Equipment and mounting fixtures, etc.

Abstract

To reduce discomfort or other issues caused by the installation of the device. [Solution] A device 1 is attached to one side of a transparent member and senses the other side through the transparent member, and is equipped with means to reduce discomfort (for example, a mounting bracket 20) that reduces discomfort caused by the attachment of the device 1 when a user looks from one side to the other side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, devices and fixtures.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for attaching in-vehicle devices such as drive recorders to the front glass of a vehicle are known (Patent Document 1). In recent years, there are vehicles with devices for preventing collisions and the like attached to the front glass. Thus, for improving safety, the number of devices attached to the front glass is increasing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, due to the above-described circumstances, there is a demand for in-vehicle devices such as drive recorders to be configured to be attachable at positions where they do not interfere with other devices. In addition, for example, devices attached to the front glass of a vehicle may be visible to the user and cause a sense of discomfort.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to, for example, reduce a sense of discomfort caused by the attachment of a device.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the applicant intends to obtain rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc., for configurations that aim to obtain the effects derived from the components disclosed in this specification and the drawings. For example, problems that can be described as "can be achieved" in this specification are disclosed here if they are reinterpreted as "the problem is...". Each problem is described independently, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to each configuration for solving each problem individually through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if a problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include a part of the configuration described in this specification in the claims through amendment or divisional application. Furthermore, configurations that solve problems by combining these independent problems are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a device attached to one side of a transparent member and sensing the other side through the transparent member, and the device is equipped with means for reducing discomfort caused by the attachment of the device when a user looks from the one side to the other side.

[0008] This method can reduce the discomfort caused by the installation of the device.

[0009] A "transparent member" may be, for example, a member that allows objects on the other side to be seen when viewed from one side through the transparent member. A transparent member may be, for example, a member that transmits visible light. A transparent member may be, for example, a member made of a material such as glass or resin. A transparent member may be, for example, a plate-shaped member. A transparent member may be, for example, a flat or curved surface. A transparent member may be, for example, an inclined member (for example, a member having a surface inclined with respect to the ground). A transparent member may be, for example, an inclined curved surface member. A transparent member may be particularly useful in the front or rear glass (windshield glass) of a means of transportation such as a car. It would be better to use glass or rear window.

[0010] "One side of the transparent member" may, for example, be the space on one side partitioned by the transparent member. One side of the transparent member may, for example, be a space where a user can see what is on the other side from the side partitioned by the transparent member. One side of the transparent member may, for example, be a space enclosed by the transparent member and other members connected to the transparent member. One side of the transparent member may, in particular, be the interior of a vehicle.

[0011] The "other side of the transparent member" may be, for example, a space separated by the transparent member and distinct from the aforementioned one side of the transparent member. In particular, the other side of the transparent member may be outside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0012] "Mounted on one side of the transparent member" means, for example, that the device should be attached to one side of the transparent member, regardless of whether the device is in contact with the transparent member or not. Attaching the device to one side of the transparent member can be done, for example, by directly attaching (sticking) the device to the transparent member, by attaching the device with other objects present between the transparent member and the device, or by attaching the device to another component installed on one side of the transparent member (such as a surface or wall adjacent to the transparent member, or, in a configuration installed inside a vehicle, such as a component of the rearview mirror when the transparent member is a vehicle window (e.g., windshield)). A configuration in which the device is directly attached to the transparent member is particularly preferable.

[0013] "Sensing" can be defined as, for example, collecting necessary information using prepared methods and devices. Sensing can be defined as, for example, measuring and identifying physical quantities, sound, electromagnetic waves (light, radio waves, etc.), pressure, temperature, etc., via sensors, etc. Sensing can be defined as, for example, collecting information such as images using imaging devices, etc. In particular, the equipment should be in-vehicle equipment. Sensing can be defined as, in particular, collecting vehicle condition information (forward video, vehicle speed, sudden acceleration / deceleration, etc.). Hereafter, devices used for sensing, for example, will be referred to as "sensing means" as appropriate. In particular, the in-vehicle equipment should be a drive recorder. Sensing can be defined as, for example, using data collection devices provided in the in-vehicle equipment. The term "equipment" should specifically refer to in-vehicle equipment installed in vehicles. In particular, it should refer to in-vehicle equipment that is not installed at the time of shipment from the vehicle manufacturer but is installed in the vehicle later.

[0014] "Discomfort" can be defined as a state in which, for example, when a user looks from one side through a transparent component to the other, and a device attached to one side of the transparent component enters the user's field of vision, the presence and shape of the device feel unnatural. Discomfort can be created by, for example, obstructing the view or being out of harmony with the surrounding design (for example, disrupting parallelism). Discomfort can be particularly created when a user looks from inside a vehicle's interior through a transparent component to the other side (such as the scenery outside the vehicle's interior), causing the device to feel unnatural. Discomfort can also be created in vehicles without roofs or vehicles with retractable roofs (such as convertibles or motorcycles), where a user looks from both the transparent component and the area above without the transparent component to the other side, causing the device to feel unnatural. However, in vehicles with non-retractable roofs, it is particularly effective when a user looks from inside the vehicle's interior (one side of the transparent component) through the transparent component to the other side, causing the device to feel unnatural.

[0015] "Reducing incongruity" could, for example, involve having a configuration that makes the equipment invisible or difficult to see. Reducing incongruity could also involve having a configuration that allows the equipment to be mounted in harmony with the surrounding design. Reducing incongruity could also involve one or a combination of the following: maintaining parallelism with surrounding components, minimizing protruding shapes, having a configuration that allows mounting behind objects, or reducing the size of the equipment. It would be good to have this. Reducing discomfort means, for example, ensuring that the presence of the device does not become a source of stress for users, especially drivers. Doing so would lead to improved safety, for example. Reducing discomfort means, in particular, reducing the visual discomfort between the device and other objects.

[0016] (2) The means for reducing discomfort should have a configuration that allows adjustment of a first direction of the device and a second direction different from the first direction.

[0017] This method allows the device to be adjusted to a desired orientation or position (for example, an orientation or position suitable for sensing, or an orientation or position suitable for the mounting space). This expands the range (location) in which the device can be mounted, and allows for flexible selection of mounting positions to reduce visual incongruity. This is particularly effective when the mounting position of the device is a curved or inclined transparent component, and is especially advantageous when the transparent component is an inclined curved component (such as a curved position near the edge of a vehicle's windshield).

[0018] The "first direction" can be defined as, for example, a direction determined based on the first axis. The first direction can be, for example, the direction of rotation around the first axis (first rotational direction) or the direction along the first axis (first axial direction). The "second direction" can be defined as, for example, a direction determined based on the second axis. The second direction can be, for example, the direction of rotation around the second axis (second rotation direction) or the direction along the second axis (second axis direction).

[0019] Here, the first or second axis can be any axis, but it is preferable to set it as the axis around which the sensing means is rotated. The first and second axes are often not parallel, and are particularly likely to be in a torsional relationship (intersecting relationship). In this case, the first and second directions may be, for example, (a) the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction, (b) the first rotation direction and the second axial direction, (c) the first axial direction and the second rotation direction, or (d) the first axial direction and the second axial direction. On the other hand, the first axis and the second axis may be, for example, axes on a straight line (the same axis) or parallel axes. In this case, the first direction and the second direction may be, for example, either (b) the direction of the first rotation and the direction of the second axis, or (c) the direction of the first axis and the direction of the second rotation.

[0020] The above-mentioned device may be configured to include, for example, a device body that has at least a sensing means and a housing (also called a case) for housing the sensing means, and a means for reducing discomfort. The device may be configured as follows, for example, (a) to (c). In this case, the orientation of the first axis may be different in each of the devices from (a) to (c), and the orientation of the second axis may also be different.

[0021] (a) The device may be configured to include, for example, a first main body portion having a device main body and a first fixture that serves as a discomfort reduction means. The first fixture may include, for example, an attachment surface and a holding surface. Here, the attachment surface may be, for example, a surface to be attached to one side of a transparent member. The holding surface may be, for example, a surface for holding the first main body portion. The attachment surface and the holding surface may be configured to form an angle between the two surfaces. It is particularly advisable to configure the device having the first main body portion and the first fixture in this way for the device described in (3) below.

[0022] At this time, for the device including the first main body portion and the first fixture, for example, the first direction may be set as a first rotation direction with the normal line of one of the attachment surface and the holding surface as the first axis, and the second direction may be set as a second rotation direction with the intersection line of the attachment surface and the holding surface as the second axis. Here, the intersection line of the attachment surface and the holding surface may be, for example, an intersection line formed by extending the two surfaces. In addition, the device may be configured to be adjustable, for example, with a third rotation direction having the normal line of the other surface of the attachment surface and the holding surface as the third axis as the third direction. Further, the device may be further set such that, for example, the axial direction of the holding surface with a line connecting any points on the holding surface as the axis is an adjustable direction. Similarly for the attachment surface, the axial direction of the attachment surface may be further set as an adjustable direction. Also, the device may use, for example, the axial direction of the attachment surface or the holding surface in the first direction or the third direction.

[0023]

[0024] (b) The device may be configured to include, for example, a second main body portion having a device main body and a second fixture that serves as a discomfort reduction means. Here, the second fixture may include, for example, a holding portion and an adjustment portion. The holding portion may be configured to hold the second main body portion rotatably about a first axis. The adjustment portion may be configured to enable the device main body and the holding portion to rotate about a second axis. The second fixture may further include, for example, an attachment portion that connects to the holding portion and the adjustment portion and attaches the second main body portion to one side of the transparent member. It is advisable to configure the device having the second main body portion and the second fixture in this manner, particularly for the device described in (8) below.

