Image recording device, vehicle, image recording method, and program

Abstract

Record images of the vehicle's surroundings at more appropriate times. [Solution] The image recording device 100 includes an approach recording unit 11 that performs a parking approach recording function, which records images of the area around a parked vehicle V when an object approaches the area around the vehicle V. The image recording device 100 also includes an acquisition unit 12 that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle V, and a function control unit 13 that turns off the parking approach recording function by the approach recording unit 11 based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image recording device, a vehicle, an image recording method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a drive recorder having a function of monitoring (recording) the periphery of a vehicle when the vehicle is parked. This drive recorder stops monitoring within an area that the user has set in advance as not requiring monitoring in order to suppress power consumption of the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, even in an area where the user has set that monitoring is not required, the environment of that area may change. In such a case, if monitoring is uniformly stopped when a vehicle is parked within the set area, the monitoring may become insufficient.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure will describe an image recording device, a vehicle, an image recording method, and a program that can record an image around a vehicle at a more appropriate timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an image recording device comprising a proximity recording unit that performs a parking proximity recording function for recording images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, the device comprising an acquisition unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and a function control unit that turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] This image recording device allows the proximity recording function during parking to be turned off based on information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle. This enables the image recording device to record images of the vehicle's surroundings at a more appropriate timing.

[0008] In the image recording device described above, the function control unit may determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle based on surrounding environmental information, and if there is no risk, it may turn off the parking proximity recording function. For example, if there is no risk to the vehicle, it is considered unnecessary to record images using the parking proximity recording function. Therefore, the image recording device does not record images of the area around the vehicle by turning off the parking proximity recording function when it determines that there is no risk to the vehicle. This allows the image recording device to record images of the area around the vehicle at a more appropriate time.

[0009] In the image recording device described above, the surrounding environment information may include at least one of the following: frequency information indicating the frequency of detection of objects approaching the vehicle, and brightness information indicating the brightness around the vehicle. For example, if the frequency of objects approaching the vehicle is high, the risk to the vehicle is considered to be high. Also, for example, if the brightness around the vehicle is low, the risk to the vehicle is considered to be high. Therefore, the image recording device determines the risk to the vehicle based on at least one of the frequency information and the brightness information. This allows the image recording device to record images of the vehicle's surroundings at a more appropriate timing based on at least one of the frequency information and the brightness information.

[0010] In the image recording device described above, the surrounding environment information includes frequency information, and the function control unit may determine that no risk exists if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold based on the frequency information. In this case, the image recording device can more appropriately determine whether or not a risk exists in the vehicle by comparing the detection frequency indicated by the frequency information with the frequency threshold.

[0011] In the image recording device described above, ambient environment information includes brightness information, and the function control unit may determine, based on the brightness information, that there is no risk if the brightness around the vehicle is above a predetermined brightness threshold. In this case, the image recording device can more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle by comparing the brightness indicated by the brightness information with the brightness threshold.

[0012] In the above-described image recording device, the surrounding environment information includes frequency information and brightness information. The function control unit may determine that no risk exists if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold and the brightness around the vehicle is above a predetermined brightness threshold, based on the frequency information and brightness information. In this case, the image recording device can more appropriately determine whether or not a risk exists for the vehicle by comparing the detection frequency indicated by the frequency information with the frequency threshold, and by comparing the brightness indicated by the brightness information with the brightness threshold.

[0013] In the image recording device described above, the surrounding environment information includes frequency information and brightness information. The function control unit determines that no risk exists if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold based on the frequency information. The frequency threshold may be set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information increases. For example, if the brightness around a vehicle is bright, the risk to the vehicle is considered to be low even if the frequency of objects approaching the vehicle is high. On the other hand, if the brightness around a vehicle is dark, the risk to the vehicle is considered to be high even if the frequency of objects approaching the vehicle is low. Therefore, the image recording device uses a frequency threshold set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information increases to determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle. This allows the image recording device to more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle by considering the relationship between the brightness around the vehicle and the frequency of objects approaching.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle equipped with a proximity recording unit that performs a parking proximity recording function that records images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, the vehicle comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle; and a function control unit that turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0015] This vehicle allows the proximity recording function during parking to be turned off based on information about the surrounding environment. This enables the vehicle to record images of its surroundings at a more appropriate time.

[0016] A third aspect of this disclosure is an image recording method performed in an image recording device that performs a parking proximity recording function for recording images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, the method comprising: a function execution step for performing the parking proximity recording function; an acquisition step for acquiring information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle; and a function control step for turning off the parking proximity recording function performed by the function execution step based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition step.

