Imaging device, drive recorder and others

Abstract

To provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for widely imaging a desired range.SOLUTION: An imaging device 100 includes: fixing means 112 fixed at a predetermined attachment position; imaging means for imaging by using a wide-angle lens 114; holding means 116 for holding the wide-angle lens and capable of adjusting an angle of an optical axis of the wide-angle lens to a direction in which a user can visually confirm by changing a relative posture to the fixing means; and confirmation means 120 provided in the holding means 116, for allowing the user to visually confirm the normal posture of the holding means 116. In the imaging device 100, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is inclined by a predetermined angle in a different direction from the direction in which the user can visually confirm when the holding means 116 is in the normal posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a drive recorder, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, drive recorders are attached to the windshields of private cars, commercial vehicles, etc., and record images of the area in front of the vehicle for a specified period of time before and after an accident, for example, to provide useful information for investigating traffic accidents, etc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device, an imaging system, and an imaging method that are capable of capturing images of the front, left, and right sides of a vehicle using a single camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-297405 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional imaging devices and drive recorders, even if equipped with a wide-angle lens for capturing images of the front of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle including the interior of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as the "rear of the vehicle"), capture images of the front and rear of the vehicle evenly, and are unable to capture a wide area of ​​the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for capturing a wide desired range, for example, a wide range including both sides of a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user, or a range including the area in front of the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, the purpose 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 the components disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" is 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 include part of the configuration described in this specification in the scope of the patent claim 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 these configurations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a photographing device comprising: a fixing means fixed to a predetermined mounting position; a photographing means for taking photographs using a wide-angle lens; a holding means for holding the wide-angle lens and for adjusting the angle of the optical axis of the wide-angle lens relative to a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user by changing the position relative to the fixing means; and a confirmation means provided on the holding means for enabling a user to visually confirm that the holding means is in a correct position; and when the holding means is in the correct position, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted by a predetermined angle in a direction different from the direction that can be visually confirmed by a user.

[0009] In this way, the photographing device can widen the photographing range by using a wide-angle lens. Also, when the holding means is in the upright position, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted by a predetermined angle in a direction different from the direction that the user can visually confirm, so the photographing device can widely photograph the different direction. Furthermore, the photographing device has a confirmation means, so that the user can easily adjust the photographing device to the upright position by visually estimating the confirmation means.

[0010] (2) The direction that can be visually confirmed may be a vertically downward direction, and the optical axis of the wide-angle lens may be tilted by the specified angle from the vertically downward direction to the side opposite to the side on which the confirmation means is located when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to photograph a wide area that spans both the side where the confirmation means is present and the opposite side, sandwiching the direction that the user can visually confirm.

[0012] (3) When the holding means is in the normal position, the wide-angle lens may have an angle of view of greater than 200° on both sides of the visually recognizable direction.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to photograph a wide area on both sides of the direction that the user can visually confirm.

[0014] (4) The holding means may be capable of adjusting the angle by rotating the portion connected to the fixing means together with the wide-angle lens around an axis extending in a direction intersecting the visually observable direction.

[0015] This reduces the increase in the dimensions of the imaging device in the direction that the user can visually confirm it. For example, because the increase in the dimensions of a drive recorder equipped with an imaging device in the direction that the user can visually confirm it can be reduced, the drive recorder equipped with an imaging device can be easily installed near the upper edge of the windshield of a vehicle (for example, within 20% of the upper edge).

[0016] (5) When the holding means is in the normal position, the photographing means may include an area above the horizontal direction in the photographing area.

[0017] In this way, a wide-angle lens can be used to capture an image of a wide vertical range, including an area above the horizontal direction.

[0018] (6) If the angle of view of the wide-angle lens is X degrees, the predetermined angle may be ((X-200)×0.5) degrees.

[0019] In this way, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted ((X-200) x 0.5) degrees in a different direction from the direction that the user can visually see, making it possible to capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally, including an area (X-190) degrees above the horizontal.

[0020] (7) The X° may be 240°.

[0021] In this way, by tilting the optical axis of the wide-angle lens by 20 degrees in a different direction from the direction that the user can visually see, it is possible to capture a wide area both vertically, including an area 50 degrees above the horizontal. Because a wide-angle lens distorts the edges of the captured image, even if a field of view 10 degrees smaller is set to capture an image with less distortion, it is possible to capture a wide area both vertically, including an area 40 degrees above the horizontal. For example, a dashcam equipped with a camera can capture traffic lights and road signs that appear diagonally above the driver.

[0022] (8) The wide-angle lens may be capable of adjusting its angle relative to the holding means within a predetermined variable angle range on both sides of the visually observable direction.

[0023] In this way, when the holding means is in the normal position, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens, which is tilted by a predetermined angle in a direction different from the direction that can be visually confirmed by the user, can be adjusted in angle within a predetermined variable angle range relative to the holding means.

[0024] (9) The confirmation means may have a flat surface that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0025] In this way, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position by attaching the photographing device so that the flat surface of the confirmation means faces horizontally, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0026] (10) The confirmation means may have an operation means or a display means that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0027] In this way, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position by attaching the photographing device so that the operating means or display means of the confirmation means is facing horizontally, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0028] (11) The confirmation means may have a member or mark that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0029] In this way, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position by attaching the photographing device so that the member or mark on the confirmation means is facing horizontally, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0030] (12) The camera may further include an antenna module, the photographing means having an imaging element that converts light that has passed through the wide-angle lens into data, and the holding means may be a case that houses the imaging element and the antenna module.

