System

Abstract

To provide a system whose convenience is improved by reducing the confusion of a user or helping the user to know what kind of information is stored in a storage medium detached from a medium housing part.SOLUTION: At least two medium housing parts hold detachable storage media. A control means has a function of accessing the storage media respectively housed in the medium housing parts, and has a function of storing a video imaged by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle in the storage medium held in at least one medium housing part. A notification means notifies a user of the role of the storage medium to be accessed by the control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for recording video captured by an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image recording device that continuously records captured images and has improved stability in the recording operation of captured images. The image recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an imaging camera for acquiring image information, a medium housing unit that houses a storage medium in an insertable and removable manner, and a control unit that can execute control for recording captured images on the storage medium. The control unit can execute a control mode in which a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time is recorded using the storage medium by erasing captured images in chronological order, securing free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium, and storing new captured images in the free space. This image recording device includes at least two medium housing units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-220803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When at least two media storage units are provided, a user may be confused as to which media storage unit to place a storage medium in. For example, it may be difficult for a user to determine what information is stored on a storage medium removed from one media storage unit. The object of the present invention is to provide a system that improves convenience by reducing user confusion or helping the user determine what information is stored on a storage medium removed from a media storage unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) at least two media storage units for holding removable storage media; a control means having a function of accessing the storage media stored in each of the medium storage units and having a function of storing video captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle in the storage medium held in at least one of the medium storage units; a notification means for informing a user of a role played by the storage medium accessed by said control means; It is preferable to have a system having the above.

[0006] A user can remove a storage medium containing video captured by an imaging device mounted on a vehicle from the media housing and use it in another device. Furthermore, the user can recognize the role of the storage medium that is or will be held in the media housing. Having recognized the role of the storage medium, the user can handle the storage medium appropriately according to its role when inserting or removing the storage medium into or from the media housing, or after removing the storage medium from the media housing. This increases convenience for the user.

[0007] The notification means may, for example, inform the user of the role played by the storage medium to be loaded into the medium loading unit before the user loads the storage medium into the medium loading unit. The user can know the role played by the storage medium before loading the storage medium into the medium loading unit. The notification means may, for example, inform the user of the role played by the storage medium loaded into the medium loading unit when the user removes the storage medium from the medium loading unit. The user can know the role played by the storage medium removed from the medium loading unit. It is particularly preferable that the notification means inform the user of the role played by the storage medium both before the user loads the storage medium into the medium loading unit and when the user removes the storage medium from the medium loading unit.

[0008] Removable storage media such as SD cards, microSD cards, XQD cards, etc. For example, a slot or other insertion port may be provided in the system housing in correspondence with the medium storage unit. For example, a user can insert a storage medium into the medium storage unit through the insertion port and remove the storage medium from the medium storage unit.

[0009] Access to the storage medium accommodated in the medium accommodation unit may include at least one of writing data to the storage medium and reading data from the storage medium.

[0010] Next, the roles of the storage media held in the two media containers will be illustrated.

[0011] (1.1) For example, it is preferable to record video captured by an imaging device mounted on a vehicle on both of the two storage media. This video may be, for example, video from the time the vehicle is turned on to the time it is turned off, video of a predetermined time before and after a predetermined event occurs while the vehicle is turned on, video while the vehicle is parked, or video of a predetermined time before and after a predetermined event occurs while the vehicle is parked. A user can use a system including this imaging device as a drive recorder.

[0012] For example, the same video may be simultaneously recorded on the storage media held in the two media storage units, with one serving as a backup for the other. For example, one storage medium may be responsible for recording video in real time, while the other storage medium may be responsible for copying the recorded video. For example, one storage medium may be responsible for recording video at high resolution or a high frame rate, while the other storage medium may be responsible for long-term recording at low resolution or a low frame rate.

[0013] For example, a single video may be recorded alternately on two storage media at regular intervals, with the two storage media complementing each other to form a single video. For example, by switching between the two storage media in a short time for each unit of video writing to the storage media and recording a single video alternately on the two storage media, the two storage media may be made to have the role of improving the apparent writing speed. For example, if a temporary write error occurs on one storage medium, the other storage medium may be made to take over for the storage medium in which the write error occurred.

[0014] For example, one storage medium may be assigned to constantly record video from the time the vehicle is turned on until the time it is turned off, and the other storage medium may be assigned to record video before and after a specific event occurs. For example, one storage medium may be assigned to constantly record video while the vehicle is turned on, and the other storage medium may be assigned to record video while the vehicle is parked.

[0015] For example, one storage medium may be formatted in a general-purpose format and used as a storage medium for playing video on other general-purpose playback devices, while the other storage medium may be formatted in a unique format and used as a storage medium for playing video only on this system and devices with unique playback functions.

[0016] For example, one storage medium may be assigned to record video images taken before and after a specific event (a first-type event) occurs, and the other storage medium may be assigned to record video images taken before and after an event (a second-type event) different from the first-type event occurs. Information defining the first-type event and the second-type event may be stored in advance in the control means.

[0017] For example, if two imaging devices (a first imaging device and a second imaging device) are installed in a vehicle, one storage medium is used to record the video captured by the first imaging device, and the other storage medium is used to record the video captured by the first imaging device. It is preferable to assign the role of recording the video captured by the second imaging device.

[0018] (1.2) One storage medium may be configured to record video captured with the imaging device mounted on a vehicle, and the other storage medium may be configured to record video captured with the imaging device removed from the vehicle and attached to equipment used for outdoor sports, for example. Outdoor sports include snowboarding, skiing, surfing, windsurfing, cycling, jogging, etc. A user can use a system including this imaging device as a drive recorder or an action camera.

[0019] (1.3) It is preferable to assign one storage medium to record the image captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle (image of the surroundings of the vehicle, especially the front) as is, and the other storage medium to record, for example, an image obtained by combining another image with the image captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle. The other image may be a warning image that notifies the driver that the vehicle is approaching a radar device. By fast-forwarding the image combined with this warning image, it is possible to easily find the image of the period when the vehicle was approaching the radar device. It is possible to check how the driver drove when a warning or other warning was issued by comparing it with the content of the warning.

[0020] (1.4) It is preferable that one storage medium is assigned to record images captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the other storage medium is assigned to record log data, for example, that lists vehicle information in chronological order while the vehicle is in motion.

[0021] For example, one storage medium may be assigned to record images of the vehicle's surroundings, particularly the front, and the other storage medium may be assigned to record log data that serves as the basis for checking for dangerous driving, such as sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking, or sudden acceleration.

[0022] (1.5) It is preferable that one storage medium is assigned to record video captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the other storage medium is assigned to record template images for extracting specific images from the video captured by the imaging device. Template images can be, for example, images of various traffic signs, images of specific people, images of specific vehicle numbers, etc. By performing image recognition based on images of traffic signs on images acquired in real time, it is possible to detect traffic rules that apply to the current location. By performing image recognition based on images of specific people and images of specific vehicle numbers on images acquired in real time, it is possible to find specific people and specific vehicles.

[0023] (1.6) It is advisable to assign one storage medium to record images captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the other storage medium to store key information (information indicating access authority) that permits various accesses to the system. This prevents users with lower access authority from performing processing that is only permitted to those with higher access authority. This improves security.

[0024] (1.7) It is preferable that one storage medium has the role of recording video captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the other storage medium has the role of storing basic information for specifying conditions for marking the recorded video. The control means may mark the video at the time when it detects the occurrence of an event that satisfies the marking condition, indicating the occurrence of the event. After the video is recorded, the mark marked on the video can be used to easily search for the video at the time when a specified event occurred. The storage medium that has the role of recording video also has the role of recording a mark indicating the time when a specified event occurred.

[0025] (1.8) One storage medium is loaded with a vehicle that travels a predetermined route on a regular basis. The control means may have one storage medium for recording images captured by an imaging device installed in a vehicle, and the other storage medium for recording images captured by an imaging device installed in a vehicle traveling a predetermined route. The control means may play back images captured in the past in the vehicle traveling the predetermined route. The driver can travel the predetermined route without getting lost based on the played back images.

[0026] (1.9) It is preferable to assign one storage medium to record images captured by an imaging device displayed in a dealership instead of the imaging device installed in the vehicle, and assign the other storage medium to record promotional video footage. The dealership can use the system including this imaging device as a demo machine for sales. Also, by playing the promotional video footage, it can inform consumers of the system's functions and performance.

[0027] The notification means may be, for example, a display device that displays an image, an audio output device that outputs audio, a communication device that sends a command to cause the display device to display an image or the audio output device to output audio, or characters or figures displayed on the surface of the housing in association with the position where the storage medium is stored.Other notification means may be a configuration in which the storage medium is attached to the medium storage section through an insertion port in the housing, in which the insertion port has different sizes, shapes, directions in which the storage medium is inserted, or levels of difficulty in accessing the insertion port.

[0028] For example, it is preferable that the role of a storage medium is not fixed to one of the examples (role modes) exemplified in (1.1) to (1.9) above, but that the role mode that the storage medium is assigned to be assigned to be changeable. For example, it is preferable that a function be provided that allows the user to select which role mode the storage medium is assigned to be assigned to. It is preferable that when storage media are removed from all media accommodating units, the role mode that the storage medium is assigned to be assigned to be returned to a preset basic mode. Before a storage medium is loaded into a media accommodating unit, the role mode is not determined, and the role mode is determined after the storage medium is loaded into the media accommodating unit.

[0029] (2) The control means has a function of alternately recording images captured by the same imaging device in the storage media respectively held in the media storage unit at intervals of a certain time unit, The control means may further be a system having a function of informing the user through the notification means that the storage media held in each of the media storage units serve as a set to compose a single image.

[0030] Users are more likely to realize that the storage media held in each of the multiple media storage units are combined to form a single video. By realizing that it is preferable to handle multiple storage media as a group after removing the storage media from the media storage units, it becomes less likely that the storage media in the group will become scattered and unable to form a single video.

[0031] For example, when a storage medium held in one medium holding unit is removed, the control means may prompt the user by voice or image to remove the storage media held in the other medium holding units and carry or store them together. For example, when a storage medium is held in one medium holding unit, the control means may prompt the user by voice or image to hold the other storage medium that forms the pair in the other medium holding unit. For example, the time unit for switching the storage medium for recording video may be several minutes to several tens of minutes.

[0032] (3) The control means may be configured to have a function of, when detecting that a storage medium held in one of the media storage units has been removed, informing the user through the notification means that the storage medium held in the other media storage unit is also required for video playback.

[0033] When a user removes a storage medium from a medium housing unit to play back video recorded on the storage medium on another device, the user is less likely to forget to remove the other storage medium. This allows the video to be played back on the other device without any rework. For example, in the configuration (2) above, the user can pair two storage media on which video is recorded alternately at certain time intervals and play back the video on another device. For example, video may be recorded on one storage medium and information indicating the authority to play back the video (hereinafter referred to as key information) may be stored on the other storage medium. In this case, the user can pair the storage medium on which the video is recorded and the storage medium on which the key information is stored and play back the video on the other device.

[0034] (4) Further, it has a communication means for transmitting images, The control means may be a system having a function of reading and transmitting images recorded on a storage medium held in one of the medium storage units that have not been transmitted via the communication means during the period in which the images are being recorded on a storage medium held in the other medium storage unit.

[0035] After recording the video on the storage medium, the control means can transmit the recorded video to an external device. The user can play the video on the external device without removing the storage medium from the media housing. Typically, removable storage media tend to have significantly reduced write and read speeds when data is read while being written. While video is being recorded on a storage medium, the video recorded on that storage medium is not read, and video that could not be transmitted is read and transmitted while video is being recorded on another storage medium, thereby preventing a decrease in write and read speeds. Even if video cannot be transmitted immediately due to a communication error or the like, the video can be read from the storage medium and transmitted later. The storage medium not only serves to record video, but also serves as a storage means for storing video to be transmitted via a communication means until transmission is complete.

[0036] For example, the control means may record the image captured by the imaging device on a storage medium held in the medium storage unit and transmit the image to an external device immediately (in real time) via the communication means. For example, the communication means may transmit the image via wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication technologies that can be used include wireless communication technologies that comply with the Wi-Fi standard, short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and mobile communication system standards such as 4G. For example, examples of external devices that can be used include servers, personal computers, smartphones, tablet devices, etc.

[0037] (5) The control means may be a system having a buffer memory for temporarily storing images, a function for transferring images captured by the same imaging device from the buffer memory to a storage medium held in one of the media holding units, and a function for starting transfer from the buffer memory to a storage medium held in the other media holding unit before the transfer is completed.

[0038] Compared to recording video on a single storage medium, this allows for a faster apparent writing speed. This makes it possible to record high-frame-rate, high-resolution video that would not be possible with the writing speed of a single storage medium. The two storage media record short segments of video that are divided into small pieces on the time axis, and together they play a role in composing a single video that is continuous in time.

[0039] For example, DMA transfer may be used to record video onto a storage medium, and the destination storage medium may be switched for each DMA transfer block.

[0040] It is advisable to prepare a buffer memory for each media storage unit. When the process of transferring the video to the storage medium is completed, new video can be buffered in the buffer memory to which the video transfer has been completed, regardless of the transfer status of the video in the other buffer memory. The memory space in one buffer memory may be divided into an area for one medium storage unit and an area for the other medium storage unit.

[0041] (6) At least two of the medium storage units support interface standards with different maximum writing speeds; The control means may be a system having the function of writing in real time the image captured by the imaging device to a storage medium held in the medium holding unit that supports the interface standard with the faster maximum writing speed, and copying the image written in real time to a storage medium held in the other medium holding unit upon command from the user.

[0042] Compared to recording video in real time on a storage medium with a slower writing speed, this system enables video to be recorded in real time at a higher frame rate and with a higher resolution. When copying video recorded on a storage medium with a faster writing speed to another storage medium, the destination storage medium does not require a high writing speed. Therefore, a lower-cost storage medium can be used as the storage medium with a slower writing speed. This allows the same video to be copied to multiple lower-cost storage media for distribution. The storage medium held in the media storage unit supporting an interface standard with a faster maximum writing speed is responsible for, for example, recording video in real time, while the storage medium held in the other media storage unit is responsible for, for example, copying already-recorded video. In particular, since this system has the configuration described in (1) above, the user can distinguish between storage media for recording video in real time and storage media for copying.

[0043] For example, an XQD card can be used as the storage medium with the faster maximum writing speed, and an SD card can be used as the storage medium with the slower maximum writing speed.

[0044] For example, the notification means may display on a display device information (e.g., location) specifying the media storage unit where the storage medium for recording video in real time should be loaded, and information (e.g., location) specifying the media storage unit where the storage medium for copying should be loaded.

[0045] (7) At least one of the medium storage units supports an interface standard with a storage medium having a wireless communication function, The control means may be a system having a function of transmitting images captured by an imaging device to a storage medium having wireless communication capabilities, and a function of reading images from the other storage medium held in the media storage unit and transmitting the read images.

[0046] Video captured by an imaging device can be wirelessly transmitted to an external device via a storage medium with wireless communication capabilities. This allows a user to play the video on the external device without removing the storage medium from the medium housing. The storage medium held in one medium housing plays a role in wirelessly transmitting the video, while the storage medium held in the other medium housing plays a role in recording the video. Note that the storage medium that plays a role in wirelessly transmitting the video may also play a role in recording the video.

[0047] Examples of storage media with wireless communication capabilities include an SDIO card with WiFi standard communication capabilities, an SDIO card with mobile communication system standard communication capabilities, and an SDIO card with TransferJet standard communication capabilities.

[0048] It is more preferable that the two media storage units support an interface standard for a storage medium with a wireless communication function. For example, When video is being recorded on one storage medium, video already recorded on a storage medium held in the other medium housing unit can be transmitted using the communication function of that storage medium.

[0049] (8) When one of the media storage units holds a storage medium on which images previously captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle are recorded together with location information of the images, The control means may be a system having a function of reading out an image corresponding to the corresponding position information from the storage medium stored in the medium storage unit based on the current position of the vehicle and displaying the image on the display means.

[0050] The driver can drive while referring to the image displayed on the display means. The image captured in the past may be image captured while the vehicle was traveling along the recommended driving route. For a driver who is unfamiliar with the recommended driving route, the image displayed on the display means provides useful information for traveling along the recommended driving route. For example, the storage medium held in one media storage unit serves to record images in real time, while the storage medium held in the other media storage unit serves to provide images from past driving sessions.

[0051] (9) In the system of (8) above, the notification means may be a system having a function of informing the user which of the two media storage units should hold the storage medium on which the image to be displayed on the display unit is recorded.

[0052] The driver can easily know which storage unit to place the storage medium containing the previously captured video, which makes it less likely that the storage medium will be inserted into the wrong storage unit.

[0053] (10) The device further includes an internal power supply that supplies power to the control means when the supply of power from an external source is stopped, The control means may be a system having the function of recording video onto a storage medium held in one of the media storage units when power is supplied from an external source, and receiving power from the internal power source and recording video onto a storage medium held in the other media storage unit when the power supply from the external source is stopped.

[0054] The user can take the system out of the vehicle and capture images of the desired object. The storage medium on which images captured while the system is installed in the vehicle and the storage medium on which images captured while the system is removed from the vehicle can be stored separately. With the system installed in the vehicle, images captured by the imaging device can be recorded in the storage medium stored in one media storage unit, while images recorded outside the vehicle can be read from the storage medium stored in the other media storage unit.

[0055] For example, you can drive a vehicle to go on a trip and take the system out of the vehicle at the destination to use it as an action camera. The video captured at the destination can be played back in the vehicle on the way back from the trip.

[0056] For example, one storage medium may be responsible for recording video in real time while the vehicle is traveling, and the other storage medium may be responsible for recording video captured while the vehicle is being used as an action camera and for providing the video captured while the vehicle is being used as an action camera within the vehicle. For example, the notification means may cause the display means to display information (e.g., location) identifying a media storage unit that holds the storage medium that records video while the vehicle is traveling, and information (e.g., location) identifying a media storage unit that holds the storage medium that records video captured while the vehicle is being used as an action camera. This allows the user to easily know which video is recorded on which storage medium held in which media storage unit.

[0057] While the system is being supplied with power from an external source, the system operates as a drive recorder, and when the external power supply is stopped while the system is operating as a drive recorder, the system operates as a parking surveillance recorder, and when the main switch of the system is turned on while no external power is being supplied to the system, the system operates as an action camera. When operating as a drive recorder or a parking surveillance recorder, video is recorded on a storage medium held in one of the medium housing units, and when operating as an action camera, video is recorded on a storage medium held in the other medium housing unit.

[0058] After operating as an action camera, when the system is installed in a vehicle and external power supply is started, the system can automatically play back the footage recorded during operation as an action camera, allowing users to immediately view and enjoy the footage captured by the action camera in their car.

[0059] After the system operates as an action camera, the current image captured by the imaging device may be displayed on the display means until a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the system is mounted on the vehicle and external power supply is started, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the image recorded during the period when the system operated as an action camera may be automatically played back. During the period when the current image captured by the imaging device is displayed on the display means, the user can adjust the attitude of the imaging device while viewing the image displayed on the display means.

[0060] (11) The control means may be a system having the function of recording an image captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle onto a storage medium held in one of the media storage units, and recording a composite image in which another image is superimposed on the image captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle onto a storage medium held in the other media storage unit.

[0061] When a user reviews the video recorded while driving a vehicle after the drive, the user can use the composite image for various purposes, while the unprocessed video can be left as is on the other storage medium. When playing back the video, the user can compare the composite image with the unprocessed video. The unprocessed video allows a detailed understanding of the situation around the vehicle when an alarm is issued. Furthermore, since it can be inferred that the unprocessed video has not been tampered with, it is considered to have a higher evidentiary value than the composite image. One storage medium serves to record the video in its unprocessed state, while the other storage medium serves to record a composite image in which the captured video is combined with an image of warning information, etc.

[0062] For example, a computer-generated image may be superimposed on the image captured by the imaging device. The computer-generated image may be, for example, warning information detected by a device such as a radar detector. Examples of warning information include information indicating the distance to a warning target such as a radar speed camera, and driver-attention information such as a warning to the driver to slow down. The vehicle manager can check how the driver was driving when the warning was issued.

[0063] It is preferable to superimpose the warning information on the video and record it as an image, and also to emit a sound to notify the warning and record the sound information. For example, the storage medium for storing the raw video may record the sound picked up by a microphone inside the vehicle, and the storage medium for recording the composite image may record only the sound of the warning.

