On-vehicle imaging device and computer program

Abstract

To improve a convenience in making a call to a call destination such as a call center.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle imaging device (100) comprises: an impact detection unit (104) for detecting an impact on a vehicle; an operation detection unit (108) for detecting an operation by a user; and a connection processing unit (107) for connecting with a call destination even if the detection unit does not detect an operation for making connection to the call destination when the impact detected by the impact detection unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and connecting with the call destination when the impact is less than the predetermined value and the detection unit detects the operation for making connection to the call destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle imaging device and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some in-vehicle imaging devices, such as drive recorders, have a function to notify a call center when an accident occurs. Some in-vehicle imaging devices also have a function to notify a call center when a call button is pressed. When the call button is pressed, it is assumed that the situation is not as urgent as an accident.

[0003] Regarding technology for transmitting emergency information to the outside when an emergency such as an accident occurs while driving a vehicle, there is known technology that can transmit emergency information even in situations where it is impossible to press the transmission switch (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-202579 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Consider a case where the call center contacted when an accident occurs is the same as the call center contacted when the call button is pressed. In this case, because there are many calls to the same call center, there is a risk that even if someone who needs to make a call calls to the call center, they will not be able to get through because the call center is busy. In addition, because calls are made to the same call center, there is a risk that the call center will be overloaded.

[0006] Since the inquiries made in the event of an accident are not the same as those made in the event of a non-accident, it may be difficult to get a response even if you connect to the same call center.

[0007] An object of the present embodiment is to provide an in-vehicle imaging device and a computer program that can improve convenience when making a call to a destination such as a call center.

[0008] This embodiment is an in-vehicle imaging device that includes an impact detection unit that detects an impact on the vehicle, an operation detection unit that detects operations by a previous user, and a connection processing unit that connects to the call destination when the impact detected by the impact detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, even if the detection unit does not detect an operation to connect to the call destination, and that connects to the call destination when the impact is less than the predetermined value and the detection unit detects an operation to connect to the call destination.

[0009] This embodiment is a computer program that causes a computer to execute the steps of detecting an impact to a vehicle, connecting to the call destination without detecting an operation to connect to the call destination if the detected impact is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and connecting to the call destination if the impact is less than the predetermined value and an operation to connect to the call destination is detected.

[0010] This embodiment is an in-vehicle imaging device that includes an impact detection unit that detects an impact on the vehicle, an operation detection unit that detects user operations, and a connection processing unit that creates a request addressed to a relay server when the impact detected by the impact detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, even if the detection unit does not detect an operation to connect to the destination of the call, and that creates the request when the impact is less than the predetermined value and the detection unit detects an operation to connect to the destination of the call.

[0011] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve convenience when making a call to a destination such as a call center. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device and a server device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the information processing system according to the modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to the modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of an in-vehicle imaging device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of an in-vehicle imaging device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Next, an in-vehicle imaging device and a computer program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0014] In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0015] Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0016] (First embodiment) (Information Processing System) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an in-vehicle image capture device 100-1, an in-vehicle image capture device 100-2, ..., an in-vehicle image capture device 100-n (n is an integer greater than 0), a call center 200-1, a call center 200-2, and a call center 200-3.

[0017] The in-vehicle imaging device 100-1, the in-vehicle imaging device 100-2, . . . , the in-vehicle imaging device 100-n, the call center 200-1, the call center 200-2, and the call center 200-3 communicate with each other via a network NW.

[0018] The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a provider device, a wireless base station, and the like.

[0019] In-vehicle imaging device 100-1 is mounted on vehicle 50-1. In-vehicle imaging device 100-1 is used by user U-1. In-vehicle imaging device 100-2 is mounted on vehicle 50-2. In-vehicle imaging device 100-2 is used by user U-2. In-vehicle imaging device 100-n is mounted on vehicle 50-n. In-vehicle imaging device 100-n is used by user Un.

[0020] Hereinafter, any one of the vehicles 50-1 to 50-n will be referred to as vehicle 50. Any one of the vehicle-mounted imaging devices 100-1 to 100-n will be referred to as vehicle-mounted imaging device 100, and a user who uses vehicle-mounted imaging device 100 will be referred to as user U.

[0021] The in-vehicle imaging device 100 captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 50 on which the in-vehicle imaging device 100 is mounted. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100 detects an impact on the vehicle 50, it connects to the call center 200-1, which is the first call destination, if the impact is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and connects to the call center 200-2, which is the second call destination, if the impact is less than the predetermined value. However, the in-vehicle imaging device 100 connects to the call center 200-2 if it detects an operation by a user U to connect to the call destination.

[0022] When the in-vehicle imaging device 100 detects an aggressive vehicle traveling around the vehicle 50 at a predetermined distance or less for a predetermined period of time or more, the in-vehicle imaging device 100 connects the call destination to the third call destination, call center 200-3. However, the in-vehicle imaging device 100 connects to the call center 200-3 when it detects an operation by a user U to connect to the call destination. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100 detects an operation by a user U to connect to the call destination, if it has not detected an aggressive vehicle around the vehicle 50, it may connect to the fourth call destination, call center 200-4.

[0023] The in-vehicle imaging device 100 included in the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0024] (In-vehicle imaging device 100) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0025] The in-vehicle image capture device 100 includes a communication unit 101, an image capture unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a switching unit 105, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107, an operation detection unit 108, and a storage unit 110.

[0026] An example of the in-vehicle imaging device 100 is a drive recorder. The in-vehicle imaging device 100 is an in-vehicle video recording device. The in-vehicle imaging device 100 is installed in a vehicle 50 primarily for the purpose of recording the situation when a car accident occurs. The in-vehicle imaging device 100 records the situation outside or inside and outside the vehicle using an imaging unit 102 attached to the windshield or dashboard.

[0027] The communication unit 101 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 101 communicates with external communication devices such as call centers 200-1 to 200-3 via a network NW. The communication unit 101 may communicate using a mobile communication system such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark) or a wireless communication system such as a wireless LAN. The communication unit 101 communicates between the call centers 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3.

[0028] The imaging unit 102 acquires an image using an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). For example, the imaging unit 102 has a lens, an aperture control mechanism, a shutter speed control mechanism, a focus control mechanism, and the like to adjust input light. The imaging unit 102 also has a gain control mechanism such as an amplifier and an A / D converter to adjust the electrical characteristics of the imaging element. The imaging unit 102 also has an output I / F and a timing generator for each partial coordination. The imaging unit 102 outputs the image data to the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106.

[0029] The storage unit 110 is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 110 acquires the video data output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 and records the acquired video data.

[0030] The impact detection unit 104 acquires impact information. The impact detection unit 104 acquires information that identifies an impact detected by an impact sensor (not shown). An example of an impact sensor is an acceleration sensor, which is mounted on the in-vehicle image capture device 100. Below, as an example, the explanation will continue assuming that the impact sensor is configured as an acceleration sensor. The impact sensor acquires information that identifies acceleration. The impact sensor creates impact information that includes information that identifies the acquired acceleration, and outputs the created impact information to the impact detection unit 104.

[0031] The impact detection unit 104 determines whether a medium impact or a large impact has been detected based on information specifying acceleration included in the acquired impact information. The impact detection unit 104 determines that a medium impact has been detected when the acceleration is equal to or greater than a first acceleration threshold and less than a second acceleration threshold (first acceleration threshold≦acceleration<second acceleration threshold), and creates impact detection information including information specifying that a medium impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 determines that a large impact has been detected when the acceleration is equal to or greater than the second acceleration threshold (second acceleration threshold≦acceleration), and creates impact detection information including information specifying that a large impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 outputs the created impact detection information to the switching unit 105. An example of the first acceleration threshold is 3G, and an example of the second threshold is 5G. However, these are merely examples and the values ​​are not limited to these.