[0017] In this image recording method, based on the surrounding environment information around the vehicle, the parking approach recording function by the approach recording unit can be turned off. As a result, in this image recording method, the recording of images around the vehicle can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a program for operating an image recording device that executes a parking approach recording function for recording an image around a vehicle when an object approaches the vicinity of the parked vehicle, the program causing the image recording device to execute the parking approach recording function, acquire the surrounding environment information of the vehicle, and turn off the parking approach recording function based on the acquired surrounding environment information.

[0019] In this program, based on the surrounding environment information around the vehicle, the parking approach recording function by the approach recording unit can be turned off. As a result, in this program, the recording of images around the vehicle can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the recording of images around the vehicle can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a plurality of cameras provided on a vehicle and an object detection area set around the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing during the execution of the parking approach recording function performed by the approach recording unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of acquiring the detection frequency. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the illuminance class and the frequency threshold. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of an image recording method executed in the ECU of the image recording apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in a modification of the image recording method executed in the ECU of the image recording apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in a modification of the image recording method executed in the ECU of the image recording apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in a modification of the image recording method executed in the ECU of the image recording apparatus.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0023] [Overall Configuration of Image Recording Apparatus] As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus 100 is mounted on the vehicle V. The image recording apparatus 100 records an image of the periphery of the vehicle V. The image recording apparatus 100 detects an object approaching the vehicle V. When an object approaches the vehicle V, the image recording apparatus 100 records an image of the periphery of the vehicle V. Here, the objects detected by the image recording apparatus 100 and for which the images are recorded include various objects approaching the vehicle V, such as a person, a bicycle, and a vehicle.

[0024] The image recording device 100 is equipped with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10 that comprehensively manages the device. The ECU 10 is an electronic control unit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory unit. The memory unit consists of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), etc. The ECU 10 realizes various functions by, for example, executing a program stored in the memory unit with the CPU. The ECU 10 may be composed of multiple electronic control units.

[0025] The camera unit 20 and the illuminance sensor 30 are connected to the ECU10. These devices connected to the ECU10 are mounted on the vehicle V.

[0026] The camera unit 20 is an imaging device that captures images of the external conditions around the vehicle V. The camera unit 20 transmits the captured images to the ECU 10. As shown in Figure 2, the camera unit 20 is configured to include multiple cameras 20a so that it can capture images of the entire area around the vehicle V. In other words, the entire area around the vehicle V is captured by multiple cameras 20a. The number of cameras 20a included in the camera unit 20 is not particularly limited. The number of cameras 20a constituting the camera unit 20 should be such that it can capture images of the entire area (or approximately the entire area) around the vehicle V. Furthermore, these cameras 20a should each be installed in a orientation that allows them to capture images of the entire area (or approximately the entire area) around the vehicle V.

[0027] The illuminance sensor 30 detects the illuminance around the vehicle V (the external environment in which the vehicle V is parked). The illuminance sensor 30 may be installed, for example, inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle V, or on the exterior surface of the vehicle V. There are no particular limitations on the type of illuminance sensor 30. The illuminance sensor 30 transmits the detected illuminance information to the ECU 10.

[0028] The ECU 10 performs a parking proximity recording function that records images of the area around the vehicle V captured by the camera unit 20 when an object approaches the vehicle V while the vehicle V is parked. To perform the parking proximity recording function, the ECU 10 functionally comprises a proximity recording unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, and a function control unit 13.

[0029] The proximity recording unit 11 comprises a proximity detection unit 11a and an image recording unit 11b. The proximity recording unit 11 uses the proximity detection unit 11a and the image recording unit 11b to perform a parking proximity recording function. The proximity detection unit 11a detects the approach of an object to the vehicle V based on the image captured by the camera unit 20. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the proximity detection unit 11a sets an object detection area R around the vehicle V. To detect the approach of an object to the vehicle V, the proximity detection unit 11a detects the presence or absence of an object within the object detection area R based on the image captured by the camera unit 20. For example, as shown in Figure 2, if an object H (in Figure 2, "person" as an example) is present within the object detection area R, the proximity detection unit 11a detects the object H within the object detection area R as an object approaching the vehicle V. The proximity detection unit 11a can also detect the presence or absence of an object within the object detection area R from the image captured by the camera 20a using, for example, well-known image processing techniques.