[0031] In this way, data communication can be performed between the imaging device and the external device.

[0032] (13) The antenna module may include a GPS antenna module having sensitivity in a direction in which the imaging range of the imaging means exists when the camera is in the normal attitude.

[0033] In this way, the image capturing device can identify its position using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and the GPS antenna module can be made into an antenna module with directionality in the direction of the image capturing range.

[0034] (14) The antenna module may include a wireless antenna module disposed closer to the wide-angle lens than the fixing means.

[0035] In this way, since there are no obstacles to photography around the wide-angle lens, the wireless antenna module can be located away from obstacles to avoid communication interference. For example, in a drive recorder with a photography device, if the wireless LAN antenna module is located closer to the wide-angle lens than the fixing means, communication interference from the vehicle's ceiling iron plate can be minimized. This allows the wireless LAN antenna module to be an antenna module with directionality both outside and inside the vehicle.

[0036] (15) The antenna module may include a first antenna module and further include a second antenna module that is exposed from the case and can protrude in a direction away from the first antenna module.

[0037] In this way, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are spaced apart, and for example, the GND (ground) distance becomes longer, allowing the antenna length to be shortened.

[0038] (16) The first antenna module may be housed on an upper inner surface of the case when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0039] In this way, when the case is in the upright position, the antenna module is housed on the upper inner surface of the case, which is relatively cool inside the case, and the possibility of the antenna module being damaged by heat can be reduced.

[0040] (17) The case may further include a substrate that is housed in the case and is parallel to a plane to which the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is normal, and the case may have heat dissipation holes on the upper and lower sides of the case when in the upright position, and space may be provided within the case for heat to propagate from the heat dissipation hole on the lower side of the case to the heat dissipation hole on the upper side.

[0041] In this way, the board housed in the case is tilted, and a flow path for air to escape from the bottom to the top of the case is secured compared to when the board is horizontal, thereby improving the efficiency of dissipating heat generated when the imaging device is operating and reducing the possibility of the imaging device breaking down due to heat.

[0042] (18) Another aspect of the present invention is a photographing device that has a photographing means for photographing using a wide-angle lens, and is a photographing device that can be adjusted in position while attached to the windshield of a vehicle, and has a confirmation means that faces the direction of a specified passenger area of ​​the vehicle when in a predetermined photographing position, which is a normal position, and when in the normal position, the wide-angle lens is in a position that cannot be seen from the position of the passenger area, and the photographing area of ​​the photographing means includes the front of the vehicle and the driver's seat.

[0043] In this way, the image capturing device can capture a wide range of images, including the area in front of the vehicle. Also, even if a user in the passenger area cannot visually check the position of the wide-angle lens, the user can easily adjust the position of the image capturing device to the correct position using the confirmation means.

[0044] (19) The image capturing means may be configured so that an image capturing area when the image capturing means is in the normal posture is longer in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle than in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0045] This allows for a wide range of images to be captured while driving. For example, images of the area ahead of the vehicle and the driver when another vehicle is tailgating or otherwise driving recklessly may be useful in dealing with the situation later.

[0046] (20) A drive recorder according to one aspect of the present invention includes any one of the above-described imaging devices.

[0047] In this way, it is possible to provide a drive recorder that includes any one of the above-described imaging devices and is attached to a predetermined location within a vehicle. The predetermined location may include, for example, the windshield, ceiling, sun visor, rear window, etc.

[0048] The inventions described in (1) to (20) 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 (20) 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]

[0049] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for capturing a wide desired range, for example, a wide range including both sides of a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user or a range including the front of the vehicle.

[0050] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the components disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can..." clearly state the effects that are achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate the effects even without the statement "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the components even without such statements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear. [Figure 2] 1A is a front view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A is a left side view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a right side view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A is a plan view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an operation panel and the optical axis of a wide-angle lens when the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the left side. FIG. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the drive recorder being provided with a bracket and a case, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the drive recorder being provided without a bracket and an upper half of a case. [Figure 7](a) is a perspective view including a cross section passing through the optical axis of the wide-angle lens of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a right side view including a cross section passing through the optical axis of the wide-angle lens of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when attached to a windshield tilted upward from the horizontal by an angle φ1 as viewed from the left side, and FIG. 1B is a diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when attached to a windshield tilted upward from the horizontal by an angle φ2 greater than the angle φ1 as viewed from the left side. [Figure 10] (a) is a view of a drive recorder according to a second embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side, (b) is a view of a drive recorder according to a third embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side, and (c) is a view of a drive recorder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side. [Figure 11] 10(a) is a front view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a rear view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10(a) is a left side view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a right side view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A is a plan view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a left side view including a cross section passing through a wide-angle lens of a drive recorder according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A is a diagram showing an example of an image captured using a drive recorder according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an image after correction to reduce distortion of the image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows an example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration described below. When implementing the present invention, a specific configuration corresponding to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0053] Furthermore, as terms used in the following description, for example, the horizontal direction does not have to be strictly horizontal, but may be substantially horizontal. The same applies to the vertically downward direction, vertical, parallel, normal, etc.

