Apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that is superior to an existing one.SOLUTION: An apparatus of the present invention has a function of inputting a video image from a camera installed in a vehicle and recording the video image in recording means. Further, the apparatus has a function of detecting a user's vehicle maneuver of changing the vehicle from a travel possible state to a travel impossible state. The apparatus includes an automatic regeneration function of regenerating video images within a predetermined range, out of recorded video images which are recorded in the recording means, in response to a fact that the user's vehicle maneuver of changing the vehicle from the travel possible state to the travel impossible state has been detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Drive recorders, which store information about the vehicle's condition before and after an automobile accident (forward video, vehicle speed, sudden acceleration / deceleration, etc.), provide useful information for investigating automobile collisions and other accidents. Therefore, they are increasingly being installed in transportation vehicles such as trucks, and commercial vehicles such as taxis and buses, and are also increasingly being installed in general vehicles.

[0003] This drive recorder is configured to be able to store forward video images for a certain period of time before and after an accident or sudden braking, as well as driving data showing the driver's driving operations (braking, blinker operation, driving route, etc.). Briefly explaining the configuration for storing video data, a CMOS camera or the like constantly captures images of the vehicle and its surroundings from the driver's viewpoint (field of vision), and the captured images are stored in a temporary storage memory such as a ring buffer. The images stored in this temporary storage memory are updated to the latest images one after another, and past video data is retained for a set period of time. On the other hand, drive recorders are equipped with sensors such as acceleration sensors that detect impacts that occur in accidents or during sudden braking or steering, and when the output value of the sensor exceeds a threshold, it reads from temporary memory footage of a certain period before the threshold was exceeded (impact detection) and stores it in non-volatile memory (SD card, etc.), and after the threshold is exceeded, it stores images taken by a CCD camera, etc., directly or via temporary memory in non-volatile memory, thereby providing the function of saving footage of a certain period before and after the impact, as well as the driving data, etc., in non-volatile memory (SD card, etc.).

[0004] When an accident occurs, the legitimacy of the driver can be clearly proven based on the vehicle status information (video, etc.) of the vehicle stored in the nonvolatile memory. This type of drive recorder is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-114850 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventional systems have problems such as it being difficult to know whether the recording means is in a state where it needs to be replaced, the user having to periodically check whether the video recorded on the recording means is being played back properly by operating the playback button on the device, and the time and effort required to operate the playback button each time, which has resulted in various problems, such as the user not doing so and a vehicle accident or the like actually occurring, only discovering that the video has not been properly recorded on the recording means when it is necessary to play back the video. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device, a program, etc. that have better characteristics than conventional devices.

[0007] The object of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by parts of the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrases "can" and "is possible" are read as "the problem is." Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to claim part of the configuration described in this specification through amendments or divisional applications. Furthermore, the applicant has disclosed configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A device having a function of inputting an image from a camera installed in a vehicle and recording it in a recording means, a function of detecting a user's vehicle operation for switching the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state;

[0009] The device may preferably have an automatic playback function that plays back a predetermined range of footage from the recorded footage recorded in the recording means in response to detecting a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state.

[0010] In this way, the user can automatically play back a predetermined range of footage from the camera that has been recorded on the recording means simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. Therefore, it is easy for the user to know whether the footage has been properly recorded on the recording means without having to operate a playback button or the like on the device to check whether the footage recorded on the recording means is being properly played back. Furthermore, the user no longer needs to periodically check whether the footage recorded on the recording means is being properly played back by operating a playback button or the like on the device. Furthermore, the user does not need to take the trouble of operating a playback button. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the footage will not be properly recorded on the recording means until a vehicle accident or the like actually occurs and the need to play back the footage arises.

[0011] To detect a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, it is preferable to branch off and input the vehicle's signal line that outputs, for example, that the vehicle's push start switch has been turned off, or that the vehicle key has been operated to turn off the engine, etc.

[0012] This device is preferably a device that is retrofitted to a vehicle after it has been shipped from the vehicle manufacturer's factory. This device may be distributed across multiple housings with some of its components included, but it is particularly preferable that it be housed within a single housing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the display means also be housed within a single housing. The vehicle may be, for example, a special vehicle such as a forklift, but it is particularly preferable that it be a vehicle with four or more wheels.

[0013] "Installation" preferably means a configuration in which the device is installed in the vehicle after it has been shipped from the vehicle manufacturer's factory, and preferably a configuration in which the device can be fixed and installed, for example, by attaching the housing of the device or mounting fixtures attached to the housing, particularly inside the vehicle cabin, with double-sided tape or the like.

[0014] The camera may be at least one of a camera that captures the view ahead of the vehicle, a camera that mainly captures areas other than the view ahead, and a camera that captures the driver. While a single camera may be used, it is preferable to provide multiple cameras and synchronize the capture times of the multiple cameras to record the images so that they can be played back. For example, the image data from the cameras may be stored in association with time data obtained from a GPS or the like, and the image data corresponding to the same time data stored in association with each image data may be played back simultaneously.

[0015] The predetermined range of video may include video recorded continuously, but it is particularly preferable to include video recorded for events. In this way, the user can automatically record video when an event occurs simply by cutting off the power supply from the vehicle to the device.

[0016] The recording means is preferably a nonvolatile memory, particularly a nonvolatile memory with a shorter lifespan than DRAM or the like. The recording means is particularly preferably a NAND flash memory. The recording means may be configured to be fixed to a substrate or the like inside the housing of the device, but is particularly preferably a recording medium that is detachable from the device. The recording means is particularly preferably a card-shaped recording medium, particularly preferably an SD card or a micro SD card.

[0017] (2) The detection of a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is performed based on the interruption of the supply of power from the vehicle to the device; The device has a function to continue operation by power supply from a backup power source when the power supply from the vehicle to the device is cut off,

[0018] The device may preferably have an automatic playback function that plays back a predetermined range of images from the recorded images recorded on the recording means in response to the power supply from the backup power source being cut off.

[0019] In this way, when the power supply from the vehicle to the device is cut off, a predetermined range of the video recorded on the recording means is automatically played back in the vehicle. Therefore, the user does not need to operate a playback button on the device to check whether the video recorded on the recording means is being played back properly, and can simply check whether the video is being recorded properly by watching the video that is automatically played back when the power supply to the device is cut off.

[0020] For example, the "power supply to the device from the vehicle" may be configured to be able to receive power from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. The device may be configured to operate while power is being supplied from the vehicle. For example, the device may be configured to receive power from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket and from a battery other than the car battery used to control the vehicle itself, such as a mobile battery.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the "power supply from the vehicle to the device" may be supplied from a car battery, which supplies the power necessary to start the vehicle itself to each part of the vehicle, and the device may be connected to a signal line on the vehicle side (for example, the power line of the cigarette lighter socket) that can determine when the power supply from the vehicle to the device has been cut off, and the determination may be made from the signal state of that signal line.

[0022] (3) It is preferable that the recording means stops recording of the video from the camera in response to detecting a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, and that the recording means performs the automatic playback.

[0023] In this way, there is no need to simultaneously record the camera footage and play back the recorded footage, which reduces the processing load and power consumption, and the recorded footage of the vehicle during driving before switching to a non-driving state can be automatically played back in response to the detection of a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-driving state.

[0024] When the device is provided with the configuration (2), it is particularly preferable to provide a configuration that stops recording of the image from the camera to the recording means in response to the power supply from the vehicle being cut off, and also has a function of performing the automatic playback.

[0025] (4) It is preferable that the configuration has a function of recording the video from the camera to the recording means in a parking recording mode that performs recording differently from the driving video recording mode that performs recording while the vehicle is in a drivable state after the automatic playback is completed.

[0026] In this way, the user can automatically play back a predetermined range of images from the recorded images from the camera that have been recorded in the recording means simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, and after the automatic playback is complete, recording in the parking recording mode can be automatically performed without any operation by the user.

[0027] The "parking recording mode that records differently from the driving video recording mode" may be configured to use a recording method that reduces the device's power consumption in the parking recording mode compared to the driving video recording mode. For example, the frame rate in the parking recording mode may be lower than that in the driving video recording mode, or the video may be recorded only when an impact is detected.

[0028] When the configuration (2) is provided, it is preferable that the vehicle continues to operate using power supplied from the backup power supply even after the automatic playback is completed, and enters a parking recording mode that enables recording of images from the camera to the recording means.

[0029] (5) The predetermined range of video is video recorded during a period when the vehicle is in a drivable state immediately before a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is detected.