[0030] The image recording unit 11b performs the process of recording the image captured by the camera unit 20 onto a recording medium. Here, the image recording unit 11b records the image captured by the camera unit 20 onto the recording medium when the proximity detection unit 11a detects an object approaching the vehicle V. In other words, if the proximity detection unit 11a does not detect an object approaching the vehicle V, the image captured by the camera unit 20 is not saved. The recording medium on which the captured image is recorded may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. This recording medium may be, for example, detachable from the image recording device 100.

[0031] The camera unit 20 includes a camera 20a used for detecting the approach of an object by the proximity detection unit 11a, and a camera 20a used for recording captured images by the image recording unit 11b. In the multiple cameras 20a provided by the camera unit 20, the camera 20a used by the proximity detection unit 11a and the camera 20a used by the image recording unit 11b may be the same, partially the same, or different from each other.

[0032] When the camera 20a used by the proximity detection unit 11a and the camera 20a used by the image recording unit 11b are the same, it means that all of the multiple cameras 20a provided by the camera unit 20 are used for both object detection and recording captured images. When the camera 20a used by the proximity detection unit 11a and the camera 20a used by the image recording unit 11b are different, it means that there is a camera 20a used exclusively for object detection and a camera 20a used exclusively for image recording. When some of the cameras 20a used by the proximity detection unit 11a and the camera 20a used by the image recording unit 11b are the same, it means that there is a camera 20a used exclusively for object detection, a camera 20a used exclusively for image recording, and a camera 20a used for both object detection and image recording.

[0033] Here, the processing flow when the proximity recording function during parking is executed by the proximity recording unit 11 will be explained using Figure 3. The function control unit 13 can instruct the proximity recording unit 11 to switch between ON and OFF the proximity recording function during parking. The proximity recording unit 11 switches between ON and OFF the proximity recording function during parking based on the instruction from the function control unit 13. Turning the proximity recording function ON means executing the proximity recording function during parking. Turning the proximity recording function OFF means stopping the execution of the proximity recording function during parking. In other words, the process shown in Figure 3 is executed when the proximity recording function during parking is ON. When the process shown in Figure 3 reaches its end, the process starts again from the beginning after a predetermined time. When the proximity recording function during parking is OFF, the process shown in Figure 3 stops.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, when the parking proximity recording function is ON, the proximity detection unit 11a performs a process to detect the presence or absence of an object approaching the vehicle V based on the image captured by the camera unit 20 (S101). If no object is detected (S101: NO), the process proceeds to the end. If an object is detected (S101: YES), the image recording unit 11b records the image captured by the camera unit 20 onto the recording medium (S102). The image recording unit 11b then determines whether the termination condition for the recording process of the captured image has been met (S103). For example, the termination condition for the recording process of the captured image may be met when the elapsed time since the start of recording of the captured image has exceeded a predetermined time threshold. Alternatively, the termination condition may be met when the object that was detected by the proximity detection unit 11a moves outside the object detection area R, and no object is detected within the object detection area R.

[0035] If the termination condition is not met (S103: NO), the image recording unit 11b performs the processes in S102 and S103 until the condition is met. If the termination condition is met (S103: YES), the process proceeds to the end.

[0036] The acquisition unit 12 shown in Figure 1 acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle V. This information includes frequency information indicating the frequency of detection of objects approaching the vehicle V, and brightness information indicating the brightness around the vehicle V.

[0037] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 12 uses the detection frequency of objects detected by the proximity detection unit 11a as the detection frequency of objects approaching the vehicle V. The detection frequency can be determined based on the number of times objects have been detected by the proximity detection unit 11a within a predetermined period from the present to the past. In other words, the detection frequency changes over time. Thus, the frequency information included in the surrounding environment information represents the frequency of object movement around the vehicle V.

[0038] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire the current detection frequency based on the following conditions (a) to (c), as an example. (a) One minute is defined as one cycle. However, a cycle may be defined as a period other than one minute. (b) If the proximity detection unit 11a detects an object approaching the vehicle V once or more during one cycle, this cycle is designated as a detection ON cycle, and any cycle that does not meet this condition is designated as a detection OFF cycle. (c) The 10 most recent cycles from the present are checked, and the number of detection ON cycles in the most recent 10 cycles is counted as the total detection ON. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the counted total detection ON as the detection frequency.

[0039] Furthermore, as in condition (b) above, even if an object is detected multiple times during a single cycle, the detection frequency count will remain at 1. This prevents misinterpretations that occur when the same object (e.g., the same person) is detected multiple times in a row, resulting in a high detection frequency for the object.