[0064] As a composite image, it is advisable to superimpose a semi-transparent image showing the warning information on the image captured by the imaging device. It is also advisable to divide the screen and display a map of the area around the vehicle's position when the warning is issued in one part of the screen. It would be good to do so.

[0065] (12) The control means may have a function of recording images captured by the two imaging devices onto storage media held in different media storage units, and the notification means may be a system that notifies the user of the correspondence between the two imaging devices and the media storage units.

[0066] The two storage media each serve to record video captured by a different imaging device. The notification means may, for example, display, as image or text information, the correspondence between the two media storage units and the imaging devices that capture the video to be recorded on the storage media held in those media storage units. This makes it possible to record video of a wide area that cannot be covered by a single imaging device. The user can easily know which storage medium held in which media storage unit records the video captured by which imaging device. The user can remove the storage medium containing the video they want to check from the media storage unit.

[0067] The control means may notify the user through the notification means that the images recorded on the storage media held in the two media storage units are images of different areas captured during the same period. The user who notices the notification through the notification means can associate the images captured during the same period and, for example, display the images captured at the same time simultaneously on the display means to confirm them.

[0068] When a user removes only the storage medium held in one of the medium holding units, the control unit may prompt the user through the notification unit to also remove the storage medium held in the other medium holding unit, since the storage medium held in that other medium holding unit contains video images captured during the same period. This notification makes it less likely that the user will forget to remove the storage medium from the medium holding unit.

[0069] When checking the video images stored in the two storage media, the playback device can synchronize the two videos and display them simultaneously on the display means, allowing the user to easily check the situation around the vehicle at the same time.

[0070] For example, the two imaging devices may be devices that capture images of the front and rear of the vehicle, or the front and interior of the vehicle, so that after the vehicle has been driven, the conditions of both the front and rear of the vehicle, or the front and interior of the vehicle, can be confirmed through video.

[0071] For example, two imaging devices may be mounted on a work vehicle, with one imaging device capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle and the other capturing an image of the work area. For example, the work vehicle equipped with imaging devices may be a forklift, and the work area captured by one imaging device may be the range of the fork's lifting and lowering motion. The user can check the driving status and work status of the work vehicle on video after work.

[0072] For example, two imaging devices can be installed on a vehicle operating within a premises, with one capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle and the other capturing an image of the driver. By viewing the images captured by the two imaging devices, it is possible to verify whether the driver is following the driving rules within the premises. For example, it is possible to verify whether the driver pointed and cheered when turning right or left. If audio is added to the video, it is possible to verify whether the driver cheered, such as "right, left" at a specific location.

[0073] For example, different types of imaging devices may be used as the two imaging devices. For example, one imaging device may be an omnidirectional camera, and the other may be a regular camera. Based on the information notified through the notification means, the user can select a storage medium on which the video captured by the omnidirectional camera is stored and a storage medium on which the video captured by the regular camera is recorded. It is possible to easily distinguish between the storage media.

[0074] It is recommended that one of the two imaging devices be housed within the system housing and the other be an external camera, which simplifies the connection process since the user only needs to connect one external camera to the housing.

[0075] Both imaging devices may be external cameras. The user can select an external camera with suitable performance depending on the subject to be imaged and the intended use of the captured image. Furthermore, the placement of the imaging device is not affected by the position of the system housing, increasing the degree of freedom in placement of the imaging device. It is advisable to make the shapes of the connection terminals on the system housing for connecting the external cameras different from each other. This can prevent mistakes in connecting two different types of external cameras.

[0076] Three or more medium storage units may be provided, and the same number of imaging devices may be prepared. By providing three or more medium storage units and imaging devices, it is possible to simultaneously capture images of a wider range and record them on the corresponding storage media.

[0077] (13) The control means may have a function of recording images captured by the same imaging device onto storage media held in the two media storage units by varying at least one of the recording conditions, namely, frame rate and resolution, and the notification means may be a system having a function of informing the user of information based on the difference in recording conditions.

[0078] The storage medium on which recording is performed under a low frame rate or low resolution can be used for long-term recording, while the storage medium on which recording is performed under a high frame rate or high resolution can be used for more detailed analysis of the recorded video. Based on the information notified through the notification means, the user can easily determine which storage medium in the media storage unit to view the video on depending on the purpose of using the video.

[0079] The storage medium for long-time recording is rewritten less frequently than the storage medium for detailed analysis, and therefore has a longer lifespan. For example, even if the storage medium for detailed analysis exceeds its lifespan and no video is recorded, the video remains on the storage medium for long-time recording. Furthermore, the probability that the two storage media will reach the end of their lifespan at the same time is low. Therefore, even if one storage medium reaches the end of its lifespan, video will be recorded normally on the other storage medium, and it is rare that a situation will occur where neither storage medium has any video remaining.

[0080] The storage media held in the two media storage units each serve to record video captured by the same imaging device under different recording conditions. The information based on the difference in recording conditions that the notification means notifies the user of may be, for example, information indicating the frame rate or information indicating the resolution.

[0081] (14) At least one of the recording conditions of the frame rate and the resolution is stored in a storage medium held in at least one of the medium storage units, The control means may be a system having a function of reading out recording conditions stored in a storage medium held in the medium storage section and recording video based on the read-out recording conditions.

[0082] By storing the recording conditions in advance in the storage medium held in the medium storage unit, the user can record video on the storage medium under the desired recording conditions.

[0083] In addition to the frame rate and resolution, the recording conditions can also include, for example, the images before and after an event. The conditions for determining whether an event has occurred when recording an image, whether audio should be recorded, etc., may be included. The conditions for determining whether an event has occurred may, for example, use the detection value of an acceleration sensor mounted on the vehicle as a determination threshold. In addition to the detection value of the acceleration sensor, other types of events may also be used as recording conditions.

[0084] The storage media held in the medium holding units serve to record video, and the storage medium held in at least one of the medium holding units serves to store the recording conditions. The notification unit may notify the user of information specifying the medium holding unit that holds the storage medium that stores the recording conditions (for example, its location).

[0085] When recording conditions are stored in both storage media held in the two medium holding units, the control means may validate the recording conditions stored in the storage medium held in one specific medium holding unit, not adopt the recording conditions stored in the storage medium held in the other medium holding unit, and record video on the two storage media based on the valid recording conditions. The user need only hold the storage medium storing the recording conditions they actually want to record in one specific medium holding unit, and does not need to know the recording conditions stored in the other storage medium.

[0086] The control means may enable the recording conditions stored in the storage media held in the two medium storage units, and record video for each storage medium based on the recording conditions stored in that storage medium. The user can determine the recording conditions for each storage medium.

[0087] The control means may record video on the storage medium based on recording conditions that have been set in advance in the control means, rather than adopting the recording conditions stored in the storage medium. By setting the recording conditions in advance in the control means, the user can record video based on the desired recording conditions without having to check the recording conditions stored in the storage medium every time the storage medium is placed in the medium holder.

[0088] The control means may allow the user to select one mode from among a mode that validates the recording conditions stored in a storage medium held in a specific one of the medium storage units, a mode that validates both recording conditions stored in the storage medium, and a mode that validates the recording conditions that have been preset in the control means. The user can select the most appropriate mode depending on how the system is used.

[0089] The control means may display a menu of a plurality of modes for the user to select on the display means. The user may select one mode from the menu. When a storage medium in which no recording conditions are stored is held in the medium storage unit, a mode that makes effective the recording conditions stored in the storage medium held in the medium storage unit may be excluded from the menu. When no recording conditions are set in the control means, a mode that makes effective the recording conditions set in the control means may be excluded from the menu. The user can see a list of selectable modes.

[0090] Each storage medium may store a priority for each recording condition, and the control means may enable the recording condition with the higher priority. If the priorities are the same, the control means may determine which recording condition to enable based on the time when the priority was set. For example, the recording condition with the most recent setting may be enabled. Conversely, the recording condition with the oldest setting may be enabled. The control means may be set in advance to enable the recording condition with the most recent setting or the oldest setting.

[0091] (15) The control means is a system having a function of recording images captured by the same imaging device in real time on both of the storage media held in at least two of the medium storage units. It is recommended to use this system.

[0092] Even if a write error occurs in the storage medium held in one of the media storage units and video is not recorded, the video can be recorded normally on the storage medium held in the other media storage unit. This prevents the situation where no video is left. By removing the storage medium from only one media storage unit, the video can be played back on another device such as a computer.

[0093] For example, the storage media held in the two media storage units may record the same video and serve as mutual backups. The notification means may, for example, notify the user that the same video is recorded on the storage media held in the two media storage units.

[0094] The control device may store, in each storage medium on which the same video is recorded, information indicating that other storage media on which the same video is recorded exist, as well as information associating the two (pairing information). By reading the pairing information of the storage media held in one medium storage unit, the control device can determine whether there is a paired storage medium on which the same video is recorded, and identify the paired storage medium.

[0095] (16) The control means may have a function of verifying the recording of video onto the storage media held in the media holding units, and when a verify error occurs during recording onto a storage medium held in one of the media holding units, the system may have a function of recording the video in which the verify error occurred onto the storage medium held in the other media holding unit.

[0096] Video that could not be written due to a verify error occurring when writing to one storage medium can be written to the other storage medium, thereby reducing the overall frequency of situations where video cannot be recorded.

[0097] The storage media held in the two medium holding units complement each other to record video even if a verify error occurs in one of the storage media when recording video. For example, the notification means may notify the user that one video is recorded on the storage media held in the two medium holding units in a complementary manner.

[0098] For example, if an acknowledgment (ACK) signal is returned when writing video to a storage medium, it may be determined that a verify error did not occur, and if a negative acknowledgement (NAK) signal is returned, it may be determined that a verify error occurred. Alternatively, the recorded video may be read and the consistency of the data may be checked to determine whether a verify error occurred.

[0099] If a verify error occurs and the storage medium to which the video is to be recorded is changed, and a verify error occurs on the changed storage medium, the video recording destination may be returned to the original storage medium. If the cause of the verify error is temporary, it may be possible to record the video normally on the original storage medium.

[0100] (17) Key information indicating access authority is stored in at least one of the storage media held in the medium storage unit, The control means may be a system having the function of reading key information stored in a storage medium held in the media holding unit, and restricting or permitting access to the storage medium held in the media holding unit based on the read key information.

[0101] The storage medium held in one of the media storage units is responsible for recording the video, and the storage medium held in the other media storage unit is responsible for granting access rights to the storage medium held in the media storage unit. The control unit serves to store key information indicating the access privileges. Restricting access according to the key information can enhance system security. For example, the control unit may have the function of operating in either an administrator mode or a user mode. The key information stored in the storage medium may permit operation in the administrator mode or only in the user mode. For example, when operating in the administrator mode, the control unit may be able to initialize the storage medium stored in the medium storage unit, but when operating in the user mode, the control unit may be unable to initialize the storage medium stored in the medium storage unit. For example, the information stored in the storage medium may be divided into information that can only be viewed by the administrator and information that can also be viewed by general users. When operating in the administrator mode, the control unit may be able to read information that can only be viewed by the administrator, but when operating in the user mode, the control unit may be unable to read information that can only be viewed by the administrator.

[0102] Driver training information may be stored in a storage medium that stores key information. The control means may read out the driver training information and output it to an output means. The output means may be, for example, a display means that displays images or a sound output means that outputs sound. By noticing the information output to the output means, the driver is motivated to drive safely. The administrator may store driver training information for each driver in a storage medium based on the driver's driving habits and provide it to the driver.

[0103] For example, a driver who has a habit of ignoring stop signs may be given a storage medium storing information encouraging the driver to stop. The control means may perform image analysis on the video captured by the imaging device to detect a stop sign, and then cause the output means to output information encouraging the driver to stop. For example, a voice message such as "Please stop where there is a stop sign" may be output as information encouraging the driver to stop. For example, a driver who frequently makes sudden steering maneuvers may be given a storage medium storing information encouraging the driver not to make sudden steering maneuvers.

[0104] The manager can learn the driving habits of each driver by viewing the video continuously recorded while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, by associating the video recorded in the storage medium with location information, locations where the driver previously engaged in reckless driving can be identified. The manager may store this location information together with information for driver training. When the control means detects that the vehicle is approaching a location where the driver previously engaged in reckless driving, the control means may cause the output means to output information warning the driver not to engage in reckless driving. Furthermore, when the control means detects an occurrence of reckless driving similar to the reckless driving stored as driver training information, the control means may cause the output means to output information warning the driver not to engage in reckless driving. Furthermore, when an event predicting the occurrence of reckless driving occurs, the control means may cause the output means to output information warning the driver not to engage in reckless driving. For example, when a traffic light is detected in the video captured by the imaging device, the output means may output information warning the driver not to run a red light. For example, when a pedestrian is detected in an image captured by the imaging device, the output means may output information that calls attention to the pedestrian.

[0105] (18) The notification means may be a system having a function of informing the user which of the at least two medium storage units should hold the storage medium in which the key information is stored.

[0106] This makes it less likely that a storage medium storing key information will be inserted into the wrong medium storage unit. For example, as a notification means for informing the user of the role of the storage medium, a sign indicating the key information may be provided on the surface of the housing near the medium storage unit where the storage medium storing key information should be inserted. Furthermore, when the control means detects that the storage medium storing key information has been inserted into the wrong medium storage unit, the control means may cause the notification means to output information urging the user to insert the storage medium into the correct medium storage unit.

[0107] (19) The control means may be a system having a function to record the images captured by the imaging device from the time the vehicle is turned on to the time it is turned off and a portion of the images including the time when a specified event occurs on storage media stored in different media storage units, or a function to record the images captured by the imaging device from the time the vehicle is turned on to the time it is turned off and the images captured by the imaging device during the period when the vehicle is turned off on storage media stored in different media storage units.

[0108] Compared to recording the two types of video on a single storage medium, the overall recording capacity is increased. This increases the time during which video captured by the imaging device can be recorded from the time the vehicle's power is turned on until the time it is turned off (called continuous recording), or the time during which video captured by the imaging device can be recorded while the vehicle's power is off (called parking surveillance recording). When performing continuous recording or parking surveillance recording, if the storage medium runs out of free space and old video is overwritten with new video, the number of overwrites can be reduced. This extends the life of the storage medium.

[0109] Storage media with appropriate recording capacity can be prepared depending on the volume of video to be recorded. For example, a storage medium for recording a portion of video that includes the time when an event occurred (called event recording) does not require as much capacity as a storage medium for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording. Therefore, a storage medium with a large capacity can be prepared for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording, and a storage medium with a smaller capacity can be prepared for event recording. This reduces the cost required for storage media.

[0110] The storage medium held in one of the media housing units serves to record video continuously, and the storage medium held in the other media housing unit serves to record video for parking surveillance or events. For example, the notification means may notify the user of information specifying the media housing unit (e.g., its location) that holds the storage medium for continuous video recording, parking surveillance recording, or event recording.

[0111] The user can remove only the storage medium containing the video they want to view from the media housing unit and play it on an external device. For example, if they want to view video of an event, they can simply remove only the storage medium used to record the event from the media housing unit.

[0112] "Video captured by an imaging device while the vehicle's power is off" includes, for example, video captured while the vehicle is parked. It is preferable to record video captured throughout the entire period while the vehicle is parked, and it is particularly preferable to record a portion of the video that includes the point at which a specific event occurs while the vehicle is parked. Events may include, for example, the occurrence of movement within the captured video, the occurrence of vehicle vibration, the occurrence of a loud noise, the opening of a vehicle window, the opening of a vehicle door, etc. By recording a portion of the video that includes the point at which an event occurs on a storage medium for parking surveillance recording, it is possible to reduce the amount of storage medium capacity consumed.

[0113] (20) The control means may be a system having the function of recording images captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle onto a storage medium held in one of the media storage units, and recording information relating to the vehicle's running obtained from the vehicle onto a storage medium held in the other media storage unit.

[0114] The administrator shall associate the images stored on the storage media with information about the vehicle's driving at the time of the image capture. By linking the two, it is possible to evaluate driving at the time of acquiring the video. The storage medium held in one of the medium storage units serves to record video captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the storage medium held in the other medium storage unit serves to record information related to the vehicle's traveling that is acquired from the vehicle. The notification means may, for example, notify the user of information identifying (e.g., location) the medium storage unit that holds the storage medium that records the video, and information identifying (e.g., location) the medium storage unit that holds the storage medium that records the information related to the vehicle's traveling.

[0115] The information related to the vehicle's running may include, for example, position information, speed information, acceleration information, and information indicating the vehicle's operation status. This information may be acquired, for example, via the vehicle's OBD connector. The vehicle's operation status may include, for example, whether the brakes have been applied or whether the turn signals have been activated.

[0116] (21) An event condition, which is a condition for determining that a predetermined event has occurred, is stored in a storage medium held in at least one of the medium storage units; The control means may read event conditions from a storage medium held in one of the media storage units, record the image captured by the imaging device in a storage medium held in the other media storage unit, and, upon detecting the occurrence of an event that satisfies the read event conditions, record a marker indicating the occurrence of the event in association with the image.

[0117] Users can quickly find the video they want to check or verify by referring to the markers recorded on the storage medium that stores the video. This allows them to extract useful video from a huge amount of video and make effective use of the video. Users can easily add or delete event conditions because they only need to store the event conditions they want to check or verify on the storage medium.

[0118] The storage medium held in one of the medium storage units serves to store the event conditions, and the storage medium held in the other medium storage unit serves to record the video and store the time when an event that satisfies the event conditions occurs. The notification means may notify the user of information (e.g., location) that identifies the medium storage unit that holds the storage medium that stores the event conditions, and information (e.g., location) that identifies the medium storage unit that holds the storage medium on which the video is recorded.

[0119] The event conditions should include conditions for detecting the occurrence of events that may be caused by, for example, driver fatigue or inattention. For example, event conditions can include deviation from the driving lane, abnormal approach to the vehicle in front, the vehicle remaining stopped for a certain period of time despite the vehicle in front starting, lateral sway, slippage, etc. The occurrence of these events can be detected by equipping the vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). By showing the driver video of the event occurrence, the administrator can make the driver aware of the risk and encourage safe driving.

[0120] The event condition may include, for example, the condition that a specific person or specific vehicle is present in the captured video. Images of the specific person or vehicle to be detected may be stored in a storage medium, and the control means may detect the specific person or vehicle using image recognition technology. When the control means detects a specific person or vehicle, it may transmit location information of the detection location, video at the time of detection, etc. to a data center (for example, a police server, etc.). The information transmitted to the data center may provide useful clues for finding wanted people or vehicles.

[0121] The event condition may include, for example, the detection of a vehicle exhibiting suspicious or dangerous behavior (a dangerous vehicle). Examples of suspicious or dangerous behavior include swerving, ignoring traffic signals, and speeding. It is advisable to include such information. When the control means detects a reckless vehicle, it is advisable to transmit the location information of the detection location, video footage at the time of detection, etc. to a data center (for example, a police server, etc.). By sharing the existence of reckless vehicles among drivers of multiple vehicles, it becomes possible to prevent accidents caused by reckless vehicles from occurring. Drivers of reckless vehicles can be instructed not to drive recklessly.

[0122] Event conditions may include the detection of a person in a specific posture, the detection of a pedestrian of a specific age, the detection of a bicycle, the detection of a specific traffic sign, etc. It is possible to easily confirm or verify how the driver drove when these events occurred. For example, a person with a specific posture may include a person with their hand raised, a person holding a selfie stick, etc. When a person with their hand raised is detected, it is possible to verify, for example, whether the driver stopped temporarily using video. When a person holding a selfie stick is detected, it is possible to verify whether the driver slowed down. It is possible to include children or elderly people as pedestrians of a specific age. When a child or elderly person is detected as a pedestrian, it is possible to verify, for example, whether the driver slowed down. When various traffic signs are detected, it is possible to verify, for example, whether the driver is complying with traffic rules.

[0123] (22) The control means may be a system having the function of recording video in a general-purpose file format on a storage medium held in one of the media holding units, and recording video in a unique format on a storage medium held in the other media holding unit.

[0124] Storage media on which video is recorded in a general-purpose file format can be removed from the media holder and played on a general playback device, such as a general-purpose media player for a personal computer. Storage media on which video is recorded in a proprietary format can be removed from the media holder and played using dedicated application software.

