Video recording device and video recording method

Abstract

To provide a video recording device with which it is possible to prevent a trouble that occurs when attaching or removing the video recording device.SOLUTION: A video recording device according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body having an imaging unit; an event detection unit for detecting an event occurring to the main body; a detection unit for detecting whether or not a connecting member secured to a prescribed position has been attached to the main body and generating a detection result; and a recording control unit for recording imaged data as event data in accordance with the event detected by the event detection unit. The recording control unit does not record first imaged data related to a first event that is detected when the detection result is generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a video recording device and a video recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a drive recorder that records image data captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle onto a recording medium such as a memory card. Patent Document 1 discloses a drive recorder that has a low-capacity recording mode and a large-capacity recording mode, and records data onto the memory card using the recording method of the selected recording mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-091667 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Video recording devices such as drive recorders that continuously generate and record image data are required to be mounted on vehicles to record images of the surrounding area while the vehicle is traveling, as well as to be removed from the vehicle and used as portable image capturing devices, like general video cameras such as action cameras.

[0005] Some drive recorders have the function of recording events that occur to the vehicle, such as collisions, as event data. If the drive recorder is removed from the vehicle while recording to use it as an action camera, there is a risk that unnecessary event data will be recorded due to vibrations caused by the removal.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a video recording device and a video recording method that can prevent problems that occur when attaching or detaching a video recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The video recording device of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a shooting unit, an event detection unit that detects an event that occurs on the main body, a detection unit that detects whether a connecting member fixed at a predetermined position is attached to the main body and generates a detection result, and a recording control unit that records shooting data as event data in accordance with the event detected by the event detection unit, and the recording control unit does not record first shooting data related to the first event detected when the detection result is generated.

[0008] The video recording method disclosed herein includes a process of detecting whether a connecting member fixed at a predetermined position is attached to a main body having an imaging unit and generating a detection result, a process of detecting an event occurring on the main body, and a process of recording imaging data as event data upon detection of the event, and does not record first imaging data resulting from the first event detected when the detection result is generated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present disclosure can provide a video recording device and a video recording method that can prevent problems that occur when attaching or detaching a video recording device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a video recording device according to an embodiment is attached to a moving object; [Figure 3] 1 is a functional block diagram of a video recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a formatting process of the video recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicated explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0012] In-vehicle video recording devices (such as drive recorders) and portable video recording devices (such as action cameras) have the same basic function of capturing and saving video. However, there are differences in the structure of the video files between the two, depending on their intended use.

[0013] When a drive recorder performs continuous recording, it records the captured data in files divided into predetermined time intervals on a memory card such as an SD card. When the memory capacity becomes full, the drive recorder sequentially erases old files and starts recording new files. The scenes that are actually necessary, such as the moment of an accident, are often only captured for about one minute, and drive recorders use this file structure because they are constantly recording even in situations where recording is not necessary.

[0014] In contrast, with action cameras, because users consciously record, unnecessary files are generally not generated. Therefore, even if the memory capacity is full, it is not acceptable to automatically delete older files sequentially. Furthermore, since continuous scenes may be recorded over a long period of time, it would be inconvenient if the files were divided into small files at predetermined intervals. The embodiments relate to a video recording device that can be used both when installed on a mobile object for loop recording and when detached from the mobile object and carried by the user for manual recording.

[0015] The schematic configuration of the video recording device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the video recording device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the video recording device 10 attached to a moving object. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control unit of the video recording device 10. The video recording device 10 can be attached to moving objects such as automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, and ships. Below, we will explain an example in which the video recording device 10 is used as a drive recorder for an automobile, and is also removed from the automobile and used as an action camera. When used as an action camera, the video recording device 10 can also be attached to a person as a wearable camera.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the video recording device 10 includes a main body 11, a first slot 12, a second slot 13, a mounting portion 14, and a control unit 16. The main body 11 houses electronic components such as various sensors and a camera unit 1 capable of capturing images of a subject. The camera unit 1 is an imaging unit that captures images of the periphery of a vehicle. The camera unit 1 includes, as an imaging element, a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, for example. The camera unit 1 may also include a lens group (imaging optical system) including a zoom lens and a focus lens, an iris diaphragm, a mechanical shutter, and the like. The camera unit 1 adjusts the level of an image signal based on an image formed by the imaging optical system according to a predetermined amplification gain, performs A / D conversion, and generates captured data.

