Sensors and electronic devices, etc.

Abstract

To provide a compact sensor that detects the movement of an object in a 360-degree plane around the sensor. [Solution] The system includes a sensor module 50 that emits radio waves in a specific direction and detects the movement of an object based on the reflected waves of the emitted radio waves, and an antenna 51 that radiates the emitted radio waves in a 360-degree direction on a plane centered on the sensor. The antenna includes a conical reflector 68 that splits the radio waves into two directions, a slit 69 that allows radio waves traveling in a specific direction to pass through, an opening 70 that radiates the radio waves split into two directions, and first fins 71 and second fins 72 that adjust the angle of the radio waves radiated from the opening. The shielding plates 66 provided above and below compress the vertical direction and increase the gain of the radio waves radiated in the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drive recorder that operates even when the vehicle is parked. This drive recorder is, for example, in paragraph

[0039] , "…… The camera is usually arranged to photograph the front of the vehicle, but when using this function, for example, the camera is arranged to face the inside of the vehicle so that the inside of the vehicle can be photographed. Also, a power supply means such as a battery is provided outside, and by supplying the power necessary to operate the drive recorder from this power supply means to the drive recorder, even when the power of the vehicle is OFF when parked or the like, the drive recorder can be continuously operated and the state inside the vehicle can be recorded. Thereby, …… for example, even when a suspicious person enters the vehicle when parked, the inside of the vehicle can be monitored." is described, and for example, in paragraph

[0069] , for the function that operates when parked as described above, "For example, in addition to an acceleration sensor, a moving object sensor for detecting a moving object may be provided, and an impact on the vehicle or the drive recorder may be detected to record video and audio, and a person or the like moving inside the vehicle may be detected to record video and audio." is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional motion detection sensors have a relatively narrow detection range, typically facing a specific direction, such as inside a vehicle. Therefore, they cannot meet requirements such as detecting the movement of objects within a detection range that surrounds a plane relative to a sensor. Furthermore, object detection within such a 360-degree range requires the placement of multiple sensors, each with a detection range facing a specific direction, and these multiple sensors detect different directions; it has not been possible to detect objects in a 360-degree range with a single sensor.

[0005] 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 of the configuration disclosed in this specification and the drawings, etc. For example, problems that can be described as "can be achieved" in this specification are disclosed here by reinterpreting them as "the problem is...". Each problem is described independently, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configurations for solving these problems 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, problems that combine these independent problems are also disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A sensor for detecting an object based on emitted radio waves, characterized by comprising an output means for outputting radio waves in a specific direction, and an antenna for radiating the output radio waves in a 360-degree direction on a plane centered on the sensor.

[0007] The output means only needs to output radio waves in one specific direction, and the antenna can appropriately change the direction of the radio waves to radiate them in a 360-degree direction, resulting in a small and compact device. In this embodiment, the sensor corresponds to an area sensor 48. In this embodiment, the radio waves are quasi-millimeter waves, but other types of waves such as microwaves, millimeter waves, or quasi-millimeter waves may also be used. In this embodiment, the object corresponds to a person or a vehicle. In this embodiment, the output means corresponds to a sensor module 50. The 360-degree direction may be radiated continuously over the entire 360 ​​degrees, or it may be radiated intermittently without partial radiation. Continuous radiation is preferable because it results in a continuous detection area. The gain, range, etc., of the radio waves radiated in the 360-degree direction may be uniform over the entire circumference, or they may vary, and it is preferable to set the shape of the antenna etc. so that the radiation pattern matches the part of the area to be detected. The path is changed by the antenna, and there is no mechanism to swing the direction in which the radio waves are output, such as with LiDAR, resulting in a simple configuration.

[0008] (2) Radiation in the 360-degree direction can be achieved by using the properties of reflected and bending radio waves to weaken the radio waves traveling in the specific direction and strengthen the radio waves traveling in directions other than that specific direction. By using the properties of radio waves, the path of the radio waves can be changed as appropriate and the radio waves can be radiated in the desired direction, and the configuration is simple and good.

[0009] (3) The antenna is preferably configured to emit radiation such that it has a spread in the plane direction and a detection area that is smaller in the direction perpendicular to the plane direction than in the plane direction. By making the spread perpendicular to the plane smaller, the spread in the plane direction is relatively wider, and the signal can be transmitted over a longer distance. By making the spread perpendicular to the plane smaller, the movement of objects in that perpendicular direction can be detected with pinpoint accuracy.

[0010] (4) The antenna is positioned to block the output radio waves and includes a reflector that reflects a portion of the radio waves output from the output means and directs their propagation in two opposing directions perpendicular to the specific direction, and a radiating means that radiates the radio waves reflected and directed by the reflector in the opposite direction to the specific direction and in the two directions. The reflector has a slit that allows a portion of the radio waves output from the output means to pass through, and it is preferable that the radio waves that pass through the slit are radiated in the same direction as the specific direction. The radio waves output from the output means are radiated by passing through the slit in the same direction as the specific direction, and by the reflector and radiating means in the two directions perpendicular to the specific direction and in the opposite direction, so that they can be radiated toward the periphery of a plane. Using an antenna with a simple structure, a detection area that extends in the plane around the sensor can be formed. In this embodiment, the two directions are the H-plane directions of the radio waves output from the sensor module.

[0011] (5) The radiation means comprises an opening provided at the end of the two directions, a first metal fin extending from the periphery of the opening in a direction parallel to the specific direction, and a second metal fin extending from the periphery of the opening in the opposite direction, wherein the lengths of the first fin and the second fin are such that the wide-angle range of the radio waves radiated in the two directions perpendicular to the specific direction is greater than or equal to a reference angle, and the radiation in the opposite direction is guided by the second fin.

[0012] With a simple configuration of providing a first and second fin on either side of the aperture, it is possible to radiate radio waves in directions other than a specific direction. By providing an aperture, the direction of the electric field can be transformed to a direction perpendicular to the input electric field direction, allowing for two main lobe radiations from the two apertures. By providing the first and second fins, although not as much gain as the main lobe, a radiation area of ​​45 degrees or more can be secured on both the left and right sides of the main lobe, respectively. Therefore, high gain can be secured in two directions orthogonal to the input, making it possible to secure gain over a wide angle and a certain range. By providing the second fin, it is possible to radiate radio waves with a desired gain in the direction opposite to the specific direction.

[0013] In this embodiment, the metal part is formed by depositing a metal film on the surface of the main body, but the entire part may also be made of metal. Forming it by depositing a metal film, as in this embodiment, is simpler and provides more stable quality, so it is preferable.

[0014] (6) The reflector is conical in shape, and its sides are preferably angled in multiple stages. By using such a stepped conical shape, the radio waves radiated from the opening can be spread over a wide area. By appropriately setting the angle of inclination, the radiation angle of the radio waves traveling in two directions can be controlled, and the direction of high gain in the main lobe radiation from these two directions can be set to a desired state.

[0015] (7) The output means may be provided with a shielding plate that blocks radio waves that travel in directions perpendicular to the specific direction and to each of the two directions. This can suppress the radio waves that spread in the perpendicular directions and increase the radio waves that travel in the two directions. The radiation area of ​​the radio waves can be compressed from both perpendicular directions, thereby spreading the radio waves that travel in the two directions. These two directions may also be planar directions. In this embodiment, the perpendicular directions correspond to the up and down directions.

[0016] (8) The antenna has a rectangular frame, and the output means is mounted on the frame and connected without screws, and in the connected state the antenna is electromagnetically grounded to the ground of the output means. This makes it easy to assemble the antenna and the output means and makes it easy to assemble the sensor.

[0017] (9) It is preferable to deposit a metal film on the surface of the antenna. By depositing a metal film, a metallic antenna is constructed, and the material of the main body on which the metal film is deposited is no longer limited to metal, so it is preferable that even complex shapes can be easily molded, such as plastic, and that lightweight and inexpensive materials can be selected. By adjusting the film thickness, the functions of the reflector, first fin, second fin, and shielding plate can be easily made to the desired specifications. The film deposition can be carried out by, for example, plating or vapor deposition.

[0018] (10) It is preferable to provide an adjustment means for adjusting the orientation of the plane. By adjusting the orientation of the plane using the adjustment means, detection can be performed within the adjusted plane. The plane can be positioned in the direction in which detection is desired. For example, if the plane is horizontal, it is suitable for, for example, proximity monitoring within the plane. For example, if the plane is vertical, it is suitable for, for example, gate passage detection.