[0125] The storage medium held in one medium holding unit serves to record video in a general-purpose file format, and the storage medium held in the other medium holding unit serves to record video in a proprietary file format. The notification means may notify the user of, for example, information specifying (e.g., location) the medium holding unit that holds the storage medium that records video in the general-purpose file format, and information specifying (e.g., location) the medium holding unit that holds the storage medium that records video in the proprietary file format.

[0126] A general-purpose file format such as the avi file format may be used, and video compression techniques such as MPEG2, Motion JPEG, H.264, and H.265 may be used.

[0127] (23) The control means has a function of initializing the storage media held in the media holding units, and when a user performs an operation to initialize a storage medium held in one of the media holding units, the control means notifies the user through the notification means of information identifying the media holding unit to be initialized as specified by the user and that the system is waiting for confirmation of the execution of initialization, and preferably has a function of executing the initialization process after receiving a confirmed response from the user.

[0128] This can prevent an unexpected storage medium from being initialized due to a user's operational error, and as a result, it can prevent images that you do not want to erase from being erased.

[0129] The control means may cause the display means to display information specifying the medium storage unit to be initialized in the form of text or an image, as information specifying the medium storage unit specified by the user.

[0130] (24) The control means may record images that complement each other and identification information that associates the two storage media in the storage media held in the two media holding units, and when a storage medium with the identification information recorded thereon is held in only one of the media holding units, the system may have the function of informing the user through the notification means that there is another storage medium that complements each other.

[0131] When a user inserts or removes a storage medium from a storage unit, it is less likely that the user will forget to insert or remove one of the two storage media that complement each other. This makes it possible to avoid situations where the two storage media that complement each other are lost, making it impossible to obtain useful images.

[0132] The storage media held in the two media storage units serve to record images that complement each other. For example, the storage media held in the two media storage units may serve to store identification information that identifies the complementary storage media.

[0133] As an example of a mutually complementary relationship, for example, video of a certain time period is recorded on one storage medium and video of the remaining time period is recorded on the other storage medium, and the two complement each other to form video spanning the entire period. It is particularly effective to divide the video into small pieces on the time axis and record the small pieces alternately on two storage media.

[0134] An example of a mutually complementary relationship is when one storage medium is initialized in a general-purpose format and the other is initialized in a proprietary format, with the same video recorded on both. Depending on the playback device, video can be played by inserting a storage medium in a format supported by that device. For example, the FAT format can be used as the general-purpose format. For example, a format called the YP format can be used as the proprietary format.

[0135] (25) The control means may have a function of copying video recorded on a storage medium held in one of the media holding units to a storage medium held in the other unit, and may further have a function of scheduling the start of the copy process by user operation.

[0136] It takes a long time to copy video that has been recorded over a long period of time to another storage medium. By reserving the start of the copy process, the copy process can be performed during a free time when the user is not using the system.

[0137] The storage medium held in one medium holding unit serves to record the original video, and the storage medium held in the other medium holding unit serves as the destination to which the video will be copied. The notification means may, for example, notify the user of information specifying (e.g., location) the medium holding unit that holds the storage medium that will be the copy source, and information specifying (e.g., location) the medium holding unit that holds the storage medium that will be the copy destination.

[0138] It is preferable that the user be able to specify the video to be copied. It is preferable that event-recorded video can be selected as the video to be copied, but continuous-recorded video cannot be selected. In general, continuous-recorded video has a significantly larger capacity than event-recorded video, and therefore requires a much longer time to copy. By making it impossible to select continuous-recorded video as the video to be copied, it is possible to avoid situations where copying takes an unexpectedly long time.

[0139] (26) The device further includes a housing that houses the medium storage unit and the control means, and an insertion port for passing a storage medium when the storage medium is held in the medium storage unit is provided in the housing for each medium storage unit, The two medium storage units are configured to hold storage media of different sizes, and the sizes of the insertion slots are different from each other in accordance with the difference in the sizes of the storage media to be held, The notification means may be a system that notifies the user of the role of the storage medium held in the medium storage section by using a configuration in which the insertion slot has a different size.

[0140] By looking at the size of the insertion slot, the user can recognize the role of the storage medium that will be inserted into the media storage unit through that insertion slot. For example, the user may realize that a storage medium inserted through a larger insertion slot is less likely to be lost when carried around, and as a result realize that the storage medium inserted through that insertion slot is for carrying around. Conversely, the user may realize that a storage medium inserted through a smaller insertion slot is, in principle, intended to be used while always inserted into the media storage unit.

[0141] (27) The device further includes a housing that houses the medium storage unit and the control means, and an insertion port for passing a storage medium when the storage medium is held in the medium storage unit is provided in the housing for each medium storage unit, one of the insertion openings has a configuration that makes it more difficult for a storage medium to pass through than the other of the insertion openings, The notification means may be a system that notifies the user of the role of the storage medium held in the medium storage section based on differences in the configuration of the insertion slot.

[0142] When inserting a storage medium, a user can sense that it is difficult to pass through the insertion slot and become aware of the role of the storage medium held in that media storage unit. For example, when it is difficult to pass through the insertion slot, the user realizes that the storage medium inserted into the media storage unit through that insertion slot is not intended for portability but is intended to be used while inserted. Conversely, when it is easy to pass through the insertion slot, the user realizes that the storage medium inserted into the media storage unit through that insertion slot is intended for portability.

[0143] For example, an insertion port through which it is difficult to pass a storage medium may be configured with an openable cover, while an insertion port through which it is easy to pass a storage medium may be configured to be always open.

[0144] (28) The recording medium storing device further includes a housing for storing the medium storing unit and the control means, one of the medium accommodating sections is disposed at a position where it is more difficult to load a storage medium than the other of the medium accommodating sections when the housing is mounted on a vehicle; The notification means may be a system that notifies the user of the role of the storage medium held in the medium storage unit based on the difference in the position of the medium storage unit.

[0145] When inserting a storage medium, a user can sense whether the storage medium is easy or difficult to insert based on the position of the media accommodating section, and thereby become aware of the role of the storage medium inserted in that media accommodating section. For example, if the storage medium is difficult to insert, the user will realize that the storage medium inserted in that media accommodating section is not intended for portability but is intended to be used while inserted. Conversely, if the storage medium is easy to insert, the user will realize that the storage medium inserted in that media accommodating section is intended for portability.

[0146] An example of a position where it is easy to attach a storage medium is an area on the surface of the housing where, when the housing is mounted in a vehicle, there is an open space adjacent to the surface that is equivalent in size to the wrist of an average adult male. The size equivalent to the wrist of an average adult male may be, for example, a sphere with a diameter of 10 cm. An example of a position where it is difficult to attach a storage medium is For example, there is an area where such free space is not secured.

[0147] For example, a surface of the housing facing the front, top, or intermediate direction of the vehicle may be a position where it is difficult to attach a storage medium. A surface of the housing facing the left / right direction or the interior of the vehicle may be a position where it is easy to attach a storage medium. A surface facing the bracket for attaching the housing to the vehicle may also be a position where it is difficult to attach a storage medium.

[0148] For example, the control unit may record the video captured by the imaging device while the vehicle is parked on a storage medium held in a storage medium storage unit located in a position where it is difficult to insert a storage medium. This makes it less likely that the driver will accidentally remove the storage medium from the storage medium storage unit while parking the vehicle, making it impossible to record the video captured while the vehicle is parked.

[0149] (29) The control means may have a function of detecting an error occurring in each of the storage media held in the two media holding units, and when it detects that an error has occurred in a storage medium held in one of the media holding units and detects that the storage medium in which the error occurred has been removed from the media holding unit, it may cause the output means to output a message urging the user to remove the other storage medium and submit it to a maintenance technician.

[0150] By inspecting not only storage media where an error has occurred but also storage media where no error has occurred, it becomes easier to identify the cause of the error. Errors include, for example, storage media failure, write failure, and exceeding the specified number of overwrites.

[0151] (30) The storage medium held in the medium container has a mechanical write-protect switch that prohibits writing operations, the medium storage unit has a function of operating a write-protect switch of the storage medium held therein to set it to a write-protect state, The control means may be a system having a function of controlling the medium storage unit to set a write-protect switch of the storage medium to a write-protect state when it detects the occurrence of a predetermined event.

[0152] By setting the storage medium to a write-protected state, it is possible to prevent the video from being overwritten when an event occurs. A mechanical switch can be used as the write-protect switch, and the media container can have the function of driving the mechanical switch. The function of driving the mechanical switch can be realized, for example, by a solenoid actuator.

[0153] (31) When a promotional video is recorded on the storage medium held in one of the media storage units, The control means may be a system having the function of recording images captured by an imaging device displayed at a dealership instead of the imaging device mounted on the vehicle onto a storage medium held in the other media storage unit, stopping the recording after a predetermined time has elapsed, and displaying the recorded images on the display means.

[0154] By displaying promotional videos on the display means, retailers can increase consumer purchasing motivation. Furthermore, the system's functions can be easily communicated to consumers. Consumers can check the video captured at the retailer through the display means. This allows consumers to experience the system's functions and performance.

[0155] The storage medium held in one of the media storage units serves to record promotional videos, and the storage medium held in the other media storage unit serves to record videos captured by an imaging device displayed in the store. It is advisable to inform the user of information (e.g., location) identifying the media storage unit that holds the media, and information (e.g., location) identifying the media storage unit that holds the storage medium that records images captured by the imaging device displayed at the store.

[0156] It is advisable to add a video at the end of the promotional video to inform consumers that filming is about to begin. By watching this video, consumers will know that filming is about to begin and can begin pointing the imaging device at the object they want to film. The control means may end filming after a certain period of time and automatically play back the video to display on the display means. When the playback of the filmed video ends, it is advisable to return to playing the promotional video.

[0157] (32) The notification means may be a system having a function of informing the user of the relationship between the information stored in the storage media held in the two medium storage units.

[0158] The user can know the relationship between the information stored on the storage media held in the two media housing units, which improves convenience for the user.

[0159] Next, the mutual relationship between the information stored in the two storage media will be illustrated. First, the case where the information stored in the two storage media is both video will be illustrated.

[0160] The relationship between the images should be such that the two images make sense as a pair, and one image alone is meaningless or cannot achieve the intended purpose of use. When the information stored in the two storage media has this relationship, the notification means should inform the user that the information cannot be used with only one storage medium. The user is encouraged to carry the two storage media as a set, which makes it less likely that the image will be unavailable due to forgetting to carry one storage medium.

[0161] The relationship between the images may be such that the imaged object and the image capture time are identical, and that either image is usable on its own. Examples of such relationships include the relationship in which the recording formats of the two storage media are identical, the relationship in which the formats of the two storage media are different, the relationship in which the frame rate, resolution, and other settings of the images recorded on the two storage media are different, the relationship in which one medium records all images captured during a capture period and the other medium records only images before and after a specific event occurs, and the relationship in which both mediums record images before and after an event occurs but for different types of events. When the information stored on the two storage media has this relationship, the notification means may inform the user that the images can be used on their own and of the differences between the two images. The user can determine which storage medium's image is preferable to view depending on their intended use.

[0162] The relationship between the images may be such that the imaged object is the same but the image was captured at different times, resulting in different purposes of use of the images. For example, an example of such a relationship is when the images were captured by an imaging device mounted on a vehicle traveling along a specified route, but the capture dates and times are different. When the information stored in the two storage media has this relationship, the notification means may notify the vehicle driver of the capture date and time of the images. The vehicle driver can check previously recorded images when traveling along a specified route, making it less likely that he or she will make a mistake in taking the route.

[0163] The relationship between the images may be such that the images are images of different objects captured at the same time by different image capture devices. Examples of such relationships include the relationship between an image of the front of a vehicle and an image of the interior of the vehicle, the relationship between an image of the front of a vehicle and an image of the rear of the vehicle, and the relationship between an image of the front of a work vehicle and an image of the work target area. Information stored in two storage media When this relationship exists, the notification means can inform the user that the two videos were taken at the same time. This allows the user to recognize that there is meaning in playing the two videos with synchronized time.

[0164] The relationship between the images may be such that the images were captured using the same imaging device under different environments. Examples of such a relationship include images captured using an imaging device mounted on a vehicle and images captured using an imaging device removed from the vehicle and attached to outdoor sports equipment. When the information stored in the two storage media has this relationship, the notification means may inform the user that the two images were captured under different environments. The user can know that the two storage media contain different images captured under different environments. Furthermore, the notification means may particularly inform the user of which storage medium the images were captured under which environment. The user can know which storage medium the images were recorded under.

[0165] The relationship between the images may be such that the images are captured using the same imaging device, but the image recorded on one storage medium is a composite image in which an additional image is superimposed on the captured image. The additional image may be, for example, a warning image issued when a vehicle approaches a radar device. When the images recorded on the two storage media have this relationship, the notification means may notify the user that the image recorded on one storage medium is a composite image in which an additional image is superimposed.

[0166] The relationship between the two videos may be such that, although the two videos together achieve a common purpose, one is a pre-prepared video and the other is a video recorded on the spot. For example, one of the videos may be a promotional video explaining the functions and performance of a system, while the other is a video recorded on the spot. When the information stored in the two storage media has this relationship, the notification means may inform the user that one storage medium is a pre-prepared video and the other storage medium is to be recorded. When the video on one storage medium is pre-prepared, the user can know that the other storage medium should be used for recording. By watching the promotional video, consumers can learn about the system's overview and performance, and by watching the video recorded on the spot, they can experience the system's operation and performance.

[0167] The relationship between the images may be such that one image is captured by an imaging device and the other image is a template image for extracting a specific image from the image captured by the imaging device. The notification means may inform the user that the image recorded in one storage medium is a template image for image recognition and the other is a storage medium for image recording. The user can extract various images by adding or modifying the template image.

[0168] Next, an example will be given in which the information stored in one of the two storage media is video and the information stored in the other is data other than video.

[0169] The relationship between the information may be such that one piece of information is video captured by an imaging device, and the other piece of information is information (key information) indicating authority to access the storage medium. The notification means may notify the user that the information stored in one of the storage media is information indicating the access authority. The user can know that a storage medium that serves as a key for granting a predetermined access authority is required to access the video.

[0170] The relationship between the information is that one piece of information is an image captured by an imaging device mounted on a vehicle, and the other piece of information is log data that records vehicle information in chronological order. The notification means may inform the user that one of the data is video captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, and the other is log data. The user can learn that useful information about the vehicle's driving can be obtained by combining the video and log data recorded on the two storage media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0171] The user can remove the storage medium storing the video captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle from the media storage unit and use it in another device. Furthermore, the user can recognize the role of the storage medium that is or will be stored in the media storage unit through notification from the notification means. Once the user recognizes the role of the storage medium, they can handle the storage medium appropriately according to its role when attaching or detaching the storage medium to or from the media storage unit, or after removing the storage medium from the media storage unit. This increases convenience for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0172] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system according to a first embodiment as seen obliquely from the rear, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the system, windshield, dashboard, etc. when the system is mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are timing charts showing the timing at which images captured by the camera are recorded on the SD cards held in the SD card readers, and the timing at which the images are transmitted to an external device via a communication circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5A is a block diagram of a part of the controller of the system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a timing chart showing the timing of transferring video to the SD card. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller of the system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a video recorded on one of the SD cards. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams of video frames recorded on two SD cards by a system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller of the system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller of the system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display by the controller when the SD card inserted in one SD card reader is in an operating state, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller when the SD card inserted in the other SD card reader is in an operating state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller of the system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller of the system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display when a system according to a modification of the eighth embodiment prompts a user to select a video to be copied. [Figure 16]FIG. 16A is a functional block diagram of a part of a system according to the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of an image that the controller displays on the display when an SDIO card with wireless communication capability is attached to one of the SD card readers. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display by the controller of the system according to the tenth embodiment to inform the user of the recording destination. [Figure 18] Figure 18A is a diagram showing an image on a display in a system according to the 11th embodiment, in which the correspondence between events and the SD card on which they are recorded is displayed, and Figure 18B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display by a controller of a system according to a modified example of the 11th embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display of a system according to the twelfth embodiment, and FIG. 19B is a diagram showing a sequence of video frames recorded on one of the SD cards. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a setting window when setting recording conditions on an SD card using a personal computer in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on a display of a system according to a modification of the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23A is a block diagram showing some functions of a system according to the fourteenth embodiment, and FIG. 23B is a diagram showing an image on a display showing the correspondence between two cameras and two SD card readers. [Figure 24] 24A and 24B are schematic diagrams of a system according to a modification of the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the operation of the system according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a mode transition diagram between operation modes of the system according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the twentieth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a system according to the twenty-first embodiment and a plan view of an SD card to be inserted into the system. [Figure 34] FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a system according to the 22nd embodiment, and FIG. 34B is a perspective view of a system according to a modification of the 22nd embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a system according to the twenty-third embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display of the system according to the 24th embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a partial function of a system according to the 25th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0173] The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.

[0174] [First Example] A drive recorder will be described as a first embodiment of a system for recording video with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4. FIG.

[0175] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system 1 according to a first embodiment, seen obliquely from the rear. SD card slots 10a and 10b are provided on one side of the housing of the system 1. A display 11 and a plurality of operation buttons 12 are provided on the back of the housing. A joint rail 13 is provided on the top surface of the housing. Although not shown in FIG. 1A, a camera lens is provided on the front of the housing. A DC jack is provided on the side not shown in FIG. 1A, and a speaker and HD output terminal are provided on the bottom.

[0176] The camera, which includes a lens, captures, for example, an image in front of the vehicle. The DC jack is a jack for connecting to a DC power source via a power cable. The SD card insertion slots 10a and 10b are insertion slots for inserting an SD card. The speaker outputs sound and audio. The HD output terminal is a terminal for connecting to other information devices via a cable. The joint rail 13 is for attaching a joint for mounting the system 1 on the vehicle. The display 11 displays various images. The operation buttons 12 are operated by the user to input various commands to the system 1.

[0177] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the system 1, windshield 3, dashboard, etc., when the system 1 is installed in a vehicle. The system 1 is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, adjacent to the rearview mirror 4, near the center of the vehicle's left-right direction, above the windshield 3. The system 1 is attached and fixed to the windshield 3 with a mounting member such as double-sided tape. The DC jack of the system 1 is connected to a cigarette lighter socket 5 via a power cable 6. When the vehicle's accessory power is turned on, power is supplied to the system 1 from the cigarette lighter socket 5.

[0178] 2 is a block diagram of a system 1 according to a first embodiment. The system 1 includes a controller 20, a camera 17, a database 21, a GPS receiver 16, SD card readers 14a and 14b, an acceleration sensor 18, a speaker 15, a display 11, operation buttons 12, and a communication circuit 19. Strictly speaking, the SD card readers 14a and 14b should be called "SD card reader / writers," but in this specification they will simply be called "SD card readers."

[0179] The speaker 15 and the display 11 function as notification means for informing the user of various information. The speaker 15 issues alarms and various information by sound or voice under the control of the controller 20. The display 11 displays various information as images under the control of the controller 20. The operation button 12 functions as input means for the user to give various commands to the system 1.

[0180] Camera 17 functions as an imaging device that captures video within its angle of view (field of view). Camera 17 captures the video as video data and inputs it into controller 20. Based on the video data input from camera 17, controller 20 records the video on an SD card held in at least one of SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0181] The database 21 is stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) externally attached to the controller 20. The database 21 includes, for example, map data.

[0182] The GPS receiver 16 detects the current position information of the vehicle based on instructions from the controller 20. The position information includes the time, speed, longitude, latitude, altitude, etc. of the vehicle, which are determined based on signals from GPS satellites. The controller 20 records the history of this position information. The process is performed.

[0183] The SD card readers 14a and 14b function as medium storage units that hold the SD cards 22a and 22b, respectively. The SD cards 22a and 22b function as removable storage media. A user can insert the SD cards 22a and 22b into the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, through the SD card insertion slots 10a and 10b (FIG. 1A). The SD card readers 14a and 14b read data from the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, or store data in the SD cards 22a and 22b, based on control from the controller 20.

[0184] A three-axis sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) is used as acceleration sensor 18. Measurement values ​​by acceleration sensor 18 are constantly input into controller 20. Controller 20 acquires three-axis acceleration information, for example, every 10 ms.