[0017] The video recording device 10 can be switched between a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode. In the first shooting mode, a shooting file consisting of shooting data separated by a predetermined time is generated. In the second shooting mode, a shooting file consisting of one continuous shooting data from the start to the end of shooting is generated. In other words, the first shooting mode is a drive recorder mode in which the video recording device 10 shoots continuously when used as a drive recorder. Furthermore, the second shooting mode is an action camera mode in which the video recording device 10 shoots in response to user operation when used as an action camera.

[0018] The main body 11 is provided with a first slot 12 and a second slot 13. The first slot 12 and the second slot 13 are provided, for example, side by side on one side that is approximately perpendicular to the front surface on which the lens of the camera unit 1 is provided. A first memory card 20 can be inserted into the first slot 12, and a second memory card 21 can be inserted into the second slot 13. The first memory card 20 and the second memory card 21 are portable storage media such as SD cards. The first memory card 20 and the second memory card 21 can be inserted into the first slot 12 and the second slot 13, respectively, at the same time.

[0019] The first memory card 20 inserted in the first slot 12 records image data captured in the first capture mode. In other words, the first memory card 20 is a storage medium for the drive recorder. The first memory card 20 stores image data in file units, which are divided into relatively short, predetermined time intervals such as 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 5 minutes. In the first capture mode, when the capacity of the first memory card 20 becomes full, old files are sequentially erased and new files are recorded. The first memory card 20 records image data in a video file configuration that corresponds to the recording of such image data.

[0020] The second memory card 21 inserted in the second slot 13 records image data captured in the second capture mode. That is, the second memory card 21 is a storage medium for the action camera. The second memory card 21 records image data in one continuous file from the start to the end of capture. However, in the second capture mode, new image data is not overwritten on previously recorded image data. The second memory card 21 records image data in a recording file structure that corresponds to the recording of such image data. That is, the first memory card 20 and the second memory card 21 record image data in different recording file structures.

[0021] When used as a drive recorder, the main body 11 is attached to a predetermined location such as the windshield of the vehicle. In this case, the video recording device 10 can record an image of the area in front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle.

[0022] The video recording device 10 is attached to the windshield via a bracket 30, which serves as a connecting member between the vehicle and the video recording device 10. The bracket 30 can be fixed to the windshield using a fixing member such as double-sided tape. The bracket 30 can also be called a drive recorder mount for mounting the drive recorder on the vehicle.

[0023] The main body 11 is provided with an attachment portion 14 with which the bracket 30 engages. The attachment portion 14 is provided, for example, at the center of the upper part of the front surface of the main body 11 where the lens of the camera unit 1 is provided. The attachment portion 14 can be, for example, an engagement groove that corresponds to the shape of the bracket 30.

[0024] Two electrical contacts 15 are provided within the mounting portion 14. The electrical contacts 15 are used to detect whether or not the bracket 30 is attached. The bracket 30 has a metal portion that connects the two electrical contacts 15. When the bracket 30 is engaged within the mounting portion 14 and electrical continuity is established between the two electrical contacts 15, the attachment of the bracket 30 to the main body 11 is detected. Note that the method for detecting the attachment or detachment of the bracket 30 is not limited to this method. For example, a switch may be provided at the back of the mounting portion 14. When the bracket 30 is attached to the mounting portion 14, the switch is turned on, and the attachment of the bracket 30 to the main body 11 may be detected.

[0025] In the drive recorder mode, the video recording device 10 may have at least a parking monitoring function and an event recording function in addition to the continuous recording function described above. The continuous recording function is a function that continuously records video captured while the vehicle is moving or stopped. The parking monitoring function is a function that detects an event related to the vehicle using an optional sensor while the vehicle is parked, and starts recording video upon detecting the event. The event recording function is a function that records events that occur to the vehicle, such as a collision, as event data.