[0019] (11) It is preferable to install the sensor indoors and to detect objects outside. In this way, it is possible to detect the movement of objects outside while the sensor is installed indoors. Since the detection area is 360 degrees around the sensor, both indoors and outdoors become monitoring areas. Furthermore, it is advantageous that detection can be performed even if the outdoor detection area and the indoor detection area are on opposite sides of the sensor. In this embodiment, indoors corresponds to the interior of a vehicle, and outdoors corresponds to the vehicle. For example, in the case of a vehicle, if the sensor is installed so that its orientation in the planar direction is horizontal to the ground, the detection area of ​​the sensor will be the area around the outside of the vehicle. It is possible to detect people and other objects that are present or moving around the vehicle and to approach them. It is preferable to have glass or other radio wave-transmitting material at the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

[0020] (12) The present invention may include a shooting means installed inside the room and shooting a range that includes the inside of the room and the outside on the opposite side of the room, a sensor according to any one of (1) to (11) that detects the movement of an object in the shooting range, and a control means that controls the operation of the shooting means based on the detection output of the sensor.

[0021] Since the sensor's detection area extends in the planar direction, even if the shooting range is facing different directions, such as an interior and an exterior on the opposite side of the interior, by setting the orientation in the planar direction so that the detection area includes both the interior and exterior, the movement of an object within the shooting range can be detected. By controlling the operation of the shooting means based on the movement of the object, the moving object can be photographed appropriately. In this embodiment, the interior corresponds to, for example, the interior of a vehicle, and the exterior corresponds to, for example, the front of the vehicle. In combination with the sensor equipped with the adjustment means of (10), for example, by adjusting the orientation in the planar direction using the adjustment means so that it is horizontal to the ground, a single sensor can detect the movement of an object over a wide range in shooting ranges in 180-degree opposite directions, such as an interior of a vehicle and an exterior in front of a vehicle. In the case of a vehicle, if the sensor's detection area is adjusted to be horizontal, areas other than the front of the vehicle can also be detected, so for example, by controlling the control means, it is possible to photograph when entering the interior of the vehicle or when colliding with the vehicle.

[0022] In this embodiment, the shooting means is implemented integrally with the sensor, but it may be configured as a separate unit. Control includes, for example, starting and stopping shooting, and starting the recording of video captured by the shooting means. Electronic devices include in-vehicle equipment such as drive recorders and security devices, and communication devices. Communication devices should ideally be devices that provide notification or response based on detection by the sensor, such as communication robots or devices that interact with machines using only a microphone and speaker, like Amazon Echo. Notification and response may be voice or display, and it is especially good if they generate conversational voice. When communicating, it is good to determine whether or not the person to be communicated with is present based on the sensor's detection output.

[0023] (13) The device is equipped with fixing means for fixing it to a predetermined position inside the vehicle interior, and the imaging means and the sensor are preferably installed in the predetermined position inside the vehicle interior by the same fixing means. This is good because it allows for compact implementation. In this embodiment, the fixing means corresponds to a mounting plate and double-sided tape.

[0024] (14) The predetermined position inside the vehicle cabin is the front glass of the vehicle, and it is preferably installed so that the plane becomes a horizontal plane. For monitoring and photographing the surroundings, it is desirable to arrange it at the center inside the vehicle cabin. However, for example, if it is attached near the ceiling or the room lamp, since radio waves emitted horizontally do not go outside, it has to be placed at a slightly lowered and suspended position. For example, the upper end of the front glass is lower than the ceiling inside the vehicle cabin. By attaching it to the front glass, hanging is unnecessary and it can be firmly fixed to maintain the posture of the electronic device. By attaching it to the glass surface that becomes a radio wave transmission member, the radio waves emitted from the sensor can be output outside the vehicle.

[0025] (15) It is preferable to include an adjustment mechanism for independently rotating and adjusting the orientations of the sensor and the photographing means. By doing so, each of the sensor and the photographing means can be set to a desired orientation, so that the relationship between the detection area of the sensor and the photographing range of the photographing means can be made appropriate. For example, the main body case on which the sensor is mounted is arranged to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range with respect to the fixing means, and the camera case on which the photographing means is mounted is preferably mounted to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range with respect to the main body case. In particular, the rotation center of the main body case and the rotation center of the camera case are preferably arranged coaxially or in parallel.

[0026] By doing so, when adjusting the orientation of the sensor by rotating the main body case, even if the camera case rotates around the rotation center of the main body case integrally with the main body case, the rotation plane at that time is equal to the rotation plane of the camera case with respect to the main body case. Therefore, even if the camera case rotates as the main body case rotates and the photographing direction of the photographing means is displaced, the camera case can then be rotated by a predetermined angle alone to set the photographing direction by the photographing means to a desired position.

[0027] In the embodiment, the arrangement of the main body case with respect to the fixing means is detachable with respect to the ring portion integral with the fixing means, but it may be configured such that rotation is allowed but detachment is not possible. It is better to be detachable because it has versatility. In the case of a detachable method, for example, a method of fixing with a nut member as in the embodiment can be adopted, which can be firmly fixed and can also correspond to a configuration that can be attached from two different directions.

[0028] If the shooting direction is only forward, there is no need to strictly adjust the orientation of the camera. It is sufficient to set the detection range of the sensor and the camera orientation forward. On the other hand, in the case of a sensor that detects within a plane including opposite directions such as forward and backward, the angle of the sensor becomes important. If it is not aligned with the horizontal plane, there is a high risk that a particular area cannot be detected.

[0029] (16) The means for rotating the sensor may be configured to be fixed more firmly than the means for rotating the imaging means. By doing so, the orientation of the sensor can be firmly fixed, and it is possible to maintain a desired orientation, for example, horizontal. The orientation of the imaging means is a looser fixation than the fixation of the sensor. Even when installed in the vehicle interior via the fixing means, it can be rotated to easily adjust the shooting range. For example, if fixed on the side surfaces, it can be firmly fixed, and if fixed on the circumferential surfaces, it is easy to rotate and adopt a loose fixation.

[0030] (17) The camera case on which the imaging means is mounted is rotatably mounted via a connection mechanism in a protruding state with respect to the main body case on which the sensor is mounted in a state of being attached to the vehicle interior. The connection mechanism allows rotation in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the attached state and holds the posture of the camera case at a predetermined angle.

[0031] By rotating in the front-back direction, for example, when rotating and moving backward from the first position (first posture) that captures an area including the front of the vehicle to the second position, the upper end position becomes lower than the captured area when in the first position, but accordingly, an area on the rear side that could not be captured in the first position can now be captured. Since rotation in the front-back direction of the camera case is allowed and the posture of the camera case is held at a predetermined angle, for example, the camera case can be oriented to a position suitable for each of the driving / parking situations and its posture can be held, so that it is possible to capture an image suitable for the situation.

[0032] In the embodiment, the rotation in the front-back direction corresponds to rotating within a range from diagonally forward through downward to diagonally backward, but it is not limited to this. For example, from a posture that captures an area including the front of the vehicle, the lower end of the camera case may move toward the rear side so that the upper end position of the captured area drops, but it may not move until its lower end faces the rear.

[0033] (18) The imaging means includes one camera that captures a range wider than a hemispherical sky. The position and orientation of the camera on the camera case and the relationship with the main body case are set so that the camera case and the main body case are less likely to be reflected in the range of the image captured by the camera.

[0034] Since the main body case and the camera case are less likely to be reflected in the image captured by the camera, it is possible to easily capture the scenery outside the vehicle and the state of the interior of the vehicle. The relationship that makes it less likely to be reflected can be set, for example, such that the main body case etc. do not appear or appear within a range with little influence within the imaging range of the camera as the camera case rotates. It is good to make the shape such that the portion present in the imaging range of the camera is minimized. For example, the dimensional shapes of the main body case and the camera case can be made as small as possible, or since the dead angle of the camera is conical, the camera case can be made into a shape close to that conical shape or an inscribed rectangular shape, etc.

[0035] (19) The part that is fixed to the vehicle and the part that has the shooting means are detachable, and the part that has the shooting means can be attached to the part that is fixed to the vehicle from two opposing directions. In this way, the position of the camera can be changed while the position of the part that is fixed to the vehicle remains constant, and the shooting range of the camera can be adjusted. The two opposing directions are the left and right directions of the vehicle when the electronic device is fixed to the vehicle. In this way, for example, the main unit case can be placed in a position that is easy for the driver to operate, depending on whether the vehicle is right-hand drive or left-hand drive. The main unit case can be placed in an appropriate position according to the usage situation, and the variations in mounting are increased, which is good.

[0036] (20) The structure comprises a main body portion equipped with the imaging means and a fixing member for fixing the main body portion to a predetermined position on the vehicle, and when the fixing member is fixed to the vehicle, the main body portion can assume a first position in which it is above the fixing member and a second position in which it is below the fixing member.

[0037] This allows the camera to be positioned as high as possible while still being able to capture the area in front of it. For example, in vehicles where the upper area of ​​the windshield is masked, the fixing member can be attached to the masked area in the second position, and the main unit can be positioned lower down to enable forward shooting. In vehicles without such a mask, the fixing member can be attached in the first position, and the main unit can be positioned as high as possible to capture the area in front as far as possible, allowing for mounting in a manner appropriate to the situation.

