System and program

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly system or the like.SOLUTION: This system repeats a cycle of recording video data in a recording area. When a predetermined cycle end condition is satisfied, the cycle currently in progress is ended, and a new cycle is started in which the video data recorded in the ended cycle is overwritten with new video data in chronological order. Information on an overwriting position (hereinafter referred to as overwriting position information) based on at least one of the capacity of the video data recorded in the cycle currently in progress and the capacity of the video data that is not overwritten among the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle is output to the output means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an electronic device that uses the same recording area for both continuous recording, which continuously records video data, and intermittent recording, which intermittently records video data each time a predetermined event occurs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, this electronic device constantly records video data in a continuous area while the vehicle accessory switch is on.

[0003] When the capacity of the recording area becomes full due to continuous recording and intermittent recording, the video data that was continuously recorded in the recording area is overwritten and new continuous recording and intermittent recording are performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-92464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional methods, when the storage area becomes full, continuously recorded video data is overwritten. If the continuously recorded video data includes video data that the user does not want to erase, there is a concern that the video data may be erased without the user realizing it.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a system and the like that is easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A system that repeats a cycle of recording video data in a recording area, When a predetermined cycle termination condition is satisfied, the system terminates the currently ongoing cycle, starts a new cycle in which the video data recorded in the terminated cycle is overwritten with new video data in chronological order, and outputs to an output means information about the overwriting position (hereinafter referred to as overwrite position information) based on at least one of the capacity of the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle and the capacity of the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle that has not been overwritten.

[0008] A user who stores information about the locations where video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded between the start and end of one cycle can easily notice a situation where the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data, based on the overwrite location information output to the output means. For example, the user can become aware of a situation where the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten before it is actually overwritten. This provides a system that is easy for the user to use.

[0009] The video data may be video data captured by an imaging device such as a camera. The video data may be video data. For example, if the video data is video data, the video data is composed of multiple frames of data. The frame rate of this video data may be, for example, 30 fps, 24 fps, etc. Alternatively, the video data may be multiple still image data acquired in time series at regular time intervals.

[0010] The recording area for the video data may be secured in a removable medium that can be attached to or detached from the system. The entire storage area of ​​the removable medium may be secured as the recording area for this video data, or more preferably, a portion of the storage area of ​​the removable medium may be secured as the recording area for this video data. In this case, for example, the remaining area of ​​the storage area of ​​the removable medium may be used for other purposes.

[0011] The predetermined cycle end condition may be, for example, a predetermined time having elapsed since the start of the cycle, or more preferably, when there is no free space in the recording area where video data can be recorded, or when there is no space in the area where video data was recorded in the previous cycle where video data can be overwritten. For example, the cycle end condition may be determined to be met when the capacity of the free space or the area where video data was recorded in the previous cycle where video data can be overwritten falls below the minimum capacity required to record video data. The capacity of the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in one cycle may correspond to the total capacity of the recording area.

[0012] The recording positions within the recording area at the start and end of one cycle may be, for example, positions specified by the first and last physical addresses within the recording area. In this case, for example, video data may be recorded from the first physical address toward the last physical address over time. Alternatively, the recording area may be divided into multiple sectors, and each sector may be specified by a sector number. In this case, for example, the recording positions within the recording area at the start and end of one cycle may be sectors specified by the first and last sector numbers within the recording area.

[0013] The information output by the output means may be output as audio, for example, or more preferably as an image. For example, when outputting as audio, a numerical value indicating the information may be output as audio. For example, a sound such as "Currently overwriting 30% of the total." may be output. For example, when outputting as an image, the information may be displayed as numbers, more preferably as graphics. When displayed as numbers, the ratio of the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle to the total capacity of the recording area may be displayed as a fraction or percentage. When displayed as graphics, the information may be displayed as a graph, more preferably as a pie chart or bar graph. For example, when displayed as a pie chart, the total capacity of the recording area may correspond to an area with a central angle of 360°, and the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle may be displayed as a sector. For example, when displaying it as a bar graph, the capacity of the entire recording area is made to correspond to the total length of the bar graph, and the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle is made to correspond to the length from one end of the bar graph. good.

[0014] For example, when the overwrite position information is displayed as an image, the latest video included in the acquired video data may be displayed on the same screen as the information. For example, the overwrite position information may be displayed as a graphic on the edge of the screen, superimposed on the video displayed on the screen.

[0015] (2) The cycle end condition may include a condition that the recording area has no free space available to record new video data or no free space available to overwrite in the currently ongoing cycle.

[0016] This maximizes the amount of recording space that can be recorded in one cycle, thereby increasing the time available before old video data is overwritten. For example, video data may be recorded in a recording area in units of recording. For example, the video data may be temporarily stored in a buffer memory, and then the video data stored in the buffer memory may be transferred to the recording area. In this case, for example, the video data temporarily stored in the buffer memory may correspond to one recording unit. For example, in determining whether the cycle end condition has been met, the capacity of this recording unit may be compared with the free space remaining in the recording area or the capacity that can be overwritten in the current cycle.

[0017] (3) The capacity of the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in one cycle may correspond to the total capacity of the recording area.

[0018] In one cycle, video data can be recorded in an area that covers the entire recording area, which increases the amount of video data that can be recorded in one cycle.

[0019] (4) The output means may output to a screen that displays an image, and the overwrite position information may be displayed graphically on the screen.

[0020] The user can visually recognize the overwrite position information by looking at the displayed figure, which makes it easier to notice situations where video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data.

[0021] (5) defining a start position and an end position on the graphic, which correspond to the start and end points of the cycle, respectively; The overwritten position information may be a system including a marker displayed on the graphic between the start position and the end position.

[0022] By visually checking the start and end positions of the figure and the relative positional relationship of the markers, the user can visually recognize the position within the recording area where the latest video data is recorded. For example, a linear symbol, a triangle, an arrow, or other symbol may be used as the marker. Also, for example, the boundary of an area with a different color may be used as the marker.

[0023] (6) The system may be such that the first and second positions on the figure correspond to the start position and the end position, respectively, and the distance from the start position to the mark corresponds to the capacity in the recording area occupied by the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle.

[0024] The user can visually recognize the position in the entire recording area where the latest video data is being recorded from the start position, end position, and distance from the start position to the mark on the diagram. As video data is recorded in the recording area, the mark is moved from the start position to the end position. It is advisable to move it towards the end position.

[0025] For example, the latest image included in the acquired video data may be displayed in a partial area (hereinafter referred to as the video display area) excluding at least one of the upper and lower end areas of the screen where the graphic is displayed. For example, a graphic indicating the overwrite position information may be displayed in the video display area, superimposed on the image displayed on the screen. For example, a strip-shaped graphic may be displayed vertically as the graphic. In this case, the top end of the graphic may correspond to the start position, and the bottom end may correspond to the end position. For example, the strip-shaped graphic may be displayed so that the top and bottom ends do not extend beyond the video display area. The acquired video data may be displayed in real time in the video display area. In this case, the video display area functions as a camera viewfinder.

[0026] (7) The system may be configured such that the part from the start position to the mark and the part from the mark to the end position are displayed in different colors, and the boundary between the different colored parts serves as the mark.

[0027] The user can intuitively grasp the size of the parts that are colored in the same color and recognize the position of the marker in the displayed figure. The user can immediately recognize that the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by seeing the marker approaching the position where the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0028] A graph may be used as a graphic to indicate the overwritten position information. By viewing the displayed graph, the user can intuitively grasp the numerical information. For example, a pie chart, a bar chart, or the like may be used as the graph. For example, when using a pie chart, one radius may correspond to the start position and the end position, and the radius at a position separated from the start position by a certain central angle may be associated with a marker. For example, when using a bar chart, one end may correspond to the start position, the other end may correspond to the end position, and a marker may be placed at a position separated from the start position by a certain distance.

[0029] (8) It is preferable that the color of each part of the figure remains unchanged until it is overwritten in a new cycle.

[0030] The user can remember which color area of ​​the entire recording area the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting is recorded in. As the color area that the user remembers becomes smaller as it is overwritten, the user can foresee the occurrence of a situation in which the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting will be overwritten. Furthermore, as the color area that the user remembers disappears, the user can recognize that the video data that the user wants to keep has been overwritten.

[0031] (9) The entire recording area is made free by initialization, outputting information on the recording position (hereinafter referred to as recording position information) based on the volume of video data recorded during the first cycle after initialization to the output means; It is preferable that the system be configured so that the output means outputs the recording position information when the first cycle after initialization is in progress and the overwrite position information when the second or subsequent cycles are in progress in different formats.

[0032] The user can easily recognize whether the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle after initialization or the second or subsequent cycle. When the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle, the user does not need to worry about old video data being overwritten. Furthermore, the user can easily notice that the second or subsequent cycle, which may overwrite old video data, has started.

[0033] For example, the recording position information and the overwriting position information are displayed graphically. applying a first color to a portion of the figure corresponding to an empty area after initialization; During the first cycle, a second color different from the first color is applied to a portion of the figure from the start position of the figure to a mark based on the recorded position information; During the second cycle, a third color different from the first color and the second color may be applied to a portion of the figure from the start position of the figure to a mark based on the overwrite position information. During the second and subsequent cycles, the color to be applied to the portion of the figure from the start position of the figure to the mark based on the overwrite position information may be selected from multiple color candidates that do not include the first color. The selected color may be cycled through the multiple color candidates as the number of cycles increases. For example, if the color candidates are two colors, a second color and a third color, the second color and the third color are selected alternately for each cycle.

[0034] By visually checking the color of the shape, the user can easily recognize whether the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle, in which there is no need to worry about overwriting, or a second or subsequent cycle in which there is a possibility of overwriting.

[0035] The first color, the second color, and the third color may be distinguished by varying any one of the three color attributes, namely, hue, saturation, and brightness, and more preferably by varying the hue. Distinguishing the first color, the second color, and the third color by hue allows the user to remember the colors by words that describe them.

[0036] (10) Furthermore, the overwrite mode, which indicates whether or not overwriting is permitted, can be turned on and off by the user. when the overwrite mode is on, the graphic indicating the recording position information is displayed on the output means, and when one cycle ends, a new cycle is started; When the overwrite mode is off, the output means does not display the graphic indicating the recording location information, and when recording of video data in a manner that does not overwrite old video data is completed, the system preferably stops recording of video data in the recording area.

[0037] By looking at the information displayed on the screen, the user can easily recognize whether the overwrite mode is currently on or off. When the overwrite mode is on, the user can easily notice a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by looking at the displayed graphic.

[0038] (11) When the overwrite mode is off, the system may calculate the remaining recordable time based on the capacity of the recording area for video data in the current cycle, and display information indicating the calculated remaining time on the screen.

[0039] When overwrite mode is off, the user can easily recognize the remaining recordable time. If a recording area is reserved in the removable media, for example, the remaining recordable time can be a useful indicator for the user as to whether or not to prepare to replace the removable media. Furthermore, because the remaining time is not displayed when overwrite mode is on, but is displayed when overwrite mode is off, it is easy to see whether overwrite mode is on or off.

[0040] (12) Further, an event detection means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event is provided, It is preferable that the system displays an event occurrence mark, which notifies the occurrence of an event, in association with the graphic based on the position in the recording area where the video data at the time when the event occurrence is detected by the event detection means is recorded.

[0041] The user can easily notice a situation in which video data at the time of a specific event is about to be overwritten with new video data. For example, the user can notice a situation in which video data at the time of a specific event is about to be overwritten before the video data at the time of the specific event occurs. This allows the user to take an action to prevent the video data that the user wants to keep from being overwritten when the specific event occurs. If the recording area is secured in removable media, an example of an action to prevent overwriting is for the user to remove the removable media from the system.

[0042] For example, it is advisable to use a different color for the event occurrence mark for each event. This allows the user to easily identify the location where the video data of the event they want to keep is recorded. From the distance between the mark indicating the current overwriting location and the location where the video data of the event they want to keep is recorded, the user can know the remaining time before performing an operation to prevent the overwriting.

[0043] (13) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, The system may be configured to display the graphic in such a manner that the divisions of the units of video data in the graphic can be recognized.

[0044] The user can easily recognize the division of the units of video data by looking at the graphic displayed on the screen. Also, by remembering the position of the unit of video data in the graphic, the user can easily identify the position where the current video data is recorded in the future.