[0026] The various sensors housed in the main body 11 include an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects acceleration occurring to the vehicle. The occurrence of an event, such as a collision of the vehicle, can be detected based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor. Specifically, the control unit 16, which will be described later, can determine that an event has occurred when the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor exceeds a threshold value.

[0027] The control unit 16 is an information processing device that controls the overall operation of the video recording device 10. The control unit 16 has, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 16 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 16 may also be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] The control unit 16 loads a program into memory and executes it to realize the functions of the detection unit 2, switching unit 3, photography control unit 4, photography data processing unit 5, recording control unit 6, event detection unit 7, setting storage unit 8, and zoom control unit 9. The detection unit 2 detects whether or not the bracket 30 is attached to the main body 11 and outputs the detection result. The detection unit 2 can detect that the bracket 30 is attached to the main body 11, for example, by detecting conductivity between two electrical contacts 15 in the attachment unit 14.

[0029] The switching unit 3 switches between the first and second shooting modes depending on the detection result from the detection unit 2. Specifically, the switching unit 3 switches to the first shooting mode when the bracket 30 is attached to the mounting unit 14, and switches to the second shooting mode when the bracket 30 is detached from the mounting unit 14. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when the main body 11 is not attached to the bracket 30, the action camera mode is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, when the main body 11 is attached to the bracket 30, the drive recorder mode is selected.

[0030] The shooting control unit 4 controls shooting by the camera unit 1. The shooting control unit 4 outputs shooting data shot by the camera unit 1 to a buffer memory (not shown). Note that the shooting data is not limited to data of video only, but may also include video and audio.

[0031] The shooting data processing unit 5 converts the shooting data temporarily stored in the buffer memory into a shooting file in any file format, such as MP4 format, encoded using any codec such as H.264 or MPEG-4 (Moving Picture Experts Group).

[0032] When performing continuous recording in the first recording mode, the image capture data processing unit 5 generates a first image capture file consisting of image capture data divided into predetermined time intervals, such as one minute. The predetermined time is one minute, for example, but is not limited to this. For example, the image capture data processing unit 5 generates the first image capture file while the video recording device 10 is installed in a vehicle and performs loop recording, as described below. Although not shown here, the video recording device 10 may have a connection terminal for receiving power from the vehicle. The video recording device 10 may be configured to be powered on and off via the connection terminal in conjunction with key operation on the vehicle. When the vehicle's accessory power is on, the video recording device 10 is turned on and can perform loop recording as a drive recorder.

[0033] In addition, in the second shooting mode, the shooting data processing unit 5 generates a second shooting file consisting of one piece of continuous shooting data from the start of shooting to the end of shooting. The video recording device 10 may have a shooting button (not shown). For example, when shooting is started by pressing the shooting start button and then stopped by pressing the shooting stop button, the shooting data processing unit 5 generates a second shooting file consisting of one piece of shooting data from the start of shooting to the end of shooting. Note that the shooting start button and the shooting stop button may be configured as a single shooting button. After shooting is started by pressing the shooting button, shooting may be stopped by pressing the shooting button again. The generated first shooting file or second shooting file is output to the recording control unit 6.

[0034] The recording control unit 6 controls the recording of the first captured file generated by the capture data processing unit 5 onto the first memory card 20 and the second captured file generated by the capture data processing unit 5 onto the second memory card 21. That is, in the drive recorder mode, the first memory card 20 inserted into the first slot 12 is selected as the recording destination for the captured file. In addition, in the action camera mode, the second memory card 21 inserted into the second slot 13 is selected as the recording destination for the captured file.

[0035] The recording control unit 6 continues to record the first captured file generated by the captured data processing unit 5 as an overwritable file on the first memory card 20. When the capacity of the first memory card 20 reaches its upper limit, the recording control unit 6 overwrites and records a new captured file from the storage area where the old captured file is recorded among the overwritable captured files recorded on the first memory card 20. This type of recording process is called continuous recording or loop recording.