[0030] In this way, the user can simply operate the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, and automatically play back the video footage recorded by the camera in the recording means during the most recent period when the vehicle was in the drivable state. Therefore, when the user switches the vehicle to the non-drivable state, the user can automatically and easily check the video footage of the driving during the most recent driving unit between the time when the vehicle was switched from the drivable state to the non-drivable state. Therefore, for example, it is easy to immediately check from the driver's seat using the video footage whether the user's driving this time was appropriate while the memory of the driving is still fresh.

[0031] For example, when the configuration (2) is provided, it is preferable to provide a function for recording an image of a predetermined period within the vehicle power supply range, from just before the power supply from the vehicle to the device is cut off to the point at which the power supply from the vehicle to the device is started.

[0032] (6) If there is no video of the target recorded during the period when the vehicle was in a drivable state immediately before the user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is detected, it is preferable to have a function to search back in time to video recorded in the previous vehicle power supply range and play it back.

[0033] For example, in the case of a configuration (7) described below in which the target video is an event-recorded video, the "predetermined period" may be a function to search for the video if there is an event record in the current driving period, or to search back sequentially to the previous driving period if there is no event record in the current driving period.

[0034] For example, if you use a car to commute from home to work, and you start the engine at work on your way home from work today and then turn it off when you get home, if there is no event recorded as the target video during that time, search for the area where you started the engine at home on your way to work today and turned it off when you got home.If there is no event recorded in this area either, search and play back by going back in time, such as when you came home the previous day, when you went to work the previous day, etc.

[0035] For example, when the configuration (2) is provided, if there is no video of a predetermined period recorded in the recording means within the vehicle power supply range, it is preferable to provide a function to search for and play video recorded in an earlier vehicle power supply range. (7) The video for the predetermined period may include video recorded during an event.

[0036] In this way, the user can automatically play back a predetermined range of event-recorded footage from the recorded camera footage recorded in the recording means simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state.

[0037] Event recording may be configured to record when it is detected that a signal from a sensor or switch has changed to a predetermined state. For example, the video to be recorded when it is determined that an event has occurred may be video that includes the time when the event occurred, and may be a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 15 seconds) including a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 15 seconds) before the event occurred and a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 20 seconds) after the event occurred (e.g., 15 seconds + 20 seconds = 35 seconds).

[0038] The user can automatically play back a predetermined range of video from the event-recorded video recorded in the recording means simply by operating the vehicle to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. (8) It is preferable to have a function of playing back only a part of the event recorded video, rather than playing back the entire range of the recording time recorded corresponding to the event.

[0039] In this way, the user can quickly grasp the overview of the video recorded in the vehicle. In particular, when the user performs a vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, there is a possibility that the user will get off the vehicle in a relatively short time. The user can easily check the overview of the video in a short time until the user gets off the vehicle.

[0040] For example, if an event recording is configured to record a total of 35 seconds of video, including 15 seconds before the event and 20 seconds after the event, it is recommended to play back a partial range of, for example, 10 seconds before the event and 5 seconds after the event, for a total of 15 seconds. In particular, if the number of seconds played back before the event is longer than the number of seconds played back after the event, it is preferable because this increases the likelihood that the video at the time of the event will be visible even if the viewer is unable to turn their eyes to the display means immediately after playback begins.

[0041] As a partial range, it is recommended that the video length be within 15 seconds. This will allow you to easily upload the video to social media platforms such as TikTok by taking a photo of the video with your smartphone.

[0042] It is preferable to be able to set the number of seconds for a certain range of video. In particular, it is preferable to have a function that stores the number of seconds for each type of SNS in advance in the device, and allows the user to select the type of SNS and set the number of seconds to play as a certain range. (9) The function of playing back only a part of the range may include a function of setting a playback start position of the event-recorded video.

[0043] For example, it is recommended to start playback from a position a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 5 seconds) after the beginning of the event recording. For example, it is recommended to have a function to set how many seconds before or after the event occurrence position (e.g., trigger position) as the starting point. (10) It is preferable that the video recording device has a function of continuously playing back the recorded video of a plurality of events.

[0044] In this way, the user can automatically and continuously play back the video of multiple event recordings from the camera that have been recorded in the recording means, simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. In particular, it would be good to have a function for continuously playing back portions of multiple videos.

[0045] (11) It is preferable to have a function to prompt the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played back by the automatic playback function, and to have a function to determine whether the recording means is normal or abnormal based on the input result.

[0046] In this way, each time a vehicle operation is performed to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, the video recorded from the camera in the recording means during the period immediately preceding the drivable state is automatically played back, and the user can input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played back by this automatic playback function, and based on the input result, it can be determined whether the recording means is normal or abnormal.

[0047] In particular, the function of prompting the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played by the automatic playback function should preferably be a function of inputting an instruction indicating that the user has viewed the video, especially when the user has simply viewed the automatically played video.

[0048] It is advisable to provide a notification instructing the user to operate the video once it has been played before the video is played using the automatic playback function. It is advisable to provide a function to notify the user by outputting audio or drawing something on the display means, such as "Today's driving event video will now be played. Press the button above when it has finished playing!"

[0049] (12) It is preferable to have a function that allows the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played by the automatic playback function, associate the input result with information for identifying the area of ​​the recording means that was played and save it as a history, and have a function that determines whether the recording means is normal or abnormal based on the history. In this way, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the recording means is normal or abnormal.

[0050] It is preferable to associate the input result with information for specifying the area of ​​the recording means that has been reproduced and record it as a history, and to judge whether the card is normal or abnormal based on this history. For example, when it is detected that a button has been pressed, it is preferable to record a history indicating that recording has been normal (for example, the date and time and the reproduced sector number, etc.), and to make a judgment based on this history. Conversely, when it is detected that a button has been pressed, it is preferable to record a history indicating that recording has not been normal (for example, the date and time and the reproduced sector number, etc.), and to make a judgment based on this history.

[0051] If the automatically played back video is distorted or completely black, the user may be prompted to input a message to that effect. The playback range may be marked as a defective area, and no further writing may be performed in this marked area. Alternatively, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to take a predetermined action, such as to inform the user that the recording means may be defective and that it is necessary to replace the recording means. (13) If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, it is preferable to have a function of displaying information including a URL of information relating to the replacement of the recording means on the display means.

[0052] In this way, the user can immediately obtain information in the vehicle, including a URL for information regarding replacement of the recording means. The information including a URL for information regarding replacement of the recording means may display a URL or QR code for a purchasing site for the recording means with the part number recommended for the device, or a message indicating that it is time to replace the recording means. This makes it easy to immediately head to a dealer or other location for the recording means while still in the vehicle, and can quickly resolve the problem of the vehicle camera not recording video due to an abnormality in the recording means. (14) It is preferable to provide a function for carrying out test writing on an area surrounding the area where the image determined to be abnormal is recorded, and for determining whether or not there is a high possibility of failure of the recording means. In this way, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the recording means.

[0053] For example, with a configuration such as (12) above, it is possible to test write data to the area surrounding the area marked as abnormal and determine whether there is an abnormality based on whether there is an abnormality in most of the recording means or whether the area that was just reproduced is simply broken.

[0054] (15) It is preferable to have a function that allows the user to input whether or not to delete the video played by the automatic playback function, and to have a function that deletes the automatically played video when an instruction to delete is input. In this way, unnecessary images stored in the storage means can be quickly erased in the vehicle, thereby extending the recordable time thereafter. For example, a notification may be given asking whether the played back video should be erased, and if an instruction to erase is input, the played back video may be erased.

[0055] (16) The automatic playback function may have a function to automatically play different ranges of video in succession, a function to allow the user to input whether or not to erase the video that has been automatically played in succession by the automatic playback function, and a function to erase the range of video that has been automatically played in succession by the automatic playback function when an instruction to erase is input. In this way, different ranges of video that have been automatically played back consecutively can be easily and quickly erased with a single operation.

[0056] For example, when images are played back continuously by automatic playback, it is advisable to provide a function that asks the user whether to delete all of the images that have been played back continuously at once, and deletes the series of images at once. (17) The automatic playback function may include a function for playing back images recorded on the recording means from a plurality of cameras so that the images are simultaneously displayed on the display means. The multiple cameras may include, for example, both a rear camera and a front camera.

[0057] (18) It is preferable that the device has an internet connection function and an automatic SNS upload function that automatically uploads to an SNS instead of or in addition to the automatic playback function.

[0058] In this way, the user can automatically upload a predetermined range of the video footage recorded in the recording means from the camera to the SNS simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. Therefore, the user does not have to go through the trouble of operating a playback button or the like on the device to upload the video recorded in the recording means. Moreover, since the video uploaded to the SNS can be easily viewed on a smartphone or the like, the user does not have to periodically check whether the video recorded in the recording means is being played back properly by operating a playback button or the like on the device. The user also does not have to go through the trouble of operating a playback button on the device. As a result, the possibility of discovering that the video was not properly recorded in the recording means only after a vehicle accident or the like actually occurs and the need to play back the video is reduced.