[0045] For example, the time when the vehicle's accessory power is turned on and the time when it is turned off may be used as triggers for starting and stopping the power supply to the system, respectively. In this case, for example, video data recorded during the period from when the vehicle's accessory power is turned on to when it is turned off may be used as one unit. Since the vehicle is considered to be mainly driving during the period from when the vehicle's accessory power is turned on to when it is turned off, this unit of video data may be considered to correspond to one driving unit.

[0046] When a figure displayed on the screen includes portions corresponding to multiple units of video data, it is preferable to apply different colors to the corresponding portions of the figure for each unit.The user can remember which units contain video data that the user does not want to erase by using the colors applied to the portions corresponding to those units.The user knows that overwriting is permitted until the marker indicating the current overwriting position reaches the area in the figure of the remembered color.The user can know when to perform an operation to prevent overwriting based on the distance from the marker indicating the current overwriting position to the area in the figure of the remembered color.It is preferable to prepare more colors than the number of units of video data expected to be included in a single figure as candidate colors to be applied to the portions corresponding to these units.

[0047] (14) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, calculating a grace period from the current time until the start of overwriting of the video data at the start point of the unit recorded in the recording area; The system may preferably have a function of informing the user that overwriting of the unit next to the unit currently being overwritten will begin when the grace period becomes shorter than a predetermined period.

[0048] The user should remember which units contain the video data that the user does not want to be erased. When the user notices the notification that the unit containing the video data that the user does not want to be erased will be overwritten, the user can take measures to prevent the video data that the user does not want to be erased from being erased. The predetermined time to be compared with the grace period should be, for example, a time (e.g., three minutes) sufficient for the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe place and take action to prevent the overwriting. For example, if the recording area is secured in removable media, the user should replace the removable media to prevent the overwriting.

[0049] A method of notifying the driver that overwriting of the next unit after the unit currently being overwritten will begin may be a method of outputting a sound. The driver can notice the notification without averting his or her eyes. When notifying the driver, the date and time when the first video data of the unit for which overwriting will begin next was acquired, or the date and time when the last video data of that unit was acquired may be announced. For example, a sound such as "Overwriting of the video data from XX / XX / XX will soon begin" or "Overwriting of the video data recorded during the driving period that ended XX / XX / XX will soon begin" may be output from the output means.

[0050] Instead of notifying the user that the data will be overwritten, the user may be notified of the grace period until the data is overwritten. The grace period may be notified in certain time intervals. The user can recognize that the grace period until the data including the video data that the user does not want to erase is being shortened by the time it starts to be overwritten.

[0051] (15) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, The video data recorded from the time when the power supply to the system is started to the time when the power supply is stopped is regarded as one unit, The system may have a function to calculate, at the time when power supply to the system is started, the estimated time until the start of overwriting of the unit next to the unit currently being overwritten, and to notify the user of the estimated time.

[0052] When power is supplied to the system, the user can recognize the time remaining until the oldest unoverwritten unit begins to be overwritten. For example, if the oldest unoverwritten unit contains video data that the user does not want to erase, the user can perform an operation to prevent this video data from being overwritten when power is supplied to the system.

[0053] (16)Furthermore, a function of recording the video data in the recording area in the cycle and a function of recording the video data in another recording area secured in the same recording medium as the recording area; A function for changing the capacity of the recording area and the capacity of the other recording area by user operation. and When the capacity of the recording area and the capacity of the other recording area are changed, the system may be configured to initialize the recording area and the other recording area so that no video data is recorded therein.

[0054] This makes it possible to provide a system that is less likely to cause inconsistencies when the capacity of the recording area and other recording areas is changed. For example, it is advisable to initialize the recording area and other recording areas regardless of whether the capacity of the recording area for recording video data is expanded or reduced in the cycle.

[0055] (17)Furthermore, a connecting means for connecting the removable medium in which the recording area is secured; a function of initializing a removable medium connected to said connection means; a function of storing at least one of the total number of cycles performed on the recording area in the removable medium connected to the connecting means, the number of cycles performed after initialization, and the number of times initialization has been performed, in the removable medium connected to the connecting means; a function of outputting at least one of the number of times to the output means; It is preferable to have a system having the above.

[0056] The user can estimate the degree of deterioration of the removable media from the total number of cycles performed on the recording area, which is useful information for determining whether or not to replace the removable media.

[0057] The information output to the output means may be, for example, "Total overwrites: 10 times / Overwrites after formatting: 2 times / Formatted: 2 times." Outputting in this manner makes it easy for the user to know when to replace or initialize (format) the removable media. The user may decide whether to initialize or not based on the number of cycles performed after initialization. Information that changes depending on the degree of deterioration may be displayed on the output means. For example, an icon representing the removable media may be displayed and changed, or a graphic indicating the overwrite location information may be changed.

[0058] The user can know how many cycles the initialization is performed on average. For example, it is advisable to state in the instruction manual how many cycles the initialization should be performed between. The user can know whether the initialization is performed too frequently or not frequently enough.

[0059] When displaying an icon representing removable media, for example, the icon may be displayed as gradually breaking down as the deterioration progresses, or as gradually decaying, or the shape of the icon may change from a normal (new) state to a cracked or shattered state, or the color of the icon may gradually change from a light color (e.g., white) to a dark color (e.g., black).

[0060] When changing the graphic that indicates the overwrite location information, for example, the fill color of the graphic may change as the deterioration progresses, or the shape of the graphic may change. When changing the fill color of the graphic, it is recommended to change from a light color to a dark color as the number of cycles increases. By changing the icon or graphic in this way, the user can easily know when to replace the removable media.

[0061] (18) The system may be configured to divide the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on predetermined division conditions, and execute processing for each of the processing units.

[0062] After the video data is recorded in the recording area, it can be divided into multiple processing units. After dividing into processing units, processing can be performed for each processing unit. This makes the system easier for users to use.

[0063] The predetermined classification condition may be a condition that the video data is classified at regular time intervals. The classification conditions may also be the time points triggered by the start and stop of power supply to the system. Furthermore, the classification conditions may be set based on information acquired by various sensors. The classification condition that the video data is classified at regular time intervals and the time points triggered by the start and stop of power supply to the system may be used in combination.

[0064] The predetermined classification conditions may be input to the system by a user operation, for example. Alternatively, the system may read out classification conditions stored in an area other than the recording area of ​​a medium for which a recording area is reserved. The processing for each processing unit may be, for example, a process for assigning an attribute to each processing unit, a process for cueing and playing back video data from the beginning of the processing unit, a process for displaying a list of multiple processing units, etc.

[0065] (19) The processing for each processing unit may be a system including a process for causing the output means to output attributes of the processing unit for each processing unit.

[0066] The user can easily check the attributes of each processing unit by looking at the display means. As attributes of each processing unit, for example, the date and time when the first video data included in the processing unit was acquired, a thumbnail of the first video data, etc. can be displayed on the display means. By looking at the date and time information or the thumbnail, the user can easily find the video data that he / she wants to play and check, or the video data that he / she wants to delete.

[0067] It is preferable that the user can select some of the processing units based on the attributes of the plurality of processing units output to the output means, and processing can be performed on the part of the processing units selected by the user.

[0068] (20) Further, the function of allowing a user to select a part of the processing units from the processing units is provided. The system may be configured such that the processing for each processing unit is executed for the processing unit selected by the user.

[0069] A user can select a portion of the processing units that the user desires to process from among all the processing units, and perform processing on the selected processing units. A specific attribute may be assigned to the processing units selected by the user. For example, a process of assigning an attribute of "exclude from playback" may be performed for each processing unit. When playing back video data, the video data in the processing units that have been assigned the attribute of "exclude from playback" may be omitted from playback. By assigning the attribute of "exclude from playback" to some of the processing units, the user can omit the video data that the user does not want to play back. The attributes of multiple processing units may be output to the output means in the form of a list. In this case, the processing units that have been assigned the attribute of "exclude from playback" may not be output to the display means.

[0070] (21) Furthermore, the system may have a function of having a user input the classification conditions, and may classify the video data recorded in the recording area based on the classification conditions that have been input.

[0071] By inputting desired classification conditions, the user can classify the video data according to the desired classification conditions. A user who wants to assign a specific attribute to a portion of the video data can input classification conditions that will distinguish that portion from other portions.

[0072] (22) The recording area is secured in a removable medium, The system may be configured so that the sorting conditions input by the user are stored in an area of ​​the removable medium that is different from the recording area.

[0073] By moving the removable media between the first device and the second device of the system, the video data and classification conditions recorded in the recording area can be transferred from the first device to the second device, or vice versa. For example, when video data is recorded by the first device, In this case, the classification conditions for classifying the video data can be input in a second device different from the first device, and the input classification conditions can be transferred to the first device. Conversely, the second device may have a function for classifying the video data based on the classification conditions set in the first device.

[0074] For example, a first device for acquiring video data may be mounted on a vehicle, and the video data collected in the vehicle may be sorted by a second device such as an external personal computer. Generally, the screen of the second device such as a personal computer is larger than the screen of the first device mounted on the vehicle. On the second device, the user can easily check the date and time when the first video data of each processing unit was acquired and a thumbnail. This allows the user to easily perform operations on the video data for each processing unit.

[0075] (23) Furthermore, after dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on the division conditions, if a user inputs division conditions different from the current division conditions, the system may re-divide the video data based on the input division conditions.

[0076] When the user finds it difficult to perform the desired processing on the video data using the current classification of the video data, the user can change the classification conditions to classify the video data in a way that makes it easier to perform the desired processing.

[0077] When using a FAT file system to record video data, it is difficult to re-categorize the video data under different classification conditions after it has been divided into files. This system allows the user to re-categorize the video data under the classification conditions of their choice, making it easy for the user to use.

[0078] (24) Furthermore, the system may store information specifying the position in the recording area where the video data of each of the plurality of processing units is recorded.

[0079] The location for storing information specifying the position within the recording area where the video data of each of the multiple processing units is recorded may be, for example, the work area of ​​the system. When a user selects a specific processing unit, the system can access the video data of the selected processing unit in a short time using the information specifying the position within the recording area. This improves operability for the user. This information may specify the position within the recording area where the first video data in the processing unit is recorded. For example, using this information during cue playback can shorten the time it takes to cue the first video data in the processing unit.

[0080] (25) The video data to be recorded in the recording area is acquired in a vehicle, recording of the video data in the recording area is started when power supply to the system is started, and recording of the video data in the recording area is stopped when power supply to the system is stopped; The classification condition may be a system including a power supply condition that recording of video data to the recording area is started when power supply to the system is started, and that recording of video data to the recording area is stopped when power supply to the system is stopped.

[0081] Video data acquired during the period from the start of power supply to the system to the stop of power supply to the system can be recorded in a recording area, and this video data can be processed as a single unit. The video data may be, for example, video captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle. The start and stop of power supply to the system may be triggered by, for example, turning on and off an accessory power source of the vehicle.

[0082] (26) The classification conditions may include other classification conditions in addition to the power supply conditions, and the system may classify the portion of the video data classified based on the power supply conditions from the beginning to the end based on the other classification conditions.

[0083] This prevents processing units obtained by dividing based on another dividing condition from overlapping with processing units obtained by dividing based on the power supply condition. When dividing the processing units obtained by dividing based on the power supply condition further based on another dividing condition, if video data of a length that cannot be divided based on another dividing condition remains, it is preferable to make the entire remaining video data into one processing unit.

[0084] (27) The system may be such that the division conditions include a condition that the video data recorded in the recording area be divided at regular time intervals.

[0085] A user who remembers the elapsed time from the start of the video data in the recording area to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit from the beginning contains the desired video data, thereby enabling the user to easily access the processing unit containing the desired video data.

[0086] If the video data is divided using only the power supply condition as the division condition, the user can easily find the video data at the time when the vehicle accessory power was turned on, for example. If the video data is divided using only the condition of a fixed time interval without using the power supply condition as the division condition, the elapsed time from the first video data to the last video data of all processing units can be made constant. By dividing the video data in this way, the burden on the user to check the video data for each processing unit can be equalized.

[0087] As in (26) above, the division conditions may be a combination of a power supply condition and a division condition of dividing at regular time intervals. Once a division is made based on the power supply condition, it is preferable to make a new division at regular time intervals from that point onward. As a result, for example, a processing unit obtained by dividing based on the power supply condition (referred to as a first processing unit) is divided into smaller processing units (referred to as a second processing unit) based on the division condition of dividing at regular time intervals. A user who remembers the elapsed time from the beginning of the first processing unit to the desired video data can easily calculate which second processing unit, from the beginning of the first processing unit, contains the desired video data. This allows the user to easily access the second processing unit containing the desired video data within the first processing unit.