[0036] Furthermore, during the period when the video recording device 10 is removed from the vehicle and manual recording processing is being performed in response to a user operation, the recording control unit 6 records the second captured file generated by the captured data processing unit 5 as an overwrite-protected file on the second memory card 21. The recording control unit 6 may record the second captured file as an overwrite-protected file on the second memory card 21 in any manner. For example, the second captured file may be recorded on the second memory card 21 by adding an overwrite-protected flag to the header or payload of the second captured file. Alternatively, the storage area of ​​the second memory card 21 may be set as an overwrite-protected area. This type of recording processing is referred to as manual recording.

[0037] The video recording device 10 may include various sensors (not shown), such as an acceleration sensor and a GPS receiver. As described above, the video recording device 10 has an event recording function that records events, such as a collision that occurs to the vehicle, as event data. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects acceleration occurring to the vehicle. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects acceleration in, for example, three axial directions. The three axial directions are the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the vehicle.

[0038] Based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor, the event detection unit 7 detects an event, such as a collision, that has occurred in the vehicle equipped with the video recording device 10. More specifically, the event detection unit 7 detects the occurrence of an event when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0039] The video recording device 10 can automatically or manually save captured data for a predetermined period of time, about 10 to 30 seconds before and after an event, as event data in the first memory card 20 in a non-overwritable manner. For example, the recording control unit 6 can record the event data in a non-overwritable manner in the first memory card 20 for continuous recording. That is, the storage area of ​​the first memory card 20 can be provided with an overwrite area allocated for continuous recording and an overwrite-prohibited area allocated for event recording.

[0040] When the video recording device 10 is powered on and the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment portion 14, the video recording device 10 operates in the first shooting mode (drive recorder mode). At this time, if the vehicle is moving or stopped, the video recording device 10 performs continuous recording. On the other hand, if the vehicle is parked, the video recording device 10 can perform parking monitoring. During parking monitoring, if the video recording device 10 detects an event related to the vehicle, it starts recording video. In other words, if the vehicle is parked, the video recording device 10 starts continuous recording upon detecting an event.

[0041] The acceleration threshold for detecting an event when parking monitoring is performed while the vehicle is parked may be smaller than the acceleration threshold for detecting an event when continuous recording is performed while the vehicle is moving. For example, if the acceleration threshold for detecting an event when the vehicle is moving is about 1 G, the acceleration threshold for detecting an event during parking monitoring may be about 0.3 G.

[0042] The control unit 16 can determine that the vehicle is in a parked state based on information acquired from the vehicle. For example, the control unit 16 can acquire vehicle information from the vehicle indicating that the shift position has been set to "parking," that the parking brake has been operated, that the engine has been stopped, etc., and can determine that the vehicle is in a parked state based on the vehicle information.

[0043] The recording control unit 6 may record the first shooting file that is loop-recorded and the second shooting file that is manually recorded, in association with the location information and date and time data obtained by the GPS receiver when the shooting data that constitutes these files was captured.

[0044] The video recording device 10 may also have a display unit that plays back the captured data recorded on the first memory card 20 and the second memory card 21 and displays various information. The video recording device 10 may also have an operation unit that accepts user input operations. The display unit may have a touch panel function and accept touch input operations by the user. Operation information such as a user's manual recording operation, a playback operation of recorded captured data, an erasure operation, and various setting operations for the video recording device 10 may be accepted by touching icons displayed on the display unit.

[0045] The operation of the video recording device 10 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the video recording device 10, which has not yet started up in the first or second shooting mode while the vehicle is running, starts up in one of the shooting modes after the bracket 30 is attached.

[0046] 4, first, it is determined whether or not the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment portion 14 (step S10). That is, it is determined whether or not the main body 11 is attached to the drive recorder mount. If the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment portion 14 (step S10, YES), the video recording device 10 starts up in the first shooting mode (drive recorder mode) (step S11).

