Recording device and program

Abstract

To provide a recording device and a program for recording a new video image by overwriting a recorded image, in which the recording device being capable of suppressing a possibility that the video image at the moment of occurrence of an event such as an accident will be erased.SOLUTION: A drive recorder 1 having a continuous recording function of overwriting and recording a video image captured by a vehicle on a recorded image. The drive recorder has an overwriting suppression function of suppressing overwriting when the vehicle is in a predetermined stop state, and the overwriting suppression function suppresses the overwriting by temporarily stopping the continuous recording.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device for recording video in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Recording devices that record video in a vehicle have been known for some time. For example, a drive recorder is known as a recording device that captures and records video of the interior of the vehicle or the surroundings of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Video from a drive recorder is useful for investigating the cause of an accident, for example, when a vehicle is involved in or causes an accident, by playing back the recorded video.

[0003] While conventional drive recorders mainly have an event recording function that records video for several tens of seconds before and after a specific event, such as the occurrence of an impact, an increasing number of drive recorders now have continuous recording functions due to factors such as the falling prices of recording media for video. For example, drive recorders that continuously record video while the vehicle is in motion are known. Such drive recorders continuously record video, including video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, as well as other video, ensuring no missed recordings. However, they require a large-capacity image storage memory. Because it is difficult to replace the memory card with a new one when the memory capacity is full, continuous recording typically involves recording video until the storage medium, such as an SD card, is nearly full, at which point the old video is erased and the current video is overwritten. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-235395 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The drawback of continuous recording is that it records footage that does not need to be recorded, such as footage of the moment an event such as an accident occurs, and overwrites the previously recorded footage, so there is a possibility that images that need to be saved may be lost in the process. For example, if you do not turn off the engine during an accident, the images from the accident may be overwritten while you are rescuing the other party, checking your own injuries, or talking to the other party. Alternatively, if you need to save driving images from the previous day, but forget to do so and start the engine the next day with the engine starter, the images from the previous day may be overwritten while the engine is idling. The main purpose of a drive recorder is to record accidents, but if you encounter an accident and want to keep the recorded images, you must stop continuous recording or save the images separately, otherwise the accident record will be overwritten and lost.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the problems with conventional drive recorders and the like, and aims to provide a recording device that records current video by overwriting previously recorded video, which reduces the risk of video being erased at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A recording device having a function for recording images captured in a vehicle over previously recorded images may be provided with a function for preventing the overwriting when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state. In this way, it is possible to prevent the possibility of erasing the video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, even if the power of the recording device is not turned off.

[0008] The image captured in the vehicle may be, for example, an image of the interior of the vehicle or the surroundings of the vehicle outside the vehicle. In particular, the image outside the vehicle may be an image of the surroundings of the vehicle while it is moving. The image may be acquired from an imaging means such as a camera installed in the vehicle. In particular, the image may be acquired from an imaging means installed in the passenger compartment. The recording device may be configured with a control means such as a microcomputer.

[0009] The video may be recorded onto a recording means, for example, and particularly onto a storage means for digitizing and recording the video. The storage means may be a recording medium such as a memory card. The previously recorded video may be, for example, video recorded by event recording, and the video to be overwritten may also be video recorded by event recording, but particularly, a configuration in which video recorded by continuous recording, which continuously records video, is overwritten with video recorded by continuous recording, which is the most significant effect.In particular, a configuration in which video recorded by continuous recording, which continuously records video when power is supplied to the recording device, is overwritten with video recorded by continuous recording.

[0010] The predetermined stopped state may be, for example, a state in which the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time, as described later in (4). In this way, it is possible to prevent the deletion of video footage, particularly of the moment an event such as an accident occurs, if the vehicle has been stopped for more than the predetermined time. To suppress overwriting, it is preferable to take measures such as those described below in (7) to (9) and (13). In particular, it is preferable to stop overwriting.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a state in which the suppression of overwriting is not executed when the vehicle is not in the predetermined stopped state, and it is particularly preferable to configure the system so that the suppression of overwriting is not executed when the vehicle is not in the predetermined stopped state. In this way, it is possible to more reliably record video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, and it is also possible to reduce the risk of the video at the moment an event such as an accident occurring being erased, thereby achieving a good balance between the two.

[0012] (2) It is preferable that the device has a continuous recording function, and the overwrite recording is performed on video already recorded by continuous recording, and the function of suppressing overwriting is configured to suppress continuous recording. In this way, it is possible to reduce the risk of erasing video recorded during continuous recording at the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0013] Continuous recording is preferably performed by continuously recording video over a certain period of time, and particularly preferably without any causal relationship to the occurrence of an event, and particularly preferably without any relationship to the occurrence of an event. In particular, continuous recording is preferably performed as a continuous recording that, in principle, continues recording when power is supplied to the recording device. This has the remarkable effect of reducing the risk of erasing continuous recording video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0014] For example, if the recording device has an event recording function, continuous recording may be performed for a longer period of time than the event recording function. This prevents overwriting of video already recorded by continuous recording, thereby reducing the risk of erasing continuously recorded video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. This increases the likelihood that video of the moment of an event such as an accident can be confirmed from the continuously recorded video if the event recording function was not performed due to an impact that was not considered an event. Furthermore, even if video has been recorded by the event recording function, the continuous recording video, which has been recorded for a longer period of time than the event recording video, allows the user to confirm the situation before and after the event such as an accident for a longer period of time, resulting in significant benefits.

[0015] (3) It is preferable that an event recording function is provided, and that recording can be performed using the event recording function while overwriting is being suppressed. In this way, even if an event such as an accident occurs while overwriting is suppressed, recording will be performed using the event recording function, which more reliably prevents the video from being erased at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. In particular, since overwriting is suppressed when the vehicle is in a specified stopped state, it is more reliably possible to prevent the video from being erased at the moment an accident occurs while the vehicle is stopped. Since accidents can occur while the vehicle is stopped, it is desirable to enable recording using the event recording function.

[0016] In particular, if the video recorded by the event recording function is configured not to be overwritten, it is possible to more reliably prevent the video of the moment of an accident or the like from being erased. A configuration that enables recording using the event recording function while overwriting is suppressed may include, for example, acquiring a signal from a sensor or switch that detects events such as various accidents, and when the signal indicates a state that can be determined to be the occurrence of a predetermined event, recording video for a predetermined period of time before and after the determination is made as event recording video. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, using a sensor value exceeding a predetermined threshold or detecting the pressing of a switch as a trigger, recording is performed for the period before and after the trigger is issued only when the trigger is issued.

[0017] (4) The predetermined stopped state may include a state in which the vehicle is stopped for a predetermined period of time or more. This prevents the video recorded while the vehicle is stopped from overwriting the video recorded while the vehicle is moving, thereby reducing the risk that the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs will be erased by the video recorded while the vehicle is stopped.

[0018] (5) It is preferable to have a function for determining whether the vehicle may have been involved in an accident, and if so, for inhibiting the overwriting. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs from being erased.

[0019] It may be determined whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident, for example, when an impact equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected, when fault diagnosis information of an ECU or the like provided in the vehicle obtained from a diagnostic system such as OBD indicates a fault, when it is detected that an airbag or the like has been deployed, when an image corresponding to an accident is detected through image recognition of video, etc. Furthermore, it may be determined, for example, as follows (6) below.

[0020] (6) The predetermined stopped state may be a state in which the vehicle has stopped within a predetermined time after the impact is detected. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the deletion of the video of the moment an accident occurs. In the case of an accident, it has been found that, in general, after detecting an impact, a vehicle stops within a predetermined time. In particular, the predetermined time should be set to a time when the vehicle stops within several tens of seconds after detecting an impact.

[0021] (7) To prevent the overwriting, it is preferable to have a function to perform at least one of the following: stopping recording; changing the recording method to lengthen the time until the overwriting; reducing the amount of space required for recording the video per hour; reducing the frame rate of the video to be recorded; and reducing the number of pixels of the video to be recorded. This reduces the possibility that footage of the moment an event such as an accident occurs, which is included in the recorded footage, will be erased by overwriting.

[0022] In particular, it is a good idea to save the memory used to record video in case of an emergency and continue recording, or to change the process to lengthen the time before overwriting. In particular, a configuration for reducing the frame rate may involve recording video at several tens of frames per second when not suppressing, and recording at a few frames per second (e.g., 1 fps) when suppressing, with a change of an order of magnitude in the number of frames per second between the two.The capacity required for recording per hour of video recording and the number of pixels of the video to be recorded may also be changed by an order of magnitude.

[0023] (8) To prevent the overwriting, it is advisable to prevent the data from being erased by overwriting. In this way, the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs, which is included in the recorded video, will not be erased by overwriting, and it is possible to more reliably eliminate the risk of erasing the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs. To prevent data from being erased by overwriting, for example, the following (9) may be used.

[0024] (9) The overwriting may be inhibited by at least one of prohibiting overwriting, copying to an area that is not an overwrite area, or moving to an area that is not an overwrite area. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the video from being erased at the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0025] A configuration for overwriting protection may be, for example, to record video as a single file in predetermined time units, and to assign an overwrite protection attribute to the file when the file generation is complete. A configuration for copying to a non-overwritable area may be, for example, to separate an overwritable area from an overwritable area, and to copy the video data recorded in the overwritable area to the overwritable area. A configuration for moving to a non-overwritable area may be, for example, to separate an overwritable area from an overwritable area, and to move the video data recorded in the overwritable area to the overwritable area. The overwritable area and the overwritable area may be, for example, different folders, different drives, or different file systems.

[0026] In particular, it is advisable to prevent overwriting within the folder to which the file is moved or copied and stored. For example, it is preferable to have a continuous recording function, and to prevent overwriting, to perform at least one of copying to an area that is not an area that can be overwritten by continuous recording, or moving to an area that is not an area that can be overwritten by continuous recording.

[0027] (10) When the vehicle reaches a predetermined driving state, the suppression of overwriting may be terminated. In this way, it is possible to more reliably record video of situations in which an event such as an accident is likely to occur, such as when a vehicle is traveling, and it is also possible to reduce the risk of erasing video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0028] In particular, when the vehicle is in a predetermined driving state, it is preferable to return to the video recording state before the suppression of overwriting began. The predetermined running state may be a state other than the predetermined stopped state, and in particular, a state in which the vehicle has started to run.

[0029] (11) The predetermined vehicle stop state may be determined based on at least one of the following: the vibration state acquired from the vibration detection means being a predetermined state; the speed information acquired from the vehicle being a predetermined state; the speed information based on the position information acquired from the positioning means being a predetermined state; and the speed information acquired from the GPS receiving means being a predetermined state. For example, each of the predetermined states may be a state that can be assumed in an actual stopped state, and may be a state that cannot be assumed in a moving state. Alternatively, for example, a state actually measured in a stopped state may be stored, and a predetermined state may be determined based on whether or not the state matches the stored pattern. For example, the predetermined state of the vibration state acquired from the vibration detection means may be a stored vibration characteristic when the vehicle is stopped, which is different from the vibration characteristic when the vehicle is moving, and a stopped state may be determined if the vibration characteristic matches the vibration characteristic when the vehicle is stopped. In particular, it is preferable to make a determination based on at least two of these, which makes it possible to more reliably determine whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state.