[0025] At this time, for the device including the second main body portion and the second fixture, for example, the first direction may be defined as a first rotation direction with the axis about which the second main body portion is rotatable by the holding portion being the first axis, and the second direction may be defined as a second rotation direction with the axis intersecting the first axis being the second axis. In addition, when a screw mechanism is used for the adjustment portion and the hole through which the screw passes is elliptical, the device may be configured to be adjustable, for example, in a third direction with the major axis of the ellipse being the third axis.

[0026] (c) The device may be configured to include, for example, a third main body portion having a device main body and a third fixture that serves as a discomfort reduction means. Here, the third fixture may include, for example, an adjustment member and a fixing member. The adjustment member may be configured to have a structure that rotatably holds in contact with the spherical shape of the third main body portion. The fixing member may be configured to have a structure that fixes the adjustment member to the third main body portion. It is advisable to configure the device having the third main body portion and the third fixture in this manner, particularly for the device described in (13) below.

[0027] At this time, for the device including the third main body portion and the third fixture, for example, as the first direction and the second direction, of the two different axes about which the third main body portion is rotatable by the adjustment member, one may be defined as a first rotation direction with the first axis, and the other may be defined as a second rotation direction with the second axis. In addition, the device may be configured such that, for example, an adjustment member allows the third main body to rotate, and the third axis is set to a different axis from the first and second axes, with the third rotation direction being adjustable as the third direction. For example, if represented by three-dimensional axes of x, y, and z, the device may set the first axis to the x-axis direction, the second axis to the y-axis direction, and the third axis to the z-axis direction, with three different axes. Note that the three-dimensional axes of x, y, and z are just an example for the sake of clarity, and any other axis of rotation can be used.

[0028] Here, the first main body, the second main body, and the third main body may have the same configuration or different configurations. The first main body, the second main body, and the third main body may have the same configuration if, for example, they are made up of the main body of the device and do not have a configuration for adjusting the orientation or position of the sensing means.

[0029] On the other hand, the first main body, the second main body, and the third main body can also have the following different configurations. The first main body can also be configured, for example, with a device body to which a means for reducing discomfort by a second mounting fixture is added, with a device body to which a means for reducing discomfort by a third mounting fixture is added, with a device body to which both a second and a third mounting fixture are added, or with a device body to which a member that can adjust the orientation of the device body, as described in Patent Document 1, is added. The second main unit can also be configured, for example, by adding a means to reduce discomfort using a third mounting bracket to the main unit of the device.

[0030] (3) The device comprises a first main body having at least the sensing means for sensing, and a first mounting fixture that acts as the means for reducing discomfort, wherein the first mounting fixture comprises an adhesive surface for attaching to one side of the transparent member and a holding surface for holding the first main body, and the adhesive surface may be inclined with respect to the holding surface.

[0031] This approach allows for easy adjustment of the device's position or orientation using a simple structure, thereby reducing any sense of discomfort.

[0032] As described above, the first main body may include, for example, a device body having sensing means, as well as a second or third mounting device that acts as a means of reducing discomfort. The adhesive surface may be, for example, flat. The holding surface may be, for example, flat. Both the adhesive surface and the holding surface may be, for example, flat. The first main body can be attached, for example, to a retaining surface. The attachment surface of the first mounting bracket can be attached, for example, to the windshield of a vehicle.

[0033] The adhesive surface and the holding surface may be configured to form a predetermined angle, for example. The first mounting fixture may be configured to allow adjustment of the second direction described above by a predetermined angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface, for example.

[0034] The user, for example, determines a first direction for attaching the first main body to the holding surface of the first mounting bracket, and then attaches the first main body to the attachment surface. Next, the user adjusts the angle between the attachment surface and the holding surface of the first mounting bracket to determine a second direction. After that, the attachment surface of the first mounting bracket is attached to a transparent material (e.g., a windshield). Alternatively, the first main body may be attached to the holding surface after determining the second direction, or the first mounting bracket may be attached to the windshield after determining the second direction, and then the first main body may be attached to the holding surface. In this case, depending on the position where the device is attached to the windshield, in addition to the first and second directions, by adjusting, for example, the axial direction of the attachment surface or the axial direction of the holding surface, it may be possible to attach the device to a less conspicuous location, which is expected to contribute to reducing the sense of incongruity.

[0035] (4) The first mounting fixture is made by bending a member having an adhesive surface and a holding surface, and may further include a connecting portion having a structure that allows adjustment of the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface. In this way, the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface can be easily adjusted. This makes it easier to adjust, for example, the second direction, and reduces discomfort.

[0036] The connecting portion may, for example, have a hole. This makes it easier to adjust the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface. The connecting portion may, for example, have a hole formed in the central part. The first mounting fixture may be formed, for example, by bending a single member. The first mounting fixture may be formed, for example, by bending a member having an adhesive surface and a holding surface at its ends. This makes the manufacturing process easier and reduces costs. The first mounting fixture may be formed, for example, by bending a single member. It is preferable to have a structure in which a hole is formed by hollowing out a plate. The first mounting fixture may be structured such that, for example, the area around the hole formed in a plate is used as a connecting part, and the plate is bent to have an adhesive surface and a holding surface on both sides of the connecting part. The connecting part may be, for example, the part between the adhesive surface and the holding surface.

[0037] The angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface is preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 degrees. Reducing the angle reduces the size of the first mounting fixture, which in turn reduces the overall size of the device.

[0038] The first mounting fixture should have sufficient strength, for example, so that the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface does not change due to the weight of the first main body. The first mounting fixture should have sufficient strength, for example, so that the user can adjust the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface. The first mounting fixture should have a structure in which, for example, a hole formed in the connecting part has the function of adjusting the strength.

[0039] (5) At least one of the holding surface and the adhesive surface should have a curved outer circumference. This method prevents or suppresses disruptions to parallelism, thereby reducing discomfort. The outer periphery of the holding or adhesive surface may be, for example, an arc. This facilitates the manufacturing process, for example. It also suppresses disruption of parallelism and makes it easier to harmonize with the surrounding design of other components in the vehicle.

[0040] (6) The first main body portion is provided with a surface to be held that is bonded to the holding surface, and the holding surface is preferably larger in area than the surface to be held. This method allows the surface to be attached so that it is hidden by the holding surface, thus reducing any feeling of discomfort. (7) The adhesive surface may be smaller in area than the holding surface. This method reduces the area occupied by the adhesive surface when the device is attached to the transparent material, thereby reducing discomfort. It also reduces obstruction of the user's field of vision, further reducing discomfort.

[0041] (8) The means for reducing discomfort may have a structure in which a member rotatable about a first axis can be adjusted based on a second axis different from the first axis. This method makes it easier to adjust the device to the desired orientation or position than before, thereby reducing discomfort.

[0042] The component that can rotate around the first axis may be, for example, the main body of the device. The means for reducing discomfort may include, for example, a holding part that rotatably holds the main body of the device. The means for reducing discomfort may also include, for example, an adjustment part that allows the main body of the device and the holding part to be rotated and fixed around a second axis.

[0043] The device may, for example, include the second main body and second mounting bracket described above. The first and second axes can be, for example, orthogonal. This makes it easier to adjust the sensing device to a direction that facilitates information collection.

[0044] For example, the user can adjust the device by rotating the main body of the device around a first axis using the holding part, and then adjust the holding part by rotating it around a second axis using the adjustment part.

[0045] (9) The device comprises a second main body having at least the sensing means for sensing, and a second mounting fixture acting as the means for reducing discomfort, wherein the second mounting fixture has a holding part that holds the second main body so as to be rotatable about the first axis, and the transparent part The device may include a mounting portion attached to one side of the material, and an adjustment portion that connects the holding portion and the mounting portion, and is configured to allow the holding portion to rotate around the second axis. This method allows the device to be adjusted to the desired orientation, reducing discomfort.

[0046] As described above, the second main body may include, for example, a device body having sensing means, as well as a third mounting fixture that acts as a means of reducing discomfort.

[0047] The retaining part may be configured to be detachable from the second main body, for example. For instance, the inner surface of the ring shape may support the cylindrical shape of the second main body. The retaining part may be configured in such a way that it cannot be removed from the second main body, for example.

[0048] (10) The adjustment part rotatably holds the holding part using a screw mechanism, and the mounting part has a hole through which the screw of the screw mechanism passes and a cover part that covers the screw, and it is preferable to attach one side of the cover part to one side of the transparent member.

[0049] In this way, the holding part can be made rotatable around the second axis and fixed in place with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the holding part and adjustment part that hold the second main body can be connected with a simple configuration. In addition, since the cover part of the mounting part covers the screw mechanism, the screw mechanism becomes invisible to the user, for example, reducing any sense of incongruity.

[0050] The adjustment mechanism, for example, uses a screw mechanism to easily rotate the holding part to a desired position and maintain it in a fixed state. The mounting section may, for example, have an elliptical hole for the screw. This allows the adjustment section to change the position in which it fixes the holding section along the axial direction of the major axis of the ellipse.

[0051] The mounting section can be configured such that, for example, one side of the cover is attached to one side of the transparent material. In this case, the mounting section can be configured such that the holding part can be rotated according to the space available for attaching the cover, thereby changing the positional relationship between the cover and the holding part. This allows for flexible selection of the mounting position of the equipment. Furthermore, the equipment can be mounted in a position where it is hidden by other components, making it less visible to users.

[0052] The mounting portion may be attached, for example, to the holding surface of the second main body as described above. In this way, both the adjustment function of the second mounting device and the adjustment function of the first mounting device can be used, so that the direction can be adjusted based on, for example, four or more axes. The cover portion should preferably have a flat surface, for example, on the transparent member or the surface that attaches to the holding surface of the first mounting fixture.

[0053] (11) The holding portion comprises a holding and fixing portion that holds and fixes the second main body portion, and a support portion that is positioned between the holding and fixing portion and the mounting portion and connected to the mounting portion by the adjustment portion, wherein the support portion has a shape that prevents contact between the mounting portion and the second main body portion held by the holding portion.

