Systems and programs

Abstract

To provide a system, a program, a storage medium, etc. that are superior to conventional systems. [Solution] This system is equipped with an observation means capable of observing the behavior of a moving body, and a control means having a judgment function that judges that the moving body is possibly engaged in dangerous driving when the observation results of this observation means satisfy certain conditions, such as a moving body behind the moving body coming abnormally close to the moving body, a moving body behind suddenly accelerating or decelerating, or a moving body behind repeatedly accelerating and decelerating suddenly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] For example, it relates to a system, a program, a storage medium, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, vehicles are equipped with drive recorders that are convenient for post-event analysis of driving conditions when a driver is involved in a traffic accident (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, while conventional drive recorders are effective as a means of responding to traffic accidents where the driver is at fault, they have various problems, such as the difficulty of identifying dangerous driving situations involving the driver himself or other drivers before an accident occurs, and a lack of adaptability to dangerous driving situations that could lead to incidents and accidents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-3408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, dangerous driving such as road rage has become a social problem. The present inventors have considered the need to prevent such dangerous driving from occurring in order to prevent serious traffic accidents.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a system, a program, a storage medium, and the like that are superior to conventional systems.

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

[0008] The object of the present invention can be achieved, for example, by the following embodiments (1) to (28). (1) The system should include an observation means capable of observing the behavior of a moving object, and a control means having a judgment function that judges that the moving object may be engaged in dangerous driving when the observation results of the observation means satisfy certain conditions.

[0009] In this way, the system can objectively determine whether a moving vehicle is driving recklessly, making it possible to prevent accidents and other problems, thereby contributing to the maintenance of road safety and traffic order.

[0010] The "observation means" may be any means capable of observing the behavior of other moving objects, but is preferably at least one of measuring the distance to other moving objects and capturing images of other moving objects. The means for measuring the distance to other moving objects may be, for example, a means for irradiating electromagnetic waves such as infrared lasers or millimeter waves and measuring the distance to other moving objects by the reflection from the other moving objects. A CMOS sensor capable of measuring distance is particularly preferable. A time-of-flight distance sensor is particularly preferable. A sensor that can obtain a distance image using a two-dimensional dot matrix is ​​particularly preferable. A time-of-flight distance image sensor is particularly preferable. A back-illuminated time-of-flight distance image sensor is particularly preferable. Areas in the distance image where the distance fluctuates are particularly preferable for determining dangerous driving or aggressive driving. When a car is present within a predetermined distance of an area in the distance image where the distance fluctuates for a predetermined period of time or more, it is determined that the vehicle is being "aggressively driven." In particular, in areas in the distance image where the distance fluctuates despite the vehicle being traveling at a predetermined speed or above, it is advisable to determine that the vehicle is being "being tailgated" if a car is within a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0011] Furthermore, the images captured by the "observation means" may be still images, but may also be moving images. A moving image may be, for example, a moving image obtained by displaying a series of images captured at regular time intervals in succession at short intervals, or may be a completely continuous image.

[0012] The "observation means" should first observe the vehicle under conditions where the target object is not identified, and then identify the target object from the observation results. The judgment function should then use the target object identified from the observation results to judge whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving.

[0013] The "specific condition" may be, for example, a condition relating to a situation in which dangerous driving such as driving is occurring, and in particular, it may be determined whether or not the condition relates to a situation in which road rage is occurring. Conditions relating to a situation in which road rage is occurring may be, for example, an act of a moving body behind the moving body equipped with an observation means coming abnormally close to the moving body to which the observation means is attached, an act of the moving body behind suddenly accelerating or decelerating, or repeated acts of sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration, an act in which the distance between the moving body and the moving body behind remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, an act of the moving body behind the moving body zigzagging relative to the moving body, an act of the moving body coming abnormally close to a moving body in front, an act of the moving body suddenly accelerating or decelerating relative to the moving body in front, or repeated acts of sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration, an act in which the distance between the moving body in front remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, an act of the moving body behind the moving body zigzagging relative to the moving body in front, an act of suddenly cutting in front of the moving body, etc.

[0014] The control means may also have a setting operation unit that allows the "specific condition" to be arbitrarily set by, for example, a user. The control means may have a function to change the specific condition when an operation for changing the specific condition is performed. For example, the control means may be configured so that an abnormal approach is determined when a vehicle behind the vehicle approaches within 12 meters from the rear of the vehicle in question, or so that an abnormal approach is determined when a vehicle behind the vehicle approaches within 10 meters of the vehicle in question, and the user may be able to arbitrarily set the condition.

[0015] The "system" may be attached to a stationary object that does not move, but it is preferable that part or all of the system be attached to a mobile object. When the system is attached to a stationary object that does not move, it is preferable to attach it to a pole or the like installed on the road or at the side of the road.

[0016] Furthermore, when part of the "system" is attached to a fixed object or a mobile object, it is preferable that the observation means in particular be attached to the fixed object or the mobile object, and the control means having a judgment function for determining the possibility of dangerous driving may be provided in a location away from the fixed object or the mobile object.

[0017] Furthermore, when the observation means is attached to a moving body, it may be attached to a vehicle such as an automobile or an electric vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, etc. The vehicle is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile, but may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels, and in particular, a four-wheeled automobile that allows observation of the outside of the vehicle cabin from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0018] Furthermore, when the observation means is attached to a moving body, it is preferable to have a function of detecting whether the moving body to which the observation means is attached is stopped or not, and outputting an alarm when a specific condition is met, such as when abnormal approach by another moving body is detected, even though the moving body is stopped. Furthermore, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the output of an alarm is suppressed (for example, a configuration in which no alarm is output) when a specific condition is met, such as when abnormal approach by another moving body is detected, when the moving body is not stopped.

[0019] Furthermore, when the "observation means" is a camera, for example, a camera separate from the front camera may be provided at the rear, and other moving objects may be photographed with both the front and rear cameras. The judgment function may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the moving object behind when the size (for example, at least one of width, height, and area) of an area in the image photographed by the rear camera that can be considered to be a moving object such as a vehicle becomes large enough to be judged as approaching. The front camera and rear camera should preferably have approximately the same number of pixels. The front camera and rear camera should also have approximately the same sensitivity characteristics. Preferably, both cameras should use the same model number of image sensors. A function should be provided to prevent overwriting of recorded video when a determination is made that there is a possibility of dangerous driving. When the engine is off, it is preferable not to judge the possibility of dangerous driving. When the engine is off, it is preferable not to perform the process of detecting and judging whether or not the driver is tailgating.

[0020] Furthermore, the judgment function may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving when the size (e.g., at least one of width, height, and area) of an area that can be considered to be a moving object such as a vehicle in an image captured by the front camera becomes large enough to be considered to be approaching. In this case, dangerous driving may be caused by the moving object in front, or by the vehicle itself. For example, if the speed at which the area that can be considered to be a moving object such as a vehicle in an image captured by the front camera expands (e.g., the time it takes for the area to expand from a predetermined size to a size that can be considered to be approaching) is faster than a predetermined speed, it may be determined that the moving object in front has suddenly braked (determining that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle in front), and if the speed is slower than the predetermined speed, it may be determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle itself, in particular, it may be determined that there is a possibility of aggressive driving.

[0021] Furthermore, the system may have a function to issue an alarm and record when it determines, through its judgment function, that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by another moving object. For forward movements, the system may issue an alarm and record using the front camera, and for rearward movements, the system may issue an alarm and record using the rearward camera. It may also have a function to set whether to issue an alarm and record, and it is particularly preferable to have a function to set the alarm and recording separately. Furthermore, it may be preferable to have a recording function only on the front camera, and to have the rearward camera connected to the front camera. In this case, it may be preferable to have a function to set the settings on the front camera, and have the front and rearward cameras operate according to the settings.

[0022] In many cases, it is thought that the vehicle behind is simply irritated by the driver's slow driving, so the warning should be a message that allows the driver to take action such as giving way to the lane. The warning can also be a simple message that "there is a possibility of aggressive driving."

[0023] The system may also have a function for recording the previous approach record and the subsequent approach record in separate folders, and may record the previous approach record and the subsequent approach record so that they can be displayed on different types of viewers.

[0024] The system may also have a function to detect when a preceding vehicle has started moving and a function to detect when the vehicle itself has started moving, and may also have a function to record as a trigger when the vehicle itself has not started moving within a specified time despite detecting that the preceding vehicle has started moving.

[0025] The system may also have a function to detect when the vehicle is stopped and a function to detect when another vehicle is approaching the vehicle, and may have a function to issue an alarm when another vehicle approaches the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped, and a function to suppress the alarm (for example, a function to not issue an alarm) when an approach is detected when the vehicle is not stopped.

[0026] (2) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having a function to judge that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving when the specific condition is that the speed change of the other moving body within a specified period of time is in a specified pattern.

[0027] This allows for more accurate determination of the possibility of dangerous driving by other moving vehicles, particularly the risk of aggressive driving, and enables the driver of the moving vehicle to make greater efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0028] The "predetermined pattern of the speed change of the other moving body within a predetermined time" may be, for example, a pattern in which the speed change of the other moving body within a unit time can be determined to be sudden acceleration or sudden deceleration, or a pattern in which sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration are repeated, etc. Furthermore, the "predetermined pattern of the speed change of the rear vehicle" may be, for example, when the number of repeated sudden accelerations and sudden decelerations of the rear vehicle within a unit time exceeds, for example, three, and it may be determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the rear vehicle, and in particular, that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0029] (3) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system that has the ability to judge that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving when the specific condition is that the distance between the moving body and the other moving body remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0030] In this way, when there is another moving object following the moving object, it is possible to prevent danger from such another moving object before it occurs.

[0031] The distance between the moving body and another moving body can be determined, for example, by irradiating the other moving body with an infrared laser or the like and determining the time it takes for the light to reflect off the other moving body and return, or by capturing an image of the other moving body with an imaging device such as a camera and determining the proportion of a certain area occupied by the other moving body. In the former case, if the time it takes for the infrared laser or the like to be irradiated and returned by reflection is less than a predetermined time, it can be determined that the other moving body is approaching the moving body and there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly a risk of aggressive driving. In the latter case, if the area determined to be other moving bodies captured by the imaging device within a certain area is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, it can be determined that the other moving body is approaching the moving body and there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly a risk of aggressive driving. In addition, determining whether the area of ​​a certain area that is judged to be another moving body imaged by the imaging device is larger than a certain amount can be done by adopting one or more of several criteria, such as the area occupied by the entire body of the other moving body being larger than a certain amount within the certain area, the height occupied by the other moving body being larger than a certain amount within the certain height, the width occupied by the other moving body being larger than a certain amount within the certain width, and the width occupied by the distance between the headlights of the other moving body being larger than a certain amount within the certain width.

[0032] Furthermore, when it is determined that the moving object is stopped, for example, by parking, it is preferable not to determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of other moving objects, and in particular, it is preferable not to determine that there is a risk of aggressive driving. For example, it is possible to check the moving speed of the own vehicle and determine whether it is stopped. It is also possible to determine that an approach while parked is excluded. For example, it is possible to exclude if the current location corresponds to the location of a pre-stored parking lot.

[0033] Furthermore, the judgment function may further have a function of judging that the other moving body is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly when the moving body is traveling at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, in addition to the state in which the distance between the moving body and another moving body has been within a certain range for a predetermined period of time. For example, when both the moving body and the other moving body are stopped, or when both the moving body and the other moving body are moving smoothly along with the flow of traffic, it may be preferable not to judge that the other moving body is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly when the other moving body is not likely to be engaging in dangerous driving. This makes it possible to objectively judge with higher accuracy whether the other moving body is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly whether there is a risk of tailgating.

[0034] Furthermore, the "within a certain range" should be varied depending on the speed of the moving body. For example, if the speed of the moving body is 40 km / h and another moving body is present within a range of 22 m behind or to the side for 10 seconds or more, or if the speed of the moving body is 100 km / h and another moving body is present within a range of 55 m behind or to the side for 10 seconds or more, the moving body should be judged to have the possibility of dangerous driving, and in particular the risk of aggressive driving. Furthermore, the slower the moving body's speed, the narrower the range should be.

[0035] It is advisable to adjust the distance between vehicles that is deemed to be aggressive driving depending on the vehicle's speed. For example, if the distance between vehicles is kept at 22m or less for 10 seconds at 40km / h, or 55m or less for 100km / h, it will be deemed to be aggressive driving, which will reduce false positives.

[0036] (4) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having the function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the other moving body when the specific condition is that the changes over time in data related to the other moving body observed over a specified period of time show a specified pattern.

[0037] In this way, it is possible to more accurately and objectively determine whether there is a possibility of dangerous driving by another moving body, especially if there is a risk of aggressive driving, and the driver of the moving body can make greater efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0038] "Data related to other moving bodies" may be, for example, the body size (e.g., width, height, etc.) of the other moving body, the distance between multiple light sources (e.g., headlights, etc.) provided on the other moving body, the amount of light from the light sources provided on the other moving body, the speed of the other moving body, the distance between the moving body and the other moving body, etc.

[0039] The "changes over time in data related to other moving bodies" may be, for example, changes over time in the body size (e.g., width or height) of other moving bodies, changes over time in the distance between the headlights of other moving bodies, changes over time in the light intensity of the headlights of other moving bodies, changes over time in the speed of other moving bodies, changes over time in the distance between the moving body and other moving bodies, etc. When these changes match a predetermined pattern, the determination function may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the other moving body, and in particular that there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0040] In addition, the judgment function may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by other moving bodies, and in particular, a risk of aggressive driving, when, for example, the combination of data related to other moving bodies that has changed by more than a certain amount over time is a predetermined pattern, or when specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time is a predetermined pattern, as "changes in data related to other moving bodies over time are a predetermined pattern."