[0040] The method for counting detection frequencies will be explained using Figure 4. In Figure 4, the first cycle is indicated as "CYC=1". Similarly, the Nth cycle is indicated as "CYC=N". In the "Human Detection" row of Figure 4, the asterisk indicates that the proximity detection unit 11a has detected an object approaching the vehicle V. In the "Detection ON Cycle" row of Figure 4, the cycle marked with a black circle indicates that this cycle is a detection ON cycle. In the "Detection OFF Cycle" row of Figure 4, the cycle marked with a black circle indicates that this cycle is a detection OFF cycle.

[0041] In Figure 4, for example, an object is detected at CYC=1, and this cycle is a detection ON cycle. For example, no object is detected at CYC=2, and this cycle is a detection OFF cycle. For example, an object is detected twice at CYC=4, and this cycle is a detection ON cycle. When CYC=10 ends, the total number of detection ONs for the most recent 10 cycles (CYC=1 to CYC=10) is counted. In this case, the total number of detection ONs is "8". As a result, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire the total number of detection ONs of "8" at the end of CYC=10 as the detection frequency. Similarly, by counting the total number of detection ONs, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire the total number of detection ONs of "7" at the end of CYC=11 as the detection frequency at the end of CYC=11.

[0042] Note that the method for acquiring detection frequency explained using Figure 4 is just one example. The acquisition unit 12 may acquire frequency information (detection frequency) by a method other than the one explained using Figure 4, as long as it represents the frequency of objects approaching the vehicle V.

[0043] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire brightness information included in the surrounding environment information, for example, based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 30. The brightness information includes information indicating the degree of brightness.

[0044] The function control unit 13 shown in Figure 1 controls the switching of the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11 ON and OFF. The function control unit 13 turns the proximity recording function during parking ON or OFF by issuing instructions to the proximity recording unit 11. The function control unit 13 turns the proximity recording function during parking ON when the vehicle V is parked. In addition, even when the vehicle V is parked, the function control unit 13 turns the proximity recording function during parking OFF based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Furthermore, after the proximity recording function during parking OFF, the function control unit 13 turns the proximity recording function ON if the vehicle V remains parked for a predetermined set time or longer.

[0045] The function control unit 13 can obtain information on whether or not the vehicle V is parked from, for example, the vehicle control unit that controls the movement of the vehicle V. The function control unit 13 may consider the vehicle V to be parked if, for example, the ignition switch of the vehicle V is OFF, or if the power supply to the vehicle V's drive unit (electric motor, etc.) is cut off. For example, the state in which the vehicle V is parked may be when the vehicle V is stopped and there are no occupants inside the vehicle V. The function control unit 13 can determine the presence or absence of occupants inside the vehicle V based on images captured by a camera that images the interior of the vehicle V, or the detection results of a pressure sensor installed in the seat of the vehicle V that detects the presence or absence of a person sitting in the seat.

[0046] The function control unit 13 controls the switching of the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11 between ON and OFF, and determines whether or not there is a risk to the parked vehicle V based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The risk to vehicle V here refers to a risk caused by objects around vehicle V. For example, a risk to vehicle V is the possibility that a person or other person in the vicinity of vehicle V might approach vehicle V with malicious intent and vandalize vehicle V, break into the vehicle (theft of items from inside the vehicle), or steal vehicle V. Such risks to vehicle V are generally more likely to occur in areas with little foot traffic than in areas with a lot of foot traffic. Furthermore, such risks to vehicle V are generally more likely to occur at night or in dimly lit indoor parking lots than outdoors in daytime with clear visibility.

[0047] Therefore, the function control unit 13 determines whether or not there is a risk to the parked vehicle V based on the frequency information and brightness information included in the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Here, the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold based on the frequency information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The frequency threshold is set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 increases. If the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to the vehicle V when it is parked, it turns off the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11.

[0048] As described above, the frequency threshold, which is compared with the detection frequency, is set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 increases. As an example, the brightness around vehicle V is divided into three illuminance classes: "weak," "medium," and "strong." The illuminance classes increase in brightness in the order of "weak," "medium," and "strong." A frequency threshold is set for each intensity class. Here, as shown in Figure 5, frequency thresholds "TH," "TM," and "TL" are set for each of the illuminance classes "weak," "medium," and "strong." The frequency thresholds decrease in value in the order of "TH," "TM," and "TL." In other words, the frequency thresholds are "TH" > "TM" > "TL."