[0030] (12) It is desirable to have a function to prevent overwriting of a specified range of video, including the video currently being recorded, based on user operation, and to have a function to prevent overwriting of video, including the specified range of video before the power was cut off, even if the power was cut off. In this way, even if the power to the recording device is turned off due to an accident or by turning off the engine without performing an operation to suppress the overwriting of the accident video, when power is supplied again, the overwriting of the video in the predetermined range before the power was cut off can be suppressed at that point.

[0031] (13) It is preferable to provide a function to suppress the overwriting when at least one of the following is detected: rescuing the other party, the person being injured, or talking with the other party. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the video from being erased at the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0032] The detection of at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or conversation with the other party may be, for example, immediately after detecting at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or conversation with the other party, but may also be after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the detection of at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or conversation with the other party may be after the detection of these events has ceased. In this manner, rescue and conversation scenes are recorded without suppression, and because these events occur for a relatively short period of time, it is possible to prevent recorded accident footage from being overwritten and erased. The determination of the driver's own injury or conversation with the other party may be made based on whether the time spent recognizing the person conforms to a pre-stored predetermined pattern, for example, by using image recognition processing such as facial recognition to recognize people in the footage captured by the vehicle. For example, overwriting may be suppressed if two or more people are recognized for more than a predetermined period of time, or if the same person is repeatedly recognized and then lost within a predetermined period of time.

[0033] (14) It is preferable that the configuration has a function to suppress the overwriting when it is detected that the engine has been started by the engine starter. This reduces the risk that the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs will be erased by the video recorded while the engine is idling after being started by the engine starter.

[0034] For example, in order to more reliably store and preserve the recorded data at the time of an accident and before and after, it is recommended to use the following (15) to (23). These are particularly focused on immediately stopping the vehicle when an accident occurs, or when witnessing an accident and providing rescue, etc. For example, this can solve the problem of recorded footage being erased due to overwriting in continuous recording, and the problem of event recording not being stored when, for example, the sensor does not detect something or a button is not pressed.

[0035] (15) It is preferable to have a function for determining whether or not an accident has occurred immediately, and for inhibiting the overwriting if it is determined that an accident has occurred immediately. In this way, the images of the accident and those before and after the accident can be stored more reliably. More specific configurations are as shown in (17) and (18), for example.

[0036] (16) It is preferable to have a function to determine whether the car has been moved to a safe place after the accident, and to suppress the overwriting if it is determined that the car has been moved to a safe place after the accident. In this way, it is possible to more reliably store and preserve video footage of the time of the accident and the time before and after the accident. A more specific configuration, for example, can be as shown in (19). In this case, overwriting should be suppressed particularly for video footage including the time points before and after the accident. Whether or not a place is safe can be determined by storing area information, etc. of safe places in advance, and judging whether or not the detected current position is included within this stored area. Alternatively, area information, etc. of unsafe places can be stored in advance, and judging whether or not the current position is outside this area. In particular, roads should be considered unsafe areas.

[0037] (17) It is preferable that the system is provided with a continuous recording function, and that the predetermined stopped state is a state in which the vehicle is stopped, and that when the vehicle enters the predetermined stopped state, the system suppresses the overwriting of the recorded video of the continuous recording for a predetermined time before and after the state. As mentioned above, when an accident occurs, the vehicle stops immediately afterwards. Therefore, if the video footage before and after the stop is stored in a dedicated folder or the like to prevent overwriting, there is a high possibility that the video footage of the accident will be recorded, so the video data of the time of the accident and the time before and after the accident can be stored and saved more reliably.

[0038] This also applies to (1) through (14) above, but especially in (15) and subsequent items, overwriting prevention can be achieved by, for example, moving or copying the recorded video data (image capture data) or the video data file containing it to a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium. While overwriting prevention can be achieved by moving or copying to a folder or the like that prohibits overwriting, it is more practical to allow overwriting in dedicated folders, for example, when driving in a city, where frequent stops are common. By preventing overwriting by moving or copying to a dedicated folder or the like with overwriting prevention enabled in this way, the amount of data in the dedicated folder or the like can be smaller than the amount of data in continuous recording, which is beneficial because the probability of data being erased by overwriting is lower if the same storage capacity is used as for continuous recording.

[0039] For example, if both an event recording function and a continuous recording function are available, the predetermined time before and after the event recording may be set to a time longer than the recording time for the continuous recording function, but shorter than the recording time for the continuous recording function. For example, it may be desirable to suppress overwriting in a range that begins several tens of seconds to several minutes before the vehicle stops and ends several tens of seconds to several minutes after the vehicle stops. In particular, it is preferable to set the overwrite suppression time before the vehicle stops longer than after the vehicle stops, preferably about 1 to 3 minutes before the stop and about several tens of seconds to 1 minute after the stop. If the time is too long, the memory capacity will increase and the possibility of data being erased by overwriting or the like will increase. However, this eliminates the need for a large memory capacity, reduces the possibility of data being erased, and ensures that the details of the accident, including the events leading up to the accident and the events following the accident, are reliably recorded.

[0040] It is preferable that continuous recording is configured to store continuously recorded video in file units at predetermined intervals. In this configuration, recorded video is created in file units at predetermined intervals, and is overwritten. In particular, when the configuration (17) is provided, it is preferable that the predetermined interval is about one minute. In this way, if the file unit is about one minute, for example, it can be easily processed as a file when the vehicle is stopped, files one or two before, and a file one after.

[0041] (18) It is preferable to have a continuous recording function, and to prevent overwriting, the continuous recording is recorded in a separate memory area depending on whether the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, and the overwrite recording is performed in each memory area. In this way, even if the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent overwriting of video footage of a state other than the stopped state (for example, video footage of the vehicle moving) with video footage of the stopped state. Due to memory capacity limitations, it is also better to overwrite continuous recording when the vehicle is stopped.

[0042] The separate storage area may be a storage area that is managed separately, such as a different folder or a different drive. The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state or not." Separate storage areas may be provided, for example, a storage area for when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state and a storage area for when the vehicle is not in a predetermined stopped state. The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state," but it does not have to be "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state." In particular, if the continuous recording function is configured to generate files in units of a predetermined time (e.g., one minute), the file storage area may be switched immediately when a change occurs from a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is in a predetermined stopped state, or when a change occurs from a state that is in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state. However, the file storage area may not be switched until the recording unit time (e.g., the one minute) of the file currently being recorded is completed. Instead, when the recording of the file in the file unit currently being recorded is completed, it may be determined whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state, and the file storage area may be determined based on that determination.

[0043] For example, continuous recording can be divided into recordings while the vehicle is running and recordings while the vehicle is stopped, and the continuous recordings can be recorded in separate folders while the vehicle is running and while the vehicle is stopped, and overwriting can be performed within each folder. This prevents the recordings made while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time without turning off the engine from being overwritten and erased, and also allows accidents while the vehicle is stopped. It is also better to overwrite continuous recordings made while the vehicle is stopped due to memory capacity limitations.

[0044] (19) It is preferable that the system is provided with a continuous recording function, and the predetermined stopped state is a state in which the vehicle is stopped and remains stopped for a predetermined period of time, and when the vehicle enters the predetermined stopped state, the system is configured to suppress the overwriting of the recorded video of the continuous recording for a predetermined period of time before and after the time the vehicle started to stop. In this way, it is possible to prevent overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle stops, and it is possible to reduce the probability of erasure even when the video recording capacity is small, such as when the memory capacity is small.

[0045] In particular, the "predetermined period of time that the vehicle has been stopped" in the "state in which the vehicle has been stopped and has been stopped for a predetermined period of time" should be set to a period of time that exceeds the time spent waiting at a normal traffic light. It is preferable not to suppress overwriting for a normal period of time spent waiting at a traffic light, but to suppress overwriting when the vehicle has been stopped for a relatively long period of time. This prevents overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle waits at a traffic light, reduces the frequency of overwriting suppression, and reduces the probability of erasure even with a small memory capacity.

[0046] In particular, it is recommended to set the time to about 3 to 5 minutes. This prevents the possibility of accident recording being overwritten when the engine is left off and the vehicle is stopped. Also, if normal driving is resumed within a shorter time than this, it is assumed that there was no accident or that the accident was not serious, so overwriting suppression will be excessive, preventing the memory area from filling up with images that are suppressed from being overwritten, and reducing the risk of the storage area being used for continuous recording being overwhelmed. In particular, it is even better if the configuration (26) described below is combined.

[0047] In addition, if the vehicle stops but does not continue to stop for a predetermined time, the overwriting of the recorded video of the continuous recording for a predetermined time before and after the time the vehicle started to stop may not be suppressed. Also, the configuration (19) may be adopted, which does not include the configuration (17).

[0048] (20) The device may be provided with a continuous recording function, and when the power supply to the device is cut off, the device may be provided with a function to prevent the overwriting of the video recorded in the continuous recording, including at least one of the points immediately before the power supply is cut off, the point at which the vehicle starts to stop before the power supply is cut off, or the point at which the vehicle reaches the specified stopped state before the power supply is cut off.

[0049] It is important to minimize the possibility of accident footage being overwritten by continuous recordings when the vehicle is parked for long periods without shutting off the engine during an accident, but in reality, it is more common for vehicles to stop / park with the engine shut off even after an accident. In this case, it would be sufficient if an event recording was made before the engine was shut off. However, if the system does not have an event recording function, or if the system has an event recording function but does not record an event because it is not recognized as an event, the continuous recording of the accident footage may be overwritten and erased when the vehicle is driven after the accident is resolved. This prevents such a situation and ensures more reliable recording of accident footage. In particular, if the power supply to this device is supplied from the vehicle and the power supply from the vehicle is cut off when the vehicle's engine is shut off, the recording before the engine is shut off will be stored every time. To prevent overwriting, for example, a dedicated folder can be provided for overwriting. Furthermore, "including time 1" can be defined as a predetermined time before and after time 1, for example. As an example of the configuration of (20) above, for example, when the power supply to the recording device is cut off after the vehicle has stopped, it is preferable to perform processing to prevent overwriting of the recorded video that has been continuously recorded for a predetermined time before and after the vehicle has stopped.

[0050] (21) It is preferable that a backup power supply capable of supplying power when the power supply is cut off is provided, and when the power supply is cut off, the overwriting is suppressed by the backup power supply. In this way, overwriting can be more reliably suppressed. In a configuration without a backup power supply, or in a configuration with a backup power supply but with a low capacity, it is preferable to suppress overwriting after startup the next time the power is turned on.