[0054] In this way, the device can be attached to one side of the transparent member so that the mounting part does not come into contact with the second main body.

[0055] The support portion should, for example, have a shape that is such that the mounting portion and the second main body portion do not come into contact. The support portion should, for example, have a shape such that it does not come into contact with the outer circumference of the second main body when the holding portion holds the second main body.

[0056] (12) The sensing means includes an imaging means, and the support portion may have a shape such that the mounting portion does not obstruct the lens field of view of the imaging means. In this way, the imaging device can be operated with high precision.

[0057] The support portion should, for example, have a shape in which the mounting portion does not overlap with the lens field of view. This is because if the mounting portion covers the adjustment portion, it will require a width corresponding to the size of the adjustment portion, which may, for example, obstruct the lens field of view. The support portion should, for example, have a distance between the mounting portion and the imaging means of the second main body that does not overlap with the lens field of view.

[0058] (13) The device further has a spherical shape, and the means for reducing discomfort may have a structure that holds the spherical shape rotatably in at least two different directions. This method makes it easier to adjust the device to the desired orientation or position than before, thereby reducing discomfort.

[0059] The device may have, for example, a third main body that includes at least sensing means. The third main body may, for example, have a spherical shape.

[0060] The device may have a third mounting fixture that includes an adjustable member that is rotatable in contact with the spherical shape of the third main body, which acts as a means of reducing discomfort. The third mounting fixture may further include, for example, a fixing member for securing the adjustment member to the third main body, in addition to the adjustment member. The adjustment member may, for example, use a spherical shape to allow the third main body to rotate around two different axes (for example, the x-axis and y-axis mentioned above). The third mounting fixture may, for example, be configured by combining an adjustment member with the adjustment part of the second mounting fixture described above.

[0061] For example, the user can adjust the third main body by bringing the adjustment member into contact with the spherical shape of the third main body and rotating the third main body around the first and second axes, and then fixing it with the fixing member. This allows the adjusted state to be maintained.

[0062] (14) The means for reducing discomfort may have a structure that allows the spherical shape to be held so as to be rotatable in a further different direction. This allows for more precise adjustment of the device to the desired orientation or position, thereby reducing discomfort. The adjustment member described above may, for example, use a spherical shape to allow the third main body to rotate around a different axis (for example, the z-axis described above).

[0063] (15) The device comprises at least the sensing means for sensing, a third main body having a spherical shape formed thereon, and a third mounting fixture acting as the means for reducing discomfort, wherein the third mounting fixture may comprise an adjustment member that rotatably holds the third main body in at least two different directions, and a fixing member that fixes the adjustment member to the third main body. This makes it easier to adjust the orientation or position of the device. Furthermore, it becomes easier to maintain the adjusted orientation or position, reducing discomfort.

[0064] The adjustment member may, for example, be one that moves a spherical surface to adjust the orientation of the third main body. The adjustment member may, for example, make the third main body rotatable around two or more different axes (for example, two or more of the x, y, and z axes mentioned above). The adjustment member may, for example, have a ring shape. The adjustment member may, for example, be attached to the third main body. It may be detachable, or it may be indestructible from the third main body. The fixing member may, for example, have a shape that allows it to be fitted together with the equipment.

[0065] (16) The adjustment member may be provided with a mounting surface for attaching the third main body to one side of the transparent member. In this way, adjustments made by the adjustment member can be easily reflected on the mounting surface. As a result, for example, the adjustment member can easily adjust the orientation or position of the third main body depending on the state when the mounting surface is attached to one side of the transparent member, thereby reducing any sense of incongruity.

[0066] The third mounting fixture may, for example, have a mounting surface that is attached to a transparent member. Alternatively, the third mounting fixture may have a mounting surface that is attached to the holding surface of the first mounting fixture described above. In this way, the adjustment function of the third mounting fixture and the adjustment function of the first mounting fixture can be used, so the direction can be adjusted based on at least four axes. The mounting surface should ideally be flat, for example.

[0067] (17) The third main body portion has a shape in the central part of the spherical shape that fits with the fixing member, and the fixing member has a shape that corresponds to the fitting shape and is capable of fixing the third main body portion. In this way, the spherical shape and the fixing member can be fitted together to secure the adjustment member. The third main body and the fixing member may be configured to fit together using, for example, a screw mechanism.

[0068] (18) The adjustment member has a hole through the central portion of the spherical shape, and is preferably fixed by fitting the fixing member into the spherical shape. In this way, the adjustment member can be passed through the central part of the spherical shape, and the adjustment member can be fixed by fitting the spherical shape and the fixing member together. This makes it possible to adjust the device to the desired orientation and position, thereby reducing discomfort.

[0069] The adjustment member may be, for example, ring-shaped. The adjustment member may have an inner circumference that conforms to the curved surface of a spherical shape. The adjustment member may have an outer circumference that is the same shape as the outer circumference of the third main body. This makes it possible to unify the design of the adjustment member and the third main body, thereby reducing any sense of incongruity.

[0070] (19) The member forming the means for reducing discomfort should preferably have at least a portion of its outer circumference curved. This method makes it possible to prevent or suppress disruptions to parallelism, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity. One way to reduce discomfort is to make the outer circumference of one or more components curved. Preferably, one way to reduce discomfort is to make at least a portion of the outer circumference of one component curved, and more preferably, to make the outer circumference visible to the user curved.

[0071] (20) In order to solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention is a mounting device that has a means for reducing discomfort provided in any one of the items (1) to (19) above. In this way, it is possible to provide a mounting device that reduces the discomfort caused by the installation of the equipment.

[0072] (21) It is preferable to provide a non-black component as a means of reducing the sense of incongruity. In this way, when a user looks from one side to the other through the transparent component, the sense of incongruity that the device is black will not be apparent. This can reduce the feeling of Japanese aesthetics. The equipment should ideally be mounted on the window glass. The equipment should ideally be mounted on the vehicle. The window glass should ideally be the windshield. The equipment should ideally be mounted on the windshield.

[0073] The windshield is transparent. Also, the ceiling of the car's interior is not black, but rather mostly white, such as cream or gray. Therefore, in daylight when visibility is good, a black plastic housing is fundamentally unsuitable for the upper part of the windshield, which is the primary mounting location for a dashcam.

[0074] Therefore, it is best to design in-car devices such as dashcams to be as transparent as possible and to avoid obstructing the view. In particular, it is best to make at least a part of the main body of the in-car device (e.g., dashcam) and at least a part of the mounting parts of the in-car device, such as brackets, from a material other than black. In particular, it is best to make at least a part of the mounting parts of the in-car device, such as brackets, from a material other than black, and also to make the adhesive material used to attach the in-car device to the windshield from a material other than black. In particular, it is best to make the entire exterior of the case of the main body of the in-car device (e.g., dashcam) from a color other than black. The best colors are transparent, white, and sky blue. Transparent is the best because glass is transparent. White is the color of clouds and blends in with white colors such as the ceiling adjacent to the windshield, so it is the next best. Sky blue is the color of the sky and blends in with the sky, especially on a sunny day when the view is clear, so it is the next best.

[0075] Conventional black dashcams easily absorb direct sunlight as heat, causing the interior to become very hot. However, by using a material other than black, heat absorption can be suppressed, thus preventing the internal temperature from rising. While transparent or white can be bright, a grayish color is preferable. This is because completely transparent clear materials may make the edges stand out, sparkling like diamonds or Swarovski crystals. However, a higher degree of transparency is likely to look better in stores. Therefore, the method described later (25) is also a good option.

[0076] (22) As a means of reducing the sense of discomfort, the edges of the exterior of the device should be made into gentle curves. Since the edges reflect light and become glittering and irritating to the eye, it is best to construct them with gentle curves that do not have sharp edges. In particular, the combination of the configuration of (26) and the configuration of (22) will produce excellent results.

[0077] (23) The material of the means for reducing discomfort should be made of a material that does not easily absorb heat. In particular, the material should be plastic, and a plastic that does not easily absorb heat should be used.

[0078] (24) It is advisable to apply a heat-shielding coating that reflects infrared rays to the outer surface of the equipment.

[0079] (25) The outer casing of the equipment's power cord should also be made of transparent material. This will reduce the visual clutter of the wiring along with the equipment itself.

[0080] (26) The device may be provided with a transparent housing that houses a circuit board, and a shielding means may be provided inside the transparent housing to prevent the circuit board from being seen. The shielding means may be, for example, a sheet. The color of the shielding means may be matte transparent, white, or light gray. By providing a shielding means, heat and light irradiation to electronic components can be suppressed. Some devices mounted on the circuit board may malfunction when exposed to flashes of light from the outside, but this can also be prevented.

[0081] (27) The device may be equipped with a transparent housing that encloses the circuit board, and the circuit board may be visible through the transparent portion of the housing. In this case, the resist on the circuit board should be white or black rather than green.

[0082] (28) The device is equipped with a lens, and the lens barrel is usually black, but it is preferable to make the outer surface white or gray and the inner surface black. By making the outer surface white, it is possible to suppress the absorption of direct sunlight and the like from the outside that enters through the transparent material as heat, and by making the inner surface black, it is possible to prevent light scattering inside the lens. Images and the like captured through the lens can be captured clearly. The device is equipped with a camera.

[0083] (29) The device comprises a camera and a display panel, and the display panel has a function to display images captured by the camera, and preferably has a function to enlarge and display the portion of the captured image corresponding to the sky, particularly the central part in the left-right direction. The display panel is preferably a liquid crystal panel. When the display panel is not in use, it is preferable that it be visible as black. When the display panel is displayed, various images are preferably superimposed on the camera image. For example, the device may be installed in a vehicle, and it is preferable that it has a function to enlarge and display the portion of the image corresponding to the sky, particularly the central part in the left-right direction, in the image captured by the camera while the vehicle is in motion. It is also preferable that it has a function to switch between a mode in which this enlargement is performed and a mode in which it is performed. Since the sky is displayed enlarged on the display panel, from a distance it will appear as if that part is transparent. In tunnels, there are lights on the left and right sides of the image, so it is preferable to enlarge the area to the extent that the parts corresponding to those positions are not included.