[0059] For example, it discloses a technology having the configuration of (1), in which "having an 'automatic playback function' that plays a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means in response to power supply from the backup power source" in (1) is read as "having an 'automatic SNS upload function' that 'automatically uploads a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means to an SNS in response to power supply from the backup power source." It discloses a technology in which the 'automatic playback function' in any of (1) to (17) is read as the 'automatic SNS upload function.'

[0060] For example, it discloses a technology having the configuration of (2), in which "having an automatic playback function that plays a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means in response to power supply from the backup power source" in (2) is read as "having an automatic SNS upload function that automatically uploads a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means to an SNS in response to power supply from the backup power source." It discloses a technology in which the "automatic playback function" in any of (1) to (17) is read as the "automatic SNS upload function." For example, in addition to the above conditions, the SNS message may be updated when communication is established, such as when the car is parked in a garage at home and connected to home WiFi.

[0061] (19) It is preferable that the device has a function for connecting to a smartphone, and that instead of or in addition to the automatic playback function, the device has an automatic smartphone upload function for automatically uploading to a smartphone.

[0062] In this way, the user can automatically upload a predetermined range of video footage from the camera recorded in the recording means to the smartphone simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. Therefore, the user does not have to go through the trouble of operating a playback button or the like on the device to upload the video recorded in the recording means. Moreover, since the video uploaded to the smartphone can be easily viewed on the smartphone or the like, the user does not have to periodically check whether the video recorded in the recording means is being properly played back by operating a playback button or the like on the device. Furthermore, the user does not have to go through the trouble of operating a playback button on the device. As a result, the possibility of discovering that the video was not properly recorded in the recording means only after a vehicle accident or the like actually occurs and the need to play back the video is reduced.

[0063] For example, it discloses a technology having the configuration of (1), in which "having an 'automatic playback function' that plays a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means in response to power supply from the backup power source" in (1) is read as "having an 'automatic SNS upload function' that 'automatically uploads a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means to a smartphone in response to power supply from the backup power source." It discloses a technology in which the 'automatic playback function' in any of (1) to (18) is read as an 'automatic smartphone upload function.'

[0064] For example, it discloses a technology having the configuration of (2), in which "having an automatic playback function that plays a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means in response to power supply from the backup power source" in (2) is read as "having an automatic smartphone upload function that automatically uploads a predetermined range of video from the recorded video recorded in the recording means to a smartphone in response to power supply from the backup power source." It discloses a technology in which the "automatic playback function" in any of (1) to (18) is read as the "automatic smartphone upload function."

[0065] For example, a function for connecting to a smartphone may be provided, and the function may be changed from "play automatically" to "play automatically," so that the image is automatically uploaded to the smartphone's camera roll under the conditions described in (1).

[0066] In addition, the "input" function in (1) to (19) may be configured to be performed on a smartphone rather than on the device, and the "input" may be configured to send the information from the smartphone to this device. (20) The functions described in any one of (1) to (19) may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions.

[0067] The inventions described in (1) to (20) above can be combined in any way. For example, all or part of the invention described in (1) may be combined with at least part of the invention described in (2) and subsequent inventions. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the invention described in (2). Furthermore, any features may be extracted from the inventions described in (1) to (20) and combined. The applicant intends to obtain rights to inventions including these features. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a feature limited to that particular case or time. These are merely examples of better features, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to features other than those cases or times. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. The applicant also discloses features with some parts deleted or their order changed, and intends to obtain rights to such features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0068] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and the like that is superior to conventional systems.

[0069] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the configuration disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configuration achieving such effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, phrases such as "can" and "is possible" are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate effects even without the phrases "can" and "is possible." Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such phrases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drive recorder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a main unit of the drive recorder and each part. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the front and rear of a main unit of the drive recorder. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how to insert a memory card into the main unit and an example of how to install the main unit in a vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a front view camera is attached to a vehicle. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of installation of an additional camera and the configuration of the camera. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the mounting state of a rearview camera on a vehicle and the imaging range thereof; [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of supplying power to a rearview camera. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of a remote control and an example of a mounting position of the remote control on a vehicle. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display contents of a camera image displayed on a display device. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of display content displayed on a display device during playback; [Figure 12] 10 is a display example of a playback screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is one embodiment of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

[0072] 1 to 9 are diagrams showing the configuration of a drive recorder, which is a vehicle video recording device as a device, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram, and Fig. 2 is a device configuration diagram.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device includes a main unit 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the main body) equipped with a control unit 10, and a remote control 11, a GPS unit 12, a rearview camera 13, an additional camera 14, a frontview camera 15, a display device 16, a built-in microphone 17, an external microphone 18, a memory card slot 19, an acceleration sensor 20, and a speaker 21, all of which are connected to the control unit 10 of the main unit 1. In this embodiment, the components of Figure 1 are arranged in individual housings as shown in Figure 2 and connected by cables, but this is not a limitation, and any components can be integrated into a single housing. For example, all of the components of Figure 1 may be incorporated into a single housing and installed on the windshield, etc.

[0074] 2, 3(a), etc., the front of the main unit 1 is provided with an AV output terminal 16b, which is a terminal for outputting video signals and audio signals to the display device 16, a microphone terminal 18b, which is a terminal for inputting audio signals from an external microphone 18, an SD card slot 19b (corresponding to the memory card slot 19 in FIG. 1), and a slide lever 19c for locking and fixing an SD card 2 (see FIG. 4(a)) when inserted into the SD card slot 19b. The slide lever 19c is for locking the SD card 2 when the SD card 2 is inserted, and is configured such that, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the slide lever 19c is moved to the left to insert the SD card 2 into the SD card slot 19b, and when the slide lever 19c is released, the slide lever 19c returns to its original position (FIG. 4(a)), locking the SD card 2.

[0075] 3(b), the back surface of the main unit 1 (the surface opposite to the front surface) is provided with a vehicle signal connection terminal 40b, a remote control connection terminal 11b, a GPS unit connection terminal 12b, a rearview camera connection terminal 13b, an additional camera connection terminal 14b, and a frontview camera connection terminal 15b, each of which is connected to the control unit 10. In addition, an opening is provided on the top surface of the main unit, and a built-in microphone 17 connected to the control unit 10 is located inside the opening.

[0076] 2, each of these terminals is connected to a corresponding connector, and the control unit 10 is connected to a corresponding device (each unit) via a cord (cable) connected to each connector. That is, the control unit 10 is connected to the display device 16 via the AV output connector 16a connected to the AV output terminal 16b, and to the external microphone 18 via the microphone connector 18a connected to the microphone terminal 18b. The control unit 10 is also connected to the vehicle brake lamp line 33, the vehicle left blinker line 32, the vehicle right blinker line 31, the vehicle speed signal line 30, the vehicle earth line, and the vehicle ACC system power supply (hereinafter referred to as the ACC power supply or simply ACC) via the vehicle signal connection connector 40a connected to the vehicle signal connection terminal 40b.

[0077] The vehicle's ACC system power supply receives power from the vehicle when the engine is running (engine on) and the vehicle is ready to drive, but does not receive power when the engine is off (the key is turned to the engine off position) and the vehicle is not ready to drive. The vehicle's ACC system power supply and the vehicle's ground wire are connected to the control unit 10, remote control 11, GPS unit 12, additional camera 13, front view camera 15, display device 16, built-in microphone 17, external microphone 18, memory card slot 19, acceleration sensor 20, speaker 21, etc. shown in FIG. 1, and are converted to the voltage required for operation to supply power to each of these components. The main unit 1 also includes an internal battery (not shown). The power output line of this internal battery is converted to the voltage required for operation of each of these components and is connected to the internal battery. This function functions as a backup power supply that automatically switches power when the vehicle goes from being powered by the ACC system power supply to not being powered by the ACC system power supply. The power supply from the internal battery to each of these components is controlled on and off by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 also has a function of monitoring the state of the built-in battery and a function of monitoring whether the ACC power supply of the vehicle is on or off.

[0078] Control unit 10 is connected to remote control 11 via remote control connector 11a connected to remote control connection terminal 11b, to GPS unit 12 via GPS unit connector 12a connected to GPS unit connection terminal 12b, to rearview camera 13 via rearview camera connector 13a connected to rearview camera connection terminal 13b, to additional camera 14 via additional camera connector 14a connected to additional camera connection terminal 14b, and to frontview camera 15 via frontview camera connector 15a connected to frontview camera connection terminal 15b. Frontview camera connection terminal 15b and additional camera connection terminal 14b are mini-pin jacks, and rearview camera connection terminal 13b is an RCA terminal, and the two terminals have different shapes.