[0088] (28) The processing for each processing unit includes a process of excluding video data included in the processing unit from the playback target, The system may preferably have a function of omitting video data excluded from the playback target when playing back video data recorded in the recording area.

[0089] This prevents video data excluded from playback from being played back. For example, a user can exclude video data that the user does not want a third party to see from playback. The attribute of the processing unit excluded from playback can be set to "exclude from playback," and the attribute of the other processing units can be set to "not exclude from playback." When playing back video data, playback can be stopped when the video data excluded from playback is reached, or more preferably, the video data excluded from playback can be skipped and playback of the video data that is not excluded from playback can be continued.

[0090] The video data in a processing unit that has been excluded from playback is not deleted from the recording area, so the attribute of the processing unit that has been excluded from playback can be changed to "Do not exclude from playback." You can return it.

[0091] (29) When the processing unit excluded from the playback target by the process of excluding from the playback target includes the last video data among the video data recorded in the latest cycle, it is preferable that the system overwrites the video data obtained by dividing the video data recorded in the recording area with new video data in chronological order, starting from the video data immediately after the last processing unit that has not been excluded from the playback target.

[0092] This lengthens the time until the oldest video data recorded in the current cycle starts to be overwritten. If video data that does not need to be erased is recorded in the current cycle, for example, this provides ample time until the user can perform processing to prevent overwriting. After the overwriting has progressed to the end of the video data recorded in the current cycle and excluded from playback, for example, the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle can be overwritten with new video data in chronological order.

[0093] (30) The functions of the system described in any one of (1) to (29) above may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions.

[0094] (31) Of the functions of any of the systems (18) to (26) above, at least the function of dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on predetermined division conditions and executing processing for each of the processing units may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the function.

[0095] The computer can be caused to execute a function of dividing the video data recorded in the recording area into a plurality of processing units based on a predetermined division condition and executing a process for each processing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0096] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that is easy for users to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0097] [Figure 1] 1A, 1B, and 1C are respectively a perspective view seen obliquely from the front, a perspective view seen obliquely from the rear, and a bottom view of a drive recorder included in a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the windshield, dashboard, etc. inside a vehicle with a drive recorder mounted thereon. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of video data recorded on an SD card by the drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the usage status of the recording area in which video data is recorded. [Figure 6] Figure 6A shows the usage state of the memory space in the recording area when video data is recorded in the recording area of ​​an SD card, and Figure 6B shows the usage state of the memory space in the recording area after new video data has been overwritten. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of a block, which is a transfer unit of video data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display by the drive recorder according to the first embodiment when the overwrite mode is set to on, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display when the overwrite mode is set to off. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a diagram showing an indicator of the period after the recording area is initialized and before video data is recorded, Figure 9B is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the first cycle is in progress after initialization, Figure 9C is a diagram showing an indicator at the point when the first cycle after initialization has ended, Figure 9D is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the second cycle is in progress, Figure 9E is a diagram showing an indicator at the point when the second cycle has ended, and Figure 9F is a diagram showing an indicator of the period during which the third cycle is in progress. [Figure 10]10A to 10D are diagrams showing indicators according to a modified example of the first embodiment, FIG. 10E is a diagram showing an example in which numbers are displayed instead of the graph indicator of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10F is a diagram showing an example in which audio output is performed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing indicators displayed by the drive recorder according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing examples of indicators and event occurrence marks displayed on the liquid crystal display of the drive recorders according to the third embodiment and its modified examples. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an indicator and a mark indicating the position during overwriting displayed on the liquid crystal display of the drive recorder according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an indicator and a mark indicating the position during overwriting displayed on the liquid crystal display of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the memory space of an SD card used in a drive recorder according to the sixth embodiment is used. [Figure 16] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the division of memory space usage in an SD card used in a drive recorder according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on an LCD display by the drive recorder according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display by a drive recorder according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment, and FIGS. 17B to 17D are diagrams showing an example of how the icon of the SD card changes depending on the degree of deterioration. [Figure 18] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the eighth embodiment as seen diagonally from the rear, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display by the drive recorder when double mode is selected in the drive recorder according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19]19A to 19G are diagrams showing changes in indicators displayed by the drive recorder according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an indicator displayed on a liquid crystal display by a drive recorder according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram of a system according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 21B is a block diagram of a personal computer. [Figure 22] Figures 22A and 22B are diagrams showing a screen for inputting classification conditions displayed on an LCD display by a drive recorder according to the tenth embodiment, and Figure 22C is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on an LCD display. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a timing chart during continuous recording in the drive recorder according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24A shows an image for inputting classification conditions displayed on the monitor of a personal computer according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 24B shows an example of an image in which the attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on the monitor. [Figure 25] FIG. 25A shows an image for inputting classification conditions displayed on the monitor of a personal computer according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 25B shows an example of an image in which the attributes of each processing unit are displayed in a list format on the monitor. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how to classify (create a list) when "1 minute," "2 minutes," "3 minutes," or "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. [Figure 27] Figure 27A shows an image of the monitor after a user selects one processing unit starting at 12:02:00 on January 1, 2016, and clicks the "Delete one" button, and Figure 27B shows an example of an image of the attributes of the processing unit displayed on the monitor after the non-list flag has been set. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a sequence of frames of video data recorded in a recording area. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 shows how to overwrite a block or frame located at the end of the latest cycle when the unlisted flag is not set. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows how to overwrite a block or frame located at the end of the latest cycle when the unlisted flag is set. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing indicators displayed on the liquid crystal display of a drive recorder or on the monitor of a personal computer by a system according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the allocation of memory space in an SD card used in a system according to the twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] [First Example] Hereinafter, as a first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the present system is realized by an on-board drive recorder will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 9. FIG.

[0099] 1A, 1B, and 1C are a perspective view seen obliquely from the front, a perspective view seen obliquely from the rear, and a bottom view, respectively, of a drive recorder 1 included in a system according to a first embodiment. The drive recorder 1 has a built-in camera including a lens 2 attached to the front. A DC jack 3 is provided on one side, and an SD card slot 4 is provided on the other side. A speaker 5 and an HD output terminal 6 are provided on the bottom. A joint rail 7 is provided on the top surface. An LCD display 8 and a plurality of operation buttons 9 are provided on the back.

[0100] A camera including a lens 2 captures, for example, an image of the area in front of the vehicle. The DC jack 3 is a jack for connecting to a DC power source via a power cable. The SD card slot 4 is an insertion port for inserting an SD card. The speaker 5 outputs sound and audio. The HD output terminal 6 is a terminal for connecting to other information devices via a cable. The joint rail 7 is for attaching a joint for mounting the drive recorder 1 on a vehicle. The LCD display 8 displays various images. The operation buttons 9 are operated by the user to input various commands to the drive recorder 1.

[0101] 2 is a diagram showing the windshield, dashboard, and other interior features of a vehicle with the drive recorder 1 installed therein. The drive recorder 1 is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, adjacent to the rearview mirror 16, near the center of the vehicle's left-right direction, above the windshield 15. The drive recorder 1 is attached and fixed to the windshield 15 with a mounting member such as double-sided tape. The DC jack 3 (FIG. 1A) of the drive recorder 1 is connected to a cigarette lighter socket 18 via a power cable 17. When the vehicle's accessory power supply is turned on, power is supplied to the drive recorder 1 from the cigarette lighter socket 18.

[0102] 3 is a block diagram of a drive recorder 1 according to a first embodiment. The drive recorder 1 includes a controller 20, a camera 21, a database 22, a GPS receiver 23, an SD card reader 24, an acceleration sensor 25, a speaker 5, a liquid crystal display 8, and operation buttons 9. Strictly speaking, the SD card reader 24 should be called an "SD card reader / writer," but in this specification it will simply be called an "SD card reader."

[0103] The speaker 5 and the liquid crystal display 8 function as output means for notifying the user of various information. The speaker 5 issues warnings and various information by sound or voice under the control of the controller 20. The liquid crystal display 8 displays various information as images under the control of the controller 20. The operation buttons 9 are used by the user to input commands to the drive recorder 1. It functions as an input means for giving various commands.

[0104] Camera 21 functions as an imaging device that captures moving images within its angle of view. Camera 21 outputs the captured moving images as video data to controller 20. Controller 20 records the video on an SD card connected to SD card reader 24 based on the video data input from camera 21.

[0105] The database 22 is stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) externally attached to the controller 20. The database 22 includes, for example, map data.

[0106] The GPS receiver 23 detects the position information of the vehicle at the current time based on instructions from the controller 20. The position information includes the time, speed, latitude, altitude, etc. of the vehicle, which are determined based on signals from GPS satellites. The controller 20 performs processing to record the history of this position information.

[0107] Under the control of the controller 20, the SD card reader 24 reads data from an SD card inserted into the SD card slot 4 (FIG. 1B) or stores data on the SD card.

[0108] A three-axis type sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) is used as acceleration sensor 25. Acceleration sensor 25 constantly outputs detected values ​​to controller 20. Controller 20 acquires three-axis acceleration information, for example, every 10 ms.

[0109] The controller 20 is composed of a personal computer or the like having 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 realizes various functions by executing these programs. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a GPS information processing program, an image processing program, etc.

[0110] The controller 20 executes a GPS information processing program to store GPS information received by the GPS receiver 23 in an SD card connected to the SD card reader 24. The controller 20 executes a video processing program to continuously record video data, which associates video captured by the camera 21 with the time, in a predetermined recording area on the SD card. In this embodiment, the video data that the drive recorder 1 continuously records on the SD card is video data.

[0111] Next, the data structure of the video data recorded on the SD card by the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The format of the SD card shown in Fig. 4 is not a common format such as a FAT file system (e.g., FAT32), but a format unique to this system (called the YP format) is adopted.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 on an SD card. The drive recorder 1 records video data in frame units in chronological order in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30. The memory space of the SD card 30 is divided into sectors of, for example, 512 bytes, and a location within the memory space can be identified by a sector number. Frames are of variable length, and one frame is stored in, for example, several sectors. Multiple frames are made up of frames (called I frames) that are coded without using inter-frame prediction, and frames (called P frames) that are compression-coded using only forward prediction. In this embodiment, In this example, the entire memory space of the SD card 30 is reserved as a recording area 31 for continuous recording of video data.

[0113] Immediately after the drive recorder 1 is initialized, the entire recording area 31 of the SD card 30 is empty. When the vehicle's power supply is turned on and power supply to the drive recorder 1 begins, the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) begins recording video data captured by the camera 21 in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30 in the order of sector numbers (sector order). In the frame field that stores one frame of video data, in addition to a field that stores the video data itself, a frame header portion that stores attribute data of the video data is provided. As attribute data, the frame number and driving unit number are stored in the frame header portion. When the vehicle's power supply is turned off and the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is stopped, the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) stops recording video data. The recording of video data performed from when the power is turned on to when it is turned off is called "power on-off recording."

[0114] One driving unit includes frames of video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle's power is turned on to when it is turned off. The drive recorder 1 assigns the same driving unit number to frames within one driving unit, and increases the driving unit number by one each time a new driving unit starts. Although the vehicle is not always driving while the vehicle's power is on, it is generally considered that the driving period accounts for the majority of the time. Therefore, here, a collection of video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle's power is turned on to when it is turned off is referred to as one driving unit.

[0115] Next, a method for continuously recording video data in the recording area 31 of the SD card 30 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The drive recorder 1 continuously records video data based on an overwrite mode that indicates whether or not overwriting is permitted. The overwrite mode is set to on or off by a user operation. Setting the overwrite mode on corresponds to an "overwrite setting," and setting the overwrite mode off corresponds to a "do not overwrite setting."

[0116] First, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for continuous recording when the overwrite mode is set to ON will be described.

[0117] FIG. 5 shows the usage status of the recording area 31 in which video data is recorded. The left and right diagrams in FIG. 5 each represent the entire recording area 31. The left diagram in FIG. 5 shows a state in which video data recording starts from the first sector of the recording area 31 and continues until the last sector. For example, video data for multiple driving units 32 is recorded in the recording area 31. When the current recording position reaches the last sector, the recording returns to the first sector and starts overwriting the video data. In this specification, the process of starting recording video data from the first sector and recording video data until the last sector is referred to as a "cycle." When one cycle ends, the drive recorder 1 starts a new cycle and repeats this cycle. The recording positions in the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle are the sectors identified by the first and last sector numbers in the recording area 31, respectively.