[0032] The switching unit 105 switches the call destination between call center 200-1 and call center 200-3. The switching unit 105 normally sets the call destination to call center 200-1 for the connection processing unit 107. The switching unit 105 acquires the impact detection information output by the impact detection unit 104. If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a medium impact has been detected, the switching unit 105 creates a switching request requesting the connection processing unit 107 to switch the call destination to call center 200-2, and outputs the created switching request to the connection processing unit 107. If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a large impact has been detected, the switching unit 105 outputs a call request to the connection processing unit 107.

[0033] The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 acquires the video data output by the imaging unit 102 and processes the acquired video data to detect vehicles around the vehicle 50. When the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects a vehicle around the vehicle 50, it determines whether the surrounding vehicle is an aggressive vehicle that has been traveling around the vehicle 50 for a predetermined time or more at a predetermined distance or less. When the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects a vehicle that is an aggressive vehicle, it stores the video data in the memory unit 110 and creates dangerous vehicle detection information including information specifying that a vehicle that is an aggressive vehicle has been detected. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 outputs the created dangerous vehicle detection information to the switching unit 105.

[0034] Tailgating includes violations of traffic division rules, violations of sudden braking rules, failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, violations of lane change rules, violations of overtaking rules, violations of obligations such as dimming lights, violations of restrictions on the use of horns, violations of safe driving obligations, violations of minimum speed limits (on expressways), and violations of parking and stopping rules on expressways, etc. For example, a vehicle that is snaking around vehicle 50 violates the safe driving obligation.

[0035] The switching unit 105 acquires the reckless vehicle detection information output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. Based on the acquired reckless vehicle detection information, the switching unit 105 creates a switching request to request the connection processing unit 107 to switch the call destination to the call center 200-3, and outputs the created switching request to the connection processing unit 107.

[0036] The connection processing unit 107 acquires the switching request output by the switching unit 105, and sets the call destination to the call destination requested by the switching request based on the acquired switching request. When the connection processing unit 107 acquires a connection request output by the switching unit 105 in a state in which a switching request has not been acquired, the connection processing unit 107 creates a call request addressed to the set first call destination (call center 200-1). The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created call request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the call request output by the connection processing unit 107, and transmits the acquired call request to the call center 200-1.

[0037] The operation detection unit 108 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, detects touch operations on a screen displayed on a display unit (not shown), and outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the connection processing unit 107. The touch panel includes a call button and an emergency button. The touch operations include a connection operation and the like.

[0038] The connection processing unit 107 creates a connection request addressed to the set destination (call center 200-2 or call center 200-3) when it acquires the detection result of the operation to connect output by the operation detection unit 108. The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107 and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200-1.

[0039] When the connection processing unit 107 receives a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108 and the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 has not detected a reckless vehicle, the connection processing unit 107 may create a connection request addressed to the call center 200-4. The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0040] The impact detection unit 104, the switching unit 105, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, the connection processing unit 107, and the operation detection unit 108 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0041] (Operation of information processing system 1) FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a first example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 mainly shows an example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted image capture device 100. Fig. 3 shows the operation when the vehicle 50 receives an impact.

[0042] (Step S1-1) In the vehicle-mounted imaging device 100 , the impact sensor 103 acquires information that specifies the acceleration of the vehicle 50 .

[0043] (Step S2-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, the impact sensor creates impact information including information specifying acceleration and outputs the created impact information to the impact detection unit 104. The impact detection unit 104 acquires the impact information output by the impact sensor. Based on the information specifying acceleration included in the acquired impact information, the impact detection unit 104 determines whether an acceleration equal to or greater than a first acceleration threshold has been detected within a predetermined time period, thereby determining whether a medium impact has been detected. If the impact detection unit 104 has not detected an acceleration equal to or greater than the first acceleration threshold, the process returns to step S1-1.

[0044] (Step S3-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, when a medium impact is detected by detecting acceleration equal to or greater than a first acceleration threshold, the impact detection unit 104 determines whether a medium impact or a large impact has been detected.

[0045] (Step S4-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, when the impact detection unit 104 determines that a major impact has been detected, it creates impact detection information including information specifying that a major impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 outputs the created impact detection information to the switching unit 105. The switching unit 105 acquires the impact detection information output by the impact detection unit 104. If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a major impact has been detected, the switching unit 105 outputs a call request to the connection processing unit 107. The connection processing unit 107 acquires the call request output by the switching unit 105. Based on the acquired call request, the connection processing unit 107 creates a call request addressed to the set first call destination (call center 200-1). The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created call request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the call request output by the connection processing unit 107 and transmits the acquired call request to the call center 200-1. As a result, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 is connected to the first destination (call center 200-1).

[0046] (Step S5-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, when the impact detection unit 104 determines that a medium impact has been detected, it creates impact detection information including information specifying that a medium impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 outputs the created impact detection information to the switching unit 105. The switching unit 105 acquires the impact detection information output by the impact detection unit 104. If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a medium impact has been detected, the switching unit 105 creates a switching request to request the connection processing unit 107 to switch the call destination to the call center 200-2, and outputs the created switching request to the connection processing unit 107. The connection processing unit 107 acquires the switching request output by the switching unit 105, and switches the call destination to the call center 200-2 based on the acquired switching request.

[0047] (Step S6-1) In the in-vehicle image pickup device 100, the connection processing unit 107 determines whether or not the detection result of the call operation output by the operation detection unit 108 has been acquired.

[0048] (Step S7-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, when the connection processing unit 107 acquires the detection result of the operation to make a call output by the operation detection unit 108, it creates a connection request addressed to the set second call destination (call center 200-2). The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107 and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200-2. As a result, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 connects to the second call destination (call center 200-2).

[0049] (Step S8-1) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, the connection processing unit 107 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed when it does not receive a detection result of a call operation from the operation detection unit 108. If the connection processing unit 107 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-1, and if it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6-1. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0050] The above assumes that the user performs an operation to make a call after an impact occurs. However, since an impact may be detected after the user performs an operation to make a call, the following processing may also be used. When the user performs an operation to make a call, the operation detection unit 108 detects the operation to make a call and stores the time when the operation to make a call was detected in the storage unit 110. Thereafter, the impact detection unit 104 detects the impact and stores the time when the impact was detected in the storage unit 110. When the connection processing unit 107 acquires the detection result of the operation to make a call output from the operation detection unit 108, it compares the time when the operation to make a call was detected with the time when the impact was detected, both stored in the storage unit 110. If the difference between the time when the operation to make a call was detected and the time when the impact was detected is within a predetermined time, a connection is made to the first call destination (call center 200-1) if a large impact was detected, or to the second call destination (call center 200-2) if a medium impact was detected. The predetermined time is preferably within one minute, and more preferably within 10 seconds.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 mainly shows an example of the operation of the in-vehicle image capture device 100. Fig. 4 shows the operation when the in-vehicle image capture device 100 detects vehicles around the vehicle 50.

[0052] (Step S1-2) In the in-vehicle imaging device 100, the imaging unit 102 outputs video data to the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 acquires the video data output by the imaging unit 102 and processes the acquired video data to detect vehicles surrounding the vehicle 50. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 determines whether or not the surrounding vehicles are aggressive vehicles. If the surrounding vehicles are not aggressive vehicles, the process returns to step S1-2.

[0053] (Step S2-2) In the in-vehicle imaging device 100, when the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 determines that a surrounding vehicle is an abusive vehicle, it creates reckless vehicle detection information including information specifying that a vehicle that is an abusive vehicle has been detected. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 outputs the created reckless vehicle detection information to the switching unit 105. The switching unit 105 acquires the reckless vehicle detection information output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. Based on the acquired reckless vehicle detection information, the switching unit 105 switches the call destination to the third call destination, call center 200-3, for the connection processing unit 107.