[0079] The main unit 1 is installed inside the vehicle. For example, as shown in Figure 4(b), it is installed near the driver's seat in a location where the driver can easily remove the SD card 2, and where the cables connected to the terminals mentioned above do not interfere with driving operations. For example, as shown in Figure 4(b), the bottom surface is attached and fixed to the center console or undercover of the instrument panel located to the left front of the driver's seat using double-sided tape. At this time, the main unit is installed with the front side facing to the right side of Figure 4(b) and the back side facing to the left side.

[0080] Front view camera 15 is a camera for capturing images in front of the vehicle, and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal for the captured image. As shown in FIG. 5, front view camera 15 is fixed to the windshield inside the vehicle cabin with double-sided tape so that the lens faces in the direction of travel to capture images in front of the vehicle. The fixed position is within 20% of the entire windshield from the top of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin (the range indicated by symbol d in the figure). Power for front view camera 15 is supplied from control unit 10.

[0081] The additional camera 14 is a camera that can be attached at any position to capture images of the vehicle periphery, and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal for the captured image. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the additional camera 14 is fixed to the windshield inside the vehicle with double-sided tape, facing the interior of the vehicle (from the windshield toward the rear of the vehicle). Power for the additional camera 14 is supplied from the control unit 10.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 6(b), the additional camera 14 has a normal image mode in which the captured image is output as is, and a mirror image mode in which the captured image is output after being flipped left and right, and is provided with a setting switch 14s for setting the mode. The additional camera 14 switches between the normal image mode and the mirror image mode depending on the state of the setting switch 14s, and outputs the corresponding video signal. For example, it is recommended to set the camera to the normal image mode when capturing an image in the forward direction of the vehicle, and to the mirror image mode when capturing an image in the interior direction or rearward direction of the vehicle.

[0083] The rearview camera 13 is a camera for capturing images behind the vehicle and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal for the captured image. The rearview camera 13 is installed near the license plate on the outside of the vehicle's back door, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). The angle of view captured by the rearview camera 13 is shown in FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d). FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing the vehicle as viewed from above the vehicle, illustrating the horizontal angle of view when displayed on the display device 16, which is 60 degrees left and right with respect to the shooting direction (120 degrees overall). FIG. 7(d) is a diagram showing the vehicle as viewed from the side of the vehicle, illustrating the vertical angle of view when displayed on the display device 16, which is 43 degrees left and right with respect to the shooting direction (86 degrees overall). While the rearview camera 13 is installed on the outside of the vehicle in this embodiment, it may also be installed inside the vehicle, facing rearward from the rear window, to capture images through the rear window.

[0084] The wiring for the power supply to the rearview camera 13 and the wiring for the video signal from the rearview camera 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . Power for the rearview camera 13 is supplied from a positive wiring 93 for the vehicle's reverse lamps. That is, the positive wiring 93 for the reverse lamps and a power line 81 are connected by an electrotap 80, and are then connected to the power line for the rearview camera 13 via the power line 81 and a fuse 82. The positive wiring 93 for the vehicle's reverse lamps is connected to one end of the reverse lamps and one end of a reverse position switch 92 on the shift lever, the other end of the reverse lamp 94 is connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery 91, and the other end of the reverse position switch 92 is connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery 91. One end of the ground wire 83 is connected to an unpainted existing screw or the like on the vehicle, and the other end is connected to the ground line for the rearview camera 13, and the unpainted screw on the vehicle is connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery 91. The vehicle's reverse position switch 92 is configured to be ON when the shift lever is in the reverse position and OFF when the shift lever is in any other position. As a result, while the shift lever is in the reverse position, current flows through the vehicle's reverse lamp positive wiring 93, turning on the reverse lamp 94. At this time, power is supplied to the rearview camera 13 from the electrotap 83 via the power line 81 and fuse 82. While power is being supplied, the rearview camera 13 outputs a video signal. This video signal is input to the control unit 10 via the rearview camera connector 13a connected to the rearview camera connection terminal 13b. On the other hand, while the shift lever is in any other position than the reverse position, no current flows through the vehicle's reverse lamp positive wiring 93, turning off the reverse lamp 94, and power is no longer supplied to the rearview camera 13. As a result, while the shift lever is in any other position than the reverse position, no video signal is output from the rearview camera 13, and the video signal from the rearview camera 13 is also not input to the control unit 10.

[0085] The GPS unit 12 is installed in a position in front of the dashboard, receives GPS signals, determines the current position from the received GPS signals, and sends the position information (longitude, latitude) of the determined current position, etc. to the control unit 10 as NMEA format data.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 9(a), the remote control 11 includes a first button 11p, a second button 11q, a third button 11r, a first lamp 11x, and a second lamp 12y. As shown in Fig. 9(b) with three installation patterns, the remote control 11 is fixed by using double-sided tape to attach the back side to a position that is easy for the driver to operate, such as the center console or the under cover of the instrument panel.

[0087] Display device 16 is a car navigation system, a car television, or the like, equipped with a video input terminal and a monitor display function that displays video when an NTSC signal is input from the video input terminal. When an NTSC signal is not being input from the video input terminal, display device 16 displays video using its original display function. If display device 16 is a car navigation system, this function is to draw and display a map, and if display device 16 is a car television, this function is to receive television radio waves and display television video. When display device 16 detects a transition from a state in which an NTSC signal is not being input from its video input terminal to a state in which an NTSC signal is being input, it automatically switches from the original display function to the monitor display function, and when it detects a transition from a state in which an NTSC signal is being input from the video input terminal to a state in which an NTSC signal is not being input, it automatically switches from the monitor display function to the original display function.

[0088] The acceleration sensor 20 is provided inside the main unit 1 and connected to the control unit 10. After the main unit 1 is fixed to the vehicle (for example, after fixing as shown in FIG. 4(b)), the control unit 10 performs initial setting when it detects that both the first button 11p and the second button 11q of the remote control 11 have been pressed simultaneously for two seconds or more. This initial setting is performed by moving the vehicle forward and backward in a straight line, using the acceleration sensor 20 to detect the direction of acceleration generated when this movement is made, and then detecting the correspondence between the three axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) of the acceleration sensor 20 and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the acceleration sensor 20 outputs values ​​in which the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is the X-axis, the left-right direction of the vehicle is the Y-axis, and the up-down direction of the vehicle is the Z-axis. The forward direction is defined as the positive direction of the X-axis, the leftward direction is defined as the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the upward direction is defined as the positive direction of the Z-axis. This initial setting method can be a known method. The speaker 21 is provided inside the main unit 1 and is connected to the control unit 10.

[0089] The control unit 10 includes a microcomputer with a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, etc., and is connected to each unit shown and described in FIG. 1 via interfaces that input or output signals. When the vehicle's ACC is turned on, the control unit 10 starts recording video. The control unit 10 uses a boot loader stored in ROM to load the OS and application programs stored in the flash memory onto the RAM, and executes the OS and application programs in the RAM to perform the various processes described below and realize various functions. The OS is a multitasking OS, and achieves parallel processing by switching between and executing various application programs.

[0090] When the ACC is ON, the control unit 10 acquires the NMEA data from the GPS unit 12 and the signal status of the acceleration sensor 20, brake lamp line 33, left turn signal line 32, and right turn signal line 31 as vehicle status information at any time, and performs a data and signal status recording process to record this data and signal status in a file on the memory card 2 inserted in the memory card slot 19 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 30 times per second).

[0091] The control unit 10 also performs a camera image display process in which it acquires images from the front view camera 15, rear view camera 13, and additional camera 14 as multiple images of the vehicle's surroundings and displays them on the display device 10, and a video and audio recording process in which it temporally synchronizes the vehicle status recorded by the data and signal status recording process with these images of the vehicle's surroundings and records them on the memory card 2 as reproducible data.

[0092] Control unit 10 includes, as a peripheral circuit, a video capture circuit that captures NTSC signals from front-view camera 15, rear-view camera 13, and additional camera 14 into RAM as video data. Control unit 10 also includes, as a peripheral circuit, a video memory (VRAM) and the like, and an image generation circuit that outputs drawing data drawn in the video memory as an NTSC signal to display device 16 via an electronic switch (described later).