[0051] In particular, it is advisable to perform the process of (20) in this way. For example, if a backup power source is available, the power can be turned off after the overwrite suppression process is performed on the backup power source. If a backup power source is not installed or the capacity of the backup power source is low, the overwrite suppression process can be performed after the next startup when the power is turned on. This is advisable because the process must be performed after the power is cut off.

[0052] (22) The device may include a positioning function, and the suppression of overwriting may include a function of not suppressing overwriting when the location where the positioning is performed is a preset location. For example, since it is often unnecessary to record accidents in places where the vehicle is frequently parked, such as at home or at work, it is advisable to set such locations where recording is unnecessary in advance and not perform overwrite suppression processing. This reduces the probability that necessary images, such as those recorded in the event of an accident, will be erased by overwriting. The location where overwrite suppression processing is not performed can be set by, for example, storing and setting the location when a command such as a button operation is input at that location. In particular, it is advisable to include the configuration of (22) in the configuration of (20).

[0053] (23) A continuous recording function is provided, and the predetermined stopped state is a state in which the vehicle stops, drives, and stops again, and the time for the re-stop is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and when the vehicle enters the predetermined stopped state, the overwriting of the continuously recorded video before and after the stopping and the continuously recorded video before and after the re-stopping is suppressed. In this way, when the car is moved to a safe place after an accident, the video of the accident and the video of the car when it is moved to the safe place can be stored more reliably.

[0054] More specifically, for example, in continuous recording, when the vehicle stops, the continuous recording data for a predetermined time before and after the vehicle stops or a recording data file containing the same is temporarily stored, and when the vehicle then drives and stops again and the stopping time is longer than the predetermined time, the recording data for the predetermined time before and after the vehicle stops again or a recording data file containing the same, and the temporarily stored recording data or a recording data file containing the same are moved or copied to a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium and stored therein. The temporary storage may be erased when the vehicle resumes driving at a speed above the predetermined speed. It is also possible to suppress overwriting not only up to the last stop of a predetermined duration or more, but also up to the second or third stop before that.

[0055] (24) A continuous recording function is provided, and the predetermined stopped state is a state in which the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, and the time is stored each time the vehicle stops, and when the stop continues for the predetermined time or more, the overwriting of the stored continuous recording video for a predetermined time before and after the stored stopped time up to that time and a predetermined time before that is suppressed. In this way, even if the vehicle stops multiple times after an accident to move to a safe place, the video of the accident and the videos of the multiple stops can be stored more reliably. Also, since the system is configured to store the time, the required storage capacity for temporary storage is smaller than in a configuration in which video data is temporarily stored for each stop, and costs can be easily suppressed.

[0056] The predetermined time may be the number of times or the time. For example, it may be four times or five minutes. It may be good to set conditions for both time and number of times. For example, it may be good to set conditions for four times and five minutes. The time may be the end time of the stop or the time during the stop, but it is better to use the start time of the stop. It is better to store the time of each stop, and if there is a stop that lasts for more than a predetermined time, to save the video before and after the start of the stop from the previous stop. More specifically, for example, when a vehicle stops, the time when the stop started is stored each time the vehicle stops, and when the stop continues for a predetermined time or longer, continuous recording data that stores recordings of the start time of the stop and a predetermined time before and after the start time of the stop up to a predetermined time before that, or a continuous recording data file containing this, can be moved or copied and stored in a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium.

[0057] (25) It is preferable that the device is provided with a continuous recording function, and when it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, the multiple different points in time are determined as targets for suppressing overwriting, and the overwriting is suppressed for the recorded video at the determined points in time and the time before and after the determined points in time. This configuration requires less storage capacity for temporary storage than a configuration in which video data for each point in time and the points before and after each point in time is temporarily stored in RAM or the like, making it easy to prevent costs from increasing, and also makes it possible to more reliably store and preserve video at the time of the accident and video at points in time related to it.

[0058] (26) The determination of whether the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state may be made on the condition that the stopped time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off before the vehicle has stopped and continued to be stopped for the predetermined time or longer, the vehicle may be deemed to have continued to be stopped for the predetermined time or longer. If the engine is turned off immediately after the vehicle has stopped, continuous recording will not continue and the data will not be overwritten while the vehicle is stopped. However, if the engine is started again and the vehicle begins to drive, continuous recording will begin and the data may be overwritten and erased, so it is better to perform the save process. For example, in the configurations (18) to (25), if the vehicle stops and the power supply from the vehicle is cut off before the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer, it may be assumed that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer and the data may be stored.

[0059] Furthermore, by using formula (26), it is possible to easily configure the vehicle stop time so that it is not necessary to include the time when the engine is stopped. With this configuration, it is not necessary to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time when power supply is stopped or started. For example, when power is supplied, it is not necessary to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time from the last recorded time before the engine was stopped and the time when the engine was started, in order to determine the vehicle stop time.

[0060] (27) When the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, and if the overwriting is to be suppressed, it is preferable to process the process using a backup power source or to process the process the next time the power is turned on and the circuit is started up. If the recording device (e.g., a drive recorder) is equipped with a battery, you can simply perform the storage process using the battery and then turn off the recording device (e.g., a drive recorder). However, if the device is not equipped with a battery or the battery is depleted, it is better to perform the process the next time the device is turned on. For example, as in (27), if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, it is considered that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, and it is particularly preferable to include the configuration of (23) in a configuration in which it is determined that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time in any of the configurations (18) to (27), for example, and overwriting is suppressed as a result.

[0061] (28) The vehicle may be provided with a function that considers the stop to continue after the vehicle has stopped until the vehicle starts traveling at a predetermined speed or faster. In this way, the above-mentioned configuration can be realized by regarding a vehicle traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed as a stop. In particular, the predetermined speed may be set to, for example, a speed of several kilometers per hour, which corresponds to a traffic jam. For example, when a vehicle repeatedly moves forward a short distance and then stops, as occurs in a traffic jam, this can prevent a large number of overwrites from being suppressed. It is even better if the predetermined speed can be set by the user.

[0062] (29) The suppression of overwriting may be achieved by storing the video in one of a predetermined folder, a predetermined storage area, or a predetermined storage medium, and the storage may be preset to prohibit overwriting or allow overwriting, or the setting may be changed. In the case of allow overwriting, the probability of erasing the storage by overwriting may be lower than that of overwriting in continuous recording. If it is clear in advance whether overwriting is prohibited or permitted, it can be set to one of these modes from the beginning (for example, at the time of shipment), and if the setting is better depending on how the user uses the device, it is advisable to make it possible to change the setting. Even if overwriting is permitted, by making the probability of erasing the memory by overwriting lower than when overwriting continuous recording, it is possible to more reliably record video in the event of an accident, etc. It is preferable that the video be pre-recorded video.

[0063] (30) It is preferable that the recording device is provided with a continuous recording function, and that the recording in the specified folder, the specified storage area, or the specified storage medium is stored in a folder, storage area, or storage medium that is different from that used for continuous recording and event recording. This reduces the influence of continuous recording and event recording, and also makes it easier to search.

[0064] (31) It is preferable that the device is provided with a continuous recording function and an event recording function, and that the continuous recording and event recording continue even while the vehicle is stopped. This will allow you to make up for any missed recordings or data that has been overwritten. Also, by using this function in conjunction with continuous recording and event recording, the reliability of recording storage in the event of an accident can be improved. The configurations described in each of the above paragraphs (1) through (31) can basically be combined arbitrarily, and multiple paragraphs may be combined to the extent that no contradictions arise. When combining paragraphs, the ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art can be exercised based on the concept of each paragraph. If elements described in each paragraph have the same name, the elements may be configured as different elements, but it is preferable to configure them as the same element. For example, a "continuous recording function" may be configured as n continuous recording functions, such as "first continuous recording function"..."nth continuous recording function," with each function being different for each paragraph, but it is preferable to configure some or all of them as the same continuous recording function. For example, a "predetermined stopped state" may be determined separately, for example, by suppressing overwriting for different recording targets, but it is also preferable to combine at least some or all of the functions described in each paragraph to suppress overwriting for the same recording target.

[0065] Regarding (1) to (31), for example, even in a configuration that has both a continuous recording function and an event recording function, it becomes possible to more reliably verify video of an accident, etc. In particular, a more significant effect is achieved in a configuration that gives priority to recording video recorded by the event recording function over video recorded by the continuous recording function, such as a configuration that has a function that overwrites and records video recorded by the event recording function over video recorded by the continuous recording function. (32) The functions of the above-mentioned recording device may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the drive recorder ((a) is the rear side, (b) is the front side). [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a holder equipped with an acceleration sensor. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the imaging unit housed inside ((a) is the rear side, (b) is the front side). [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the drive recorder. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of control. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a recording operation by continuous recording. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating data transfer between a drive recorder and a personal computer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of an operation setting screen displayed on a personal computer. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drive recorder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drive recorder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. Example 1 1, which is an example of a recording device, includes a substantially cylindrical main body case 2 that houses an imaging unit, etc. The main body case 2 can be attached to, for example, the windshield of a vehicle via an attachment bracket 3.

[0068] Bracket 3 includes a retaining ring that is fitted onto the approximately cylindrical main body case 2, and a generally flat mounting plate 5 that circumscribes the retaining ring. The end of main body case 2 that is fitted onto the retaining ring of bracket 3 is configured so that a generally doughnut-shaped cap 4 can be screwed onto it. By screwing in cap 4 with the rotation angle of main body case 2 adjusted, main body case 2 can be fixed to bracket 3. By adjusting the rotation angle of main body case 2 relative to bracket 3, the depression angle of drive recorder 1 can be changed, and the shooting range can be adjusted. The drive recorder 1 can be attached to, for example, the windshield via a mounting plate 5 so that the lens 14 of the CCD camera 13 faces a predetermined direction (generally, the front direction).

[0069] An access hole 171 to the DC jack 16 and a USB port 172 to which a USB cable extending from a personal computer or the like can be connected are drilled in a side end face of the main body case 2 that is approximately flush with the end of the screwed-on cap 4. An insertion slot 181 for inserting an SD card is provided in the opposite side end face of the main body case 2. An LED (display) 181A is disposed in a position adjacent to the insertion slot 181. The LED 181A lights up during data access to an SD card, which is a memory card as an example of a storage medium inserted into the insertion slot 181.

[0070] The main body case 2 is a hollow case made up of a camera cover 2b and a back cover 2a, which are roughly cylindrical parts split vertically in half. On the surface of the back cover 2a, there are arranged a holder 7 (Fig. 2) that rotatably holds the holder main body 7a, push buttons 8 and 9 that serve as operating means, and pilot lamp illumination blocks 10 and 11. A lens 14 of a CCD camera 13 is exposed on the surface of the camera cover 2b.