[0054] (Step S3-2) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, the connection processing unit 107 determines whether or not a detection result of a connection operation has been acquired from the operation detection unit .

[0055] (Step S4-2) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, when the connection processing unit 107 acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, it creates a connection request addressed to the set third destination (call center 200-3). The connection processing unit 107 outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107 and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200-3. As a result, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 connects to the third destination (call center 200-3).

[0056] (Step S5-2) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100, the connection processing unit 107 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed when it does not receive a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108. If the connection processing unit 107 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-2, and if it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3-2. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0057] While the above assumes that the user initiates a call operation after tailgating, it is also possible that tailgating is detected after the user initiates a call operation. Specifically, this is assumed to be the case when another vehicle is being tailgated and the vehicle itself is likely to be tailgated next. For example, this may be the case when a tailgating vehicle is traveling within a predetermined distance of a vehicle surrounding vehicle 50 included in the video data output by imaging unit 102. In such a case, the following processing may be performed. When the user initiates a call operation, operation detection unit 108 detects the call operation and stores the time the call operation was detected in memory unit 110. Thereafter, surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects tailgating and stores the time the tailgating was detected in memory unit 110. When connection processing unit 107 obtains the call operation detection result output by operation detection unit 108, it compares the time the call operation was detected, stored in memory unit 110, with the time the tailgating was detected. If the difference between the time when the call operation is detected and the time when tailgating is detected is within a predetermined time, the connection processing unit 107 connects to the set third call destination (call center 200-3). After acquiring the call operation detection result output by the operation detection unit 108, if the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 does not detect tailgating even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the connection processing unit 107 may connect to the fourth call destination, call center 200-4. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the connection processing unit 107 in the in-vehicle image capture device 100 connects to the second call destination (call center 200-2) or the third call destination (call center 200-3) when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination. However, this is not limiting. For example, the connection processing unit 107 may connect to the first call destination (call center 200-1) when a request from the first call destination (call center 200-1) is received, or may connect to the second call destination (call center 200-2) when a request from the second call destination (call center 200-2) is received, or may connect to the third call destination (call center 200-3) when a request from the third call destination (call center 200-3) is received. Specifically, when an emergency button on the in-vehicle image capture device 100 is pressed, a notification is sent to the call center. The call center calls the in-vehicle image capture device 100 that sent the notification and connects to the in-vehicle image capture device 100. At this time, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 that has received the notification may respond by pressing an emergency button or a call button on a touch panel as if picking up a receiver, or may be connected immediately without this action.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing system 1 includes three call centers. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing system 1 may include four or more call centers. Specifically, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 may determine whether the vehicle 50 has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or whether the vehicle 50 has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The in-vehicle image capture device 100 may switch the call destination to a fourth call destination when it detects that the vehicle 50 has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The in-vehicle image capture device 100 may connect to the fourth call destination when it detects a connection operation.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0061] The in-vehicle imaging device 100a includes a communication unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a switching unit 105a, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107, an operation detection unit 108, a memory unit 110, and a vehicle situation detection unit 111.

[0062] The vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50 has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or that the vehicle 50 has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination. When the vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50 has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or that the vehicle 50 has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, the vehicle status detection unit 111 creates vehicle status information including information specifying that the vehicle 50 has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or information specifying that the vehicle 50 has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The vehicle status detection unit 111 outputs the created vehicle status information to the switching unit 105a. The vehicle status detection unit 111 acquires information necessary for the above processing from the car navigation system (not shown).

[0063] The switching unit 105a can be the same as the switching unit 105. However, the switching unit 105a acquires vehicle status information output by the vehicle status detection unit 111. Based on the acquired vehicle status information, the switching unit 105a creates a switching request to request the connection processing unit 107 to switch the destination to the fourth destination, and outputs the created switching request to the connection processing unit 107.

[0064] The connection processing unit 107 acquires the switching request output by the switching unit 105a, and sets the call destination to the fourth call destination requested in the switching request based on the acquired switching request. The connection processing unit 107 connects to the fourth call destination that is set when the connection request is acquired from the switching unit 105a.

[0065] Furthermore, the in-vehicle image capturing device 100 may determine whether the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific place, and may also determine whether there is a specific object around the vehicle 50. The in-vehicle image capturing device 100 may switch the call destination to a fifth call destination when it determines that the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific place or that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50. The in-vehicle image capturing device 100 may connect to the fifth call destination when it detects an operation to connect.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0067] The in-vehicle imaging device 100aa includes a communication unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a switching unit 105aa, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107, an operation detection unit 108, a memory unit 110, a vehicle position determination unit 112, and a vehicle surroundings determination unit 113.

[0068] The vehicle position determination unit 112 determines whether the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific location. For example, the vehicle position determination unit 112 acquires position information of the vehicle 50 from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether the position of the vehicle 50 corresponds to a preset specific location based on the acquired position information of the vehicle 50. When the vehicle position determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific location, it creates information specifying that the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific location, and outputs the information to the switching unit 105aa.

[0069] The vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 acquires the position of the vehicle 50 from the vehicle position determination unit 112, acquires the position of the destination from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether or not there is a specific object within a specific range in the video data output by the imaging unit 102. If the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 determines that there is a specific object, it creates information specifying that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50 and outputs the information to the switching unit 105aa.

[0070] The switching unit 105aa can be the same as the switching unit 105. However, when the switching unit 105aa acquires information that specifies that the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific place output by the vehicle position determination unit 112, or acquires information that specifies that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50 output by the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113, the switching unit 105aa creates a switching request to request the connection processing unit 107 to switch the destination to the fifth destination, and outputs the created switching request to the connection processing unit 107.

[0071] The connection processing unit 107 acquires the switching request output by the switching unit 105aa, and sets the destination of the call to the fifth destination requested in the switching request based on the acquired switching request. When the connection processing unit 107 acquires the connection request from the switching unit 105aa, the connection processing unit 107 connects to the fifth destination.

[0072] The vehicle situation detection unit 111, the vehicle position determination unit 112, and the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0073] According to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 includes an impact detection unit 104 that detects an impact on the vehicle 50, a connection processing unit 107 that connects to a first call destination when the impact detected by the impact detection unit 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level and connects to a second call destination when the impact is less than the predetermined level, and an operation detection unit 108 that detects a user operation. The connection processing unit 107 connects to the second call destination when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the destination or when a request is received from the second call destination.

[0074] With this configuration, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 not only has the function of contacting an insurance company when an accident occurs, but also can automatically contact a first destination such as an emergency call center when it is assumed that an accident has definitely occurred, such as when the impact on the vehicle 50 is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. In the case of a minor impact such as when the impact is less than a predetermined level, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 switches the destination to a second destination such as an accident call center, and can contact the second destination when it detects an operation to connect to the destination, such as pressing a call button, or when it receives a request from the second destination.

[0075] The vehicle may further include a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 that detects aggressive vehicles traveling around the vehicle 50 at a predetermined distance or less for a predetermined period of time or more. The connection processing unit 107 may connect to the third call destination when the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects an aggressive vehicle and the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination or when a request from the third call destination is acquired.

[0076] With this configuration, when the in-vehicle image capture device 100 detects an aggressive vehicle, it switches the call destination to a third call destination, such as a call center for drivers, and can contact the third call destination when it detects an operation to connect to the call destination, such as pressing a call button, or when it receives a request from the third call destination. Here, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 may contact the police when it detects an aggressive vehicle. Furthermore, if the perpetrator's vehicle has a company name or the like on it, the in-vehicle image capture device 100 may contact the company.