[0118] When one cycle C(n) in the currently ongoing running unit 32 ends, a new cycle C(n+1) begins. In the new cycle C(n+1), the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) is overwritten with new video data in chronological order. At this time, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 5, the recording area 31 contains a mixture of areas where video data has been recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) and areas where video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) that has not yet been overwritten remains.

[0119] Next, a method for recording video data in the recording area 31 and a method for determining that one cycle has ended will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7. FIG.

[0120] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space of the recording area 31 when video data is recorded in the recording area 31 of the SD card. The drive recorder 1 temporarily stores video data captured by the camera 21 in the buffer memory 20e. The drive recorder 1 allocates the buffer memory 20e, for example, in the RAM 20c (FIG. 3). Based on an instruction from the controller 20, the DMA controller transfers the video data in the buffer memory 20e to a predetermined destination area 33 in the recording area 31. The destination area 33 is located immediately after the end of the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). In other words, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the oldest video data that was recorded in the previous cycle C(n) and remains at the current time with the new video data.

[0121] 6B is a diagram showing the usage state of the memory space in the recording area 31 after new video data has been overwritten by the drive recorder 1. The end position (current overwrite position) of the video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) advances to the end position of the destination area 33.

[0122] Next, we will explain the method of continuous recording when the overwrite mode is set to OFF. When the overwrite mode is OFF, continuous recording of video data in the recording area 31 is stopped when there is no free space in the recording area 31 shown in Figure 4 in the first cycle after the initialization of the recording area 31, that is, when recording of video data in a mode that does not overwrite old video data is completed.

[0123] FIG. 7 shows the data structure of a block 26, which is a unit of video data transfer. A frame field 27, which stores the video data to be transferred, is sandwiched between area information fields 28. A predetermined number of frames, for example, 60 frames, of video data are stored in the frame field 27. For each frame, the frame field 27 has a field for storing video data and a frame header portion for storing frame attributes. When the video data to be recorded is 30 fps video data, the duration of 60 frames of video data corresponds to 2 seconds. The area information field 28 stores the attributes of the video data in the frame field 27, link information to the location within the recording area 31 of a block 26 previously transferred to the recording area 31, and the like.

[0124] Next, the cycle end conditions that end one cycle and start a new cycle will be explained.

[0125] The end condition for the first cycle after the recording area 31 is initialized is that there is no more free space available to record video data in the recording area 31. The end condition for the second and subsequent cycles is that, when old video data is being overwritten with new video data, there is no more space available to overwrite video data (hereinafter referred to as "overwritable space") within the area recorded in the previous cycle (the previous cycle C(n) shown in FIG. 5). In other words, it is determined that the cycle end condition is met when the capacity of the free space or overwritable space becomes smaller than the lower limit of the capacity required to record video data.

[0126] The capacity required for recording video data is the capacity of one block 26 (Fig. 7). By comparing the remaining free space in the recording area or the capacity that can be overwritten in the current cycle with the capacity of one block 26 (Fig. 7), it can be determined whether the cycle end condition has been met. When this cycle end condition is adopted, The capacity of the recording area 31 occupied by the video data recorded in this cycle corresponds to the total capacity of the recording area 31.

[0127] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9A to 9F, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIG. 1B) by the drive recorder 1 will be described.

[0128] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 when the overwrite mode is set to on. The screen of the liquid crystal display 8 is divided into an upper area (hereinafter referred to as the mode display area) 41 located at the top, a lower area (hereinafter referred to as the time display area) 42 located at the bottom, and an image display area 40 sandwiched between them. Icons indicating various modes are displayed in the mode display area 41. The image display area 40 displays the current image captured by the camera 21 in real time. The image display area 40 functions as a viewfinder for the camera 21. The time display area 42 displays the current time in numbers.

[0129] The drive recorder 1 displays an indicator 50 as a graphic within the image display area 40, for example, near the right edge, superimposed on the current image captured by the camera 21. The indicator 50 has a vertically long band shape (for example, a bar shape). The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) displays the indicator 50 on the liquid crystal display 8 so that the top and bottom edges of the indicator 50 do not extend beyond the image display area 40. The function of the indicator 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9F.

[0130] Fig. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 when the overwrite mode is set to OFF. Below, differences from the image shown in Fig. 8A when the overwrite mode is set to ON will be described.

[0131] When the overwrite mode is off, the drive recorder 1 does not display the indicator 50 (FIG. 8A), but instead displays the remaining recordable time numerically in addition to the current time in the time display area 42. The remaining recordable time is calculated by the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) based on the capacity of the free space in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) (the capacity available to record video data in the recording area 31 in the currently ongoing cycle), the capacity of the block 26 (FIG. 7), which is the transfer unit of video data, and the number of frames per second.

[0132] Next, the operation and function of the indicator 50 (FIG. 8A) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9F. In FIGS. 9A to 9F, green, light blue, and pink are represented by the lowest density dot pattern, medium density dot pattern, and high density dot pattern, respectively. In the drive recorder 1, the indicator 50 is configured as a vertically long strip-shaped graphic.

[0133] The position of indicator 50 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the position within recording area 31 (FIG. 4). The top end 51 of indicator 50 corresponds to the first sector of recording area 31, i.e., the position where video data is recorded at the start of one cycle, and the bottom end 52 corresponds to the last sector of recording area 31, i.e., the position where video data is recorded at the end of one cycle. The top end 51 and bottom end 52 of indicator 50 are referred to as the start position 51 and end position 52, respectively.

[0134] 9A is a diagram showing the indicator 50 after the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) has been initialized and before video data is recorded. Immediately after the initialization, the drive recorder 1 paints the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 from the start position 51 to the end position 52 green. In other words, the portion of the recording area 31 that corresponds to the free space is painted green.

[0135] FIG. 9B shows indicator 50 during the first cycle after initialization. As the continuous recording of video data progresses in the first cycle, the drive recorder 1 fills the green part of the indicator 50 with light blue to match the area in the recording area 31 of the continuously recorded video data. The boundary between the green and light blue parts becomes a mark 53 indicating the current position where the video data is being recorded. As the video data is recorded in the recording area 31, the mark 53 moves from the start position 51 toward the end position 52. The distance from the start position 51 to the mark 53 corresponds to the capacity of the video data recorded in the current cycle, or more precisely, the capacity of the recording area 31 occupied by the video data. The distance from the end position 52 to the mark 53 corresponds to the capacity of the free space in the recording area 31. The total length of the indicator 50 corresponds to the total capacity of the recording area 31.

[0136] 9C is a diagram showing the indicator 50 at the end of the first cycle after initialization. The drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 from the start position 51 to the end position 52 with light blue. If the overwrite mode is set to on, the drive recorder 1 starts the second cycle after filling the entire indicator 50 with light blue (after recording video data in the entire recording area 31 for continuous recording). If the overwrite mode is set to off, continuous recording stops when the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 that was green is filled with light blue.

[0137] FIG. 9D shows the indicator 50 during the second cycle. During the second cycle, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the video data recorded during the first cycle with new video data. The light blue area is filled with pink, corresponding to the area overwritten by continuous recording during the second cycle. The boundary between the light blue and pink areas forms a marker 54, indicating the current location where the video data is being overwritten. The indicator 50 with the marker 54 serves as a graphic indicating the overwrite location information. As video data is overwritten in the recording area 31, the marker 54 moves from the start position 51 toward the end position 52. The distance from the start position 51 to the marker 54 corresponds to the amount of video data overwritten during the current cycle, or more specifically, the amount of space in the recording area 31 occupied by the video data. The distance from the end position 52 to the marker 54 corresponds to the amount of space occupied by the video data recorded in the previous cycle and remaining unoverwritten.

[0138] 9E is a diagram showing the indicator 50 at the end of the second cycle. The drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the indicator 50 from the start position 51 to the end position 52 in pink. When the indicator 50 is filled with the pink area, the third cycle begins.

[0139] FIG. 9F is a diagram showing the indicator 50 during the period when the third cycle is in progress. During the third cycle, the drive recorder 1 overwrites the video data recorded in the immediately preceding second cycle with new video data. The drive recorder 1 fills in the pink areas with light blue to match the areas overwritten by continuous recording during the currently ongoing third cycle. After that, the drive recorder 1 alternates between light blue and pink as the color to fill in the indicator 50 each time a new cycle starts.

[0140] [Effects of the first embodiment] Next, the effects of adopting the configuration of the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0141] By visually checking the relative positional relationship between the start position 51, end position 52, and marks 53, 54 of the indicator 50 (Figures 9B, 9D, and 9F), the user can visually recognize the position within the recording area 31 where the latest video data is recorded.

[0142] When the overwrite mode is set to on, old video data recorded in the recording area 31 is overwritten with new video data. However, some video data recorded in the recording area 31 may be desired to be kept without being erased. When video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded, the user should memorize the position of the mark 53 (FIG. 9B) or mark 54 (FIG. 9D, FIG. 9F) displayed on the indicator 50.

[0143] After a new cycle begins, the user can easily notice that the video data they do not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data based on the distance between the position of the mark 54 (FIGS. 9D and 9F) shown on the indicator 50 and the position where the video data they do not want to erase was recorded. Since it becomes possible for the user to notice the situation where the video data they do not want to erase is about to be overwritten before it is actually overwritten, they can take action to prevent the overwriting. Examples of actions to prevent the overwriting include turning off the power to the drive recorder 1 or removing the SD card from the SD card slot 4 (FIG. 1B).

[0144] In the first embodiment, information indicating the current overwrite position is displayed graphically as an indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D and 9F) including a mark 54. This allows the user to visually recognize the overwrite position information by looking at the displayed graphic. This makes it easier for the user to notice situations in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten with new video data.

[0145] By intuitively grasping the size of the portions of the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9A to 9F) that are colored with the same color, the user can recognize the positions of the marks 53 and 54 (FIGS. 9B, 9D, and 9F) within the indicator 50. The user can immediately recognize that the video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by seeing the marks approaching the position where the video data that the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0146] The color of each part in the indicator 50 remains unchanged until it is overwritten in a new cycle, so the user can remember which color area of ​​the entire recording area 31 the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting is recorded in. As the area of ​​the color remembered by the user becomes smaller as it is overwritten, the user can foresee the occurrence of a situation in which the video data that the user wants to keep without overwriting will be overwritten. Furthermore, as the area of ​​the color remembered by the user disappears, the user can recognize that the video data that the user wants to keep has been overwritten.

[0147] For example, it is easy to see whether something recorded in the past is about to be overwritten. It is also easy to see whether video data recorded yesterday will be overwritten. The indicator 50 can be colored in only two colors, making it easy to see the overwrite status.

[0148] In the first embodiment, the indicators 50 (FIGS. 9B and 9C) displayed during the first cycle after initialization and the indicators 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) displayed during the second and subsequent cycles are displayed in different modes. Specifically, the indicators 50 (FIGS. 9B and 9C) displayed during the first cycle are colored green and light blue, and the indicators 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) displayed during the second and subsequent cycles are colored light blue and pink.

[0149] By visually checking the color of the indicator 50, the user can easily recognize whether the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle after initialization or a second or subsequent cycle. When the cycle currently in progress is the first cycle, the user does not need to worry about old video data being overwritten. Furthermore, the user can easily notice that a second or subsequent cycle has started, which may result in old video data being overwritten.

[0150] In the first embodiment described above, the end condition for the first cycle after the recording area 31 is initialized is that there is no more free space in the recording area 31 where video data can be recorded. The end condition for the second and subsequent cycles is that there is no more overwritable space. By adopting such a cycle end condition, video data can be recorded in an area corresponding to the entire recording area 31 in one cycle. This maximizes the capacity of the recording area 31 that can be recorded in one cycle. As a result, the grace period before old video data is overwritten is longer.

[0151] In the first embodiment described above, when the overwrite mode is on, the indicator 50 is displayed as shown in Fig. 8A, and when the overwrite mode is off, the indicator 50 is not displayed as shown in Fig. 8B. By doing so, the user can easily recognize whether the overwrite mode is currently on or off by looking at the information displayed on the screen (by checking the presence or absence of the indicator 50). When the overwrite mode is on, the user can easily become aware of a situation in which video data that the user does not want to erase is about to be overwritten by looking at the displayed indicator 50.

[0152] Furthermore, when the overwrite mode is off, the remaining recordable time is displayed as shown in FIG. 8B. By looking at the displayed information, the user can easily recognize the remaining recordable time. For example, the remaining recordable time can be a useful indicator for the user as to whether or not to prepare to replace the SD card. Furthermore, since the remaining time is not displayed when the overwrite mode is on, and is displayed when the overwrite mode is off, it is easy to see whether the overwrite mode is on or off.