[0038] A structure that can assume a first and second posture may, for example, be provided that when the main body is rotatably supported (it may be detachable as in the embodiment, or it may not be detachable), the support portion is in contact with the outer surface of the support portion, or connected via a connecting member, so that one portion protrudes more than the other at the point of contact.

[0039] In particular, when combined with (16), there are two patterns for attaching the mounting plate to the windshield: a first position where the ring is positioned above the mounting plate and a second position where it is positioned below it. Additionally, there are two patterns for attaching the dashcam body from either the left or right side of the mounting component, resulting in a total of 2 x 2 = 4 patterns, offering a wide variety of interesting options.

[0040] (21) The recording means may function as a drive recorder when the vehicle is in motion, and may also function to control the operation of the recording means and record when the vehicle is parked based on the detection output of the sensor. In this way, the system functions as a drive recorder when the vehicle is in motion and as a security system when the vehicle is parked. Since the operation of the recording means is controlled based on the detection output of the sensor, recording can be done efficiently. For example, by starting recording when it detects the approach of a person or object (vehicle, door, etc.), recording can be done before a person enters the vehicle, or before a vehicle or door makes contact. In addition, if the system is constantly running or recording while parked, it will consume a lot of power, which can drain the vehicle's battery or shorten the lifespan of an external power source. However, by operating the system only when necessary, such as when an object approaches, the battery life can be extended. Recording while driving is not limited to the entire duration of driving, but is sufficient if it is done at appropriate intervals while driving. While the parking sensor does not necessarily need to operate continuously for the entire duration of parking, it does not need to operate continuously either. To improve battery life, it may operate intermittently or stop after a certain period of operation. Controlling the operation may involve, for example, activating the camera or recording the captured video to the recording device.

[0041] (22) The imaging means may include a single camera mounted on the vehicle that captures a wider area than the hemisphere, including the lower hemisphere. A single camera can capture the interior, the area around the vehicle, and the area in front and above. This allows for capturing not only the horizontal to downward area covered by the hemisphere, but also the diagonally upward area, which is beneficial as it allows for capturing objects above the vehicle, such as traffic lights, while driving. Furthermore, the hemisphere allows for capturing the interior and exterior surroundings of the vehicle, which is beneficial as it can be used for security monitoring while parked.

[0042] (23) The shooting means is equipped with a camera that, when mounted on the vehicle, captures an area of ​​more than a hemisphere below, and the diameter of the circular area where light passing through the lens of the camera forms an image is less than or equal to the length of the long side of the rectangular shooting area of ​​the image sensor, and shorter than the length of the short side, so that the image of the vehicle in the front-rear direction is formed in a direction along the long side of the image sensor. This reduces the wasted area outside the circular area within the shooting area of ​​the image sensor, and also allows for capturing a larger image of the subject. Of the captured images, all of the images in the front-rear direction fall within the shooting area of ​​the image sensor, so the scenery in front of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle can be captured. The part of the image circle that is outside the shooting area of ​​the image sensor is in the left-right direction of the vehicle, so it does not pose much of a problem. In other words, for example, it can capture a range equivalent to or greater than that of a conventional dashcam that uses two cameras to capture the front view and the rear / interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, when capturing a range wider than a hemisphere, for example, the parts that are outside the image sensor's field of view and cannot receive light will only be captured as the vehicle's ceiling, and the outside view will not be captured, so it is not a problem if they are not recorded. The advantage of being able to effectively utilize the image sensor and capture a larger area outweighs the disadvantage of not being able to capture a part of the left and right directions. The lower hemisphere or larger can be a hemisphere, or a range wider than a hemisphere as in the embodiment.

[0043] The inventions described in (1) to (23) above can be combined in any way. For example, one may combine all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onward. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onward. It is also preferable to combine the invention shown in (12) with at least part of the configuration of at least one other invention. The applicant intends to obtain patent rights, design rights, etc., for those including these configurations through amendment, divisional application, change application to design registration application, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the movement of an object in a 360-degree plane around the sensor with a compact configuration. Furthermore, it is possible to provide items that exhibit the effects described herein as "~can be done," etc.

[0045] 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]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is an external view showing a preferred embodiment of the drive recorder according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating how to mount the dashcam to the windshield. [Figure 3] This diagram omits the illustration of the bracket and nut components. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing a bracket. [Figure 5]This is an exploded view showing the nut component removed. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates variations in how the main body is attached to the bracket. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates variations in how the bracket is attached to the windshield. [Figure 8] This diagram explains how to adjust the angle of the camera unit. [Figure 9] This diagram omits some of the components of the dashcam. [Figure 10] This diagram omits some of the components of the dashcam. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the linkage structure between the camera unit and the inner case. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the camera unit. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the circuits, components, etc., that are mounted on the main unit's casing. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the circuits, components, etc., that are mounted on the main unit's casing. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of an area sensor. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of an antenna. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of an antenna. [Figure 18] This is a diagram of an antenna. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the propagation of radio waves emitted from an antenna. [Figure 20] This is a six-view drawing showing an example of a dashcam. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing another dry recorder. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the image circle and the image sensor. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of how it looks on a smartphone. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of how it looks on a smartphone. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of how it looks on a smartphone. [Figure 26] This figure shows an example of how the PC viewer will display. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example of how the PC viewer will display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. The configuration and shape of the described apparatus are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the drive recorder 10 of this embodiment comprises a main unit 11 that performs various processes, a camera unit 12 attached to the main unit 11, and a bracket 13 for attaching the main unit 11 to a predetermined position on the vehicle 1. The predetermined position on the vehicle 1 is preferably, for example, on the upper side of the vehicle's windshield 2 on the interior side, near the center. In addition to a drive recorder function that photographs and records predetermined areas such as the front of the vehicle 1 and the interior of the vehicle 1 while driving, the drive recorder 10 of this embodiment also has a security function that photographs and records predetermined areas such as the front of the vehicle 1 and the interior of the vehicle 1 when parked, for example. The main unit 11 is equipped with various sensors and has an event recording mode that controls the shooting and recording operation based on the detection output of the sensors even when either the drive recorder function or the security function is in operation, and a continuous recording mode that records continuously.

[0049] To implement this security feature, even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition switch is OFF, meaning it cannot receive power from the vehicle's battery, the drive recorder 10 should operate by receiving power from a separate power supply unit. Furthermore, having such a separate power supply unit is beneficial because even when power can be supplied from the vehicle's battery while parked, the drive recorder will receive power from the separate power supply unit, thus preventing the vehicle's battery from running out.

[0050] The drive recorder 10 is equipped with a camera as a means of recording, and the shooting range of the camera is set to a wide range that includes opposite directions, such as the front and rear sides of the vehicle, relative to the drive recorder 10, such as the front of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is equipped with one camera that captures a range wider than a hemisphere. The main body 11 is fixed to a predetermined position on the vehicle 1 via the bracket 13, and the camera unit 12 is positioned below the main body 11 when it is installed on the vehicle 1. When the orientation of the main body 11 and the camera unit 12 is correct, the camera unit 12 captures a range wider than a hemisphere, including the hemisphere below the drive recorder 10. This camera is mounted on the camera unit 12.

[0051] Furthermore, this embodiment includes an area sensor that detects the movement of people or other objects within a predetermined detection area. This area sensor is mounted on the main unit 11. For example, when the device is in event recording mode while parked, the area sensor is activated, and when it detects the intrusion of a person or other object into the detection area or movement within the detection area, the camera is activated and recording begins. If the predetermined event conditions are met, the captured video and other data are recorded. This reduces battery drain compared to the parking recording mode, which continuously captures and records video, and enables long-term monitoring while parked.

[0052] The dashcam's functions while driving include a continuous recording mode, which constantly records within the camera's field of view and saves the footage to the recording device, and an event recording mode, which creates a recording file for a predetermined time before and after a predetermined event occurs and saves it to the recording device. The predetermined event conditions include detecting an impact above a certain level and pressing the record button. In addition, if a predetermined event condition occurs while recording in continuous recording mode, event recording is also performed based on the event. The recording area based on continuous recording mode and the recording area based on event recording are separated. For example, when overwriting a recording, it overwrites the recording area of ​​the same mode. Since these functions are the same as those of a typical dashcam, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0053] The drive recorder 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a security function that captures and records footage while parked. This function has two modes: a continuous recording mode and an event-only recording mode. The continuous recording mode is a mode in which parking recording is performed by continuously capturing and recording footage, and when a predetermined event condition occurs while parked, a recording file is created for a predetermined time before and after the event, and recorded on the recording means. The predetermined event conditions include, for example, "impact," "tilt," and "door open." "Impact" occurs when the vehicle is subjected to an impact of a certain level or higher, and is detected, for example, by an acceleration sensor. "Tilt" occurs when a tilt or jack-up of the vehicle is detected above a certain level, and is detected, for example, by a tilt sensor. This tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor, but it is a different sensor from the acceleration sensor used for impact detection. "Door open" detects when the vehicle door is opened, and is detected, for example, by a microphone detecting a change in sound pressure inside the vehicle. The microphone for detecting door open and detecting sound pressure is different from the recording microphone, and these two microphones are mounted in a single housing.

