 executes the process corresponding to the button selected by the user, thereby enabling appropriate initialization processing to be performed.

[0250] (4) If you select full initialization The specific condition is the amount of time that has elapsed since the last full initialization of memory card 250 to the current time. For example, on display screen W430 of FIG. 15(d), control unit 100 displays that three months have passed since memory card 250 was fully initialized. In this case, on display screen W430, control unit 100 displays a button (R430) for performing normal initialization and a button (R432) for performing full initialization. Control unit 100 executes processing according to the button selected by the user. Therefore, the user can select and execute two initialization methods.

[0251] In this embodiment, when the inserted memory card 250 meets the specific conditions, the process of confirming with the user whether or not to initialize the memory card is performed. However, other processes may be performed. For example, when the inserted memory card meets the specific conditions, the memory card may be rejected as an error. In other words, when the specific conditions are met, the memory card 250 will not be initialized, thereby providing a more secure system.

[0252] [5. Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which a plurality of memory card readers (recording units) is provided, such as the processing device 20 shown in FIG. 1(b). The configuration of the fifth embodiment is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment. The processing device 20 will also be described as having the same configuration, except that it has a plurality of card slots into which memory cards can be inserted.

[0253] The processor 20 stores a management table 116 shown in Fig. 16 in the storage unit 110. The management table stores the numbers of slots into which memory cards can be inserted (slot numbers), the detection status, and the initialization status.

[0254] The detection status indicates whether or not the memory card 250 is inserted in the slot. A slot with a detection status of "○" has a memory card 250 inserted. The initialization status stores whether or not the memory card 250 has been initialized. That is, when the memory card 250 is inserted in the recording unit 150 (card slot), the control unit 100 changes the detection status from "-" to "○". The initialization status is also set to "uninitialized."

[0255] Here, when the control unit 100 initializes the memory card 250, the initialization state transitions from "uninitialized" to "initialized."

[0256] This allows the processing device 20 to know which of the multiple slots has the memory card 250 inserted in it. It is also possible to manage whether the inserted slot card is "initialized" or "unprocessed."

[0257] Furthermore, the control unit 100 initializes the memory card 250 inserted in a slot whose detection status is "○" and whose initial or status is "uninitialized." This allows memory cards to be initialized efficiently in succession.

[0258] In this case, the present invention may be implemented by combining it with the above-described embodiment within reasonable limits. For example, if the control unit 100 finds a memory card on which event information is recorded while continuously initializing memory cards, it displays a warning screen. At this time, the control unit 100 may display the corresponding slot number on the warning screen along with memory card information 252 and information based on the event information. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may provide an LED next to the slot in which a problem has occurred and light or blink the LED to prompt the user to check.

[0259] [6. Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which history information stored in history data 114 is referenced and a report is output. Note that the configuration and processing in the sixth embodiment are essentially the same as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the content of the sixth embodiment can be implemented in combination with the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0260] 17(a) is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the history data 114. The history data 114 stores the date and time when initialization was performed on the memory card 250 (e.g., "2019 / 12 / 15 11:45:16"), identification information for identifying the memory card (e.g., "125F5485"), and the details of the process performed as initialization (e.g., "Initialization") in association with each other.

[0261] Although not shown, other data may be stored in the history data 114. For example, information about the person who performed the initialization process may be identified from the user information 112 and further stored. By also storing the information about the person who performed the initialization, the administrator can know who performed the initialization and when.

[0262] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may be configured to be able to identify, from the identification information, information relating to the event recorded on the memory card 250, the recording date and time of the video data, etc. The information relating to the event, the recording date and time of the video data, etc. may be stored together with the history data 114, or may be stored as a separate table.

[0263] 17(b) is an example of a security report that the control unit 100 actually outputs based on the history data 114. The control unit 100 may send the security report by email, output it on a screen, or print it on paper using a printing device.

[0264] 17(b), for example, the security report outputs the date and time when memory card 250 was initialized and the identification information. It also outputs the date and time (period) when video data was recorded on memory card 250. Furthermore, a memory card that has been fully initialized, which differs from normal initialization, is marked with the symbol "fully initialized."

[0265] [7. Other] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0266] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined to the extent possible. For example, when the initialization process performed in each embodiment is described as a single process, any initialization process (first initialization process, second initialization process) may be performed.

[0267] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0268] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD, etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0269] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is of course included in the present invention.

[0270] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0271] In the above-described embodiment, the recording device 30 is described as a camera mounted on a public facility vehicle as an example of a public camera. However, the recording device 30 may be installed in other locations, such as vehicles such as elevators and gondolas, roads, parks, and commercial facilities such as stores and shopping malls. Recording devices 30 installed in such locations may capture an unspecified number of people. The recording device 30 may be a camera other than a public camera, or a device that records data other than video, as long as it records data on the memory card 250.

[0272] The invention described in the specification also provides a means for solving the problems of the prior art. For example, one of the objectives is to provide a system that can efficiently initialize a recording medium, for example, in relation to the technology for handling the recording medium.

[0273] Another object is to generate a recording medium formatted in a format that can be handled appropriately in each device or system by performing suitable initialization on the recording medium.

[0274] Furthermore, the following techniques are provided as techniques relating to the handling of recording media.