[0049] In this embodiment, the function control unit 13 determines the illuminance class corresponding to the brightness indicated by the brightness information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The function control unit 13 then compares the frequency threshold corresponding to the determined illuminance class with the detection frequency indicated by the frequency information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. If the detection frequency is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold, the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk. Thus, the function control unit 13 uses a smaller frequency threshold the higher the illuminance class. In other words, the brighter the area around the vehicle V, the easier it is for the function control unit 13 to determine that there is no risk, making it easier to turn off the parking proximity recording function.

[0050] As mentioned above, generally, the risk of vehicle V is more likely to occur in dark, poorly ventilated environments than in bright, well-visible environments. Furthermore, the darker the environment, the higher the risk of vehicle V is thought to be if there is little pedestrian traffic. Conversely, in a bright environment, the risk of vehicle V is inherently low because visibility is good, and it is thought that the risk of vehicle V can be sufficiently suppressed even with little pedestrian traffic. For this reason, the function control unit 13 makes a determination using the frequency information and brightness information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, and a frequency threshold value that is set to decrease as the brightness increases. This allows the function control unit 13 to more appropriately determine the presence or absence of a risk of vehicle V based on the pedestrian traffic and brightness around vehicle V.

[0051] [Image recording method] Next, the processing flow of the image recording method executed in the ECU 10 of the image recording device 100 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the image recording method processing explained using Figure 6 is executed when the vehicle V is parked. In other words, the processing shown in Figure 6 starts when the vehicle V is parked and ends when the vehicle V is parked. Also, if the processing shown in Figure 6 reaches its end, the processing will start again from the beginning after a predetermined time.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the function control unit 13 initializes the cycle number (a number indicating which cycle it is) "CYC," which is used to count the detection frequency, and the detection ON total, which is used to calculate the detection frequency (S101). In other words, the function control unit 13 sets "CYC = 0" and "detection ON total = 0." The function control unit 13 turns on the parking proximity recording function by giving instructions to the proximity recording unit 11. As a result, the proximity recording unit 11 executes the parking proximity recording function (S202: function execution process).

[0053] The acquisition unit 12 acquires the detection frequency based on the detection result of the proximity detection unit 11a of the proximity recording unit 11, which performs the parking proximity recording function. To this end, the acquisition unit 12 monitors whether or not an object has been detected by the proximity detection unit 11a, and also monitors whether or not the time for one cycle (for example, one minute) used to acquire the detection frequency has elapsed. If the time for one cycle has elapsed, the acquisition unit 12 adds "1" to the cycle number. In other words, the acquisition unit 12 performs the process of setting "CYC = CYC + 1" (S202). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 12 designates the cycle in which an object was detected by the proximity detection unit 11a as a detection ON cycle, and the cycle that does not satisfy this condition as a detection OFF cycle.

[0054] Next, the acquisition unit 12 determines whether the number of cycles "CYC" is 10 or greater (S204). If the number of cycles "CYC" is not 10 or greater (S204: NO), the acquisition unit 12 repeats the processes of S203 and S204 until the number of cycles "CYC" becomes 10 or greater.

[0055] If the cycle count "CYC" is 10 or more (S204: YES), the acquisition unit 12 checks the most recent 10 cycles from the present and counts the number of detected ON cycles (total detected ONs) in the most recent 10 cycles. The acquisition unit 12 then acquires the counted total detected ONs as the detection frequency (S205: acquisition process). In this way, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire the detection frequency as frequency information. Next, the acquisition unit 12 acquires brightness information based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 30 (S206: acquisition process). In this way, in S205 and S206, the acquisition unit 12 acquires ambient information of the vehicle V, including frequency information and brightness information.

[0056] The function control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance class indicated by the illuminance information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 is "weak," "medium," or "strong" (S207). If the illuminance class is "weak" (S207: weak), the function control unit 13 determines whether the detection frequency acquired in S205 is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TH (S208). If the detection frequency is not equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TH (S208: NO), the process proceeds to S203. If the detection frequency is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TH (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S211.

[0057] If the illuminance class is "medium" (S207: medium), the function control unit 13 determines whether the detection frequency acquired in S205 is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TM (S209). If the detection frequency is not equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TM (S209: NO), the process proceeds to S203. If the detection frequency is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TM (S209: YES), the process proceeds to S211. If the illuminance class is "high" (S207: high), the function control unit 13 determines whether the detection frequency acquired in S205 is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TL (S210). If the detection frequency is not equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TL (S210: NO), the process proceeds to S203. If the detection frequency is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold TL (S210: YES), the process proceeds to S211.