[0054] (Configuration of the first embodiment) Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of a drive recorder 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear. Figs. 2 to 4 are a front view (Fig. 2(a)), a rear view (Fig. 2(b)), a left side view (Fig. 3(a)), a right side view (Fig. 3(b)), a plan view (Fig. 4(a)), and a bottom view (Fig. 4(b)) of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] A drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 100") having an image capturing device 100 includes a bracket 112, a wide-angle lens 114, a case 116, a hole 118, an operation surface 120, an operation button 124, an LTE antenna module 122 (hereinafter also referred to as "second LTE antenna module 122"), and a light-emitting unit 129. The following describes a case where drive recorder 100 is installed on the windshield inside a vehicle. Drive recorder 100 is installed so that it can capture images of the front of the vehicle and the driver's seat. In this embodiment, the vehicle is a typical four-wheeled passenger car, but it may also be a medium-sized or larger passenger car such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck.

[0056] Bracket 112 is a bracket that fixes drive recorder 100 to a predetermined mounting position. Bracket 112 corresponds to the fixing means of the present invention. Bracket 112 includes ring portion 112A and fixing plate 112B. Ring portion 112A and fixing plate 112B are connected via a connecting portion that stands on the outer circumferential surface of ring portion 112A.

[0057] Case 116 fits inside ring portion 112A. A thread groove (not shown) is formed in a portion of case 116 on one side of the portion facing ring portion 112A. Fastening member 113 is attached to this portion. Fastening member 113 is a flat, disk-shaped member. A thread groove (not shown) that fits the thread groove formed in case 116 is formed on the inside of fastening member 113. A circular through-hole is formed in the center of fastening member 113. The portion of case 116 where the thread groove is formed fits into this through-hole. When fastening member 113 is loosened, case 116 can rotate relative to ring portion 112A. When fastening member 113 is tightened, case 116 is prevented from rotating relative to ring portion 112A.

[0058] Double-sided tape or other adhesive material is attached to the upper surface of the fixing plate 112B. The drive recorder 100 is fixed and attached to the windshield by adhering the fixing plate 112B to the windshield. The user installs the drive recorder 100 while in the designated passenger area of ​​the vehicle, which is the area where the driver's seat or passenger seat is located. During installation, the user loosens the fastening member 113 and brings the upper surface of the fixing plate 112 into contact with the windshield. Next, the user adjusts the position of the case 116 by rotating the case 116 along the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 112A. Because the case 116 is cylindrical (cylindrical in this embodiment), the rotation direction of the case 116 is the direction around the axis of this cylinder. Once the position adjustment of the case 116 is complete, the user tightens the fastening member 113. Note that the bracket 112 may include, for example, the fixing plate 112B, and the case 116 may include a ring portion. At this time, a fixing plate 112B provided on the bracket 112 may be fitted into a ring portion of the case , so that the bracket 112 can rotate relative to the case .

[0059] The wide-angle lens 114 is a wide-angle lens used for capturing images. The wide-angle lens 114 has a wider angle of view than a standard lens. The wide-angle lens 114 has a shorter focal length than a standard lens. The drive recorder 100 includes a capturing unit that captures images using the wide-angle lens 114. The capturing unit of the drive recorder 100 captures images and generates image data representing the captured images. The images may be moving images or still images, but are typically moving images. Images captured using the wide-angle lens 114 include distortion (also referred to as image distortion) caused by the wide-angle lens 114. In this image, the distortion increases as the image approaches the edges from the center. In this embodiment, the wide-angle lens 114 has a 240° angle of view on both sides of the vertically downward direction when the case 116 is attached to the vehicle windshield in the orientation that it should be attached to. This allows the drive recorder 100 to capture a wide area on both sides of the vertically downward direction. The angle of view of the wide-angle lens is not limited to 240°, and may have an angle of view X° greater than 200° on both sides of the vertically downward direction. The angle of view X° may be an angle of view greater than 180°, for example, 220°, 270°, 360°, or another angle of view. The wide-angle lens 114 may be an ultra-wide-angle lens or a semi-wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens 114 may also be a fisheye lens. The angle of view of the wide-angle lens 114 does not need to be uniform in all directions; for example, the wide-angle lens 114 may have a characteristic such that the angle of view in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is greater than the angle of view in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0060] The case 116 holds the wide-angle lens 114 and, by changing its orientation relative to the bracket 112, allows the angle of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 relative to the visually observable direction indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) to be adjusted. The case 116 corresponds to the holding means of the present invention. The case 116 can accommodate an image sensor 130 (described later), a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, a GPS antenna module 128, and antenna modules such as a wireless LAN antenna module 134. The portion of the case 116 connected to the bracket 112 can rotate together with the wide-angle lens 114 around an axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertically downward direction—in this embodiment, around an axis extending from the left side to the right side of the case 116. This allows the case 116 to adjust the angle of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 relative to the vertically downward direction.