[0041] The "predetermined pattern is a combination of data relating to other moving bodies that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern when at least two or more pieces of data, such as body size and headlight distance, have changed by more than a certain amount.

[0042] The "predetermined pattern of specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern of a change in body size, a change in the distance between headlights, or a change in light intensity by more than a certain amount. When a predetermined pattern is formed in which the change in body size or the distance between headlights is more than a certain amount, it can be determined that another moving body is rapidly approaching the moving body, and when a predetermined pattern is formed in which the change in light intensity is more than a certain number of times, it can be determined that the other moving body is flashing its lights or turning on its right turn signal toward the moving body.

[0043] In particular, when the change in light intensity is greater than a certain level, for example, when entering a tunnel or turning on headlights at night, the system does not determine that the driver is driving dangerously. Instead, the system does not simply detect whether the lights are on or off. Instead, the system determines that the driver is driving dangerously when the number of changes in light intensity within a unit time exceeds a predetermined number (threshold value). This "change in light intensity" may be, for example, a change from on to off or from off to on. Furthermore, if the number of changes in light intensity is, for example, one, the system does not determine that the driver is driving dangerously. If the number of changes in light intensity is, for example, multiple, the system determines that the driver is driving dangerously, and in particular, determines that the driver is driving aggressively. Furthermore, the system determines that the driver is driving aggressively when at least one of a sudden approach or meandering is detected.

[0044] (5) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having a function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the other moving body when the movement pattern of the other moving body relative to the moving body in question is a predetermined pattern as the specific condition.

[0045] In this way, the movement patterns of other moving bodies relative to the moving body in question can be objectively judged, and the driver of the moving body in question can make greater efforts to avoid accidents and troubles.

[0046] Examples of "the movement pattern of the other moving body relative to the moving body being a predetermined pattern" include, for example, the number of times the other moving body moves left and right relative to the moving body per unit time, the amount of left and right movement of the other moving body relative to the moving body per unit time, the number of times the other moving body moves forward and backward relative to the moving body per unit time, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the other moving body relative to the moving body per unit time. The "predetermined pattern" may be, for example, a combination of one or two or more of the number of times the other moving body moves left and right relative to the moving body per unit time being a predetermined number or more, the amount of left and right movement of the other moving body relative to the moving body per unit time being a predetermined range or more, the number of times the other moving body moves forward and backward relative to the moving body per unit time being a predetermined number or more, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the other moving body relative to the moving body per unit time being a predetermined range or more.

[0047] (6) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes the road conditions on which the moving body to which the observation means is attached travels and other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body, The judgment function may be a system having the function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the other moving body when the specific condition is that the moving body cannot be overtaken due to the road conditions and the distance between the moving body and the other moving body is within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0048] In this way, when there is another moving body that is following the moving body but cannot overtake it, the driver of the moving body can make better efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0049] (7) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system that has the function of not judging that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving if the specific condition is that the distance between the moving body and the other moving body remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, but that if the moving body accelerates from a stopped state to a speed greater than a predetermined period of time, it does not judge that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving, but judges that the moving body behind is possibly engaging in dangerous driving if the moving body continues to travel at a speed greater than the predetermined period of time or more.

[0050] In this way, when there is a moving object behind the moving object, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether the moving object behind is driving recklessly, especially whether there is a risk of tailgating. For example, it is possible to reduce the frequency of erroneous determination that the moving object behind the moving object behind is driving recklessly in situations where there is no passing lane, such as in a traffic jam.

[0051] (8) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system that has the ability to judge that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the moving body when the specific condition is that the distance between the moving body and the moving body in front of it remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0052] In this way, when the moving body is traveling following a moving body in front, it can be determined that the moving body is in a dangerous driving state, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating, and it can be possible to grasp the dangerous driving situation of the moving body and contribute to the achievement of safe driving.

[0053] The distance between the moving body and the moving body ahead can be determined, for example, by irradiating an infrared laser or the like toward the moving body ahead and determining the time it takes for the light to reflect off the moving body and return, or by capturing an image of the moving body ahead with an imaging device such as a camera and determining the proportion of a certain area occupied by the moving body ahead. In the former case, if the time it takes for the infrared laser or the like to be irradiated and reflected back is less than a predetermined time, it can be determined that the moving body is approaching the moving body ahead and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly a risk of aggressive driving. In the latter case, if the area determined to be the moving body ahead as captured by the imaging device accounts for a certain percentage of the certain area, it can be determined that the moving body is approaching the moving body ahead and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly a risk of aggressive driving. In addition, determining whether the area of ​​a certain area that is judged to be the moving body in front and captured by the imaging device is larger than a certain amount can be made by adopting one or more of several criteria, such as the area occupied by the entire body of the moving body in front being larger than a certain amount within the certain area, the height occupied by the moving body in front being larger than a certain amount within the certain height, the width occupied by the moving body in front being larger than a certain amount within the certain width, and the width occupied by the distance between the brake lights of the moving body in front being larger than a certain amount within the certain width.

[0054] In addition, the judgment function may have a function to judge that the moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving when the distance between the moving body and the moving body in front has remained within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, and when the moving body is also traveling at a predetermined speed or more. It is even more preferable to have a function to judge that there is a risk of aggressive driving. For example, when both the moving body and the moving body in front are stopped, or when both the moving body and the moving body in front are moving smoothly along with the flow of traffic, the moving body is not judged to be possibly engaging in dangerous driving. Therefore, it is possible to objectively judge with higher accuracy whether the moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving, especially whether there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advisable to vary the "within a certain range" depending on the speed of the moving object. For example, if the speed of the moving object is 40 km / h and there is a moving object in front within a range of 22 m ahead for 10 seconds or more, or if the speed of the moving object is 100 km / h and there is a moving object in front within a range of 55 m ahead for 10 seconds or more, it is advisable to determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the moving object in front, and in particular, that there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0056] (9) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having the ability to judge that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the moving body when the specific condition is that the changes over time in data related to the moving body in front observed over a specified period of time show a specified pattern.

[0057] In this way, it is possible to more accurately and objectively determine whether the vehicle in question is engaged in dangerous driving, particularly whether there is a risk of aggressive driving, and the driver of the vehicle in question will be able to make greater efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0058] "Data related to the moving body in front" may be, for example, the body size (e.g., width, height, etc.) of the moving body in front, the distance between multiple light sources (e.g., brake lights, etc.) provided on the moving body in front, the distance between the moving body in question and the moving body in front, etc.

[0059] The "changes over time in data related to the moving body ahead" may be, for example, changes over time in the body size (e.g., width or height) of the moving body ahead, changes over time in the distance between the brake lights of the moving body ahead, changes over time in the distance between the moving body ahead and the moving body ahead, etc. When these changes match a predetermined pattern, the determination function may determine that the moving body is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, and in particular, that there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0060] In addition, the judgment function may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the moving body, and in particular, that there is a risk of aggressive driving, when, for example, the combination of data related to the moving body in front that has changed by more than a certain amount over time is in a predetermined pattern, or when specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time is in a predetermined pattern, as "changes over time in data related to the moving body in front are in a predetermined pattern."

[0061] The "predetermined pattern is a combination of data relating to a moving body ahead that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern when there has been a change of more than a certain amount in at least two pieces of data, such as body size and the distance between brake lights.

[0062] The "predetermined pattern of specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern of a change in body size or a change in the distance between brake lights that is more than a certain amount. When the change in body size or the distance between brake lights is more than a certain amount, it can be determined that the moving object is rapidly approaching a moving object ahead.

[0063] (10) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system that has the ability to judge that the moving body is possibly engaged in dangerous driving when the specific condition is that the change in distance between the moving body and the moving body in front of it is in a predetermined pattern.

[0064] This makes it possible to determine whether a moving object in front is driving recklessly, especially if there is a risk of aggressive driving, based on the change in the relative distance between the moving object and the vehicle in front, thereby preventing accidents and other troubles from occurring, and thereby contributing to the maintenance of road safety and traffic order.

[0065] (11) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having a function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the moving body when the movement pattern of the moving body in front of the moving body is a predetermined pattern as the specific condition.

[0066] In this way, the movement pattern of a moving body relative to a moving body in front can be determined based on the movement pattern of the moving body in front of the moving body, allowing the driver of the moving body to make better efforts to avoid accidents and troubles.

[0067] Examples of "a predetermined pattern of movement of a moving body relative to a moving body in front" include the number of times the moving body moves left and right relative to the moving body in front per unit time, the amount of left and right movement of the moving body relative to the moving body in front per unit time, the number of times the moving body moves forward and backward relative to the moving body in front per unit time, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the moving body relative to the moving body in front per unit time. Examples of the "predetermined pattern" include a combination of one or more of the number of times the moving body moves left and right relative to the moving body in front per unit time being a predetermined number or more, the amount of left and right movement of the moving body relative to the moving body in front per unit time being a predetermined range or more, the number of times the moving body moves forward and backward relative to the moving body in front per unit time being a predetermined number or more, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the moving body relative to the moving body in front per unit time being a predetermined range or more.

[0068] (12) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The system further includes a history recording function for recording a driving history of the moving body to which the observation means is attached, The judgment function may be a system that has the function of referring to the driving history recorded in the history recording function and determining that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the moving body when the relationship between the moving body in front and the moving body in question is a predetermined pattern as the specific condition.

[0069] In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the current driving situation of the vehicle, in particular whether there is a risk of aggressive driving, depending on the driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle determined from the past driving history of the vehicle, thereby making it possible to prevent accidents and troubles from occurring, thereby contributing to the maintenance of road safety and traffic order. This becomes possible.

[0070] The "driving history of the moving body" may be, for example, the average inter-body distance between the moving body in question and a moving body in front. By referring to such past driving history, when the average inter-body distance between the moving body in question and a moving body in front conforms to a predetermined pattern, it can be determined that the moving body in question is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, and in particular, that there is a risk of aggressive driving. "When conforming to a predetermined pattern" may be, for example, when the inter-body distance between the moving body in question and a moving body in front is farther than a certain distance from the average inter-body distance in the past history.

[0071] (13) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes the road conditions on which the moving body moves, The system may be characterized in that the judgment function has the ability to judge that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the mobile body when the change in the behavior of the mobile body in relation to predetermined indicators on the road matches a predetermined pattern.

[0072] In this way, when the behavior of the moving object changes in relation to a predetermined indicator on the road (such as a white line on the road) (for example, going over the distance into the oncoming lane, swaying left and right, etc.) in a predetermined pattern, it can be determined that the moving object is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, and in particular that there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0073] The "predetermined indicator on the road" is preferably something static rather than moving, such as a white line on the road, which continues to exist on the road even if the mobile object moves.

[0074] (14) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached and drivers of the other moving bodies, The judgment function may be a system having the function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the other moving body when the specific conditions are that both the change in the behavior of the other moving body and the observation results of the driver of the other moving body are in a predetermined pattern.

[0075] In this way, by taking into account the observation results of the drivers of other moving bodies in the specific conditions, it is possible to grasp dangerous driving situations more precisely and achieve safe driving.

[0076] The observation means for observing the moving body and the observation means for observing the driver of the other moving body may be a common observation means, or each may be a separate observation means. In the former case, the observation means may be, for example, an imaging means capable of imaging the moving body and its driver. In the latter case, the observation means for the other moving body may be, for example, an infrared laser, and the observation means for the driver of the other moving body may be, for example, an imaging means.

[0077] The "observation results of the driver of another moving vehicle" may be, for example, an image of the driver of another moving vehicle captured by an imaging device attached to the moving vehicle, and emotional analysis applied to the captured image to read the driver's tension, anger, fear, or impatience, taking into account certain conditions. The emotional analysis of the captured image may, for example, determine whether the facial recognition image of the driver of the other moving vehicle matches a predetermined pattern. For example, if the facial recognition image of the driver of the other moving vehicle shows an angry facial expression pattern or an exaggerated angry motion pattern, it may be determined that there is a high possibility of dangerous driving on the other moving vehicle, and in particular, that there is a high risk of aggressive driving.

[0078] (15) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes the driver of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having a function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle when the specific condition is that the appearance of the driver of the vehicle matches a predetermined pattern.

[0079] In this way, by observing the appearance of the driver of the moving object, it is possible to grasp the possibility of dangerous driving by the moving object, particularly the risk of aggressive driving, and to ensure safe driving.

[0080] Furthermore, the judgment function may take into account not only the appearance of the driver of the moving object but also changes in the behavior of the moving object as an observation target. Examples of "changes in the behavior of the moving object" include changes in the speed of the moving object, changes in the distance to a moving object ahead, etc.

[0081] The "appearance of the driver of the mobile body" may be determined, for example, by capturing an image of the driver of the mobile body using an imaging device or the like attached to the mobile body, and determining whether the captured facial recognition image of the driver of the mobile body matches a predetermined pattern. For example, if the captured facial recognition image of the driver of the mobile body matches an angry facial expression pattern or an overacting angry motion pattern, it may be determined that there is a high possibility of dangerous driving of the mobile body, and in particular, that there is a high risk of aggressive driving.

[0082] (16) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes the driver of the moving body to which the observation means is attached; The judgment function may be a system having a function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle when the specific condition is that the physical changes of the driver of the vehicle match a predetermined pattern.

[0083] In this way, it is possible to grasp the possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle, especially the risk of aggressive driving, based on physical changes in the driver of the vehicle, and to ensure safe driving. "Physical changes in the driver of the vehicle" may be, for example, changes in pulse rate, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.

[0084] (17) An information output device capable of outputting predetermined information can be attached to a moving body, and the information output device can output the predetermined information toward the outside of the moving body to which it is attached; The control means may be a system having a function of outputting an alarm as the specified information from the information output device when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in another mobile body other than the mobile body in question.

[0085] In this way, passengers of other vehicles that may be driving dangerously can be made aware of the possibility of dangerous driving, and dangerous driving can be deterred, and in particular, tailgating can be deterred.