[0047] In the first capture mode, the first memory card 20 inserted in the first slot 12 is selected as the recording destination for the captured data. When recording to the first memory card 20 in the first capture mode, the video recording device 10 executes a continuous recording process (step S12). As described above, in continuous recording, first captured files made up of captured data automatically divided into relatively short predetermined time intervals are recorded on the first memory card 20. Also, in the first capture mode, when the capacity of the first memory card 20 becomes full, old files are sequentially erased and recording of new files is repeated.

[0048] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not power-off of the video recording device 10 has been detected (step S13). If power-off of the video recording device 10 has not been detected (step S13, NO), step S13 is repeated until power-off of the video recording device 10 is detected. For example, if the power supply of a vehicle accessory is turned off and power-off of the video recording device 10 is detected (step S13, YES), filming is stopped (step S14).

[0049] On the other hand, if the bracket 30 is not attached to the attachment portion 14 (step S10, NO), the video recording device 10 starts up in the second shooting mode (action camera mode) (step S21). In the second shooting mode, the second memory card 21 inserted in the second slot 13 is selected as the recording destination for the shooting data. When recording to the second memory card 21 in the second shooting mode, the video recording device 10 first determines whether the shooting start button has been pressed (step S22). If the shooting start button has not been pressed (step S22, NO), step S22 is repeated until the shooting start button is pressed.

[0050] If the shooting start button is pressed (step S22, YES), manual recording processing is started (step S23), and it is then determined whether the shooting stop button is pressed (step S24). If the shooting stop button is not pressed (step S24, NO), step S24 is repeated until the shooting stop button is pressed. If the shooting stop button is pressed (step S24, YES), shooting is stopped (step S25).

[0051] As described above, in manual recording, a second shooting file consisting of one shooting data is recorded on the second memory card 21 from the time the shooting start button is pressed to start recording until the time the shooting stop button is pressed to end recording. In the second shooting mode, even if the capacity of the second memory card 21 becomes full, the process of sequentially erasing old files while recording new files is not performed. When the capacity of the second memory card 21 becomes full, the video recording device 10 notifies the user of this by display, audio, etc., and stops recording.

[0052] Thereafter, it is determined whether the power OFF button of the video recording device 10 has been pressed (step S26). If the power OFF button has been pressed (step S26, YES), the process ends. If the power OFF button has not been pressed (step S26, NO), the device enters a shooting standby state activated in the second shooting mode. In this standby state, if the shooting start button is pressed (step S27, YES), steps S23 and subsequent steps are performed again. If the shooting start button has not been pressed (step S27, NO), the process returns to S26.

[0053] Next, another operation of the video recording device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the operation of the video recording device 10 operating in the first shooting mode (drive recorder mode) or the second shooting mode (action camera mode) in response to removal of the bracket 30. In Fig. 5, the same steps as those in Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0054] "A" in Figure 5 shows a state in which the video recording device 10 starts up in the first shooting mode. When the video recording device 10 starts up in the first shooting mode (drive recorder mode) (step S11), a continuous recording process is executed (step S12). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the bracket 30 is attached to the mounting portion 14 (step S30). If the bracket 30 is attached to the mounting portion 14 (step S30, YES), the process proceeds to S13.

[0055] If the bracket 30 is not attached to the attachment portion 14 (step S30, NO), the video recording device 10 is detached from the drive recorder mount and becomes portable as an action camera. In this case, the video recording device 10 transitions to a state where it starts up in the second shooting mode "B".

[0056] When the video recording device 10 is started in the second shooting mode (action camera mode) (step S21), as described above, in response to the user's operation of the shooting start button (step S22), shooting in the second shooting mode is executed (step S23). Then, it is determined whether or not the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment part 14 (step S31). If the bracket 30 is not attached to the attachment part 14 (step S31, NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0057] If the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment portion 14 (step S31, YES), the video recording device 10 is attached to the drive recorder mount and is installed in the vehicle as a drive recorder. In this case, the state transitions to "A" where the video recording device 10 starts up in the first shooting mode.