[0185] The controller 20 includes a known CPU 20a, memories such as a ROM 20b and a RAM 20c, a timer 20d, and other peripheral circuits. Various programs are stored in the ROM 20b of the controller 20. The controller 20 executes these programs to realize various functions. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a GPS information processing program, a video processing program, a communication processing program, and the like.

[0186] By executing a GPS information processing program, the controller 20 can store GPS information received by the GPS receiver 16 in the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively. By executing an image processing program, the controller 20 can record images captured by the camera 17 in a predetermined recording area of ​​the SD card in association with the time. The controller 20 has the function of accessing the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, and functions as control means having the function of recording images captured by the camera 17 in the SD card held in at least one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0187] The display 11 functions as a notification means for informing the user of the roles played by the SD cards 22a and 22b accessed by the controller 20.

[0188] The communication circuit 19 functions as a communication means for wirelessly communicating with external devices, such as servers, personal computers, smartphones, and tablet terminals. The controller 20 has the function of transmitting data, such as video, to external devices via the communication circuit 19 by executing a communication processing program. The communication circuit 19 may be a communication circuit that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard, such as the Wi-Fi standard or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a mobile communication system standard, such as LTE or 4G. The short-range wireless communication standard can be applied, for example, to communication between a work vehicle (such as a forklift) operating within a premises and an external device. The mobile communication system standard can be applied, for example, to communication between a vehicle moving within a wider area and an external device.

[0189] 3A and 3B are timing charts showing the timing of recording the images captured by the camera 17 onto the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, and the timing of transmitting the images to an external device via the communication circuit 19.

[0190] 3A shows a timing chart of a period when the communication line is in a communication enabled state. The controller 20 stores the video captured by one camera 17 in the SD card 22a and 3A, the controller 20 records the images captured during periods T1, T3, T5, T7, etc. on one SD card 22a, and records the images captured during periods T2, T4, T6, T8, etc. on the other SD card 22b. Furthermore, the controller 20 transmits the images to an external device in real time via the communication circuit 19.

[0191] 3B shows a timing chart when the communication line via the communication circuit 19 is temporarily interrupted. In FIG. 3B, the communication line becomes unavailable at time t1 at the start of period T4, the communication line is restored at time t2 in the middle of period T5, the communication line becomes unavailable at time t3 in the middle of period T6, and the communication line is restored at time t4 in the middle of period T7.

[0192] Even during periods when the communication line is down, the controller 20 alternately records the images on the SD cards 22a and 22b. During periods when the communication line is down, the controller 20 does not transmit the images via the communication circuit 19. For example, the controller 20 records images A and B captured between t1 and t2 on the SD card 22b and image C on the SD card 22a, but does not transmit them to an external device. During periods when the communication line is down, the controller 20 records image D captured between t3 and t4 on the SD card 22b and image E on the SD card 22a, but does not transmit them to an external device.

[0193] The controller 20 reads out video A, which is recorded on the SD card 22b and has not been transmitted in real time via the communication circuit 19, during period T5 while the other video is being recorded on the other SD card 22a, and transmits it to an external device via the communication circuit 19. Video B, which could not be read and transmitted during period T5, and video D, which was recorded during period T6, are read out from the SD card 22b during period T7 and transmitted to an external device via the communication circuit 19. Video C, which could not be transmitted during period T5, is read out from the SD card 22a during the next period T6 and transmitted to an external device via the communication circuit 19. Similarly, video E, which could not be transmitted during period T7, is read out from the SD card 22a during the next period T8 and transmitted to an external device via the communication circuit 19. During periods T5 to T8, the controller 20 simultaneously transmits real time video and reads and transmits video recorded on the SD card 22a or 22b.

[0194] In this way, the controller 20 alternates between a state in which it writes video to one SD card 22a and reads video from the other SD card 22b (periods T1, T3, T5, T7, etc.) and a state in which it reads video from one SD card 22a and writes video to the other SD card 22b (periods T2, T4, T6, T8, etc.).

[0195] The controller 20 displays on the display 11 an image informing the user of the roles of the two SD cards 22a and 22b described above.

[0196] 4 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. The screen of the display 11 is divided into a mode display area 31 located at the top, a time display area 32 located at the bottom, and an image display area 30 sandwiched between them. The controller 20 displays images captured by the camera 17 in the image display area 30 in real time. The mode display area 31 displays icons indicating various modes. The time display area 32 displays the current time in numbers.

[0197] An icon 55 indicating that the video captured by camera 17 will be recorded on one of SD cards 22a and 22b is displayed in mode display area 31. The switch shown in icon 55 is switched to the icon representing the SD card currently recording the video. When the SD card to record the video is switched, the switch in icon 55 also switches.

[0198] [Effects of the first embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the first embodiment will be described. The user can remove the SD cards 22a and 22b, which store images captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 17, from the SD card readers 14a and 14b and use them in another device. Furthermore, the user can recognize the roles of the SD cards 22a and 22b that are or will be held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b by looking at the icons 55. Having recognized the roles of the SD cards 22a and 22b, the user can handle the SD cards 22a and 22b appropriately according to their roles when inserting or removing the SD cards 22a and 22b into or from the SD card readers 14a and 14b, or after removing the SD cards 22a and 22b from the SD card readers 14a and 14b. This improves user convenience.

[0199] In the first embodiment, the video recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b can be transmitted to an external device via wireless communication. Therefore, the video can be played back on the external device without removing the SD cards 22a and 22b from the system 1. In this specification, video data may be simply referred to as video.

[0200] Generally, when an SD card reads data while writing data, the data transfer speed slows down. For example, if an attempt is made to read and transmit unsent video C recorded on the SD card 22a shown in FIG. 3B during period T5 while the video is being recorded on the SD card 22a, the data transfer speed to the SD card 22a slows down. If the writing speed is slower than the speed required to record the video, the video cannot be properly recorded. In the first embodiment, while video is being recorded on the SD card 22a (period T5), the video C recorded on that SD card 22a is not read, and the video C that could not be transmitted is read and transmitted during period T6 while the video is being recorded on another SD card 22b, thereby preventing a decrease in the writing and reading speeds.

[0201] Note that the writing of video to one SD card 22a and the reading of video from the other SD card 22b can be performed in parallel by the DMA controller.

[0202] Even if the video cannot be transmitted in real time due to a communication error or the like, the video can be read from the SD cards 22a and 22b and transmitted later. The SD cards 22a and 22b not only serve to record the video, but also serve as storage means for storing the video to be transmitted via the communication circuit 19 until transmission is complete.

[0203] If the video recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b is retained in the buffer memory within the controller 20 until transmission via the communication circuit 19 is complete, the video can be read from the buffer memory and transmitted without reading the video from the SD cards 22a and 22b. However, when this method is adopted, all video captured during periods when the communication line is unavailable must be retained in the buffer memory, requiring a large-capacity buffer memory. In the first embodiment, the video can be deleted from the buffer memory as soon as it is recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b, thereby preventing an increase in the buffer memory capacity. Furthermore, because the buffer memory is volatile, video stored in the buffer memory is erased if the power supply is interrupted. In the first embodiment, the video is recorded on the non-volatile SD cards 22a and 22b, so untransmitted video is not erased even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0204] The capacity of the video recorded in one time unit is sufficiently larger than the capacity of the DMA transfer block. The time unit for switching between the SD cards 22a and 22b for recording the video may be, for example, in the range of several minutes to several tens of minutes.

[0205] [Modification of the first embodiment] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the video captured by the camera 17 is a moving image. When recording the moving image on the SD cards 22a and 22b, it is advisable to use image compression technology. For example, the moving image may be composed of an I frame (key frame) and a P frame. When transmitting via the communication circuit 19, an I frame and a number of subsequent P frames are treated as an indivisible minimum unit, and each minimum unit or a group of a number of minimum units may be transmitted as a single transfer unit.

[0206] For example, during period T5 shown in Figure 3B, the CPU 20a writes video to the SD card 22a and reads video from the SD card 22b. This increases the load on the CPU 20a. If the processing capacity of the CPU 20a is insufficient, the video may be read from the SD cards 22a and 22b and transmitted after the real-time transmission is completed.

[0207] 3B, both the video to be transmitted in real time and the video A read from the SD card 22b must be transmitted, so a high data transfer rate is required for the communication line. If the data transfer rate of the communication line is not sufficient, it is advisable to increase the compression rate of the video to be transmitted to reduce the amount of data transfer.

[0208] [Second Example] Next, a system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configuration of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0209] 5A is a block diagram of a portion of the controller 20 of the system 1 according to the second embodiment. The controller 20 includes a DMA controller 20e and a buffer memory 20g corresponding to one SD card reader 14a, and a DMA controller 20f and a buffer memory 20h corresponding to the other SD card reader 14b. The buffer memories 20g and 20h temporarily store the video to be recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b, respectively.

[0210] The CPU 20a has a function of writing video to be recorded on the SD card 22a into the buffer memory 20g, and then giving a command to the DMA controller 20e to transfer the video in the buffer memory 20g to the SD card 22a. Similarly, the CPU 20a has a function of writing video to be recorded on the other SD card 22b into the buffer memory 20h, and then giving a command to the DMA controller 20f to transfer the video in the buffer memory 20h to the SD card 22b.

[0211] 5B is a timing chart showing the timing of transferring images to SD cards 22a and 22b. Controller 20 acquires images A to E in chronological order from camera 17. Each of images A to E is a unit of data transfer by DMA.

[0212] After writing video A to buffer memory 20g, CPU 20a issues a command to DMA controller 20e (time t1) to start transferring video A to SD card 22a. In parallel, CPU 20a writes video B to buffer memory 20h. Before the transfer of video A is completed (time t3), CPU 20a issues a command to DMA controller 20f (time t2) to start transferring video B to SD card 22b. Thereafter, before the transfer of video B is completed, transfer of video C is started.

[0213] In the second embodiment, the two SD cards 22a and 22b record short images in which a continuous image is divided into small pieces on the time axis, and the two SD cards 22a and 22b work together to form a single continuous image.

[0214] [Effects of the second embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the second embodiment will be described. For example, when the process of transferring video from one buffer memory 20g to the SD card 22a is completed (t3 in FIG. 5B), new video can be buffered in the buffer memory 20g to which the video transfer has been completed, even if untransferred video remains in the other buffer memory 20h. In this way, by distributing and writing one video to two SD cards 22a and 22b, the apparent transfer speed can be increased. This makes it possible to record high-frame-rate, high-resolution video that cannot be written in time with the writing speed of a single SD card. For example, ultra-high-definition 8K video cannot be recorded in real time on a normal SD card because the writing speed of the SD card becomes a bottleneck. In the system according to the second embodiment, the bottleneck of the writing speed of the SD card can be eliminated.

[0215] [Modification of the second embodiment] Even when recording video across two SD cards 22a and 22b, if the bottleneck in writing speed cannot be eliminated, it is advisable to use three or more SD cards.

[0216] In the second embodiment, buffer memories 20g and 20h are provided for SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, but the memory space within one buffer memory may be divided into an area for one SD card reader 14a and an area for the other SD card reader 14b.

[0217] [Third Example] Next, a system according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0218] 6 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller 20 of the system 1 according to the third embodiment. When the vehicle is powered on to start up the system, the controller 20 (FIG. 2) records the video captured by the camera 17 (FIG. 2) on the SD card 22a held in one of the SD card readers 14a (step SA1).

[0219] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the current vehicle position satisfies the warning issuance condition (step SA2). For example, the controller 20 determines that the warning issuance condition is satisfied when the distance from the current vehicle position to the radar speed camera is equal to or less than a judgment threshold. The judgment threshold may be, for example, 500 m, 1 km, or the like.

[0220] If the controller 20 determines that the warning issuance conditions are met, it generates a composite image by combining an image representing warning information with the video captured by the camera 17 (step SA3). Examples of warning information include information indicating the distance to a radar speed camera, and information to alert the driver, such as information urging the driver to reduce speed. The image representing the warning information is generated by the controller 20. The controller 20 displays this composite image on the display 11 (step SA4). Thereafter, the controller 20 records the composite image on the SD card 22b held in the SD card reader 14b (step SA5).

[0221] Fig. 7A shows an example of an image displayed on display 11. Controller 20 displays a composite image in image display area 30. Image 34 showing warning information is composited with image 33 captured by camera 17. In the example shown in Fig. 7A, the image showing the warning information includes text information indicating that the distance from the vehicle to the radar speed camera is 500 m.

[0222] If it is determined in step SA2 that the alarm issuing conditions are not met, the image 33 captured by the camera 17 is displayed on the display 11 (step SA6). The video captured in step SA7 is recorded on the SD card 22b held in the SD card reader 14b (step SA7).

[0223] 7B shows an example of video 33 recorded on SD card 22b. This video 33 is video captured by camera 17 that has not undergone any image synthesis processing. Although video 33 recorded on SD card 22b has not undergone image synthesis processing, it is preferable to perform video compression processing.

[0224] After step SA5 or SA7, the controller 20 determines whether to end the process (step SA8). For example, if the vehicle power supply is turned off, the controller 20 determines to end the process. If the process does not end, the controller 20 repeats the processes from step SA1 to step SA8.

[0225] [Effects of the third embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the third embodiment will be described. When a user reviews video recorded while driving a vehicle after the drive, the user can use the composite image for various purposes, while the unprocessed video can be left as is on the other storage medium. When playing back the video, the user can compare the composite image with the unprocessed video. The person in charge of the vehicle can check how the driver was driving when the alarm was issued. The unprocessed video allows the user to grasp in detail the situation around the vehicle when the alarm was issued. Furthermore, since it can be inferred that the unprocessed video has not been tampered with, it is considered to have higher evidentiary value than a composite image.

[0226] [Modification of the third embodiment] The image superimposed on the video captured by camera 17 may be an image showing warning information or another computer-generated image. The computer-generated image may be an image displayed by a car navigation system, such as a map of the area around the vehicle's current location when the warning was issued. The computer-generated image may be made semi-transparent and superimposed on the video captured by camera 17. By making the computer-generated image semi-transparent, the video captured by camera 17 can be viewed even in the overlapping area without having to play back the raw video.

[0227] It is preferable to superimpose warning information on the video and record it as an image, and also to issue a sound to notify the driver of the warning and record the sound information. For example, it is preferable to output a sound saying, "500 m to H system. Please reduce speed to 60 km or less," and record this sound information on the SD card 22b. For example, the SD card 22a that stores the raw video may record the sound picked up by a microphone inside the vehicle, and the SD card 22b that records the composite image may record only the sound of the warning.

[0228] [Fourth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8A, 8B, and 9. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0229] 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams of video frames recorded on SD cards 22a and 22b, respectively. Controller 20 (FIG. 2) has a function of recording video captured by camera 17 (FIG. 2) on SD cards 22a and 22b at different frame rates (number of frames per unit time). For example, video is recorded on one SD card 22a at a frame rate of 30 fps, and video is recorded on the other SD card 22b at a frame rate of 5 fps.

[0230] FIG. 9 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. The controller 20 (FIG. 2) displays, in the mode display area 31 of the display 11, an indication that the video captured by the camera 17 will be recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b, along with an icon 37 indicating the frame rate. The icon 37 displays the frame rates as numerical values ​​arranged in two rows, one above the other. The numerical value of the frame rate displayed in the upper row indicates the frame rate of the video to be recorded on the SD card 22b inserted or removed through the upper SD card insertion slot 10b (FIG. 1A), while the numerical value of the frame rate displayed in the lower row indicates the frame rate of the video to be recorded on the SD card 22a inserted or removed through the lower SD card insertion slot 10a (FIG. 1A). The display 11 functions as a notification means for informing the user that the SD cards 22a and 22b are responsible for recording video at frame rates of 30 fps and 5 fps, respectively.

[0231] [Effects of the Fourth Embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. SD card 22b, which records under recording conditions with a low frame rate, can be used for long-term recording, while SD card 22a, which records under recording conditions with a high frame rate, can be used for more detailed analysis of the recorded video. By looking at icon 37 displayed on display 11, the user can easily determine which SD card, SD card reader 14a or 14b, they should view the video on, depending on their intended use of the video.

[0232] The SD card 22b for long-time recording is rewritten less frequently than the SD card 22a for detailed analysis, and therefore has a longer lifespan. For example, even if the SD card 22a for detailed analysis has exceeded its lifespan and no video is recorded, the video remains on the SD card 22b for long-time recording. Furthermore, the probability that the two SD cards 22a and 22b will reach the end of their lifespan at the same time is low. Therefore, even if one of the SD cards 22a and 22b reaches the end of its lifespan, video will be recorded normally on the other, and it is unlikely that video will remain on either the SD card 22a or 22b.

[0233] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, the frame rates of the images recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b are made different, but other recording conditions, such as resolution, may also be made different. Furthermore, both the frame rate and the resolution may be made different. The resolution of the images recorded on the SD card 22b for long-time recording should be lower than the resolution of the images recorded on the SD card 22a for detailed analysis. By setting the resolution in this way, the recordable time on the SD card 22b can be made longer. When the resolutions of the images recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b are made different, the controller 20 may display text information indicating the resolution on the display 11.

[0234] [Fifth Example] Next, a system according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0235] The controller 20 (FIG. 2) of the system 1 according to the fifth embodiment has a function of recording video captured by the camera 17 in real time under the same recording conditions on both SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively. When the controller 20 has recorded the same video on both SD cards 22a and 22b, it writes identification information (pairing information) that links the two SD cards 22a and 22b to each other. The two SD cards 22a and 22b record the same video and serve to back up the data of each other.

[0236] The controller 20 notifies the user that the same video is recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b and that they serve to back up each other. For example, the controller 20 displays information on the display 11, using images or text, indicating that the same video is recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b and that they serve to back up each other.

[0237] 10 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller 20. When the vehicle power is turned on to start up the system 1, the controller 20 determines whether or not the SD cards 22a and 22b are attached to both the SD card readers 14a and 14b (step SB01).

[0238] If an SD card is attached to only one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b, the controller 20 prompts the user to select whether to record video onto only one SD card or both SD cards (step SB02). For example, the controller 20 displays a message on the display 11 prompting the user to select whether to record video onto only one SD card or both SD cards. The user can select whether to record video onto only one SD card or both SD cards by operating the operation button 12 (FIGS. 1A and 2) or the like. Note that after removing the SD card that was attached to one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b, the user may attach it to the other of the SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0239] If the user selects to record video onto two SD cards, the controller 20 displays a message on the display 11 prompting the user to insert the other SD card into an empty SD card reader, and waits until the SD card is inserted (step SB03).

[0240] When the controller 20 detects that an SD card has been inserted into an empty SD card reader, it determines whether there is a mismatch between the SD cards 22a and 22b inserted into the two SD card readers 14a and 14b (step SB04). For example, the controller 20 reads the identification information written on the two SD cards 22a and 22b and determines whether they are paired. If they are paired, it determines whether the videos recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b are the same. For example, it can determine whether the videos are the same by comparing the capacity and recording date and time of the videos recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b.

[0241] If the two SD cards 22a and 22b are paired and the images on both cards are identical, the controller 20 determines that there is no inconsistency between the two SD cards 22a and 22b. In all other cases, it determines that there is an inconsistency.

[0242] If it is determined that there is a mismatch between the two SD cards 22a and 22b, the controller 20 prompts the user to select which of the SD cards 22a and 22b the video should be saved from (step SB05). For example, the controller 20 displays on the display 11 a message prompting the user to select which of the SD card readers 14a and 14b the SD card in which the video should be saved is stored. The user can select which of the SD card readers 14a and 14b the SD card in which the video should be saved is stored by operating the operation button 12 or the like.

[0243] If the user selects the SD card reader 14a, the controller 20 erases the video from the SD card 22b attached to the unselected SD card reader 14b and copies the video from the SD card 22a to the SD card 22b (step SB06). If the identification information of the SD card 22a and the SD card 22b differ, the identification information of the SD card 22b is made to match the identification information of the SD card 22a.

[0244] If the user selects the SD card reader 14b, the controller 20 erases the video on the SD card 22a attached to the unselected SD card reader 14a and copies the video on the SD card 22b to the SD card 22a (step SB07). If the identification information of the SD card 22a and the SD card 22b differs, the identification information of the SD card 22a is matched with the identification information of the SD card 22b.

[0245] When the process of step SB06 or step SB07 is completed, the process of recording the video captured by the camera 17 onto the two SD cards 22a and 22b starts (step SB08).