[0084] (30) The side of the device facing the transparent member may be black, and the opposite side may be a color other than black. For example, the transparent member may be a windshield. The device may be a dashcam, for example. This prevents the dashcam from being reflected on the windshield.

[0085] (31) The device shall be equipped with an operating button, and the operating button shall be made of a transparent material.

[0086] (32) The device shall be equipped with an indicator lamp, which may be light blue, as it blends in well with the color of the sky. The brightness should be adjusted so that it is not too bright. The indicator lamp may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode), for example.

[0087] (33) The device is an in-vehicle device equipped with a camera, and the means for reducing discomfort may be configured using a lens for a smartphone for the camera. This method allows for significantly smaller and less conspicuous in-car devices compared to conventional designs. A dashcam would be a particularly good choice for this purpose.

[0088] (34) The device is an in-vehicle device equipped with a camera, and it is preferable to arrange multiple cameras in a row. Small lenses have a narrow field of view, but by arranging multiple lenses in a row to secure a wider field of view, a small, thin wide-angle camera can be made. The configuration in (33) is particularly effective. In particular, if the lens is made of resin, temperature characteristics and other issues may arise, so it is preferable to use a small glass lens.

[0089] The inventions described in (1) to (34) above can be combined in any way. For example, one may combine all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. Alternatively, one may extract any configuration from the inventions described in (1) to (34) and combine the extracted configurations. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", these are not meant to be descriptions that limit the configuration to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that do not fall under these cases or times. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them as well. It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0090] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the attachment of the device.

[0091] The effects of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the effects produced by the components of the structure disclosed in this specification and the drawings are also disclosed. The present invention intends to obtain rights to the components that produce such effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, the phrases "can do..." in this specification are descriptions that specify the effects produced, and there are components that produce effects even without such descriptions. Furthermore, there are effects that can be grasped by the component even without such descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0092] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle's windshield. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the device according to Embodiment 1, where (A) shows an example of the main body attached to the mounting bracket, and (B) shows an example of the main body before it is attached to the mounting bracket. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 1, where (A) is a top view, (B) is a front view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a rear view, (E) is a left side view, and (F) is a right side view. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the adjustable direction of the mounting fixture; (A) illustrates the angle between the adhesive surface and the holding surface, (B) illustrates the adjustable axial direction of the mounting fixture, and (C) illustrates the hole in the connecting part. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating other shapes of mounting fixtures. [Figure 6] This is an external perspective view illustrating an example of the device of Embodiment 2, where (A) is an external perspective view of the side where the lens is located, and (B) is an external perspective view of the side opposite to (A). [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 2, where (A) is a perspective view seen from the side that engages with the main body, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the opposite side of (A). [Figure 9]This figure illustrates an example of a mounting fixture according to Embodiment 2, where (A) is a view of one side of the mounting fixture and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in (A). [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of a mounting fixture of Embodiment 2, where (A) is a right side view of the mounting fixture shown in Figure 9(A), and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line BB shown in (A). [Figure 11] This figure illustrates an example of the adjustment section of the mounting fixture according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the mounting fixture and the lens field of view in Embodiment 2, where (A) is a view of the lens field of view from the front, and (B) is a view of the lens field of view from the side. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates another shape of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 3, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view, and (C) is a bottom view. [Figure 15] This is another schematic diagram illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 3, where (A) shows an example of the mounting bracket attached to the main body, and (B) shows a cross-section of the mounting bracket. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment function of the mounting fixture in Embodiment 3. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the adjustment function of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 3, where (A) is a diagram illustrating the second and third axes, and (B) is a diagram showing one aspect rotated around the third axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0093] Hereinafter, one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a drive recorder mounted on a vehicle will be used as an example of the equipment. Furthermore, as an example of a transparent material, the vehicle's windshield will be used, and the case in which the equipment of each embodiment is attached to the vehicle's windshield will be described as an example. First, the vehicle's refrigerant After describing the glass, the equipment of each embodiment will be described.

[0094] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle's windshield. By law, devices such as dashcams are required to be installed within the top 20 percent of the windshield F. In Figure 1, for example, a dashcam can be attached near the center of the windshield F, at position P1 near the rearview mirror, or at position P2 near the edge of the windshield. Recently, more and more vehicles are equipped with collision avoidance and other devices mounted near the center of the windshield. As a result, when installing a dashcam later, there is often insufficient space near the center of the windshield, leading to a demand for installation near the edge of the windshield.

[0095] However, the windshield F is curved so that it protrudes forward from the center towards the A-pillars on both the left and right sides. As a result, for example, when a dashcam is mounted at position P2, there is a problem in that the camera lens is tilted. Furthermore, since mounting a dashcam on the windshield (F) can cause discomfort to users, it is desirable to mitigate this issue. The equipment for each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0096] Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the device according to Embodiment 1, where (A) shows an example of the main body attached to the mounting bracket, and (B) shows an example of the state before the main body is attached to the mounting bracket. Device 1 comprises a main body 10 as the first main body and a mounting fixture 20 as the first mounting fixture. The main body 10 includes a camera as a sensing means, a storage section 12 for housing the camera, a mounting bracket 13, and a nut member 14. Although the camera is not shown in Figure 2, it is similar to the camera 31 in the main body 30 shown in Figure 6, which will be described later, and the camera is located in the main body 10. The mounting fixture 20 has an adhesive surface 21, a holding surface 22, and a connecting portion 23.

[0097] The storage compartment 12 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, and the camera lens is positioned on its outer surface. The mounting bracket 13 has an adhesive surface that adheres to the holding surface 22 of the mounting fixture 20. The adhesive surface should be flat. The main body 10 is configured such that a mounting bracket 13 is attached to one axial end of the cylindrical storage section 12, and the mounting bracket 13 is secured by sandwiching it between the storage section 12 and the nut member 14.

[0098] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 1, where (A) is a top view, (B) is a front view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a rear view, (E) is a left side view, and (F) is a right side view. The mounting fixture 20 has a structure in which one side of the connecting portion 23 has an adhesive surface 21 and the other side has a holding surface 22. For example, the mounting fixture 20 is made by forming a hole near the center of a single plate, with the area around the hole forming the connecting portion 23, and then bending the plate to form one end of the plate as the adhesive surface 21 and the other end as the holding surface 22.

[0099] The adhesive surface 21 is a flat surface on which the mounting device 20 is attached to the windshield using double-sided tape or the like. The holding surface 22 is attached to the surface of the main body 10 to be held using double-sided tape or the like, and forms a flat surface for holding the main body 10. The connecting portion 23 has a structure that allows adjustment of the angle between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22. Section 23 is the portion between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22, and has a curved surface. The connecting portion 23 has a hole 231 formed near its center.

[0100] In Figures 2, 3, and 5, the boundary between the connecting portion 23 and the adhesive surface 21 or holding surface 22 is shown with a solid line for ease of explanation. However, as mentioned above, when the mounting fixture 20 is formed by bending a single plate, there is no boundary, and it will appear as shown in Figure 4, for example. The boundary between the connecting portion 23 and the adhesive surface 21 or holding surface 22 may be defined, for example, by using the planar areas at both ends of the mounting fixture 20 as the adhesive surface 21 or holding surface 22, and the boundary between the connecting portion 23 and the adhesive surface 21 and holding surface 22 at the point where the planar surface changes to a curved surface.

[0101] [Explanation of methods to reduce discomfort] Figure 4 illustrates the adjustable direction of the mounting fixture. (A) illustrates the angle between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22, (B) illustrates the adjustable axial direction of the mounting fixture, and (C) illustrates the hole 231 of the connecting portion 23. The adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 are formed by a connecting portion 23, which allows for adjustment of the angle α between the two surfaces. As shown in Figure 4(A), the angle α is the angle between the two planes of the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22. The angle α can be changed by changing the size of the gap between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22. Specifically, the angle α can be changed by changing the size indicated by the double-headed arrows in the figure. To adjust the direction due to the angle α, the rotation direction (direction of the arrow) is adjusted with the intersection line of the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 as axis ax13.

[0102] As shown in Figure 4(B), the mounting bracket 20 can be adjusted in at least three directions when attaching the device 1 to the windshield. Specifically, these are a rotational direction with the normal to the adhesive surface 21 as axis ax11, a rotational direction with the normal to the holding surface 22 as axis ax12, and a rotational direction with the intersection of the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 as axis ax13. The order in which these three directions are used, or whether or not they are used at all, is arbitrary, and the user can choose which direction to use.

[0103] The axis ax12 of the holding surface 22 is preferably located near the center of the holding surface 22. This is because it makes it easier to conceal the surface to be held by the holding surface 22 when bonding the holding surface 22 and the surface to be held.

[0104] On the other hand, the device 1 can also move, for example, the main body 10 from near the center of the holding surface 22 to a position closer to the outer periphery. The device 1 can move, for example, the main body 10 along a line connecting any point near the center of the holding surface 22 to another point. In this way, the mounting fixture 20 has a configuration that allows adjustment of the position to which the main body 10 is attached in the axial direction with axis ax14 being any line set on the holding surface 22.

[0105] If the surface of the main body 10 to be held can be moved along the holding surface 22 and then adhered, the position of the main body 10 can be flexibly adjusted, for example, when the position where the adhesive surface 21 can be attached is limited by the curvature of the windshield. Alternatively, when other equipment is already present, by adjusting the position of the surface of the main body 10 to be held to any position on the holding surface 22, it may be possible to, for example, make good use of gaps or to install the equipment 1 in a position that is not noticeable to the user.