[0093] When the ACC is ON, the control unit 10 performs a camera image display process to transfer each captured image data to the video memory and display it on the display device 16. The camera image display process performs a process to output the image from the front view camera 15 to the display device 16 as a default process. Furthermore, when the camera image display process detects that the first button 11p on the remote control 11 is pressed, the process switches the images to be transferred to the video memory and displayed on the display device 16 between the images from the front view camera 15, the additional camera 14, and the rear view camera 13, in that order.

[0094] In addition, in the camera image display processing, when a state in which a video signal is not input to the video signal from rearview camera 13 changes to a state in which a video signal is input, the video to be transferred to the video memory and displayed on display device 16 is switched to the video from rearview camera 13, and thereafter, when the video signal is no longer input to the video signal from rearview camera 13, the video to be transferred to the video memory and displayed on display device 16 is switched to the video before being switched to the video from rearview camera 13.

[0095] In this way, the driver can simply shift the shift position into reverse, as shown in Fig. 10, to have the image captured by rearview camera 13 displayed in display area 16a of display device 16, allowing the driver to check the situation behind the vehicle by looking at display device 16. In this way, based on the vehicle operation state by the driver, control unit 10 determines and outputs the image to be preferentially output to display device 16, so the driver does not need to switch images using remote control 11 while operating the vehicle, and an image of the direction in which the vehicle will be driven is output, and an appropriate image that matches the driver's intentions is displayed at the appropriate time.

[0096] The video and audio recording process is a process in which, after power is turned on, audio acquired from built-in microphone 17 and audio data acquired from external microphone 18 are recorded together with the video data captured by front-view camera 15, rear-view camera 13, and additional camera 14. The video data from front-view camera 15, rear-view camera 13, and additional camera 14 are encoded in MPEG format, with audio data acquired from built-in microphone 17 as the left channel and audio data acquired from external microphone 18 as the right channel, and then recorded into three files. Recording of these files is terminated when control unit 10 detects that the ACC power supply to the main body has been cut off. This point will be described in detail later.

[0097] The file names of the signal status files recorded in the data and signal status recording process and the three MPEG files recorded in the video and audio recording process are recorded using the date and time when recording of each file began in each process, taken from the real-time clock (clock) provided as a peripheral circuit of the microcontroller. Therefore, by reading the date and time in this file name, it is possible to identify the position of each file where the data was recorded on the same date and time. This makes it possible to play back these files while maintaining temporal synchronization.

[0098] When control unit 10 detects that second button 11q on remote control 11 has been pressed and held (continuously pressed for two seconds or more), it starts a playback process for playing back video and audio from front-view camera 15 from the beginning of the MPEG file currently being recorded (starting so-called catch-up playback, which plays back video while recording). For a certain period of time (five seconds) after the start of the playback process, as shown in Fig. 11, operation help 82, camera information 85 for the played video, playback status 84, and playback video date and time 83 are displayed superimposed on the playback video 81. These displays are also displayed for the specified period of time (three seconds) if pressing of any button on remote control 11 is detected during the playback process.

[0099] The operation help 82 indicates what processing will be performed when a button on the remote control 11 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 11 , the correspondence between the button positions on the remote control 11 and the processing content is shown when the remote control 11 in FIG. 9 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise. Pressing a button shown in black in the diagram indicates that the processing indicated by the text to the right of the button is executed. For example, in FIG. 11 , the button shown in black in the schematic diagram of the remote control 11 to the left of the portion labeled "Play / Stop / Slow Motion" corresponds to the second button 11q. Each time pressing of the second button 11q alone is detected, the screen display processing (i.e., the playback processing content of the control unit 10) switches in the order of Play → Stop → Slow Motion. The current status of the screen display processing is displayed in the playback status 84 as "Playing," "Stopped," or "Slow Motion." Camera information 85 also displays information indicating which camera recorded the currently played video. Camera information 85 displays "CAM1" when video from a file recorded by front view camera 15 is displayed, "CAM2" when video from a file recorded by additional camera 14 is displayed, and "REAR" when video from a file recorded by rear view camera 13 is displayed. Playback video date and time 83 is an area that displays the date and time of the video in the currently displayed file, and displays the recording date and time of the beginning of the file obtained from the file name and the recording date and time of the currently displayed frame based on the frame information of the file.

[0100] If pressing only the first button 11p is detected during playback processing, the file being played is switched, and video is played from the frame with the same date and time as the currently played frame. By doing this, even if the file being played is switched, the video is displayed as a continuous image in terms of time. As a result, the playback video date and time 83 also progresses continuously, even if the file being played is switched. If pressing of only the third button 11r is detected during the playback process, the playback process is ended and camera image display process is performed (playback end).

[0101] If simultaneous pressing of the second button 11q and the third button 11r is detected during playback, the file being played is switched from the currently playing file to the file immediately older than it. That is, the file name is referenced, and the file recorded immediately before the currently playing file is identified from the date and time included in the file name, and the video is played from the beginning of that file. If there is no file older than the currently playing file, the currently playing file is played from the beginning.

[0102] If simultaneous pressing of the first button 11p and the second button 11q is detected during playback, the file being played is switched from the currently playing file to the newer file. That is, the file name is referenced, and the file recorded one file after the currently playing file is identified from the date and time included in the file name, and the video of that file is played from the beginning. If there is no file newer than the currently playing file, the currently playing file is played from the beginning.

[0103] In this way, by operating remote control 11, it is possible to switch between images from front-view camera 15, additional camera 14, and rear-view camera 13 and display the desired current image on display device 16, or to play back images captured by front-view camera 15, additional camera 14, and rear-view camera 13 and already recorded on memory card 2, and by operating remote control 11, it is possible to switch between the played-back images from front-view camera 15, additional camera 14, and rear-view camera 13 and display the desired past image on display device 16. Control unit 10 performs control to switch between at least one image from the acquired vehicle surroundings images or at least one image recorded on memory card 2 to only the played-back image.

[0104] Next, the termination of the file recording mentioned above will be described in detail. File recording is terminated when the control unit 10 detects that the supply of ACC power to the main body has been cut off. Specifically, when the ACC power cutoff is detected, the OS notifies each recording process, and the process of terminating the recording of all files is executed. Therefore, each recording file is generated between the time the vehicle's power is turned on by ACCON and the time the power is turned off by ACCOFF.

[0105] When the ACC power is interrupted, the control unit 18 closes all files in this manner and then performs a playback process during power interruption. The playback process during power interruption searches for a time when acceleration changed in a predetermined pattern, going back from the current time to a past time, in the history of acceleration sensor 20 values ​​recorded on memory card 2 during the data / signal status recording process. In this embodiment, the predetermined pattern is searched for a time when forward / backward acceleration changed from less than a predetermined value to greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The control unit then reads the front-view camera video data recorded on memory card 2 for a total of 10 seconds, from 5 seconds before to 5 seconds after the searched time, expands it into memory, and outputs it as a video signal to display device 16. In this embodiment, the predetermined acceleration value is the absolute value of acceleration, which is 0.4 G. After playback of this total of 10 seconds of video has finished, the control unit 18 controls the internal battery to cut off power supply to each component, thereby turning off the power supply.

[0106] In this way, by simply operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, or in this embodiment, by simply turning off the vehicle engine, the user can view the video footage recorded on the memory card 2 from five seconds before to five seconds after the time when the absolute value of the forward / reverse acceleration changed from less than 0.4 G to 0.4 G or greater in the most recent past. Therefore, by simply turning off the engine, the user can view video footage of the most recent sudden braking or sudden acceleration before turning off the engine, without any additional operation. This easily raises the driver's awareness of safe driving while it is still fresh in their mind. Furthermore, the user can easily determine whether the video footage is properly recorded on the memory card 2 without having to operate a playback button or the like to check whether the video footage is properly played back. Furthermore, the user no longer needs to periodically operate a playback button or the like to check whether the video footage is properly played back. Furthermore, the user does not need to operate the playback button. As a result, the possibility of discovering that the video footage is not properly recorded on the memory card 2 only after a vehicle accident or other incident actually occurs and the need to play back the video footage is reduced. After the playback is complete, the power is automatically turned off, so the user does not need to perform any power-off operations, which saves time and effort.

[0107] In this embodiment, the detection of a user's vehicle operation to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is determined by determining that the user has changed the vehicle key from an engine-on state to an engine-off state by checking that the power supply to the ACC power supply has changed from on to off. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, in a push-start vehicle, it may be detected by branching a vehicle signal line that outputs information that the push start switch of the vehicle has been turned off, or that the vehicle key has been operated to turn the engine or the like off.

[0108] This device is preferably a device that is retrofitted to a vehicle after it has been shipped from the vehicle manufacturer's factory. In this embodiment, this device is distributed across multiple housings and some of its components are provided, but it is particularly preferable to house it in a single housing as much as possible. Furthermore, it is preferable to house the display device 16 in a single housing. In this embodiment, the vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle, but it may also be a special vehicle such as a forklift, or in particular a vehicle with more than four wheels.