[0054] The event-only recording mode does not perform continuous parking recording. Instead, as described above, it uses an area sensor for proximity monitoring, and when proximity is detected, it activates the camera and starts recording. When a predetermined event condition occurs, it creates a recording file of a predetermined time before and after the event and records it to the recording device. Predetermined event conditions include, for example, "proximity," "impact," "tilt," and "door open." "Proximity" is when a person or vehicle is detected approaching during proximity monitoring mode using the area sensor, and is detected by the area sensor. "Impact" is when the vehicle experiences an impact of a certain level or higher during proximity monitoring mode using the area sensor, and is detected by, for example, an acceleration sensor. "Tilt" is when a certain level of tilt or jacking up of the vehicle is detected during proximity monitoring mode using the area sensor, and is detected by, for example, a tilt sensor or acceleration sensor. "Door open" is when a vehicle door is detected to have been opened during proximity monitoring mode using the area sensor, and is detected by, for example, a microphone detecting a change in sound pressure inside the vehicle.

[0055] The area sensor of this embodiment is a sensor that emits radio waves such as microwaves and millimeter waves and detects the movement of an object based on the reflected waves of those radio waves. The microwaves are preferably quasi-millimeter waves in the range of 20 to 30 GHz, and in this embodiment, they are 24 GHz. The range that the emitted radio waves reach becomes the detection area. The detection area of ​​such an area sensor is preferably the same as or wider than the shooting range in a horizontal plane, and in this embodiment, the detection area has an extension in the direction of the plane, and is smaller in the direction perpendicular to that plane than in the direction of the plane.

[0056] When the plane is set to be within the horizontal plane, the detection area of ​​the area sensor becomes the entire area around the outside of vehicle 1. For example, if there are no people approaching vehicle 1, battery power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible. On the other hand, if movement of people is detected, the camera takes pictures, so that if there is actual contact or intrusion with vehicle 1, images of the area including that moment can be recorded.

[0057] The main body 11 has various electronic components and circuits mounted inside a cylindrical housing 20. The housing 20 is constructed by joining together a first case 21 and a second case 22, which are divided into upper and lower halves when attached to the vehicle 1. The housing 20 has an overall cylindrical outer shape, and the first case 21 and the second case 22 that make up the housing 20 are divided into upper and lower halves when the cylinder is lying on its side, resulting in a semi-circular cross-section. The first case 21 and the second case 22 are connected by joining the lower end surface of the circumferential surface 21f of the first case 21 and the upper end surface of the circumferential surface 22j of the second case 22, with their circumferential surfaces abutting against each other, to form the housing 20.

[0058] The upper end surface of the second case 22 forms a wall portion 22k projecting upward in its outer half. A concave cutout is formed around the inner circumference of this wall portion 22k. On the other hand, although omitted for brevity, the lower end surface of the first case 21 forms a wall portion projecting downward in its inner region, and a concave cutout is formed around the outer circumference of this wall portion. When joining the first case 21 and the second case 22, the walls of each are fitted into the concave cutouts of the other, thereby firmly connecting them while preventing movement in the horizontal plane. Furthermore, a claw piece 22e, which is formed to stand upright near the axial center of the upper end surface of the circumferential surface 22j of the second case 22, is fitted into a recess (not shown) formed on the inner circumferential surface near the lower end surface of the first case 21, thereby preventing separation in the vertical direction.

[0059] In this manner, the first case 21 and the second case 22 are joined together and firmly fixed using set screws 88. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 9(a), etc., the first case 21 is provided with bottomed cylindrical portions 21e projecting inward near the four corners of its circumferential surface 21f. The upper end of the cylindrical portion 21e opens into the circumferential surface 21f of the first case 21. Although not shown, the bottom surface of this cylindrical portion 21e is positioned one level higher and recessed than the lower end surface of the circumferential surface 21f of the first case 21, and a through hole is formed in the center of the bottom surface. When the set screw 88 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 21e from the outside of the first case 21 during assembly, the threaded portion of the set screw 88 protrudes downward from the through hole in the bottom surface, and the head of the set screw 88 contacts and is retained by the bottom of the cylindrical portion 21e.

[0060] On the other hand, a cylindrical portion 22i is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second case 22, which is opposite to the cylindrical portion 21e provided on the first case 21. The upper end position of this cylindrical portion 22i is positioned to protrude above the upper end surface of the circumferential surface 22j of the first case 21. A female thread is formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 22i, and the set screw 88 is fastened to this female thread, thereby securely fixing the first case 21 and the second case 22 together.

[0061] [Variations in mounting bracket 13 and main body 11] As shown in Figure 3, etc., one end portion 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22 is formed to be slightly smaller in external dimensions, and a step is formed between the one end portion 21a, 22a and the axial central portion of the main body 11. A sawtooth-shaped tooth portion 23 is formed on the wall surface where this step is created. In this embodiment, the tooth portion 23 is formed only on the second case 22 side. Furthermore, a male screw 24 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip side of one end portion 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the bracket 13 comprises a ring portion 16 that holds the main body portion 11, and a fixing plate portion 17 that is positioned on the outer circumferential surface 16a side of the ring portion 16 and attached to the windshield 2. The bracket 13 is fixed to the windshield 2 by attaching one side of double-sided adhesive tape to the mounting surface 17a of the fixing plate portion 17, and attaching the other side of the double-sided adhesive tape to a predetermined position on the windshield 2. The mounting surface 17a of the fixing plate portion 17 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the tangential direction of the outer circumferential surface 16a of the ring portion 16. A connecting portion 18 is provided between the ring portion 16 and the fixing plate portion 17 to achieve this inclined arrangement. The ring portion 16 is an endless annular shape, and its diameter is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22.

[0063] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the ring portion 16 and the fixing plate portion 17 is designed to allow the fixing plate portion 17 to be fixed to the vehicle 1 in two positions: a first position where the ring portion 16 is above the fixing plate portion 17 (see Figure 7(b)) and a second position where the ring portion 16 is below the fixing plate portion (see Figure 7(a)). The structure that allows the first and second positions to be achieved is such that the ring portion 16 is connected to the fixing plate portion 17 at an eccentric position from the center of the fixing plate portion 17 along the circumferential direction of the ring portion 16. Alternatively, for example, one of the opposite sides of the fixing plate portion 17 along the circumferential direction of the ring portion 16 may protrude more in the tangential direction.

[0064] This allows the camera unit 12 to be positioned as high as possible while still being able to capture the area in front. For example, in vehicles where the upper area of ​​the windshield 2 is masked, the fixing plate 17 can be attached to the masked area in the second position, and the main unit 11 can be positioned lower to enable forward shooting. In vehicles without such a mask, the fixing plate 17 can be attached in the first position, and the main unit 11 can be positioned as high as possible to enable forward shooting as far as possible, allowing for mounting configurations that suit the situation.

[0065] Teeth 25 are formed on both axial sides of the ring portion 16, extending around its entire circumference. These teeth 25 are set to the same dimensions, shape, and pitch as the teeth 23 formed on the second case 22, so as to correspond with them. The ring portion 16 has openings at both axial ends, allowing the main body 11 to be attached from either of these openings.

[0066] As a result, when the ring portion 16 is attached to one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22, the ring portion 16 can rotate in forward and reverse relative to the one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22, with its central axis as the center of rotation. Then, by engaging the teeth portion 23 provided on the second case 22 side with the teeth portion 25 provided on the ring portion 16 that is opposite to the teeth portion 23, this rotation is suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since teeth portion 25 of the same shape are provided on both sides of the ring portion 16, the main body portion 11 can be attached from either opening side of the ring portion 16, and the teeth portion 23 on the second case 22 will engage, allowing control of the relative angular position between the ring portion 16 and the main body portion 11.

[0067] When one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22 are inserted into one opening of the ring portion 16, the tips of the one end 21a, 22a and the male threads 24 provided thereon protrude outwards from the other opening of the ring portion 16 (see Figure 5, etc.). A nut member 26 is attached to the protruding male threads 24. The nut member 26 has a flat disc-shaped cap form, and a female thread 27 corresponding to the male threads 24 is formed on its inner circumference. When the female thread 27 of the nut member 26 is firmly fastened to the male threads 24 of the one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22 of the main body portion 11, the ring portion 16 is clamped between the housing 20 of the main body portion 11 and the nut member 26 with a predetermined force, and in this state the teeth 23, 25 interlock, preventing the rotation of the ring portion 16 and, consequently, the bracket 13. On the other hand, when the nut member 26 is loosened, the rotation is permitted. Therefore, the relative angular positional relationship between the main body 11 and the bracket 13 can be adjusted to any position and fixed in that position.