[0246] If it is determined in step SB04 that there is no inconsistency between the two SD cards 22a and 22b, the controller 20 starts the process of recording to the two SD cards 22a and 22b (step SB08).

[0247] If it is determined in step SB01 that two SD cards are inserted, the controller 20 executes the process of step SB04 without executing the processes of steps SB02 and SB03.

[0248] If the user selects in step SB02 to record video onto only one SD card, the controller 20 prompts the user to select whether or not to erase the video recorded on the SD card inserted into one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b (step SB10). For example, the controller 20 displays a message on the display 11 inquiring whether or not to erase the video. The user can select whether or not to erase the video by operating the operation button 12 or the like.

[0249] If the user selects to erase the video, controller 20 erases the video from the installed SD card (step SB11). After erasing the video, controller 20 starts a process of recording the video captured by camera 17 onto a single SD card (step SB12). If the user selects not to erase the video, controller 20 starts a process of recording the video captured by camera 17 onto a single SD card without erasing the video (step SB12).

[0250] [Effects of the fifth embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. When video is recorded in real time on two SD cards 22a and 22b in step SB08, even if a write error occurs on one of the SD cards 22a and 22b, the video can be recorded normally on the other SD card. This prevents a situation in which no video is recorded at all. By removing only one of the SD cards from the SD card readers 14a and 14b, the video can be played back on another device such as a personal computer.

[0251] Furthermore, even if the video in a certain sector of one of the SD cards 22a and 22b cannot be read, the video can be reproduced by reading the contents of the sector in which the same video is recorded on the other card.

[0252] The user can see that the two SD cards 22a and 22b are paired by looking at the display 11 which displays information indicating the roles of the SD cards.

[0253] Furthermore, by looking at the information displayed on display 11 in step SB02, the user can be made aware that there is another SD card that can be paired with the currently inserted SD card. This helps prevent the user from forgetting to insert an SD card. Also, if the other SD card that can be paired is not available, the user can have system 1 record video by selecting to record to only one SD card in step SB02.

[0254] Since the controller 20 determines the consistency of the two SD cards 22a and 22b in step SB04, the consistency of the pair of the two SD cards 22a and 22b can be maintained.

[0255] [Sixth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11, 12A, and 12B. Hereinafter, a description of configurations common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted. The system 1 according to the sixth embodiment has a function of recording video on one of two SD cards 22a and 22b, and if a verify error occurs when recording video on one of the SD cards, switching the SD card to which the video is to be recorded and recording the video on the other SD card.

[0256] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process executed by the controller 20 (FIG. 2) of the system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. When the vehicle's power supply is turned on and the system 1 is started, the controller 20 activates one of the SD cards 22a and 22b installed in the SD card readers 14a and 14b (FIG. 2) and activates the other (step SC1). The controller 20 displays an image on the display 11 informing the user which SD card reader is equipped with the activated SD card (step SC2). Thereafter, the controller 20 writes the video captured by the camera 17 (FIG. 2) to the activated SD card (step SC3).

[0257] After writing the video, the controller 20 determines whether the system operation has ended (step SC4). For example, if the vehicle power supply is turned off, it is determined that the operation of the system 1 has ended. If the operation of the system 1 has not ended, the controller 20 determines whether a verify error occurred when writing to the SD card (step SC5). For example, if an acknowledgment (ACK) signal is returned when writing video to the SD card, it may be determined that a verify error did not occur, and if a negative acknowledgement (NAK) signal is returned, it may be determined that a verify error occurred. The determination of whether a verify error occurred may be performed, for example, for each DMA transfer. If a verify error did not occur, new video is written to the operating SC card (step SC3).

[0258] If a verify error occurs, the controller 20 switches the active SD card to a standby state, and switches the standby SD card to an active state (step SC6). After switching the states of the SD cards, the controller 20 displays on the display 11 an image informing the user of the SD card reader in which the active SD card is installed (step SC7), and writes the video that could not be written successfully due to the verify error to the newly activated SD card (step SC8). Thereafter, the new video is written to the active SD card (step SC3).

[0259] 12A shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20 when the SD card 22a attached to one SD card reader 14a is in an active state. FIG. 12B shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20 when the SD card 22b attached to the other SD card reader 14b is in an active state. 12A. The controller 20 (FIG. 2) displays an icon 38 in the mode display area 31, which indicates the SD card reader into which the SD card set to the active state is inserted. The icon 38 indicates the SD card set to the active state, and is a graphic that can inform the user that two SD cards are paired to record one video. In FIG. 12A, the graphic that indicates the active SD card 22a is shown in white with a thick outline, and the graphic that indicates the standby SD card 22b is shown in gray. Furthermore, the two graphics that indicate the SD cards 22a and 22b are surrounded by a broken line. By surrounding the two graphics that indicate the SD cards 22a and 22b with a broken line, the user can recognize that the two SD cards 22a and 22b are paired.

[0260] [Effects of the Sixth Embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the sixth embodiment will be described. Video that could not be written due to a verify error occurring when writing to one SD card can be written to the other SD card. In this way, the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, complement each other and play a role in recording video, even if a verify error occurs on one of the SD cards when recording video.

[0261] If the cause of the verify error is temporary, there is a chance that the SD card on which the verify error occurred will be able to record video normally afterwards. Therefore, if a verify error occurs on the newly activated SD card after changing the active state of the SD card, the original SD card should be restored to active state. This will reduce the overall frequency of situations where video cannot be recorded.

[0262] [Modification of the Sixth Embodiment] For example, the controller 20 may notify the user on the display 11 that a single video is recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, in a mutually complementary manner. The user will realize that the two SD cards 22a and 22b are required to play back time-sequential videos. When playing back the video on an external device, the user will recognize that the two SD cards 22a and 22b must be removed from the SD card readers 14a and 14b and inserted into the external device.

[0263] When determining whether a verify error has occurred (step SC5), the video recorded on the SD card may be read to check the consistency of the data. Alternatively, the written video may be read and a CRC check may be performed.

[0264] [Seventh Example] Next, a system 1 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0265] The controller 20 has the function of recording video in a general-purpose file format on an SD card held in one SD card reader and recording video in a proprietary format on an SD card held in the other SD card reader. The general-purpose file format can be, for example, the avi file format. Video compression technologies such as MPEG2, Motion JPEG, H.264, and H.265 can be used. The proprietary file format can be, for example, the YP format.

[0266] The SD card held in the SD card reader is in a general file format. The SD card held in the SD card reader is responsible for recording video in a proprietary file format.

[0267] The controller 20 displays an image on the display 11 informing the user of an SD card reader that holds an SD card that records video in, for example, a general-purpose file format, and an SD card reader that holds an SD card that records video in a proprietary file format.

[0268] 13 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20. The controller 20 displays icons 39 in the mode display area 31 of the display 11, each indicating the format of the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b. For example, the word "avi" is displayed to the right of the icon representing the SD card 22a, and the word "YP" is displayed to the right of the icon representing the SD card 22b. Furthermore, the icons 39 are shaped to inform the user that the videos recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b are the same. For example, a line extending from the icon representing the camera 17 branches into two lines, and the two lines each extend toward the two icons representing the two SD cards 22a and 22b, with an arrow at the end of each line.

[0269] [Effects of the Seventh Embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the seventh embodiment will be described. SD card 22a, on which video is recorded in a general-purpose file format, can be removed from SD card reader 14a and played back on a general playback device, such as a general-purpose media player for a personal computer. SD card 22b, on which video is recorded in a proprietary format, can be removed from SD card reader 14b and played back using dedicated application software.

[0270] The user can see the two arrows pointing toward the two icons 39 representing the SD cards 22a and 22b and recognize that the video captured by the camera 17 will be recorded on both the SD cards 22a and 22b. Furthermore, the user can see the text displayed to the right of the icons 39 representing the SD cards 22a and 22b and recognize the format types of the two SD cards 22a and 22b.

[0271] The SD card 22b on which the video is recorded in the unique format cannot have its contents played back or rewritten on a general computer, etc., thereby improving the confidentiality and safety of the video.

[0272] [Eighth Example] Next, a system according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. Hereinafter, a description of components common to the above-described embodiments will be omitted. While the above-described embodiments employ an SD card as a removable storage medium, the eighth embodiment employs two types of storage media with different maximum write speed specifications. For example, an XQD card can be employed as the storage medium with a faster maximum write speed, and an SD card can be employed as the storage medium with a slower maximum write speed.

[0273] There are two media storage compartments for two different types of storage media. For example, one of the two media storage compartments can be an XQD card reader and the other an SD card reader. The maximum write speed of the interface standard supported by the XQD card reader is faster than the maximum write speed of the interface standard supported by the SD card reader.

[0274] The controller 20 writes the image captured by the camera 17 to the interface with the fastest maximum writing speed. Video captured by the camera 17 is written in real time to an XQD card held in an XQD card reader that supports the SD card reader interface standard. The controller 20 has a function to copy the video written in real time to the XQD card to an SD card held in an SD card reader in response to a command from the user.

[0275] Furthermore, the controller 20 displays on the display 11 an image indicating that one medium housing unit is an XQD card reader and the other medium housing unit is an SD card reader.

[0276] 14 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20. The controller 20 displays an icon 40 indicating the interface standard of the medium storage unit in the mode display area 31. This icon 40 also has the function of indicating the roles of the XQD card and SD card held in the XQD card reader and SD card reader. For example, the icon 40 indicates that video captured by the camera 17 is being recorded in real time on the XQD card, and that the video recorded on the XQD card is being copied to the SD card.

[0277] [Effects of the Eighth Embodiment] Next, the advantages of the eighth embodiment will be described. Compared to recording video in real time to an SD card with a slow maximum write speed, it is possible to record video at a high frame rate and high resolution to an XQD card in real time. When copying video recorded on an XQD card to another SD card, the destination SD card does not require a high write speed. Generally, SD cards with slower write speeds are less expensive than XQD cards. This allows the same video to be copied to multiple low-cost SD cards for distribution.

[0278] [Modification of the Eighth Embodiment] The storage medium with the faster maximum writing speed may be a removable medium other than an XQD card, and the storage medium with the slower maximum writing speed may be a removable medium other than an SD card.

[0279] The controller 20 may have a function that allows a user to specify a start time for copying video recorded on an XQD card and schedule copying. The user can specify a time period when the vehicle is not in use to copy video.

[0280] The XQD card may record video captured by camera 17 from when the vehicle's power is turned on until it is turned off (hereinafter referred to as continuous recording). It may also record video before and after the occurrence of a specific event (hereinafter referred to as event recording). It is particularly preferable to perform both continuous recording and event recording.

[0281] The controller 20 may have a function that allows the user to select the video to be copied from the video recorded as an event on the XQD card.

[0282] 15 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 when the user is prompted to select the video to be copied. The controller 20 displays the date and time of an event occurring in the video recorded on the XQD card and a thumbnail image of the video at the time the event occurred in the video display area 30, and also displays a message prompting the user to select the video to be copied. The user can select the video to be copied by operating the operation button 12. The controller 20 copies the selected video from the XQD card to the SD card.

[0283] Copying all the videos that have been recorded continuously would take a long time. By allowing users to select and copy only the videos they want, unnecessary copying time can be reduced. can be done.

[0284] [Ninth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16A and 16B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0285] 16A is a functional block diagram of a portion of a system 1 according to the ninth embodiment. At least one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b of the system 1 according to the ninth embodiment, for example, the SD card reader 14b, supports an interface standard with an SDIO card 22c having a wireless communication function. As the SDIO card 22c, for example, a card having a communication function conforming to the Wi-Fi standard, a card having a communication function conforming to the mobile communication system standard, or a card having a communication function conforming to the TransferJet standard can be used.

[0286] The controller 20 has a function to make the SDIO card 22c transmit the video captured by the camera 17 (FIG. 2) to an external device, and a function to read the video from the SD card 22a and transmit the read video.

[0287] 16B shows an example of an image that the controller 20 displays on the display 11 when an SDIO card 22c with wireless communication functionality is attached to the SD card reader 14b. The controller 20 displays icons 41a and 41b representing the SD card 22a and SDIO card 22c attached to the SD card readers 14a and 14b in the mode display area 31. The icon representing the SDIO card 22c with wireless communication functionality includes an antenna graphic to indicate that the card has wireless communication functionality.

[0288] [Effects of the ninth embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the ninth embodiment will be described. The system 1 according to the ninth embodiment can wirelessly transmit video captured by the camera 17 to an external device via the SDIO card 22c having a wireless communication function. This allows the user to play back video recorded on the SD card 22a on the external device without removing the SD card 22a from the SD card reader 14a.

[0289] By looking at the image displayed on the display 11, the user can see that the SDIO card 22c inserted in one SD card reader 14b has a wireless communication function and is responsible for transmitting video wirelessly, and that the SD card 22a inserted in the other SD card reader 14a is responsible for recording video.

[0290] [Modification of the ninth embodiment] The SDIO card 22c may have a function for recording video in addition to a wireless communication function. The video recorded on the SDIO card 22c can be transmitted to an external device using the wireless communication function of the SDIO card 22c in response to a command from the controller 20. For example, the controller 20 may read the video from the SDIO card 22c and transmit the read video from the SDIO card 22c. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the controller 20 issues a transmission command to the SDIO card 22c, causing the SDIO card 22c to transmit the video autonomously.

[0291] It is more preferable that both of the two SD card readers 14a and 14b support an interface standard for SDIO cards with wireless communication functions. For example, while recording video on an SDIO card held in one SDIO card reader, video already recorded on an SDIO card held in the other SD card reader may be transferred to the SDIO card. This can be transmitted using the communication function of the SDIO card.

[0292] The SDIO card may be one that supports the proximity wireless transfer technology standard, such as TransferJet. When an SDIO card that supports the proximity wireless transfer technology standard is held in the SD card reader, the user can transfer video to the parent unit by removing system 1 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) from the vehicle and bringing it closer to the parent unit. The SD card reader that supports the interface standard with SDIO cards that support the proximity wireless transfer technology standard is preferably placed closer to the wall of the housing than the other SD card reader so as not to interfere with the proximity wireless transfer.

[0293] [Tenth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0294] The controller 20 has the functions of recording video captured by the camera 17 from the time the vehicle's power is turned on to the time it is turned off (hereinafter referred to as continuous recording), recording video of a specified period of time including the time when a specified event occurs from the continuously recorded video (hereinafter referred to as event recording), recording video captured by the camera 17 while the vehicle's power is turned off (hereinafter referred to as parking surveillance recording), and recording log data that lists information about the vehicle's driving in chronological order (hereinafter referred to as log data recording).

[0295] An example of a predetermined event is the detection of an impact of a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold by the acceleration sensor 18. The log data may include, for example, GPS information (vehicle position information), speed information, acceleration information, information indicating the vehicle operation status, and the trajectory of the vehicle's movement. The vehicle operation status may include, for example, operation status such as whether or not the brakes were applied and whether or not the turn signals were turned on. This information may be acquired from various sensors mounted on the vehicle, an OBD connector, etc.

[0296] The recording destination for continuous recording, event recording, parking monitoring recording, and log data recording is set to either the SD card 22a held in the SD card reader 14a or the SD card 22b held in the SD card reader 14b. The controller 20 has a function to inform the user which SD card reader holds the SD card that is the recording destination.

[0297] 17 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20 to inform the user of the recording destination. The user can display the image shown in FIG. 17 by operating the operation button 12.

[0298] The controller 20 graphically displays the outline of the system 1 and the SD card slots 10a and 10b in the video display area 30, and also displays a diagram showing the correspondence between the positions of the SD card slots 10a and 10b and the contents recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b inserted into the SD card slots 10a and 10b. From the image shown in Fig. 17, the user can see that continuous recording is performed on the SD card 22a inserted in the lower SD card slot 10a, and that event recording, parking surveillance recording, and log data recording are performed on the SD card 22b inserted in the upper SD card slot 10b.

[0299] [Effects of the Tenth Embodiment] Next, the excellent effect of the tenth embodiment will be explained. In the tenth embodiment, the overall recording capacity is increased compared to when all of the continuous recording, event recording, parking monitoring recording, and log data recording are recorded on a single SD card. This allows continuous recording. This increases the amount of time that can be recorded for parking surveillance or the amount of time that can be recorded for parking surveillance, increases the number of events that can be recorded, and increases the amount of log data that can be recorded.In the case of continuous recording or parking surveillance recording, if the process of overwriting old footage with new footage occurs when the SD card runs out of free space, this reduces the number of times that overwriting occurs.This extends the life of the SD card.

[0300] Users only need to prepare an SD card with an appropriate recording capacity depending on the amount of video to be recorded.

[0301] The user can remove only the SD card containing the video they want to view from the SD card reader and play it on an external device. For example, if they want to view video of an event, they can simply remove only the event recording SD card 22b from the SD card reader 14b. By looking at the image displayed on the display 11 (FIG. 17), the user can easily tell which SD card to remove.

[0302] When using this system 1 for business purposes, for example, the operations manager may have the driver submit only the SD card 22b on which events are recorded. This has the effect of reducing the amount of video that the operations manager must review compared to reviewing all of the video that is constantly recorded. Also, by having only the information necessary for the operations manager recorded on one SD card and less necessary information recorded on the other SD card, the number of SD cards that must be submitted to the operations manager can be reduced. This makes operations management easier.

[0303] [Modification of the 10th embodiment] In the tenth embodiment, the controller 20 has the functions of continuous recording, event recording, parking surveillance recording, and log data recording, but it may also have the functions of performing both continuous recording and event recording, or both parking surveillance recording and event recording. In this case, it is preferable to use different SD cards for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording and event recording. It is preferable to overwrite the SD card for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording, and not overwrite the SD card for event recording.

[0304] For example, an SD card for event recording does not require as much capacity as an SD card for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording. Therefore, it is possible to prepare a relatively large capacity SD card for continuous recording or parking surveillance recording, and a smaller capacity SD card for event recording. This reduces the cost of SD cards.

[0305] Parking surveillance recording may be performed by recording video captured over the entire period the vehicle is parked with the power turned off, and it is particularly preferable to record a portion of the video that includes the point at which a specific event occurs while the vehicle is parked. Events may include, for example, detection of movement within the captured video (motion detection), detection of vehicle vibration, detection of a loud noise, detection of a vehicle window being opened, or detection of a vehicle door being opened. By recording a portion of the video that includes the point at which an event occurs on the storage medium for parking surveillance recording, it is possible to reduce the amount of capacity consumed on the SD card for parking surveillance recording.

[0306] One SD card may be used for continuous recording, while the other SD card may be used for log data recording. The operations manager can correlate the video stored on one SD card with the log data to evaluate the driving at the time the video was captured. By looking at the image displayed on the display 11 (FIG. 17), the driver can know, for example, the location of the SD card slot into which the SD card for recording video and the SD card for recording log data are inserted.

[0307] In the tenth embodiment, the correspondence between the continuous recording, event recording, parking surveillance recording, and log data recording and the SD card is fixed, but it is preferable that the user be able to change this correspondence. For example, the user may change the correspondence by operating the operation button 12 while looking at the image on the display 11 shown in FIG.

[0308] The system 1 may be provided with three SD card readers for inserting an SD card for continuous recording, an SD card for event recording, and an SD card for parking surveillance recording. By separating the SD cards according to their intended use, multiple SD cards can be submitted to the administrators who require them.

[0309] [Eleventh Example] Next, a system 1 according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18A. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0310] The controller 20 of the system according to the eleventh embodiment has a function of recording video images before and after the occurrence of a specific event (referred to as a first-type event) on one SD card, and recording video images before and after the occurrence of a specific event different from the first-type event (referred to as a second-type event) on another SD card. Information defining the first-type event and the second-type event may be stored in advance in the controller 20, for example.

[0311] The controller 20 displays on the display 11 the correspondence between a specific event and an SD card that records the video when the event occurs.

[0312] 18A shows an image on the display 11 that displays the correspondence between events and the SD cards on which they are recorded. The user can operate the operation button 12 to display the image shown in FIG. 18A.

[0313] The controller 20 displays the outline of the system 1 and the SD card slots 10a and 10b in the video display area 30 as graphics, and also displays a diagram showing the correspondence between the positions of the SD card slots 10a and 10b and the events that trigger recording to the SD cards 22a and 22b inserted into the SD card slots 10a and 10b.