[0077] (Modification of the first embodiment) (Information Processing System) 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the information processing system 1b includes an in-vehicle image capture device 100b-1, an in-vehicle image capture device 100b-2, ..., an in-vehicle image capture device 100b-n (n is an integer greater than 0), a call center 200-1, a call center 200-2, a call center 200-3, and a relay server 300.

[0078] Each of the in-vehicle imaging device 100b-1, the in-vehicle imaging device 100b-2, ..., the in-vehicle imaging device 100b-n is connected to the relay server 300. The relay server 300, the call center 200-1, the call center 200-2, and the call center 200-3 communicate with each other via a network NW.

[0079] The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-1 is mounted on a vehicle 50b-1. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-1 is connected to the relay server 300 wirelessly and is used by a user Ub-1. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-2 is mounted on a vehicle 50b-2. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-2 is connected to the relay server 300 wirelessly and is used by a user Ub-2. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-n is mounted on a vehicle 50b-n. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b-n is connected to the relay server 300 wirelessly and is used by a user Ub-n.

[0080] Hereinafter, any one of the vehicles 50b-1 to 50b-n will be referred to as vehicle 50b. Any one of the vehicle-mounted image capture devices 100b-1 to 100b-n will be referred to as vehicle-mounted image capture device 100b, and a user of the vehicle-mounted image capture device 100b will be referred to as user Ub.

[0081] In-vehicle image capture device 100b captures video of the surroundings of vehicle 50b on which in-vehicle image capture device 100b is mounted. When in-vehicle image capture device 100b detects an impact on vehicle 50b and the impact is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, in-vehicle image capture device 100b creates a call request addressed to relay server 300, including the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information of in-vehicle image capture device 100b. In-vehicle image capture device 100b transmits the created call request. Relay server 300 receives the call request sent by in-vehicle image capture device 100b, and connects in-vehicle image capture device 100b corresponding to the in-vehicle image capture device ID to call center 200-1, which is the first call destination, based on the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection request included in the received call request.

[0082] When the in-vehicle image capture device 100b detects an impact on the vehicle 50b, if the impact is less than a predetermined value and if the in-vehicle image capture device 100b detects an operation to connect by the user Ub, the in-vehicle image capture device 100b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, the connection request including the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information for connecting to the call center 200-2, which is the second destination. The in-vehicle image capture device 100b transmits the created connection request.

[0083] The relay server 300 receives the connection request transmitted from the in-vehicle image capture device 100b. Based on the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information included in the received connection request, the relay server 300 connects the in-vehicle image capture device 100b corresponding to the in-vehicle image capture device ID to the call center 200-2, which is the second call destination.

[0084] When the in-vehicle image capture device 100b detects a tailgating vehicle traveling around the vehicle 50 at a predetermined distance or less for a predetermined period of time or more and detects a connection operation by the user Ub, the in-vehicle image capture device 100b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, which includes the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information for connecting to the call center 200-3, which is the third call destination. The in-vehicle image capture device 100b transmits the created connection request.

[0085] The relay server 300 receives the connection request transmitted from the in-vehicle image capture device 100b. Based on the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information included in the received connection request, the relay server 300 connects the in-vehicle image capture device 100b corresponding to the in-vehicle image capture device ID to the call center 200-3, which is the third call destination.

[0086] The vehicle-mounted image capture device 100b and the relay server 300 included in the information processing system 1b will be described below.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device and a server device according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0088] (In-vehicle imaging device 100b) The in-vehicle image capture device 100b includes a communication unit 101, an image capture unit 102, an impact detection unit 104b, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b, an operation detection unit 108, a creation unit 109b, and a storage unit 110.

[0089] An example of the in-vehicle imaging device 100b is a drive recorder. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b is an in-vehicle video recording device. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b is installed in a vehicle 50b mainly for the purpose of recording the situation when a car accident occurs. The in-vehicle imaging device 100b records the situation outside or inside and outside the vehicle using an imaging unit 102 attached to the windshield or dashboard.

[0090] The communication unit 101 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 101 communicates with an external communication device such as the relay server 300 via a network (not shown). The communication unit 101 may communicate using a mobile communication system such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark) or a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN. The communication unit 101 communicates with the relay server 300. The communication unit 101 transmits the call request and connection request output by the creation unit 109b to the relay server 300.

[0091] The imaging unit 102 outputs the video data to the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b. The storage unit 110 acquires the video data output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b and records the acquired video data.

[0092] The operation detection unit 108 outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the creation unit 109b. The touch operation includes a connection operation.

[0093] The impact detection unit 104b can be the impact detection unit 104. However, the impact detection unit 104b outputs impact detection information to the creation unit 109b.

[0094] The creation unit 109b acquires the shock detection information output by the shock detection unit 104b. The creation unit 109b acquires the detection result of the connection operation output by the operation detection unit .

[0095] When the creation unit 109b acquires a detection result of a connection operation by the user Ub, the creation unit 109b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, the connection request including the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information for connecting to the call center 200-2, which is the second destination. The creation unit 109b outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0096] If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a large impact has been detected, the creation unit 109b creates a call request including the in-vehicle imaging device ID and addressed to the relay server 300. The creation unit 109b outputs the created call request to the communication unit 101.

[0097] The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b can be the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. However, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b outputs the created reckless vehicle detection information to the creation unit 109b.

[0098] The creation unit 109b acquires the reckless vehicle detection information output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b. If the creation unit 109b acquires, based on the acquired reckless vehicle detection information, information specifying that a vehicle corresponding to an abusive driving vehicle has been detected and a detection result of a connection operation by the user Ub is included, the creation unit 109b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, including the in-vehicle imaging device ID and connection information for connecting to the call center 200-3, which is the third call destination. The creation unit 109b outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0099] (Relay Server 300) The relay server 300 is realized by a device such as a personal computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or an industrial computer. The relay server 300 includes, for example, a first communication unit 301-1, a second communication unit 301-2, a connection processing unit 307, and a storage unit 310.

[0100] The first communication unit 301-1 is realized by a communication module. The first communication unit 301-1 communicates with external communication devices such as the in-vehicle image capture devices 100b-1 to 100b-n via a network (not shown). The first communication unit 301-1 may communicate using a mobile communication system such as LTE (registered trademark) or a wireless communication system such as wireless LAN. The first communication unit 301-1 communicates with the in-vehicle image capture devices 100b-1 to 100b-n. The first communication unit 301-1 receives call requests and connection requests sent by each of the in-vehicle image capture devices 100b-1 to 100b-n.

[0101] The second communication unit 301-2 is realized by a communication module. The second communication unit 301-2 communicates with external communication devices such as call centers 200-1 to 200-3 via the network NW. The second communication unit 301-2 may communicate using a communication method such as a wired LAN. Alternatively, the second communication unit 301-2 may communicate using a mobile communication system such as LTE (registered trademark) or a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN. The second communication unit 301-2 communicates with the call centers 200-1 to 200-3.

[0102] The connection processing unit 307 acquires the call request received by the first communication unit 301-1, and connects to, for example, the call center 200-1 based on the acquired call request.

[0103] The connection processing unit 307 acquires the connection request received by the first communication unit 301-1. Based on the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information included in the acquired connection request, the connection processing unit 307 connects the in-vehicle image capture device 100b corresponding to the in-vehicle image capture device ID to the call center 200 specified in the connection information.

[0104] (Operation of information processing system 1b) Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing a first example of the operation of an information processing system according to a modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 9 mainly shows an example of the operation between the in-vehicle image capture device 100b and the relay server 300. Fig. 9 shows the operation when the vehicle 50 receives an impact.

[0105] (Step S1-3) In the vehicle-mounted imaging device 100b, the impact sensor 103 acquires information that specifies the acceleration of the vehicle 50.