[0109] "Installation" may be configured to be installed in the vehicle after it has been shipped from the vehicle manufacturer's factory. In this embodiment, the housing is directly attached and fixed to the interior of the vehicle with double-sided tape, but it may also be configured to be able to be fixed and installed, for example, by attaching a mounting fixture or the like attached to the housing of the device or by fixing it with screws.

[0110] In this embodiment, the cameras are the front-view camera 15, the rear-view camera 13, and the additional camera 14. However, the cameras may be at least one of a camera that captures the area in front of the vehicle, a camera that mainly captures areas other than the area in front of the vehicle, and a camera that captures the driver. While a single camera may be used, it is preferable to provide multiple cameras, as in this embodiment, and record the images from the multiple cameras in a manner that synchronizes the capture times and enables playback. For example, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to associate the image data from the cameras with time data obtained from the GPS unit 12 or the like and store each image data. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a function for simultaneously playing back the image data corresponding to the same time data stored in association with each image data. In this case, it is preferable to divide the screen into areas for playing back the images from each camera, and play back the recorded images from each camera in each area in a synchronized manner. For example, the screen can be divided into four parts, with the upper left screen area displaying the image recorded from the front view camera 15, the upper right screen area displaying the image recorded from the additional camera 14, the lower left screen area displaying the image recorded from the rear view camera 13, and the lower right screen area displaying the time data of the image being played back that was recorded by the data / signal status recording process.

[0111] In this embodiment, power is supplied to the brake light wire for the rearview camera 13, but it may also be configured to be constantly powered like other cameras, and to switch the image depending on the state of the brake light wire.

[0112] In this embodiment, video is recorded continuously from ACCON to ACCOFF, but the configuration may also be such that continuous recording is not performed, or that, while continuous recording is performed, if acceleration sensor 20 detects a state equivalent to a vehicle collision, event recording processing is performed in which the vehicle state and video of the surroundings of the vehicle acquired from front view camera 15, rear view camera 13, and additional camera 14 are recorded on memory card 2 regardless of the video being output to display device 16.

[0113] The video of the predetermined range may be a video of a continuous record, as in the present embodiment, but it is preferable to provide a video of an event record in particular. In this way, the user can automatically record the video of an event occurrence by simply cutting off the power supply from the vehicle to the device.

[0114] The event recording may be of various types other than the impact occurrence event, such as the occurrence of an impact. In addition, in this embodiment, the video from the rearview camera 15 or the like that captures the area behind the vehicle is recorded, but this is not limiting and any video may be recorded, and any vehicle operating state may be acquired and recorded.

[0115] For example, side cameras are provided to capture images of the right side and the left side of the vehicle, and the control unit 10 is connected to an in-vehicle LAN. When the control unit 10 detects from packets flowing through the in-vehicle LAN that the driver has activated the right turn signal while the vehicle is traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed (e.g., 10 km / h or less), it controls the output of the right side of the vehicle over other images and records the event as a right turn. On the other hand, when the control unit 10 detects that the left turn signal has been activated while the vehicle is traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed (e.g., 10 km / h or less), it controls the output of the left side of the vehicle over other images and records the event as a left turn. In this way, for example, when exiting a parking lot to the left or right or turning at an intersection with poor visibility, the image of the vehicle's surroundings in the direction in which the turn signal was activated while traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed is displayed on the display unit 16, and the image at that time is recorded on the memory card 2. Therefore, the driver can easily review images of previous right turns on the display unit 16 by simply turning off the engine, without performing any special operations for playback.

[0116] In this embodiment, the data is recorded on a memory card 2. The memory card 2 is preferably a non-volatile memory, and is particularly preferably a non-volatile memory having a shorter lifespan than DRAM or the like. The memory card 2 is particularly preferably a NAND flash memory. Although a memory fixed to a substrate or the like inside the housing of the device may be used instead of the memory card 2, a recording medium that is detachable from the device, as in this embodiment, is particularly preferable. In particular, as in this embodiment, a card-shaped recording medium, particularly an SD card or a micro SD card, is particularly preferable.

[0117] In this embodiment, the detection of a user's vehicle operation to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is performed based on the interruption of the supply of power from the vehicle to the main unit 1, and the main unit 1 is provided with a function to continue operation using power supplied from a backup power supply built into the main unit 1 when the supply of power from the vehicle to the main unit 1 is interrupted, and an automatic playback function to play a predetermined range of video recorded on the memory card 2 in response to the interruption of the supply of power from the vehicle power supply. In this way, when the supply of power from the vehicle to the main unit 1 is interrupted, a predetermined range of video recorded on the memory card 2 is automatically played back in the vehicle. Therefore, the user does not need to operate a playback button or the like on the device to check whether the video recorded on the recording means is being properly played back; the user can check whether the video was properly recorded on the memory card 2 simply by watching the video that is automatically played back and displayed on the display device 16 when the supply of power to the main unit 1 is interrupted.

[0118] The interruption of power supply from the vehicle power source is determined based on whether or not power is being supplied to the ACC power source. The ACC power source may be obtained by branching off from the vehicle's own wiring or the vehicle's fuse box, etc., but it is particularly preferable to configure it to receive power from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.

[0119] In this embodiment, the main unit 1 is configured to operate even when the ACC system power supply is turned off using the built-in battery, but it may also be configured to receive power from a separate external battery that serves as a backup power supply and is different from the car battery used to control the vehicle itself. For example, it may be configured to receive power from a mobile battery.

[0120] In this embodiment, the main unit 1 is configured to operate even when the ACC system power supply is turned off using an internal battery built into the main unit 1, but it may also be configured to receive power from a car battery 91 that supplies the power necessary to start the vehicle itself to each part of the vehicle, and to connect to a signal line on the vehicle side that can determine when the power supply from the vehicle has been cut off, such as the power line of the cigarette lighter socket, and determine the signal state of that signal line.

[0121] In this embodiment, the system has a function of stopping recording of video from the cameras onto memory card 2 and automatically playing back video in response to the interruption of power supply from the vehicle to main unit 1. In this embodiment, the system has a function of stopping recording of video from each camera onto memory card 2 and automatically playing back video recorded on memory card 2 of front view camera 15 in response to detection of a user vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a disabled state, such as operating the vehicle key to turn off the engine. This eliminates the need to simultaneously record video from each camera and play back the recorded video, reducing processing load and power consumption, and also enabling automatic playback of video recorded during driving before the vehicle was switched to a disabled state in response to detection of a user vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a disabled state.

[0122] In this embodiment, the power is turned off after the completion of automatic playback, but it is also possible to record images from each camera onto the memory card 2 in a parking recording mode, which is different from the driving video recording mode, which records while the vehicle is ready to drive, without turning off the power after the completion of automatic playback. This recording mode may be a well-known mode such as a parking monitoring mode.

[0123] In this way, the user can automatically play back a predetermined range of images from the recorded camera images recorded on the memory card 2 simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, and after the automatic playback is complete, recording in the parking recording mode can be automatically performed without any operation by the user.

[0124] The parking recording mode may be configured to use a recording method that reduces the device's power consumption more in the parking recording mode than in the driving video recording mode, for example, by lowering the frame rate in the parking recording mode compared to the driving video recording mode, or by recording video only when an impact is detected.

[0125] For example, it is preferable to configure the system so that, even after the automatic playback is completed, the system continues to operate using power supplied from the backup power supply, and enters a parking recording mode that enables recording of images from the camera to the memory card 2.

[0126] In this embodiment, video is played back from five seconds before to five seconds after the time at which the absolute value of the longitudinal acceleration changed in a predetermined pattern in the most recent past from the present time. However, the predetermined range of video is not limited to the most recent past. The video may also be video recorded during the period in which the vehicle was in a drivable state immediately before the user's vehicle operation to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to an undrivable state was detected. In this manner, the user can automatically play back and display on the display device 16 the video recorded during the most recent drivable state from the camera video recorded on the memory card 2 simply by operating the vehicle to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to an undrivable state. Therefore, when the user switches the vehicle to an undrivable state, the user can automatically and easily check the video of the driving in the most recent driving unit between the time the vehicle was switched from a drivable state to an undrivable state. Therefore, for example, the user can easily check from the driver's seat immediately whether their driving was appropriate by looking at the video while their memory of their driving is still fresh. For example, it may be provided with a function to display an image of a predetermined period within the vehicle power supply range, from just before the power supply from the vehicle to the main unit 1 is cut off to the point at which the power supply from the vehicle to the main unit 1 is started.