[0314] Sudden steering, sudden braking, sudden acceleration, etc. are primarily due to the driver's own driving ability and driving attitude. The occurrence of a collision may also be due to the driving of another vehicle, regardless of the driver's driving ability and driving attitude. As such, as in the example shown in FIG. 18A, it is advisable to use different SD cards 22a for recording video when an event occurs that is thought to be caused by something other than the driver, and 22b for recording video when an event occurs that is thought to be mainly caused by the driver.

[0315] [Effects of the 11th embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the eleventh embodiment will be described. From the image shown in Fig. 18A, the user can see that the video of the collision is recorded on the SD card 22a inserted in the lower SD card slot 10a, and the video of the sudden steering, sudden braking, and sudden acceleration is recorded on the SD card 22b inserted in the upper SD card slot 10b.

[0316] The video of an event that is thought to be caused by the driver's driving technique or driving attitude (for example, sudden steering, sudden braking, sudden acceleration, etc.) can be used to educate the driver. When the operation manager requests the driver to remove from the system 1 and submit the SD card 22b on which the video of the sudden steering, sudden braking, and sudden acceleration occurred, the driver From the image displayed on the display 11, it is easy to determine from which SD card slot the SD card should be removed.

[0317] [Modification of the 11th embodiment] 18B shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11 by the controller 20 of a system according to a modification of the eleventh embodiment. In this modification, if an event occurs while the vehicle is following the legal speed limit, the controller 20 records video footage before and after the event on one SD card 22a, and if the event occurs while the vehicle is exceeding the legal speed limit, the controller 20 records video footage before and after the event on the other SD card 22b. The controller 20 displays on the display 11 the correspondence between the event that occurred and the SD card on which the video footage should be recorded. The legal speed limit for the currently traveling route can be obtained from road signs, map data, etc.

[0318] The user can easily compare footage of when the vehicle is exceeding the legal speed limit with footage of when the vehicle is within the legal speed limit.

[0319] [Twelfth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19A and 19B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0320] In the twelfth embodiment, an event condition, which is a condition for determining that a predetermined event has occurred, is stored in an SD card held in one of the SD card readers. The controller 20 reads the event condition from the SD card, records the video captured by the camera 17 in the SD card held in the other SD card reader, and, upon detecting the occurrence of an event that satisfies the read event condition, records a marker indicating the occurrence of the event in association with the video.

[0321] The controller 20 displays on the display 11 an image for informing the user of the SD card reader into which the SD card storing the event conditions is to be inserted and the SD card reader into which the SD card for recording the video is to be inserted.

[0322] 19A shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. An icon 42a indicating the SD card 22a on which video captured by the camera 17 is recorded, and an icon 42b indicating the SD card 22b on which event conditions are stored are displayed in the mode display area 31. For example, an arrow is displayed from the icon indicating the camera 17 to the icon indicating the SD card 22a, with a circled exclamation mark superimposed on the arrow, and an icon 42b indicating the SD card 22b is displayed near the exclamation mark. The arrow from the icon indicating the camera 17 to the icon indicating the SD card 22a indicates that video captured by the camera 17 is being recorded on the SD card 22a. The exclamation mark shown on the arrow and the icon 42b indicating the SD card 22b indicate that the event conditions are stored on the SD card 22b.

[0323] 19B shows a sequence of video frames recorded on the SD card 22a. Among the multiple frames, a marker 43 indicating the occurrence of an event is recorded corresponding to the frame captured when the event occurred. The marker 43 includes information identifying which event occurred.

[0324] [Effects of the twelfth embodiment] Next, the excellent effect of the twelfth embodiment will be explained. The user can find the video he / she wants to check or verify in a short time by referring to the mark 43 recorded on the SD card 22a where the video is recorded. This makes it possible to extract useful video from a huge amount of video and to display the video. The user can easily add or delete event conditions because all he or she needs to do is store the event conditions that he or she wants to check or verify on the SD card 22b.

[0325] The user can infer from the image displayed on the display 11 that the video captured by the camera 17 is recorded on the SD card 22a and that the event conditions are stored on the SD card 22b. This allows the user to know the SD card reader 14b into which the SD card 22b storing the event conditions should be inserted, and the SD card reader 14a into which the SD card 22a for recording the video should be inserted.

[0326] It is advisable to include in the event conditions conditions for detecting the occurrence of events that may be caused by, for example, driver fatigue or inattention. For example, event conditions can include deviation from the driving lane, abnormal approach to the vehicle in front, the vehicle remaining stopped for a certain period of time despite the vehicle in front starting, lateral sway, slippage, etc. The occurrence of these events can be detected by equipping the vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). By showing the driver video of the event occurrence, the operation manager can make the driver aware of the risk and encourage safe driving.

[0327] The event condition may include, for example, the condition that a specific person or a specific vehicle is present in the captured video. An image of a specific person or a specific vehicle number to be detected may be stored as a template image in the SD card 22b, and the controller 20 may detect the specific person or vehicle using image recognition technology. When the controller 20 detects a specific person or vehicle, it may transmit location information of the detection location, video at the time of detection, etc. to a data center (for example, a police server, etc.). The information transmitted to the data center may provide useful clues for finding wanted people or vehicles.

[0328] The event conditions may include, for example, the detection of a vehicle (a dangerous vehicle) exhibiting suspicious or dangerous behavior. Examples of suspicious or dangerous behavior may include swerving, ignoring traffic lights, and speeding. When the controller 20 detects a dangerous vehicle, it may transmit location information of the detection location, video footage at the time of detection, etc. to a data center (for example, a police server). By sharing the presence of dangerous vehicles among drivers of multiple vehicles, it becomes possible to prevent accidents caused by dangerous vehicles. Drivers of dangerous vehicles can be instructed not to drive dangerously.

[0329] Event conditions may include the detection of a person in a specific posture, a pedestrian of a specific age, a bicycle, a specific traffic sign, etc. The driving behavior of a driver when these events occur can be easily confirmed or verified. For example, a person in a specific posture may include a person with their hand raised, a person holding a selfie stick, etc. When a person with their hand raised is detected, it can be verified, for example, through video, whether the driver stopped. When a person holding a selfie stick is detected, it can be verified whether the driver slowed down. Pedestrians of a specific age may include children or elderly people. When a child or elderly person is detected as a pedestrian, it can be verified, for example, whether the driver slowed down. When various traffic signs are detected, it can be verified, for example, whether the driver is complying with traffic rules.

[0330] [Thirteenth Example] Next, a system according to a thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0331] In the thirteenth embodiment, the SD card 22a held in the SD card reader 14a is At least one of the recording conditions, frame rate and resolution, is stored in the SD card 22a. The controller 20 has a function of reading out the recording conditions stored in the SD card 22a and recording video based on the read-out recording conditions.

[0332] The controller 20 displays the recording conditions stored in the SD card 22a on the display 11, thereby informing the user of the recording conditions under which the video was recorded.

[0333] 20 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. An icon 53a representing the SD card 22a and an icon 53b representing the SD card 22b are displayed in the mode display area 31. For example, the text displayed to the right of the icon 53a indicates that the recording condition "frame rate 30 fps" is stored on the SD card 22a. The downward-pointing triangle symbol displayed to the right of the icon 53b indicates that video will be recorded on the SD card 22b at the same frame rate as that of the SD card 22a.

[0334] The recording conditions stored in the SD card 22a can be set by an external device such as a personal computer.

[0335] Figure 21 shows an example of a settings window for setting recording conditions on an SD card using a PC. The recording method selection box allows the user to select one of three modes: continuous recording only, both continuous and event recording, or event recording only.

[0336] The image shown in FIG. 21 shows an example in which a sub-camera can be connected in addition to the camera (main camera) 17 built into the system 1, but the thirteenth embodiment will describe an example in which a sub-camera is not connected. The user can select the resolution of the main camera, the number of recording frames (frame rate), and the number of event recording frames from the pull-down menus. Furthermore, the user can select the event recording time, whether or not to record audio, the history recording time, and the number of history recording frames from the pull-down menus. Furthermore, the user can select whether or not to overwrite when the recording areas for continuous recording, event recording, and history recording become full.

[0337] Furthermore, the user can select whether to perform event recording based on the measurement value of the acceleration sensor (G sensor) 18 or whether to perform event recording based on the measurement value of the gyro sensor. Furthermore, the user can set the magnitude of the measurement value that determines whether to perform event recording.

[0338] The settings window displayed on the computer screen displays a "Save to SD card" button. When the user selects (e.g., clicks or taps) the "Save to SD card" button with a pointing device, the recording conditions set in the settings window are saved to the SD card.

[0339] [Effects of the 13th embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the thirteenth embodiment will be described. By storing recording conditions in advance in the SD card 22a to be inserted into the SD card reader 14a, the user can record video onto the SD cards 22a and 22b under the desired recording conditions. By looking at the icons 53a and 53b displayed on the display 11, the user can confirm the SD card reader 14a into which the SD card 22a with the stored recording conditions should be inserted, as well as the current recording conditions.

[0340] [Modification of the 13th embodiment] In addition to the frame rate and resolution, the recording conditions may include, for example, a condition for determining whether an event has occurred when recording video before and after the event, a condition for whether audio is to be recorded, and the like, as shown in Fig. 21. The condition for determining whether an event has occurred may use, for example, the detection value of the acceleration sensor 18 mounted on the vehicle as a determination threshold. In addition to the detection value of the acceleration sensor 18, other types of events may also be used as recording conditions.

[0341] In the thirteenth embodiment, the recording conditions are stored in the SD card 22a inserted into the SD card reader 14a, but the recording conditions may also be stored in the SD card 22b inserted into the other SD card reader 14b.

[0342] When recording conditions are stored on both SD cards 22a and 22b held in two SD card readers 14a and 14b, the controller 20 validates the recording conditions stored on the SD card held in one specific SD card reader, does not adopt the recording conditions stored on the SD card held in the other SD card reader, and records video on the two SD cards based on the valid recording conditions. The user simply inserts the SD card on which the desired recording conditions are stored into one specific SD card reader, and does not need to know the recording conditions stored on the other SD card.

[0343] The controller 20 may enable the recording conditions stored in the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, and record video for each SD card based on the recording conditions stored in that SD card. The user can determine the recording conditions for each SD card.

[0344] The controller 20 may not adopt the recording conditions stored in the SD card, but may record video on the SD card based on recording conditions that are set in advance in the controller 20. By setting the recording conditions in the controller 20 in advance, the user can record video based on the desired recording conditions without having to check the recording conditions stored in the SD card every time the SD card is inserted into the SD card reader.

[0345] The controller 20 may have a function that allows the user to select one mode from among a mode that validates the recording conditions stored on an SD card held in one specific SD card reader, a mode that validates both recording conditions stored on the SD cards, and a mode that validates recording conditions that have been set in advance in the controller 20. The user can select the most appropriate mode depending on how the system is used.

[0346] The controller 20 may display on the display 11 a menu of a plurality of modes for the user to select.

[0347] 22 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display 11. There are displayed a button 44a for specifying a mode for validating the recording conditions stored on the SD card 22a held in the SD card reader 14a, a button 44b for specifying a mode for validating the recording conditions stored on the SD card 22b held in the SD card reader 14b, a button 44c for specifying a mode for validating the recording conditions stored on both SD cards, and a button 44d for specifying a mode for validating the default recording conditions set in the controller 20.

[0348] The user only needs to select one mode from the menu. When an SD card with no recording conditions stored is held in the SD card reader, the mode that enables the recording conditions stored on the SD card held in the SD card reader is excluded from the menu. When no recording conditions are set in the controller 20, it is advisable to exclude from the menu a mode that enables the default recording conditions set in the controller 20. The user can see a list of selectable modes by looking at the menu screen displayed on the display 11.

[0349] Each SD card may store a priority for each recording condition, and the controller 20 may enable the recording condition with the higher priority. If the priorities are the same, it is preferable to determine which recording condition to enable based on when the priority was set. For example, it is preferable to enable the recording condition that was set more recently. Conversely, it is also possible to enable the recording condition that was set older. It is preferable to set in advance in the controller 20 whether to enable the recording condition that was set more recently or the older recording condition.

[0350] The SD card reader and the SD card slot into which the SD card storing the recording conditions to be enabled is inserted may be fixed. For example, the user may insert the SD card storing the recording conditions to be enabled into the SD card slot at a predetermined position.

[0351] Although an example in which the recording conditions are set on a personal computer has been described in FIG. 21, the controller 20 of the system 1 may have a function for storing the recording conditions on an SD card.

[0352] [14th Example] Next, a system 1 according to a fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0353] 23A is a block diagram showing some functions of the system 1 according to the fourteenth embodiment. In the fourteenth embodiment, images are transferred from two cameras 17a and 17b to the controller 20. For example, the two cameras 17a and 17b may be installed so as to capture images of the front and rear of the vehicle, or the front and interior of the vehicle, respectively.

[0354] The controller 20 has a function of recording images captured by the two cameras 17a and 17b onto SD cards 22a and 22b held in the different SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively. The controller 20 displays on the display 11 the correspondence between the two cameras 17a and 17b and the two SD card readers 14a and 14b as image or text information.

[0355] 23B shows an image on the display 11 displaying the correspondence between the two cameras 17a and 17b and the two SD card readers 14a and 14b. In the mode display area 31, an icon 45a indicating that the camera 17a corresponds to the SD card reader 14a, and an icon 45b indicating that the camera 17b corresponds to the SD card reader 14b are displayed.

[0356] [Effects of the 14th embodiment] Next, the excellent effects of the fourteenth embodiment will be described. The system 1 according to the fourteenth embodiment can record video of a wide area that cannot be covered by a single camera. For example, it can record video of the front and rear of the vehicle, or video of the front and interior of the vehicle. By looking at the image displayed on the display 11 (FIG. 23B), the user can easily know which camera has recorded the video on the SD card held in which SD card reader. The user can remove the SD card containing the video they want to play on an external device from the SD card reader and play the video.

[0357] [Modification of the 14th embodiment] The controller 20 may inform the user through the display 11 that the images recorded on the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b, respectively, are images of different areas captured during the same period. The user notices through the display 11 that two images captured during the same period are recorded on the two SD cards 22a and 22b, respectively. When checking the images on the two SD cards 22a and 22b, the playback device may synchronize the two images and display the images from the same time simultaneously on the display screen. The user can easily check the situation around the vehicle at the same time.

[0358] When the user removes only the SD card held in one SD card reader, the controller 20 may display a message on the display 11 urging the user to also remove the SD card held in the other SD card reader, since the SD card contains video images captured during the same period. This notification makes it less likely that the user will forget to remove the SD cards 22a and 22b from the SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0359] For example, two cameras 17a and 17b may be mounted on a work vehicle, with one camera capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle and the other capturing an image of the work location. For example, the work vehicle equipped with cameras 17a and 17b may be a forklift, and the work location captured by one camera 17a may be the range of the fork's lifting and lowering movement. The user can check the driving status and work status of the work vehicle on the video after work.

[0360] For example, two cameras 17a and 17b may be mounted on a vehicle operating within the premises, with one camera capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle and the other capturing an image of the driver. By viewing the images captured by the two cameras 17a and 17b, it is possible to verify whether the driver is following the driving rules within the premises. For example, it is possible to verify whether the driver pointed and cheered when turning right or left. If audio is added to the image, it is possible to verify whether the driver cheered, such as "right, left" at a specific location.

[0361] For example, different types of cameras may be used as the two cameras 17a and 17b. For example, a spherical camera may be used as one camera 17a, and a regular camera may be used as the other camera 17b. Based on the information notified through display 11, the user can easily distinguish between an SD card that stores images captured by the spherical camera and an SD card that stores images captured by a regular camera.

[0362] 24A, it is preferable to house one camera 17a inside the housing of the system 1 and use the other camera 17b as an external camera. The user only needs to connect the single external camera 17b to the housing, which simplifies the connection work.

[0363] As shown in FIG. 24B, both cameras 17a and 17b may be external cameras. The user can select an external camera with suitable performance depending on the object to be captured and the intended use of the captured image. Furthermore, the placement positions of cameras 17a and 17b are not affected by the position of the system housing, which increases the degree of freedom in placement of cameras 17a and 17b. It is advisable to make the shapes of connection terminals 46a and 46b on the housing side of system 1 for connecting external cameras 17a and 17b different. This can prevent incorrect connection of two different types of external cameras 17a and 17b.

[0364] You may prepare three or more SD card readers and the same number of cameras as the number of SD card readers. By preparing three or more SD card readers and cameras, you can simultaneously capture a wider range of images. It can capture images and record them on a compatible SD card.

[0365] [Fifteenth Example] Next, a system according to a fifteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0366] The controller 20 records the current image captured by the camera 17 in the SD card 22a held in one SD card reader 14a. In the fifteenth embodiment, the other SD card reader 14b holds an SD card 22b on which images captured in the past by the camera 17 mounted on the vehicle are recorded together with information about the location at which the images were captured. The controller 20 has a function of reading the image corresponding to the current location information from the SD card 22b and displaying it on the display 11 while checking the current vehicle location information based on the current location of the vehicle.

[0367] In this way, for example, the SD card 22a held in one SD card reader 14a has the role of recording video in real time, while the SD card 22b held in the other SD card reader 14b has the function of providing video of past drives. The controller 20 informs the user of the roles of the two SD cards 22a and 22b through the display 11.

[0368] 25 shows an example of an image displayed on display 11. In mode display area 31, an icon 47a indicating that video captured by camera 17 is to be recorded in real time on SD card 22a, and an icon 47b indicating that video recorded on SD card 22b is to be displayed on display 11 are displayed. Furthermore, in video display area 30, a current video 48 captured by camera 17 and a video 49 read from SD card 22b are displayed. The displayed past video 49 is associated with location information corresponding to the current vehicle position.

[0369] [Effects of the 15th embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the fifteenth embodiment will be described. The driver can drive while referring to the past image 49 displayed on the display 11. It is preferable that the past image be an image captured while the vehicle was traveling along the recommended driving route. For a driver who is unfamiliar with the recommended driving route, the image 49 displayed on the display 11 provides useful information for traveling along the recommended driving route.

[0370] The driver can easily know which SD card reader to insert the SD card 22b that records past footage of the recommended driving route by looking at the icons 47a and 47b displayed in the mode display area 31. This makes it less likely that the SD card will be inserted into the wrong SD card reader.

[0371] [16th Example] Next, a system 1 according to a sixteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0372] In the sixteenth embodiment, an SD card 22b on which a storefront demo video for sales promotion is recorded is inserted into one SD card reader 14b, and the device operates while being displayed in a storefront.

[0373] 26 is a flowchart of the operation of the system 1. When a user, for example, a sales clerk at a retail store, performs an operation to start the demonstration mode, the controller 20 A promotional demo video recorded on the D card 22b is displayed on the display 11 (step SD1). At the end of the promotional demo video, a video is added to inform the consumer that filming is about to begin. For example, it is advisable to play a video including a voice message saying, "We are about to start filming, so please point the camera in the direction you want to film."

[0374] When the playback of the promotional demo video has finished, the controller 20 records the video captured by the camera 17 on the other SD card 22a for a predetermined time set in advance in the controller 20 (step SD2). This predetermined time may be, for example, about 30 seconds. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 20 stops recording the video and plays back the video recorded on the SD card 22a (step SD3). The played back video is shown on the display 11.

[0375] Thereafter, the controller 20 determines whether or not to terminate the sales promotion operation. For example, the controller 20 terminates the operation when the power supply to the system 1 is stopped. If the controller 20 does not terminate the operation, it repeats the operation from the playback of the sales promotion demo video (step SD1) again. In this way, the controller 20 switches between playing the demo video, recording the video of the storefront, and playing the video of the storefront in that order.

[0376] The controller 20 displays on the display 11, for example, information identifying the SD card reader 14b holding the SD card 22b recording promotional footage, and information identifying the SD card reader 14a holding the SD card 22a recording footage captured by a camera 17 displayed in the store.

[0377] 27 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. An icon 50 is displayed in the mode display area 31 to inform the user of the roles played by the SD cards 22a and 22b. The icon 50 indicates that video captured by the camera 17 is recorded on the SD card 22a and that the video recorded on the SD card 22a is displayed on the display 11, that demo video is recorded on the SD card 22b, and that the demo video is displayed on the display 11.