[0061] The holes 118 are holes for heat dissipation provided in the case 116. The holes 118 correspond to the heat dissipation holes of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the holes 118 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the case 116 when it is in the upright position. Note that the holes 118 are holes for diffusing heat generated by the drive recorder 100, and therefore may be provided on at least one of the left and right sides of the case 116, for example. The drive recorder 100 may further include a heat sink or other heat dissipation member to promote heat dissipation.

[0062] The operation surface 120 is provided on the case 116. An operation button 124 is provided on the operation surface 120. The direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed faces the horizontal direction when the case 116 is in the normal position. The normal position is the position in which the case 116 should be attached to the windshield of the vehicle. The normal position is a predetermined shooting position that should be set when the drive recorder 100 is used. The normal position is determined, for example, during the design or manufacturing stage of the drive recorder 100. The normal position will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5. The operation surface 120 also has a flat surface whose normal faces the horizontal direction when the case 116 is in the normal position. The user can confirm that the case 116 is in the normal position by visually aligning the normal of the flat surface of the operation surface 120 to the horizontal direction. In other words, the operation surface 120 corresponds to the confirmation means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, operation surface 120 having a flat surface functions as confirmation means, but the confirmation means may be a display surface provided with a display panel whose normal faces horizontally when case 116 is in the normal position, or an operation display surface provided with operation buttons and a display panel. Furthermore, the confirmation means is not limited to a flat surface, and may be a member or marking that faces horizontally when case 116 is in the normal position. Multiple confirmation means may be provided.

[0063] The second LTE antenna module 122 is a second antenna module used for a communication method that uses the LTE communication standard. The drive recorder 100 communicates with an external device using the second LTE antenna module 122. The second LTE antenna module 122 is exposed from the case 116 and is provided on the top surface of the case 116 as shown in FIG. 4(a). Note that the second LTE antenna module 122 can be configured to protrude in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module 126 as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later.

[0064] The operation button 124 is a button for operating the drive recorder 100. The operation button 124 corresponds to the operation means of the present invention. Note that the operation button 124 is not limited to a physical button, and may be, for example, a touch panel or the like. Furthermore, a plurality of operation buttons 124 may be provided.

[0065] The light-emitting unit 129 emits light according to the state of the drive recorder 100. For example, when the drive recorder 100 is powered on, the left light-emitting element of the light-emitting unit 129 emits green light, and when the drive recorder 100 is recording, the right light-emitting element emits red light. The light-emitting element of the light-emitting unit 129 is, for example, a light-emitting diode, but is not limited to this. There is no restriction on the relationship between the state of the drive recorder 100 and the light-emitting pattern.

[0066] 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the flat surface of operation panel 120 and optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 when drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the left side. In the state shown in FIG. 5, drive recorder 100 is in a normal posture.

[0067] The normal to the flat surface of operation surface 120 faces horizontal direction 120H, and optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the vertically downward direction toward the side opposite to the side where operation surface 120 is located. The vertically downward direction is an example of a direction that the user can visually confirm. A "direction that the user can visually confirm" refers to a direction that the user can visually confirm. The direction that the user can visually confirm is arbitrarily selected from the vertical direction (e.g., the vertically downward direction), the horizontal direction, and the direction facing the user sitting in the driver's seat. When wide-angle lens 114 faces directly downward, the user can confirm that optical axis 114A faces vertically downward. When wide-angle lens 114 faces horizontally toward either the front or rear of the vehicle, the user can confirm that optical axis 114A faces horizontally. Thus, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are absolute directions that the user can visually confirm. Furthermore, for example, when a user is sitting in the driver's seat or passenger seat and wide-angle lens 114 faces the user, the user can confirm that the direction of optical axis 114A is the direction from the light incident surface of wide-angle lens 114 toward the user. The user can also visually confirm such relative directions. On the other hand, for example, when wide-angle lens 114 faces in a direction other than these, the user may not be able to visually confirm the direction of optical axis 114A. For example, if optical axis 114A is tilted 20° upward from the vertical downward direction, the user cannot visually confirm that the angle is 20°. As such, there are directions that the user can visually confirm and directions that the user cannot.

[0068] In this embodiment, optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted by a predetermined angle θ toward the front, where the vehicle's windshield is located, with respect to the vertically downward direction, which is a direction that the user can visually confirm. This orientation when case 116 is attached to the vehicle's windshield is the normal orientation. Furthermore, angle of view X1° is the angle of view on the side where operation surface 120 is located with respect to the vertically downward direction when case 116 is in the normal orientation, and angle of view X2° is the angle of view on the side opposite to the side where operation surface 120 is located with respect to the vertically downward direction when case 116 is in the normal orientation. Angle of view X°, angle of view X1°, and angle of view X2° satisfy the relationship X° = X1° + X2°. The angle of wide-angle lens 114 is fixed with respect to case 116.

[0069] The predetermined angle θ satisfies the following formula (1) for the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114. θ=((X-200)×0.5)° (1) By setting a predetermined angle θ to satisfy equation (1), the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 of the drive recorder 100 is tilted by ((X-200) × 0.5) degrees in the downward vertical direction on the opposite side to the side on which the operation surface 120 is located, and the drive recorder 100 can capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally, including the area (X-190) degrees above the horizontal direction 120H.