[0086] An "information output device" is a device that can output specified information directly or indirectly, and may be, for example, an optical alarm or vibration alarm that is suitable for indirect notification, an audio alarm, message display, video alarm, or mechanically movable alarm that is suitable for direct notification, or the like, and may be composed of one or more of these.

[0087] The "alarm" may be, for example, a message display indicating that recording is in progress or that a photograph has been taken, a flashing of the rear light emitting device, a flashing of the REC lamp or a flashing LED on the rear light emitting device, or the like.

[0088] In particular, when using an LED, if the vehicle is equipped with a smoked rear window, it is preferable to install an LED at the rear of the vehicle so that its light or flashing can be seen from the outside through the smoked rear window, and to warn of dangerous driving, especially tailgating, by lighting or flashing the LED. In this case, for example, the flashing LED can be used to notify following vehicles that are driving dangerously through the smoked rear window, contributing to safe driving. It is particularly preferable to install the LED in a position that can be seen through smoked windows other than the smoked rear window (for example, smoked side windows). It is preferable to use one that has high visibility when driving at night. Instead of the LED, electronically controllable light emitting means such as various lamps may be used.

[0089] (18) An information output device capable of outputting predetermined information can be attached to a moving body, and the information output device can output predetermined information to a passenger of the moving body to which it is attached, The control means may be a system having an alarm function that outputs from the information output device a notification that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in another moving body other than the moving body in question when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the other moving body.

[0090] In this way, passengers in other vehicles can be made aware of the possibility of dangerous driving, particularly the risk of aggressive driving, and accidents can be prevented before they occur.

[0091] Furthermore, it is advisable to attach an observation means, such as a thermal camera, that has the function of detecting living organisms to the mobile body so that it can detect when a passenger gets off another mobile body that is judged to be driving dangerously, especially road rage, and approaches the mobile body. In such a case, the notification function can issue a notification such as, "A driver who has driven dangerously is approaching. Please lock the doors and close the windows" or "Do not unlock the doors and do not open the windows."

[0092] In addition, for example, a location detection function using GPS can be attached to a mobile object to detect the location of the mobile object, and the detected location can be reported, for example, as "This is the n-kilometer post on the uphill direction of the Tomei Expressway. In case of emergency, please call 110."

[0093] (19) The control means further has a communication function capable of communicating with the outside, The communication function may be a system that has the function of transmitting information to the outside indicating that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in another mobile body other than the mobile body to which the observation means is attached, when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the other mobile body.

[0094] This will make it possible to prevent accidents and troubles, thereby contributing to the maintenance of roads and traffic order.

[0095] The "outside" may be, for example, a third party unrelated to the passengers of the mobile body and the other mobile bodies, or a party such as a passenger of the other mobile body. In the case of a third party, it may be a specific external agency such as the police, or a website on the Internet that can be viewed by any third party, while in the case of a party, it may be a mobile terminal owned by a passenger of the other mobile body, a system installed in the other mobile body, etc.

[0096] (20) An information output device capable of outputting predetermined information can be attached to a moving body, and the information output device can output predetermined information to a passenger of the moving body to which it is attached, The system further includes a setting operation unit capable of setting unique information related to the moving object, the control means has an information output function of outputting the predetermined information from the information output device, The information output function may be a system having a function to output, as the predetermined information, information relating to safe driving according to unique information relating to the mobile object set by the setting operation unit.

[0097] In this way, information relating to safe driving can be output according to the unique information relating to the moving body, making it possible to provide appropriate information that is useful for carrying out safe driving.

[0098] The "unique information related to the moving object" may be, for example, vehicle type information, and the vehicle type information may be, for example, vehicle brand information, vehicle color information, vehicle size information, etc. For example, small vehicles such as light vehicles are more likely to be the target of aggressive driving, while large vehicles such as black vehicles, minivans, and trucks, or foreign-made vehicles (imported cars), etc., tend to be more likely to engage in dangerous driving such as aggressive driving. For example, it may be possible to notify whether the person is more likely to be the target of aggressive driving or to engage in aggressive driving. For example, if a "light vehicle" is set using the setting function, an announcement such as "Please give way to aggressive driving" may be output, and if a minivan, truck, etc. is set using the setting function, information such as "Please be careful not to engage in aggressive driving" may be output.

[0099] (21) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies other than the moving body to which it is attached, The system further includes a setting operation unit capable of setting unique information related to the moving object, The control means may be a system having a function of changing the specific conditions in accordance with unique information relating to the moving object set by the setting operation unit.

[0100] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining the possibility of dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, depending on the unique information related to the moving body, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly tailgating.

[0101] The "unique information related to the moving body" may be, for example, vehicle type information, and the vehicle type information may be, for example, vehicle brand information, vehicle color information, vehicle size information, etc. For example, small vehicles such as light cars are more likely to be the target of aggressive driving, while large vehicles such as black vehicles, minivans, trucks, or foreign-made vehicles (imported cars) tend to be more likely to be the target of dangerous driving such as aggressive driving.

[0102] In this case, if the set moving body is a light vehicle or the size of the moving body is less than a predetermined value, the specific conditions can be relaxed to make it easier to determine that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving, especially aggressive driving.Also, if the set moving body is an imported car, the color of the moving body is black, or the size of the moving body is greater than a predetermined value, the specific conditions can be tightened to make it harder to determine that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving, especially aggressive driving.

[0103] (22) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means can observe other moving bodies other than the moving body to which it is attached; The control means may be a system having an acquisition function for acquiring information relating to the other moving bodies from the observation results of the observation means, and a modification function for modifying the specific conditions in accordance with the acquired information relating to the other moving bodies.

[0104] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining the possibility of dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, depending on the information related to other moving objects that have been photographed, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving, especially tailgating.

[0105] The "observation means" may be, for example, a device that can obtain both observation results used to determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating of another moving body, as well as observation results used to obtain vehicle type information of the other moving body, and in particular, may be an imaging device that can capture images of the other moving body. In this case, the image captured when capturing the other moving body may be a still image, but may also be a moving image, and may be, for example, an image that can grasp color information, size information, etc. of the other moving body in addition to information that can be used to determine whether or not a specific condition is met.

[0106] The "information related to the other moving body" may be, for example, vehicle type information, and the vehicle type information may be, for example, vehicle brand information, vehicle color information, vehicle size information, etc. For example, small vehicles such as light vehicles are less likely to be involved in dangerous driving such as tailgating, while large vehicles such as black vehicles, minivans, and trucks, or foreign-made vehicles (imported cars), etc., tend to be involved in dangerous driving such as tailgating. Therefore, for example, if information is acquired that the other moving body is a "light vehicle," the specific conditions may be relaxed to make it more difficult to determine that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating, and if information is acquired that the other moving body is a minivan, truck, etc., the specific conditions may be tightened to make it more easy to determine that the other moving body is possibly engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating.

[0107] (23) The control means further has a recording function for recording the observation results by the observation means, The recording function may be a system having a function of recording the observation results of another moving body by the observation means when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in another moving body other than the moving body to which the observation means is attached.

[0108] In this way, observations of other moving objects that may be engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating can be recorded as evidence, making it possible to smoothly handle the aftermath of accidents or other problems, for example.

[0109] (24) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body to which the observation means is attached, and The determination function has a function of determining that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the other moving body when the specific condition is satisfied, The system further includes a history recording function for recording a driving history of the mobile object, The control means may be a system having a change function that refers to the driving history recorded in the history recording function and changes the specific conditions in accordance with the driving history.

[0110] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating on another moving body depending on the driving history of the driver of the moving body, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating on another moving body.

[0111] For example, since a driver who has a higher degree of safe driving is more likely to be tailgated, it is advisable to refer to past driving history and change the specific conditions according to the degree of safe driving. For example, if it is determined from past driving history that the degree of safe driving is high, it is advisable to relax the specific conditions so that other moving bodies are more likely to be judged as potentially dangerous driving, especially aggressive driving. Furthermore, if it is determined from past driving history that the degree of safe driving is low, it is advisable to tighten the specific conditions so that other moving bodies are less likely to be judged as potentially dangerous driving, especially aggressive driving. Past driving history may include, for example, average speed, average acceleration, inter-vehicle distance, difference from the legal speed limit, and timing of use of turn signals (e.g., the time from when the turn signal is activated until changing lanes or turning right or left).

[0112] (25) At least the observation means can be attached to a moving body, and the observation means observes a moving body in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached, and The judgment function has a function of judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the moving body when the specific condition is satisfied, The system further includes a history recording function for recording a driving history of the mobile object, The control means may be a system having a change function that refers to the driving history recorded in the history recording function and changes the specific conditions in accordance with the driving history.

[0113] In this way, the criteria for determining dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, can be changed depending on the driving history of the driver of the mobile body, making it possible to more accurately determine whether or not the mobile body is at risk of dangerous driving, and in particular whether or not there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0114] For example, since a driver with a higher level of safe driving is less likely to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating, it is advisable to refer to past driving history and change the specific conditions according to the level of safe driving. For example, if it is determined from the past driving history that the level of safe driving is high, it is advisable to tighten the specific conditions so that the moving body is less likely to be judged as having the possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating. Furthermore, if it is determined from the past driving history that the level of safe driving is low, it is advisable to relax the specific conditions so that the moving body is more likely to be judged as having the possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating. Past driving history may include, for example, average speed, average acceleration, inter-vehicle distance, difference from the legal speed limit, and timing of use of turn signals (e.g., the time from when the turn signal is used to change lanes or turn right or left), etc.

[0115] (26) The observation means comprises a first imaging device capable of imaging the area in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached, and a second imaging device capable of imaging the area behind the moving body, and the observation targets are moving bodies in front of the moving body, and other moving bodies behind or to the side of the moving body, The determination function has a function of determining that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of at least the other moving body when the specific condition is satisfied, The control means may be a system having a function of recording an image captured by the first imaging device in response to a predetermined trigger for the first imaging device, and a function of recording an image captured by the second imaging device rather than the first imaging device, even if the predetermined trigger for the first imaging device occurs, if the predetermined trigger is a specific trigger.

[0116] In this way, even if there is a predetermined trigger for the first imaging device, if this predetermined trigger is a specific trigger, it is possible to switch to recording images captured by the second imaging device, thereby achieving safer driving.

[0117] The "predetermined trigger for the first imaging device" may be when a collision is detected, acceleration exceeding a predetermined value is detected, or an operation button that can be operated by the driver of the vehicle.

[0118] The "specific trigger" may be, for example, when an operation button is operated in a situation where it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, such as tailgating, by a vehicle behind or to the side.

[0119] Furthermore, if the device has a function to output an alarm and a function to record observation results, it is preferable that the output of the alarm and the recording of the observation results can be performed separately. It is also preferable that the device has a function to set whether or not to output an alarm and record the observation results, and it is even more preferable that these settings can be performed separately for the first imaging device and the second imaging device.

[0120] The recording of the observation results may be triggered by detecting that a moving body in front of the moving body has started moving but has not started moving within a predetermined time. The detection of the start of the moving body in front may be, for example, when the distance between the moving body in front and the moving body in question exceeds a certain range. As described above, the distance between the moving body in question and the moving body in front can be determined, for example, by an infrared laser or an imaging device.

[0121] (27) The functions of the system according to the above aspects (1) to (26) may be implemented as a program executable by a computer.

[0122] In this way, by installing the program in a computer and having the functions according to the modes (1) to (25) performed, safe driving can be achieved.

[0123] The term "computer" is not limited to PCs, but the present invention can be applied to electronic devices that can be controlled by a microcomputer, such as mobile devices, mobile phones, drive recorders, electronic devices for car navigation systems, electronic devices for playback, and various communication terminals.

[0124] (28) It is preferable that the program according to the above aspect (27) is stored in a storage medium.

[0125] In this way, the program can be installed into a computer from the storage medium, and the effects of each of the above embodiments (1) to (27) can be achieved, thereby enabling safe driving to be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0126] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system, a program, a storage medium, and the like that are superior to conventional systems.

[0127] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and effects achieved by the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configuration achieving such effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, phrases such as "can" and "is possible" are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate effects even without the phrases "can" and "is possible." Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such phrases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0128] [Figure 1] (A) An example of a perspective view of a system equipped with a camera, seen from diagonally behind. (B) A diagram showing an example of a system, windshield, dashboard, etc., mounted so that the camera can capture images in front of a vehicle. (C) A diagram showing an example of a rear camera, rear glass, etc., mounted so that the camera can capture images behind a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a system. [Figure 3] This is an example of an image taken by a rear camera, showing a state in which a vehicle is being tailgated by a vehicle behind. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart for explaining the control process executed by a controller of the system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a dangerous driving monitoring process executed by a controller of the system. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a setting process executed by a controller of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0129] [System Configuration] An example of the system configuration will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The "system" may be attached to a fixed object that does not move, but it is preferable that part or all of the system be attached to a mobile object. Furthermore, when part of the "system" is attached to a fixed object or a mobile object, it is preferable that an observation means such as a camera can be attached to the fixed object or the mobile object, and the control means having a judgment function for judging the possibility of dangerous driving may be provided in a location away from the fixed object or the mobile object to which the observation means is attached. Furthermore, it is preferable that the "system" has a so-called drive recorder function that records images of the moment of a traffic accident, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, the moving body to which part or all of the system is attached is not limited to vehicles such as automobiles and electric vehicles, but may also be a system mounted on an object other than a vehicle. Examples of objects other than vehicles include systems mounted on ships and airplanes, but a system mounted on a vehicle is particularly preferred. The vehicle is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile, but may also be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels, and particularly preferably a four-wheeled automobile capable of observing the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, not only a transportation vehicle (e.g., a truck or a forklift), a commercial vehicle (e.g., a taxi or a bus), or a general vehicle, but may also be used for a wider variety of purposes. In this embodiment, a drive recorder that can be mounted on a vehicle will be described.