[0071] An acceleration sensor 15, which is an example of a vibration detection means, is mounted on the holder main body 7a in Fig. 2. In the holder 7, the acceleration sensor 15 can be positioned in a horizontal direction, which serves as a reference position, according to the rotation of the holder main body 7a. The acceleration sensor 15 measures acceleration, which is a measurement value of a physical quantity that reflects the vehicle's condition, such as an applied impact.

[0072] An imaging unit 21 is housed inside the main body case 2. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the imaging unit 21 is a unit having a board structure in which a main board 22 and a sub-board 25 are stacked on top of each other. Mounted on the main board 22 are a CCD camera 13, which is an example of imaging means, a GPS receiver 24, which is an example of GPS receiving means, a DC jack 16, a power supply circuit (not shown), and the like. In addition, a one-chip microcomputer (not shown) that forms a control controller 30 (see Figure 4), which is an example of control means, is mounted on the mounting surface of the main board 22 facing the sub-board 25.

[0073] Sub-board 25 has switches 27 and 28 arranged thereon corresponding to push buttons 8 and 9, and LEDs 291 and 292 arranged thereon corresponding to pilot lamp illumination blocks 10 and 11. Sub-board 25 also has a connector (not shown) for connecting a signal line extending from acceleration sensor 15. An SD card reader 311, which is an example of a media holder for loading an SD card and reading and writing data, is mounted on the mounting surface of sub-board 25 facing main board 22.

[0074] 4, the drive recorder 1 is electrically configured around a controller 30, which is an example of a control means. The controller 30 is connected to a CCD camera 13, an acceleration sensor 15, a GPS receiver 24, an SD card reader 311, and a database 32. The controller 30 is mainly configured with a microcomputer in which a CPU (not shown), a memory constituting a main memory such as a flash ROM, ROM, or RAM as an example of storage means, a timer, etc. are incorporated on one chip.

[0075] The ROM of the control controller 30 stores various programs such as a GPS information processing program that processes the GPS information received by the GPS receiver 24, an image processing program that stores images captured by the CCD camera 13 in the main memory or an SD card, and an OS (Operating System).

[0076] The GPS receiver 24 is a receiver that detects the current position information of the vehicle in accordance with instructions from the control controller 30. In this example, the detection timing by the GPS receiver 24 is set to every second. The position information detected includes the position, speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. The GPS receiver 24 inputs the detected position information to the control controller 30. The CCD camera 13 is an imaging means that captures an image of a scene ahead through a lens 14 and acquires image data. The CCD camera 13 inputs the image data to the controller 30 via an interface unit 33 that is capable of performing data compression and digital conversion. The acceleration sensor 15 is a three-axis type sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (X, Y, Z), and inputs the detected values ​​to the controller 30. The SD card reader 311 reads and writes data from and to an SD card under the control of the controller 30.

[0077] The data recorded on the SD card under the control of the controller 30 includes imaging data (captured images) from the CCD camera 13, position data and speed data from the GPS receiver 24, acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 15, and the like. Each piece of data is recorded in association with the time of recording. This association makes it possible to acquire position data, speed data, and acceleration data at any given time in synchronization with the playback of the imaging data. It is also possible to record imaging data in synchronization with the speed data, position data, acceleration data, and the like.

[0078] The database 32 is a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM, that is either inside the control controller 30 or externally attached to the control controller 30. Determination patterns for determining whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state are stored in the database 32. An example of a determination pattern for vehicle stop information is a pattern in which the vehicle has been held in a stopped state for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0079] When the vehicle ignition is turned on and power is supplied to the drive recorder 1, the setting information stored in the SD card is read and copied to the main memory (RAM), and operation according to the setting information is started. If no setting information is stored in the SD card, the default setting information stored in the main memory (ROM) is copied to the main memory (RAM).

[0080] The setting information is information about settings such as recording size, frame rate, and image quality. Individual settings for each user must be generated using the PC 35 and stored on an SD card, and then the SD card must be inserted into the drive recorder 1. Default settings are pre-stored in the ROM of the drive recorder 1 as described above, so they can be set without using the PC 35 or the like.

[0081] The operation of the drive recorder 1 configured as above will be described, focusing on the flow of control by the controller 30 shown in FIG. When the drive recorder 1 is switched to the power-on state, the control controller 30 reads the setting information copied to the main body memory (RAM) and also reads the stop state determination pattern stored in the database 32. The control controller 30 captures images according to the read setting information to acquire the images, and as an example of control of the continuous recording function, executes continuous recording, which is an example of a continuous recording operation in which the captured images are continuously recorded in the recording area of ​​the SD card (S101). The drive recorder 1 always executes continuous recording when the power is supplied, except when the overwrite suppression function is enabled. Therefore, this continuous recording is always continuous recording.

[0082] During continuous recording, the controller 30 records a series of captured image data onto the SD card as shown in Figure 6. The squares on each SD card in the figure schematically represent blocks such as sectors used to divide and manage the storage area.

[0083] If the SD card is in an initialized state, the control controller 30 performs recording (recording of image data) as shown in Fig. 6A. If the memory area of ​​the SD card becomes full, it erases the memory area of ​​the master SD card to create free space as shown in Fig. 6B. The order of erasure at this time is from the oldest image data recorded in the memory area of ​​the SD card (oldest image capture timing), and the image data is erased in the order 1, 2, 3, etc. as shown in Fig. 6C. While erasing old image data in this way, the control controller 30 records new image data as shown in Fig. 6C. By repeatedly performing this recording operation, captured video is recorded continuously.

[0084] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, if the vehicle ignition is turned off and the power supply is cut off when imaging data has been recorded up to block 14 on the SD card, the controller 30 will continue recording imaging data from block 15 on the SD card when the vehicle ignition is subsequently turned on.

[0085] During continuous recording (S102: YES in FIG. 5), the control controller 30 repeatedly determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state (S103) using the stop state determination pattern read from the database 32. The control controller 30 determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state using the speed information acquired by the GPS receiver 24. Specifically, the control controller 30 determines that the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state when the speed indicated by the speed information is maintained at less than 1 km / h for three minutes, which is an example of a predetermined time.

[0086] For example, when a determination pattern that the vehicle has been held in a stopped state for three minutes or more, which is an example of a predetermined time, matches the current vehicle state, the control controller 30 determines that the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state and executes the overwrite suppression function (S103: YES). In the following description, a state in which the vehicle has been held in a stopped state for three minutes or more is referred to as a predetermined stopped state. While the overwrite suppression function is being executed, the control controller 30 temporarily stops continuous recording by the continuous recording function (S104), thereby performing control to prevent erasure of recorded image data due to overwriting with new image data. On the other hand, if the vehicle is not in the predetermined stopped state (S103: NO), recording by overwriting continues (S114).

[0087] While continuous recording is paused by the overwrite suppression function (S102: NO), the controller 30 uses the speed information acquired by the GPS receiver 24 to determine whether the vehicle has transitioned to a predetermined driving state (S123). If the vehicle has transitioned to the predetermined driving state (S123: YES), the controller 30 cancels the pause of continuous recording by the overwrite suppression function and resumes continuous recording (S124). In this example, an example of the predetermined driving state is a state in which the vehicle no longer enters the predetermined stopped state due to speed information acquired by the GPS receiver 24 exceeding, for example, 5 km / h when the vehicle starts moving. In the following description, this state will be referred to as the predetermined driving state. By resuming continuous recording in this manner when the vehicle starts moving, it is possible to more reliably record video footage of driving, which is prone to events such as accidents. On the other hand, if the vehicle is not in the predetermined driving state (S123: NO), the controller 30 maintains the recording pause state by the overwrite suppression function (S134).

[0088] The above control is repeatedly executed until the power supply is stopped (S105: NO), and ends when the power is turned off (S105: YES). It is advisable to provide a capacitor or the like to store power, and when the power supply is cut off, control the device so that the power stored in the capacitor is used to execute a recording end process and then all operations are stopped.

[0089] In determining a predetermined stopped state or a predetermined running state, the controller 30 considers the vehicle to be stopped until it starts moving at a predetermined speed, such as 5 km / h, after it has stopped. In this way, a speed of less than 5 km / h, which is an example of a predetermined speed, can be considered stopped and the predetermined stopped state or predetermined running state can be determined. The predetermined speed may be, for example, a speed of several kilometers per hour, which corresponds to a traffic jam. For example, when the vehicle repeatedly moves forward and then stops, as in a traffic jam, this can prevent multiple overwrites from being suppressed. It is even better if the predetermined speed can be set by the user.

[0090] The image data recorded on the SD card can be viewed using a tablet computer or a desktop PC on which application software for the drive recorder 1 has been installed. If the PC has a card slot, the recorded image data can be viewed by inserting the SD card removed from the drive recorder 1 into the card slot (see Figure 7). It is also possible to take the drive recorder 1 with the SD card still inserted out of the vehicle and connect it to a PC via a USB cable to view the image data recorded on the SD card.

[0091] On a computer or the like that can view the captured image data, it is possible to change the operational settings of the drive recorder 1. When the operational setting screen (Figure 8) is displayed on the computer or the like, various operational setting items such as screen resolution and frame rate can be changed. The setting information set using the computer is stored on an SD card, and is then read out and set on the main body of the drive recorder 1 when power is turned on.

[0092] The drive recorder 1 configured as described above has a function of suppressing overwriting when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state. This drive recorder 1 can prevent video of the stopped state from continuing to be recorded by overwriting previously recorded video (image data) recorded while the vehicle is moving, so there is little risk of video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs being erased. If continuous recording continues, it is necessary to stop the continuous recording that involves overwriting by, for example, turning off the power to the drive recorder 1. However, by executing the overwrite suppression function, it is possible to prevent a situation in which video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs being erased without turning off the power.

[0093] On the other hand, if the vehicle stops but the stop time is less than a predetermined time, such as three minutes, and the vehicle is not determined to be in the predetermined stopped state, the overwrite suppression function is not enabled and continuous recording continues. By adopting this setting for the overwrite suppression function, continuous recording can more reliably record video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, and the overwrite suppression function can reduce the risk of erasing video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. In this way, the overwrite suppression function allows for a better balance between recording and saving video.

[0094] The overwrite suppression function has a particularly significant effect in a configuration in which newly acquired video is recorded by overwriting video already recorded by continuous recording, as in the drive recorder 1 of this example. In particular, the overwrite suppression function has a most significant effect in the drive recorder 1 of this example, which performs constant recording, in which video is recorded continuously while power is on and video is recorded while overwriting and erasing previously recorded video.

[0095] In the drive recorder 1, a state in which the vehicle is stopped for three minutes, which is an example of a predetermined time, is set as a predetermined stopped state that triggers the execution of the overwrite suppression function. According to the drive recorder 1, when the stopped state continues for more than the predetermined time, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the risk of erasing video footage, particularly of the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0096] Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 is configured not to execute the overwrite suppression function when the vehicle is not in the predetermined stopped state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably record video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, and also to suppress the risk of erasing the video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs, thereby achieving a good balance between the two.