[0106] The adhesive surface 21, like the retaining surface 22, is movable in the axial direction. For example, when attaching the adhesive surface 21 to the windshield, the user can move the adhesive surface 21 in the rotational direction and / or axial direction to select its position according to the curvature of the windshield. For example, when the user moves the adhesive surface 21 in the rotational and / or axial direction according to the curvature of the windshield, the user can adjust the camera of the main body 10 to a position suitable for shooting when adhering the surface to be held of the main body 10 to the holding surface 22. In this way, it becomes possible to flexibly select the position in which the adhesive surface 21 is attached.

[0107] The angle α between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 is preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 degrees. By reducing the angle α, the distance between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 can be reduced, which in turn allows the overall size of the device 1 to be reduced and the device 1 to be mounted closer to the windshield, thereby reducing any sense of discomfort.

[0108] The mounting bracket 20 is formed to have sufficient strength so that the angle α between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 does not change due to the weight of the main body 10. On the other hand, it is preferable that the connecting portion 23 be made strong enough so that the user can adjust the angle α between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22.

[0109] The strength of the mounting fixture 20 can be adjusted, for example, by a hole 231 formed in the connecting portion 23. Referring to Figure 4(C), the elliptical hole 231 formed in the connecting portion 23 will be described. Here, the length of the major axis of the ellipse is L11, the length of the straight line along the major axis of the ellipse from one end of the connecting portion 23 to the ellipse is L12, and the length from the other end of the connecting portion 23 to the ellipse is L13. If lengths L12 and L13 are increased, the length of the major axis of the hole 231, L11, becomes shorter, increasing the strength of the mounting fixture 20 while reducing the ease of adjusting the angle α. Conversely, if lengths L12 and L13 are shortened, the length of the major axis of the hole 231, L11, becomes longer, decreasing the strength of the mounting fixture 20 while increasing the ease of adjusting the angle α. It is preferable to design the size of the hole 231 to balance both. Furthermore, by making the lengths L12 and L13 the same, the strength of the connecting portion 23 in the mounting fixture 20 can be balanced.

[0110] It is preferable that the holding surface 22 has a larger area than the surface of the main body 10 to be held (for example, the adhesive surface of the mounting bracket 13). This makes it easier to attach the product so that the surface to be held is hidden by the holding surface 22, and makes it possible to prevent the surface to be held from being visible from the edge of the holding surface 22, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity. Furthermore, it is preferable that the adhesive surface 21 has a smaller area than the holding surface 22. This makes it possible to reduce the area occupied by the adhesive surface 21 when the device 1 is attached to the windshield.

[0111] The shape of the mounting fixture 20 is preferably such that its outer circumference is curved. More specifically, the outer circumference of the adhesive surface 21 or the holding surface 22 is preferably curved, and more preferably an arc. This is because it reduces the sense of incongruity and simplifies the manufacturing process. In addition, it suppresses disruption of parallelism and makes it easier to harmonize with the surrounding design of other components in the vehicle.

[0112] For example, even when the mounting bracket 20 is positioned sideways and the main body 10 is facing forward to the user, the feeling of discomfort can be mitigated by making the outer circumference of the mounting bracket 20 curved. In particular, it is preferable to make the outer circumference of the retaining surface 22 curved. This is because, compared to the adhesive surface 21 that is attached to the windshield, the retaining surface 22 is located further away from the windshield, and is therefore more likely to come into the user's field of vision.

[0113] Furthermore, it prevents users from feeling a sense of incongruity or imbalance with the surrounding design, or getting a sharp impression, regarding, for example, corners or protruding shapes. Also, as mentioned above, the mounting fixture 20 is designed to be installed by rotating it around multiple axes. It is preferable that the curved shape is visible from any viewing angle. For example, when bonding the surface to be held and the holding surface 22 of the main body 10, and when rotating the surface to be held using the normal to the holding surface 22 as the axis of rotation, it becomes easier to cover the surface to be held with the holding surface 22 so that it is not visible to the user.

[0114] [Installation Method] The aforementioned device 1 aligns the adhesive surface 21 of the mounting bracket 20 with the windshield, selects the attachment position, and temporarily adjusts the angle α between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 so that the holding surface 22 is parallel to the road when the adhesive surface 21 is attached to the windshield. In addition, the position where the surface to be held of the main body 10 is attached to the holding surface 22 is temporarily adjusted using the rotational direction of the axis ax12. After performing the preliminary adjustments described above, the user attaches the adhesive surface 21 of the mounting fixture 20 to the glass using adhesive material such as double-sided tape, and attaches the surface to be held of the main body 10 to the holding surface 22.

[0115] [Differentiation] Figure 5 illustrates other shapes of the mounting fixture. The mounting fixture 20a shown in Figure 5 shows an example where the adhesive surface 21a is rectangular. If the diameter of the circumscribed circle is the same as that of the adhesive surface 21a shown in Figure 5 and the adhesive surface 21 shown in Figure 2, the area of ​​the adhesive surface 21a can be smaller than that of the adhesive surface 21. On the other hand, if the overall outer shape of the mounting fixture 20 is curved, it is superior in that it prevents or suppresses disruption of parallelism and reduces the sense of incongruity.

[0116] In this embodiment, the main body 10 may have a surface to be held as an adhesive surface that can be bonded to the holding surface 22 of the mounting fixture 20. For example, the main body may have a shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylinder, with the surface to be held formed in that shape. Alternatively, it may be the equipment of each embodiment described later, or the in-vehicle equipment described in Patent Document 1 (for example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1). The surface to be held of the main body 10 is preferably flat. The main body 10 may, for example, have a flat surface on the storage section 12 that adheres to the holding surface 22 of the mounting fixture 20, and may not have a mounting bracket.

[0117] The mounting bracket 20 can, for example, be used to attach the equipment described in each embodiment later to the holding surface 22. The main body 10 may also be configured to include feasible combinations of the second and third mounting brackets of each embodiment later described.

[0118] The mounting bracket 20 and the main body 10 can be attached by using double-sided tape to secure the holding surface 22 to the adhesive surface, or by drilling holes in the holding surface 22 and fastening them with screws. The connecting portion 23 may be made by bending sheet metal, or a mechanism with a rotating axis may be added to the bent portion. The connecting portion 23 may be configured, for example, to allow adjustment of the angle between the adhesive surface 21 and the holding surface 22 using a hinge.

[0119] As described above, using the mounting bracket 20 of this embodiment, the position and orientation of the main body 10 can be adjusted based on at least two different axes. For example, conventional brackets (for example, the mounting bracket 30 described in Patent Document 1) can only move in one axis direction, vertically, so when mounted near the A-pillar, the main body would tilt. Therefore, dashcams were often mounted near the center of the windshield. Using the mounting bracket 20 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to mount the dashcam near the A-pillar. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 20 of this embodiment can be attached to the holding surface 22 using conventional brackets or the in-vehicle equipment body. In addition, since the mounting bracket 20 can be made compact, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which the mounting bracket 20 is not far from the equipment body. Therefore, by using the mounting bracket 20, for example, the equipment body can be mounted so that it does not appear to be hanging down, but rather appears to be attached to the windshield, which is expected to reduce any sense of incongruity.

[0120] Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 2, where (A) is an external perspective view of the side where the lens is placed, and (B) is an external perspective view of the side opposite to (A). Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 2. Device 2 comprises a main body 30 as a second main body and a mounting fixture 40 as a second mounting fixture.

[0121] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate an example of a mounting fixture according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 8, (A) is a perspective view from the side that engages with the main body, and (B) is a perspective view from the opposite side of (A). In Figure 9, (A) is a view showing one side of the mounting fixture, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in (A). In Figure 10, (A) is a right side view of the mounting fixture shown in Figure 9(A), and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line BB shown in (A). Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment part of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 2.

[0122] The main body 30 includes a camera 31 as a sensing means and a storage section 32 for housing the camera 31 and the like. The storage section 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the lens of the camera 31 is arranged on its outer surface. The storage section 32 has a mounting section 321 at one end of the cylindrical shape in the axial direction. The mounting section 321 has a shape for attaching the holding section 41 of the mounting device 40.

[0123] The storage section 32 has a nut member 325 for fixing the mounting fixture 40 (specifically the ring portion 411 of the holding portion 41, which will be described in detail later) to the main body 30, a power supply cover portion 326 that covers the outlet 324 for drawing the power cord out from the main body 30, and a male screw 327 for fixing the power supply cover portion 326 to the main body 30.

[0124] The mounting fixture 40 has a holding portion 41, an adjustment portion 42, and a mounting portion 43. Figures 6 and 7 show the state in which double-sided tape 44 is attached to the mounting portion 43. The holding portion 41 has a ring portion (also referred to as a holding and fixing portion) 411 and a support portion 412. The ring portion 411 is attached to the outer circumference of the mounting portion 321 and holds the main body portion 30 so that it can rotate around the axial direction of the cylindrical shape which serves as the first axis. The support portion 412 supports the ring portion 411. The support portion 412 has a shape that is raised on the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 411. The support portion 412 is connected to the mounting portion 43 by the screw mechanism of the adjustment portion 42.

[0125] The adjustment unit 42 makes the main body 30 and the retaining unit 41 rotatable around a second axis different from the first axis. In this embodiment, one example of the adjustment unit 42 is described in which a screw mechanism consisting of a bolt and a nut is used. The second axis is, for example, the center when the bolt rotates. The mounting fixture 40 allows the retaining unit 41 to rotate around the bolt as the central axis when connecting the retaining unit 41 and the mounting unit 43 by the screw mechanism. Further details will be described later.