[0131] Furthermore, when the "observation means" is a camera, for example, it is advisable to provide a camera at the rear in addition to the front camera, and use the two cameras, the front camera and the rear camera, to photograph other moving objects, etc.

[0132] FIG. 1(A) is an example of a perspective view of a system (drive recorder) equipped with a camera, viewed obliquely from the rear. As shown in FIG. 1(A), an SD card slot 114 is provided on one side of the housing of the system 100. A display 113 and multiple operation members (multiple operation buttons 112, 115 in the example shown in FIG. 1(A)) are provided on the back of the housing. A joint rail 111 is provided on the top surface of the housing. Although not shown in FIG. 1(A), a camera lens, which serves as an imaging means, is provided on the front surface of the housing. A DC jack is provided on the side not shown in FIG. 1(A), and a speaker and an HD output terminal are provided on the bottom surface.

[0133] A camera (imaging means) having a lens captures, for example, an image in front of the vehicle. The DC jack is a jack for connecting to a DC power source via a power cable. The SD card insertion slot 114 is an insertion slot for inserting an SD card. The speaker outputs sound such as voice. The HD output terminal is a terminal for connecting to other information devices via a cable. The joint rail 111 is for attaching a joint member for mounting the system 100 on a vehicle. The display 113 displays various images. The operation buttons 112, 115 are operated by the user to input various commands to the system 100.

[0134] In this specification, the user may be, for example, the driver of a vehicle in which the system is installed, or may be someone other than the driver, such as a passenger.

[0135] FIG. 1(B) is a diagram showing an example of the system 100, a windshield 122, a dashboard 126, and the like, mounted so that the camera can capture images of the area in front of the vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 1(B), the system 100 equipped with a front camera is disposed on the passenger side of the vehicle, adjacent to the rearview mirror 121, near the center in the left-right direction, above the windshield 122. The system 100 is attached and fixed to the windshield 122 with a mounting member such as double-sided tape. A DC jack of the system 100 is connected to a cigarette lighter socket 123 via a power cable 120. When an accessory power source of a vehicle or the like is turned on, power is supplied to the system 100 from the cigarette lighter socket 123, for example. Therefore, when the engine of the vehicle or the like is turned off, power is not supplied to the system 100 from the cigarette lighter socket 123.

[0136] Fig. 1(C) is a diagram showing an example of rear camera 241, rear window 222, etc., mounted so as to be able to capture images of the rear of the vehicle. In the example shown in Fig. 1(C), rear camera 241 is attached and fixed to rear window 222 with a mounting member at the top of rear window 222 of the vehicle, near the center in the left-right direction. Rear camera 241 shown in Fig. 1(C) also has a display function, but this is not essential. It is preferable to provide a display on dashboard 126 that displays images captured by rear camera 241 so that the images captured by rear camera 241 can be viewed from the front.

[0137] System 100 may be configured to capture images using two separate cameras, a front camera and a rear camera, with various functions provided only on the front camera and the rear camera connected to the front camera. System 100 may also have a function for configuring various settings on the front camera, with the front and rear cameras operating according to the settings configured on the front camera. However, this is not essential, and systems capable of configuring various functions and settings may be installed on both the front and rear cameras.

[0138] 1(A), some components of the system 100 may be provided at a position other than the windshield 122 depending on the intended use of the component. For example, an operation button 124, which is one of the operation components, may be provided on a dashboard 126 as shown in FIG. 1(B), or image data captured by a camera may be transmitted to an external device and recorded there.

[0139] 2 is an example of a block diagram of system 100. System 100 includes controller 130 (an example of a control means), front camera 141 and rear camera 241 (examples of image capture devices), GPS receiver 140, SD card reader 142 (an example of a recording means), an acceleration sensor (not shown), speaker 146, display 113, various setting operation units 112, 115, and 124 (see FIG. 1(B)) that function as operation buttons for performing various settings, etc., a communication circuit 149, and an electronic display board 150 that displays text and the like so as to be visible from other vehicles. Note that SD card reader 142 has a read / write function and should strictly be called an "SD card reader / writer," but in this specification it will be simply called an "SD card reader."

[0140] The speaker 146 and the display 113 function as notification means for informing the user of various information. The speaker 146 outputs alarms and various information as sounds under the control of the controller 130. The display 113 outputs various information as images under the control of the controller 130. The various setting operation units 112, 115, and 124 function as input means for the user to give various commands to the system 100 (more specifically, the controller 130).

[0141] The front camera 141 functions as an imaging device that captures both video within a forward angle of view (within the field of view) and video inside the vehicle. The video captured by the front camera 141 is input to the controller 130 as image data. The front camera 141 is capable of capturing at least an image in front of the vehicle. For example, the front camera 141 may be provided with a camera that captures the front and a camera that captures the interior of the vehicle, and each may be captured separately. It is even more preferable to use a camera with a 360-degree viewing angle so that both the front and the interior of the vehicle can be captured.

[0142] The rear camera 241 functions as an imaging device that captures video within a rearward angle of view (within a field of view) when a passenger seated in a rear seat faces backward. The video captured by the rear camera 241 is input to the controller 130 as image data. The rear camera 241 can capture at least an image of the area behind the vehicle, but it is more preferable if it can capture images of the sides in addition to the area behind. The number of rear cameras 241 may be one, or two or more.

[0143] The GPS receiver 140 detects the position information of the vehicle at the current time based on instructions from the controller 130. The position information detected includes the time, speed, longitude, latitude, altitude, etc. of the vehicle, which are determined based on signals from GPS satellites. The controller 130 performs processing to record the history of this position information.

[0144] The SD card reader 142 functions as a medium holder that holds an SD card. The SD card functions as a removable storage medium. A user can insert an SD card into the SD card reader 142 through the SD card insertion slot 114 (see FIG. 1(A)). The SD card reader 142 reads data from the SD card held in the SD card reader 142 or stores data in the SD card, based on control from the controller 130. The SD card reader 142 may have separate areas for recording data captured by the front camera 141 and data captured by the rear camera 241. Although a single SD card may have separate recording areas, it is preferable to allow two or more SD cards to be inserted, and to record data captured by the front camera 141 in a first SD card and data captured by the rear camera 241 in a second SD card.

[0145] A three-axis sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of three axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) is used as the acceleration sensor 144. Measurement values ​​by the acceleration sensor 144 are constantly input to the controller 130. The controller 130 acquires three-axis acceleration information, for example, every 10 ms.

[0146] The controller 130 includes a well-known CPU 131, memories such as a ROM 132 and a RAM 133, a timer 134, and other peripheral circuits. Various programs are stored in the ROM 132 of the controller 130. The controller 130 executes these programs to realize various functions. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a GPS information processing program, a video processing program (e.g., the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6), a communication processing program, and the like.

[0147] By executing the GPS information processing program, the controller 130 can store the GPS information received by the GPS receiver 140 in the SD card held in the SD card reader 142. By executing the video processing program, the controller 130 can record the video captured by the camera 141 in a recording area of ​​the SD card in association with the time. The controller 130 has a function to access the SD card held in the SD card reader 142, and functions as control means having a function to record the video captured by the camera 141 in the SD card held in the SD card reader 142.

[0148] Display 113 functions as a notification means for informing the user of the role of the SD card accessed by controller 130. Display 113 can display images (moving images or still images) captured by front camera 141 and images (moving images or still images) captured by rear camera 241, and may alternate between displaying images captured by front camera 141 and images captured by rear camera 241. Alternatively, the display area of ​​display 113 may be divided into two areas, with images captured by front camera 141 displayed in one area and images captured by rear camera 241 displayed in the other area. Display 113 may be provided on dashboard 126 as described above, or only a display capable of displaying only the images captured by rear camera 241 out of the images captured by front camera 141 and the images captured by rear camera 241 may be provided on dashboard 126.

[0149] The communication circuit 149 functions as a communication means for wirelessly communicating with external devices, such as servers (e.g., servers of public institutions such as police departments, servers of companies that operate publicly accessible internet sites, etc.), personal computers, smartphones, tablet devices, etc. The controller 130 has a function of transmitting image data such as video to external devices via the communication circuit 149 by executing a communication processing program. The communication circuit 149 may be a communication circuit that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as the Wi-Fi standard or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a mobile communication system standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 4G. The short-range wireless communication standard can be applied, for example, to communication between a work vehicle (e.g., a forklift) operating within a premises and an external device. The mobile communication system standard can be applied, for example, to communication between a vehicle moving within a wider area and an external device.

[0150] Controller 130 executes the above-mentioned video processing program by recording images on an SD card held in SD card reader 142 based on image data input from camera 141. More specifically, the SD card is divided into at least two recording areas (a first recording area and a second recording area). Image data that is constantly recorded as long as power is being supplied from the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "constantly recorded image data") is compressed and recorded in the first recording area. Image data that is recorded when a specific condition is met while power is being supplied from the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "event recorded image data") is recorded in the second recording area. Controller 130 executes a continuous recording process for recording the continuously recorded image data and an event recording process for recording the event recorded image data as multitasking processes.

[0151] For example, the images of the continuous recording image data or the event recording image data may be a series of still images or may be a moving image. In the case of still images, multiple still images can be simultaneously viewed, which allows for efficient viewing. Furthermore, the moving image may be, for example, a moving image obtained by continuously displaying a series of images taken at regular time intervals at short intervals, or may be a completely continuous image.

[0152] Furthermore, it is preferable to add vehicle data (for example, vehicle inspection certificate number, chassis number, owner's name, etc.) to the still images and moving images. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a single button as the operation button 124, and to provide no buttons other than the operation button 124. By providing a single operation button 124 as an operation button that can be operated by the user, it is possible to operate the operation button 124 without hesitation in an emergency such as a traffic accident.

[0153] The electronic bulletin board 150 functions as a warning means for informing other vehicles of various information. The electronic bulletin board 150 outputs warnings and various information as images based on the control of the controller 130. For example, it is preferable to display a message indicating that recording is in progress or that a photograph has been taken, to make the electronic bulletin board 150 blink, or to make the REC lamp or LED on the electronic bulletin board 150 blink.

[0154] In addition, warnings to other vehicles can be sent without using the electronic bulletin board 150. For example, in the same way that hazard lights flash when braking suddenly to warn those behind, if it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, especially tailgating, it is possible to provide a light source such as an LED on the rear camera 241 itself and flash this LED or other light source to notify the driver of the vehicle behind that recording is in progress.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, not only when there is a possibility of dangerous driving, especially tailgating, by a vehicle behind the vehicle, but also when there is another vehicle within a predetermined range (e.g., 10 meters or less) around the vehicle, a light source such as an LED provided on the rear camera 241 itself may be flashed, and when the other vehicle is present within the predetermined range, the light source such as an LED may be turned off. Furthermore, when it is detected that not only other vehicles but also a driver who has engaged in tailgating or other behavior is approaching the driver's seat within a predetermined range around the vehicle, a light source such as an LED provided on the rear camera 241 itself may be flashed. In particular, when it is detected that the driver is inside the vehicle and a driver who has engaged in tailgating or other behavior is approaching the driver's seat, a light source such as an LED provided on the rear camera 241 itself may be flashed. Furthermore, the flashing frequency of the LED may be changed depending on the distance to the adjacent vehicle. For example, when the distance to the adjacent vehicle is far, the flashing may be made relatively slow, and when the distance to the adjacent vehicle is close, the flashing may be made relatively fast. In addition, since the sense of distance from which the object is tilted varies from person to person, it is preferable that the above-mentioned predetermined range can be set using the various setting operation units 112, 115, and 124.

[0156] Also, for example, when a light source such as an LED provided on the rear camera 241 itself is made to flash, if the light is red it may be mistaken for a brake light, so it is better to use a color other than red. Also, it is better to provide the LED provided on the rear camera on the lens side of the rear camera.

[0157] 3 is an example of an image captured by rear camera 241, showing a situation in which a vehicle is being tailgated by a vehicle behind. Such tailgating can cause serious accidents and other problems.

[0158] Next, the control processing of the controller 130 provided in the system will be described. Note that the system configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 is common to the first, second, and third embodiments, so only the control processing executed by the controller 130 will be described below.

[0159] The first embodiment is an example of a case where a rear vehicle is observed and a determination is made as to whether or not the rear vehicle is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly tailgating. The second embodiment is an example of a case where a front vehicle is observed and a determination is made as to whether or not the front vehicle or the subject vehicle is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly tailgating. The third embodiment is an example of a case where a driver of another vehicle or the subject vehicle is observed and a determination is made as to whether or not the other vehicle or the subject vehicle is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving, based on physical changes in the drivers.

[0160] [First Example] First, a first example of the control process executed by the controller 130 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As described above, the first example is an example of a case where a rear vehicle is the observation target and is the subject of image capture by the rear camera 241, and whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving, particularly tailgating, by the rear vehicle is determined.

[0161] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the control processing executed by the controller 130 of the system 100, and is processing that is carried out not only in the first embodiment but also in the second and third embodiments.

[0162] 4, the controller 130 first determines whether or not the mode is the monitoring mode (step S10). If the mode is the setting mode (YES in step S10), the controller 130 performs a dangerous driving monitoring process (step S20). On the other hand, if the mode is not the monitoring mode, the controller 130 performs a setting process (step S30).

[0163] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the dangerous driving monitoring process executed by the controller 130 of the system 100, which is performed not only in the first embodiment but also in the second and third embodiments.

[0164] 5, the controller 130 determines whether a specific condition is met (step S201). If the specific condition is met, it determines that there is a risk of dangerous driving, particularly tailgating, by a vehicle traveling behind the host vehicle.

[0165] Various examples of the specific condition may be given, such as a condition relating to a situation where dangerous driving is occurring, and particularly a condition relating to a situation where aggressive driving is occurring, such as when a vehicle behind the vehicle approaches abnormally close to the vehicle.