[0275] The processing device 10 may perform the initialization process to generate a memory card 250 having the following file structure: (In the case of the first format) Folders are created, as well as dummy files such as *.DMY and *.TMP, and system files, so even when no recording is performed, there is only a small amount of remaining capacity. (In the case of a variant of the first format) Only folders are created and some system files are present. There are almost no files visible in the non-recording state, but there is only a small amount of remaining capacity. (For the second format) Only folders and some system files are created. The remaining capacity is displayed correctly. (Normal format (FAT model)) Only folders and some system files are created. The remaining capacity is displayed correctly.

[0276] The processing device 10 may read out the health status of the recording medium (for example, the memory card described above) and display it on the screen before the initialization process in step S106. The processing device 10 may perform this process, for example, when (for example, immediately after) determining "Yes" in step S104. This screen may have an "End" button, and when the End button is pressed, the processing device 10 may end the entire process of FIG. 6, etc., or may jump to step S112. In this way, if a recording medium in poor condition is mixed in when processing a large number of recording media in sequence, it is possible to identify that recording medium and to continue processing, such as initialization, of the other recording media without interruption.

[0277] The health status of the recording medium may be status information related to the card's self-diagnosis, such as program / erase cycles, spare block information, power cycles, the number of unexpected power interruptions (e.g., the number of power interruptions during writing), and estimated remaining life. The health status may be acquired, for example, using the recording medium's SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) function. The processing device 10 may be configured to accept both health status-readable and unreadable recording media, and when it determines that a health status-readable recording medium is installed, it may read the health status of the recording medium and display it on the screen. However, when it determines that a health status-unreadable recording medium is installed, it may proceed to the next process without displaying the screen that reads and displays the health status of the recording medium. When it determines that the health status of the recording medium is in a predetermined first deterioration state, the processing device 10 may display a different message, such as "This card needs to be replaced." When the health status is in a second deterioration state worse than the first deterioration state, it may display a different message, such as "This card has reached the end of its life. Please replace it." The processing device 10 may determine whether the health state is in a predetermined deteriorated state using one of the statuses such as self-diagnosis that can be obtained, but it is preferable to make the determination using at least two types of status.

[0278] The processing device 10 may record in a table or the like a first threshold value for deterioration and a second threshold value for deterioration for each piece of status information relating to card self-diagnosis, such as program / erase cycles, spare block information, power cycles, number of unexpected power outages, and estimated remaining life, and display a warning message when either threshold is exceeded. Alternatively, the processing device 10 may not issue a warning when either threshold is exceeded, but may display a warning message when both of the thresholds are exceeded. Other predetermined rules may also be used.

[0279] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the processing device 10 executes the processes shown in Figures 6 to 15 on a recording medium recorded by the recording device 30, but this processing may also be performed by the recording device 30. In this case, the recording device 30 normally performs the recording processing itself, and when a predetermined button on the recording device 30 is pressed, it is preferable to start the processing shown in Figure 6 and subsequent steps. The recording device 30 is preferable to end the recording processing when starting the processing shown in Figure 6 and subsequent steps. The recording device 30 is preferable to resume the recording processing when finishing the processing shown in Figure 6 and subsequent steps.

[0280] The recording device 30 may have a function for reading the health status of the recording medium and issuing a warning when the health status reaches a predetermined deterioration level. In this case, the recording device 30 may have a function for not issuing or suspending the issuance of a warning when the health status reaches a predetermined deterioration level while the recording device 30 is recording to the recording medium. The recording device 30 may issue a warning when not recording to the recording medium. This eliminates the risk of a deterioration warning being issued during recording, causing the user to perceive the warning and remove the recording medium from the recording device while recording.

[0281] The recording medium may be, for example, an SD card or a microSD card. The storage medium may have a function for outputting a busy status to the recording device 30 in order to perform predetermined processes, such as wear leveling and other internal storage status changes, on the internal flash memory when power is supplied. The recording medium may have a function for canceling the predetermined internal process or switching to a lighter load process in response to a request from the recording device 30, thereby enabling writing to the recording device 30 or shortening the busy time. The recording medium may have a function for responding to the busy status with different levels of busy status. The recording medium may have a function for notifying the recording device of different levels of busy status, such as a first busy status indicating that no writing is accepted at all and a second busy status indicating that writing is possible but that data may be destroyed by a power outage.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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, all of the modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing, 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]

[0285] 1 System 10 Processing equipment 100 control section 102 Initialization section 104 Complete initialization section 110 Storage section 112 User Information 114 Historical Data 120 Input section 130 Display section 140 Communications Department 150 Recording Unit 250 memory cards 252 Memory Card Information 254 video data 15 Memory card reader 20 Processing equipment 30 Recording Device 32 Imaging equipment 40 Playback device

Claims

1. A recording device that records data on a recording medium, The recording medium is equipped with processing means for reading the health status, The processing means has a function to issue a warning when the health condition reaches a predetermined deterioration state. The system includes a function to refrain from issuing or to postpone issuing an alarm if the health status deteriorates to a predetermined state during recording to the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The processing means issues an alarm when no recording is being made to the recording medium. The recording device according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned health status is status information related to the card's self-diagnosis, including at least one of the program / erase cycle, spare block information, power cycle, number of unexpected power outages, and estimated remaining lifespan. A recording device according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The processing means displays different information depending on whether it determines that the health status is in a predetermined first deterioration state or in a second deterioration state that is worse than the predetermined first deterioration state. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processing means determines whether the health status is in the predetermined deteriorated state using at least two types of statuses from among the obtainable self-diagnosis and other statuses. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processing means records a first deterioration threshold and a second deterioration threshold for each of the status information in a table or the like, and displays a warning message if either threshold is exceeded. A recording device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by the features described herein.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as the processing means of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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