[0070] For example, when the field of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114 is 240°, the predetermined angle θ is 20°, the field of view X1° is 100°, and the field of view X2° is 140°. Therefore, the drive recorder 100 can capture a wide vertical range, including a 50° range above the horizontal direction 120H. Because capturing an image with the wide-angle lens 114 distorts the edges of the captured image, even if a field of view 10° smaller than the horizontal direction 120H is set to minimize distortion, the drive recorder 100 can capture up to a 40° range above the horizontal direction 120H. As a result, when the drive recorder 100 is in the upright position, traffic lights and road signs that are visible diagonally above the user while driving are included in the field of view captured by the drive recorder 100. When the drive recorder 100 is in the upright position, the field of view includes the area in front of the vehicle and the driver's seat. The area behind the vehicle may also be included, but the area in front of the vehicle and the driver's seat account for a larger proportion of the field of view. This allows a wider imaging area, particularly in the front of the vehicle, to be photographed. It is even better if the imaging area also includes the areas on the sides of the vehicle.

[0071] The angle of wide-angle lens 114 may be adjustable within a predetermined variable angle range on both sides of the vertically downward direction relative to case 116. For example, in the case of drive recorder 100 attached to the windshield of a vehicle, the two sides of the vertically downward direction may be the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The predetermined variable angle range may be, for example, a variable angle range set in relation to the angle of view X° of wide-angle lens 114, centered on optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114, so that drive recorder 100 can capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally. For example, when the angle of view of wide-angle lens 114 is 240° and the center of optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted by 20°, the variable angle range may be a range of -20°<variable angle≦20°. In this case, wide-angle lens 114 can be adjusted within a range of 0° to 40° on the side opposite to the side where operation surface 120 is located, relative to case 116, in the vertically downward direction. The variable angle range may be any range that includes both sides of the vertically downward direction, and may be, for example, an angle range that is asymmetric between the front and rear of the vehicle with the vertically downward direction in between. Also, the variable angle range may include only the range from the vertically downward direction to the front of the vehicle, and thus, both sides of the vertically downward direction may include a case where one of the both sides is in the vertically downward direction.

[0072] Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the drive recorder 100 is provided with the bracket 112 and the case 116. Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the drive recorder 100 does not include the bracket 112 and the upper half of the case 116.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the second LTE antenna module 122 is an antenna module that is exposed from the case 116 and has a foldable configuration. The second LTE antenna module 122 can protrude in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module 126. At this time, the tip of the second LTE antenna module 122 protrudes outward beyond the side surface of the case 116. The first LTE antenna module 126 is a first antenna module that defines a GND (ground point). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed on the upper inner surface of the case 116. In addition, a GPS antenna module 128 is housed in the case 116.

[0074] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view including a cross section passing through the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(b) is a right side view including a cross section passing through the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 7(a) and 7(b), the image sensor 130 is disposed in a position where it can convert light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 into data. In this embodiment, the image sensor 130 is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor (hereinafter, the image sensor 130 will also be referred to as "CMOS 130"). The image sensor 130 may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging means of the drive recorder 100 is configured to include the image sensor 130 and the wide-angle lens 114.

[0076] Furthermore, optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted at a predetermined angle of 20° with respect to the vertically downward direction toward the side opposite to the side where operation surface 120 exists. Therefore, CMOS 130 and printed circuit boards 132A-D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "printed circuit boards 132") are arranged parallel to a plane to which optical axis 114A is normal. In other words, CMOS 130 and printed circuit board 132 are arranged at a predetermined angle of 20° with respect to the horizontal direction when case 116 is in the normal position. This ensures a space within case 116 for heat to propagate from lower hole 118 to upper hole 118 of case 116.

[0077] Furthermore, the GPS antenna module 128 is disposed at an angle in a direction intersecting the plane on which the printed circuit board 132 is disposed. In this embodiment, the GPS antenna module 128 is perpendicular to the plane on which the printed circuit board 132 is disposed. That is, the GPS antenna module 128 is disposed at an angle of 20° in the same direction as the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114. Therefore, the GPS antenna module 128 has sensitivity in the direction in which the imaging range exists.

[0078] 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drive recorder 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The drive recorder 100 includes an imaging unit 140, a storage unit 142, and a control unit 144.

[0079] The imaging unit 140 is an imaging device including a wide-angle lens 114 and a CMOS 130. Light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 is converted into data by the CMOS 130. In the drive recorder 100, the light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 forms an image circle whose diameter is the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130. This allows the drive recorder 100 to capture a wider image in the longitudinal direction than when the light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 forms an image circle whose diameter is the transverse direction of the CMOS 130. For example, in the drive recorder 100, when the CMOS 130 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the drive recorder 100 can capture a wider image in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0080] The storage unit 142 is a memory that can store data. The memory is, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)) or a non-volatile memory (e.g., a read only memory (ROM)). The memory may be, for example, an internal memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or an external memory such as an SD memory card or a USB memory. The storage unit 142 stores the program of the drive recorder 100 executed by the control unit 144 and images captured by the drive recorder 100.

[0081] The control unit 144 is a control device that is electrically connected to the operation unit 146 and the communication unit 148 and controls each unit. The control unit 144 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 144 realizes the functions of each unit by executing the program of the drive recorder 100 stored in the storage unit 142. Note that the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), for example.