[0166] To determine whether a vehicle behind is approaching abnormally close to the vehicle, for example, the vehicle behind can be photographed using rear camera 241, and when the size of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the image photographed by rear camera 241 becomes large enough to be judged as an abnormal approach, it can be determined that the moving vehicle behind is possibly driving dangerously.

[0167] The "size that can be judged as an abnormal approach" may be defined as the proportion of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the display area of ​​display 113 when an image taken by rear camera 241 at the rear is displayed on display 113 exceeding a predetermined proportion.

[0168] Furthermore, when determining whether a vehicle behind the vehicle has come abnormally close to the vehicle, it is advisable to use at least one of width, height, and area as the size of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241, but accuracy can be improved by using area in particular.

[0169] When determining whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle using an image captured by the rear camera 241, it is relatively easy to determine whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle during the daytime and relatively difficult to determine whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle at night. Therefore, it is preferable to provide two specific conditions for determining whether a vehicle is driving dangerously, i.e., tailgating: one for daytime tailgating and one for nighttime tailgating. In this case, it is preferable to determine whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle using an illuminance sensor or twilight time. For example, during the daytime, it is preferable to determine whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle when the size of the area that can be considered a vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241 gradually increases. At night, it is preferable to determine whether a vehicle is approaching an abnormally close vehicle when the area capturing the light from the headlights gradually increases.

[0170] In this way, when the specific condition is satisfied (YES in step S201), the controller 130 proceeds to step S202.

[0171] In step S202, controller 130 performs an event recording process. This event recording process is, for example, a process of reading out constantly recorded image data recorded in a first recording area of ​​a second SD card having a function of recording data captured by rear camera 241, cutting out image data for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds before and after) before and after the time when it is determined that a vehicle behind the vehicle has abnormally approached the vehicle, and recording the cutout image data in a second recording area of ​​the second SD card as event recording image data.

[0172] After performing the event recording process (step S202), the controller 130 performs the warning process (step S203). This warning process may be a process of notifying the driver of the vehicle that a vehicle behind is abnormally approaching, or a process of issuing a warning to the driver of the vehicle behind, and it is particularly preferable to perform both of these processes.

[0173] The process of informing the driver of the vehicle that a vehicle behind is approaching abnormally may be, for example, a process of outputting a voice message such as "A vehicle behind is approaching abnormally" from the speaker 146 of the vehicle.

[0174] In addition, the process of warning the driver of the vehicle behind may be carried out, for example, by displaying information such as "Recorded" on the electronic bulletin board 150, or by controlling the illumination of the electronic bulletin board 150 in a specific manner (for example, by flashing it).

[0175] After performing the alarm process (step S203), the controller 130 performs the information transmission process (step S204). In this information transmission process, the image data and the like recorded in the event recording process (step S202) may be transmitted via a communication circuit to, for example, a server of a public institution such as the police, or a server of a company that operates a website on the Internet that anyone can access.

[0176] As mentioned above, there are various examples of the specific condition. In the above, an example was described in which the specific condition is that a vehicle behind the vehicle is abnormally close to the vehicle itself. However, in the following modified example, other examples of the specific condition will be described.

[0177] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the first modification of the first embodiment, a rear vehicle is the object of observation and is the object of image capture by the rear camera 241, and the specific condition is that the speed change of the rear vehicle within a predetermined time period is a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the first modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the rear vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0178] This allows the driver of the vehicle to more accurately determine whether there is a risk of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, especially if there is a risk of tailgating, and allows the driver of the vehicle to make better efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0179] The "predetermined pattern of speed change of the vehicle behind within a predetermined time" may be, for example, a pattern in which the speed change of the vehicle behind within a unit time can be determined to be sudden acceleration or sudden deceleration, or a pattern in which sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration are repeated, etc. Furthermore, as the "predetermined pattern of speed change of the vehicle behind," for example, when the number of repeated sudden accelerations and sudden decelerations of the vehicle behind within a unit time exceeds three, it may be determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, and in particular, that there is a possibility of tailgating.

[0180] In addition, when the time required for the size of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the image captured by the rear rear camera 241 to change from a predetermined size to a size that can be determined to be an abnormal approach is shorter than a predetermined time, it can be determined that the vehicle behind has suddenly accelerated, and when the time required for the size that can be determined to be an abnormal approach to change from a size that can be determined to be an abnormal approach to a predetermined size is shorter than a predetermined time, it can be determined that the vehicle behind has suddenly decelerated.

[0181] The "predetermined size" may be a size at which the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind is not judged to be abnormally close (for example, a size at which it is judged that an appropriate distance is being maintained), and the "size that can be judged to be abnormally close" may be a size at which the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind is judged to be abnormally close (for example, a size at which it is judged that an appropriate distance is not being maintained).

[0182] The "appropriate following distance" should be "driving speed - 15" when the speed is between 30km / h and 60km / h, and should be the same as the driving speed when the speed is over 60km / h. For example, when driving at 50km / h, the appropriate following distance should be 35m, and when driving at 100km / h, the appropriate following distance should be 100m.

[0183] In addition, when the size of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241 at the rear repeatedly changes between a size that can be determined to be an abnormal approach and a size that cannot be determined to be an abnormal approach a predetermined number of times or more in a unit time (for example, three or more times per minute), it can be determined that the vehicle at the rear is repeatedly accelerating and decelerating suddenly.

[0184] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) In the second modification of the first embodiment, a rear vehicle is observed as an object to be imaged by the rear camera 241, and the specific condition is that the distance between the vehicle and the rear vehicle continues to be within a certain range for a predetermined time or more (for example, one minute or more). When the specific condition of the second modification is met, the controller 130 determines that the rear vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0185] In this way, when there is a moving object behind the vehicle, it is possible to prevent danger from such a vehicle from occurring. In particular, when the vehicle accelerates from a state where the vehicle is traveling at a substantially constant speed, if a vehicle behind accelerates in a manner following the acceleration (with almost no time delay) and the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind is kept below a predetermined value (for example, below an appropriate inter-vehicle distance), it is preferable to determine that there is a possibility of tailgating. However, it is even more preferable not to determine that tailgating is occurring even if a vehicle behind accelerates in a manner following the acceleration (with almost no time delay) when the vehicle accelerates from a stopped state.

[0186] The distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind can be determined based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that can be considered to be the vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241, or based on the time it takes for an infrared laser or the like to be shone on the vehicle behind and reflected back from the vehicle behind.

[0187] When the distance between one's own vehicle and a vehicle behind is determined based on the proportion of the display area of ​​display 113 that is occupied by the size of the area that can be considered to be a vehicle in the image captured by rear camera 241, if the area that can be considered to be the rear vehicle captured by rear camera 241 is equal to or greater than a certain proportion of the display area of ​​display 113, it can be determined that the rear vehicle is approaching one's own vehicle and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the rear vehicle, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0188] In addition, the determination that the area of ​​a certain area that is judged to be the rear vehicle photographed by rear camera 241 is larger than a certain amount can be made by adopting one or more of several determination criteria, such as the area occupied by the entire body of the rear vehicle within a certain area such as the display area of ​​the display being larger than a certain amount, the height occupied by the rear vehicle within the height of the display area of ​​the display being larger than a certain amount, the width occupied by the rear vehicle within the width of the display area of ​​the display being larger than a certain amount, and the width occupied by the distance between the headlights of the rear vehicle within the width of the display area of ​​the display being larger than a certain amount.

[0189] Furthermore, when determining the distance between one's own vehicle and a vehicle behind by shining an infrared laser or the like at the vehicle behind and judging the time it takes for the light to be reflected back from the vehicle behind, for example, if an infrared laser or the like is shining at the vehicle behind and the time it takes for the light to be reflected back from the vehicle behind is within a predetermined time, it can be determined that the vehicle behind is approaching one's own vehicle and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0190] Furthermore, when it is determined that the moving object is stopped, for example, due to parking, it is preferable not to determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of other moving objects, and in particular, it is preferable not to determine that there is a risk of tailgating. For example, it is possible to check the moving speed of the own vehicle to determine whether it is stopped. It is also possible to determine that an approach while parked is excluded. For example, it is possible to exclude if the current location corresponds to the location of a pre-stored parking lot.

[0191] The controller 130 may have a function to detect the speed of the vehicle. In this case, the controller 130 may have a function to determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind when the distance between the vehicle behind the controller and the vehicle behind the controller has been within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, and when the vehicle behind the controller is traveling at a predetermined speed or more. In particular, it may determine that there is a risk of aggressive driving.

[0192] For example, when both the vehicle and the vehicle behind are stopped, or when both the vehicle behind and the vehicle behind are moving smoothly in the flow of traffic, it is advisable not to judge that the vehicle behind is likely to be driving dangerously, and in particular not to judge that there is a risk of tailgating. In this way, it becomes possible to objectively judge with higher accuracy whether the vehicle behind is likely to be driving dangerously, and in particular whether there is a risk of tailgating.

[0193] The "certain range" may be varied depending on the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the speed of the vehicle is 40 km / h and another vehicle (behind or to the side) is present within, for example, a 22-meter range behind or to the side of the vehicle for 10 seconds or more, or if the speed of the vehicle is 100 km / h and another vehicle is present within, for example, a 55-meter range behind or to the side of the vehicle for 10 seconds or more, the vehicle may be deemed to be driving recklessly, particularly if there is a risk of tailgating. The slower the speed of the vehicle, the narrower the range may be.

[0194] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) In the third modification of the first embodiment, a rear vehicle is the object of observation and is the object of image capture by the rear camera 241, and the specific condition is that the data related to the rear vehicle observed over a predetermined time period changes over time in a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the third modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the rear vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0195] This allows for more accurate and objective judgment of the possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, particularly the risk of tailgating, and enables the driver of the vehicle to make greater efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0196] "Data related to the vehicle behind" may be, for example, the body size of the vehicle behind (e.g., width, height, etc.), the distance between multiple light sources (e.g., headlights, etc.) provided on the vehicle behind, the light intensity of the light sources (e.g., headlights, etc.) provided on the vehicle behind, the speed of the vehicle behind, the distance between the vehicle behind and the vehicle behind, etc.

[0197] The "changes over time in data related to the vehicle behind" may be, for example, changes over time in the body size (e.g., width or height) of the vehicle behind, changes over time in the distance between the headlights of the vehicle behind, changes over time in the light intensity of the headlights of the vehicle behind, changes over time in the speed of the vehicle behind, changes over time in the distance between the vehicle behind and the vehicle behind, etc. When these changes match a predetermined pattern, the determination function of controller 130 may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, and in particular, that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0198] Furthermore, "changes in data relating to the vehicle behind over time that follow a predetermined pattern" means, for example, when a combination of data relating to the vehicle behind that has changed by more than a certain amount over time follows a predetermined pattern, or when specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time follows a predetermined pattern, it is possible to determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle behind, and in particular, that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0199] The "predetermined pattern is a combination of data relating to a vehicle behind that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern when at least two or more pieces of data, such as body size and headlight distance, have changed by more than a certain amount.

[0200] The "predetermined pattern of specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern such as a change in body size, a change in the distance between headlights, or a change in light intensity. When the change in body size or the distance between headlights is more than a certain amount, it can be determined that the vehicle behind is rapidly approaching the subject vehicle. When the change in light intensity is more than a certain number of times, it can be determined that the vehicle behind is flashing its lights or blinking its right turn signal. For example, images captured by the rear camera 241 can be used to read changes in the blinking light intensity of the following vehicle to detect flashing. Images captured by the rear camera 241 can also be used to detect the continuous illumination (flashing) of the right turn signal of the following vehicle. By providing a waiting time between the detection of the right turn signal and the trigger determination, excessive detection during lane changes can be avoided. By using road information in combination, it can be determined that the subject vehicle is being tailgated when the vehicle behind is flashing its right turn signal even though there is no right-turn lane.

[0201] The controller 130's judgment function does not detect simple on / off of the lights, particularly when the change in light intensity exceeds a certain level, such as when entering a tunnel or turning on the headlights at night, so as not to determine that dangerous driving is occurring. Instead, it determines that dangerous driving is occurring when the number of changes in light intensity within a unit time exceeds a predetermined number (threshold), and particularly determines that there is a risk of tailgating. The "change in light intensity" may be, for example, a change from on to off or from off to on. Furthermore, if the number of changes in light intensity is, for example, one, then dangerous driving is not determined (for example, by limiting detection to flashing, no detection is made when entering a culvert such as a tunnel), but if the number of changes in light intensity is, for example, multiple, then it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, and particularly that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0202] As in variant 2 of the first embodiment, the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind can be determined based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that is occupied by the size of the area that can be considered to be the vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241, or based on the time it takes for an infrared laser or the like to be reflected back from the vehicle behind and return.

[0203] (Modification 4 of the first embodiment) In the fourth modification of the first embodiment, a rear vehicle is observed as an object to be imaged by the rear camera 241, and a specific condition is that the movement pattern of the rear vehicle relative to the vehicle is a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the fourth modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the rear vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0204] In this way, the movement patterns of vehicles behind the vehicle can be objectively determined, and the driver of the vehicle can make more efforts to avoid accidents and troubles.

[0205] The "predetermined pattern of movement of the rear vehicle relative to the host vehicle" may be, for example, one or more of the following: the number of times the rear vehicle moves left and right relative to the host vehicle per unit time (the number of times so-called zigzag driving is repeated), the amount of left and right movement of the rear vehicle relative to the host vehicle per unit time, the number of times the rear vehicle moves forward and backward relative to the host vehicle per unit time, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the rear vehicle relative to the host vehicle per unit time. The "predetermined pattern" may be, for example, a combination of one or more of the following: the number of times the rear vehicle moves left and right relative to the host vehicle per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; the amount of left and right movement of the rear vehicle relative to the host vehicle per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined range; the number of times the rear vehicle moves forward and backward relative to the host vehicle per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; and the amount of forward and backward movement of the rear vehicle relative to the host vehicle per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. In particular, when the "predetermined movement pattern of the vehicle behind the vehicle" is recognized as, for example, a driving pattern of sudden approach and a driving pattern of swaying left and right after approaching, it may be determined that the driving is dangerous, such as tailgating. If it is determined that the driving is dangerous, such as tailgating, it may be possible to output an image on the display 113, or to start a notification, alarm, or recording.