[0058] Furthermore, in response to the user's operation of the recording stop button (step S24), after recording has stopped (step S25), it is determined again whether or not the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment unit 14 (step S32). If the bracket 30 is attached to the attachment unit 14 (step S32, YES), the process proceeds to "A", where the video recording device 10 starts up in the first recording mode. If the bracket 30 is not attached to the attachment unit 14 (step S32, NO), the process proceeds to S26.

[0059] Thus, in this embodiment, the video recording device 10 has two slots, a first slot 12 and a second slot 13, and memory cards on which captured data is recorded in different recording file configurations are respectively inserted into the first slot 12 and the second slot 13. When the power of the video recording device 10 is turned on, if the main body 11 is attached to the drive recorder mount, the video recording device 10 automatically starts continuous recording and records the captured data on one of the first memory cards 20.

[0060] Furthermore, when the main body 11 is not attached to the drive recorder mount, the video recording device 10 starts manual recording after receiving an instruction to start recording using the recording start button, and records the captured data on the other, second memory card 21. In other words, the captured data when operating as a drive recorder and the captured data when operating as an action camera can be automatically recorded on different memory cards.

[0061] Furthermore, when activated in each shooting mode, if there is a change in the attachment or detachment of the main body 11 to the drive recorder mount, the shooting mode can be automatically changed. This means that when you go out in a car, you do not need to take the trouble of preparing a drive recorder and a separate camera, and when you need an action camera, you can simply detach the drive recorder from the bracket and use it as an action camera without any special settings.

[0062] Here, a case will be described in which the main body 11 is removed from the bracket 30 while the video recording device 10 is activated in the first shooting mode and performing continuous recording. When the main body 11 is removed from the bracket 30 while in the continuous recording state, vibrations are applied to the main body 11. The event detection unit 7 may detect the vibrations of the main body 11 at this time as an event. When the recording control unit 6 detects an event caused by the vibrations of the main body 11, it records the event data in the first memory card 20 in a non-overwritable state.

[0063] The scenes in which event data is desired to be saved in response to event detection are scenes such as vehicle accidents, while scenes such as when the main unit 11 is removed from the bracket 30 are unnecessary scenes. Therefore, recording unnecessary event data results in unnecessary use of capacity on the first memory card 20. Furthermore, event data is usually saved in an event folder that is different from the folder in which continuous recording data is saved. If the event folder becomes too full of unnecessary data, it can become difficult to find the desired data.

[0064] Therefore, a first object of the embodiment is to prevent the recording of first event data caused by vibrations that occur when the main body 11 is removed from the bracket 30 while the video recording device 10 is performing continuous recording. When the detection unit 2 detects that the main body 11 has been removed from the bracket 30, the recording control unit 6 does not record the first captured data related to the event detected by the event detection unit 7.

[0065] Specifically, when the recording control unit 6 receives a detection result from the detection unit 2 while performing continuous recording in the first shooting mode, the recording control unit 6 does not record as event data the photographed data for a certain period (e.g., 30 seconds) before the time the detection result was received. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary event data caused by vibrations that occur when the bracket 30 is removed from being recorded in memory.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a video recording method according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the video recording device 10 starts up in the first shooting mode and performs continuous recording (step S50). In this state, the video recording device 10 determines whether an event has occurred in the vehicle (step S51). If no event has occurred (step S51, NO), continuous recording continues. As described above, during continuous recording, the recording control unit 6 records a first shooting file consisting of shooting data divided into predetermined time segments and generated by the shooting data processing unit 5.

[0067] If an event has occurred (step S51, YES), it is determined whether or not the bracket 30 has been removed from the mounting part 14 (step S52). If the bracket 30 has not been removed from the mounting part 14 (step S52, NO), photographic data for a predetermined period of time before and after the event occurrence can be recorded as event data in the first memory card 20 in a non-overwritable manner (S54).