[0153] Furthermore, it is easy to notice an error in the overwrite mode setting. For example, if the overwrite mode is set to off and the entire recording area 31 (FIG. 4) for continuous recording is already recorded (FIG. 9C), and the overwrite mode is accidentally set to on, the light blue portion of the indicator 50 will begin to be encroached upon by the pink portion. This makes it easy for the user to notice that the overwrite mode has been set to on by mistake. By removing the SD card when the pink portion begins to encroach upon the light blue portion, damage caused by accidentally overwriting recorded video data can be minimized.

[0154] [Modification of the first embodiment] Next, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the boundaries of two areas painted in different colors were used as mark 53 (FIG. 9B) indicating the current recording position within indicator 50 and mark 54 (FIGS. 9D and 9F) indicating the current overwrite position. Alternatively, horizontal lines extending in the width direction of indicator 50 may be used as marks 53 and 54 as shown in FIG. 10A, or triangle symbols may be used as shown in FIG. 10B, or arrow symbols may be used as shown in FIG. 10C.

[0155] In the first embodiment, a bar-shaped graphic (bar graph) is used as the indicator 50, but a pie chart may also be used as the indicator 50.

[0156] 10D shows an example of the indicator 50 displayed as a pie chart. In this case, the capacity of the entire recording area 31 may correspond to a central angle of 360°. The capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 in the current cycle may be displayed as a sector. For example, one radius 55 may correspond to the start position 51 and the end position 52 (FIGS. 9A to 9F), and a radius 56 at a position separated by a certain central angle from the radius 55 corresponding to the start position may correspond to marks 53 and 54 (FIGS. 9B, 9D, and 9F).

[0157] By using a graph such as a bar graph or a pie chart as the indicator 50, the user can intuitively grasp numerical information by looking at the displayed graph.

[0158] Instead of displaying the indicator 50 as a graph, it may be displayed numerically as shown in Fig. 10E. For example, it may be displayed as a percentage, showing the ratio of the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle to the total capacity of the recording area 31. This ratio may also be displayed as a fraction.

[0159] Instead of displaying the indicator 50 on the screen, it may be output as audio from the speaker 5 (FIGS. 1C and 3). For example, a numerical value indicating the ratio of the capacity of the area occupied by the video data recorded in the current cycle to the total capacity of the recording area 31 may be output as audio. For example, it may be possible to output a voice message saying, "Now overwriting at 30% of the total."

[0160] In the first embodiment, the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9A to 9F) is colored in green, light blue, and pink, but it may be colored in other colors. During the second or subsequent cycle, the color to be applied to the portion of the indicator 50 (FIGS. 9D to 9F) from the start position 51 to the mark 54 may be selected from multiple color candidates that do not include the color to be applied to the empty area after initialization. The selected color may be cycled through multiple color candidates as the number of cycles increases.

[0161] The multiple colors used to paint the indicator 50 may be distinguished by varying any one of the three color attributes: hue, saturation, and brightness, and more preferably by varying the hue. Distinguishing multiple colors by hue allows the user to remember the colors using words that describe them.

[0162] The cycle end condition for ending one cycle may be different from the end condition used in Example 1. For example, the cycle end condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cycle.

[0163] In the first embodiment, the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) for recording video data is allocated within the memory space of an SD card, but it may also be allocated within other removable media. When using removable media other than an SD card, a connection means compatible with the removable media to be used can be provided in place of the SD card insertion slot 4 (FIG. 1) and SD card reader 24 (FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the entire memory space within the removable media is used as the recording area 31, but a portion of the memory space may also be allocated as the recording area 31 for continuous recording. In this case, for example, other areas of the memory space within the removable media can be used for other purposes.

[0164] In the first embodiment, moving image data is used as the video data to be recorded in the recording area 31, but for example, a plurality of still image data acquired in time series by a camera at regular time intervals may also be used.

[0165] In the first embodiment, the sectors specified by the first and last sector numbers were used as the recording positions within the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle, but the start and end positions may be specified by other methods. For example, the recording positions within the recording area 31 at the start and end of one cycle may be positions specified by the first and last physical addresses within the recording area, respectively. In this case, it is preferable to record video data from the first physical address toward the last physical address over time.

[0166] In the first embodiment, a format unique to this system (called the YP format) was used as the format for the memory space of the SD card, but other formats may also be used. For example, a general format such as a FAT file system (e.g., FAT32) may also be used.

[0167] [Second Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

[0168] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, one driving unit 32 is formed by video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 during the period from when the vehicle is turned on to when it is turned off. However, as shown in Figs. 9A to 9F, the indicator 50 does not display the divisions of the driving units 32. In the second embodiment, the indicator 50 displays the divisions of the driving units 32.

[0169] 11 is a diagram showing an indicator 50 displayed by the drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment. The video data of the immediately preceding cycle C(n) is overwritten by the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). The indicator 50 includes portions corresponding to a plurality of travel units 32. For each of these travel units 32, a different color is applied to the corresponding portion of the indicator 50.

[0170] 11, as an example, video data of the i-th running unit 32 is recorded spanning from the immediately preceding cycle C(n) to the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1). Video data of the (i-2)-th running unit 32 is being overwritten with video data of the currently ongoing (i+1)-th running unit 32. As a mark 54 indicating the position being overwritten, a symbol (e.g., a triangle symbol) is used in addition to the boundary line of the different colored portion.

[0171] By looking at the indicator 50, the user can easily recognize the division of the driving units 32 of the video data. Furthermore, by remembering the position of the driving unit 32 of the current video data within the graphic, the user can easily identify the position where the current video data is recorded in the future. For example, it is a good idea to remember that the (i+1)th driving unit 32, which is the current driving unit 32, is the second driving unit 32 from the top of the indicator 50. Based on the information that it is "second from the top," the user can identify the position within the indicator 50 of the driving unit 32 where the current video data is recorded in the future.

[0172] In the second embodiment, each running unit 32 is assigned a different color, allowing the user to remember the current (i+1)th running unit 32 by its color. That is, the user can memorize the portion of the running unit 32 containing video data the user does not want to erase by the color assigned to that portion. For example, when an incident occurs in which the user wants to keep the video data, the user can remember the color of the portion corresponding to the running unit 32 at that time. The user knows that overwriting can be continued until the mark 54 indicating the current overwriting position reaches the portion of the running unit 32 in the color where the video data the user does not want to erase is recorded (for example, until the portion in that color is about to be erased). The user knows that the SD card can be replaced when the mark 54 indicating the current overwriting position reaches just before the portion in that color. The user can know when to perform an operation to prevent overwriting by the distance between the mark 54 indicating the current overwriting position and the portion in the color where the video data the user does not want to erase is recorded.

[0173] It is advisable to prepare a greater number of colors than the number of running units 32 expected to be included in one indicator 50 as candidates for colors to be applied to the portions corresponding to these running units 32. This prevents the same color from appearing in two or more places in the indicator 50. If the number of running units 32 that appears in the indicator 50 is greater than the number of color candidates prepared, it is advisable to cycle through the colors in order, starting with the color assigned to the part corresponding to the oldest running unit 32.

[0174] In the second embodiment, different colors are used for each travel unit 32 in the indicator 50, but the indicator 50 may also be displayed in a manner that allows the separation of each travel unit 32 to be recognized. For example, a mark such as a horizontal line may be added to the location where the travel unit 32 is separated, and more preferably, each travel unit 32 may be color-coded as in the second embodiment.

[0175] [Third Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12A and 12B. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

[0176] In the third embodiment, the occurrence of an event is detected while video data is being continuously recorded in the recording area 31. Events include, for example, two types: a G-sensor event and a one-touch event. A G-sensor event occurs when the acceleration sensor 25 (FIG. 3) detects an impact of a certain magnitude or greater. A one-touch event occurs when the user performs an operation using the operation button 9 (FIGS. 1 and 3) to notify the occurrence of an event. The acceleration sensor 25, the operation button 9, and the controller 20 (FIG. 3) function as event detection means.

[0177] When the drive recorder 1 detects the occurrence of an event, it displays an event occurrence mark, which notifies the occurrence of the event, in association with the indicator 50, based on the position in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) where the video data at that time is recorded. Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 assigns an attribute called "event occurrence" to the video data recorded when the event occurs. This attribute is stored in the area information field 28 (FIG. 7) or in the header portion of each frame in the frame field 27.

[0178] 12A is a diagram showing an example of an indicator 50 and an event occurrence mark 57 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the third embodiment. The drive recorder 1 fills in the areas corresponding to the immediately preceding cycle C(n) and the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) in different colors. The boundary between these two areas serves as a mark 54 indicating the overwrite position.

[0179] The drive recorder 1 displays an event occurrence mark 57 at a location on the indicator 50 where an event has occurred. As the event occurrence mark 57, a horizontal line extending in the width direction of the indicator 50 is displayed within the indicator 50. The horizontal line that becomes the event occurrence mark 57 is given a different color for each event.

[0180] The distance between the mark 54 indicating the current overwrite position and the event occurrence mark 57 allows the user to easily notice that the video data at the time of the specified event is about to be overwritten with new video data. For example, the user can notice that the video data at the time of the specified event is about to be overwritten before it is actually overwritten. This allows the user to take action to prevent the video data that the user wants to keep from being overwritten when the specified event occurs. If the recording area 31 is secured in an SD card, the user can simply remove the SD card from the drive recorder 1 to prevent the video data from being overwritten.

[0181] Even if the drive recorder according to the third embodiment is a device dedicated to continuous recording without an event recording function, the user can know the position where the event occurred and can also see new images up to that position. You can see that it is okay to overwrite the data. Just replace the SD card before it reaches that point.

[0182] Since the color of the event occurrence mark 57 differs for each event, the user can easily recognize the location where the video data of the event they want to keep is recorded. From the distance between the mark 54 indicating the location currently being overwritten and the location where the video data of the event they want to keep is recorded, the user can know the remaining time until they can perform an operation to prevent the overwrite.

[0183] As shown in Fig. 12B, an icon 59 corresponding to the event type may be displayed near the horizontal line that serves as the event occurrence mark 57. Event types include a G-sensor event and a one-touch event. This makes it easier for the user to remember the location where an event occurred for which the user wants to keep video data.

[0184] If the FAT file system is used as the format for the recording area 31 of the SD card, it is advisable to store the attribute "event occurrence" to be assigned to the video data in an area within the file.

[0185] [Fourth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0186] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of an indicator 50 and a mark 54 indicating the position being overwritten, displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by the drive recorder 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the indicator 50 is painted in a different color for each driving unit 32. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) calculates a grace period T1 from the current time until the start of overwriting of the video data at the start of the driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten (the start of continuous recording). The grace period T1 can be calculated based on the capacity from the current overwriting position to the start of the driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten. The grace period T1 is calculated periodically at regular time intervals.

[0187] The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) compares a predetermined notification threshold T0 with the grace period T1. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the grace period T1 becomes equal to or less than the notification threshold T0, the drive recorder 1 issues a voice notification that overwriting of the next driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten will begin. When issuing the voice notification, the drive recorder 1 issues the date and time when the first video data of the driving unit 32 that will be overwritten next was acquired, or the date and time when the last video data of that driving unit 32 was acquired. For example, the drive recorder 1 issues a voice message from the speaker 5 (FIGS. 1 and 3) stating, "Overwriting of the video data from XX / XX / XX at XX:XX will begin soon," or "Overwriting of the video data recorded during the driving period that ended XX / XX / XX at XX:XX will begin soon."

[0188] The user should remember which driving unit 32 contains important video data that the user does not want to be erased. When the user notices the notification that overwriting of the driving unit 32 containing important video data that the user does not want to be erased is about to begin, the user can take action to prevent the deletion of the video data that the user does not want to be erased. The notification threshold T0 should be set, for example, to a time (e.g., about 3 minutes) that is sufficient for the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe place and take action to prevent the overwriting. For example, the user should remove the SD card from the drive recorder 1 or replace the SD card to prevent the overwriting.

[0189] Since the notification is made by audio output, the driver can notice the notification without averting his or her eyes.

[0190] Instead of notifying the user that the data will be overwritten, the user may be notified of the grace period until the data is overwritten. The grace period may be notified in certain time intervals. The user can recognize that the grace period until the overwriting of the running unit 32 containing the video data that the user does not want to erase is getting shorter by the minute.

[0191] [Fifth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the notification performed in the fourth embodiment is performed when the engine is started (for example, when continuous recording begins), etc.