[0206] When determining the movement pattern of a vehicle behind using images captured by the rear camera 241, it is relatively easy to determine abnormal approach during the day, but relatively difficult to determine abnormal approach at night. Therefore, it is recommended to set two specific conditions for determining dangerous driving, i.e., tailgating: one for daytime tailgating determination and one for nighttime tailgating determination. In this case, it is recommended to determine whether it is day or night using an illuminance sensor or twilight. For example, if it is daytime, it is recommended to read changes in the image from within a specified image range (such as changes in the Y value of YUV, or using MotionDetect, a part of the microcomputer's functions), and if it is night, it is recommended to read changes in the image from within a specified range (such as changes in the Y value of the headlights).

[0207] (Modification 5 of the First Embodiment) In the fifth modified example of the first embodiment, a rear vehicle is the observation target and is the target of image capture by the rear camera 241, and the specific condition is that the host vehicle cannot overtake the rear vehicle due to road conditions and the distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more. When the specific condition of the fifth modified example is met, the controller 130 determines that the rear vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0208] In this way, when there is a vehicle behind the vehicle that is following the vehicle but cannot overtake the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle can make more efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0209] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the controller 130 has a function that does not determine that the rear vehicle is possibly driving recklessly if the vehicle accelerates from a stopped state to a speed above a predetermined speed, even if the distance between the vehicle and the rear vehicle remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time, but determines that the rear vehicle is possibly driving recklessly if the vehicle continues to travel at a speed above a predetermined speed for a certain period of time.

[0210] This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether a vehicle behind is driving recklessly, especially whether there is a risk of tailgating, when the vehicle is following behind. For example, it can reduce the frequency of incorrectly determining that a vehicle behind is driving recklessly when there is no passing lane, such as in a traffic jam.

[0211] In the process of determining whether tailgating is occurring, it is preferable to perform additional auxiliary processing. For example, it is preferable to control the system so that tailgating is likely to occur when the vehicle is in a situation where overtaking is not possible, there is no vehicle in front of the vehicle, or the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front of the vehicle is wide, and there is a vehicle following the vehicle. Conversely, when there is a vehicle in front of the vehicle, it is preferable to control the system so that the following vehicle is not determined to be tailgating, even if the following vehicle cannot overtake the vehicle.

[0212] As in variant 2 of the first embodiment, the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind can be determined based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 occupied by the size of the area that can be considered to be the vehicle in the image captured by the rear camera 241, or based on the time it takes for an infrared laser or the like to be reflected back from the vehicle behind.

[0213] [Second Example] As described above, the second embodiment is an example in which a vehicle ahead is the observation target and is the target of image capture by the front camera 141, and it is determined whether or not the host vehicle is engaging in dangerous driving, particularly tailgating. That is, whether or not the host vehicle is engaging in tailgating is determined based on the vehicle ahead. This second embodiment, like the first embodiment, is an example of the dangerous driving monitoring process in step S10 of FIG. 4. In the dangerous driving monitoring process of this second embodiment, like the first embodiment, steps S201 to S204 of FIG. 5 are performed. However, in this second embodiment, the observation target and the specific conditions of step S201 are different from those of the first embodiment. The observation target and the specific conditions of the second embodiment are described below.

[0214] In this second embodiment, the specific condition is that the distance between the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead remains within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more. When this specific condition is met, the controller 130 determines that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the host vehicle, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0215] The event recording process (step S202) is, for example, a process of reading out continuously recorded image data recorded in a first recording area of ​​a first SD card having the function of recording data captured by the front camera 141, extracting image data for a predetermined period of time (for example, 20 seconds before and after) before and after the point at which it is determined that the vehicle has abnormally approached the vehicle ahead, and recording this as event recording image data in a second recording area of ​​the first SD card.

[0216] The warning process may be a process of informing the driver that the vehicle is behaving in a manner equivalent to aggressive driving. For example, the warning process may simply be a process of informing the driver that "aggressive driving is possible."

[0217] Alternatively, when there is a possibility of tailgating in one's own vehicle, there are two possible cases: (i) there is a subjective intention to tailgate, and (ii) there is no subjective intention to tailgate. Even if there is no intention to tailgate, there are two possible cases: (ii) there is negligence and the objective appearance of tailgating, and (iii) there is no intention or negligence to tailgate but the objective appearance of tailgating. Therefore, it is advisable to distinguish between case (ii) and the other cases ((i) and (ii)) by at least one of detecting driving operation or recognizing emotions, and to issue different warnings. In case (i), it is advisable to issue a warning that tailgating is a crime, such as "Tailgating is the end of your life." In case (ii), it is advisable to issue a warning warning against tailgating, such as "Tailgating is occurring. Please maintain a safe distance." In case (ii), it is advisable to issue a warning warning against tailgating, such as "This situation could be interpreted as tailgating. Please maintain a safe distance." In case (iii), it is advisable to issue a warning warning that tailgating is a possibility, such as "This situation could be interpreted as tailgating. Please maintain a safe distance."

[0218] The distance between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead can be determined, for example, by shining an infrared laser or the like at the vehicle ahead and determining the distance based on the time it takes for the light to be reflected back from the vehicle ahead, or by photographing the vehicle ahead with the front camera 141 and determining the distance based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that is occupied by the vehicle ahead.

[0219] When the distance between one's own vehicle and a vehicle ahead is determined based on the time it takes for an infrared laser or the like to be shone on the vehicle ahead and reflected back from the vehicle ahead, if the time it takes for the infrared laser or the like to be shone on the vehicle ahead and reflected back is less than a predetermined time, it can be determined that the own vehicle is approaching the vehicle ahead and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the own vehicle, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0220] When the front camera 141 captures an image of a vehicle ahead and the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle ahead is determined based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that the vehicle ahead occupies, if the area of ​​the display area of ​​the display 113 that is determined to be the vehicle ahead captured by the front camera 141 is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the vehicle ahead and that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle ahead, and in particular, it is determined that there is a risk of tailgating. Note that the determination that the area of ​​the display area of ​​the display 113 that is determined to be the vehicle ahead captured by the front camera 141 is equal to or greater than a certain percentage may be made by employing one or more of a plurality of determination criteria, such as the area of ​​the area of ​​the display area (image capture area) that is occupied by the entire body of the vehicle ahead is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, the height of the display area that is occupied by the vehicle ahead is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, the width of the display area that is occupied by the vehicle ahead is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, and the width of the display area that is occupied by the distance between the brake lights of the vehicle ahead is equal to or greater than a certain percentage.

[0221] The determination function of the controller 130 may include a function for determining that the host vehicle is possibly engaging in dangerous driving when the distance between the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead has been within a certain range for a predetermined period of time or more, and when the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more. It is particularly desirable for the controller 130 to include a function for determining that the host vehicle is possibly engaging in dangerous driving when, for example, both the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead are stopped, or when both the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead are moving smoothly along with the flow of traffic. This makes it possible to objectively determine with greater accuracy whether the host vehicle is possibly engaging in dangerous driving, particularly whether there is a risk of dangerous driving.

[0222] Furthermore, the "certain range" may be varied depending on the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the speed of the vehicle is 40 km / h and there is a vehicle ahead within, for example, a range of 22 m for 10 seconds or more, or if the speed of the vehicle is 100 km / h and there is a moving object ahead within, for example, a range of 55 m for 10 seconds or more, the vehicle may be judged to be potentially driving recklessly with respect to the vehicle ahead, and may be judged to be particularly at risk of tailgating.

[0223] (Modification 2 of the second embodiment) In the second modification of the second embodiment, a vehicle ahead is observed as an observation target, and a specific condition is that the change over time of data related to the vehicle ahead observed over a predetermined time period is a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the second modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that there is a possibility that the vehicle is tailgating the vehicle ahead, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0224] In this way, it is possible to more accurately and objectively determine whether there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the vehicle, especially if there is a risk of tailgating, and the driver of the vehicle can make better efforts to avoid accidents and trouble.

[0225] "Data related to the vehicle ahead" may be, for example, the body size (e.g., width, height, etc.) of the vehicle ahead, the distance between multiple light sources (e.g., brake lights, etc.) provided on the vehicle ahead, the distance between the vehicle itself and the vehicle ahead, etc.

[0226] The "changes over time in data related to the vehicle ahead" may be, for example, changes over time in the body size (e.g., width or height) of the vehicle ahead, changes over time in the distance between the brake lights of the vehicle ahead, changes over time in the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle ahead, etc. When these changes match a predetermined pattern, the determination function of controller 130 may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle ahead, and in particular, that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0227] In addition, the judgment function of controller 130 may determine that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle in question relative to the vehicle in front, particularly when "changes in data related to the vehicle in front over time form a predetermined pattern," for example, when a combination of data related to the vehicle in front that has changed by more than a certain amount over time forms a predetermined pattern, or when specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time forms a predetermined pattern.

[0228] The "predetermined pattern is a combination of data relating to a vehicle ahead that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern when at least two or more pieces of data, such as body size and distance between brake lights, have changed by more than a certain amount.

[0229] The "predetermined pattern of specific data that has changed by more than a certain amount over time" may be, for example, a predetermined pattern of a change in body size or a change in the distance between brake lights that is more than a certain amount. When the change in body size or the distance between brake lights is more than a certain amount, it can be determined that the moving object is rapidly approaching a moving object ahead.

[0230] As in the second embodiment described above, the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead can be determined, for example, by shining an infrared laser or the like at the vehicle ahead and determining the distance based on the time it takes for the light to be reflected back from the vehicle ahead, or by photographing the vehicle ahead with the front camera 141 and determining the distance based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that is occupied by the vehicle ahead.

[0231] (Modification 3 of the second embodiment) In the third modification of the second embodiment, a vehicle ahead is observed as an observation target, and a specific condition is that the change in the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle ahead follows a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the third modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the vehicle ahead may be tailgating the vehicle ahead, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0232] This makes it possible to determine the possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle in question, especially the risk of aggressive driving, based on the change in the relative distance from the vehicle in front, thereby preventing accidents and other troubles from occurring, thereby contributing to the maintenance of road safety and traffic order.

[0233] As in the second embodiment described above, the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead can be determined, for example, by shining an infrared laser or the like at the vehicle ahead and determining the distance based on the time it takes for the light to be reflected back from the vehicle ahead, or by photographing the vehicle ahead with the front camera 141 and determining the distance based on the proportion of the display area of ​​the display 113 that is occupied by the vehicle ahead.

[0234] (Modification 4 of the second embodiment) In the fourth modification of the second embodiment, a vehicle ahead is observed as an object of observation, and a specific condition is that the driving pattern of the vehicle ahead relative to the vehicle itself is a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the fourth modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the vehicle itself may be tailgating the vehicle ahead, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0235] In this way, the driving pattern of the vehicle in relation to the vehicle ahead can be determined from the driving pattern of the vehicle ahead of the vehicle, allowing the driver of the vehicle to make better efforts to avoid accidents and troubles.

[0236] Examples of "the driving pattern of the host vehicle relative to the vehicle in front" include the number of times the host vehicle moves left and right relative to the vehicle in front per unit time, the amount of left and right movement of the host vehicle relative to the vehicle in front per unit time, the number of forward and backward movements of the host vehicle relative to the vehicle in front per unit time, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the host vehicle relative to the vehicle in front per unit time. Examples of the "predetermined pattern" include a combination of one or more of the number of times the host vehicle moves left and right relative to the vehicle in front per unit time being a predetermined number or more, the amount of left and right movement of the host vehicle relative to the moving object in front per unit time being a predetermined range or more, the number of times the host vehicle moves forward and backward relative to the vehicle in front per unit time being a predetermined number or more, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the host vehicle relative to the vehicle in front per unit time being a predetermined range or more.

[0237] (Modification 5 of the second embodiment) In a fifth modification of the second embodiment, a vehicle ahead is observed, the system 100 further includes a history recording function for recording the driving history of the vehicle, and the determination function of the controller 130 refers to the driving history recorded in the history recording function, and the specific condition is that the relationship between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle ahead conforms to a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the fifth modification is met, the controller 130 determines that the vehicle ahead may be tailgating the vehicle ahead, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0238] In this way, it is possible to determine whether there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the current driving situation of the vehicle, in particular whether there is a risk of tailgating, based on the driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle judged from the past driving history of the vehicle, and to prevent accidents and troubles from occurring, which in turn contributes to the maintenance of road safety and traffic order. This becomes possible.

[0239] The "driving history of the moving body" may be, for example, the average distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle itself. By referring to such past driving history, if the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle itself matches a predetermined pattern, it can be determined that the vehicle is likely to be driving dangerously, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating. "When it matches a predetermined pattern" may be, for example, if the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle itself is farther than a certain distance from the average distance in the past history.

[0240] (Modification 6 of the second embodiment) In the sixth modification of the second embodiment, the road conditions of the road on which the vehicle is traveling are observed, and the specific condition is that the traveling pattern of the vehicle ahead of the vehicle is a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the fifth modification is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that the vehicle is likely tailgating the vehicle ahead, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0241] In this way, when the change in the behavior of the vehicle in response to the road conditions on the road on which the vehicle is traveling (for example, overshooting into the oncoming lane, swaying left and right, etc.) matches a predetermined pattern, it can be determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving by the vehicle, and in particular that there is a risk of tailgating.