[0082] The operation unit 146 includes operation buttons 124 for operating the drive recorder 100. As described above, the operation buttons 124 are not limited to physical buttons, and may be, for example, a touch panel.

[0083] The communication unit 148 includes a GPS antenna module 128, a first LTE antenna module 126, and a second LTE antenna module 122. The drive recorder 100 communicates with an external device via the communication unit 148. Note that the communication unit 148 may include, for example, at least one of the GPS antenna module 128, the first LTE antenna module 126, the second LTE antenna module 122, and a wireless LAN antenna module 134, which will be described later.

[0084] (Example of the first embodiment) An example of the drive recorder 100 realized by the configuration of the first embodiment described above will be described below.

[0085] 9(a) is a diagram of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when attached to a windshield 160 tilted upward from the horizontal by an angle φ1 as viewed from the left side. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when attached to a windshield 162 tilted upward from the horizontal by an angle φ2 larger than the angle φ1 as viewed from the left side.

[0086] 9(a), when a user mounts the drive recorder 100 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user mounts the bracket 112 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle and rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112 so that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0087] 9(b), when mounting the drive recorder 100 on a vehicle equipped with a windshield 162 that is inclined at a larger angle than the windshield 160 of the vehicle shown in FIG. 9(a), the case 116 is rotated relative to the bracket 112 by a larger amount than the rotation of the case 116 relative to the bracket 112 shown in FIG. 9(a) so that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0088] As described above, drive recorder 100 of this embodiment can widen the imaging range by using wide-angle lens 114. Furthermore, when case 116 is in the upright position, optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted by a predetermined angle toward the opposite side of operation surface 120 with respect to the vertically downward direction, which is a direction that the user can visually confirm. This allows drive recorder 100 to capture a wide area on the opposite side. Furthermore, the user adjusts the orientation of drive recorder 100 while, for example, in the area where the driver's seat or passenger seat is located. However, when case 116 is in the upright position, the user cannot visually confirm the position of wide-angle lens 114. When case 116 is in the upright position, optical axis 114A faces in a direction that the user cannot visually confirm. Even in this case, the presence of operation surface 120 as a confirmation means provided in drive recorder 100 allows the user to visually confirm that case 116 is in the correct position by attaching drive recorder 100 so that the normal to the flat surface of operation surface 120 faces horizontal direction 120H. This makes it easier for the user to adjust drive recorder 100 to the correct position. For example, even if the user is unfamiliar with attaching drive recorder 100, the possibility of the user making an incorrect adjustment, such as pointing wide-angle lens 114 in a direction where it can be seen, is reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, drive recorder 100 of this embodiment can suppress an increase in size in a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user. In drive recorder 100, a portion of case 116 connected to bracket 112 (in this embodiment, a portion where a thread is formed) rotates, and this rotation changes the direction of optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 also provided on case 116. Therefore, an increase in size in the vertical direction is suppressed compared to a case where the portion of the case connected to the bracket does not rotate, and a mechanism for rotating the wide-angle lens is provided at a portion away from this portion (for example, a portion below the portion connected to bracket 112). Therefore, drive recorder 100 can be easily attached near the upper end of the vehicle windshield (for example, within 20% of the upper end).

[0090] Furthermore, the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment includes a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, and a GPS antenna module 128 that has directivity in the direction of the image capture range. From the position of the drive recorder 100, there is little chance of an obstacle to image capture in the direction of the image capture range; typically, only the windshield is present. Therefore, data communication is possible between the drive recorder 100 and an external device.

[0091] Furthermore, in the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment, the second LTE antenna module is exposed from the case 116 and protrudes away from the first LTE antenna module 126, thereby enabling a shorter antenna length. Furthermore, since the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed in the case 116, the drive recorder 100 has a better appearance than a drive recorder in which the first LTE antenna module 126 is also exposed. Furthermore, since the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed on the inner surface of the case 116, when the drive recorder 100 is installed in a vehicle, the LTE antenna module is provided on the upper side of the drive recorder 100, where the temperature is relatively low inside the case 116, thereby reducing the possibility of the LTE antenna module being damaged by heat. Of the elements of the drive recorder 100 described above, the LTE antenna module is likely to be the most heat-sensitive, so this arrangement is desirable.

[0092] In addition, in the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment, the circuit board housed in the case is tilted, and an air flow path is secured for the air to escape from the bottom to the top of the case compared to when the board is horizontal. This improves the efficiency of heat dissipation for the heat generated when the drive recorder 100 is operating, and reduces the possibility of the drive recorder 100 breaking down due to heat.

[0093] (Configuration of the second embodiment) The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means in the second embodiment is an operation button 124 provided on the operation surface 120.

[0094] (Example of the second embodiment) Figure 10(a) is a diagram of a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 200") having an imaging device 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, viewed from the left side.

[0095] 10(a), when a user mounts the drive recorder 200 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user mounts the bracket 112 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle and rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112 so that the direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed is in the horizontal direction 120H. If the user visually checks that the direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed is in the horizontal direction 120H, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0096] As described above, the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment includes the operation button 124 as a confirmation means. The operation button 124 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, by mounting the drive recorder 200 so that the operation button 124 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position.