[0126] The mounting portion 43 is connected to the holding portion 41 by the screw mechanism of the adjustment portion 42, and the main body portion 30 held by the holding portion 41 is attached to the windshield. The mounting portion 43 has a connecting portion 431 and a cover portion 432. The connecting portion 431 has a hole 423 for passing a screw through. The cover portion 432 covers the screw and has a flat surface to which an adhesive material such as double-sided tape 44 is attached. The cover portion 432 is attached to the windshield of the vehicle by sticking the surface to which the adhesive material such as double-sided tape 44 is attached to the windshield. The connecting part 431 and the cover part 432 are configured to be removable. For example, the connecting part 431 and the cover part 432 have a structure that allows them to be fitted together. When removed, it allows the screw mechanism of the adjustment section 42 to be operated.

[0127] [Explanation of methods to reduce discomfort] • Rotation by the first axis The adjustment of the orientation and position of the main body 30 using the ring portion 411 of the holding portion 41 will be explained. The mounting portion 321 of the storage portion 32 is formed to be slightly smaller than the rest of the storage portion 32 so that when the retaining portion 41 is attached, the outer circumferential surface of the ring portion 411 of the retaining portion 41 and the outer circumferential surface of the storage portion 32 are on the same plane. For example, the mounting portion 321 is formed to be smaller than the cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the storage portion 32 by the thickness of the ring portion 411. In addition, the outer diameter of the mounting portion 321 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the ring portion 411 so that the ring portion 411 can rotate.

[0128] As described above, the outer surface of the mounting portion 321 and the outer surface of the cylindrical storage portion 32 are of different sizes, so a step is formed at the boundary, resulting in a wall surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical shape. A triangular wave-shaped (sawtooth-shaped) tooth portion 322 is formed on part of the wall surface, and when the ring portion 411 is attached to the mounting portion 321, the side surface of the ring portion 411 comes into contact with it. The tooth portion 322 is composed of a plurality of adjacent recesses and protrusions.

[0129] Furthermore, a male thread 323 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip side of the mounting portion 321, into which a nut member 325 can be screwed. The nut member 325 has a flat, disc-shaped cap form, and a female thread corresponding to the male thread 323 is formed on its inner circumferential surface.

[0130] In the retaining portion 41 of the mounting fixture 40, the ring portion 411 should have a ring shape with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as (slightly larger than) the outer diameter of the mounting portion 321. The mounting portion 43 is connected to the tip of the support portion 412 by the adjustment portion 42. As shown in Figure 6, the mounting portion 43 is positioned at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the diameter direction of the ring portion 411.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(A), a toothed portion 413 is formed around the entire circumference of one side of the ring portion 411 (the side facing the storage portion 32). This toothed portion 413 is set to the same dimensions and shape as the toothed portion 322 formed on the storage portion 32. Here, the length of the flat portion of the mounting portion 321 in the axial direction of the cylindrical shape, where the male thread 323 is not formed, is set to be approximately the same as the width of the ring portion (the axial length of the cylindrical shape) when the ring portion 411 is mounted on the mounting portion 321. If the width of the ring portion 411 is to be increased, it should be set to the length at which the ring portion 411 is fixed by the nut member 325 and the male thread.

[0132] The ring portion 411 is sandwiched between the nut member 325 and the wall surface on which teeth 322 are formed in part, and the teeth 413 of the ring portion 411 and the teeth 322 of the wall surface interlock, allowing it to be fixed in place. On the other hand, if the amount the nut member 325 is screwed in is reduced, the teeth 413 of the ring portion 411 and the teeth 322 of the wall surface will no longer interlock, and the ring portion 411 will be able to rotate on the mounting portion 321.

[0133] Furthermore, a circular through-hole is formed in the center of the nut member 325. The mounting portion 321 of the storage portion 32 is exposed to the outside through this through-hole. The mounting portion 321 has a female thread that matches the male thread 327. The power supply cover portion 326 covers the exposed mounting portion 321, including the outlet 324. The female thread and male thread 327 formed on the mounting portion 321 secure the power supply cover portion 326 to the mounting portion 321, preventing the nut member 325 from loosening and preventing the power cord from being exposed from the mounting portion 321. At this time, the power cover 326 is fixed in a position where the top cutout is parallel to the windshield. In this way, the power cord can be routed along the windshield by exiting the top cutout.

[0134] As a result, when the ring portion 411 is attached to the mounting portion 321 of the storage portion 32, the ring portion 411 can be rotated in forward and reverse directions relative to the mounting portion 321 with its central axis (axis ax21 shown in Figure 11) as the center of rotation. Then, the teeth portion 322 provided on the storage portion 32 and the teeth portion 413 provided on the ring portion 411 engage with each other, thereby preventing further rotation.

[0135] On the other hand, when the ring portion 411 is attached to the mounting portion 321, the male screw 323 protrudes outward from the ring portion 411. Therefore, the nut member 325 is attached to the protruding male screw 323. By firmly fastening the female screw of the nut member 325 to the male screw 323 of the mounting portion 321, the distance between the nut member 325 and the stepped portion forming the teeth 322 of the storage portion 32 is narrowed, and the ring portion 411 can be clamped between the storage portion 32 and the nut member 325 with a predetermined force. In this firmly fastened state, the teeth 322 and 413 interlock, preventing the rotation of the ring portion 411, and when the nut member 325 is loosened, such rotation is permitted. Thus, the relative angular positional relationship between the storage portion 32 and the holding portion 41 (ring portion 411) of the mounting fixture 40 can be set (adjusted) to any position and fixed in that position.

[0136] As described above, the ring portion 411 holds the main body portion 30 so that it can rotate around the cylindrical axial direction (axis ax21 shown in Figure 11). This allows the mounting device 40 to rotate the main body portion 30 around the cylindrical axial direction and adjust the orientation of the camera 31.

[0137] • Rotation by the second axis Next, we will explain how to adjust the orientation and position of the main body 30 using the adjustment unit 42. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the adjustment unit 42 is configured to use a screw mechanism having a bolt 421 and a nut 422. The adjustment unit 42 connects the support unit 412 of the holding unit 41 and the connecting unit 431 of the mounting unit 43. The support portion 412 and the connecting portion 431 each have flat contact surfaces that come into contact with each other. The connecting portion 431 has a larger perimeter around its contact surface than the contact surface of the support portion 412, and a slope is formed between the perimeter of the contact surface and the outer circumference of the mounting portion 43. In this way, when the support portion 412 is rotated around the bolt 421, it is prevented from coming into contact with the outer circumference of the mounting portion 43.

[0138] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the support portion 412 has a hole 414 for installing a nut 422. The hole 414 is a through hole that penetrates from one end of the support portion 412 to the other end, and is formed so that the bolt 421 and the nut 422 can be fitted together inside it. The hole 414 is preferably straight.

[0139] The hole 414 has a structure that allows a nut 422 to be inserted from one end and holds the nut 422 in place. For example, the inner diameter of the hole 414 from one end to the position where the bolt 421 is installed (hereinafter referred to as the "nut-side inner diameter") is formed to be larger than the inner diameter from the other end to the end on the other end side where the nut 422 is installed (hereinafter referred to as the "bolt-side inner diameter").

[0140] The inner diameter of the nut is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nut 422, and is sized and shaped to allow the nut 422 to be fixed in place. The inner diameter of the bolt is sized so that the male thread of the bolt 421 can pass through the hole 414, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the nut 422. In this way, the nut 422 does not pass through from one end of the hole 414 to the other. Also, the hole 414 is, It is preferable that the inner circumference from one end to the installation position of the nut 422 be shaped in a way that prevents the rotation of the nut 422, for example, in the same way as the outer circumference of the nut 422.

[0141] As shown in Figure 11, the connecting portion 431 has a hole 423 through which a bolt 421 passes. The hole 423 is preferably larger in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction, and is preferably elliptical in shape with the left-right direction as its major axis. In this case, the position in which the bolt 421 is installed can be moved along the major axis of the ellipse. As a result, the support portion 412 is moved along the major axis of the ellipse, and the holding portion 41 that holds the main body portion 30 is moved. Thus, fine adjustment of the position of the main body portion 30 becomes possible.

[0142] The adjustment unit 42 passes the male thread of the bolt 421 through the hole 423 of the connection unit 431 and the hole 414 of the support unit 412, and fastens it with the nut 422. In this way, the adjustment unit 42 connects the connection unit 431 and the support unit 412. At the stage of connecting the connection unit 431 and the support unit 412 before firmly fastening the bolt 421 and the nut 422, the adjustment unit 42 rotates the support unit 412 with the center of the bolt 421 as a second axis (ax22 shown in Figure 11). By rotating the support unit 412, the main body 30 held by the support unit 412 is rotated, and the camera 31 is adjusted to the desired orientation. The adjustment unit 42 may insert a reinforcing plate 424 between the bolt 421 and the connection unit 431 to protect the connection unit. The reinforcing plate 424 may be configured to have curvature in the direction of the long axis of the elliptical shape.

[0143] [Regarding the support structure] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the lens field of view of the camera 31 and the shape of the support part 412 will be explained. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the mounting fixture and the lens field of view, where (A) is a view of the lens field of view from the front, and (B) is a view of the lens field of view from the side. In Figure 12, the range of the lens field of view LA is schematically represented by a dashed line.

[0144] The mounting portion 43 has a thickness of length L21 so as to cover the bolt 421 of the adjustment portion 42. The thickness of the mounting portion 43 (length L21) is greater than and longer than the screw head of the bolt 421, so that the cover portion 432 covers the screw head, allowing the mounting portion 43 to be attached to the windshield.

[0145] Furthermore, considering that the mounting portion 43 has increased in length L21 to cover the bolt 421, the length L22 of the support portion 412 is set so that the outer circumference of the main body portion 30 and the mounting portion 43 do not come into contact. The length L22 is the length in the direction normal to the surface on which the support portion 412 connects with the connecting portion 431.

[0146] Furthermore, as a result of the increased thickness of length L21, the mounting bracket 40 will appear in the lens field of view LA. To prevent this, the length L23 of the support portion 412 is increased so that when the device 2 is attached to the windshield, the mounting portion 43 is positioned on the upper part of the main body portion 30. Length L23 is the length in the direction parallel to the surface on which the support portion 412 connects with the connecting portion 431. Furthermore, lengths L22 and L23 should be set so that when the mounting bracket 40 is attached to the windshield, it does not appear to hang down but rather adheres to the windshield.