[0242] The "road conditions" may be things that continue to exist on the road even when the vehicle is traveling, such as predetermined road markers. The "predetermined road markers" may be static rather than moving, such as white lines or other lane marks on the road.

[0243] [Third Example] As described above, the third embodiment is an example in which another vehicle behind or to the side and its driver are observed as the subject of observation, for example, captured by the rear camera 241. The possibility of dangerous driving by the other vehicle is determined based on changes in the behavior of the other vehicle and the appearance of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, emotion analysis is applied to not only the behavior of the other vehicle but also the captured image of the driver of the other vehicle, and information interpreting the driver's tension, anger, fear, and impatience is incorporated into the specific conditions. The emotion analysis may be configured to interpret at least one of the driver's tension, anger, fear, and impatience. This third embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, is an example of the dangerous driving monitoring process in step S10 of FIG. 4. The dangerous driving monitoring process of this third embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, involves the processing of steps S201 to S204 of FIG. 5. However, this third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the observation subject and the specific conditions of step S201. The observation target and specific conditions of the third embodiment will be described below.

[0244] In this way, by taking into consideration not only other vehicles but also the appearance of the drivers of other vehicles as objects of observation, it is possible to grasp dangerous driving situations more precisely and achieve safe driving.

[0245] In this case, both the other vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle may be observed using a common rear camera 241, or, for example, two or more rear cameras 241 may be provided, with one rear camera observing the other vehicle and the other rear camera observing the driver of the other vehicle.

[0246] When observing other vehicles and their drivers separately, it is not necessary to have two or more rear cameras. For example, it is possible to observe other vehicles using an infrared laser or the like, and observe the drivers of other vehicles using a camera, for example.

[0247] The "other vehicle" may be a vehicle traveling behind the vehicle, or may be a vehicle traveling to the side of the vehicle. If the other vehicle is traveling to the side of the vehicle, instead of a rear camera that can capture images of the rear, a camera that can capture images of 270 degrees or more, especially a camera that can capture images of 360 degrees, may be used.

[0248] The "appearance of the driver of the other vehicle" can be determined, for example, by photographing the driver of the vehicle behind using, for example, a rear camera 241 attached to the vehicle, and using a function to recognize the face of the driver of the vehicle behind to determine whether the facial recognition image matches a predetermined pattern. For example, if the facial recognition image of the driver of the vehicle behind matches an angry expression pattern or an exaggerated angry behavior pattern, it can be determined that there is a high possibility of dangerous driving in the vehicle behind, and in particular, that there is a high risk of tailgating. In particular, it can be used to perform emotion analysis when a following vehicle comes too close using the photographed image from the rear. Alternatively, it can be determined that the driver is being "tailgated" if the following two types are detected simultaneously. - Uses rearward-facing images to detect when a following vehicle is approaching too closely. Applying emotion analysis to captured images of drivers to determine their nervousness, anger, fear, and impatience.

[0249] (Modification 1 of the third embodiment) In Modification 1 of the third embodiment, the driver of the vehicle is the object of observation, for example, the object of image capture by the front camera 141, and the specific condition is that the driver of the vehicle has a predetermined pattern in appearance. That is, if the driver of the vehicle has an angry expression, for example, there is a high possibility that the driver of the vehicle is engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating. Therefore, when the specific condition of Modification 1 is satisfied, the controller 130 determines that there is a possibility that the vehicle is engaging in tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0250] In this way, by observing the appearance of the driver of the vehicle, it is possible to recognize the possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle, particularly the risk of tailgating, and to ensure safe driving.

[0251] Furthermore, the determination function of the controller 130 may take into account not only the appearance of the driver of the vehicle but also changes in the behavior of the vehicle as an observation target. Examples of "changes in the behavior of the vehicle" include changes in the speed of the vehicle and changes in the distance to the vehicle ahead.

[0252] Furthermore, as the "appearance of the driver of the vehicle," for example, it is preferable to photograph the driver of the vehicle using a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle (particularly the driver). Furthermore, it is preferable to determine whether the facial recognition image matches a predetermined pattern using a function that analyzes the facial recognition image that recognizes the face of the captured driver of the vehicle. For example, if the captured facial recognition image of the driver of the vehicle shows an angry expression pattern or an exaggerated angry motion pattern, it is preferable to determine that there is a high possibility that the vehicle is engaging in dangerous driving, and in particular, it is preferable to determine that there is a high risk of tailgating.

[0253] (Modification 2 of the third embodiment) In the second modification of the third embodiment, the driver of the vehicle is the subject of observation, for example, the subject of image capture by the front camera 141, and a specific condition is that the physical changes of the driver of the vehicle match a predetermined pattern. When the specific condition of the second modification is met, the controller 130 determines that the vehicle may be tailgating, and performs various processes such as event recording (step S202), warning processing (step S203), and information transmission processing (step S204).

[0254] In this way, it is possible to recognize the possibility of dangerous driving of the vehicle, especially the risk of tailgating, based on physical changes in the driver of the vehicle, and to ensure safe driving. "Physical changes in the driver of the vehicle" may be, for example, changes in pulse rate, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.

[0255] For example, a pulse sensor may be provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle so that the driver's pulse can be measured by gripping the steering wheel, thereby detecting changes in the pulse. Similarly, a heart rate sensor may be provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle so that the driver's heart rate can be measured by gripping the steering wheel, thereby detecting changes in the heart rate. Furthermore, it may be possible to measure blood pressure by compressing a part of the driver's body, such as the arm.

[0256] [Fourth Example] The fourth embodiment is based on the first or third embodiment and their variations described above and has a function of outputting an alarm when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of another vehicle relative to the vehicle.

[0257] In this way, passengers in other vehicles who may be driving dangerously can be made aware of the possibility of dangerous driving, which can act as a deterrent to dangerous driving, and in particular, to tailgating.

[0258] An "information output device" is a device that can output specified information directly or indirectly, and may be, for example, an optical alarm or vibration alarm that is suitable for indirect notification, an audio alarm, message display, video alarm, or mechanically movable alarm that is suitable for direct notification, or the like, and may be composed of one or more of these.

[0259] The "alert" may be, for example, a message displayed on the electronic bulletin board 150 indicating that recording is in progress or that a photograph has been taken, and may be, for example, a flashing hazard lamp, a flashing REC lamp, or a flashing LED.

[0260] In particular, when using an LED, if the vehicle is equipped with a smoked rear window, it is advisable to provide an LED at the rear of the vehicle so that its light or flashing can be seen from the outside through the smoked rear window, and to warn of dangerous driving, especially tailgating, by lighting or flashing this LED. In this case, for example, the flashing LED can be directed through the smoked rear window to notify the following vehicle of dangerous driving, which can contribute to safe driving.

[0261] Furthermore, a signal indicating that the driver is tailgating may be wirelessly transmitted to a communication terminal carried by the driver of the other vehicle. In this case, when the wireless signal is received by the terminal of the rear vehicle, the terminal may notify the driver that the vehicle in front has detected tailgating. In this way, it is possible to know that the vehicle in front (its device) has recognized the own vehicle as a tailgating vehicle. In this case, the driver of the rear vehicle may be photographed, and if the driver's emotions are recognized and it is possible that the driver is angry, the driver may be notified that the driver of the rear vehicle is angry. This may also be combined with Variation 2 of the first embodiment.

[0262] In addition, it would be good for the vehicle that is being tailgated to detect that its own vehicle is behaving in a manner equivalent to tailgating and notify the driver of this. It is also important to notify the driver that its own vehicle is a vehicle that is equivalent to tailgating, which is usually thought to be a notification that the vehicle is being tailgated.

[0263] It is also advisable to equip rear camera 241 with a visible light LED, for example, red, which will flash as a warning when detected, letting the driver of the vehicle behind the tailgating driver know that "rear recording is being performed and the moment of tailgating has been recorded." In addition to the visible light LED, it is also advisable to equip rear camera 241 with a small LED message board or the like, which will directly display a text warning (for example, an image such as "Rear Recording / Now on Recording") to the following vehicle.

[0264] (Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment) Variant 1 of the fourth embodiment is equipped with an information output device capable of outputting predetermined information to the occupants of the vehicle, and has the function of outputting an alarm when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in another vehicle other than the vehicle itself, as in the first or third embodiment and their variants described above.

[0265] This will make it possible for passengers in their own vehicle to be aware of the possibility of dangerous driving in other vehicles, particularly the risk of tailgating, and will make it possible to prevent accidents before they occur.

[0266] Furthermore, it is desirable to install an observation means capable of detecting living organisms, such as a thermal camera, so that it can detect when a passenger from another vehicle determined to be engaging in dangerous driving, particularly aggressive driving, gets out and approaches the vehicle. The notification function may issue a notification such as, "A dangerous driver is approaching. Please lock your doors and close your windows" or "Do not unlock your doors or open your windows." In particular, if a vehicle detected as aggressively driving behind the vehicle is detected to have circled in front of the vehicle and stopped, and the vehicle is also detected to have stopped, it may issue a notification such as, "The aggressive driver may be getting out. Please lock your doors and close your windows." If it is then detected that the driver of the vehicle ahead has gotten out, it may issue a notification such as, "Do not unlock your doors or open your windows. This location is the n-th kilometer post on the Tomei Expressway inbound. In case of an emergency, please call 110."

[0267] In addition, for example, the GPS receiver 140 can detect the location of the vehicle, and a message such as "You are at the n-th kilometer post on the Tomei Expressway heading uphill. If anything happens, please call 110" can be sent to the passengers of the vehicle.

[0268] (Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment) Variant 2 of the fourth embodiment has the function of transmitting information to the outside indicating that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in a vehicle other than the subject vehicle when it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving in a vehicle other than the subject vehicle using the first or third embodiment or their variants described above.

[0269] This will make it possible to prevent accidents and troubles, thereby contributing to the maintenance of roads and traffic order.

[0270] The "outside" may be, for example, a third party unrelated to the occupants of the vehicle and the other vehicle, or a party such as a occupant of the other vehicle. In the case of a third party, it may be a specific external organization such as the police, or a website on the Internet that can be viewed by any third party, while in the case of a party, it may be a communication terminal owned by a occupant of the other vehicle, a system installed in the other vehicle, etc.

[0271] [Fifth Example] In the fifth embodiment, unique information relating to the vehicle is set in a setting process (step S30) using various setting operation units 112, 115, and 124, and information relating to safe driving is output in accordance with the unique information relating to the vehicle that has been set. The setting process (step S30) will be described later.

[0272] In this way, it is possible to output information relating to safe driving that corresponds to the unique information relating to the vehicle itself, and therefore it is possible to provide appropriate information that is useful for carrying out safe driving.

[0273] The "unique information related to the vehicle" may be, for example, vehicle model information, and the vehicle model information may be, for example, vehicle brand information, vehicle color information, vehicle size information, etc. For example, small vehicles such as compact cars and light vehicles are more likely to be targets of tailgating, while large vehicles such as black vehicles, minivans, and trucks, or foreign-made vehicles (imported cars), tend to be more prone to dangerous driving such as tailgating. For example, it may be useful to notify the driver whether they are prone to being tailgated or to engaging in tailgating. For example, if a "light vehicle" is selected using the setting function, an announcement may be output saying, "If someone tailgates you, give way." If a minivan or truck is selected using the setting function, an awareness message may be output at the start of driving, such as, "Be careful not to tailgate." In this way, the level at which dangerous driving such as tailgating is determined may be changed depending on the vehicle model information, and the smaller the vehicle, the more sensitive the determination of tailgating may be.

[0274] Furthermore, the "unique information related to the vehicle" may include the driving status of the vehicle. For example, the degree of safe driving may be determined based on the driving status or vehicle condition of the vehicle, and the frequency and content of the notification may be controlled so that the safer the driver, the more likely the driver is to be tailgated. Examples of safe driving include maintaining a sufficient distance between vehicles, obeying the legal speed limit, and using turn signals early.

[0275] (Modification of the fifth embodiment) A modified example of the fifth embodiment is such that a vehicle other than the own vehicle is observed as an object to be imaged by, for example, rear camera 241, and the specific conditions in the first embodiment or the third embodiment and their modified examples are changed according to the unique information relating to the own vehicle set in the various setting operation units 112, 115, 124.

[0276] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining the possibility of dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, depending on the unique information related to the vehicle, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving, especially tailgating.

[0277] The "unique information related to the subject vehicle" is, for example, as described above. When the set subject vehicle is a light vehicle or the size of the subject vehicle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (for example, equal to or smaller than the size of a family-type passenger car), i.e., when the subject vehicle is likely to be the target of tailgating, the specific conditions in the first embodiment or the third embodiment and their modifications may be relaxed, for example, to make it easier to determine that the vehicle behind is tailgating the subject vehicle. Also, when the set subject vehicle is an imported vehicle, the color of the subject vehicle is black, or the size of the subject vehicle is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (for example, equal to or larger than the size of a luxury passenger car or a minivan), i.e., when the subject vehicle is unlikely to be the target of tailgating, the specific conditions in the first embodiment or the third embodiment and their modifications may be tightened, for example, to make it harder to determine that the vehicle behind is tailgating the subject vehicle.

[0278] [Sixth Example] In the sixth embodiment, information about other vehicles other than the subject vehicle is acquired by observing the other vehicles, and the specific conditions are changed according to the acquired information. In other words, the criteria for determining dangerous driving are changed according to the information about the other vehicles.

[0279] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining the possibility of dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, depending on the information about other vehicles that have been photographed, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving, and in particular whether or not there is a possibility of tailgating.

[0280] The "observation means" may be, for example, a device that can obtain both observation results used to determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating by another vehicle, as well as observation results used to obtain vehicle type information of the other vehicle, and in particular, may be a camera that can photograph the other vehicle. In this case, the image photographed of the other vehicle may be a still image, but may also be a moving image, and may be, for example, an image that can grasp color information, size information, etc. of the other vehicle, in addition to information that can be used to determine whether or not a specific condition is met.