[0378] [Effects of the 16th embodiment] Next, the excellent effects of the sixteenth embodiment will be described. Dealers can increase consumers' willingness to purchase by displaying a promotional demo video on the display 11. Furthermore, the functions of the system can be easily communicated to consumers. Consumers can check the video captured at the dealer through the display 11. This allows consumers to gain a deeper understanding of the system's functions and experience its performance.

[0379] The consumer can learn from the demo video that image capture will begin and begin to aim the camera at the object they want to capture. The controller 20 may terminate image capture after a certain period of time and automatically play back the image to display on the display 11. When playback of the captured image ends, playback of the sales promotion image may resume.

[0380] [17th Example] Next, a system 1 according to a seventeenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0381] The system 1 according to the seventeenth embodiment has an internal power supply (battery) that supplies power to various components within the system 1 when the supply of power from an external source, for example, a vehicle, is stopped. The internal power supply is charged while power is being supplied to the system 1 from the vehicle.

[0382] System 1 has the ability to operate in one of three modes: a mode in which it operates as a drive recorder when power is supplied from the vehicle (drive recorder mode), a mode in which it operates as a parking monitoring recording device when the power supply from the vehicle is stopped while it is installed in the vehicle (parking monitoring mode), and a mode in which it operates as an action camera when it is taken outside the vehicle (action camera mode).

[0383] 28 shows a mode transition diagram between operation modes. The system 1 has five operation modes: drive recorder mode, parking monitoring mode, action camera mode, stop A mode, and stop B mode. In the drive recorder mode, there is power supply from an external source (e.g., a vehicle) and the main switch is turned on. In the drive recorder mode, the controller 20 performs, for example, continuous recording, event recording, etc.

[0384] If the external power supply is stopped when the operation mode is the drive recorder mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the parking monitoring mode. In the parking monitoring mode, the controller 20 performs parking monitoring recording. If the main switch is turned off when the operation mode is the drive recorder mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the stop A mode. In the stop A mode, the controller 20 does not record video.

[0385] When the external power supply is resumed while the operation mode is the parking monitoring mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the drive recorder mode. When the main switch is turned off while the operation mode is the parking monitoring mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the stop B mode. In the stop B mode, the controller 20 does not record video.

[0386] When the main switch is turned on while the operation mode is in the stop A mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the drive recorder mode. When the external power supply is stopped while the operation mode is in the stop A mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the stop B mode.

[0387] When the external power supply is resumed while the operation mode is in stop B mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to stop A mode. When the main switch is turned on while the operation mode is in stop B mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to action camera mode. The operation when the operation mode is in action camera mode will be described later.

[0388] If the main switch is turned off when the operation mode is the action camera mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to stop mode B. If the external power supply is resumed when the operation mode is the action camera mode, the controller 20 transitions the operation mode to the drive recorder mode.

[0389] The controller 20 has a function of recording video onto the SD card 22a held in one SD card reader 14a in the drive recorder mode, and recording video onto the SD card 22b held in the other SD card reader 14b in the action camera mode. The controller 20 also has a function of recording video onto the SD card 22a held in one SD card reader 14a in the parking monitoring mode. The controller 20 displays on the display 11 the roles played by the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0390] 29 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. In the mode display area 31, it is displayed that the video captured when the system 1 is installed in a vehicle is stored on one SD card 22a. An icon 51a indicating that the image captured when the system 1 is taken out of the vehicle will be recorded on the other SD card 22b, and an icon 51b indicating that the image captured when the system 1 is taken out of the vehicle will be recorded on the other SD card 22b are displayed. In Fig. 29, the fact that the system 1 is taken out of the vehicle is represented by the graphic representation of skis as an example.

[0391] [Effects of the 17th embodiment] The user can take the system 1 out of the vehicle and capture images of desired objects. The SD card 22a on which images captured while the system 1 is installed in the vehicle are recorded can be stored separately from the SD card 22b on which images captured while the system 1 is installed outside the vehicle are recorded. With the system 1 installed in the vehicle, images captured by the camera 17 can be recorded on one SD card 22a, while images recorded outside the vehicle can be read from the other SD card 22b.

[0392] For example, a person can drive a vehicle to go on a trip and take the system 1 out of the vehicle at the resort to use it as an action camera. The video captured at the resort can be played back in the vehicle on the way back from the trip.

[0393] By looking at the icons 51a and 51b displayed on the display 11, the user can easily know which video is recorded on which SD card held in which SD card reader.

[0394] When using System 1 as a drive recorder, the internal battery of System 1 is automatically charged while the vehicle is turned on. This means that when using System 1 as an action camera, it is less likely that you will forget to charge the internal battery.

[0395] [Modification of the 17th embodiment] After the system 1 operates as an action camera, when the system 1 is mounted in a vehicle and external power supply is started, the controller 20 may have a function to automatically play back the video recorded on the SD card 22b during the period when the system 1 operated as an action camera. The user can immediately view and enjoy the video captured by the action camera in the car.

[0396] It is particularly advantageous to provide the system 1 with a video data output terminal such as an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, allowing it to be connected to a large-screen monitor. Images captured by the action camera can be viewed on a large screen. In this way, the SD card reader 14b serves to hold an SD card for playback. By inserting an SD card containing video, such as a movie, into the playback SD card reader 14b, the movie can be viewed on a large screen inside the car.

[0397] After system 1 operates as an action camera, controller 20 preferably has a function of displaying the current image captured by camera 17 on display 11 until a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when system 1 is mounted on a vehicle and external power supply is started, and then automatically playing back the images recorded during the period when system 1 operated as an action camera after the predetermined time has elapsed. While the current image captured by camera 17 is being displayed on display 11, the user can adjust the attitude of camera 17 while watching the image displayed on display 11.

[0398] The cameras installed in dashcams generally have ultra-wide-angle and fixed focal lengths, which are common features required for action cameras. To use System 1 as an action camera, it is recommended to add waterproofing to System 1.

[0399] In addition to the joint rail 13 used when mounting the system 1 on a vehicle, when using the system 1 as an action camera, it is preferable to provide a joint portion for mounting the system 1 on various types of equipment used in outdoor sports. The vehicle-mounted joint rail 13 may also be attached to various mounts for action cameras via an adapter. When mounting the system 1 on a vehicle, the system 1 is generally hung from above as shown in FIG. 1B , but when using the system as an action camera, the system 1 is often supported from below. Supporting the system 1 from below using the joint rail 13 causes the system 1 to be upside down during imaging. The system 1 may determine the top and bottom using the acceleration sensor 18 ( FIG. 2 ) and, depending on the result of the top and bottom determination, determine and record the top and bottom of the captured image.

[0400] When the system 1 is operating in the drive recorder mode, parking monitoring mode, or action camera mode, the controller 20 may have a function to record only video for a predetermined time before and after the occurrence of a predetermined event on a predetermined SD card. The time from the detection of the event occurrence to the start of video recording is referred to as the "preceding time," and the time elapsed from the detection of the event occurrence to the end of video recording is referred to as the "delay time." The conditions (event conditions) for determining that an event for recording video has occurred may be different for each operating mode. The event conditions are conditions that trigger video recording.

[0401] [Event conditions applied in the seventeenth embodiment] Next, the event conditions applicable to each operation mode will be described.

[0402] When the operation mode is the drive recorder mode, the event conditions may be detection of an impact above a certain threshold, detection of sudden steering, detection of sudden braking, detection of sudden acceleration, etc. When the operation mode is the parking monitoring mode, the event conditions may be detection of movement of an object within the field of view of the camera 17, detection of opening of a window, detection of opening of a door, detection of shaking of the vehicle body, detection of a loud sound above a threshold, etc. When the operation mode is the action camera mode, the event conditions may be changed depending on the type of outdoor sport the user of the system 1 is engaged in.

[0403] Event conditions when surfing are described below. For example, the event condition may be detection of takeoff. Here, takeoff refers to the moment when a surfboard accelerates while paddling from a lying down position, rides the momentum of the wave, and stands up. Since the surfboard starts moving at the time of takeoff, it is good to detect takeoff from the acceleration, motion, etc. at that time. To detect takeoff, it is good to use a motion sensor that can measure acceleration, angular velocity, attitude angle, direction, speed, position, etc.

[0404] To capture footage of the moment the surfer catches a wave, the lead time from the time takeoff is detected should be, for example, between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, with approximately 1 minute being particularly preferable. To capture footage from takeoff to the final ride, the delay time should be determined taking into account the expected time from takeoff to the final ride. For example, the delay time should be between 1 minute and 3 minutes, with approximately 2 minutes being particularly preferable. If another takeoff is detected within the delay time, the video should be recorded from that point until the specified delay time has elapsed.

[0405] Advanced surfers sometimes accelerate their surfing by hitting the bottom of the wave at the lip of the wave. This creates a larger motion and accelerates the surfer. If this lip action is detected while recording video, it is a good idea to re-measure a specified delay time from the point of detection. For example, it is a good idea to initially set the elapsed time from the event occurrence at the point of detection of the lip action. If the elapsed time is initially set, video will be recorded from the point of detection of the lip action until the specified delay time has elapsed.

[0406] Next, we will explain the event conditions when skiing or snowboarding. For example, the event condition may be the detection of the start of sliding. To detect the start of sliding, a motion sensor capable of measuring acceleration, angular velocity, attitude angle, direction, speed, position, etc. may be used. The advance time may be, for example, from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, with approximately 1 minute being particularly preferable. The delay time may be, for example, from 1 minute to 3 minutes, with approximately 2 minutes being particularly preferable.

[0407] The event condition may be the detection of a fall. The detection of a fall can be performed using the results of measurements of acceleration, angular velocity, attitude angle, direction, etc., by a motion sensor. The event condition may also be the detection of speed reaching a predetermined threshold.

[0408] The controller 20 may extend the delay time if it detects a predetermined trigger while recording video. Since some kind of movement occurs while skiing, it may be useful to use acceleration or motion as a trigger. When skiing downhill, it may be useful to use speed as a trigger. If the predetermined trigger is not detected within a predetermined delay time from the time of event detection, it may be useful to end video recording when the predetermined delay time has elapsed from the time of event detection.

[0409] Next, the event conditions when playing golf will be described. For example, the event condition (trigger) may be detection of completion of address, and recording may be stopped when a predetermined delay time has elapsed since impact detection. In order to preserve video of the follow-through period, the predetermined delay time may be, for example, between 2 and 5 seconds, with approximately 3 seconds being particularly preferable. Detection of address completion and impact can be performed using a slim watch-type sensor attached to the golfer's wrist (e.g., the Golf Navi YBW-Putt sold by Yupiteru Corporation). By transmitting the detection results from the slim watch-type sensor to the system 1 using a short-range wireless communication function (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)), the system 1 can identify the time of address completion and impact.

[0410] By linking a swing trainer (for example, the GST series swing trainer sold by Yupiteru Corporation) that has a function for estimating head speed, ball speed, contact rate, distance, etc. with the system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to add a function for embedding estimated values ​​of head speed, ball speed, contact rate, distance, etc. in the video. The user can verify the quality of his or her swing by correlating the video of his or her actual swing with the head speed, ball speed, contact rate, distance, etc.

[0411] It may be embarrassing to set up the system 1 of this embodiment with a recording function at a golf driving range. For example, if the system is set up on a chair behind the hitting box, it is less likely that others will notice the presence of the system 1. It is even better to attach a fixing device to the system 1 that has the function of placing the system 1 on a chair and maintaining its position. Furthermore, if the chair or the like is equipped with a can holder, a fixing device that has the function of placing the system 1 in the can holder and maintaining its position may be attached to the system 1. It is better to provide a mounting portion for the system 1 to mount such a fixing device.

[0412] When going to a golf driving range, it is common to hit around 100 to 300 balls per session. For example, if you record around 10 seconds of video per shot, you will end up recording around 3,000 seconds of video per practice session. As an example, it is desirable to prepare an SD card with a capacity that can record 3,000 seconds of video at a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 30 fps. Also, golfers tend to prefer a higher frame rate than video resolution in order to verify their swing. System 1 should have a function that allows the user to change the frame rate. It is also desirable to have a function that automatically adjusts the resolution depending on the capacity of the SD card that records the video and the set frame rate. By adjusting the resolution, users can record video for the required length of time even if they set a high frame rate.

[0413] It is advisable to set the frame rate of the video after the address completion is detected higher (more frames) than the frame rate of the video before the address completion is detected. By lowering the frame rate of the video before the address completion is detected, the overall data volume of the video can be reduced.

[0414] Instead of recording all swings, only footage of swings that meet certain conditions may be recorded. For example, only footage of swings determined to be misses and swings determined to be nice shots may be recorded. The system 1 may have a function for distinguishing between nice shots and misses. Whether a shot is a miss or nice shot may be determined based on estimated values ​​such as the contact rate, head speed, and flight distance. For example, a swing estimated to have a contact rate of 1.4 or more, a head speed of 50 m / s or more, and a flight distance of 260 yards or more may be determined to be a nice shot. A swing estimated to have a contact rate of 1.2 or more and 1.3 or less may be determined to be a miss.

[0415] By recording only footage of specific shots, it is possible to save space on the SD card. Furthermore, if the SD card capacity remains constant, it is possible to increase the frame rate and resolution. Users can play back footage of good shots and footage of bad shots and compare the two. It is particularly useful if the system 1 has a function that displays footage of good shots and footage of bad shots side by side on a single screen during video playback.

[0416] As another example, it is possible to record video of all swings and record markers identifying good shots and misses along with the video, which can be used to easily extract good shots and misses from a long video.

[0417] When practicing at a golf driving range, it is a good idea to record the number of balls hit with each type of club, along with the date and time information. Based on this record, users can see the history of the number of balls hit with each type of club. The number of balls hit can also be thought of as the amount of practice. For example, it can be seen that a year ago, users practiced more with drivers, but recently, users have been practicing more with irons.

[0418] It is advisable to record information indicating the time interval between hitting one ball and the next at a golf driving range together with the video. For example, if you keep hitting with the same club, the time interval will be relatively short, and if you change clubs, the time interval will be relatively long. The time interval recorded together with the video can be used as a clue to find the point when you changed clubs.

[0419] For example, beginners who have not yet solidified their basic form go to a driving range to master it. For example, there are various strategies available for users who want to avoid opening their left shoulder to prevent slicing with their driver. After trying various strategies and finding one that seems effective, they continue hitting the ball using the same strategy to confirm reproducibility. They check a video of their form during breaks, and if it differs from what they imagined, they continue hitting the ball again. For example, by comparing their own form with a model video posted on a video sharing site, they can verify whether they are swinging as imagined. Practice shots and their video recordings, followed by repeated review of the video, can lead to improvement. Information indicating the time interval between hitting one ball and the next can provide a clue to identifying the point in time when they checked the video during this repeated practice.

[0420] The above-described event conditions are not only applicable to the system 1 according to the seventeenth embodiment having the functions of a drive recorder and an action camera, but can also be applied to a dedicated action camera device.

[0421] [Eighteenth Example] Next, a system according to an eighteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0422] In the eighteenth embodiment, key information indicating access authority is stored in an SD card held in at least one of the SD card readers 14a and 14b. The controller 20 has a function of reading the key information stored in the SD card held in the SD card reader, and restricting or permitting access to the SD card held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b based on the read key information.

[0423] The controller 20 has the function of informing the user by an image displayed on the display 11 which SD card reader holds the SD card that is responsible for recording the video captured by the camera 17 and which SD card reader holds the SD card that stores the key information.

[0424] 30 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. In the mode display area 31, an icon 52a indicating that video is being recorded on the SD card 22a held in the SD card reader 14a and an icon 52b indicating that key information is being stored on the SD card 22b held in the SD card reader 14b are displayed.

[0425] [Effects of the 18th embodiment] Next, a description will be given of the advantageous effects of the eighteenth embodiment. Access to the SD cards 22a and 22b is restricted or permitted depending on the key information of the SD card 22b held in one of the SD card readers 14b, thereby improving the security of the system.

[0426] The user can easily know which SD card reader to insert the SD card 22b storing the key information into by looking at the image displayed on the display 11. This reduces the chance of inserting the SD card incorrectly.

[0427] [Modification of the 18th embodiment] For example, the controller 20 may have the ability to operate in either an administrator mode or a user mode. The key information stored in the SD card 22b may permit operation in the administrator mode or permit operation only in the user mode. For example, when operating in the administrator mode, the controller 20 may be able to initialize the SD card 22a stored in the SD card reader 14a, but may not be able to initialize the SD card 22a stored in the SD card reader 14a when operating in the user mode. For example, the information stored in the SD card 22a may be divided into information accessible only to the administrator and information accessible to general users. When operating in the administrator mode, the controller 20 may be able to read information accessible only to the administrator, but may not be able to read information accessible only to the administrator when operating in the user mode. The controller 20 may have the ability to operate in the user mode when an SD card with key information stored therein is not held in any SD card reader.

[0428] It is preferable that the SD card 22b storing the key information also stores information for driver training (for example, video images). The controller 20 reads out the information for driver training and displays it on the display 11 or outputs audio from the speaker 15. When an SD card storing instructional video footage is inserted, the controller 20 may automatically play the instructional video footage. The driver is motivated to drive safely by noticing the information displayed on the display 11 and the information output from the speaker 15. The manager may store driver instruction information for each driver in the SD card 22b based on the driver's driving habits and provide it to the driver.

[0429] For example, a driver who has a habit of ignoring stop signs may be given an SD card 22b storing information encouraging the driver to stop. When the controller 20 detects a stop sign by analyzing the image captured by the camera 17, the controller 20 may output information encouraging the driver to stop from the display 11 or the speaker 15. For example, the information encouraging the driver to stop may be output as a voice message saying, "Please stop where there is a stop sign." For example, a driver who frequently makes sudden steering turns may be given an SD card 22b storing information encouraging the driver not to make sudden steering turns.

[0430] The administrator can learn the driving habits of each driver by viewing the video continuously recorded while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, by associating the video recorded on the SD card with location information, it is possible to identify locations where the driver engaged in reckless driving in the past. The administrator may store this location information in addition to driver training information. When the controller 20 detects that the driver is approaching a location where the driver engaged in reckless driving in the past, it may output information from the display 11 or the speaker 15 that warns the driver not to engage in reckless driving. Furthermore, when the controller 20 detects the occurrence of dangerous driving of the same type as the dangerous driving stored as driver training information, it may output information from the display 11 or the speaker 15 that warns the driver not to engage in the dangerous driving. Furthermore, when an event that predicts the occurrence of dangerous driving occurs, the controller 20 may output information from the display 11 or the speaker 15 that warns the driver not to engage in the dangerous driving. For example, when a traffic light is detected in the image captured by camera 17, information to warn the driver not to ignore the traffic light may be output from display 11 or speaker 15. For example, when a pedestrian is detected in the image captured by camera 17, information to warn the driver to be careful of the pedestrian may be output from display 11 or speaker 15.

[0431] As a means for notifying the user of the SD card 22b in which the key information is stored, a sign indicating the key information may be provided on the surface of the housing near the SD card reader 14b into which the SD card 22b in which the key information is stored should be inserted. Furthermore, when the controller 20 detects that the SD card 22b in which the key information is stored has been inserted into the wrong SD card reader, the controller 20 may output from the display 11 or the speaker 15 information urging the user to insert the SD card 22b into the correct SD card reader.

[0432] [19th Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 19th embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0433] In the nineteenth embodiment, the controller 20 records mutually complementary images and identification information associating the two SD cards 22a and 22b on the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b. Furthermore, when the SD card on which the identification information is recorded is held only in one of the SD card readers, the controller 20 has a function of informing the user through the display 11 and speaker 15 that there is another mutually complementary SD card.

[0434] 31 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. As an example, an icon 55 indicating that the video captured by the camera 17 is alternately recorded on one SD card 22a and the other SD card 22b is displayed in the mode display area 31. The SD cards 22a and 22b are paired, and identification information indicating that the recorded images complement each other to form a single image is stored in the SD cards 22a and 22b.

[0435] When only one of the SD cards is inserted into the SD card reader, the controller 20 displays a message on the display 11 saying, "One of the two SD cards that make up the pair has been inserted. Please insert the other SD card that will form the pair. Do you want to continue processing?" The user can select "Yes" or "No" by operating the operation button 12.

[0436] If the user selects "Yes," the controller 20 continues the current process. For example, video is recorded only on the inserted SD card. If the user selects "No," the controller 20 waits until another SD card is inserted into the SD card reader.

[0437] Furthermore, when only one of the two SD cards in a pair is removed from the SD card reader, the controller 20 may notify the user that the paired SD card remains in the SD card reader.