[0097] The drive recorder 1 determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state using speed information acquired from the GPS receiver 24. For example, it is preferable to determine whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state based on at least one of the following: a vibration state determined based on acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 15, which is an example of a vibration detection means, is a predetermined state, such as an acceleration of 0.05 G or less; speed information acquired from the vehicle is a predetermined state, such as a speed of 1 km / h or less; speed information based on position information acquired from the positioning means is a predetermined state, such as a speed of 1 km / h or less; and speed information acquired from the GPS receiver 24 is a predetermined state, such as a speed of 1 km / h or less. In particular, it is preferable to determine whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state based on at least two of these. In this way, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state. For example, any of the above-mentioned predetermined states may be states that can be assumed when the vehicle is actually stopped, and may be states that cannot be assumed when the vehicle is moving. Furthermore, for example, it may be possible to store the state actually measured when the vehicle is stopped, and determine whether the predetermined state is present based on whether the state matches the stored pattern. For example, the predetermined state of the vibration state acquired from the vibration detection means may be stored as vibration characteristics when the vehicle is stopped, which are different from vibration characteristics when the vehicle is moving, and determine that the vehicle is in a stopped state if the vibration characteristics match the vibration characteristics when the vehicle is stopped.

[0098] It is preferable that continuous recording is configured to store continuously recorded video in file units at predetermined time intervals. In this configuration, recorded video is created in file units at predetermined time intervals and is overwritten. In particular, in a configuration in which overwriting of recorded video from continuous recording for a predetermined time before and after a vehicle enters a predetermined stopped state is suppressed, the predetermined time is preferably about one minute. In this way, if the file unit is about one minute, for example, it can be easily processed as a file at the time of stopping, one or two files before that, and one file after that.

[0099] In addition, to prevent overwriting, it is preferable to provide a function for recording continuous recording in different storage areas depending on whether the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state or not, and for overwriting the recording in each storage area. In this way, even if the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent overwriting of video of a state other than the predetermined stopped state (for example, video of the vehicle moving) with video of the predetermined stopped state. Due to memory capacity limitations, it is also preferable to overwrite continuous recording when the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state.

[0100] The separate storage area may be a separately managed storage area, such as a different folder or a different drive. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a drive recorder 1 having SD card slots 181 and 182 may be used, and continuous recording may be performed in the storage area of ​​the SD card in slot 181 when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state, and continuous recording may be performed in the storage area of ​​the SD card in slot 182 when the vehicle is not in the predetermined stopped state.

[0101] The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state or not." Separate storage areas may be provided, for example, a storage area for when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state and a storage area for when the vehicle is not in a predetermined stopped state. The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state," but it does not have to be "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state." In particular, if the continuous recording function is configured to generate files in units of a predetermined time (e.g., one minute), the file storage area may be switched immediately when a change occurs from a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is in a predetermined stopped state, or when a change occurs from a state that is in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state. However, the file storage area may not be switched until the recording unit time (e.g., the one minute) of the file currently being recorded is completed. Instead, when the recording of the file in the file unit currently being recorded is completed, it may be determined whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state, and the file storage area may be determined based on that determination.

[0102] For example, continuous recording can be distinguished between when the vehicle is moving and when it is stopped, and the continuous recording can be recorded in separate folders when the vehicle is moving and when it is stopped, and the recordings can be overwritten and stored in each folder. This prevents the recordings made while the vehicle is stopped for a long time without turning off the engine from being overwritten and erased, and also allows accidents while the vehicle is stopped. It is also advisable to overwrite continuous recordings made while the vehicle is stopped due to memory capacity limitations.

[0103] In particular, the "predetermined period of time that the vehicle has been stopped" in the "state in which the vehicle has been stopped and has been stopped for a predetermined period of time" should be set to a period of time that exceeds the time spent waiting at a normal traffic light. It is preferable not to suppress overwriting for a normal period of time spent waiting at a traffic light, but to suppress overwriting when the vehicle has been stopped for a relatively long period of time. This prevents overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle waits at a traffic light, reduces the frequency of overwriting suppression, and reduces the probability of erasure even with a small memory capacity.

[0104] In particular, it is recommended to set the time to about 3 to 5 minutes. This prevents the possibility of accident recording being overwritten when the engine is left off and the vehicle is stopped, and also prevents excessive overwriting suppression, which would otherwise fill up the storage area with images that are suppressed from being overwritten, since resuming normal driving within a shorter time than this is likely to be no accident or a serious accident. This also reduces the risk of the storage area being filled up with images that are suppressed from being overwritten, which reduces the risk of overloading the available recording area for continuous recording.

[0105] In addition, if the vehicle stops but does not remain stopped for a predetermined period of time, it is preferable that the overwriting of the recorded video from the continuous recording for a predetermined period of time before and after the time the vehicle began to stop is not suppressed.

[0106] The predetermined stopped state may be a state in which the vehicle stops, drives, and stops again for a predetermined time, such as two minutes, and when the vehicle reaches the predetermined stopped state, the overwriting of the continuously recorded video before and after the stop and the continuously recorded video before and after the re-stop can be suppressed. In this way, when the vehicle is moved to a safe place after an accident, the video at the time of the accident and the video when the vehicle is moved to the safe place can be more reliably stored.

[0107] More specifically, for example, in continuous recording, when the vehicle stops, the continuous recording data (image data) for a predetermined time, for example, one minute, before and after the stop, or a recording data file containing the same, is temporarily stored, and when the vehicle then drives and stops again and the stop time is longer than a predetermined time, for example, two minutes, the recording data for the predetermined time, for example, one minute, before and after the re-stop, or a recording data file containing the same, and the temporarily stored recording data or recording data file containing the same, are moved or copied to a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium and stored therein. The temporary storage may be erased when the vehicle resumes driving at a speed higher than a predetermined speed, for example, 5 km / h. It is also possible to suppress overwriting not only up to the last stop of a predetermined duration or more, but also up to the second or third stop before that.

[0108] The predetermined stopped state may be a state in which the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time, such as three minutes, or more, and the time may be stored each time the vehicle stops. If the vehicle has been stopped for more than the predetermined time, overwriting of the stored continuous video footage for a predetermined time before and after the time of the stop, as described below, may be suppressed. In this way, even if the vehicle stops multiple times after an accident to move to a safe place, the video of the accident and the videos of the multiple stops can be stored more reliably. Also, since the system is configured to store the time, the required storage capacity for temporary storage is smaller than in a configuration in which video data is temporarily stored for each stop, and costs can be easily suppressed.

[0109] The predetermined time may be the number of times or the time. For example, it may be four times or five minutes. It may be good to set conditions for both time and number of times. For example, it may be good to set conditions for four times and five minutes. The time may be the end time of the stop or the time during the stop, but it is better to use the start time of the stop. It is better to store the time of each stop, and if there is a stop that lasts for more than a predetermined time, to save the video before and after the start of the stop from the previous stop. More specifically, for example, when a vehicle stops, the time when the stop started is stored each time the vehicle stops, and when the stop continues for a predetermined time or longer, continuous recording data that stores recordings of the start time of the stop and a predetermined time before and after the start time of the stop up to a predetermined time before that, or a continuous recording data file containing this, can be moved or copied and stored in a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium.

[0110] When it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, the multiple different points in time are determined as targets for suppressing overwriting, and the suppression of overwriting is performed on recorded video for the determined points in time and the periods before and after the determined points in time. This configuration requires less storage capacity for temporary storage than a configuration in which the video data for each point in time and the time before and after each point in time is temporarily stored in the main memory such as RAM, making it easy to prevent costs from increasing, and also makes it possible to more reliably store and preserve video of the accident and video of points in time related to it.

[0111] The determination of whether the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state may be made on the condition that the stopped time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off before the vehicle has stopped and continued to be stopped for the predetermined time or longer, the vehicle may be deemed to have continued to be stopped for the predetermined time or longer. If the engine is turned off immediately after the vehicle has stopped, continuous recording will not continue and the data will not be overwritten while the vehicle is stopped. However, if the engine is started again and the vehicle begins to drive, continuous recording will begin and the data may be overwritten and erased, so it is better to perform the save process. Furthermore, by adopting the above-described configuration that considers the vehicle to have been stopped continuously, it is possible to easily configure the vehicle stop time so that it is not necessary to include the time when the engine is stopped. With this configuration, it is not necessary to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time when power supply is stopped or started. For example, when power is supplied, it is not necessary to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time from the last recorded time before the engine was stopped and the time when the engine was started in order to determine the vehicle stop time.

[0112] When the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, and if the overwriting is to be suppressed, the process can be performed using a backup power source, or the next time the power is turned on and the circuit is started up. If the drive recorder is equipped with a battery, you can simply stop the operation after saving the data using the battery, but if the drive recorder does not have a battery or the battery is depleted, it is better to have the processing performed the next time the power is turned on.

[0113] Overwriting can be prevented by storing the video in one of a specified folder, a specified storage area, or a specified storage medium, and the storage can be set in advance to prohibit overwriting or allow overwriting, or the setting can be changed, and if overwriting is allowed, the probability of the storage being erased by overwriting can be set lower than when overwriting in continuous recording. If it is clear in advance whether overwriting is prohibited or permitted, it can be set to one of these modes from the beginning (for example, at the time of shipment), and if the setting is better depending on how the user uses the device, it is advisable to make it possible to change the setting. Even if overwriting is permitted, by making the probability of erasing the memory by overwriting lower than when overwriting continuous recording, it is possible to more reliably record video in the event of an accident, etc.

[0114] It is preferable that the device is provided with a continuous recording function that performs continuous recording at all times while power is supplied, and that the storage in the specified folder, specified storage area or specified storage medium is stored in a folder, storage area or storage medium that is different from that used for continuous recording and event recording. This reduces the influence of continuous recording and event recording, and also makes it easier to search.

[0115] Example 2 This example is based on the drive recorder 1 described above, and is an example in which an overwrite suppression button 80 (see FIG. 10) which is an example of an operation means operated by the user to suppress overwriting is added. When the overwrite suppression button 80 is operated during continuous recording, the control controller 30 (see FIG. 4) suppresses overwriting of a predetermined range of video, such as a recording range spanning one minute, including the video currently being recorded. Even if the power is interrupted, the control controller 30 also suppresses overwriting of the predetermined range of video, such as a recording range spanning one minute before the power was interrupted.

[0116] This drive recorder 1 is extremely effective when the power to the drive recorder 1 is turned off due to an accident or by turning off the engine without operating the overwrite suppression button 80. When power is supplied again, overwriting of the video in a specified range before the power was cut off can be suppressed at that point. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0117] Example 3 This example is an example of a drive recorder that is based on one of the above drive recorders and has an added function of detecting engine start by an engine starter. The drive recorder includes a communication port for receiving vehicle signals including a signal representing engine speed.