[0281] The "information related to other vehicles" may be, for example, vehicle type information, and the vehicle type information may be, for example, vehicle brand information, vehicle color information, vehicle size information, etc. For example, small vehicles such as light vehicles are less likely to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating, while large vehicles such as black vehicles, minivans, and trucks, or foreign-made vehicles (imported cars), etc., tend to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating. Therefore, for example, if information is obtained that the other vehicle is a "light vehicle," the specific conditions may be relaxed to make it more difficult to determine that the other vehicle is likely to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating, and if information is obtained that the other vehicle is a minivan, truck, etc., the specific conditions may be tightened to make it more easy to determine that the other vehicle is likely to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating.

[0282] That is, the color of the other vehicle's body can be acquired, and if it is white, the likelihood of tailgating can be increased, and if it is black, the likelihood of tailgating can be decreased, to determine whether the vehicle is tailgating. Furthermore, the size of the vehicle can be acquired, and the smaller the size, the higher the likelihood of tailgating can be determined, to determine whether the vehicle is tailgating. The vehicle in the video can be recognized, and tailgating can be determined based on the recognized vehicle's state and changes in state. In this case, the vehicle model can be recognized along with the vehicle model, and processing can be switched depending on the vehicle model.

[0283] [Seventh Example] In the seventh embodiment, the vehicle behind or to the side is observed as an object of observation and is imaged by, for example, the rear camera 241, and the driving history of the vehicle is recorded in, for example, RAM 133, and the criteria for determining dangerous driving of the vehicle behind or to the side are changed according to this driving record.

[0284] In this way, by changing the criteria for determining whether or not a vehicle behind or to the side is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating, depending on the driving history of the driver of the vehicle, it becomes possible to more accurately determine whether or not another vehicle is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating.

[0285] For example, since the safer a driver is, the more likely he or she is to be tailgated, the controller 130 records past driving history in the RAM 133. The controller 130 may refer to the driving history and change the specific conditions depending on the level of safe driving. For example, if the past driving history indicates a high level of safe driving, the specific conditions may be relaxed to make it easier to determine that a vehicle behind or to the side is driving recklessly, particularly to make it easier to determine that a vehicle behind or to the side is driving recklessly. Furthermore, if the past driving history indicates a low level of safe driving, the specific conditions may be tightened to make it harder to determine that a vehicle behind or to the side is driving recklessly, particularly to make it harder to determine that a vehicle behind or to the side is driving recklessly. Note that the "past driving history" may be, for example, the average inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle ahead, the average speed of the vehicle, the average acceleration from a stopped state to a substantially constant speed state, the difference from the legal speed limit, the timing of turning on a turn signal (for example, the time from turning on a turn signal to changing lanes or turning right or left), etc.

[0286] (Modification of the seventh embodiment) In a modification of the seventh embodiment, a vehicle ahead is observed as an object to be imaged by, for example, front camera 141, and the driving history of the vehicle is recorded in, for example, RAM 133, and the criteria for determining dangerous driving of the vehicle are changed according to the driving record. That is, when determining whether the vehicle is engaging in aggressive driving or the like based on the vehicle ahead, the specific conditions are changed by referring to the past driving history of the vehicle.

[0287] In this way, the criteria for determining dangerous driving, which is a specific condition, can be changed depending on the driving history of the driver of the vehicle, making it possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a possibility of dangerous driving in the vehicle, and in particular whether or not there is a risk of tailgating.

[0288] For example, since a driver with a higher level of safe driving is less likely to engage in dangerous driving such as tailgating, it is advisable to refer to past driving history and change the specific conditions according to the level of safe driving. For example, if it is determined from the past driving history that the level of safe driving is high, it is advisable to tighten the specific conditions so that the vehicle is less likely to be judged as having the possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating. Furthermore, if it is determined from the past driving history that the level of safe driving is low, it is advisable to relax the specific conditions so that the vehicle is more likely to be judged as having the possibility of dangerous driving such as tailgating. Past driving history may include, for example, average speed, average acceleration, following distance, difference from the legal speed limit, and timing of use of turn signals (e.g., the time from when the turn signal is used to change lanes or turn right or left).

[0289] [Eighth Example] The eighth embodiment is provided with a front camera 141 capable of capturing images of the front and a rear camera 241 capable of capturing images of the rear, and both the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are observed by the two cameras. When a predetermined trigger occurs for the front camera 141 (for example, when a collision is detected, or when acceleration exceeding a predetermined value is detected), an image captured by the front camera 141 is recorded. Even if a predetermined trigger occurs for the front camera 141, if this trigger is a specific trigger (for example, when an operation button is pressed), the image captured by the rear camera 241 is recorded instead of the image captured by the front camera 141, even though it was a trigger for the front camera 141.

[0290] In this way, even if there is a predetermined trigger for the front camera 141, if this predetermined trigger is a specific trigger, it is possible to switch to recording an image captured by the rear camera 241, thereby achieving safer driving.

[0291] "When a predetermined event occurs for the front camera 141" may be, for example, when a collision is detected, when acceleration exceeding a predetermined value is detected, or when an operation button that can be operated by the driver of the vehicle is pressed.

[0292] The "specific trigger" may be, for example, when an operation button is operated in a situation where it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, such as tailgating, by a vehicle behind or to the side.

[0293] Furthermore, if the camera has a function to output an alarm and a function to record observation results, it is preferable that the output of the alarm and the recording of the observation results can be performed separately. It is also preferable that the camera has a function to set whether or not to output an alarm and record the observation results, and it is even more preferable that these settings can be performed separately for the front camera 141 and the rear camera 241.

[0294] The recording of the observation result may be triggered by detecting that the vehicle ahead has started moving but the own vehicle has not started moving within a predetermined time (for example, within one minute). The detection of the start of the vehicle ahead may be, for example, when the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle ahead and the own vehicle exceeds a certain range.

[0295] "Ninth Example" The ninth embodiment is an example of the setting process in step S30. In this setting process, various setting values ​​are changed based on the operation in the various setting operation 112.

[0296] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the setting process executed by the controller 130 of the system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0297] 6, the controller 130 determines whether various setting values ​​have been input (step S301). If various setting values ​​have been input, a temporary setting value change process is performed (step S302), and if various setting values ​​have not been input, the process proceeds to step S303. The temporary setting value change process may, for example, change the display of the setting values ​​shown on the display 113, but leave the setting values ​​stored in the RAM 133 unchanged.

[0298] In step S303, the controller 130 determines whether a confirmation operation has been performed. If a confirmation operation has been performed (YES in step S303), a setting value change process (step S304) is performed, and the setting process ends. On the other hand, if a confirmation operation has not been performed for a certain period of time or more (NO in step S303), the process returns to step S301.

[0299] The items that can be set in the setting process of step S30 may be, for example, unique information or specific conditions related to the vehicle.

[0300] It is also preferable to have a function for setting whether or not to issue an alarm and record for each of front camera 141 and rear camera 241, and it is particularly preferable to have a function for setting alarms and recording separately. Furthermore, it is preferable to have a configuration in which only front camera 141 is provided with a recording function and rear camera 241 is connected to front camera 141. In this case, it is preferable to have a function for setting on the front camera 141 side, and for front camera 141 and rear camera 241 to operate according to the setting.

[0301] In addition, RAM 133 may have a function to record images taken by the front camera and images taken by the rear camera in separate folders, and may have a function to set whether to display approach records taken by the front camera 141 and approach records taken by the rear camera in different types of viewers.

[0302] In addition, when there are other vehicles or drivers of other vehicles within a specified range around the vehicle, if a light source such as an LED provided on the rear camera 241 itself is to be flashed, since the sense of distance at which a person feels they are being tailgated varies from person to person, it is a good idea to have a function to set a specified range.

[0303] [Other examples] In addition to the above-described embodiments and their variations, the following may be implemented to prevent dangerous behaviors such as tailgating. For example, when changing lanes, a warning to beware of vehicles behind in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes may be broadcast to the interior of the vehicle. This is because if a vehicle changes lanes by cutting in despite there being another vehicle behind in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes or in the lane through which the vehicle is passing, the driver of the other vehicle may perceive this as cutting in and become more likely to engage in tailgating. Preferably, the distance to the other vehicle behind in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes or in the lane through which the vehicle is passing (adjacent lanes) may be measured, and a warning may be issued if the following distance is perceived as cutting in. In particular, a warning may be issued when the vehicle detects that the turn signal is activated in the direction of the lane in question, even if the vehicle has changed lanes in the direction of the lane in question despite such a situation. If the vehicle detects that the vehicle has changed lanes in the direction of the lane in question, the system may automatically flash the hazard lights or display a thank you signal.

[0304] Furthermore, for example, if another vehicle changes lanes by cutting in front of the vehicle even though the distance between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle is within a certain range, the judgment function may determine that the cutting in vehicle is likely to be engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating, and may issue an alarm and record the result.Whether another vehicle has cut in front of the vehicle may be detected by an infrared laser, and it may be more preferable to detect when an image captured by the front camera 141 is displayed on the display 113 and the proportion of the area of ​​the display area of ​​the display 113 that can be considered to be the vehicle exceeds a predetermined proportion.

[0305] In addition, even if the distance between the vehicle ahead and the subject vehicle is greater than a certain value or there is no vehicle ahead, if another vehicle changes lanes in front of the subject vehicle so that the distance between the vehicle ahead and the subject vehicle becomes less than a certain value, the judgment function may determine that the other vehicle is possibly engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating, and may issue an alarm or record the incident.Furthermore, in this case, if the number of times the subject vehicle brakes per unit time is greater than a predetermined number (for example, more than three times in 30 seconds), it may be determined to be tailgating, and if the number of times the subject vehicle brakes per unit time is less than the predetermined number, it may be determined not to be tailgating.

[0306] In addition, if an object approaching the vehicle is determined to be a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed (for example, 60 km / h) or above, for example, if the distance signal from an infrared laser or the like is below a set distance, or if the following combination is true, the system may determine that the object approaching the vehicle is likely to be dangerous driving such as tailgating, and warn the driver of the vehicle to remain calm.It may also have a function to send images taken by the front camera 141 or rear camera 241 and the location detection results (for example, coordinate information) by the GPS receiver 140 to a pre-set target, such as a public institution such as the police, or a third party website on the Internet that can be viewed by anyone. ·Constant distance - Get closer than a certain distance (closer) ·Deceleration ·passing

[0307] Although two cameras are used in this specification, a camera capable of capturing images in all directions may also be used. Furthermore, a dedicated rear-view system (e.g., a drive recorder dedicated to the rear view) may have an event recording button on the cigarette lighter, or a wireless button may record events via Wi-Fi / BLE communication. This is also an effective countermeasure against tailgating. Furthermore, operating the button may cause a REC lamp to flash at the rear, alerting the driver that recording is in progress on the drive recorder, which is believed to be a deterrent to tailgating.

[0308] In addition, when the vehicle is on a highway and there is no vehicle ahead and the vehicle has stopped, it is advisable to issue a message to the interior of the vehicle informing the driver that stopping on the highway is prohibited.

[0309] Furthermore, the functions of the systems according to the above-described embodiments and their modifications may be implemented as programs executable by a computer.

[0310] In this way, by installing the program in a computer and causing the functions according to the above-described embodiments and their modified examples to be realized, safe driving can be achieved.

[0311] The term "computer" is not limited to PCs, but the present invention can be applied to electronic devices that can be controlled by a microcomputer, such as mobile devices, mobile phones, drive recorders, electronic devices for car navigation systems, electronic devices for playback, and various communication terminals.

[0312] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a storage medium that stores a program that can be executed by a computer to implement the functions of the systems according to the above-described embodiments and their modified examples.

[0313] In this way, by installing the program from the storage medium into a computer and exerting the effects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments and their modified forms, safe driving can be achieved.

[0314] [Other extension examples] The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in each embodiment and each modification is possible, and the components described in each embodiment and each modification may be combined in any manner. For example, the controller 130 may execute one process of each embodiment and each modification in parallel with another process (e.g., multitasking). Furthermore, the invention and each component described in the Summary of the Invention may be further applied to a combination of each component of each embodiment and each modification. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments and multiple modifications will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment and modification. 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]

[0315] 100 Drive Recorder 112,115,124 Operation buttons 130 Controller 141 Front Camera 146 Speaker 149 Communication Circuits 241 Rear Camera

Claims

1. Observation means capable of observing the behavior of a moving object; a first imaging device and a second imaging device functioning as the observation means; and a control means, a function to output an alarm and a function to record the observation results; The output of an alarm and the recording of the observation results can be performed separately, and The first imaging device and the second imaging device have a function of separately setting whether or not to output the alarm and record the observation results. A system characterized by:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, the observation means is an observation means capable of observing the behavior of another moving body other than the moving body, The system has a judgment function for judging that there is a possibility of dangerous driving of the other moving object when the observation result of the other moving object by the observation means satisfies a specific condition. A system characterized by:

3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the observation means includes a first imaging device capable of capturing an image in front of the moving body to which the observation means is attached, and a second imaging device capable of capturing an image in the rear of the moving body; The moving object in front of the moving object and other moving objects behind or to the side of the moving object are the objects to be observed. A system characterized by:

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined trigger for the first imaging device is at least one of a collision detection, a detection of acceleration exceeding a predetermined value, and an operation of an operation button that can be operated by the driver of the vehicle. A system characterized by:

5. 5. The system of claim 4, The specific trigger is that the operation button is operated under circumstances in which it is determined that there is a possibility of dangerous driving, such as tailgating, by a vehicle behind or to the side. A system characterized by:

6. 6. The system according to claim 1, The recording of the observation result is triggered by detecting that a moving object in front of the moving object has started moving but that the moving object has not started moving within a predetermined time. A system characterized by:

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

Images