[0192] FIG. 14 shows an example of an indicator 50 and a mark 54 indicating the position during overwriting displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by the drive recorder 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a grace period T1 from the current time until the start of overwriting of the video data at the start of the driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten is calculated at regular time intervals. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, a scheduled period T2 until the start of overwriting of the driving unit 32 following the driving unit 32 currently being overwritten is calculated at a time triggered by the start of power supply to the drive recorder 1. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) notifies the calculated scheduled period T2 by voice from the speaker 5. For example, the drive recorder 1 outputs a voice message from the speaker 5 saying, "Overwriting of the video data from XX date, XX hour, XX minute will begin in 15 minutes."

[0193] When power supply to the system starts (for example, when the vehicle accessory power is turned on or the engine is started), the user can recognize the estimated time T2 until overwriting starts for the oldest unoverwritten driving unit 32. For example, if the oldest unoverwritten driving unit 32 includes video data that the user does not want to erase, the user can perform an operation to prevent this video data from being overwritten, such as replacing the SD card, when power supply to the system starts.

[0194] [Sixth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0195] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the memory space of an SD card used in a drive recorder 1 according to a sixth embodiment is used. In the first embodiment, the entire memory space of the SD card is reserved for continuous recording as the recording area 31 (FIG. 4). In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, in addition to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, a parking surveillance recording area 38 and an event recording area 39 are reserved in the memory space of the SD card. The drive recorder 1 records video data from a period when the vehicle is parked with the accessory power turned off in the parking surveillance recording area 38. Video data from a certain period before and after the occurrence of an event is recorded in the event recording area 39.

[0196] The recording area 31 for continuous recording includes an area in which video data is recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1) and an area in which video data is recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n).

[0197] The user can change the amount of storage capacity allocated to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39. In FIG. 15, the amount of storage capacity allocated to the recording area 31 for continuous recording and the event recording area 39 is reduced, and the amount of storage capacity allocated to the parking surveillance recording area 39 is increased. An example of increasing the allocation amount to area 38 will be shown.

[0198] When the storage capacity allocations to the continuous recording area 31, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39 are changed, the drive recorder 1 initializes all of the continuous recording area 31, the parking surveillance recording area 38, and the event recording area 39. This initialization is performed regardless of whether each area has been expanded or reduced. The initialization makes all of these areas free space. Simultaneously with or after the initialization of the continuous recording area 31, the indicator 50 turns green, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0199] When the capacity of a recording area and other recording areas is changed, all areas are initialized, making it less likely that inconsistencies will occur. For example, if the recording area 31 for continuous recording is expanded, it is not necessary to initialize the expanded area. In the sixth embodiment, initialization is performed even when the recording area 31 for continuous recording is expanded, making it easy to avoid inconsistencies that may occur due to changes in capacity allocation.

[0200] [Seventh Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16A to 17D. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0201] 16A is a diagram showing the usage division of the memory space of the SD card 30 used in the drive recorder 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In addition to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, a management area 35 for storing the number of write operations and the like is secured in the memory space of the SD card 30. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) counts the total number of cycles in which video data has been recorded in the recording area 31, the number of cycles in which video data has been recorded after the recording area 31 has been initialized (formatted), and the number of times the area has been initialized, and stores the count results in the management area 35.

[0202] 16B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the drive recorder 1 displays, for example, in the time display area 42, the total number of cycles in which video data was recorded in the recording area 31 (total number of overwrites), the number of cycles in which video data was recorded after initializing the recording area 31 (number of overwrites after initialization), and the count result of the number of initializations.

[0203] The user can estimate the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 from the total number of cycles performed on the continuous recording area 31. For example, this degree of deterioration is useful information for determining whether or not to replace the SD card 30. For example, if the format of the recording area 31 has a characteristic that file fragmentation progresses as the number of overwrites after initialization increases, the number of cycles in which video data has been recorded since initialization is useful information for determining the timing of initialization. The user can determine whether or not to perform initialization based on the number of cycles performed since initialization.

[0204] Based on the total number of cycles and the number of initializations, the user can know how many cycles the initialization was performed on average. For example, it is recommended that the number of cycles between initializations be described in the instruction manual of the drive recorder 1. Based on the number of cycles per initialization and the recommended number described in the instruction manual, the user can know whether the initialization was performed too often or not often enough.

[0205] [Modification of the Seventh Embodiment] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A to 17D. In the seventh embodiment, the total number of overwrites is displayed numerically in the time display area 42. However, in this modification, the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 is displayed as an image.

[0206] 17A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. The drive recorder 1 displays an icon 44 of the SD card 30 (FIG. 16A) in the mode display area 41, for example. The total number of times the SD card 30 has been overwritten serves as an index of the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30. The drive recorder 1 changes the icon 44 of the SD card 30 according to the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 in a manner that allows the user to easily recognize the degree of deterioration.

[0207] 17B to 17D are diagrams showing examples of how an SD card icon 44 changes depending on the degree of deterioration. In the example shown in FIG. 17B, the icon 44 is displayed to gradually break down as the deterioration progresses. More specifically, as the deterioration progresses, the icon 44 changes from a normal state (like new) to a cracked state and then to a shattered state. In the example shown in FIG. 17C, the icon 44 is displayed to gradually decay as the deterioration progresses. In the example shown in FIG. 17D, the color of the icon 44 gradually changes from a light color (e.g., white) to a dark color (e.g., black) as the deterioration progresses.

[0208] In addition to the icon 44, information that changes depending on the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30 may be displayed on the LCD display 8. For example, the shape or color of the indicator 50 may be changed. For example, the color that fills the indicator 50 may change as the deterioration progresses, or the shape of the indicator 50 may change. When changing the color that fills the indicator 50, it is preferable to change from a light color to a dark color as the number of cycles increases.

[0209] By changing the icon 44 or indicator 50 according to the degree of deterioration of the SD card 30, the user can easily know when to replace the SD card 30.

[0210] [Eighth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18A, 18B, and 19A to 19G. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the first embodiment, one SD card was used to continuously record video data, but in the eighth embodiment, two SD cards are used.

[0211] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a drive recorder 1 according to an eighth embodiment, seen from diagonally behind. Two SD card slots 4 are provided on a side of the drive recorder 1, one above the other. A drive recorder 1 provided with two SD card slots 4 is called a double-slot type. An SD card is inserted into each of the two SD card slots 4. Two modes are available: a mode in which the recording area 31 for continuous recording (FIG. 4) is allocated across two SD cards (hereinafter referred to as double mode); and a mode in which the recording area 31 for continuous recording is allocated on only one SD card, and other video data is recorded on the other SD card (hereinafter referred to as single mode). The user can select either mode. When double mode is selected, the drive recorder 1 records video data for continuous recording sequentially from the SD card inserted in one SD card slot 4 to the SD card inserted in the other SD card slot 4.

[0212] FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 according to the eighth embodiment when the double mode is selected. The drive recorder 1 (FIG. 3) displays two vertically long indicators 50 arranged vertically in a single straight line near the right end of the video display area 40. The upper and lower indicators 50 respectively represent the recording areas 31 secured on the SD cards inserted into the upper and lower SD card insertion slots 4 (FIG. 18A). The upper end of the upper indicator 50 indicates the recording area 31 for continuous recording. The lower end of the lower indicator 50 is the recording end position 52 of the recording area 31 for continuous recording.

[0213] When the single mode is selected, the drive recorder 1 displays only one indicator 50 that indicates the recording area 31 for continuous recording.

[0214] When the recording areas 31 of the two SD cards are initialized, the drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the two indicators 50 with green, as shown in Fig. 19A. During continuous recording, a mark 53 indicating the current recording position moves downward from a start position 51, as shown in Fig. 19B. When the mark 53 reaches the bottom end of the upper indicator 50, the mark 53 moves to the top end of the lower indicator 50, as shown in Fig. 19C, and then starts moving from the top end toward an end position 52. The first cycle ends when the entire area of ​​the two indicators 50 is filled with light blue, as shown in Fig. 19D.

[0215] When the drive recorder 1 starts the second cycle, the mark 54 starts to move downward from the start position 51 of the upper indicator 50, and the area from the start position 51 to the mark 54 is filled in pink. As shown in FIG. 19F, the second cycle ends when the entire area of ​​the two indicators 50 is filled in pink. Thereafter, when the drive recorder 1 starts the third cycle, the mark 54 starts to move downward from the start position 51 of the upper indicator 50, as shown in FIG. 19G. At this time, the area from the start position 51 to the mark 54 is filled in light blue. In this way, the two indicators 50 are combined and change in the same way as the single indicator 50 of the first embodiment.

[0216] When the mark 54 is located within the lower indicator 50, the drive recorder 1 fills the entire area of ​​the upper indicator 50 and the portion of the lower indicator 50 from the top end to the mark 54 with the same color.

[0217] The user can intuitively know whether the double mode or the single mode is currently selected simply by looking at the display of the indicator 50.

[0218] In the eighth embodiment, when the single mode is selected, only one indicator 50 is displayed, but the indicators 50 may be displayed side by side. One indicator 50 corresponds to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, and the other indicator 50 corresponds to the area for recording other video data.

[0219] In the eighth embodiment, the recording area 31 for continuous recording is secured on two SD cards, but the recording area 31 for continuous recording may be secured on three or more SD cards. In this case, it is advisable to display the same number of indicators 50 as the number of SD cards aligned vertically.

[0220] [Ninth Example] Next, a drive recorder 1 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Below, differences from the eighth embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the eighth embodiment, the two indicators 50 were filled in with two different colors, but in the ninth embodiment, each driving unit 32 is filled in with a different color, as in the second embodiment (Fig. 11).

[0221] 20 is a diagram showing an example of indicators 50 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 according to the ninth embodiment. The drive recorder 1 fills the two indicators 50 with different colors for each travel unit 32. A mark 54 indicating the current overwrite position is displayed at the end of the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1).

[0222] When video data for one driving unit 32 is recorded across two SD cards, the portion corresponding to one driving unit 32 spans both the upper indicator 50 and the lower indicator 50. The portion corresponding to one driving unit 32 that spans the two indicators 50 is filled in with the same color.

[0223] The user can intuitively grasp the driving unit 32 in which video data is recorded across two SD cards. If the user wants to view the video data of the driving unit 32 that is recorded across two SD cards on another information device such as a personal computer, the user can intuitively understand that the two SD cards must be removed from the drive recorder 1.

[0224] [Tenth Example] Next, a system according to a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21A to 30. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. An example in which the system according to the tenth embodiment is realized by an in-vehicle drive recorder, or an in-vehicle drive recorder and a personal computer will be described below.

[0225] In the tenth embodiment, a unique format (called the YP format) is used as the format for the continuous recording area 31 (FIG. 4) of the SD card. An SD card initialized in the YP format does not have reserved areas such as the boot sector used in the FAT file system, nor does it have a file allocation table area.

[0226] 21A is a schematic diagram of a system according to a tenth embodiment. This system includes a drive recorder 1 and a personal computer 60. An SD card 30 that is inserted into the drive recorder 1 and on which video data and the like are recorded by the drive recorder 1 is removed from the drive recorder 1 and inserted into an SD card reader 61 connected to the personal computer 60. This allows the personal computer 60 to process the video data. Conversely, information stored on the SD card 30 by the personal computer 60 can be read out by the drive recorder 1.

[0227] 21B is a block diagram of a personal computer 60. The personal computer 60 is equipped with a microprocessing unit (MPU) 62. A ROM 63 and a RAM 64 are connected to the MPU 62. A hard disk drive 65, a keyboard 66, and a monitor 67 are also connected to the MPU 62 via corresponding interfaces. An SD card reader 61, a mouse 68, and a printer 69 are also connected to the MPU 62 via a USB port of the personal computer 60. The hard disk drive 65 stores the operating system (OS) of the personal computer 60, application programs that run on the OS, various data, and the like.

[0228] The user can launch a desired application program by using the OS functions, such as by double-clicking an icon for launching the application program using the mouse 68. The launched application program is executed by the MPU 62, causing the personal computer 60 to realize the function desired by the user.

[0229] The system according to the tenth embodiment can divide video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 into smaller video data (hereinafter referred to as processing units) based on predetermined division conditions during continuous recording. Furthermore, the video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1 can be divided into processing units based on predetermined division conditions by an application program on the personal computer 60 (FIG. 21A) after recording. The drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 then execute processing for each of the divided processing units.

[0230] 22A to 23, a process of classifying video data based on predetermined classification conditions during continuous recording by the drive recorder 1 will be described.