[0118] The controller 30 (see FIG. 4) detects engine start when the engine speed, which was below a threshold value, such as 300 rpm, exceeds the threshold value. When engine start is detected, the controller 30 controls to prevent the recorded imaging data from being overwritten.

[0119] With the drive recorder of this example, there is less risk that footage of the moment an event such as an accident occurs will be erased by footage recorded while the engine is idling after being started with the engine starter. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0120] Example 4 This example is based on one of the drive recorders described above, and is an example in which the scope of data that is subject to overwriting suppression when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state is expanded in time. When the vehicle comes to a predetermined stop, the controller 30 (see FIG. 4) of this drive recorder executes control to prevent overwriting of the continuously recorded video for a predetermined period before and after the vehicle comes to a predetermined stop.

[0121] For example, when an accident or the like occurs, many drivers stop the vehicle immediately afterward, so if overwriting is suppressed by storing the video footage before and after the vehicle stops in a dedicated folder, etc., there is a high possibility that the accident or the like will be recorded. Therefore, with the drive recorder of this example that suppresses overwriting of the image data for a predetermined time before and after the time the vehicle enters a predetermined stopped state, it is possible to more reliably store and preserve the video data at the time of the accident and the time before and after the accident.

[0122] For example, in the case of a drive recorder equipped with an event recording function and a continuous recording function, as described in Example 10, the predetermined time before and after the event may be set to be longer than the recording time for the event recording function but shorter than the recording time for the continuous recording function. For example, it may be desirable to suppress overwriting in a range that starts from several tens of seconds to several minutes before the vehicle stops and ends from several tens of seconds to several minutes after the vehicle stops. In particular, it is preferable to set the overwrite suppression time before the vehicle stops longer than after the vehicle stops, preferably about 1 to 3 minutes before the stop and about several tens of seconds to 1 minute after the stop. If the time is too long, the memory capacity will increase and the possibility of data being erased by overwriting or the like will increase. However, this eliminates the need for a large memory capacity, reduces the possibility of data being erased, and ensures that the details of the accident, including the events leading up to the accident and the events following the accident, are reliably recorded.

[0123] It is also preferable that when the vehicle is stopped, the overwriting of recorded video from continuous recording for a predetermined period of time before and after the start of the stop is suppressed. This prevents overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle stops, and reduces the probability of erasure even when the video recording capacity is small, such as when the memory capacity is small. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0124] Example 5 This example is based on one of the drive recorders 1 described above, and is an example in which the control when the power supply is cut off is modified. The controller 30 of this drive recorder (see Figure 4) executes control to prevent overwriting of continuously recorded video including at least one of the following points: when the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is cut off, immediately before the power supply is cut off, when the vehicle starts to stop before the power supply is cut off, or when the vehicle reaches the specified stopped state before the power supply is cut off.

[0125] It is important to minimize the possibility of accident footage being overwritten and erased when the vehicle is parked for a long period of time without shutting off the engine after an accident. However, in reality, it is more common for vehicles to stop / park with the engine shut off even after an accident. In this case, it would be sufficient if an event recording was made before the engine was shut off. However, if the system does not have an event recording function, or if the system has an event recording function but does not record an event because it is not recognized as an event, the continuously recorded accident footage may be overwritten and erased when the vehicle is driven after the accident is resolved. This prevents this from happening and ensures more reliable recording of accident footage. In particular, if the drive recorder 1 is powered by the vehicle and the power supply from the vehicle is cut off when the vehicle's engine is shut off, the recording before the engine is shut off will be stored every time. To prevent overwriting, for example, a dedicated folder can be provided for overwriting. Furthermore, the phrase "including time 1" can be defined as a predetermined time before and after time 1. For example, when the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is cut off after the vehicle has stopped, it is advisable to perform processing to prevent overwriting of the video recorded continuously for a predetermined period before and after the vehicle has stopped.

[0126] In addition, it is preferable to provide a backup power supply that can supply power when the power is cut off, and to configure the backup power supply to suppress overwriting when the power is cut off. With a drive recorder configured in this way, overwriting can be suppressed more reliably. Note that in a configuration without a backup power supply, or in a configuration where a backup power supply is provided but the capacity of the backup power supply is low, it is preferable to suppress overwriting after startup the next time the power is turned on.

[0127] In particular, for example, the following processing can be performed to prevent overwriting of continuously recorded video that includes at least one of the following points: immediately before the power is cut off, when the vehicle starts to stop before the power is cut off, or when the vehicle enters the specified stopped state before the power is cut off. For example, if a backup power source is available, the power can be turned off after performing overwrite prevention processing on the backup power source. If no backup power source is installed or the capacity of the backup power source is low, the overwrite prevention processing can be performed after startup the next time the power is turned on. This is desirable because processing is required after the power is cut off. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0128] Example 6 This example is based on one of the drive recorders described above, and adds a configuration for switching control to suppress overwriting depending on the vehicle position. The controller 30 (see FIG. 4) of this drive recorder executes a process of determining whether or not the location measured by the GPS receiver 24 is a preset location. If the location of the vehicle is a preset location, the controller 30 does not suppress overwriting.

[0129] For example, since it is often unnecessary to record accidents in places where the vehicle is frequently parked, such as at home or in the parking lot of the workplace, it is advisable to set such places where no recording is necessary in advance and not perform the overwrite suppression process. This reduces the probability that necessary images, such as those recorded in the event of an accident, will be erased by overwriting. The setting of places where overwrite suppression process is not performed can be done, for example, by storing and setting the location when a command such as a button operation is input at that location. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0130] Example 7 This example is an example in which the predetermined stop state determination pattern is changed based on one of the drive recorders 1 described above. The drive recorder 1 is equipped with a vibration detection means (not shown) for detecting vibrations. The controller 30 (see FIG. 4) detects the magnitude of the impact according to the magnitude and pattern of the vibration detected by the vibration detection means, and determines that there is a high possibility of an accident if the magnitude of the impact is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0131] In the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment, a pattern in which the vehicle stops within several tens of seconds, which is an example of a predetermined time, after an impact equal to or greater than a threshold is detected is stored in the database 32 as a determination pattern for determining a predetermined stopped state. When the vehicle stops within the predetermined time after the impact occurs, the controller 30 determines whether the determination pattern for the stopped state matches the actual vehicle state, and if they match, determines that the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state. As in the first embodiment, if the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state, continuous recording is stopped and an overwrite prevention function is executed to prevent erasure of recorded image data.

[0132] The stop state determination pattern in this example is based on the knowledge that when a typical driver is involved in an accident, they often stop the vehicle within a predetermined time after the impact occurs. By adopting this determination pattern, it is possible to more reliably prevent the deletion of video data of the moment an event such as an accident occurs.

[0133] In this example, it is determined that an accident may occur when an impact of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected, but alternatively or additionally, the possibility of an accident may be determined when fault diagnosis information of a vehicle ECU or the like obtained from a diagnostic system such as an OBD indicates a fault, when an airbag or the like is detected to have been activated, when a scene equivalent to an accident is detected by image recognition of video, etc. Examples of situations equivalent to an accident include a deformed vehicle or a situation in which someone is injured.

[0134] It is also possible to provide the drive recorder with a function for detecting at least one of the following: rescuing the other party, the driver's injury, or conversation with the other party, and to effectively control the overwrite suppression function when any of these is detected. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the deletion of video footage at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. Rescuing the other party, the driver's injury, or conversation with the other party can be detected, for example, by image recognition of the captured video.

[0135] The detection of at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or talking with the other party may be, for example, immediately after detecting at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or talking with the other party. Alternatively, the detection may be after a predetermined time, such as two minutes, has elapsed. For example, the detection may be after detecting at least one of rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or talking with the other party. In this manner, the rescue and conversation scenes are recorded on video, but the duration of these events is relatively short, preventing the recorded video data from being overwritten and erased. A method for detecting rescuing the other party, the driver's own injury, or talking with the other party may be, for example, detected by image recognition of the captured video. The determination of the driver's injury or talking with the other party may be made based on whether the time during which the person is recognized matches a pre-stored predetermined pattern, using image recognition processing such as face recognition, provided with a function for recognizing people in the video captured by the vehicle. For example, if two or more people are recognized for more than a predetermined time, such as two minutes, or if the same person is repeatedly recognized and then not recognized within a predetermined time, such as three minutes, it is advisable to suppress overwriting. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0136] Example 8 This example is based on one of the drive recorders described above, and is an example in which the control content of the overwrite suppression function is changed. In this example, the overwrite prevention function does not completely stop continuous recording even when the drive recorder is in a predetermined stopped state. When the controller 30 (see FIG. 4) of the drive recorder 1 in this example determines that the drive recorder is in a predetermined stopped state, it changes the method of recording video for continuous recording so that the time until the video is overwritten and erased can be extended, thereby reducing the possibility of the recorded video being erased.

[0137] When the controller 30 is not in a predetermined stopped state, it performs continuous recording, recording video at, for example, 30 frames per second. On the other hand, when it determines that the controller 30 is in a predetermined stopped state, it switches to continuous recording at a reduced frame rate, for example, 1 frame per second, using an overwrite suppression function.

[0138] According to this drive recorder 1, when a predetermined stopped state is determined, continuous recording can be continued while saving the memory capacity required for recording video. While the predetermined stopped state continues, it is possible to respond to unexpected situations, such as an argument with the other party involved in an accident, and video evidence useful for proving the circumstances can be secured. Meanwhile, when a predetermined stopped state is determined, the overwrite suppression function saves memory resources required for recording video, reducing the risk of erasing recorded video at the moment an event such as an accident occurs due to overwriting.

[0139] To reduce the frame rate, it is advisable to record video at several tens of frames per second during normal continuous recording, while reducing the frame rate by an order of magnitude to a few frames per second (for example, 1 fps) when the overwrite suppression function is in operation.

[0140] Instead of or in addition to changing the frame rate, it is also possible to change the number of pixels in the recorded video. For example, the number of pixels can be changed from 640 x 480 dots to 320 x 240 dots, or the number of pixels can be reduced by one order of magnitude. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0141] Example 9 This example is based on one of the drive recorders 1 described above, and is an example in which the content of control by the overwrite suppression function is changed. In the overwrite prevention function of the drive recorder 1 of this example, the controller 30 (see FIG. 4) controls so that the recorded imaging data is not erased by overwriting. At least one of the following methods is adopted as a configuration for controlling so that the recorded imaging data is not erased by overwriting. (1) Overwriting of recorded image data is prohibited. (2) Copy the captured image data to an area other than the overwrite area, which is the write area for continuous recording. (3) The image data is moved to an area that is not an overwrite area.

[0142] By adopting these methods (1) to (3), the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs, which is included in the recorded video, will not be erased by overwriting, and it is possible to more reliably eliminate the risk of erasing the video of the moment an event such as an accident occurs. Each method may be configured, for example, as follows.