[0068] On the other hand, if the bracket 30 is removed from the attachment part 14 (step S52, YES), a detection signal indicating that the bracket 30 has been removed is output to the recording control part 6. The recording control part 6 does not record the photographed data for a predetermined period before the time when the detection signal was received as event data (step S53). This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary event data caused by vibrations that occur when the bracket 30 is removed from being recorded in memory. Note that the photographed data for the predetermined period before the time when the detection signal was received may be recorded in an overwritable manner as the first photographed file described above.

[0069] There may be cases where the main body 11 is removed from the bracket 30 while the video recording device 10 is performing parking monitoring in the first shooting mode. If the parking monitoring mode is switched to the event recording mode due to vibrations caused by attempting to remove the main body 11 from the bracket 30, the event detection unit 7 may detect an event due to the vibrations and record event data. Therefore, the recording control unit 6 may be configured not to record the captured data from the start time when the parking monitoring mode is switched to the event recording mode and the time when the captured data is extracted as event data until the time when the detection result that the main body 11 has been removed from the bracket 30 is received.

[0070] The camera unit 1 also has a zoom function that can continuously change the angle of view. With optical zoom, the angle of view is adjusted by moving the lens. The wide-angle end is the lens position where the focal length is shortest (the angle of view is widest), and the telephoto end is the lens position where the focal length is longest (the angle of view is smallest). With digital zoom, part of the image is enlarged by image processing without moving the lens itself. When using the video recording device 10 as an action camera, the user can change the zoom setting and select various angles of view to suit the scene they want to capture.

[0071] Some action cameras retain the zoom settings set by the user the last time they took a photo and apply the same zoom settings the next time they take a photo. On the other hand, for drive recorders, a wide angle of view is preferable because you want to capture a wide area around the vehicle.

[0072] When the video recording device 10 according to the embodiment is switched from action camera mode to drive recorder mode, if the zoom setting used when used as an action camera is applied, the drive recorder may start operating with a narrow angle of view. A second object of the embodiment is to improve such a problem that occurs when the video recording device 10 is attached to the bracket 30 to be used as a drive recorder instead of an action camera.

[0073] The setting storage unit 8 stores the zoom setting set by the user in the second capture mode in which the video recording device 10 is used as an action camera. The zoom control unit 9 changes the zoom setting of the camera unit 1 to the wide-angle side when the bracket 30 is attached to the main body 11 and the capture mode is switched from the second capture mode to the first capture mode. For example, the zoom control unit 9 can move the lens to the wide-angle end in optical zoom.

[0074] As a result, by attaching the main body 11 to the bracket 30, the angle of view of the camera unit 1 can be automatically changed to the widest angle side, eliminating the need to adjust the angle of view again when using the video recording device 10 as a drive recorder.

[0075] The video recording device 10 may further include a formatting control unit that formats the memory card. Formatting a memory card refers to initializing the memory card. The formatting function may include, for example, at least one of erasing data stored on the memory card, writing setting information indicating the contents of operational settings to the memory card so that the video recording device 10 can use the memory card, and setting the memory card to a specific file state. Various information required to access the memory card, including file access and management methods, is called a file system. A state in which the video recording device 10 can use the memory card refers to a state in which video can be recorded and read, for example.

[0076] The format control unit formats the first memory card 20 inserted in the first slot 12 into a first file system suitable for the first shooting mode. The format control unit also formats the second memory card 21 inserted in the second slot 13 into a second file system suitable for the second shooting mode. The format control unit can also format the first memory card 20 and the second memory card 21 simultaneously.

[0077] Now, the formatting process of a memory card will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the formatting process of the video recording device 10 according to the embodiment. First, the slot into which the memory card is inserted is detected. In the example shown in Fig. 6, first it is determined whether a memory card is inserted in the first slot 12 (step S40), and then it is determined whether a memory card is inserted in the second slot 13 (steps S41 and S42). If no memory card is inserted in either the first slot 12 or the second slot 13 (NO in step S40, NO in step S42), the determination of whether a memory card is inserted is repeated until a memory card is inserted in either slot.