[0231] FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a screen for inputting classification conditions displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1. The MPU 62 (FIG. 21B) displays symbol marks 70 indicating four classification conditions, "1 minute," "2 minutes," "3 minutes," and "power on-off," on the liquid crystal display 8. A check box 71 is displayed for each of these classification conditions. In addition, a "Back" button and an "OK" button are displayed.

[0232] The segmentation conditions of "1 minute," "2 minutes," and "3 minutes" mean that the video data is segmented into fixed time intervals, i.e., 1-minute intervals, 2-minute intervals, and 3-minute intervals, respectively. Because the time intervals correspond to the number of frames in a video, when segmenting into fixed time intervals, it is sufficient to segment into units of a fixed number of frames. When segmenting the video data, there are no divisions between frames contained in one block 26 (Figure 7), which is the unit of video data transfer, and the video data is segmented by treating the block 26 as a single indivisible block. The segmentation condition of "power on~off" means that the video data is segmented based on the time when the vehicle's power is turned on and off. The segmentation condition of "power on~off" will be referred to as the "power condition."

[0233] The user can select one classification condition by operating the operation button 9 (FIGS. 1B and 3) to check the check box 71. After selecting one classification condition, by selecting the "OK" button, the selected classification condition is input into the drive recorder 1. FIG. 22A shows an example in which the classification condition "1 minute" is selected, and FIG. 22B shows an example in which the classification condition "2 minutes" is selected.

[0234] Figure 23 is a timing chart during continuous recording. When the vehicle power is turned on, the drive recorder 1 starts continuous recording, and when the vehicle power is turned off, continuous recording stops. In Figure 23, the period when continuous recording is being performed is indicated by a thick solid line, and the period when continuous recording is stopped is indicated by a dashed line. The video data recorded by the drive recorder 1 while the vehicle power is turned on constitutes one driving unit 32.

[0235] FIG. 23 shows an example in which the classification condition is set to "1 minute" when the vehicle is turned on, and the user changes the classification condition to "2 minutes" while driving. While the classification condition is set to "1 minute," the drive recorder 1 classifies the continuously recorded video data at 1-minute intervals. This causes the video data to be classified into a plurality of processing units 36, each with a recording time of 1 minute. When the classification condition is changed to "2 minutes," from that point on, the drive recorder 1 classifies the continuously recorded video data at 2-minute intervals. This causes the video data to be classified into a plurality of processing units 36, each with a recording time of 2 minutes.

[0236] When the segmentation conditions are changed, if the time corresponding to the segmentation conditions has not elapsed since the currently recorded video data was last segmented, a processing unit 36 ​​shorter than the time specified in the segmentation conditions will be generated. Similarly, when the vehicle power is turned off, a processing unit 36 ​​shorter than the time specified in the segmentation conditions will be generated.

[0237] The drive recorder 1 stores information identifying the divided processing units 36 in the RAM 20c (Fig. 3). The information identifying the processing units 36 includes information identifying the position in the recording area 31 where each processing unit 36 ​​is recorded, for example, the first sector number. The information identifying the processing units 36 stored in the RAM 20c by the drive recorder 1 is called a file list. The process of dividing into processing units 36 is called listing. The process of creating information identifying the position in the recording area 31 where each processing unit 36 ​​is recorded is called list creation. The divided processing units The 36th place can also be said to be a file list unit.

[0238] The drive recorder 1 can perform processing for each processing unit 36. An example of the processing for each processing unit 36 ​​is to display the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​on the liquid crystal display 8 in a list format.

[0239] FIG. 22C is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the drive recorder 1 displays attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​(FIG. 23) in a list format on the liquid crystal display 8. As attributes for each processing unit 36, the drive recorder 1 displays, for example, date and time information 72 when the first video data of the processing unit 36 ​​was acquired, and a thumbnail 73 of the first video data. In addition, the drive recorder 1 displays a scroll bar, a "delete one" button, and a "delete all" button. The functions of "delete one" and "delete all" will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

[0240] 24A to 26, a process will be described in which the personal computer 60 (FIGS. 21A and 21B) classifies, based on predetermined classification conditions, video data continuously recorded by the drive recorder 1. First, the user removes the SD card 30 from the drive recorder 1 (FIG. 21A) and inserts it into the SD card reader 61 of the personal computer 60.

[0241] FIG. 24A is a diagram showing an image for inputting classification conditions displayed on the monitor 67 (FIG. 21B) by the personal computer 60. Similar to the image displayed on the LCD display 8 of the drive recorder 1 shown in FIG. 22A, the personal computer 60 displays a symbol mark 75 and a check box 76 indicating the classification conditions on the monitor 67. In addition, a "Back" button and an "OK" button are displayed. FIG. 24A shows an example in which "1 minute" has been selected as the classification condition. When the user selects "1 minute" and clicks the "OK" button, the computer classifies the video data recorded in the recording area 31 (FIG. 4) of the SD card 30 into 1-minute intervals.

[0242] The first row of Figure 26 shows how the video data is sorted (listed) when "1 minute" is selected as the sorting condition. For example, two driving units 32 of video data are recorded in the recording area 31. The personal computer 60 sorts the video data into one-minute intervals for each driving unit 32. As a result, the video data for each driving unit 32 is sorted into multiple processing units 36 (file list units) with a recording time of one minute. At the end of each driving unit 32, a processing unit 36 ​​with a recording time of less than one minute is generated. One driving unit 32 can be considered a collection of video data sorted based on power supply conditions. In other words, sorting video data based on one-minute time intervals is equivalent to sorting the portion of the video data (corresponding to the driving units 32) sorted based on power supply conditions, from the beginning to the end, based on the one-minute time interval.

[0243] The second and third rows of Fig. 26 show how video data is divided when "2 minutes" and "3 minutes" are selected as the division conditions, respectively. The data is divided into processing units 36 consisting of video data with recording times corresponding to 2 minutes and 3 minutes, respectively. In this way, when creating a file list, the period from power on to power off (for example, from the start of recording to the end of recording) is divided into units of a set number of frames (for example, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc.), and the file list is created.

[0244] FIG. 25A shows an image displayed on the monitor 67 (FIG. 21B) by the personal computer 60 when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. The checkbox corresponding to the classification condition "power on-off" is checked. The fourth row in FIG. 26 shows how classification is performed when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. In this case, the classified processing unit 36 ​​matches the running unit 32.

[0245] The personal computer 60 stores information (file list) that identifies the divided processing units 36 in the RAM 64 (FIG. 21B). The information that identifies the processing units 36 includes link information to each processing unit 36, such as the first sector number, just as in the case where the processing units 36 are divided by the drive recorder 1.

[0246] The personal computer 60 displays the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​in a list format on the monitor 67 (FIG. 21B).

[0247] FIG. 24B is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the personal computer 60 displays the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​in a list format on the monitor 67. FIG. 24B shows an example in which "1 minute" has been selected as the classification condition. The personal computer 60 displays, as attributes for each processing unit 36, for example, date and time information 77 when the first video data of that processing unit 36 ​​was acquired, and a thumbnail 78 of that first video data. In addition, the personal computer 60 displays a scroll bar, a "Delete one" button, and a "Delete all" button. The date and time information 77 of the processing unit 36 ​​increases in increments of one minute.

[0248] 25B shows an example of an image that the personal computer 60 displays on the monitor 67 when "power on-off" is selected as the classification condition. Date and time information 77 of the processing unit 36 ​​indicates the date and time when the power was turned on.

[0249] When a user inputs a classification condition different from the current classification condition for video data that has already been classified based on a certain classification condition, the personal computer 60 reclassifies the video data based on the input new classification condition.

[0250] Next, with reference to Figs. 27A to 28, a process of making an image invisible will be described as an example of a process for each processing unit 36. This process can be executed by either the drive recorder 1 or the personal computer 60. The process executed by the personal computer 60 will be described below. The process executed by the drive recorder 1 is the same as the process executed by the personal computer 60.

[0251] As shown in FIG. 27A, for example, a case where the user selects one processing unit 36 ​​starting at 12:02:00 on Jan. 1, 2016, and clicks the "Delete One" button will be specifically described.

[0252] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an arrangement of frames of video data recorded in the recording area 31. Video data of multiple driving units 32 is recorded in the recording area 31. The video data is divided into multiple processing units 36 for each driving unit 32. For each driving unit 32, multiple frames are assigned consecutive numbers starting from 1. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the number of frames in one processing unit 36 ​​is n. For example, the first frame Fa of the first driving unit 32 in the recording area 31 corresponds to video data recorded at 12:02:00 on January 1, 2016. The frames from the first frame Fa to the last frame Fb of this driving unit 32 are subject to the deletion process.

[0253] The personal computer 60 performs an erasure process on the processing unit 36 ​​starting from frame Fa of the first running unit 32 in the recording area 31. In the erasure process, the personal computer 60 sets a non-list flag (hereinafter referred to as a non-list flag) defined in the frame header section and area information field 28 in the frame field 27 (FIG. 7) of the block 26. The erasure process does not make the area in which the block 26 and frames Fa to Fb are recorded free space.

[0254] FIG. 27B is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the attributes of the processing unit 36 ​​are displayed in a list format on the monitor 67 after the non-list flag has been set. ) displays the attributes of multiple processing units 36, excluding the processing unit 36 ​​starting at 12:02:00 on January 1, 2016. The personal computer 60 does not display the processing units 36 for which the non-list flag has been set in the list. Furthermore, when playing back video data, the personal computer 60 plays back the video data excluding the video data included in the processing units 36 for which the non-list flag has been set. In other words, the video data (some of the video data) included in the processing units 36 for which the non-list flag has been set cannot be played back. Therefore, the deletion process can be called "a process of excluding from playback targets." Furthermore, because the processing units 36 for which the non-list flag has been set are not displayed in the list and are not played back, the deletion process can also be called "a process of making them invisible."

[0255] In the example shown in Fig. 28, frames Fa to Fb that have been excluded from playback are marked with a dot pattern. Furthermore, by repeating the process of deleting one item, it is possible to exclude multiple processing units 36 from playback. When the user clicks the "Delete All" button shown in Fig. 24B, the personal computer 60 excludes all processing units 36 in the recording area 31 from playback.

[0256] When re-classifying video data in which a non-list flag has been set for some processing units 36, the blocks 26 (FIG. 7) or frames in which the non-list flag has been set are not subject to listing, and listing is skipped, and classification is performed on the video data consisting of blocks 26 or frames in which the non-list flag has not been set.

[0257] Next, we will explain the process for resuming continuous recording on an SD card that has video data with unlisted flags set for some blocks 26 (FIG. 7) or frames. This process differs depending on whether unlisted flags are set for the blocks 26 or frames at the end of the video data recorded in the most recent cycle.

[0258] FIG. 29 shows how data is overwritten when the block 26 or frame Fc at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1) does not have a non-listing flag. In FIG. 29, frames with non-listing flags are marked with a dot pattern. When the drive recorder 1 starts a new continuous recording, it overwrites the video data recorded in the previous cycle C(n) with new video data, starting from the oldest data. When the recording area 31 becomes full and one cycle ends, the oldest processing unit 36 ​​(the frame recorded at the beginning of the recording area 31) before the processing unit 36 ​​with the non-listing flag is overwritten with new video data. The video data (e.g., a frame) of the processing unit 36 ​​with the non-listing flag is overwritten after the video data recorded before it. This overwriting process is the same as the process of overwriting data in the recording area 31 when no blocks 26 or frames have a non-listing flag.

[0259] FIG. 30 illustrates how data is overwritten when a non-listing flag is set for a block 26 or frame Fd (e.g., video data last recorded on an SD card) at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1). Frame Fd corresponds to the final frame of the video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1). In FIG. 30, a dot pattern is added to the frame for which a non-listing flag is set. The block 26 or frame for which a non-listing flag is set is located at the end of the video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1). When the drive recorder 1 starts new continuous recording, it erases, in order of oldest, all processing units 36 obtained by dividing the video data recorded in the recording area 31, starting with the last processing unit 36 ​​for which a non-listing flag is not set or the video data (obscured video data) immediately following the last frame Fe, and overwrites the data with new video data. In other words, the overwriting position traces back from the position of frame Fd to the position immediately following frame Fe.

[0260] After overwriting the last video data recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1), the drive recorder 1 then overwrites the video data recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n) with new video data in chronological order.