[0106] (Step S2-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the impact sensor creates impact information including information specifying acceleration and outputs the created impact information to the impact detection unit 104b. The impact detection unit 104b acquires the impact information output by the impact sensor. The impact detection unit 104b determines whether an acceleration equal to or greater than a first acceleration threshold has been detected based on the information specifying acceleration included in the acquired impact information, thereby determining whether a medium impact has been detected. If the impact detection unit 104b does not detect an acceleration equal to or greater than the first acceleration threshold, the process returns to step S1-3.

[0107] (Step S3-3) In the vehicle-mounted image capture device 100b, when the impact detection unit 104b detects a medium impact by detecting an acceleration equal to or greater than the first acceleration threshold, it determines whether the detected impact is a medium impact or a large impact.

[0108] (Step S4-3) In in-vehicle image capture device 100b, when impact detection unit 104b determines that a major impact has been detected, it creates impact detection information including information specifying that a major impact has been detected. Impact detection unit 104b outputs the created impact detection information to creation unit 109b. Creation unit 109b acquires the impact detection information output by impact detection unit 104b. Based on the acquired impact detection information, if the information specifying that a major impact has been detected is included, creation unit 109b creates a call request addressed to relay server 300, including the in-vehicle image capture device ID.

[0109] (Step S5-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the creation unit 109b outputs the created call request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the call request output by the creation unit 109b, and transmits the acquired call information to the relay server 300.

[0110] (Step S6-3) In the relay server 300, the first communication unit 301-1 receives the call request transmitted by the in-vehicle image capture device 100b. The connection processing unit 307 acquires the call request received by the first communication unit 301-1. The connection processing unit 307 makes a call to the call center 200-1 based on the acquired call request.

[0111] (Step S7-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, when the impact detection unit 104b determines that a medium impact has been detected, it creates impact detection information including information specifying that a medium impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104b outputs the created impact detection information to the creation unit 109b. The creation unit 109b acquires the impact detection information output by the impact detection unit 104b. The operation detection unit 108 determines whether or not a touch operation for connection has been detected.

[0112] (Step S8-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, when the operation detection unit 108 detects a touch operation to connect, it outputs the detection result of the connection operation to the creation unit 109b. The creation unit 109b acquires the detection result of the connection operation output by the operation detection unit 108. Based on the acquired detection result of the call operation, the creation unit 109b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, which includes the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information.

[0113] (Step S9-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the creation unit 109b outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the creation unit 109b and transmits the acquired connection request to the relay server 300.

[0114] (Step S10-3) In the relay server 300, the first communication unit 301-1 receives the connection request transmitted by the in-vehicle image capture device 100b. The connection processing unit 307 acquires the connection request received by the first communication unit 301-1, and connects to the call center 200-2, which is the set second destination, based on the acquired connection request.

[0115] (Step S11-3) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the creation unit 109b determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed when it does not receive a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108. If the creation unit 109b determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-3, and if it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7-3. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0116] The above assumes that the user performs an operation to make a call after an impact occurs. However, since an impact may be detected after the user performs an operation to make a call, the following processing may also be used. When the user performs an operation to make a call, the operation detection unit 108 detects the operation to make a call and stores the time at which the operation to make a call was detected in the storage unit 110. Thereafter, the impact detection unit 104b detects the impact and stores the time at which the impact was detected in the storage unit 110. When the creation unit 109b acquires the detection result of the operation to make a call output from the operation detection unit 108, it compares the time at which the operation to make a call was detected with the time at which the impact was detected, both of which are stored in the storage unit 110. If the difference between the time at which the operation to make a call was detected and the time at which the impact was detected is within a predetermined time, a connection request including the car-mounted imaging device ID and connection information and addressed to the relay server 300 is created. The predetermined time is preferably within one minute, and more preferably within 10 seconds.

[0117] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to the modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 10 mainly shows an example of the operation between the in-vehicle image capture device 100b and the relay server 300. Fig. 10 shows the operation when the in-vehicle image capture device 100b detects vehicles around the vehicle 50b.

[0118] (Step S1-4) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the image capture unit 102 outputs video data to a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b acquires the video data output by the image capture unit 102 and processes the acquired video data to detect vehicles surrounding the vehicle 50b. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b determines whether the surrounding vehicles are aggressive vehicles.

[0119] (Step S2-4) In the in-vehicle imaging device 100b, when the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b determines that a surrounding vehicle is an aggressive driving vehicle, it creates dangerous vehicle detection information including information identifying that a vehicle corresponding to the aggressive driving vehicle has been detected. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b outputs the created dangerous vehicle detection information to the creation unit 109b. Examples of information identifying that a vehicle corresponding to the aggressive driving vehicle has been detected include the vehicle's license plate number and company name.

[0120] The operation detection unit 108 determines whether or not a touch operation for making a call has been detected.

[0121] (Step S3-4) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, when the operation detection unit 108 detects a touch operation to connect, it outputs the detection result of the connection operation to the creation unit 109b. The creation unit 109b acquires the detection result of the connection operation output by the operation detection unit 108. Based on the acquired detection result of the connection operation, the creation unit 109b creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, which includes the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information.

[0122] (Step S4-4) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the creation unit 109b outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the creation unit 109b and transmits the acquired connection request to the relay server 300.

[0123] (Step S5-4) In the relay server 300, the first communication unit 301-1 receives the connection request transmitted by the in-vehicle image capture device 100b. The connection processing unit 307 acquires the connection request received by the first communication unit 301-1, and connects to the call center 200-3, which is the set third call destination, based on the acquired connection request.

[0124] (Step S6-4) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100b, the creation unit 109b determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the creation unit 109b determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-4. If the creation unit 109b determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2-4. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0125] While the above assumes that the user initiates a call operation after tailgating, it is also possible that tailgating is detected after the user initiates a call operation. Specifically, this is the case when another vehicle is being tailgated and the vehicle itself is likely to be tailgated next. For example, this may be the case when a tailgating vehicle is traveling within a predetermined distance of a vehicle surrounding vehicle 50 included in the video data output by imaging unit 102. In such a case, the following processing may be performed. When the user initiates a call operation, operation detection unit 108 detects the call operation and stores the time the call operation was detected in memory unit 110. Thereafter, surrounding vehicle detection unit 106b detects tailgating and stores the time the tailgating was detected in memory unit 110. When creation unit 109b acquires the call operation detection result output by operation detection unit 108, it compares the time the call operation was detected, stored in memory unit 110, with the time the tailgating was detected. If the difference between the time when the call operation is detected and the time when the road rage is detected is within a predetermined time, a connection request including the in-vehicle image capture device ID and connection information is created and addressed to relay server 300. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0126] In the above-described modified example of the embodiment, the information processing system 1b includes three call centers. However, this is not limiting. For example, the information processing system 1b may include four or more call centers. Specifically, the in-vehicle image capture device 100b may determine whether the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or whether the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The in-vehicle image capture device 100b may detect that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, and may connect to the fourth call destination when it detects an operation.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of an in-vehicle imaging device according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0128] The in-vehicle image capture device 100ba includes a communication unit 101, an image capture unit 102, an impact detection unit 104ba, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106ba, an operation detection unit 108, a creation unit 109ba, a storage unit 110, and a vehicle state detection unit 111.

[0129] The vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination. When the vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, the vehicle status detection unit 111 creates vehicle status information including information specifying that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or information specifying that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The vehicle status detection unit 111 outputs the created vehicle status information to the creation unit 109ba. The in-vehicle status detection unit 111 acquires information necessary for the above processing from the car navigation system (not shown).