[0068] As described above, the main body 11 can be inserted into the ring 16 from either the left or right side, and teeth 25 are provided at both openings of the ring 16. Therefore, regardless of which direction it is inserted from, the relative angular positional relationship between the ring 16 and the main body 11 can be adjusted to any position and fixed in that position (see Figure 6, etc.). The side from which it was installed is registered by the mode setting. The control unit of the drive recorder controls its operation according to the left or right mode setting. For example, according to the left or right mode setting, it recognizes which side of the main body and camera is facing the front of the vehicle / inside the vehicle interior and performs control based on that. Such control includes, for example, determining the front and rear orientation of the image captured by the camera, and controlling the presence or absence of LED illumination, such as not emitting light on the front side of the vehicle, as will be described later.

[0069] As described above, the main body 11 is mounted from both sides of the openings of the ring portion 16, making it reversible. Therefore, if, for example, the mounting position of the drive recorder 10 cannot be secured in the center of the windshield 2, the camera portion 12 can be positioned as close to the center as possible by changing the mounting direction of the main body 11 to the bracket 13. The camera portion 12 in this embodiment has a wide shooting range that includes a downward-facing hemisphere and extends diagonally upward from the camera portion 12. Therefore, by positioning the camera portion 12 near the center of the windshield 2 and thus the vehicle 1, it is possible to capture an even range around the outside of the vehicle 1 without bias to the left or right. For example, if the bracket 13 is mounted on the driver's seat, the main body 11 can be mounted from the passenger side to position the camera portion 12 as close to the center as possible.

[0070] Furthermore, the structure that allows mounting to the bracket 13 from both the left and right sides is not only for the requirement to position the camera unit 12 as close to the center as possible, as mentioned above, but also to improve operability such as button operation and memory card insertion / removal for both right-hand drive and left-hand drive drivers, and to improve forward visibility by hiding a large portion of the drive recorder 10 from view behind the rearview mirror.

[0071] Furthermore, as an alternative to the configuration described above where the camera unit 12 is placed in the center, the structure can also be used to position the camera unit 12 towards the left or right edge, accommodating the requirement to focus on one side during shooting. Focusing on one side means, for example, if a parking lot has a wall on one side, the camera can be mounted on the side without the wall, allowing for a wider view of the outside area as well. This also allows for one-sided focus shooting when photographing inside a vehicle.

[0072] As described above, by appropriately combining the two patterns of mounting direction of the main body 11 to the bracket 13 and the two patterns of fixing position of the bracket 13 to the windshield 2, a total of four mounting positions can be adopted.

[0073] [Adjustment function for the plane of the detection area of ​​the area sensor] As described above, the detection area of ​​the area sensor extends in a planar direction, such as a disc, and when using the drive recorder 10, this plane is adjusted and set within a horizontal plane parallel to the ground. This adjustment is done, for example, by loosening the nut member 26, rotating the main body 11 to make the detection area of ​​the area sensor horizontal, and then tightening the nut member 26 to fix it in place.

[0074] In this embodiment, a horizontal line 30 is provided on the tip surface side of one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and second case 22 of the main body 11. This horizontal line 30 is located within the plane of the detection area of ​​the area sensor, and the area sensor is mounted on the main body 11 in such a way that when the angle is adjusted so that the horizontal line 30 is horizontal, the detection area of ​​the area sensor also becomes within the horizontal plane.

[0075] In this embodiment, the horizontal line 30 utilizes the joint surface formed by joining the first case 21 and the second case 22. As shown in Figure 5, a circular through-hole 28 is formed in the center of the nut member 26. Small semicircular protrusions 21b and 22b formed at the tips of the first case 21 and second case 22 of the main body 11 are exposed to the outside through this through-hole 28. The horizontal line 30 is formed at the joint portion between the protrusion 21b of the first case 21 and the protrusion 22b of the second case 22.

[0076] The user adjusts the rotation angle of the main unit 11 while observing the angle of the horizontal line 30, and then tightens the nut member 26 to fix it in place when the horizontal line 30 is horizontal (see Figure 8(a), etc.), thereby setting the main unit 11 to the correct angular position so that the detection area of ​​the area sensor is within the horizontal plane. By adjusting the orientation of the detection area of ​​the area sensor in the planar direction so that it is horizontal to the ground, a single area sensor can detect the movement of objects in shooting ranges in 180-degree opposite directions, such as in front of the vehicle and inside the vehicle, and can also detect the movement of objects approaching or loitering from any direction around the outside of the vehicle 1. Then, by controlling the operation of the camera based on the movement of the object, it is possible to properly photograph moving objects.

[0077] [Rotation mechanism of the camera unit] As shown in Figure 8(a), etc., the drive recorder 10 of this embodiment is configured such that the camera unit 12 is rotatably linked to the main unit 11. The shooting range of the camera unit 12 of this embodiment includes the lower hemisphere when the field of view direction of the camera unit 12 is pointed downwards, and extends to a wider area than that hemisphere, allowing shooting to extend diagonally upwards. Therefore, even when the field of view direction of the camera unit 12 is pointed straight down, it is possible to shoot areas such as the area diagonally above and in front of the vehicle. On the other hand, in cameras that shoot a shooting range of more than a hemisphere, the resolution is best in the central part of the circular image obtained from shooting, and lowest in the peripheral part. Therefore, the scenery in front of the vehicle, especially the view diagonally above, is located in the peripheral part of the circular image obtained from shooting, and thus the resolution is poor.

[0078] Therefore, while driving, for example, the camera unit 12's field of view is directed diagonally forward to widen the shooting area diagonally upward in front, allowing for high-resolution and clear capture of the scenery ahead. When parked, the camera unit 12's field of view is directed straight down, enabling shooting within a range of 360 degrees in the horizontal plane and more than 180 degrees in the vertical plane, centered on the drive recorder, making it possible to capture situations such as vandalism, collisions, and theft of the vehicle 1.

[0079] In this embodiment, the main body 11 is equipped with an area sensor that detects a horizontal range of 360 degrees, and is installed in an adjusted manner so that the detection area of ​​the area sensor is within the horizontal plane. The main body 11 needs to maintain its installed state, and after installation, it is not possible to rotate the main body 11 to change the camera's field of view. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the camera unit 12 is made rotatable relative to the main body 11, and as shown in Figure 8(a), the camera unit 12 is connected in a structure that allows it to rotate back and forth while maintaining the horizontal position of the horizontal line 30, thereby making it possible to change the shooting range of the camera while maintaining the detection area of ​​the area sensor within the horizontal plane.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(a), when the drive recorder 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1, the camera unit 12 can be swiveled forward and backward, for example, from a position where it is facing directly downwards to a position where it is facing forward and backward. Because of this structure that allows it to swivel forward and backward, for example, even if the main body 11 is attached to either the left or right side of the ring 16, and the side of the main body 11 that faces forward on the vehicle 1 is reversed, the camera unit 12 can still be positioned to face forward on the vehicle in that installed state.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the orientation of the detection area of ​​the area sensor is adjusted by the rotation of the main body 11 and the ring 16, and the orientation of the camera is adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the camera unit 12 relative to the main body 11. Thus, it is characterized by having an adjustment mechanism that allows the orientation of the detection area of ​​the area sensor and the orientation of the field of view of the camera unit to be adjusted by rotating them independently. As a result, the area sensor and the camera unit 12 can each be set to a desired orientation, so that the relationship between the detection area of ​​the area sensor and the shooting range of the camera unit 12 can be set to an appropriate state. In this embodiment, the rotation center of the main body 11 and the rotation center of the camera unit 12 are arranged coaxially. As a result, when the orientation of the area sensor is adjusted by rotating the main body 11, even if the camera unit 12 rotates together with the main body 11 around the rotation center of the main body, the plane of rotation at that time is equal to the plane of rotation of the camera case relative to the main body case. Therefore, even if the camera case rotates along with the rotation of the main body case and the shooting direction of the shooting means is displaced, the camera case can then be rotated by a predetermined angle independently to set the shooting direction of the shooting means to a desired position.

[0082] The orientation of the camera unit 12 can be adjusted, for example, by the user visually confirming the orientation of the camera unit 12 to face the desired direction, or, for example, by moving it to the maximum angle within the rotational range when pointing it forward. Adjustment based on visual observation is preferable because it can be easily performed. Furthermore, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the drive recorder 10 has a function to communicate with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and has a function to transmit the video captured by the camera unit 12 in real time. The mobile terminal such as a smartphone displays the received video on the display unit 91 (see Figure 8(b), etc.). The user can adjust the orientation of the camera unit 12 while looking at the displayed video and confirm the orientation of the camera unit 12 when the desired shooting range is achieved. This is preferable because it allows for more accurate setting of the desired area as the shooting range.