[0261] [Effects of the Tenth Example] Next, the excellent effects of the tenth embodiment will be explained. To maximize the SD card's write speed and enable DMA access for all writes, it is desirable to access the SD card using consecutive sector numbers (sector addresses) whenever possible. In the tenth embodiment, a unique format (YP format) is adopted, allowing consecutive frames of video data to be recorded in consecutive sector numbers within the recording area 31 (Figure 4). This maximizes the SD card's write speed. For example, it is possible to use two cameras to perform dual recording of continuous and event recording at 1080PHD resolution. With a conventional FAT file system, only one camera can record continuous or event recording at 1080PHD resolution on an SD card. The drive recorder 1 according to the tenth embodiment achieves high-speed and stable write speeds.

[0262] In a typical FAT file system, a management area such as a directory entry area is set up in the memory space, and file names and cluster locations are recorded together in the management area. The drive recorder 1 is used in situations where unexpected events may occur, such as power on / off, SD card insertion / removal, or accidents. If data happens to be written to the management area when such an event occurs, there is a risk that all files on the SD card will become unreadable.

[0263] The tenth embodiment employs a unique format that does not have such a management area. In this unique format, a section equivalent to the management area of ​​a FAT file system is included in the frame header section for each frame in the frame field 27 (Fig. 7) and in the area information field 28 (Fig. 7). This ensures that the chronological link is not disrupted even if a sudden event occurs while data is being written to any part of the SD card. Even if the SD card is removed while data is being written to it, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire data on the SD card becomes unreadable due to destruction of the management area. In this way, recording safety performance can be improved.

[0264] Furthermore, because a unique format is used, it is not easy to read or rewrite data using a general information terminal. Therefore, the system according to the tenth embodiment has high security and tamper-proof features. In this way, the authenticity of the video is increased and security performance is improved.

[0265] In the tenth embodiment, after video data is recorded in the recording area 31, the video data can be divided into a plurality of processing units 36. After the division into the processing units 36, processing can be performed for each processing unit 36. As processing for each processing unit, for example, processing for assigning an attribute to each processing unit 36, processing for cueing and playing back video data from the beginning of the processing unit 36, processing for displaying a list of a plurality of processing units 36, etc. can be realized. This makes the system easier for users to use.

[0266] The time when the power supply to the drive recorder 1 is started and the time when the power supply is stopped can be used as a classification condition for classifying the video data. For example, the data can be divided into smaller processing units 36 using a division condition such as dividing the data into intervals of 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes. This division condition can be input into the drive recorder 1 or the personal computer 60 by a user operation, for example.

[0267] By inputting desired classification conditions, the user can classify the video data according to the desired classification conditions. A user who wants to assign a specific attribute to a portion of the video data can input classification conditions that will distinguish that portion from other portions.

[0268] The user can easily check the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​by looking at the list (FIG. 22C) displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 by the drive recorder 1 and the list (FIGS. 24B, 25B) displayed on the monitor 67 by the personal computer 60. If the attributes of each processing unit 36 ​​are displayed, for example, the date and time when the first video data included in the processing unit 36 ​​was acquired and a thumbnail of the first video data, the user can easily find the video data that he / she wants to play back and check or the video data that he / she wants to erase by looking at the date and time information or the thumbnail.

[0269] Based on the attributes of the multiple processing units 36 displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60, the user can select some of the processing units 36 that he or she wishes to process. This allows processing to be performed on the processing units 36 selected by the user. The user can assign specific attributes to the selected processing units 36. For example, the user can assign an attribute of "exclude from playback targets" to each processing unit 36.

[0270] The unique format of the SD card used in the tenth embodiment uses sectors in memory space sequentially, making it difficult to erase only video data in some intermediate sectors. In the tenth embodiment, instead of erasing video data, a processing unit 36 ​​can be assigned an attribute "exclude from playback," allowing playback without the video data in that processing unit. When displaying the attributes of multiple processing units 36 in a list format, processing units 36 assigned the attribute "exclude from playback" are not displayed in the list. This achieves functionality nearly equivalent to erasing video data. For example, a user can exclude video data that they do not want a third party to see from playback.

[0271] Since the video data in a processing unit 36 ​​that has been excluded from playback is not deleted from the recording area, the attribute of a processing unit that has once been excluded from playback can be returned to "not excluded from playback."

[0272] When a user finds it difficult to perform the desired processing on the video data using the current classification of the video data, the user can change the classification conditions to reclassify the video data so that the desired processing can be more easily performed.

[0273] When a FAT file system is used to record video data, it is difficult to re-partition the video data under different partitioning conditions after the video data has been partitioned into files. The system according to the tenth embodiment allows the user to re-partition the video data under the partitioning conditions desired by the user, making it easy for the user to use. Furthermore, re-partitioning does not change the video data itself in the frame field 27 (FIG. 7). Therefore, when re-partitioning the video data, there is no need to decode or encode the video data. In other words, the video data can be re-partitioned without being altered. In contrast, in a FAT file system or the like, the video data must be decoded and encoded to split and combine video data files.

[0274] When the user selects a specific processing unit 36, the system can access the video data of the selected processing unit 36 ​​in a short time by using information specifying the position within the recording area 31. This improves operability for the user. This information may be information specifying the position within the recording area 31 where the first video data in the processing unit 36 ​​is recorded. For example, if this information is used during cue playback, the time required to cue the first video data in the processing unit 36 ​​can be shortened.

[0275] If the video data is divided into fixed time intervals, a user who remembers the time elapsed from the start of the video data in the recording area 31 to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit 36 ​​from the beginning contains the desired video data. This allows the user to easily access the processing unit containing the desired video data.

[0276] Users often want to process video data for each driving unit 32. In the division method according to the tenth embodiment, a processing unit 36 ​​obtained by dividing the data according to the division condition of dividing the data at a fixed time interval is prevented from spanning two processing units (driving units) obtained by dividing the data based on the power supply condition. This allows the data to be divided into processing units 36 in a manner that meets the user's needs. A user who remembers the elapsed time from the beginning of the driving unit 32 to the desired video data can easily calculate which processing unit 36 ​​from the beginning of the driving unit 32 contains the desired video data. This allows the user to easily access the processing unit 36 ​​containing the desired video data within the driving unit 32.

[0277] If the video data is classified using only the power supply condition as the classification condition, the user can easily find the video data at the time when the accessory power supply of the vehicle was turned on, for example.

[0278] 30, by overwriting the video data that has been excluded from playback and is located at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1) with new video data, the time until the oldest video data recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1) can be extended. If video data that does not need to be erased is recorded in the currently ongoing cycle C(n+1), for example, this provides ample time for the user to perform processing to prevent overwriting.

[0279] [Modification of the 10th embodiment] Next, a modification of the tenth embodiment will be described. In the tenth embodiment, a fixed time interval and a power supply condition are used as classification conditions for video data, but classification conditions may also be set based on information acquired by various sensors.

[0280] In the tenth embodiment, when playing video data, the video data excluded from the playback target is skipped and the playback of the video data that is not excluded from the playback target continues, but the playback may be stopped when the video data excluded from the playback target is reached.

[0281] In the tenth embodiment, when dividing the video data into processing units 36 at regular time intervals, the processing units 36 are divided so that they do not span two running units 32. However, the entire video data may be divided at regular time intervals without considering the running units 32. This makes it possible to make the elapsed time from the first video data to the last video data of all processing units 36 in the recording area 31 constant. By dividing the data in this way, the burden on the user of checking the video data for each processing unit 36 ​​can be equalized.

[0282] [Eleventh Example] Next, a system according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Below, differences from the tenth embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. Eleventh embodiment In this example, the indicators 50 shown in the first to ninth embodiments (FIGS. 8A, 9A to 9F, 11, etc.) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60.

[0283] 31 is a diagram showing an indicator 50 displayed by a system according to the 11th embodiment on the LCD display 8 of the drive recorder 1 or the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60. A mark 54 indicating the position being overwritten is displayed at the end of the latest cycle C(n+1). The indicator 50 is filled in with a different color for each driving unit 32. The video data is divided into processing units 36, and marks 58 indicating the division positions, such as horizontal lines, are displayed at positions corresponding to the boundaries of the processing units 36.

[0284] The user can easily grasp the positions where the video data is separated by the function for separating the video data. Instead of using horizontal lines as markers 58 to indicate the separation positions, different colors may be applied to the processing units 36, and the boundaries between the different colors may be used as markers 58.

[0285] [Twelfth Example] Next, a system according to a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Below, differences from the tenth embodiment will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted. In the twelfth embodiment, the drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 store the segmentation conditions that segment the video data in the SD card.

[0286] 32 is a diagram showing the allocation of memory space on the SD card 30 used in the system according to the twelfth embodiment. In addition to the recording area 31 for continuous recording, a classification condition storage area 37 is secured in the memory space of the SD card 30. The recording area 31 includes an area in which video data is recorded in the latest cycle C(n+1) and an area in which video data is recorded in the immediately preceding cycle C(n).

[0287] The drive recorder 1 and the personal computer 60 store the classification conditions input by the user in the classification condition storage area 37 of the SD card 30.

[0288] By moving the SD card 30 between the drive recorder 1 (first device) and the personal computer 60 (second device) of the system according to the twelfth embodiment, the video data and classification conditions recorded in the recording area 31 can be transferred from the drive recorder 1 to the personal computer 60, or vice versa. For example, classification conditions for classifying the video data can be input in the personal computer 60, which is a device different from the drive recorder 1 that recorded the video data, and the input classification conditions can be transferred to the drive recorder 1. Conversely, the personal computer 60 may have a function for classifying the video data based on the classification conditions set in the drive recorder 1.

[0289] For example, the video data collected by the drive recorder 1 mounted on the vehicle may be sorted by an external personal computer 60. Generally, the monitor 67 of the personal computer 60 is larger than the liquid crystal display 8 of the drive recorder 1 mounted on the vehicle. On the personal computer 60, the user can easily check the date and time when the first video data of each processing unit 36 ​​was acquired and a thumbnail. This allows the user to easily perform operations on the video data for each processing unit.

[0290] 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 way. Furthermore, the invention and the components described in the Summary of the Invention may be further applied to the combination of the components of each embodiment. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned 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]

[0291] 1. Drive recorder 2 lenses 3 DC jack 4 SD card slot 5 speakers 6 HD output terminal 7 Joint Rail 8 LCD display 9 Operation buttons 15 Windshield 16. Rearview mirror 17 Power cable 18 Cigarette lighter socket 20 Controller 20a CPU 20b ROM 20c RAM 20d Timer 20e Buffer Area 21 Camera 22 Databases 23 GPS receiver 24 SD card reader 25 Accelerometer 26 Transfer unit blocks 27 Frame Field 28 Area Information Field 30 SD card 31 Recording area for continuous recording 32 Running Units 33 Destination area 35 Management Area 36 Processing Units 37 Classification condition storage area 38 Parking surveillance recording area 39 Event Recording Area 40 Video display area 41 Top area (mode display area) 42 Bottom area (time display area) 44 SD card icon 50 indicators 51 Upper end (starting position) 52 Bottom end (end position) 53 Marker indicating the current recording position 54 Marker indicating the current overwriting position 55, 56 radius 57 Event occurrence mark 58 Processing unit boundary markers 59 Icons corresponding to event occurrences 60 PCs 61 SD card reader 62 Microprocessing Unit (MPU) 63 ROM 64 RAM 65 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 66 keyboards 67 Monitor 68 Mouse 69 Printer 70 Symbol mark indicating classification conditions 71 Checkboxes 72 Date and time information 73 thumbnails 75 Symbol mark indicating classification conditions 76 Checkboxes 77 Date and time information 78 thumbnails C(n+1) Current (latest) cycle C(n) Previous cycle T0 notification threshold T1 grace period T2 Scheduled Time

Claims

1. A drive recorder having a function of dividing video data into smaller processing units based on a predetermined division condition while the video data is being recorded, The predetermined classification condition is a classification condition selected based on a user's operation from among a plurality of classification conditions selectable by the user, The plurality of division conditions selectable by the user's operation include both a division condition of a fixed time interval and a division condition of power on / off. A drive recorder that features the following.

2. The classification condition of a certain time interval is provided in plural. The drive recorder according to claim 1 .

3. When the division condition is changed, if the time corresponding to the division condition has not elapsed since the video data currently being recorded was last divided, a processing unit shorter than the time specified in the division condition is generated.

3. The drive recorder according to claim 1 or 2,

4. The function of displaying a list of attributes for each processing unit on a display means is provided.

4. The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein:

5. As an attribute of each processing unit, a function for displaying a thumbnail of the first video data of each processing unit is provided. The drive recorder according to claim 4,

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

Images