[0058] In other words, if in S208 the detection frequency is determined to be less than or equal to the frequency threshold TH, if in S209 the detection frequency is determined to be less than or equal to the frequency threshold TM, or if in S210 the detection frequency is determined to be less than or equal to the frequency threshold TL, the function control unit 13 determines that there is a risk to the vehicle V and does not turn off the parking proximity recording function. The function control unit 13 maintains the state in which the parking proximity recording function is ON.

[0059] In S211, the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to the vehicle V and turns off the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11 (S211: function control process). After turning off the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11, the function control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle V has been parked for a predetermined set time or longer (S212). If the predetermined set time has not elapsed (S212: NO), the function control unit 13 repeatedly executes the determination process in S212 until the predetermined set time has elapsed. If the predetermined set time has elapsed (S212: YES), the process proceeds to the end. As a result, the process starts again from the start, and in S202, the proximity recording function during parking is turned ON.

[0060] The predetermined setting time used in the determination in S212 may be changed by the function control unit 13, for example, according to the brightness indicated by the brightness information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. In this case, the darker the brightness indicated by the brightness information, the shorter the setting time may be set compared to when the brightness is brighter. Alternatively, this predetermined setting time may be changed by the user of the image recording device 100 (vehicle V), etc.

[0061] [program] The program causes the ECU 10 (computer) to function (operate) as the aforementioned proximity recording unit 11, acquisition unit 12, and function control unit 13. The program is provided, for example, by a non-temporary recording medium such as ROM or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program may be provided via wireless communication from a network or the like.

[0062] As described above, the image recording device 100 can turn off the proximity recording function during parking by the proximity recording unit 11 based on information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle V. This allows the image recording device 100 to record images of the area around the vehicle V at a more appropriate timing. Furthermore, by turning off the proximity recording function during parking based on the surrounding environment information, the image recording device 100 can reduce the power consumption of the on-board battery that supplies power to the image recording device 100. In addition, by turning off the proximity recording function during parking based on the surrounding environment information, the image recording device 100 can prevent the storage area of ​​the storage medium that records the images captured by the camera unit 20 from being depleted.

[0063] For example, if there is no risk to vehicle V, it is considered unnecessary to record images using the parking proximity recording function. Therefore, the image recording device 100 does not record images of the area around vehicle V by turning off the parking proximity recording function when it determines that there is no risk to vehicle V. This allows the image recording device 100 to record images of the area around vehicle V at a more appropriate timing.

[0064] The acquisition unit 12 acquires frequency information indicating the frequency of detection of objects approaching the vehicle V and brightness information indicating the brightness around the vehicle V as surrounding environment information. For example, if the frequency of objects approaching the vehicle V is high, it is considered that the risk to the vehicle V is high. Also, for example, if the brightness around the vehicle V is dark, it is considered that the risk to the vehicle V is high. Therefore, the image recording device 100 determines the risk to the vehicle V based on the frequency information and brightness information. As a result, the image recording device 100 can record images of the area around the vehicle V at a more appropriate timing based on the frequency information and brightness information.

[0065] For example, if the surrounding brightness of vehicle V is bright, the risk to vehicle V is considered to be low even if the frequency of objects approaching vehicle V is high. On the other hand, if the surrounding brightness of vehicle V is dark, the risk to vehicle V is considered to be high even if the frequency of objects approaching vehicle V is low. Therefore, the image recording device 100 determines the presence or absence of risk to vehicle V using a frequency threshold that is set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information becomes brighter. In this way, the image recording device 100 can more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to vehicle V by considering the relationship between the brightness surrounding vehicle V and the frequency of objects approaching.

[0066] In relation to the points mentioned above, the same effects can be obtained with a vehicle V having the image recording device 100 according to this embodiment, a program that operates the ECU 10 of vehicle V as the image recording device 100, and an image recording method of the image recording device 100.

[0067] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the brightness around the vehicle V is divided into three illuminance classes: "weak," "medium," and "strong." However, the illuminance classes are not limited to this, and there may be a number other than three. Furthermore, the frequency threshold set for each illuminance class may be changed by the user of the image recording device 100 (vehicle V).

[0068] In the above embodiment, the surrounding environment information included frequency information and brightness information. However, it is not limited to this, and the surrounding environment information may include at least one of the frequency information and brightness information.