[0147] [Installation Method] The device 2 in this embodiment is adjustable to match the angle and curvature of the windshield. Before attaching the device 2 to the windshield, the orientation and position of the main body 30 are temporarily adjusted, and then the device 2 is attached to the vehicle's windshield.

[0148] For example, the cover portion 432 is parallel to the windshield, but as described above, the mounting portion 43 The relative angle of the main body 10 with respect to the mounting bracket 40 is adjusted by the rotational direction of the first axis (ax21). This allows the basic vertical direction of the main body 30 to be made parallel to, for example, a vertical plane (relative to the ground), regardless of the angle of the cover 432 (windshield). Furthermore, the adjustment unit 42 adjusts the angle between the connection part 431 of the mounting part 43 and the support part 412 of the holding part 41 according to the rotation direction of the second shaft (ax22). In this way, the main body 30 can be adjusted based on two rotation axes: a first axis (vertical direction) and a second axis (horizontal direction).

[0149] After performing the preliminary adjustments described above, the user attaches double-sided tape 44 or other adhesive material to the upper surface of the cover portion 432 of the mounting portion 43, and then uses the double-sided tape 44 to adhere and fix it to the vehicle's windshield. By installing it in this order, if the windshield is curved in the left-right direction, the cover portion 432 will be attached to the windshield at an angle, but the camera 31 of the main body portion 30 will be fixed in a direction that captures the front view.

[0150] [Differentiation] Figure 13 illustrates another shape of the mounting fixture. The mounting fixture 40a shown in Figure 13 shows one embodiment in which the length of the support portion 412a is shorter than that of the support portion 412 described above, in terms of lengths L22 and L23. For example, when the lens angle of view is smaller than the area shown in Figure 12, a shape like that of the support portion 412a can be used.

[0151] The retaining part 41 may be detachable from the main body 30. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the ring shape may support the cylindrical shape of the main body 30. The retaining part 41 may also be indestructible from the main body 30. The ring portion 411 of the retaining portion 41 is not limited to the meshing of the teeth described above, but may also use a ratchet mechanism consisting of a gear and a stopper that controls the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0152] Although an example of using a screw mechanism with a bolt and nut has been described for the adjustment section 42, it is not limited to this. For example, a female thread may be formed on the inner circumference of the hole 414 of the support section 412 and fastened with a bolt 421.

[0153] The mounting portion 43 may, for example, be attached to the holding surface 22 of the mounting fixture 20 described above. In this way, the adjustment function of the mounting fixture 40 and the adjustment function of the mounting fixture 20 can be used, so that the direction can be adjusted based on, for example, four or more axes. Device 2 may, for example, be configured to incorporate the adjustment member 61 and fixing member 62 of the mounting fixture 60 of Embodiment 3 described later, to the extent that it is feasible. For example, the main body 30 may incorporate a spherical shape and the function of the fixing member 62, and the mounting fixture 40 may be configured by incorporating the function of the adjustment member 61 into the holding part 41 and combining the adjustment part 42 and the mounting part 43.

[0154] In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the nut member 325 and the power supply cover portion 326 were described as being included in the storage portion 32, but they may also be included in the mounting fixture 40.

[0155] As described above, using the mounting fixture 40 of this embodiment, the main body 30 can be rotated based on at least two different axes to adjust its position and orientation, allowing it to be mounted close to the A-pillar.

[0156] Embodiment 3. Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the equipment of Embodiment 3. Device 3 comprises a main body 50 as a third main body and a mounting fixture 60 as a third mounting fixture. ru. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state before the mounting bracket 60 is attached to the main body 50, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view, and (C) is a bottom view. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the mounting fixture 60 attached to the main body 50, where (A) is a diagram showing an example of the mounting fixture 60 attached to the main body 50, and (B) is a left side view of (A), a cross-sectional view of the mounting fixture 60 along the CC line in the left side view, and a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the main body 50.

[0157] The main body 50 has a camera 51 as a sensing means and a storage section 52 for housing the camera 51 and the like. The storage section 52 is substantially cylindrical and has a spherical shape 521 at one end. The lens of the camera 51 is positioned on the outer surface of the storage section 52. The spherical shape 521 is a hemispherical sphere with a convex portion 522 formed in the center. A male screw is formed on the convex portion 522. The spherical shape 521 and the convex portion 522 are used to attach and secure the mounting fixture 60.

[0158] The mounting fixture 60 includes an adjustment member 61 that is attached to the spherical shape 521 of the storage section 52, and a fixing member 62 that fixes the adjustment member 61 to the spherical shape 521. The adjustment member 61 has a ring shape, and the inner side that contacts the spherical shape 521 has a shape that conforms to the spherical shape 521. The adjustment member 61 is formed so as to be rotatable on the surface of the spherical shape 521. For example, the outer circumference of the ring shape of the adjustment member 61 may be the same shape as the outer circumference of the main body 50. This makes it possible to unify the design of the adjustment member 61 and the main body 50. The adjustment member 61 may be, for example, removable from the main body 50, or it may not be removable from the main body 50. Figures 14 and 15 show an example of a configuration in which the approximately circular centers of the adjustment member 61 and the fixing member 62 are aligned with the cylindrical central axis of the storage section 52.

[0159] The hole 611 formed in the center of the adjustment member 61 is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 522, and is set to create a space between the adjustment member 61 and the protrusion 522. In the left diagram of Figure 15(B), the positions of the hole 611 and the protrusion 522 are shown by a dashed line. The width D3 shown in Figure 15(B) is the distance formed between the protrusion 522 and the adjustment member 61. It is preferable that the width D3 is such that the adjustment member 61 can move freely on the spherical shape 521 and that the adjustment member 61 can be fixed by the fixing member 62. In this way, the main body 50 can be adjusted to a desired orientation and position.

[0160] The outer circumference of the adjustment member 61 should be the same as, or slightly larger than, the diameter of the cylindrical housing 52. This can, for example, alleviate any discomfort. It is also preferable that the outer circumference of the adjustment member 61 be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical housing 52. This is because, for example, the adjustment member 61 can move freely on the surface of the spherical shape 521 and is fixed by the fixing member 62, thus ensuring a sufficient contact area with the spherical shape 521. Furthermore, the spherical shape 521 and the inner surface where the adjustment member 61 contacts the spherical shape 521 may be given a textured surface. For example, the surface may have fine irregularities. By performing such processing, for example, the adjustment member 61 can be firmly fixed to the spherical shape 521.

[0161] The fixing member 62 has a shape that allows it to fit together with the protrusion 522 of the main body 50. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, it has a female thread that matches the male thread formed on the protrusion 522. The fixing member 62 preferably has an outer circumference shape that makes it easy to operate when fastening it to the protrusion 522 with the adjustment member 61 in between. In addition, the outer circumference shape is preferably curved, for example, approximately circular. It is preferable to have an outer circumference of the shape. This can, for example, reduce discomfort for the user.

[0162] The length of the protrusion 522 is determined based on the sum of the width of the adjustment member 61 (the axial length of the cylindrical shape of the storage section 52) and the length of the male thread of the protrusion 522, and is set to a length that allows the adjustment member 61 to be fixed to the spherical shape 521 by the fixing member 62. If the length of the protrusion 522 is too long, a gap will be created between the spherical shape 521 and the adjustment member 61, and the adjustment member 61 will not be fixed by the fixing member 62. On the other hand, if the length of the protrusion 522 is too short, the length over which the female thread of the fixing member 62 and the male thread of the protrusion 522 engage will be short, and the adjustment member 61 will not be sufficiently fixed.

[0163] The adjustment member 61 has a mounting member 63 that has a mounting surface for attaching the device 3 to the windshield. The mounting member 63 allows adjustments made by the adjustment member to be easily reflected on the mounting surface. For example, the adjustment member makes it easy to adjust the orientation or position of the main body 50 depending on the state when the mounting member 63 is attached to the windshield. The mounting surface of the mounting member 63 should be flat.

[0164] [Explanation of methods to reduce discomfort] By configuring the adjustment member 61 to be movable on the spherical shape 521 of the storage section 52, the mounting fixture 60 can rotate the device 3 around at least three different axes to adjust the orientation of the camera lens 31. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment function of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 3. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the adjustment function of the mounting fixture of Embodiment 3, where (A) is a diagram illustrating the second and third axes, and (B) is a diagram showing one configuration rotated around the third axis.

[0165] Figures 16 and 17 represent device 3 using three-dimensional coordinates of x, y, and z. Figure 16 shows the state of device 3 shown in Figure 15(A) using the x and y axes. Figure 17(A) shows the left side of Figure 15(A) using the y and z axes. Figure 16 shows the state in which the main body 50 is rotated around axis ax31 (the first axis), with the central axis of the main body 50 being axis ax31. Figure 17(A) shows an example of other axes that the device 3 can have, namely axis ax32 along the y-axis and axis ax33 along the z-axis. Figure 17(B) shows an example of the main body 50 being rotated around axis ax33. Note that axes ax32 and ax33 shown in Figure 17(A) are just examples, and it is possible to rotate the main body 50 around other axes that intersect axis ax31, for example. Other axes can be, for example, axes that have any angle (greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees) with respect to the z-axis between the y-axis and z-axis. This is because, for example, the main body 50 has a spherical shape, and the adjustment member 61 is configured to move freely within that spherical shape.

[0166] According to device 3 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust the device to a desired orientation or position with greater precision, thereby reducing discomfort.