[0083] The adjustable angle range of the camera unit 12 is set to a range of 30 degrees to one side and 60 degrees in the front-to-back direction, using a downward-facing orientation as a reference. As will be described in detail later, the field of view of the camera mounted on the camera unit 12 is set to 220 degrees in the vertical plane when the drive recorder 10 is correctly mounted on the vehicle 1. Then, if the downward position is set to 0 degrees, the forward shooting range becomes 110 degrees. If the forward range is within a range of 110 degrees, for example, if you stop just before the stop line at an intersection, you will not be able to adequately photograph the traffic light in the direction of travel. Therefore, for example, if you are rear-ended from the side after starting to move after the traffic light in the direction of travel has turned green, you may not be able to prove that you started moving on a green light. In this embodiment, therefore, the direction of the camera can be changed, and for example, if you tilt it by 30 degrees, it becomes 110 + 30 = 140 degrees, which is good because it is possible to photograph and record the color of the traffic light. For example, setting the range to 40 degrees on one side would widen the shooting range upwards, more reliably positioning the traffic light within the shooting range, and allow for clearer images because the shooting is performed closer to the center of the lens. However, this would widen the area inside the vehicle that would not be captured, which is undesirable, and since shooting can be done at 30 degrees, there is little need to increase it beyond 30 degrees. Therefore, in this embodiment, the range is set to 30 degrees. The angle should be set such that, for example, if the object to be photographed, such as a traffic light, is outside the shooting range in the first camera position, it comes within the shooting range when the camera is rotated to a second position.

[0084] With the dashcam mounted on the windshield, the camera unit can be rotated within a vertical plane. When positioned to face diagonally forward, the shooting area diagonally upward in front expands, creating a dashcam-priority position that can also capture traffic lights. In this case, the shooting area inside the vehicle becomes narrower. On the other hand, when the camera is pointed downward, the 360-degree horizontal surroundings of the vehicle can be captured at an angle of 180 degrees or more within the vertical plane, creating a position that prioritizes capturing the situation inside the vehicle or prioritizing security monitoring inside and outside the vehicle.

[0085] [Specific structure for rotating the camera unit 12] As described above, in this embodiment, the camera unit 12 is rotatably attached to the main body unit 11, and its specific structure is as follows. First, the first case 21 and the second case 22 that constitute the housing 20 of the main body unit 11 are divided into two halves, upper and lower, as described above, and the parts other than the one end 21a, 22a have a semi-circular circumferential surface of the same diameter along its entire length. The circumferential surface of one end 21a of the first case 21 has two recesses 21c. A technical standards conformity certification label 31 is affixed to one of these two recesses 21c, and a serial number sticker is affixed to the other. The ring portion 16 of the bracket 13 is attached to this one end 21a. In this embodiment, the recesses 21c are provided and are lower than the circumferential surface of the one end 21a, so that even if the ring portion 16 is rotated, for example, the label / sticker will not peel off, and in the state of use, the label / sticker is covered by the ring portion 16, so it will not deteriorate over time or peel off accidentally.

[0086] The side of the housing 20 opposite to the side on which the ring portion 16 and nut member 26 are attached is a flat surface. In this embodiment, the other end surface of the second case 22 is a disc-shaped side surface 22d extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the edge 21d of the first case 21 is in contact with the periphery of that side surface 22d. Thus, in this embodiment, the opposite side of the housing 20 is characterized by being composed of a single side surface 22d of the second case 22, and is not divided like one end.

[0087] On the side 22d, a rectangular opening 22g is provided slightly above the center, and a power connector 34 is positioned on the back side of this opening 22g. Below the opening 22g, two openings 22h are provided side by side, one above the other, and a recording button 33 and a save button 32 are positioned so as to protrude outward from the back side of the side 22d through the openings 22h. As shown in Figure 9(c), the recording button 33 has leaf springs 33a integrally formed on both the left and right sides, with the tips of the leaf springs 33a fixed to the back side of the side 22d. The save button 32 has leaf springs 32a integrally formed on both the left and right sides, with the tips of the leaf springs 33a fixed to the back side of the side 22d. As a result, when each button is pressed, it is pushed inward into the housing 20, but when the pressing force is released, the elastic restoring force of the leaf springs 33a and 32a pushes each button back outward, protruding from the side 22d. Furthermore, a vertically elongated card slot 35 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the upper side of the side 22d, and the memory card 36 is inserted into and removed from this card slot 35.

[0088] If the recording button 33 is pressed alone, the control unit repeatedly stops and resumes recording. If the record button 32 is pressed while continuous recording is in progress, the control unit performs one-touch recording. Furthermore, if the recording button 33 and the record button 32 are pressed simultaneously while recording is stopped, the control unit switches to setting mode.

[0089] The lower second case 22 has a large opening 22c in the axial central part of its circumferential surface. The opening 22c is shaped like a band along the circumferential direction, and is open 30 degrees in the front-to-back direction relative to the lowest end when the drive recorder 10 is installed, for a total of 60 degrees. The camera unit 12 is rotatably mounted within this opening 22c.

[0090] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the camera unit 12 comprises a camera case 40 and a camera unit 87 mounted inside the camera case 40. The camera case 40 is formed by connecting a first lens holder 41 and a second lens holder 42, which are divided into two halves vertically, by joining their upper and lower edges. The first lens holder 41 is a roughly rectangular box with an open top, and has concave notches 41a in the center of each of the four sides of the rectangle at its top edge, and screw holes 41b at the four corners of the rectangle. The upper end portions of the screw holes 41b protrude slightly above the top edge of the first lens holder 41.

[0091] The second lens holder 42 comprises a rectangular frame 42a having the same dimensions and shape as the outer edge of the upper edge of the first lens holder 41, and a curved portion 42b formed continuously with the upper end of the frame 42a. The width of the curved portion 42b is wider than the width of the frame 42a, and both side edges of the curved portion 42b along the axial direction protrude outward from the sides of the frame 42a. When the end faces of the frame 42a and the first lens holder 41 are joined together, the upper open side of the concave notch 41a formed in the first lens holder 41 is closed at the lower end of the frame 42a, forming a long, narrow opening that extends horizontally. Through holes 42c are formed at the four corners of the inner surface of the frame 42a. When the end faces of the frame 42a and the first lens holder 41 are joined together, the through hole 42c and the screw hole 41b formed in the first lens holder 41 face each other. A set screw 85 is inserted into the through hole 42c from the frame 42a side and screwed in to integrate the first lens holder 41 and the second lens holder 42, thereby forming the camera case 40.

[0092] In the camera case 40 with this structure, the first lens holder 41 is inserted from the inside of the opening 22c of the second case 22 so that it protrudes outward. As a result, the first lens holder 41 and the frame 42a protrude outward from the opening 22c, but because the width of the curved portion 42b is set to be wider than the axial width of the opening 22c, the curved portion 42b comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the second case 22 that is not present, and does not detach further outward.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, etc., an inner case 38 is placed inside the second case 22, and the curved portion 42b of the camera case 40 of the camera unit 12 is sandwiched between the second case 22 and the inner case 38, preventing the camera unit 12 from detaching or entering the main body 11. The radii of curvature of the outer and inner surfaces of the curved portion 42b are made approximately equal to the inner surface of the opposing second case 22 and the outer surface of the inner case 38, allowing it to rotate along its curved surface.

[0094] The contact surface between the curved portion 42b and the inner case 38 is provided with triangular wave-shaped teeth that allow rotation while stopping rotation at a desired angle to maintain its position. The rotational position is determined when these teeth are engaged, and even when the teeth are engaged, if a biasing force exceeding a certain amount is applied in the rotational direction, the engagement is released due to the triangular wave shape, allowing rotation. In this embodiment, these teeth are located at two locations: on both sides in the axial direction and in the center.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, a first camera-side tooth portion 86a is provided at the central part of both axial sides of the inner surface of the curved portion 42b. A second camera-side tooth portion 86b is also provided at the axial central part of the inner surface of the curved portion 42b, extending to near both ends in the circumferential direction. The first camera-side tooth portion 86a has large teeth, and the arrangement pitch of the teeth is, for example, 5 degrees. Furthermore, locking projections 86c are provided at both ends in the circumferential direction of the second camera-side tooth portion 86b. The locking projections 86c are larger than the second camera-side tooth portion 86b.

[0096] On the other hand, the inner case 38 is a semi-cylindrical shape with an open top, and its axial length is longer than the width and axial length of the curved portion 42b. The axial central portion of the inner case 38 is a thin-walled portion 38a with a shaved surface. The axial length of the thin-walled portion 38a is approximately equal to or slightly longer than the width of the curved portion 42b. Furthermore, the surface of the thin-walled portion 38a is set to be recessed by the thickness of the curved portion 42b compared to the surfaces of both axial ends of the inner case 38. As a result, when the curved portion 42b is installed inside the thin-walled portion 38a of the inner case 38, it can rotate circumferentially along the curved surface.