[0069] For example, the surrounding environment information may contain only frequency information. In this case, the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to vehicle V if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold based on the frequency information. In other words, when vehicle V is parked, the function control unit 13 turns off the parking proximity recording function if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold. Specifically, if the surrounding environment information contains only frequency information, the ECU 10 executes the image recording method processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 7.

[0070] Here, the function control unit 13 turns on the parking proximity recording function by issuing an instruction to the proximity recording unit 11, as shown in Figure 7 (S301). The acquisition unit 12 acquires frequency information, including the detection frequency of objects detected by the proximity detection unit 11a (S302). For example, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire frequency information by the same process as S201, S203 to S205 explained using the flowchart in Figure 6 in the embodiment. The function control unit 13 determines whether the acquired detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency threshold (S303). If the detection frequency is less than the frequency threshold (S303: NO), the ECU 10 executes the process again from S302. In other words, if the detection frequency is less than the frequency threshold, the function control unit 13 determines that there is a risk to the vehicle V and does not turn off the parking proximity recording function. The function control unit 13 maintains the state in which the parking proximity recording function is ON.

[0071] If the detection frequency is above the frequency threshold (S303: YES), the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to the vehicle V and turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11 (S304). After turning off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11, the function control unit 13 determines whether or not the vehicle V has been parked for a predetermined set time or longer (S305). If the predetermined set time or longer has not elapsed (S305: NO), the function control unit 13 repeatedly executes the determination process in S305 until the predetermined set time has elapsed. If the predetermined set time or longer has elapsed (S305: YES), the process proceeds to the end. As a result, the process starts again from the start, and the parking proximity recording function is turned ON in S301. In this way, even if the surrounding environment information only contains frequency information, the image recording device 100 can more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle V by comparing the detection frequency indicated by the frequency information with the frequency threshold.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the surrounding environment information may contain only brightness information. In this case, the function control unit 13 determines, based on the brightness information, that there is no risk to vehicle V if the brightness around vehicle V is above a predetermined brightness threshold. In other words, when vehicle V is parked, the function control unit 13 turns off the parking proximity recording function if the brightness around vehicle V is above a predetermined brightness threshold. Specifically, if the surrounding environment information contains only brightness information, the ECU 10 executes the image recording method processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0073] Here, as shown in Figure 8, the function control unit 13 turns on the parking proximity recording function by issuing an instruction to the proximity recording unit 11 (S401). The acquisition unit 12 acquires brightness information based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 30 (S402). The function control unit 13 determines whether the brightness around the vehicle V, as indicated by the acquired brightness information, is above a predetermined brightness threshold (S403). If the brightness is below the brightness threshold (S403: NO), the ECU 10 executes the process again from S402. In other words, if the brightness is below the brightness threshold, the function control unit 13 determines that there is a risk to the vehicle V and does not turn off the parking proximity recording function. The function control unit 13 maintains the state in which the parking proximity recording function is ON.

[0074] If the brightness is above the brightness threshold (S403: YES), the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to the vehicle V and turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11 (S404). After turning off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11, the function control unit 13 determines whether or not the vehicle V has been parked for a predetermined set time or longer (S405). If the predetermined set time or longer has not elapsed (S405: NO), the function control unit 13 repeatedly executes the determination process in S405 until the predetermined set time has elapsed. If the predetermined set time or longer has elapsed (S405: YES), the process proceeds to the end. As a result, the process starts again from the start, and the parking proximity recording function is turned ON in S401. In this way, even if the surrounding environment information only includes brightness information, the image recording device 100 can more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle V by comparing the brightness around the vehicle V indicated by the brightness information with the brightness threshold.

[0075] Furthermore, when the surrounding environment information includes both frequency information and brightness information, the function control unit 13 can determine the presence or absence of risk to vehicle V by a method different from the method described in the embodiment. In this case, the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to vehicle V if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold and the brightness around vehicle V is above a predetermined brightness threshold, based on the frequency information and brightness information. In other words, when vehicle V is parked, the function control unit 13 turns off the parking proximity recording function if the detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold and the brightness is above a brightness threshold. Specifically, when the surrounding environment information includes both frequency information and brightness information, the ECU 10 executes the image recording method processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0076] Here, the function control unit 13 turns on the parking proximity recording function by issuing an instruction to the proximity recording unit 11, as shown in Figure 9 (S501). The acquisition unit 12 acquires frequency information, including the detection frequency of objects detected by the proximity detection unit 11a, and brightness information based on the detection results of the illuminance sensor 30 (S502). For example, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire frequency information by the same process as S201, S203 to S205 described using the flowchart in Figure 6 in the embodiment. The function control unit 13 determines whether the acquired detection frequency is above a predetermined frequency threshold and whether the brightness around the vehicle V indicated by the acquired brightness information is above a predetermined brightness threshold (S503). If the detection frequency is below the frequency threshold, or if the brightness is below the brightness threshold (S503: NO), the ECU 10 executes the process again from S502. In other words, if the detection frequency is below the frequency threshold, or if the brightness is below the brightness threshold, the function control unit 13 determines that there is a risk to the vehicle V and does not turn off the parking proximity recording function. The function control unit 13 maintains the state in which the parking proximity recording function is ON.