[0127] Furthermore, if there is no target video recorded during the period when the vehicle was in a drivable state immediately before the user's vehicle operation to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state is detected, a function may be provided to sequentially search and play back video recorded in the previous vehicle power supply range. For example, if the target video is an event-recorded video, the "predetermined period" may be a function to search back to the video if an event record exists during the current driving period, or to search back to the previous driving period if no event record exists during the current driving period. For example, when using a car to commute from home to work, if the driver starts the engine at work on the way home from work today and turns it off when he or she gets home, if there is no event record for the target video during that period, the system may search back to the area where the engine was started at home on the way to work today and turned off when he or she got home. If there is no event record in this area either, the system may search and play back video from the previous day when he or she returned home, the previous day when he or she left for work, etc.

[0128] For example, if there is no video from a specified period recorded on memory card 2 within the vehicle power supply range, it is desirable to have a function to search memory card 2 for video recorded in an earlier vehicle power supply range and play it back and display it on display device 16.

[0129] In this embodiment, the video for the predetermined period is continuously recorded video, but it is also preferable to include event-recorded video. In this way, the user can automatically play back and display on the display device 16 a predetermined range of event-recorded video from the recorded camera video recorded on the memory card 2 simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state.

[0130] Event recording may be configured to record when it is detected that a signal from a sensor or switch has changed to a predetermined state. For example, the video to be recorded when it is determined that an event has occurred may be video that includes the time when the event occurred, and may be a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 15 seconds) including a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 15 seconds) before the event occurred and a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 20 seconds) after the event occurred (e.g., 15 seconds + 20 seconds = 35 seconds).

[0131] The user can automatically play back a predetermined range of video from the event-recorded video recorded in the recording means simply by operating the vehicle to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. It is preferable to provide a function for playing back only a part of the event recorded video, rather than playing back the entire range of the recording time recorded corresponding to the event.

[0132] In this way, the user can quickly grasp the overview of the video recorded in the vehicle. In particular, when the user performs a vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, there is a possibility that the user will get off the vehicle in a relatively short time. The user can easily check the overview of the video in a short time until the user gets off the vehicle.

[0133] For example, if an event recording is configured to record a total of 35 seconds of video, including 15 seconds before the event and 20 seconds after the event, it is recommended to play back a partial range of, for example, 10 seconds before the event and 5 seconds after the event, for a total of 15 seconds. In particular, if the number of seconds played back before the event is longer than the number of seconds played back after the event, it is preferable because this increases the likelihood that the video at the time of the event will be visible even if the viewer is unable to turn their eyes to the display means immediately after playback begins.

[0134] As a partial range, it is recommended that the video length be within 15 seconds. This will allow you to easily upload the video to social media platforms such as TikTok by taking a photo of the video with your smartphone.

[0135] It is preferable to be able to set the number of seconds for a certain range of video. In particular, it is preferable to have a function that stores the number of seconds for each type of SNS in advance in the device, and allows the user to select the type of SNS and set the number of seconds to play as a certain range. As a function for playing back only a partial range, it is preferable to provide a function for setting the playback start position of the event-recorded video.

[0136] For example, it is recommended to start playback from a position a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 5 seconds) after the beginning of the event recording. For example, it is recommended to have a function to set how many seconds before or after the event occurrence position (e.g., trigger position) as the starting point.

[0137] It is preferable to provide a function for continuously playing back video of a plurality of recorded events, so that the user can automatically and continuously play back video of a plurality of recorded events from the camera that have been recorded in the recording means, simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. In particular, it would be good to have a function for continuously playing back portions of multiple videos.

[0138] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a function for prompting the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played back by the automatic playback function during the playback process at power-off, and a function for determining whether the recording means is normal or abnormal based on the input result. For example, if pressing of the first button 11p is detected during playback during the playback process at power-off, the video being played back is determined to be normal, and if pressing of the second button 11q is detected, the video being played back is determined to be abnormal. In this way, every time a vehicle operation is performed to switch the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state, the recorded video from the camera recorded on the memory card 2 can be automatically played back, and the user can input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played back by the automatic playback function, and the normality or abnormality of the memory card 2 can be determined based on the input result.

[0139] In particular, the function of prompting the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played by the automatic playback function may be a function of inputting an instruction indicating that the user has viewed the video, especially when the video has simply been played back automatically. For example, the function of inputting an instruction indicating that the user has viewed the video may be assigned to the first button 11p. At least the range in which this instruction is input can be determined to be normal.

[0140] Before playing the video using the automatic playback function, it is advisable to make a notification instructing the user to operate the video once it has been played. For example, the control unit 10 may start automatic playback after making a notification by outputting audio from the speaker 21 and displaying a character string on the display device 16, such as "Today's driving event video will now be played. If playback is complete, press the button above!"

[0141] It is preferable to provide a function for prompting the user to input whether there are any abnormalities in the video played back by the automatic playback function, associate the input result with information for identifying the area of ​​memory card 2 that was played back and store it as a history on memory card 2, and provide a function for determining whether memory card 2 is normal or abnormal based on the history. In this way, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the recording means is normal or abnormal.

[0142] The control unit 10 may be configured to associate the input result with information for identifying the area of ​​the memory card 2 that was reproduced and record it as a history on the memory card 2, and to determine whether the card is normal or abnormal based on this history. For example, when it detects that a button has been pressed, it may record a history indicating that recording was normal (for example, the date and time and the reproduced sector number, etc.) and make a determination based on this history. Conversely, when it detects that a button has been pressed, it may record a history indicating that recording was not normal (for example, the date and time and the reproduced sector number, etc.) on the memory card 2 and make a determination based on this history.

[0143] If the automatically played video is distorted or completely black, the user may be prompted to input this fact using the second button 11q or the like. This playback range may be marked as a defective area and stored in the memory card 2, so that no further writing will be performed to this marked area. Furthermore, a notification may be issued from the speaker 21, the display device 16, or the like to prompt the user to take a predetermined action, such as to inform the user that the memory card 2 may be defective and needs to be replaced.

[0144] If an abnormality is determined, it is preferable to provide a function for displaying information including a URL for information regarding replacement of memory card 2 on display device 16. In this way, the user can immediately obtain information including a URL for information regarding replacement of the recording means in the vehicle. The information including a URL for information regarding replacement of the recording means may display a URL or QR code for a website where a memory card 2 with the product number recommended for the device can be purchased, or may display a message indicating that the memory card 2 needs to be replaced. In this way, it is easy to immediately head to a store or the like for purchasing memory card 2 while remaining in the vehicle, and the problem of the vehicle camera not recording video due to an abnormality in memory card 2 can be extremely quickly resolved.

[0145] Furthermore, a function may be provided in which test writing is performed on an area surrounding an area in which an image determined to be abnormal is recorded, to determine whether or not there is a high possibility of a malfunction in memory card 2. This makes it possible to more reliably determine whether or not there is an abnormality in memory card 2. For example, in this embodiment, the time when the acceleration in the forward / backward direction changed from less than a predetermined value to greater than or equal to a predetermined value is searched for, and the front-view camera recorded image data for a total of 10 seconds from 5 seconds before the searched time to 5 seconds after the searched time is read, expanded in memory, and output as a video signal to display device 16. However, if FAT is used as the file system of memory card 2, for example, a search may be made for a sector before or after each sector in which this total of 10 seconds of image is recorded (in FAT, sectors may be recorded discontinuously, and the sector in which the image is recorded is recorded in a management area, etc.), which is an empty sector in which no other file is recorded, and writing and reading are performed on the searched sector, and if the written data and the read data match, it is determined to be normal, and if they do not match, it is determined to be abnormal.

[0146] Similarly, for example, data may be test-written in the area surrounding an area marked as abnormal to determine whether or not there is an abnormality based on whether there is an abnormality in most of the recording means or whether the area that is being reproduced just happens to be damaged.

[0147] The system may include a function that allows the user to input whether or not to erase video played by the automatic playback function, and a function that erases the automatically played video when the instruction to erase is input. For example, if the third button 11r is pressed during playback by the automatic playback function or before power-off processing is performed after playback, the video may be erased. The range to be erased may be the range played back, but particularly if the video is recorded to a file in predetermined time intervals, the file may be deleted, including the automatically played range. When an event recording is automatically played back, the entire event recording, including the playback range, may be erased. This configuration allows unnecessary video stored on the memory card 2 to be quickly erased in the vehicle, thereby extending the available recording time. For example, a notification asking whether to erase the played back video may be output to the speaker 21 and display device 16, and the played back video may be erased if an instruction to erase is input using the third button 11r within a predetermined time (within 10 seconds). The first to third buttons may be assigned different functions depending on whether the playback process is performed by a normal user operation or when the playback process is performed when the power is cut off.