[0143] (1) A configuration for preventing overwriting may be such that, for example, the video to be recorded is recorded as one file in a predetermined time unit, and an overwrite attribute is assigned as an attribute of the file. (2) As a configuration for copying to an area that is not an overwrite area, for example, it is preferable to separate an overwriteable area from an overwrite-prohibited area, and copy the video data recorded in the overwriteable area to the overwrite-prohibited area. (3) A configuration for moving data to an area other than an overwrite area may be, for example, to separate an overwriteable area from an overwrite-prohibited area, and move the video data recorded in the overwriteable area to the overwrite-prohibited area. The overwriteable area and the overwrite-prohibited area may be, for example, different folders, different drives, or different file systems.

[0144] For example, the image capture data of the recorded video or the image capture data file containing it may be moved or copied to a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium. While overwriting can be prevented by moving or copying to a folder that prohibits overwriting, it is more practical to allow overwriting in dedicated folders, for example, when driving in a city, where frequent stops are common. By preventing overwriting by moving or copying to a dedicated folder with overwrite permission in this way, the amount of data in the dedicated folder is less than the amount of data in continuous recording, which is beneficial because the probability of data being erased by overwriting is lower if the same storage capacity is used as for continuous recording. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0145] Example 10 This example is based on one of the drive recorders described above, and adds an event recording function that executes recording when an event such as an accident occurs.

[0146] The drive recorder controller 30 (see FIG. 4) of this example compares the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 15 with a threshold value. When an event occurs in which acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the drive recorder controller 30 performs event recording, recording video images from before to after the event.

[0147] When the above-mentioned event occurs during continuous recording, the controller 30 performs event recording in parallel with continuous recording, recording video for a predetermined period of time before and after the event with overwrite protection. When an event occurs while the overwrite protection function is enabled, the controller 30 uses free space in the SD card's memory to record video before and after the event with overwrite protection. If there is not enough free space in the SD card, the controller 30 records video before and after the event with overwrite protection in the main memory. The captured video data before and after the event is recorded synchronously with speed data, position data, acceleration data, etc.

[0148] In this way, even if an event such as an accident occurs while overwriting is suppressed, recording will be performed using the event recording function, which more reliably prevents the video from being erased at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. In particular, since overwriting is suppressed when the vehicle is in a specified stopped state, it is more reliably possible to prevent the video from being erased at the moment an accident occurs while the vehicle is stopped. Since accidents can occur while the vehicle is stopped, it is desirable to enable recording using the event recording function.

[0149] In the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment, the captured image data of the video recorded by the event recording is recorded in a manner that prohibits overwriting, so that the video of the moment of the accident or the like can be reliably prevented from being erased. In this example, the output signal of the acceleration sensor 15 is used to detect the occurrence of an event, but the output signal of another sensor may also be used, or a signal from a switch or the like may be used to detect the occurrence of an event.

[0150] In addition, in a drive recorder equipped with an event recording function, it is preferable to set the recording time of the continuous recording function to be longer than the recording time of the event recording function. This prevents overwriting of video already recorded by continuous recording, thereby reducing the risk of erasing the continuous recording video recorded at the moment an event such as an accident occurs. If event recording is not performed because the impact was too small to be considered an event, the possibility of being able to confirm the video of the moment of the event such as an accident from the continuous recording video can be increased. Furthermore, even if video has been recorded using the event recording function, the continuous recording video, which has been recorded for a longer period of time than the event recording video, has the significant effect of allowing the situation before and after the event such as an accident to be confirmed for a longer period of time.

[0151] It is advisable to configure the system so that continuous recording and event recording continue even while the vehicle is stopped. This will allow for the recovery of lost or overwritten recordings, for example. Furthermore, by using continuous recording and event recording in combination, the reliability of recording storage in the event of an accident, etc., can be improved. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0152] Example 11 This is an example of a preferred configuration for any of the drive recorders 1 described above. For example, the following configurations (a) to (i) can be used to ensure that recorded data is stored more reliably during and after an accident. These are designed to ensure that the vehicle is stopped immediately, particularly in the event of an accident or when a witness to the accident provides rescue. For example, this can solve the problem of recorded footage being overwritten and erased in continuous recording, and the problem of event recording not being stored if, for example, the sensor does not detect anything or a button is not pressed.

[0153] (a) It is advisable to provide a function that determines whether or not an accident has occurred immediately, and if it is determined that an accident has occurred immediately, inhibits overwriting. In this way, it is possible to more reliably store and preserve images of the accident and the time before and after it. More specific configurations are, for example, as shown in (c) and (d) below.

[0154] (b) It is advisable to provide an overwrite suppression function that determines whether the vehicle has been moved to a safe place after the accident, and that suppresses overwriting if it is determined that the vehicle has been moved to a safe place after the accident. In this way, it is possible to more reliably store and preserve the video footage of the accident and the time before and after. A more specific configuration would be, for example, as shown in (e) below. In this case, it is particularly advisable to suppress overwriting for the video footage that includes the time points before and after the accident. Whether a place is safe or not can be determined by storing area information of safe places in advance and judging whether the detected current location is within the range of this stored area. Alternatively, area information of unsafe places can be stored in advance and judging whether the current location is outside this area. In particular, roads can be considered unsafe areas.

[0155] (c) It is preferable that the system is provided with a continuous recording function, and that the predetermined stopped state is a state in which the vehicle is stopped, and that when the vehicle enters the predetermined stopped state, the system is configured to prevent overwriting of the recorded video from the continuous recording for a predetermined time before and after the state. Since many drivers stop the vehicle immediately after an accident or the like occurs, if the video footage before and after the vehicle stops is stored in a dedicated folder or the like to prevent overwriting, there is a high possibility that the video footage of the accident or the like will be recorded, and the video data of the time of the accident and the time before and after the accident can be stored and saved more reliably.

[0156] For example, if both an event recording function and a continuous recording function are available, the predetermined time before and after the event may be set to a time longer than the recording time for the event recording function but shorter than the recording time for the continuous recording function. For example, it may be desirable to suppress overwriting in a range that begins from several tens of seconds to several minutes before the vehicle stops and ends from several tens of seconds to several minutes after the vehicle stops. In particular, it is preferable to set the overwrite suppression time before the vehicle stops longer than after the vehicle stops, preferably about 1 to 3 minutes before the stop and about several tens of seconds to 1 minute after the stop. If the time is too long, the memory capacity will increase and the possibility of data being erased by overwriting or the like will increase. However, this eliminates the need for a large memory capacity, reduces the possibility of data being erased, and ensures that the details of the accident, including the events leading up to the accident and the events following the accident, are reliably recorded.

[0157] It is preferable that continuous recording is configured to store continuously recorded video in file units at predetermined intervals. In this configuration, recorded video is created in file units at predetermined intervals, and is overwritten. In particular, when the configuration (c) is provided, it is preferable that the predetermined interval is about one minute. In this way, if the file unit is about one minute, for example, it can be easily processed as a file when the vehicle is stopped, files from one or two minutes before, and a file one minute after.

[0158] (d) To prevent overwriting, it is preferable to provide a function for recording continuous recording in different storage areas depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state or not, and for overwriting the recording in each storage area. In this way, even if the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent overwriting of video footage of a state other than the stopped state (for example, video footage of the vehicle moving) with video footage of the stopped state. It is also better to overwrite continuous recordings when the vehicle is stopped due to memory capacity limitations.

[0159] The separate storage area may be a storage area that is managed separately, such as a different folder or a different drive. The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state or not." Separate storage areas may be provided, for example, a storage area for when the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state and a storage area for when the vehicle is not in a predetermined stopped state. The phrase "depending on whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state" may be interpreted as "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state," but it does not have to be "immediately when a change occurs in whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state." In particular, if the continuous recording function is configured to generate files in units of a predetermined time (e.g., one minute), the file storage area may be switched immediately when a change occurs from a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is in a predetermined stopped state, or when a change occurs from a state that is in a predetermined stopped state to a state that is not in a predetermined stopped state. However, the file storage area may not be switched until the recording unit time (e.g., the one minute) of the file currently being recorded is completed. Instead, when the recording of the file in the file unit currently being recorded is completed, it may be determined whether the vehicle is in a predetermined stopped state, and the file storage area may be determined based on that determination.

[0160] For example, continuous recording can be divided into recordings while the vehicle is running and recordings while the vehicle is stopped, and the continuous recordings can be recorded in separate folders while the vehicle is running and while the vehicle is stopped, and overwritten within each folder. This prevents the recordings from being overwritten and erased even if the vehicle is stopped for a long time without turning off the engine, and also allows accidents while the vehicle is stopped. It is also better to overwrite continuous recordings while the vehicle is stopped due to memory capacity limitations.

[0161] (e) The specified stopped state may be a state in which the vehicle is stopped and remains stopped for a specified period of time, and when the vehicle enters the specified stopped state, the overwriting of recorded video that has been continuously recorded for a specified period of time before and after the time the vehicle began to stop may be suppressed. In this way, it is possible to prevent overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle stops, and it is possible to reduce the probability of erasure even when the video recording capacity is small, such as when the memory capacity is small.

[0162] In particular, the "predetermined period of time that the vehicle has been stopped" in the "state in which the vehicle has been stopped and has been stopped for a predetermined period of time" should be set to a period of time that exceeds the time spent waiting at a normal traffic light. It is preferable not to suppress overwriting for a normal period of time spent waiting at a traffic light, but to suppress overwriting when the vehicle has been stopped for a relatively long period of time. This prevents overwriting from being suppressed every time the vehicle waits at a traffic light, reduces the frequency of overwriting suppression, and reduces the probability of erasure even with a small memory capacity.

[0163] In particular, it is recommended to set the time to about 3 to 5 minutes. This prevents the possibility of accident recording being overwritten by continuous recording while the vehicle is stopped because the engine is left off, and if normal driving is resumed within a shorter time, it is assumed that there was no accident or that the accident was not serious, so overwriting suppression will be excessive, preventing the memory area from filling up with images that have been suppressed from being overwritten and reducing the risk of the memory area being used for continuous recording. In particular, it is even better to combine it with the configuration (l) described below.

[0164] In addition, if the vehicle stops but does not continue to stop for a predetermined time, the overwriting of the recorded video of the continuous recording for a predetermined time before and after the time the vehicle started to stop may be prevented. Also, the configuration (e) may be adopted, which does not include the configuration (c).

[0165] (f) When the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is cut off, it is preferable to provide a function to prevent overwriting of the recorded video of the continuous recording including at least one of the points immediately before the power supply is cut off, the point at which the vehicle started to stop before the power supply is cut off, or the point at which the vehicle reached the specified stopped state before the power supply is cut off.