[0097] Furthermore, a large opening 38e is formed in the central part of the thin-walled portion 38a. A narrow region is formed between the axial side edges of the opening 38e and the axial side edges of the thin-walled portion 38a, and this region is provided with a first tooth portion 38c on the main body side that corresponds to the first tooth portion 86a on the camera side. Both the first tooth portion 86a on the camera side and the first tooth portion 38c on the main body side have shallow teeth, and the arrangement pitch of the teeth is half that of the second tooth portion 86b on the camera side, for example, a 2.5 degree pitch. Because the teeth are shallow, they move in the rotational direction while rattling over obstacles.

[0098] Furthermore, two notches 38g are formed at predetermined intervals from both ends inward in the circumferential direction at the axial center of the thin-walled portion 38a. Similarly, two notches 38g are formed at predetermined intervals from the periphery of the opening 38e toward the circumferential end. The portion sandwiched between these two notches 38g on the same side forms a leaf spring, and a second tooth portion 38d on the main body side is provided at the tip of this leaf spring. The second tooth portion 38d on the main body side is a single ridge extending axially at two locations: the upper edge of the inner case 38 and near the opening 38e. The height of this ridge is equal to that of the second tooth portion 86b on the camera side. The peaks of the pair of ridges are separated by a predetermined distance. Then, as shown in Figures 11(b) and (c), when the camera unit 12 is rotated 30 degrees in the front-rear direction relative to the inner case 38, the locking projection 86c provided on the curved portion 42b is positioned between the camera-side second teeth 86b provided on the inner case 38.

[0099] Bosses 38f extending upward are provided at predetermined positions at the four corners of the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 38. These predetermined positions are located opposite the cylindrical portion 22i of the second case 22 when the inner case 38 is mounted on the second case 22. The bosses 38f have through holes that open at the top and bottom, and the inner diameter of these through holes is slightly smaller near the top than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 22i provided on the second case 22, and gradually increases towards the bottom. As a result, when the inner case 38 is mounted on the second case 22, the cylindrical portion 22i fits into the through holes of the bosses 38f, and the bosses 38f are supported by the cylindrical portion 22i. Furthermore, since the upper end of the through-hole of the boss 38f is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 21e, the upper end position of the boss 38f is one step lower than the upper end position of the cylindrical portion 22i of the second case 22, and is shifted slightly downward, that is, to the outside of the second case 22.

[0100] The camera case 40, and specifically the curved section 42b, and the inner case 38 have offset central axes. The curve of the curved section 42b and the curve of the inner case 38 are different, making the inner case 38 smaller. This ensures that even if the inner case 38 is larger than the design value due to manufacturing tolerances, it will not be larger than the curved section 42b, and the curved section 42b will fit securely into the thin-walled section 38a of the inner case 38. Furthermore, because the inner case 38 is set to be smaller, if the central axes were to simply align, looseness would occur, so the central axis is offset so that the inner case 38 is positioned outward. This offset of the central axis is achieved by making the through-hole of the boss 38f a tapered surface and positioning it slightly downward during mounting.

[0101] In this way, the curved portion 42b of the camera case 40 is pressed against the inner case 38 in the second case 22, ensuring a firm engagement between the teeth, and the inner case 38 is securely fixed by the elastic restoring force of the leaf spring and the engagement of the large peaks at a wide pitch (for example, a 5-degree pitch).

[0102] As described above, the mechanism for adjusting the rotation angle between the main body 11 and the bracket 13 and ring 16 for adjusting the orientation of the area sensor, as well as the mechanism for holding the adjusted angle, is adjusted by loosening the nut member 26 to unlock the engagement of the teeth that come into contact with the sides of the main body 11 and the ring 16, and then tightening the nut member 26 after adjustment to securely fix the sensor in place. By securely tightening the nut member, even if the main body 11 or camera 12 is accidentally touched, for example, the rotation angle of the main body 11 and, consequently, the orientation of the area sensor will not change.

[0103] On the other hand, the main body 11 and the camera unit 12 maintain the orientation of the camera unit 12 by interlocking protrusions and teeth that contact each other's circumferential surfaces. However, because it is necessary to allow rotation while maintaining this interlocked state, the protrusions and teeth are fixed by reducing their size or by utilizing elastic deformation force using leaf springs, etc., resulting in a less secure fixation compared to the fixing force for the orientation of the area sensor.

[0104] Thus, the means for rotating the area sensor is configured to be more securely fixed than the means for rotating the camera unit, so the sensor's orientation can be firmly fixed, maintaining the desired orientation, such as being horizontal to the ground. The camera's orientation is fixed more loosely than the area sensor's, making it easier to adjust the shooting range by rotating it even when installed inside a vehicle. In particular, regarding the camera's orientation, for example, if it is used as a dashcam by pointing forward while driving and as a security system by pointing downwards when parked to capture the entire perimeter of the vehicle, the area sensor's orientation only needs to be set once and remains that way, but the camera's orientation is changed frequently, so a looser fixation is preferable. It is best to configure it so that it can be securely fixed when adjustments are not made frequently.

[0105] [The main unit case and other components are designed to be difficult to photograph.] In this embodiment, the camera unit 87, which is mounted inside the camera case 40, is mounted inside the first lens holder 41. The upper circuit board 87a of the camera unit 87 has concave cutouts at its four corners. When the camera unit 87 is mounted, these cutouts are set to be close to the outer surface of the screw holes 41b. On the underside of each side of the upper circuit board 47a, there are shooting lamps 44 and recording lamps 45. One recording lamp 45 is placed in the center of both the front and rear sides when the drive recorder 10 is installed in the vehicle, and two shooting lamps 44 are placed on each side. These lamps are positioned opposite the opening formed by the concave cutouts 41a, making them visible from the outside. In addition, an annular projection 41d is provided in the outer center of the bottom surface 41c of the first lens holder 41, and the lens 43 of the camera unit 87 is positioned to protrude from the lower end of this projection 41d. In this embodiment, the camera's shooting range extends beyond the hemisphere, and since the lens 43 is positioned on the bottom side of the camera case 40, it extends more than 180 degrees in the vertical plane, and the area diagonally behind and above the lens 43 is also included in the shooting range.

[0106] In this embodiment, the position and orientation of the lens 43 on the camera case 40 and its relationship to the main body 11, etc. are set so that the camera case 40 and the main body 11 and bracket 13 are less likely to be visible in the image captured by the camera unit 12. As the main body 11 and camera case 40 are less likely to be visible in the image captured by the camera, the scenery outside the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle can be easily seen. The relationship that makes it less likely to be visible is set such that, for example, the main body 11, etc. are not visible or are only visible to a small extent within the camera's shooting range as the camera case rotates. It is also good to make the shape such that the portion that is in the camera's shooting range is as small as possible. For example, the dimensions and shape of the main body case and camera case are made as small as possible, or since the camera's blind spot is conical, the camera case is made to be a shape close to that cone or an inscribed rectangle. In this embodiment, the main body 11 is a horizontally elongated cylinder, so for example, the sides on both sides of the axial direction of the main body 11 are not visible or are less likely to be visible. The camera case 40 has a ring-shaped projection 41d protruding from the underside of the bottom surface 41c of the first lens holder 41, and the lens 43 is positioned to protrude and be exposed below the projection 41d. This ensures that the rectangular case portion of the first lens holder 41 does not appear in the shooting range diagonally behind the lens 43.

[0107] Furthermore, as mentioned above, a camera unit 87 is mounted inside the camera case 40. The components of this mounted camera unit 87 were determined by selecting the amount of parts that could be mounted within a space set such that the camera case 40 is not visible within the camera's shooting range, or is only visible to a small extent, and then mounting them as a camera unit.

[0108] [lamp] As described above, the camera unit 12 has shooting lamps 44 on all four sides of the rectangular case portion of the camera case 40, and recording lamps 45 on the front and rear sides when mounted on a vehicle. The shooting lamps 44 are white LEDs. For example, when shooting while parked and the surroundings are dark, the control unit of the drive recorder lights up all four shooting lamps 44. This ensures that objects such as people approaching can be reliably photographed and recorded even in situations where there is insufficient light for shooting, such as at night. The ambient brightness is determined, for example, based on the output of an illuminance sensor mounted on the main unit 11.

[0109] Instead of illuminating all four camera lamps 44, it is acceptable to illuminate only certain directions and photograph only those areas. For example, while the vehicle is in motion, it is advisable to ensure that at least the camera lamps 44 emitting light outwards, such as from the front, are not illuminated. Furthermore, even while the vehicle is in motion, it is advisable to illuminate, for example, the lamp on the rear side in the direction of travel, to ensure that the interior of the vehicle is clearly photographed.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, if there is a wall or other object close to one side of a parked vehicle, such as the passenger side, and there is no risk of intrusion or collision from that side, the system may be configured to illuminate only the lights on the other sides to reduce power consumption.