[0078] If there is a memory card in the first slot 12 (YES in step S40), and there is also a memory card in the second slot 13 (YES in step S41), it is determined whether or not to format both memory cards simultaneously (step S43).

[0079] When both memory cards are to be formatted simultaneously (step S43, YES), the video recording device 10 formats the memory card in the first slot 12 into an appropriate file system for the drive recorder, and the memory card in the second slot 13 into an appropriate file system for the action camera (step S44). In this way, when memory cards are inserted into the two slots, the video recording device 10 can simultaneously perform two types of formatting with a single command.

[0080] If there are memory cards in both the first slot 12 and the second slot 13, the user can select either one of the memory cards to format. In Fig. 6, if both the memory cards in the first slot 12 and the second slot 13 are not to be formatted simultaneously (NO in step S43), a determination is made as to whether the memory card in the first slot 12 or the second slot 13 is to be formatted (step S45).

[0081] If the first slot 12 is selected, only the memory card in the first slot 12 is formatted for use in the drive recorder (step S46). If the second slot 13 is selected, only the memory card in the second slot 13 is formatted for use in the action camera (step S47). Note that if there is no memory card in the second slot 13 (NO) in S41, the process of S46 may be executed. If there is a memory card in the second slot 13 (YES) in S42, the process of S47 is executed.

[0082] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to perform appropriate formatting for a drive recorder and an action camera in each of a plurality of slots into which memory cards are inserted.

[0083] Each functional block shown in the drawings that performs various processes can be configured in hardware with a processor, memory, and other circuits. The processes described above can also be implemented by having a processor execute a program. Therefore, these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms, such as hardware only, software only, or a combination of both, and are not limited to any one of these.

[0084] The above-described program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, and RAM). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0085] The contents of the present disclosure can be used in various fields where video recording is performed. Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) a process of detecting whether or not a connecting member fixed at a predetermined position is attached to a main body having an imaging unit, and generating a detection result; A process of detecting an event occurring in the main body; a process of recording the photographed data as event data upon detection of the event; Including, not recording the first photographed data resulting from the first event detected when the detection result is generated; causing the video recording device to execute the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 camera unit 2. Detection unit 3 Switching section 4. Shooting control unit 5. Shooting data processing section 6 Recording control section 7 Event detection section 8 Settings storage section 9 Zoom control section 10 Video Recording Device 11 Main unit 12 First Slot 13 Second Slot 14 Mounting part 15 Electrical contacts 16 Control Unit 20 First memory card 21 Second memory card 30 Bracket

Claims

1. a main body having a photographing unit; an event detection unit that detects an event occurring in the main body; a detection unit that detects whether a connecting member fixed at a predetermined position is attached to the main body and generates a detection result; a recording control unit that records photographed data as event data in response to the event detected by the event detection unit; Equipped with the recording control unit does not record first photographing data related to the first event detected when the detection result is generated; Video recording device.

2. When the connecting member is attached to the main body, the camera switches to a first photographing mode; When the connecting member is detached from the main body, the mode is switched to a second photographing mode. Further provided with a switching unit, the recording control unit does not record the first photographing data related to the first event when the connection member is detached from the main body and the detection result is generated while continuous recording is being performed in the first photographing mode.

2. The video recording device according to claim 1.

3. a setting storage unit that stores a zoom setting of the photographing unit in the second photographing mode; a zoom control unit that changes a zoom setting of the photographing unit to a wide-angle side when the connecting member is attached to the main body and the photographing mode is switched from the second photographing mode to the first photographing mode; Further provided with 3. The video recording device according to claim 2.

4. the first photographing data relating to the first event is photographing data for a predetermined period prior to the time when the detection result is generated; 2. The video recording device according to claim 1.

5. a process of detecting whether or not a connecting member fixed at a predetermined position is attached to a main body having an imaging unit, and generating a detection result; A process of detecting an event occurring in the main body; a process of recording the photographed data as event data upon detection of the event; Including, not recording first photographing data resulting from the first event detected when the detection result is generated; Video recording method.

Images