[0097] (Configuration of the third embodiment) The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation panel 120, whereas the confirmation means in the third embodiment is a mark 320 reading "ABCXYZ" provided on the left side of the case 116. "ABCXYZ" may refer to, for example, the manufacturer (e.g., the company name) of the drive recorder 300.

[0098] (Example of the third embodiment) Figure 10(b) is a diagram of a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 300") having an imaging device 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, viewed from the left side.

[0099] 10(b), when the user mounts the drive recorder 300 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user mounts the bracket 112 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle and rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112 so that the "ABCXYZ" marking 320 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks and the "ABCXYZ" logo marking 320 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0100] As described above, the dashcam 300 of the third embodiment includes the "ABCXYZ" marking 320 as a confirmation means. The "ABCXYZ" marking 320 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, by attaching the dashcam 300 so that the "ABCXYZ" marking 320 faces horizontally 120H relative to the vehicle, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position. The marking 320 is not limited to the manufacturer (e.g., a company name). The marking 320 may be the product name (e.g., model name) or model number of the dashcam 300, or a logo of the name of a function of the dashcam 300, or it may not be a logo. The marking 320 may be any marking that indicates its orientation, and may be any of letters, figures, symbols, other marks, or a combination of these. The marking 320 may include a statement explaining how to install the drive recorder 300, such as "Install it so that this side faces horizontally." This makes it easier for the user to adjust the drive recorder 300 to the correct position.

[0101] (Configuration of the fourth embodiment) The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means in the configuration of the fourth embodiment is a long, narrow rectangular member 420 provided on the left side surface of the case 116.

[0102] (Example of the fourth embodiment) Figure 10(c) is a diagram of a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 400") having an imaging device 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, viewed from the left side.

[0103] 10(c), when the user mounts the drive recorder 400 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user mounts the bracket 112 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112, and orients the member 420 in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the member 420 is orientated in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0104] As described above, the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment includes the member 420 as a confirmation means. The member 420 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, by attaching the drive recorder 400 so that the member 420 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position.

[0105] (Configuration of the fifth embodiment) The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the fifth embodiment does not include hole 118, first LTE antenna module 126, and second LTE antenna module 122, and bracket 112 includes fixing plate 112B, and case 116 includes a ring portion. Also, the confirmation means of the first embodiment is a flat surface of operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means of the fifth embodiment is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 150 of display surface 520. LCD 150 corresponds to the display screen of drive recorder 500.

[0106] Figures 11 to 13 are a front view (Figure 11(a)), a rear view (Figure 11(b)), a left side view (Figure 12(a)), a right side view (Figure 12(b)), a plan view (Figure 13(a)), and a bottom view (Figure 13(b)) of a drive recorder 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The drive recorder 500 includes a bracket 112 having a fixing plate 112B, a wide-angle lens 114, a case 116, operation buttons 124, and a display surface 520 having an LCD 150.

[0108] Display surface 520 is provided on case 116. Display surface 520 has LCD 150 whose normal faces the horizontal direction when case 116 is in the normal position. LCD 150 is a display that displays data stored in memory unit 142. Note that instead of LCD 150, other displays such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) may be used.

[0109] (Example of the fifth embodiment) Similar to the flat surface of operation surface 120 in the example of the first embodiment, LCD 150 in the fifth embodiment faces horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle when case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, when a user mounts drive recorder 500 on windshield 160 of the vehicle, bracket 112 is attached to windshield 160 of the vehicle, and case 116 is rotated relative to bracket 112 so that LCD 150 faces horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that LCD 150 of confirmation means 520 faces horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, then case 116 is in the upright position.

[0110] As described above, drive recorder 500 of the fifth embodiment includes LCD 150 included in display surface 520. LCD 150 included in display surface 520 faces horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle when case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, by attaching drive recorder 500 so that LCD 150 included in display surface 520 faces horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the user can visually confirm that case 116 is in the upright position and easily attach drive recorder 500.

[0111] (Configuration and Example of the Sixth Embodiment) The basic configuration and examples of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, but differ in that the antenna module in the first embodiment includes a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, and a GPS antenna module 128, whereas the antenna module in the sixth embodiment is a wireless LAN antenna module. These differences will be explained below.

[0112] 14 is a left side view including a cross section passing through wide-angle lens 114 of drive recorder 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Drive recorder 600 includes wide-angle lens 114, case 116, operation panel 120 having a flat surface, image sensor 130, printed circuit board 132, and wireless LAN antenna module 134. Wireless LAN antenna module 134 is disposed in a position closer to wide-angle lens 114 than bracket 112. In other words, wireless LAN antenna module 134 is disposed next to wide-angle lens 114.

[0113] As described above, in the drive recorder 600 of the sixth embodiment, there are no obstacles to imaging around the wide-angle lens 114, so the wireless LAN antenna module 134 can be placed at a position away from obstacles to avoid communication interference. For example, in the drive recorder 600, if the wireless LAN antenna module 134 is placed at a position closer to the wide-angle lens 114 than the bracket 112, communication interference caused by the ceiling iron plate of the vehicle can be avoided as much as possible. This allows the wireless LAN antenna module 134 to be an antenna module with directionality both outside and inside the vehicle.