[0130] The creation unit 109ba acquires the vehicle status information output by the vehicle status detection unit 111. If the creation unit 109ba acquires, based on the acquired vehicle status information, information specifying that the vehicle 50b has been traveling in the vicinity of the destination for more than a predetermined time, or information specifying that the vehicle 50b has been stopped in the vicinity of the destination for more than a predetermined time, and a detection result of a connection operation by the user Ub is acquired, the creation unit 109ba creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, including an in-vehicle imaging device ID and connection information for connecting to the fourth destination. The creation unit 109ba outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0131] Furthermore, the in-vehicle image capture device 100b may determine whether the position of the vehicle 50b is a specific place and whether there is a specific object around the vehicle 50b. The in-vehicle image capture device 100ba may connect to the fifth call destination when it determines that the position of the vehicle 50b is a specific place or that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50b. The in-vehicle image capture device 100ba may connect to the fifth call destination when it detects an operation to connect.

[0132] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of the in-vehicle imaging device according to the modified example of the embodiment.

[0133] The in-vehicle imaging device 100bb includes a communication unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an impact detection unit 104bb, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106bb, an operation detection unit 108, a creation unit 109bb, a memory unit 110, a vehicle position determination unit 112, and a vehicle surroundings determination unit 113.

[0134] The vehicle position determination unit 112 determines whether the position of the vehicle 50b is a specific location. For example, the vehicle position determination unit 112 acquires position information of the vehicle 50b from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether the position of the vehicle 50b corresponds to a preset specific location based on the acquired position information of the vehicle 50b. When the vehicle position determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle 50b is a specific location, it creates information identifying that the position of the vehicle 50b is a specific location, and outputs the information to the creation unit 109bb.

[0135] The vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 acquires the position of the vehicle 50b from the vehicle position determination unit 112, acquires the position of the destination from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether there is a specific object within a specific range in the video data output by the imaging unit 102. If it determines that there is a specific object, the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 creates information specifying that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50b and outputs the information to the creation unit 109bb.

[0136] When the creation unit 109bb acquires information specifying that the position of the vehicle 50 is a specific place output by the vehicle position determination unit 112, or information specifying that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50 output by the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113, and acquires a detection result of a connection operation by the user Ub, the creation unit 109bb creates a connection request addressed to the relay server 300, including the in-vehicle imaging device ID and connection information for connecting to the fifth destination. The creation unit 109bb outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0137] According to an information processing system 1b according to a modified example of the embodiment, the in-vehicle image capture device 100b further includes a vehicle status detection unit 111 that detects that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in the car navigation system or that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination in the in-vehicle image capture device 100. The connection processing unit 107 connects to the fourth call destination when the vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50b has been traveling for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination or that the vehicle 50b has been stopped for a predetermined time or more in the vicinity of the destination and when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination or when a request from the fourth call destination is acquired.

[0138] By configuring in this manner, when the vehicle 50b is traveling for more than a predetermined time in the vicinity of the destination set in the car navigation system, for example, because another person's car is parked in the vehicle's parking lot, or when the vehicle 50b is stopped for more than a predetermined time in the vicinity of the destination, the vehicle-mounted imaging device 100b can switch the call destination to a fourth call destination such as a trouble call center, and connect to the fourth call destination when it detects an operation to connect to the call destination.

[0139] The connection processing unit 107 further includes a vehicle position determination unit 112 that determines whether the position of the vehicle 50b is in a specific place, and a vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 that determines whether there is a specific object around the vehicle 50b. The connection processing unit 107 connects to the fifth call destination when the vehicle position determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle 50b is in a specific place or the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 determines that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50b, and when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination or when a request from the fifth call destination is acquired.

[0140] By configuring in this manner, when the in-vehicle imaging device 100b determines that there is a specific location such as a railroad crossing, a tram line, an intersection, or a highway, or a specific object such as a railroad crossing, a tram line, an intersection, or a highway, it assumes that there is a high possibility of an accident occurring, and therefore, when it detects an operation to connect to the destination, it can connect to the fifth destination.

[0141] (Second embodiment) (Information Processing System) 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the information processing system 1c includes an in-vehicle image capture device 100c-1, an in-vehicle image capture device 100c-2, ..., an in-vehicle image capture device 100c-n (n is an integer greater than 0), and a call center 200.

[0142] The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-1, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c-2, . . . , the in-vehicle imaging device 100c-n, and the call center 200 communicate with each other via a network NW.

[0143] The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-1 is mounted on a vehicle 50c-1. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-1 is used by a user Uc-1. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-2 is mounted on a vehicle 50c-2. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-2 is used by a user Uc-2. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-n is mounted on a vehicle 50c-n. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c-n is used by a user Uc-n.

[0144] Hereinafter, any one of the vehicles 50c-1 to 50c-n will be referred to as vehicle 50c. Any one of the vehicle-mounted imaging devices 100c-1 to 100c-n will be referred to as vehicle-mounted imaging device 100c, and a user of the vehicle-mounted imaging device 100c will be referred to as user Uc.

[0145] The in-vehicle imaging device 100c captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 50c on which the in-vehicle imaging device 100c is mounted. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects an impact on the vehicle 50c, if the impact is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c connects to the call center 200 as the destination with a first priority. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects an impact on the vehicle 50c, if the impact is less than the predetermined value and the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects an operation by the user Uc to connect to the destination, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c connects to the call center 200 as the destination with a second priority.

[0146] The in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects the operation of a user Uc to connect to the call destination, and when it detects a tailgating vehicle traveling around the vehicle 50 for a predetermined period of time or more at a predetermined distance or less, it connects to the call destination, the call center 200, with third priority.

[0147] When the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects an operation by a user Uc to connect to the call destination, if no aggressive vehicle is detected around the vehicle 50c, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c may connect to the call destination, the call center 200, with fourth priority.

[0148] The call center 200 responds to the user Uc based on the priority.

[0149] The in-vehicle imaging device 100c included in the information processing system 1c will be described below.

[0150] (In-vehicle imaging device 100c) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0151] The in-vehicle image capture device 100c includes a communication unit 101, an image capture unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107c, an operation detection unit 108, and a storage unit 110.

[0152] An example of the in-vehicle imaging device 100c is a drive recorder. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c is an in-vehicle video recording device. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c is installed in a vehicle 50c mainly for the purpose of recording the situation when a car accident occurs. The in-vehicle imaging device 100c records the situation outside or inside and outside the vehicle using an imaging unit 102 attached to the windshield or dashboard.

[0153] The communication unit 101 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 101 communicates with an external communication device such as a call center 200 via a network NW.

[0154] The shock detection unit 104 outputs the shock detection information to the connection processing unit 107c.

[0155] The connection processing unit 107c can be the connection processing unit 107. However, the connection processing unit 107c acquires shock detection information output by the shock detection unit 104. If the acquired shock detection information includes information specifying that a large shock has been detected, the connection processing unit 107c creates a connection request including a first priority. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0156] If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a medium impact has been detected, the connection processing unit 107c creates a connection request including the second priority when it subsequently acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0157] The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 acquires the video data output by the imaging unit 102 and processes the acquired video data to detect vehicles around vehicle 50c. When the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects a vehicle around vehicle 50c, it determines whether the surrounding vehicle is an aggressive vehicle that has been traveling around vehicle 50c for a predetermined period of time or more at a predetermined distance or less. When the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects a vehicle that is an aggressive vehicle, it stores the video data in the memory unit 110 and creates dangerous vehicle detection information including information identifying that a vehicle that is an aggressive vehicle has been detected. Examples of information identifying that a vehicle that is an aggressive vehicle is the vehicle's license plate number or company name. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 outputs the created dangerous vehicle detection information to the connection processing unit 107c.