[0438] [Effects of the 19th embodiment] Next, the effects of the 19th embodiment will be described. When a user inserts or removes an SD card into or from an SD card reader, it becomes less likely that the user will forget to insert or remove one of the two SD cards that complement each other. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which useful video cannot be obtained due to the two SD cards that complement each other becoming dislodged.

[0439] [Modification of the 19th embodiment] An example of a mutually complementary relationship would be one where one SD card is initialized in a general-purpose format and the other is initialized in a proprietary format, with the video recorded on both being the same. Depending on the playback device, video can be played back by inserting an SD card in a format supported by that device. For example, the FAT format is a good general-purpose format, while the YP format is a good proprietary format.

[0440] When the FAT formatted SD card is removed from the SD card reader and a YP formatted SD card is inserted, the controller 20 may display a message on the display 11 prompting the user to insert a FAT formatted SD card.

[0441] The controller 20 may record video in the YP format on both SD cards inserted in the two SD card readers. In this case, when one of the SD cards is removed and a FAT-formatted SD card is inserted, the controller 20 may display a message on the display 11 prompting the user to insert a YP-formatted SD card. Alternatively, the controller 20 may display a message on the display 11 asking the user whether it is OK to initialize the newly inserted FAT-formatted SD card in the YP format.

[0442] When an SD card that does not store key information is inserted into an SD card reader that should receive an SD card that stores key information, the controller 20 may display a message on the display 11 prompting the user to insert an SD card that stores key information.

[0443] [Twentieth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a twentieth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0444] In the twentieth embodiment, the controller 20 has a function to initialize the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b. When a user performs an operation to initialize an SD card held in one SD card reader, the controller 20 has a function to display, on the display 11, information identifying the SD card to be initialized as specified by the user, and a message indicating that the controller 20 is waiting for confirmation of the execution of the initialization. After receiving a confirmation response from the user, the controller 20 has a function to execute the initialization process.

[0445] FIG. 32 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. A graphic representing the outline of the system 1 is displayed in the video display area 30 so that the positions of the SD card slots 10a and 10b can be seen. Furthermore, the SD card slot into which the SD card to be initialized specified by the user is inserted is displayed to be distinguished from other SD card slots, and a message is displayed asking whether to initialize the card. For example, a message such as "Do you want to initialize?" is displayed. The user can select "Yes" or "No."

[0446] If the user selects "Yes," the controller 20 initializes the SD card specified by the user. If the user selects "No," the controller 20 aborts the initialization process.

[0447] [Effects of the 20th embodiment] Next, the effects of the twentieth embodiment will be described. During the initialization process, the controller 20 waits for a confirmation response from the user before executing the initialization, which prevents an unexpected storage medium from being initialized due to a user operation error. As a result, it is possible to prevent the erasure of video that is not intended to be erased.

[0448] The position of the SD card slot into which the specified SD card to be initialized is inserted is displayed graphically, so the user can easily notice the mistake when making an error in specifying the SD card to be initialized.

[0449] [Twenty-first Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 21st embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 33. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0450] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a system 1 according to a 21st embodiment, and a plan view of SD cards 22a and 22b inserted into the system 1. In the 21st embodiment, an identification mark is displayed in each of the SD card insertion slots 10a and 10b of the system 1. An identification mark 60a displayed near one SD card insertion slot 10a and an identification mark 60b displayed near the other SD card insertion slot 10b differ in at least one of their shapes and colors. In the example shown in Figure 33, one identification mark 60a is star-shaped, and the other identification mark 60b is triangular.

[0451] The system 1 comes with stickers 61a and 61b to be affixed to the SD card. The stickers 61a and 61b have identification marks of the same shape and color as the identification marks affixed to the SD card insertion slots 10a and 10b, respectively. For example, one sticker 61a has a star-shaped identification mark printed on it, and the other sticker 61b has a triangular identification mark printed on it.

[0452] [Effects of the 21st embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the 21st embodiment will be described. By attaching the labels 61a and 61b to the SD cards 22a and 22b, respectively, the user can associate the SD cards with the SD card slots. When the user inserts an SD card into the SD card reader, the user can easily tell which SD card slot to insert the card into by looking at the identification mark. This reduces the chance of inserting the wrong SD card.

[0453] [Modification of the 21st embodiment] The controller 20 may store information specifying the identification mark associated with the SD card reader in the SD card inserted into the SD card reader. For example, if an SD card 22a storing information specifying a star-shaped identification mark is mistakenly inserted into the SD card insertion slot 10b corresponding to a triangular identification mark, the controller 20 can read the information specifying the identification mark from the SD card 22a and detect the incorrect insertion. When the controller 20 detects the incorrect insertion, it may display a message on the display 11 informing the user of the incorrect insertion. For example, it may display a message urging the user to insert an SD card with a triangular sticker attached. The user can realize that the insertion is incorrect by seeing the message displayed on the display 11.

[0454] [Twenty-second Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 22nd embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 34A and 34B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0455] FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a system 1 according to a 22nd embodiment. One SD card insertion slot 10b is provided on the top surface of the housing of the system 1, and the other SD card insertion slot 10a is provided on the side surface of the system 1. The top surface of the housing faces the windshield or ceiling of the vehicle, and the space between them is narrow. For this reason, it is difficult for a user to insert or remove an SD card through the SD card insertion slot 10b provided on the top surface. In contrast, it is relatively easy to insert or remove an SD card through the SD card insertion slot 10a provided on the side surface.

[0456] The SD card 22a inserted into the SD card reader 14a corresponding to one SD card insertion port 10a is used for applications requiring frequent insertion and removal, while the SD card 22b inserted into the SD card reader 14b corresponding to the other SD card insertion port 10b is used for applications not requiring frequent insertion and removal.

[0457] The system 1 informs the user of the role that the SD card plays by the difference in ease of insertion and removal of the SD card into the two SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0458] [Effects of the 22nd embodiment] When a user inserts an SD card, they may notice that it is difficult to insert or remove it through the SD card slot, which helps them realize the purpose of the SD card. For example, when the SD card is difficult to insert or remove through the SD card slot, the user realizes that the SD card inserted into the SD card reader through that slot is not intended for portability but is intended to be used while inserted. Conversely, when the SD card is easy to insert or remove through the SD card slot, the user realizes that the SD card inserted into the SD card reader through that slot is intended for portability.

[0459] [Modification of the 22nd embodiment] When the system 1 is installed in a vehicle, it is recommended that one of the SD card readers be placed in a position that makes it more difficult to insert an SD card than the other SD card reader. The system 1 uses the difference in the positions of the SD card readers to inform the user of the role of the SD card held in the SD card reader. It would be good to do so.

[0460] An example of a location where it is easy to insert an SD card is an area on the surface of the housing where, when the housing is installed in a vehicle, there is free space adjacent to the surface of the housing that is the same size as the wrist of an average adult male. A suitable size for the wrist of an average adult male could be a sphere with a diameter of 10 cm. An example of a location where it is difficult to insert an SD card is an area where such free space is not available.

[0461] For example, the surface of the housing that faces the front, top, or somewhere in between may be considered a difficult location to insert an SD card. The surface of the housing that faces the left or right direction, or the interior of the vehicle may be considered a difficult location to insert an SD card. The surface that faces the bracket for attaching the housing to the vehicle may also be considered a difficult location to insert an SD card.

[0462] For example, the controller 20 may record the video captured by the camera 17 while the vehicle is parked on an SD card held in an SD card reader that is placed in a position where it is difficult to insert an SD card. This makes it less likely that the driver will accidentally remove the SD card from the SD card reader while parking the vehicle, making it impossible to record the video during the parking period.

[0463] As shown in Figure 34B, it is preferable to attach an openable cover 62 to the SD card insertion slot 10b to make it difficult to pass an SD card through it. It is preferable to keep the SD card insertion slot 10a, which allows easy passage of an SD card, open at all times.

[0464] [Twenty-third embodiment] Next, a system 1 according to a 23rd embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 35. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0465] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a system 1 according to a 23rd embodiment. The housing of the system 1 is provided with SD card slots 10a and 10b. SD card readers 14a and 14b are disposed within the housing corresponding to the SD card slots 10a and 10b. The SD card readers 14a and 14b are configured to hold SD cards of different sizes. For example, one SD card reader 14a holds a relatively small micro SD card, while the other SD card reader 14b holds a standard-sized SD card.

[0466] The sizes of the SD card slots 10a and 10b are different to accommodate the different sizes of SD cards they can hold. For example, the SD card slot 10a for inserting a microSD card is smaller than the SD card slot 10b for inserting a regular-sized SD card.

[0467] The system 1 uses the different sized configuration of the two SD card slots 10a and 10b to inform the user of the roles of the SD cards held in the SD card readers 14a and 14b.

[0468] [Effects of the 23rd embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the 23rd embodiment will be described. By looking at the sizes of the SD card insertion slots 10a and 10b, the user can recognize the role of the SD card inserted into the SD card reader through those SD card insertion slots. For example, the user will realize that a normal-sized SD card inserted through the larger SD card insertion slot 10b will be less likely to be lost when carrying around, and as a result, will realize that the SD card inserted through that SD card insertion slot 10b is for carrying around. Conversely, the user will realize that a micro SD card inserted through the smaller SD card insertion slot 10a is, in principle, intended to be used while always inserted into the SD card reader 14a.

[0469] For example, if there is a rule that an SD card with continuous video recording must be submitted to the administrator each time the vehicle is driven, and an SD card with event recording must be submitted to the administrator only when a specific event occurs, it is recommended that continuous recording be performed on a regular-sized SD card and event recording be performed on a microSD card.

[0470] [Twenty-fourth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 24th embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 36. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0471] The controller 20 has a function to detect that an error has occurred in each of the SD cards 22a and 22b held in the two SD card readers 14a and 14b. When the controller 20 detects that an error has occurred in an SD card held in one of the SD card readers and that the SD card with the error has been removed from the SD card reader, the controller 20 has a function to display a message on the display 11 urging the user to also remove the other SD card and submit it to a maintenance person (administrator).

[0472] 36 shows an example of an image displayed on the display 11. The video display area 30 displays a message saying, "The SD card on which an error occurred has been removed. Please remove the other SD card and submit it to the administrator."

[0473] [Effects of the 24th embodiment] Next, the advantageous effects of the 24th embodiment will be described. By inspecting not only the SD card in which an error has occurred but also the SD card that is not experiencing an error, it becomes easier to isolate the cause of the error. Errors include, for example, SD card malfunction, write failure, and exceeding the specified number of overwrites. By looking at the message displayed on the display 11, the driver can be prevented from forgetting to remove the SD card or to submit it to the maintenance technician.

[0474] [Twenty-fifth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 25th embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 37. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0475] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing partial functions of a system 1 according to a 25th embodiment. The SD cards 22a and 22b are provided with mechanical write-protect switches 62a and 62b that can be turned on and off by external user operation. When the write-protect switches 62a and 62b are turned on, writing to the SD cards 22a and 22b is prohibited. The SD card reader 14b includes an actuator 63 that turns on the write-protect switch 62b of the inserted SD card 22b. The actuator 63 turns on the write-protect switch 62b of the SD card 22b inserted in the SD card reader 14b based on a command from the controller 20. The actuator 63 that turns on the write-protect switch 62b can be realized by, for example, a solenoid actuator.

[0476] The controller 20 has a function of turning on the write protection switch 62b of the SD card 22b by controlling the actuator 63 when it detects that a predetermined event has occurred. In particular, the controller 20 preferably has a function of turning on the write protection switch 62b after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the event was detected.

[0477] [Effects of the 25th embodiment] Next, an excellent effect of the 25th embodiment will be described. By the controller 20 setting the SD card 22b to a write-protect state, it is possible to prevent the video recorded when an event occurs from being overwritten.

[0478] [Twenty-sixth Example] Next, a system 1 according to a 26th embodiment will be described. Below, a description of the configuration common to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0479] The controller 20 of the system 1 according to the 26th embodiment can select and execute one of the functions of the first to 20th embodiments and the 25th embodiment described above. For example, the role that an SD card is to play, as described in the above embodiments, can be changed by a user operation. For example, the user can select the role that an SD card is to play. When an SD card is removed from all SD card readers, the role that the SD card plays may be restored to a preset basic role. Before an SD card is inserted into an SD card reader, the role of the SD card may not be determined, and the role may be determined after the SD card is inserted into the SD card reader.

[0480] [Twenty-seventh Example] Next, a 27th embodiment will be described. Below, a description of the configuration common to the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0481] In the above-described embodiments, the controller 20 informs the user of the role played by the SD card through images displayed on the display 11, etc., but in the 27th embodiment, the controller 20 has the function of informing the user of the relationship between the information stored on the SD cards held in the two SD card readers.

[0482] The user can see the relationship between the information stored on the SD cards held in the two SD card readers, which increases convenience for the user.

[0483] Next, the relationship between the information stored on the two SD cards will be illustrated. First, the case where the information stored on the two storage media is both video will be illustrated.

[0484] The relationship between the images should be such that the two images make sense as a pair, but one image alone is meaningless or cannot achieve the intended purpose. When the information stored on the two SD cards has this relationship, the controller 20 should notify the user via the display 11 that one SD card alone cannot be used. The user is encouraged to carry the two SD cards as a set, which makes it less likely that the user will forget to carry one SD card and be unable to use the images.

[0485] The relationship between the images may be such that the imaged subject and the image capture time are identical, and that either image is usable on its own. Examples of such relationships include the same recording format on the two SD cards, different formats on the two SD cards, different recording conditions (settings) such as frame rate and resolution for the images recorded on the two SD cards, one recording all images captured during a recording period and the other recording only images before and after a specific event, or both recording images before and after an event but for different types of events. When the information stored on the two storage media has this relationship, the controller 20 may inform the user via the display 11 that the images can be used on their own and the differences between the two images. The user can determine which SD card's image is preferable to view depending on their intended use.

[0486] The relationship between the images may be such that the captured subject is the same but the captured time is different, resulting in different uses for the images. For example, an example of such a relationship is when the images are captured by a camera 17 mounted on a vehicle traveling along a specified route, but the captured time and date are different. When the information stored on the two SD cards has this relationship, the controller 20 may notify the vehicle driver via the display 11 of the time the images were captured. The vehicle driver is able to check previously recorded images when traveling along a specified route, making it less likely that he or she will make a mistake in choosing the route.

[0487] The interrelationship between the images may be such that the images are captured by different cameras at the same time and of different objects. Examples of such relationships include the relationship between an image of the front of a vehicle and an image of the interior of the vehicle, the relationship between an image of the front of a vehicle and an image of the rear of the vehicle, and the relationship between an image of the front of a work vehicle and an image of the work target area. When the information stored on the two SD cards has such a relationship, the controller 20 may notify the user via the display 11 that the two images were captured at the same time. This allows the user to recognize the significance of playing the two images in a synchronized manner.

[0488] The relationship between the images may be such that the images were captured using the same camera in different environments. For example, an example of such a relationship is a relationship between images captured using a camera mounted on a vehicle and images captured using a camera removed from the vehicle and attached to outdoor sports equipment. When the information stored on the two SD cards has this relationship, the controller 20 may inform the user via the display 11 that the two images were captured in different environments. This allows the user to know that the two SD cards contain different images captured in different environments. Furthermore, the controller 20 may particularly inform the user via the display 11 of which storage medium the images were captured in which environment. This allows the user to know which SD card the images were recorded on and under which environment.

[0489] The relationship between the images may be such that the images are captured using the same camera, but the image recorded on one of the SD cards is a composite image in which an additional image is superimposed on the captured image. The additional image may be, for example, a warning image issued when a vehicle approaches the radar device. When the images recorded on the two SD cards have this relationship, the controller 20 may notify the user via the display 11 that the image recorded on one of the SD cards is a composite image in which an additional image is superimposed.

[0490] The relationship between the two videos may be such that, although the two videos together achieve a common purpose, one is a pre-prepared video and the other is a video recorded on the spot. For example, one of the videos may be a promotional video explaining the functions and performance of the system, while the other is a video recorded on the spot. When the information stored on the two SD cards has this relationship, the controller 20 may inform the user via the display 11 that one SD card contains pre-prepared video and the other SD card is to be recorded. The user can know that when the video on one SD card is pre-prepared, the other SD card should be used for recording. By watching the promotional video, consumers can learn about the system's overview and performance, and by watching the video recorded on the spot, they can experience the system's operation and performance.

[0491] The relationship between the images is preferably such that one image is captured by a camera and the other image is a template image for extracting a specific image from the image captured by the camera. The controller 20 can then use the display 11 to display the image recorded on one SD card. It is recommended to inform the user that the image stored in the SD card is a template image for image recognition, and the other is an SD card for image recording. The user can extract various images by adding or modifying the template image.

[0492] Next, an example will be given in which the information stored in one of the two storage media is video and the information stored in the other is data other than video.

[0493] The relationship between the information may be such that one piece of information is video captured by a camera, and the other piece of information is information (key information) that indicates the authority to access the SD card. The controller 20 may inform the user via the display 11 that the information stored on one of the SD cards is information that indicates the access authority. The user can know that an SD card that serves as a key to grant a predetermined access authority is required to access the video.

[0494] The relationship between the information may be such that one piece of information is video captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, and the other piece of information is log data that records vehicle information in chronological order. The controller 20 may inform the user via the display 11 that one piece of information is video captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, and the other piece of information is log data. The user can learn that useful information regarding the vehicle's running can be obtained by combining the video and log data recorded on the two SD cards. @ In the above-described embodiments, the system is mainly described as being equipped with two SD card readers, but it is obvious that three or more SD card readers may be installed.

[0495] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. The components described in each embodiment may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, the invention and components described in the Summary of the Invention may be further applied to combinations of the components of each embodiment. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0496] 1. Drive recorder 3. Windshield 4. Rearview mirror 5 cigarette lighter socket 6 Power Cable 10a, 10b SD card slot 11 Display 12 Operation buttons 13 Joint Rail 14a, 14b SD card reader 15 Speaker 16 GPS receivers 17, 17a, 17b Camera 18 Acceleration Sensor 19 Communication Circuits 20 Controller 20a CPU 20b ROM 20c RAM 20d Timer 20e, 20f DMA controller 20g, 20h buffer memory 21 Databases 22a, 22b SD card 22c SDIO card 30 Video display area 31 Mode display area 32 Time display area 33 Images captured by the camera 34 Images showing warning information 37 Frame rate icon 38 SD card activity icon 39 SD card format icon 40 Icon showing the interface standard of the media storage unit 41a Icon indicating the SD card that will record the video 41b Icon indicating an SDIO card with wireless communication capabilities 42a Icon indicating the SD card where the video is recorded 42b Icon indicating the SD card that stores the event conditions 43 An indicator that an event has occurred 44a~44d Mode selection buttons 45a, 45b Icons showing the correspondence between the camera and the SD card reader 46a, 46b connection terminals 47a Icon indicating that video is being recorded to an SD card 47b Icon indicating that video recorded on the SD card is displayed on the display 48 Current footage 49 Past footage 50 icons 51a Icon indicating that the video captured while the camera is installed in the vehicle will be recorded on one of the SD cards 51b Icon indicating that the video taken outside the vehicle will be recorded on the other SD card 52a Icon indicating that video is being recorded to one of the SD cards 52b Icon indicating that key information is stored 53a, 53b SD card icon 55 Icon indicating alternate recording of video 60a, 60b Identification mark showing correspondence with SD card 61a, 61b seal 62a, 62b Write protection switch 63 Actuator

Claims

1. The function to play promotional videos, a function of starting, after the promotional video has been played, image capture using an image capture device and playback of the video captured by the image capture device; A system having:

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a video informing consumers that filming is about to begin is added to the end of the promotional video.

3. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein when playback of the video captured by the imaging device is completed, playback of the sales promotion video is resumed.

4. The device has at least two media storage units for holding removable storage media, A system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the promotional video is stored in a storage medium held in one of the media storage units, and the video captured by the imaging device is stored in a storage medium held in the other media storage unit.

5. The storage medium storing unit has a function of informing a user of the relationship between information stored in the storage medium stored in the two storage medium storing units, The system described in claim 4, wherein the function of informing the user is a function of informing the user that the promotional video is stored in a storage medium held in one of the media storage units, and that the video captured by the imaging device is stored in a storage medium held in the other media storage unit.

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

Images