[0114] FIG. 15(a) shows an example of an image captured using the drive recorder 100. FIG. 15(b) shows an example of an image after correction to reduce distortion. In FIG. 15(b), the bottom half of the image shown in FIG. 15(a) is inverted. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the captured area includes the front of the vehicle and the driver's seat. While the rear of the vehicle may also be included, the front of the vehicle and the driver's seat occupy a larger proportion. This results in a wider capture area, particularly the front side of the vehicle that needs to be captured. The drive recorder 100 can also capture the sides of the vehicle. The drive recorder 100 is mounted so that the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the lateral direction corresponds to the width of the vehicle, allowing for a wider capture area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than in the width direction of the vehicle. As a result, a wider range of areas that are particularly required for capture while driving the vehicle can be captured. For example, when another vehicle is tailgating or driving recklessly, an image of the area ahead of the vehicle and the driver's condition may be useful in dealing with the situation later.

[0115] (Variation 1) Although the first to fourth embodiments described above do not include the wireless LAN antenna module 134, the wireless LAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the GPS antenna module 128, or the wireless LAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122. Furthermore, the first to fourth embodiments described above may further include the wireless LAN antenna module 134.

[0116] (Variation 2) Although the above-described fifth embodiment does not include the first LTE antenna module 126, the second antenna module 122, and the WLAN antenna module 134, the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, or the WLAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the GPS antenna module 128. Furthermore, the above-described fifth embodiment may further include at least one of the first LTE antenna module 126, the second antenna module 122, and the WLAN antenna module 134.

[0117] (Variation 3) Although the sixth embodiment described above does not include the first LTE antenna module 126, the second antenna module 122, and the GPS antenna module 128, the first LTE antenna module 126, the second antenna module 122, or the GPS antenna module 128 may be provided instead of the WLAN antenna module 134. Furthermore, the sixth embodiment described above may further include at least one of the first LTE antenna module 126, the second antenna module 122, and the GPS antenna module 128.

[0118] (Variation 4) In the configurations of the first to sixth embodiments described above, the wireless LAN antenna module 134, the first LTE antenna module 126, and the second antenna module 122 may be replaced with antenna modules of other systems (for example, 5G). Furthermore, the form of the antenna module is not particularly limited, and it may be a bar antenna, a whip antenna, or another antenna.

[0119] (Variation 5) In the first to sixth embodiments described above, the imaging device and the drive recorder including the imaging device are mounted on the windshield of the vehicle, but may also be mounted on the ceiling, sun visor, rear window, etc. When the imaging device and the drive recorder including the imaging device are mounted on the ceiling or sun visor, the imaging device and the drive recorder may capture a wide area in front of the vehicle. In this case, the imaging area includes at least the rear area of ​​the vehicle and the driver's seat, but may also include an area on the ceiling near the boundary with the windshield. On the other hand, when the imaging device is mounted on the rear window, the imaging area may also capture a wide area in the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the imaging area includes at least the rear area of ​​the vehicle and the rear seats, but may also include an area on the ceiling near the boundary with the rear window. Furthermore, the moving body to which the drive recorder is mounted may be a vehicle that runs on a railroad or a similar track, such as a train, monorail, or linear motor car. In this case, the drive recorder may be mounted in a passenger compartment, cargo room, etc. Furthermore, the image capturing device 100 is not limited to that provided in a drive recorder, and may be provided in, for example, a security camera, etc. When used as a security camera, the image capturing device 100 may be attached to a ceiling or nearby to capture the interior of a facility (e.g., a house or office building) while the user is away, or attached near a window to capture the view outside the window of the facility.

[0120] (Variation 6) The image capturing device and the drive recorder having the image capturing device according to the first to sixth embodiments described above may have a function of notifying the user that the drive recorder has attained the upright position. For example, the drive recorder may notify the user that the drive recorder has attained the upright position by emitting light from the light emitting unit 129, electronically or mechanically outputting a sound, displaying a display, vibrating, or by other human-perceptible means. In this way, the user can know that the drive recorder has attained the upright position.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 intends to obtain rights to these configurations through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. Even if a description such as "in the case of..." or "when..." is included, 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.

[0123] 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]

[0124] 100~600···Dashcam 112 Bracket 112A···Ring part 112B...Fixing plate 113 Fastening member 114 Wide-angle lens 116 ···Case 118 holes 120~520...Verification method 122 Second LTE antenna module 124 Operation buttons 126 First LTE antenna module 128 GPS Antenna Module 129 Light-emitting part 130 Imaging device 132 Printed circuit board 134 ···Wireless LAN antenna module 140 ···Photography Department 142...Storage section 144 Control unit 146...Operation unit 148 ···Communications Department 150 LCD

Claims

1. A photographing device that is attached to a predetermined position of a vehicle, a first LTE antenna module and a second LTE antenna module; The first LTE antenna module is accommodated in a first case, The second LTE antenna module is exposed from the first case and protrudes in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module. An imaging device characterized by:

2. The first LTE antenna module is configured to be housed on the upper inner side of the first case.

2. The photographing device according to claim 1,

3. The second LTE antenna module is exposed from the first case and is a foldable antenna module.

3. The photographing device according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The first LTE antenna module and the second antenna module are replaced with 5G antenna modules, respectively.

4. The photographing device according to claim 1, wherein:

Images