[0158] When the connection processing unit 107c receives a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, and when it receives reckless vehicle detection information from the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, the connection processing unit 107c generates a connection request including the third priority. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the generated connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0159] When the connection processing unit 107c receives a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, if the connection processing unit 107c does not receive reckless vehicle detection information from the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 after a predetermined time has elapsed, the connection processing unit 107c may generate a connection request including the fourth priority. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the generated connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0160] (Operation of information processing system 1c) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 mainly shows an example of the operation of the in-vehicle imaging device 100c. Fig. 15 shows the operation when the vehicle 50c receives an impact.

[0161] (Step S1-5) In the vehicle-mounted imaging device 100c, the impact sensor 103 acquires information that specifies the acceleration of the vehicle 50c.

[0162] (Step S2-5) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, the impact sensor creates impact information including information specifying acceleration and outputs the created impact information to the impact detection unit 104. The impact detection unit 104 acquires the impact information output by the impact sensor. Based on the information specifying acceleration included in the acquired impact information, the impact detection unit 104 determines whether an acceleration equal to or greater than a first acceleration threshold has been detected within a predetermined time period, thereby determining whether a medium impact has been detected. If the impact detection unit 104 has not detected a medium impact, the process returns to step S1-5.

[0163] (Step S3-5) In the vehicle-mounted image pickup device 100c, when the impact detection unit 104 detects a medium impact, it determines whether a large impact has been detected.

[0164] (Step S4-5) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, when the impact detection unit 104 determines that a large impact has been detected, the impact detection unit 104 generates impact detection information including information specifying that a large impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 outputs the generated impact detection information to the connection processing unit 107c.

[0165] The connection processing unit 107c acquires the shock detection information output by the shock detection unit 104. If the acquired shock detection information includes information specifying that a large shock has been detected, the connection processing unit 107c creates a connection request including a first priority. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107c and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200.

[0166] (Step S5-5) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, when the impact detection unit 104 determines that a medium impact has been detected, it creates impact detection information including information specifying that a medium impact has been detected. The impact detection unit 104 outputs the created impact detection information to the connection processing unit 107c. The connection processing unit 107c acquires the impact detection information output by the impact detection unit 104. If the acquired impact detection information includes information specifying that a medium impact has been detected, the connection processing unit 107c then determines whether or not it has acquired a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108.

[0167] (Step S6-5) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, the connection processing unit 107c creates a connection request including the second priority when it acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107c and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200.

[0168] (Step S7-5) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, the connection processing unit 107c determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the connection processing unit 107c determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-5. If the connection processing unit 107c determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S5-5. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0169] The above assumes that the user initiates a call after an impact. However, since an impact may be detected after the user initiates a call, the following processing may also be used. When the user initiates a call, the operation detection unit 108 detects the call operation and stores the time the call operation was detected in the storage unit 110. Subsequently, when the impact detection unit 104 detects an impact, it stores the time the impact was detected in the storage unit 110. Upon receiving the call operation detection result output by the operation detection unit 108, the connection processing unit 107c compares the time the call operation was detected with the time the impact was detected, both stored in the storage unit 110. If the difference between the time the call operation was detected and the time the impact was detected is within a predetermined time, a connection request is created that includes a first priority if a large impact was detected, and a second priority if a medium impact was detected. A preferred example of the predetermined time is within one minute, and a more preferred example is within 10 seconds.

[0170] Fig. 16 is a flow diagram showing a second example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 16 mainly shows an example of the operation of the in-vehicle image capture device 100c. Fig. 16 shows the operation when detecting vehicles around the vehicle 50c.

[0171] (Step S1-6) In the in-vehicle imaging device 100c, the imaging unit 102 outputs video data to the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 acquires the video data output by the imaging unit 102 and processes the acquired video data to detect vehicles surrounding the vehicle 50c. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 determines whether the surrounding vehicles are aggressive vehicles. If the surrounding vehicles are not aggressive vehicles, the process returns to step S1-6.

[0172] (Step S2-6) In the in-vehicle imaging device 100c, when the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 determines that a surrounding vehicle is an abusive vehicle, it creates reckless vehicle detection information including information specifying that a vehicle that is an abusive vehicle has been detected. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 outputs the created reckless vehicle detection information to the connection processing unit 107c. The connection processing unit 107c acquires the reckless vehicle detection information output by the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106. The connection processing unit 107c determines whether or not it has acquired a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108.

[0173] (Step S3-6) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, when the connection processing unit 107c acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, the connection processing unit 107c creates a connection request including a third priority based on the acquired detection result of the connection operation. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107c and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200.

[0174] (Step S4-6) In the in-vehicle image capture device 100c, the connection processing unit 107c determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed when it does not receive a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108. If the connection processing unit 107c determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1-6, and if it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2-6. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0175] While the above assumes that the user initiates a call operation after tailgating, it is also possible that tailgating is detected after the user initiates a call operation. Specifically, this is assumed to be the case when another vehicle is being tailgated and the vehicle itself is likely to be tailgated next. For example, this may be the case when a tailgating vehicle is traveling within a predetermined distance of a vehicle surrounding vehicle 50 included in the video data output by imaging unit 102. In such a case, the following processing may be performed. When the user initiates a call operation, operation detection unit 108 detects the call operation and stores the time the call operation was detected in memory unit 110. Thereafter, surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects tailgating and stores the time the tailgating was detected in memory unit 110. When connection processing unit 107c obtains the call operation detection result output by operation detection unit 108, it compares the time the call operation was detected, stored in memory unit 110, with the time the tailgating was detected. If the difference between the time when the call operation is detected and the time when the tailgating is detected is within a predetermined time, a connection request including the third priority is created. The connection processing unit 107c outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101. The communication unit 101 acquires the connection request output by the connection processing unit 107c and transmits the acquired connection request to the call center 200. The predetermined time is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 5 minutes, and most preferably within 3 minutes.

[0176] In the embodiment described above, the connection processing unit 107c in the in-vehicle image capture device 100c connects to the call center 200, which is the call destination, at a set priority when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Specifically, when the emergency button of the in-vehicle image capture device 100c is pressed, a notification is sent to the call center at a set priority. The call center calls the in-vehicle image capture device 100c that sent the notification and connects to the in-vehicle image capture device 100c. At this time, the in-vehicle image capture device 100c that received the notification may respond by pressing the emergency button or a call button on a touch panel as if picking up a receiver, or may be connected immediately without this action.

[0177] In the above-described embodiment, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c connects to a call center with three levels of priority, but this is not limiting. For example, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c may connect to a call center with four or more levels of priority. Specifically, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c may determine whether the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more near a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or whether the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination, or that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c may connect to the call center with a predetermined priority different from the first, second, and third priorities, for example, a fourth priority. When the in-vehicle imaging device 100c detects a connection operation, the in-vehicle imaging device 100c may connect to the call center with the fourth priority.

[0178] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another configuration example 1 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0179] The in-vehicle imaging device 100ca includes a communication unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107ca, an operation detection unit 108, a memory unit 110, and a vehicle status detection unit 111.

[0180] The vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of a destination set in a car navigation system (not shown), or that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination. When the vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, the vehicle status detection unit 111 creates vehicle status information including information specifying that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination, or information specifying that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more in the vicinity of the destination. The vehicle status detection unit 111 outputs the created vehicle status information to the connection processing unit 107ca. The in-vehicle status detection unit 111 acquires information necessary for the above processing from the car navigation system (not shown).

[0181] The connection processing unit 107ca can be the same as the connection processing unit 107c. However, when the connection processing unit 107ca acquires vehicle status information output by the vehicle status detection unit 111, and then acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, the connection processing unit 107ca creates a connection request including the fourth priority. The connection processing unit 107ca outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0182] Furthermore, the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca may determine whether the vehicle 50c is located in a specific place and whether there is a specific object around the vehicle 50c. When the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca determines that the vehicle 50c is located in a specific place or that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50c, the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca may connect to the call center at a predetermined priority different from the first priority, the second priority, the third priority, and the fourth priority, for example, a fifth priority. When the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca detects a connection operation, the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca may connect to the call center at the fifth priority.