[0148] The autoplay function may include a function for automatically playing different ranges of video in succession, a function for prompting the user to input whether or not to erase the video played in succession by the autoplay function, and a function for erasing the range of video played in succession by the autoplay function when an instruction to erase is input. This allows different ranges of video played in succession to be easily and quickly erased with a single operation. For example, when video is played in succession by autoplay, the user may be asked by voice output from the speaker 20 and by displaying text on the display device 16 whether or not to erase all of the video played in succession. If an instruction to erase is input within a predetermined time (10 seconds) using the third button 11r, the series of videos may be erased in succession.

[0149] The automatic playback function may be provided with a function for playing back images from multiple cameras recorded on the memory card 2 so that they are simultaneously displayed on the display device 16. The multiple cameras may be, for example, both a rear camera and a front camera.

[0150] A communication module such as LTE or WiFi may be connected to the control unit 10 to provide an Internet connection function. Alternatively, or in addition to the automatic playback function, an automatic SNS upload function may be provided. The automatic SNS upload function searches for the time when longitudinal acceleration changes from less than a predetermined value to greater than or equal to a predetermined value, reads a total of 10 seconds of video data recorded on the front view camera memory card 2 from 5 seconds before to 5 seconds after the searched time, and uploads the data to a predetermined SNS on the Internet. In this way, a user can automatically upload a predetermined range of video from the camera recorded in the recording means to the SNS simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. This eliminates the user's need to operate a playback button or the like on the device to upload the video recorded on the memory card 2. Moreover, the video uploaded to the SNS can be easily viewed on a smartphone or other device, eliminating the need for the user to periodically operate a playback button or the like on the device to check whether the video recorded in the recording means is playing properly. This also eliminates the user's need to operate a playback button or the like on the device. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that it will be discovered that the video has not been properly recorded in the recording means only when a vehicle accident or the like actually occurs and it becomes necessary to play back the video. For example, in addition to the above conditions, the SNS message may be updated when communication is established, such as when the car is parked in a garage at home and connected to home WiFi.

[0151] The vehicle may be equipped with a Wi-Fi smartphone connection function and an automatic smartphone upload function that automatically uploads video to the smartphone instead of or in addition to the automatic playback function. In this way, the user can automatically upload a predetermined range of video from the camera recorded on the memory card 2 to the smartphone simply by operating the vehicle to switch from a drivable state to a non-drivable state. This eliminates the need for the user to operate a playback button or the like on the device to upload the video recorded on the recording means. Furthermore, since the video uploaded to the smartphone can be easily viewed on the smartphone, the user does not need to periodically check whether the video recorded on the memory card 2 is being played properly by operating a playback button or the like on the device. This also eliminates the need for the user to operate a playback button on the device. As a result, the possibility of discovering that the video was not properly recorded on the recording means only after a vehicle accident or other incident occurs and the need to play back the video is reduced. For example, the vehicle may be equipped with a smartphone connection function that automatically uploads the video to the smartphone's camera roll.

[0152] The functions of the remote control 11 may be realized by a smartphone app rather than a remote control, with information being exchanged between the smartphone and the device via communication such as Wi-Fi. A smartphone app having the functions of the first button 11p, the second button 11q, the third button 11r, the first lamp 11x, and the second lamp 12y may be provided. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to displaying on the display device 16, data expanded in memory may be sent to the smartphone app to display an image. Each of the above-described functions and processes may be configured as a program for realizing and executing on a computer.

[0153] According to this embodiment, regardless of the video being output to display device 16, the acquired vehicle state and multiple images of the vehicle's surroundings acquired from front-view camera 15, rear-view camera 13, and additional camera 14 are recorded on memory card 2. In this way, multiple images of the vehicle's surroundings at the time of a collision can be reliably recorded.

[0154] When playing back the data of the vehicle surroundings video recorded on the memory card 2, it is preferable to provide a function for playing back the video by flipping it horizontally or vertically. In this way, even if the camera capturing the vehicle surroundings video is installed upside down, the video can be played back in the correct orientation. Also, for example, video captured by a rearview camera that outputs a video signal for a horizontally inverted video can be played back by flipping it horizontally.

[0155] It is preferable to configure the system so that the driver's vehicle operation status, the acquired vehicle status, and multiple vehicle surroundings images are synchronized in time and recorded as reproducible data on the memory card 2. For example, by recording the shift position as the driver's vehicle operation status, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle has collided while backing up, whether the engine brake is being applied on a downhill slope, whether the vehicle is stopped, whether the gear is in neutral or park (eco-driving), etc. Then, it is preferable to perform a process of recording information indicating the image preferentially output to the display device 16, the driver's vehicle operation status, the acquired vehicle status, and multiple vehicle surroundings images as reproducible data on the memory card 2 in time synchronization.

[0156] The data recorded on the memory card 2 can be played back by removing the memory card 2 from the memory card slot 19, inserting it into a personal computer, and using a program on the personal computer. Processing by the program on the personal computer causes a viewer screen 100, for example, as shown in Fig. 12 to be displayed. As shown in Fig. 12, the viewer screen 100 includes a menu bar 101, a display area 102, a display switching button 103, a volume knob 104, a speed display 105, a brake blinker display 106, an acceleration display 107, a latitude and longitude display 108, display operation buttons 109, an acceleration sensor graph 110, a date and time display 111, a map 112, and a playlist list 113.

[0157] Display area 102 includes front-view camera video playback area 102a, additional camera video playback area 102b, and rear-view camera video playback area 102c. When playing back data of vehicle surroundings video from the front-view camera, additional camera, and rear-view camera recorded on memory card 2, the area has a function for playing back the video by flipping it horizontally or vertically. Right-clicking front-view camera video playback area 102a, additional camera video playback area 102b, or rear-view camera video playback area 102c switches the playback video in the following order: horizontal flip, vertical flip, horizontal / vertical flip, or no flip.

[0158] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the system so that a predetermined display is performed to indicate the video that is preferentially output to display device 16 from among the multiple vehicle surroundings videos being played back, based on the information indicating the video that is preferentially output to display device 16. In this way, it is possible to easily determine which video was displayed on display device 16 when the video is later played back on a playback device such as a personal computer. For example, the start and end dates and times when video from the rearview camera is input are recorded, and the outer frame of rearview camera video playback area 102c is highlighted while the video from those dates and times is being played back.

[0159] Although the viewer screen 100 is a screen displayed on a personal computer, it may also be configured to be output to the screen of a navigation device installed in a vehicle, to the screen of the smartphone app mentioned above, or to the display device 16.

[0160] Although the present invention has been described above using examples, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. The examples described in the above embodiments may be combined in any combination, and various changes or improvements may be made. Furthermore, the claims, background art, problems to be solved by the invention, and means for solving the problems may be appropriately applied to each embodiment, and the technical common sense of a person skilled in the art may be applied to create an embodiment.

[0161] 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.

[0162] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention also intends to obtain rights to these configurations through amendments or divisional applications of the present application. Even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the present invention intends to obtain rights to them.

[0163] 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]

[0164] 2 memory cards 10 Control Unit 11 Remote Control 12 GPS units 13 Rearview camera 14 Additional Camera 15 Front view camera 16 Display device 17 Built-in microphone 18 External Microphone 19 Memory card slot 20 Acceleration sensor 21 Speaker

Claims

1. A device having a function of inputting an image from a camera installed in a vehicle and recording it in a recording means, a function of detecting a user's vehicle operation for switching the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state; Stopping the recording of the video from the camera to the recording means in response to detecting a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state; an automatic playback function for playing back a predetermined range of video from the video recorded in the recording means; After the automatic playback is completed, the device enters a parking recording mode that records differently from the driving video recording mode that records when the vehicle is in a drivable state, and has the function of recording the video from the camera to the recording means.

2. The device described in Claim 1, wherein the parking recording mode, which records differently from the driving video recording mode that records when the vehicle is in a drivable state and is entered after the automatic playback is completed, is a mode that records video only when an impact is detected.

3. The camera installed in the vehicle includes a front view camera and another camera, Stopping the recording of the images from each camera in the recording means in response to detecting a user's vehicle operation that switches the vehicle from a drivable state to a non-drivable state; 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic playback function for playing back a predetermined range of video from the front view camera among the recorded video recorded in the recording means.

4. The camera installed in the vehicle includes a front view camera and another camera, Alternatively or in addition to the automatic playback function, 4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a function for reading out video data recorded in said storage means of the front view camera and uploading the data to the Internet.

5. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images