[0166] It is important to minimize the possibility of accident footage being overwritten and erased when the vehicle is parked for a long period of time without shutting off the engine after an accident. However, in reality, it is more common for vehicles to stop / park with the engine shut off even after an accident. In this case, it would be sufficient if an event recording was made before the engine was shut off. However, if the system does not have an event recording function, or if the system has an event recording function but does not record an event because it is not recognized as an event, the continuously recorded accident footage may be overwritten and erased when the vehicle is driven after the accident is resolved. This prevents this from happening and ensures more reliable recording of accident footage. In particular, if the drive recorder 1 is powered by the vehicle and the power supply from the vehicle is cut off when the vehicle's engine is shut off, the recording before the engine is shut off will be stored every time. To prevent overwriting, for example, a dedicated folder can be provided for overwriting. Furthermore, the phrase "including time 1" can be defined as a predetermined time before and after time 1. As an example of the configuration of (f) above, when the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is cut off after the vehicle has stopped, it is preferable to perform processing to prevent overwriting of the video recorded continuously for a predetermined period before and after the vehicle has stopped.

[0167] (g) It is preferable to provide a backup power supply that can supply power when the power supply is cut off, and to configure the backup power supply to suppress overwriting when the power supply is cut off. In this way, overwriting can be more reliably suppressed. In a configuration without a backup power supply, or in a configuration with a backup power supply but with a low capacity, it is advisable to suppress overwriting after startup the next time the power is turned on.

[0168] In particular, it is advisable to perform the process of (f) in this way. For example, if a backup power source is available, the power can be turned off after the overwrite suppression process is performed on the backup power source. If a backup power source is not installed or the capacity of the backup power source is low, the overwrite suppression process can be performed after startup the next time the power is turned on. This is advisable because the process must be performed after the power is cut off.

[0169] (h) If the location determined by the GPS receiver 24 (FIG. 4) is a preset location, it is preferable to provide a function that does not suppress the overwriting. For example, since it is often unnecessary to record accidents in places where the vehicle is frequently parked, such as at home or in the parking lot of the workplace, it is advisable to set such locations where recording is unnecessary in advance and not perform overwriting suppression processing. This reduces the probability that necessary images, such as those recorded in the event of an accident, will be erased by overwriting. The location where overwriting suppression processing is not performed can be set by, for example, storing and setting the location when a command such as a button operation is input at that location. In particular, it is advisable to include the configuration (h) in the configuration (f).

[0170] (i) The specified stopped state includes a state in which the vehicle stops, then drives and stops again, and the time for which the vehicle is stopped again is equal to or longer than a specified time, and when the vehicle enters the specified stopped state, the overwriting of the continuously recorded video before and after the stopping and the continuously recorded video before and after the re-stopping may be suppressed. In this way, when the car is moved to a safe place after an accident, the video of the accident and the video of the car when it is moved to the safe place can be stored more reliably.

[0171] More specifically, for example, in continuous recording, when the vehicle stops, the continuous recording data for a predetermined time before and after the vehicle stops or a recording data file containing the same is temporarily stored, and when the vehicle then drives and stops again and the stopping time is longer than the predetermined time, the recording data for the predetermined time before and after the vehicle stops again or a recording data file containing the same, and the temporarily stored recording data or a recording data file containing the same are moved or copied to a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium and stored therein. The temporary storage may be erased when the vehicle resumes driving at a speed above the predetermined speed. It is also possible to suppress overwriting not only up to the last stop of a predetermined duration or more, but also up to the second or third stop before that.

[0172] (j) The predetermined stopped state may include a state in which the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, and the time each time the vehicle stops may be stored. When the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, overwriting of the stored continuously recorded video for a predetermined time before and after the stored stopped time may be suppressed. In this way, even if the vehicle stops multiple times after an accident to move to a safe place, the video of the accident and the videos of the multiple stops can be stored more reliably. Also, since the system is configured to store the time, the required storage capacity for temporary storage is smaller than in a configuration in which video data is temporarily stored for each stop, and costs can be easily suppressed.

[0173] The predetermined time may be the number of times or the time. For example, it may be four times or five minutes. It may be good to set conditions for both time and number of times. For example, it may be good to set conditions for four times and five minutes. The time may be the end time of the stop or the time during the stop, but it is better to use the start time of the stop. It is better to store the time of each stop, and if there is a stop that lasts for more than a predetermined time, to save the video before and after the start of the stop from the previous stop. More specifically, for example, when a vehicle stops, the time when the stop started is stored each time the vehicle stops, and when the stop continues for a predetermined time or longer, continuous recording data that stores recordings of the start time of the stop and a predetermined time before and after the start time of the stop up to a predetermined time before that, or a continuous recording data file containing this, can be moved or copied and stored in a specific folder, a specific storage area, or a specific storage medium.

[0174] (k) When it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, the plurality of different time points may be determined as targets for suppressing overwriting, and the suppression of overwriting may be performed on the recorded video for the determined time points and the time periods before and after the determined time points. This configuration requires less storage capacity for temporary storage than a configuration in which the video data for each point in time and the time before and after each point in time is temporarily stored in the main memory such as RAM, making it easy to prevent costs from increasing, and also makes it possible to more reliably store and preserve video of the accident and video of points in time related to it.

[0175] (l) The determination of whether the vehicle is in the predetermined stopped state may be made on the condition that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer, and if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off before the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer, the vehicle may be deemed to have been stopped for a predetermined time or longer. If the engine is turned off immediately after the vehicle has stopped, continuous recording will not continue and the data will not be overwritten while the vehicle is stopped. However, if the engine is started again and the vehicle begins to drive, continuous recording will begin and the data may be overwritten and erased, so it is better to perform the save process. For example, in the configurations (d) to (k), if the vehicle stops and the power supply from the vehicle is cut off before the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer, it may be assumed that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer and the data may be stored.

[0176] Furthermore, by configuring as in (l), it is possible to easily configure the system so that the time during which the engine is stopped does not need to be included in the vehicle stop time. With this configuration, there is no need to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time when power supply is stopped or started. For example, when power is supplied, there is no need to perform processing to determine the vehicle stop time from the last recorded time before the engine was stopped and the time when the engine was started in order to determine the vehicle stop time.

[0177] (m) When the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, it is determined that the vehicle is in the specified stopped state, and if the overwriting is to be suppressed, the process may be performed using a backup power source, or the process may be performed the next time the power is turned on and the circuit is started up. If the drive recorder is equipped with a battery, you can simply stop the operation after saving the data using the battery, but if the drive recorder does not have a battery or the battery is depleted, it is better to have the processing performed the next time the power is turned on. For example, as in (m), when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, it is assumed that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, and in any of the configurations (d) to (m), it is particularly preferable to include the configuration (i) in a configuration that suppresses overwriting as a result of determining that the vehicle has been stopped for a predetermined time.

[0178] (n) The vehicle may be provided with a function that considers the vehicle to be stopped as continuing to be stopped until the vehicle starts traveling at a predetermined speed or faster after the vehicle has stopped. In this way, the above-mentioned configuration can be realized by regarding a vehicle traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed as a stop. In particular, the predetermined speed may be set to, for example, a speed of several kilometers per hour, which corresponds to a traffic jam. For example, when a vehicle repeatedly moves forward a short distance and then stops, as occurs in a traffic jam, this can prevent a large number of overwrites from being suppressed. It is even better if the predetermined speed can be set by the user.

[0179] (o) Overwriting can be prevented by storing the video in one of a specified folder, a specified storage area, or a specified storage medium, and the storage can be set in advance to prohibit overwriting or allow overwriting, or the setting can be changed. If overwriting is allowed, the probability of the video being erased by overwriting can be set lower than when overwriting a continuous recording. If it is clear in advance whether overwriting is prohibited or permitted, it can be set to one of these modes from the beginning (for example, at the time of shipment), and if the setting is better depending on how the user uses the device, it is advisable to make it possible to change the setting. Even if overwriting is permitted, by making the probability of erasing the memory by overwriting lower than when overwriting continuous recording, it is possible to more reliably record video in the event of an accident, etc.

[0180] (p) It is preferable that the device is provided with a continuous recording function, and that the storage in the specified folder, the specified storage area, or the specified storage medium is configured to be stored in a folder, storage area, or storage medium that is different from that used for continuous recording and event recording. This reduces the influence of continuous recording and event recording, and also makes it easier to search.

[0181] (q) It is preferable that the device is provided with a continuous recording function and an event recording function, and that continuous recording and event recording continue even while the vehicle is stopped. This will allow you to make up for any missed recordings or data that has been overwritten. Also, by using this function in conjunction with continuous recording and event recording, the reliability of recording storage in the event of an accident can be improved. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the other embodiments within the scope of no contradiction.

[0182] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples, these examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are obtained by variously modifying, changing, or appropriately combining the specific examples using publicly known technology or the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0183] The illustrated configurations can essentially be combined arbitrarily, and multiple configurations may be combined to the extent that no contradictions arise. When combining, the terms may be combined based on the concept of each configuration and by utilizing the ordinary creative abilities of a person skilled in the art. If the components described in each configuration have the same name, the components may be configured as different elements, but it is preferable to configure them as the same element. For example, a "continuous recording function" may be configured as n continuous recording functions, such as "first continuous recording function"..."nth continuous recording function," with some or all of them being the same continuous recording function. For example, a "predetermined stopped state" may be determined separately in each configuration, for example, to suppress overwriting for different recording targets, but it is also preferable to combine at least some or all of the components described in each configuration to suppress overwriting for the same recording target. The components described in each embodiment and the components and ideas described in the means for solving the problems may be combined in any manner to form an embodiment within the scope that does not cause contradictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1. Drive recorder 2 Main unit case 8, 9 push buttons 13 CCD camera 15 Acceleration sensor 181 Insertion port 181A LED 24 GPS receivers 30 Controller 311 SD card reader 32 databases 35 PC 361 SD card reader / writer 45 monitors

Claims

1. A recording device having a function of overwriting recorded video with video captured in a vehicle, a function of determining whether the vehicle may have been involved in an accident, and if there is a possibility that the vehicle has been involved in an accident, suppressing the overwriting; The function of suppressing overwriting is When a scene corresponding to the accident is detected by performing image recognition on the captured video, it is determined that the vehicle may have been involved in the accident, and the overwriting is suppressed. A recording device characterized by:

2. The situation corresponding to the accident is a situation in which the vehicle is deformed or someone is injured. The recording device according to claim 1 .

3. The function of suppressing overwriting suppresses the overwriting when at least one of the rescue of the other party, the injury of the person, and the conversation with the other party is detected by image recognition of the captured video.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The function of suppressing overwriting suppresses the overwriting after a first predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the rescue of the other party, the injury of the person, and the person talking with the other party has been detected. The recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. The function of suppressing overwriting suppresses the overwriting after at least one of the rescue of the other party, the injury of the person, and the conversation with the other party is detected and then after none of the rescue of the other party, the injury of the person, and the conversation with the other party is detected. The recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. The function of suppressing overwriting detects that two or more people are talking to each other when two or more people are recognized for more than a second predetermined time.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The function of suppressing overwriting is to detect an injury to the person when the person is repeatedly recognized and then not recognized within a third predetermined time period.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

8. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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