[0183] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another configuration example 2 of the vehicle-mounted imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0184] The in-vehicle imaging device 100cb includes a communication unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an impact detection unit 104, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106, a connection processing unit 107cb, an operation detection unit 108, a memory unit 110, a vehicle position determination unit 112, and a vehicle surroundings determination unit 113.

[0185] The vehicle position determination unit 112 determines whether the position of the vehicle 50c is a specific location. For example, the vehicle position determination unit 112 acquires position information of the vehicle 50c from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether the position of the vehicle 50c corresponds to a preset specific location based on the acquired position information of the vehicle 50c. When the vehicle position determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle 50c is a specific location, it creates information identifying that the position of the vehicle 50c is a specific location and outputs the information to the connection processing unit 107cb.

[0186] The vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 acquires the position of the vehicle 50c from the vehicle position determination unit 112, acquires the position of the destination from a car navigation system (not shown), and determines whether there is a specific object within a specific range in the video data output by the imaging unit 102. If it determines that there is a specific object, the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 creates information specifying that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50c and outputs the information to the connection processing unit 107cb.

[0187] The connection processing unit 107c can be used as the connection processing unit 107cb. However, when the connection processing unit 107ca acquires information specifying that the position of the vehicle 50c is a specific location output from the vehicle position determination unit 112 or information specifying that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50 output from the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113, and then acquires a detection result of a connection operation from the operation detection unit 108, the connection processing unit 107ca creates a connection request including the fifth priority. The connection processing unit 107ca outputs the created connection request to the communication unit 101.

[0188] According to the information processing system 1c of this embodiment, the in-vehicle image capture device 100c includes an impact detection unit 104 that detects an impact on the vehicle 50c, a connection processing unit 107c that connects to the call destination with a first priority when the impact detected by the impact detection unit 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level and connects to the call destination with a second priority when the impact is less than the predetermined level, and an operation detection unit 108 that detects a user operation. The connection processing unit 107c connects to the call destination with the second priority when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the call destination.

[0189] With this configuration, the in-vehicle image capture device 100c not only has the function of contacting an insurance company in the event of an accident, but also can connect to the call destination with first priority when it is assumed that an accident has definitely occurred, such as when the impact on the vehicle 50c is greater than or equal to a predetermined level. In the case of a minor impact, such as when the impact is less than a predetermined level, the in-vehicle image capture device 100c can connect to the call destination with second priority when it detects an operation to connect to the call destination, such as pressing a call button, or when it receives a request from the call destination.

[0190] The connection processing unit cb further includes a vehicle position determination unit 112 that determines whether the position of the vehicle 50c is in a specific place, and a vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 that determines whether there is a specific object around the vehicle 50c. When the vehicle position determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle is in a specific place or the vehicle surroundings determination unit 113 determines that there is a specific object around the vehicle 50c, and when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the destination or when a request from the destination is acquired, the connection processing unit cb connects to the destination with a fifth priority.

[0191] By configuring in this manner, when the in-vehicle imaging device 100cb determines that there is a specific location such as a railroad crossing, a tram line, an intersection, or a highway, or a specific object such as a railroad crossing, a tram line, an intersection, or a highway, it assumes that there is a high possibility of an accident occurring, and therefore, when it detects an operation to connect to the call destination, it can connect to the call destination with fifth priority.

[0192] The vehicle may further include a surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 that detects aggressive vehicles traveling around the vehicle 50c at a predetermined distance or less for a predetermined period of time or more. The connection processing unit 107c may connect to the destination of the call with a third priority when the surrounding vehicle detection unit 106 detects an aggressive vehicle and the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the destination of the call or when a request is received from the destination of the call.

[0193] With this configuration, when the in-vehicle image capture device 100c detects an aggressive vehicle, if it detects an operation to connect to the destination, such as pressing a call button, or if it receives a request from the destination, it can connect to the destination with third priority. Here, when the in-vehicle image capture device 100c detects an aggressive vehicle, it may connect to the police. Also, if the perpetrator's vehicle has a company name or the like on it, the in-vehicle image capture device 100c may connect to the company.

[0194] According to the information processing system 1c of the embodiment, the in-vehicle image capture device 100ca further includes a vehicle status detection unit 111 that detects that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more near a destination set in the car navigation system, or that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination. The connection processing unit 107ca connects to the destination with a fourth priority when the vehicle status detection unit 111 detects that the vehicle 50c has been traveling for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination, or that the vehicle 50c has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or more near the destination, and when the operation detection unit 108 detects an operation to connect to the destination, or when a request is received from the destination.

[0195] By configuring in this manner, the in-vehicle imaging device 100ca can connect to the call destination with fourth priority if it detects an operation to connect to the call destination when the vehicle 50c is traveling for more than a predetermined time in the vicinity of the destination set in the car navigation system, for example, because another person's car is parked in the vehicle's parking lot, or when the vehicle 50c is stopped for more than a predetermined time in the vicinity of the destination.

[0196] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0197] For example, a computer program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the "computer system" here may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0198] In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, or flash memory, portable media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0199] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a computer program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0200] The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0201] The program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0202] This disclosure will contribute to the realization of the SDG "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation," and includes matters that contribute to value creation through IoT solutions. [Industrial Applicability]

[0203] This embodiment can be used in an in-vehicle imaging device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c... Information processing system, 50, 50a, 50b, 50c... Vehicle, 100, 100a, 100aa, 100b, 100ba, 100bb, 100c, 100ca, 100cb... In-vehicle imaging device, 101... Communication unit, 102... Imaging unit, 104, 104a, 104b, 104ba, 104bb... Impact detection unit, 105, 105a, 105aa... Switching unit, 106, 106a, 106b, 106ba, 1 06bb...surrounding vehicle detection unit, 107, 107c, 107ca, 107cb...connection processing unit, 108...operation detection unit, 109, 109b, 109ba, 109bb...creation unit, 110...storage unit, 111...vehicle situation detection unit, 112...vehicle position determination unit, 113...vehicle surroundings determination unit, 200...call center, 300...relay server, 301-1...first communication unit, 301-2...second communication unit, 307...connection processing unit, 310...storage unit

Claims

【Request Item 1】 車両に対する衝撃を検出する衝撃検出部と、 ユーザーの操作を検出する操作検出部と 前記衝撃検出部が検出した前記衝撃が所定以上である場合に前記検出部が通話先に接続する操作を検出しなくとも通話先と接続し、前記衝撃が所定未満であり且つ前記検出部が通話先に接続する操作を検出した場合に通話先と接続する接続処理部と、 を備える、車載撮像装置。 【Request Item 2】 前記接続処理部は、前記衝撃検出部が検出した前記衝撃に基づいて、通話先を設定する、又は、通話先に接続する優先度の設定をする、 請求項１に記載の車載撮像装置。 【Request Item 3】 コンピュータに、 車両に対する衝撃を検出するステップと、 検出した前記衝撃が所定以上である場合に通話先に接続する操作を検出しなくとも通話先と接続し、前記衝撃が所定未満であり且つ通話先に接続する操作を検出した場合に通話先と接続するステップと、 を実行させるコンピュータプログラム。 【Request Item 4】 車両に対する衝撃を検出する衝撃検出部と、 ユーザーの操作を検出する操作検出部と 前記衝撃検出部が検出した前記衝撃が所定以上である場合に前記検出部が通話先に接続する操作を検出しなくとも中継サーバを宛先とする要求を作成し、前記衝撃が所定未満であり且つ前記検出部が通話先に接続する操作を検出した場合に前記要求を作成する作成部と、 を備える車載撮像装置。

Images