[0167] [Installation Method] The aforementioned device 3 aligns the mounting surface of the mounting member 63 of the mounting fixture 60 with the windshield and selects the position to attach it. When the mounting surface is attached to the windshield, the adjustment member 61 moves along the spherical shape 521 and is fixed by the fixing member 62 to make a temporary adjustment so that the main body 50 is parallel to the road. After performing the preliminary adjustments described above, the user attaches the mounting surface of the mounting member 63 to the windshield using adhesive material such as double-sided tape.

[0168] [Differentiation] The mounting surface of the mounting member 63 is attached, for example, to the holding surface 22 of the mounting fixture 20 described in Embodiment 1. It may be attached in this way. In this manner, it becomes possible to use the adjustment function of the mounting fixture 60 and the adjustment function of the mounting fixture 20. The mounting member 63 may, for example, have a configuration that incorporates the functions of the adjustment unit 42 described in Embodiment 2.

[0169] As described above, by using the mounting fixture 60 of this embodiment, the main body 50 can be rotated based on multiple different axes to adjust its position and orientation, allowing it to be mounted close to the A-pillar. Furthermore, when using the mounting bracket 60 of this embodiment, the mounting surface of the mounting bracket 60 is located close to the substantially cylindrical main body 50. Therefore, the main body 10 can be mounted so that it does not appear to be hanging down, but rather adheres to the windshield, which is expected to reduce any sense of incongruity.

[0170] Embodiment 4. The embodiments 1 to 3 described above may be further configured as follows. The storage compartment 12, mounting bracket 13, and nut member 14 of the main body 10 may be made of a material other than black. The mounting fixture 20 may be made of a material other than black. The double-sided tape may be made of a material other than black. The storage compartment 32 may be made of a material other than black. The mounting fixture 40 may be made of a material other than black. The storage compartment 52 of the main body 50 may be made of a material other than black. The mounting fixture 60 may be made of a material other than black.

[0171] This approach reduces the visual discomfort caused by the black color of the equipment when users look out the front of the vehicle through the windshield, as was the case with conventional designs.

[0172] The windshield is transparent, and the interior ceiling is not black, but rather mostly white, such as cream or gray. Therefore, in daylight when the outside of the car is clearly visible, a black plastic housing is fundamentally unsuitable for the top of the windshield, which is the primary mounting location for a dashcam.

[0173] Therefore, it is best to design the dashcam to be as transparent as possible and to avoid obstructing the view. In particular, it is best to use a material that is not black for at least a part of the dashcam body and at least a part of the mounting part of the dashcam, such as the bracket. Specifically, it is best to use a material that is not black for the plastic part of the outer surface of the main body and for the plastic part of the outer surface of the adhesive material.

[0174] As for colors other than black, transparent, white, and sky blue are particularly good. Transparent is the best choice because the windshield has a large transparent area. For transparent, it is best to make it colorless, but since the upper part of the windshield of recent vehicles has a transparent blue area, the color can also be transparent blue. White is also a good choice. White is the color of clouds and blends well with white colors such as the ceiling adjacent to the windshield, so it is the next best choice. Sky blue is the color of the sky and blends well with the sky, especially on a sunny day when the view is clear, so it is the next best choice.

[0175] Traditional black dashcams easily absorb direct sunlight as heat, causing the interior to overheat. However, using a non-black material suppresses heat absorption, thus preventing the internal temperature from rising. While transparent or white can be bright, a grayish tint is preferable. Completely transparent clear materials may make the edges sparkle like diamonds or Swarovski crystals, making them stand out. However, higher transparency is generally considered better for in-store display. Therefore, the approach described later is also a good option.

[0176] The edges of the dashcam's casing should be gently curved. Since this can be visually distracting due to its glittering appearance, it is best to construct it with gentle curves that avoid sharp edges. For example, the exposed edges can be constructed using curved surfaces, as shown in the parts indicated by reference numerals 22 and 21 in Figure 2, and the part indicated by reference numeral 62 in Figure 14.

[0177] The storage compartment 12 of the main body 10, the mounting bracket 13, the nut member 14, the mounting fixture 20, the storage compartment 32, the mounting fixture 40, the main body 50, the mounting fixture 60, etc. should be made of plastic material that does not easily absorb heat. It is preferable to apply a heat-shielding coating agent that reflects infrared rays to the outer surfaces of the storage compartment 12 of the main body 10, the mounting bracket 13, the nut member 14, the mounting fixture 20, the storage compartment 32, the mounting fixture 40, the main body 50, the mounting fixture 60, etc.

[0178] It would be a good idea to use transparent material for the power cord's casing as well. This would reduce the visual clutter of the wiring along with the equipment. The housings of the main body 10, including the storage compartments 12 and 32, and the main body 50, should be transparent housings that house the circuit board, and a shielding member should be provided inside the transparent housing to prevent the circuit board from being visible. The shielding member may be, for example, a sheet. The color of the shielding member should be white or light gray. By providing a shielding member, the effects of heat and light irradiation on the electronic components inside the housing can be suppressed. Some devices mounted on the circuit board may malfunction when exposed to external flashes of light, but this can also be prevented.

[0179] The housings of the main body 10, including the storage compartments 12 and 32, and the main body 50, may be made of transparent material, allowing the circuit board inside the housing to be visible through the transparent parts of the housing. In this case, the resist on the circuit board should preferably be white or black rather than green.

[0180] While the lens barrels of cameras such as camera 31 and camera 51 are generally black, it is preferable to make the outer surface white or gray and the inner surface black. By making the outer surface white, it is possible to reduce the absorption of heat from direct sunlight entering from the outside through the windshield, and by making the inner surface black, it is possible to prevent light scattering within the lens. This allows for clearer images to be captured through the lens.

[0181] The central rectangular portion of the main unit 10 shown in Figure 2 and the central rectangular portion of the main unit 50 shown in Figure 14(b) are liquid crystal panels. The liquid crystal panel is equipped with a control unit that displays images captured by a camera. The control unit controls the display of the portion of the image captured by the camera that corresponds to the sky, by magnifying it. The control unit has a function to magnify and display the central portion of the upper left-right direction of the image. When the liquid crystal panel is not in use, it is preferable that it be visible as black. When displaying on the liquid crystal panel, it is preferable to overlay various images on the camera image. It is preferable to have a function to magnify and display the portion of the image corresponding to the sky, especially the central portion in the left-right direction, in the image captured by the camera while the vehicle is in motion. It is also preferable to have a function to switch between a mode that does not perform this magnification and a mode that does. Since the sky is displayed magnified on the display panel, from a distance it will appear as if that portion is transparent. In tunnels, there are lights on the left and right sides of the image, so it is preferable to magnify the area so that the parts corresponding to those positions are not included.

[0182] It is best to make the side of the dashcam facing the windshield black, and the opposite side a different color. This will prevent the dashcam from reflecting onto the windshield and reduce any sense of incongruity when viewed from inside the car.

[0183] The three vertically aligned rectangular sections on the right side of the main body 10 as shown in Figure 2, and the three vertically aligned rectangular sections on the right side of the main body 50 as shown in Figure 14(b), are operation buttons, and it is preferable that the operation buttons be made of a transparent material. The dashcam should have an indicator light, and it would be best if the indicator light were light blue to blend in with the color of the sky. Because it's easy to do. The brightness should be adjusted so it doesn't become too bright. For example, LEDs are good choices for indicator lights.

[0184] A dashcam camera can be configured using a lens designed for smartphones. This method allows for significantly smaller and less conspicuous in-car devices compared to conventional designs. A dashcam should ideally have a function that allows for the recording and playback of footage from multiple cameras in a synchronized manner. While small lenses have a narrow field of view, arranging multiple lenses together can create a compact, thin, wide-angle camera by ensuring a wider field of view. In particular, resin lenses can cause problems with temperature characteristics, so it's best to use small glass lenses.

[0185] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, the present invention intends to include configurations disclosed herein that are not currently specified in the claims in the future.

[0186] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. The present application intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments or divisional applications. Even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", the description is not limited to that case or time. Configurations that do not fall under these cases or times are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them.

[0187] Furthermore, the applicant intends to obtain rights to the overall design or a partial design by filing an application for amendment to the design application. The drawing depicts the entire device with solid lines, but it is a drawing that includes not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for parts of the device. For example, it is a drawing that includes not only a partial design for a part of the device, but also a partial design for a part of the device regardless of whether it is a part or not. A part of the device may be a part of the device's components, or a part of a component. The applicant intends to obtain rights not only to the overall design, but also to a partial design in which any part of the solid lines in the drawing is represented by dashed lines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 10, 30, 50 Main body 12, 32, 52 storage compartments 20, 40, 60 mounting hardware 21 Adhesive surface 22 Holding surface 23 Connecting part 231, 414, 423, 611 holes 31, 51 Camera 41 Holding part 411 Ring section 412 Support part 42 Adjustment part 43 Mounting part 431 Connection part 432 Cover section 521 Spherical shape 522 Convex part 61 Adjustment Member 62 Fixing member

Claims

1. A device equipped with a lens for imaging through the front or rear glass of a vehicle, characterized in that the outer surface of the lens barrel is white or gray and the inner surface is black.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a heat-shielding coating agent that reflects infrared rays is applied to the outer surface of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side of the apparatus facing the transparent member is black, and the opposite side is a color other than black.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer casing of the device's power cord is made of a transparent material.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device comprises a transparent housing that houses a circuit board, and a shielding means is provided inside the transparent housing to prevent the circuit board from being visible.

6. The device is characterized by having a transparent housing that houses a circuit board, and the circuit board is visible through the transparent portion of the housing, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the side of the apparatus facing the glass is black, and the opposite side is a color other than black.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device is equipped with an operation button, and the operation button is made of a transparent material.

9. The device is equipped with an indicator lamp, and the indicator lamp is light blue. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a camera whose lens barrel has a white or gray outer surface and a black inner surface, and a display panel, the display panel having a function to display images captured by the camera, and a function to enlarge and display the portion of the captured image that corresponds to the sky, particularly the central part in the left-right direction.

Images