[0077] If the detection frequency is above the frequency threshold and the brightness is above the brightness threshold (S503: YES), the function control unit 13 determines that there is no risk to the vehicle V and turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11 (S504). After turning off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit 11, the function control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle V has been parked for a predetermined set time or longer (S505). If the predetermined set time has not elapsed (S505: NO), the function control unit 13 repeatedly executes the determination process in S505 until the predetermined set time has elapsed. If the predetermined set time has elapsed (S505: YES), the process proceeds to the end. As a result, the process starts again from the start, and the parking proximity recording function is turned ON in S501.

[0078] Thus, when the surrounding environment information includes frequency information and brightness information, the image recording device 100 can more appropriately determine whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle V by comparing the detection frequency indicated by the frequency information with the frequency threshold, and by comparing the brightness indicated by the brightness information with the brightness threshold.

[0079] The frequency threshold and brightness threshold used in the processing shown in Figures 7-9 may be changed by the user of the image recording device 100 (vehicle V). Also, the amount of foot traffic differs depending on the area or facility where vehicle V is parked, such as whether it is a parking lot at home, a parking lot at a store such as a supermarket, or a parking lot in an urban or suburban area. For this reason, the frequency threshold used in the embodiment and the frequency threshold used in the processing shown in Figures 7-9 may be changed depending on the location where vehicle V is parked. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 11...Approach recording unit, 12...Acquisition unit, 13...Function control unit, 100...Image recording device, H...Object, V...Vehicle.

Claims

1. An image recording device comprising a proximity recording unit that performs a parking proximity recording function to record images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, An acquisition unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle, An image recording device comprising: a function control unit that turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the function control unit determines whether or not there is a risk to the vehicle based on the surrounding environment information, and if there is no risk, turns off the parking proximity recording function.

3. The image recording device according to claim 2, wherein the surrounding environment information includes at least one of frequency information indicating the frequency of detection of an object approaching the vehicle and brightness information indicating the brightness around the vehicle.

4. The aforementioned surrounding environment information includes the frequency information. The image recording device according to claim 3, wherein the function control unit determines, based on the frequency information, that the risk does not exist if the detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency threshold.

5. The aforementioned ambient environment information includes the brightness information. The image recording device according to claim 3, wherein the function control unit determines, based on the brightness information, that the risk does not exist if the brightness around the vehicle is above a predetermined brightness threshold.

6. The surrounding environment information includes the frequency information and the brightness information, The image recording device according to claim 3, wherein the function control unit determines, based on the frequency information and the brightness information, that the risk does not exist if the detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency threshold and the brightness around the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined brightness threshold.

7. The surrounding environment information includes the frequency information and the brightness information, Based on the frequency information, the function control unit determines that there is no risk if the detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency threshold. The image recording device according to claim 3, wherein the frequency threshold is set to a smaller value as the brightness indicated by the brightness information becomes brighter.

8. A vehicle equipped with a proximity recording unit that performs a parking proximity recording function to record images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, An acquisition unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle, A vehicle comprising: a function control unit that turns off the parking proximity recording function by the proximity recording unit based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition unit.

9. An image recording method performed in an image recording device that performs a parking proximity recording function, which records images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the area around the vehicle, The function execution step of performing the aforementioned parking proximity recording function, An acquisition process for acquiring information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle, An image recording method comprising: a function control step of turning OFF the parking proximity recording function, which is performed by the function execution step, based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the acquisition step.

10. A program for operating an image recording device that performs a parking proximity recording function, which records images of the area around a parked vehicle when an object approaches the vehicle, The aforementioned parking proximity recording function is executed, The surrounding environment information of the aforementioned vehicle is acquired, A program that operates the image recording device to turn off the parking proximity recording function based on the acquired surrounding environment information.

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