[0111] Furthermore, it is recommended to flash the device at appropriate times, in addition to when taking pictures due to the detection of surrounding objects. This is effective in deterring vandalism and mischief by serving as a warning to those nearby and indicating that surveillance is in operation.

[0112] The recording lamp 45 functions as an indicator, and in this embodiment, an LED that emits red and green light is used. For example, the control unit controls the lamp so that the red light illuminates during normal continuous recording while driving, the green light illuminates when recording is stopped, and the red light blinks during various event recordings. It is also preferable to turn off the recording lamp 45 on the front of the vehicle while driving.

[0113] [Configuration to be implemented within the housing 20 of the main unit 11] As shown in Figures 9(b), 13, and 14, the housing 20 houses various processing circuits and power supply circuits for realizing the aforementioned drive recorder and security functions. As shown in Figure 9(b), the first circuit board 46 and the second circuit board 47 are mounted in an upright position inside the housing 20. The first circuit board 46 and the second circuit board 47 connect connectors on their opposing surfaces to transmit and receive power and signals. The GPS / WiFi board 53 is positioned horizontally above the first circuit board 46. These boards are supported by a printed circuit board holder 57 and mounted inside the housing 20. The first circuit board 46 has a power connector 34 mounted on it, and the terminal pins 34a of the power connector 34 are bent into an L-shape, with their tips directly connected to the printed wiring formed on the first circuit board 46. Two switch elements 60 are also attached to the first circuit board 46. These switch elements 60 are operated by the record button 32 and the video recording button 33. The second circuit board 47 has a CPU, a card slot for a memory card 36, and other components and sensors mounted on it, and its front side is covered by a shield case 58. The top surface of the GPS / WiFi board 53 has a GPS antenna 54, a WiFi antenna 56, a battery 55, etc. mounted on it. The bottom surface of the GPS / WiFi board 53 has a GPS module and a WiFi module mounted on it, which send and receive data with the CPU mounted on the second circuit board 47. In addition, the enclosure 20 has a microphone 61, a speaker 62, an accelerometer, and various other sensors mounted on it.

[0114] [Area Sensor] An area sensor 48 is positioned on one end 21a, 22a of the first case 21 and the second case 22. The area sensor 48 includes a sensor module 50 that outputs radio waves in a specific direction and detects the movement of an object based on the reflected waves of the output radio waves, and an antenna 51 that radiates the radio waves output from the sensor module 50 toward the surroundings in a predetermined planar direction. In this embodiment, microwaves including quasi-millimeter waves are used for the radio waves, but frequency bands such as millimeter waves may also be used. The dimensions of the antenna will also change depending on the wavelength, but since the external dimensions of the main body 11 of the drive recorder 10 on which this area sensor 48 is mounted are approximately 88 mm in axial length and 50 mm in diameter, it is preferable to use microwaves. The microwave used is, for example, 24 GHz.

[0115] The sensor module 50 consists of a first module case 50a and a second module case 50b, both of predetermined shapes and arranged vertically. The circuit board 50c is sandwiched between these two cases, and the first module case 50a and the second module case 50b are integrated by screwing them together. Both the first module case 50a and the second module case 50b are metal housings. Although not shown in the diagram, when the first module case 50a and the second module case 50b are integrated, they come into contact with the ground wiring pattern of the circuit board 50c. As a result, the surfaces of the first module case 50a and the second module case 50b are also grounded.

[0116] Terminal pins 50d are formed upright from a portion of the circuit board 50c that is exposed to the outside. This sensor module 50 is attached to the first circuit board 46, and the terminal pins 50d are connected to the circuit pattern of the first circuit board 46, making it electrically conductive. The sensor module 50 receives power from the first circuit board 46 via these terminal pins 50d, outputs radio waves, and sends a detection output based on the reflected wave to the first circuit board 46. The sensor module 50 constitutes a waveguide and has a vertically elongated outlet 50e on the radio wave output side, and outputs radio waves from the power supply point of this outlet 50e in the direction of the specific direction and power supply direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The longitudinal direction of this outlet 50e is parallel to the circuit board 50c. The plane parallel to the longitudinal direction parallel to the circuit board 50c is the magnetic field plane (E-plane), and the transverse direction is the electric field plane (H-plane). Furthermore, the sensor module 50 is provided with a flange portion 50f on the output side that extends in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction. This flange portion 50f has dimensions and shape determined by the standard, and has an overall rectangular outer shape with concave notches 50g provided near the center of each side.

[0117] Antenna 51 is mounted in front of the output direction of the radio waves from the emission port 50e. Antenna 51 is a reflect antenna that utilizes reflection and polarization conversion, and by using the properties of radio waves such as reflection and bending, it is set to radiate radio waves outwards while limiting the output direction of the radio waves from the sensor module 50 to a single specific direction. The surrounding area has a radiation region that extends in a planar direction around the area sensor 48, and has a smaller spread in directions perpendicular to that planar direction. Since the output direction from the sensor module only needs to be in a single specific direction, the area sensor 48 is small and compact.

[0118] The sensor module 50 has two functions: one that detects objects by utilizing the Doppler effect on fluctuations in reflected waves relative to the direct waves of emitted radio waves; and another that detects moving objects by utilizing the fluctuations in the voltage standing wave ratio based on the combined wave formed by the direct wave and the reflected wave of the emitted electric field. The sensor module 50 detects objects by combining these functions.

[0119] Traditionally, microwave Doppler sensors have been commonly used for object detection in this type of security monitoring. While a receiving circuit that uses Doppler detection may fail to detect large vehicles due to the small size of the reflected wave, utilizing the standing wave ratio allows for detection regardless of vehicle size, which is advantageous.

[0120] [antenna] The antenna 51 is connected to the GND (metal housing or circuit board GND) of the sensor module 50 so as to be short-circuited (grounded) at a high frequency. The antenna 51 is formed by metal plating or metal deposition on a metal die-cast or dielectric of a predetermined shape as described below. A structure in which a metal film is deposited on the surface of a dielectric is preferable because it can be formed easily, accurately, and inexpensively even for complex shapes.

[0121] The antenna 51 includes a rectangular frame 65 that is roughly rectangular in shape and has openings at the front and back. The dimensions of the inner surface of this frame 65 are approximately equal to the dimensions of the outer surface of the flange portion 50f. In addition, projections 73 that protrude inward are integrally formed on one of the opening sides of the frame 65 at the center of each side. One pair of projections 73 arranged in the vertical direction are wide, and the other pair is narrow. The dimensions of each projection 73 are equal to the concave notches 50g provided at the center of each side of the flange portion 50f of the sensor module 50.

[0122] Then, the flange portion 50f is inserted into the frame 65 from the opening side where the projection 73 is not formed, and positioned to the deepest part of the frame 65. The projection 73 and the concave notch 50g then engage, fixing the antenna 51 and sensor module 50 in a predetermined position. Because it is small and lightweight, this fitting mechanism prevents misalignment even without screw fastening. This screwless structure reduces the time required for installation and removal, which is advantageous. Furthermore, the antenna 51 is entirely made of die-cast metal or has a metal film coating on its entire surface, and the contact between the inner circumferential surface of the frame 65 and the flange portion 50f provides both fixation and electromagnetic connection to the metal housing.

[0123] On the side of the frame 65 where the protruding pieces 73 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces, a shielding plate 66 is positioned so as to protrude forward. The shielding plate 66 suppresses electromagnetic wave radiation in a direction perpendicular to the electric field at the power supply point P, and the suppressed radio waves are concentrated forward. By positioning this shielding plate 66, the radiation area of ​​the radio waves is compressed from above and below and spread horizontally. If the width t3 of the shielding plate 66, that is, the length in the direction perpendicular to the output direction of the radio waves, is short, the gain of the radiated radio waves will decrease, so an appropriate length is set. In this embodiment, the length of the width t3 was set to approximately 4 / 5λ, or approximately 15.5 mm.

[0124] A shielding plate 67 is positioned to straddle a pair of shielding plates 66 arranged vertically. This shielding plate 67 is positioned to block the radio waves output from the sensor module 50, blocking radio waves traveling in the output direction and reflecting them in an appropriate direction. The tips of the shielding plates 66 protrude forward of the shielding plate 67, and the length t2 of the tip portion is approximately 2 mm (see Figure 17(a), etc.).

[0125] On the back surface of the shielding plate 67, that is, the surface facing the output port 55e, a reflector 68 is provided that reflects a portion of the radio waves output from the sensor module 50 and directs their propagation direction to two opposing electric field surfaces perpendicular to a specific direction. The reflector 68 is sandwiched between the upper and lower shielding plates 67. The reflector 68 is conical in shape, and its apex is positioned at a predetermined distance t1 from the power supply point P. The predetermined distance t1 can be, for example, in the range of 1 / 16λ to 1 / 8λ, and in this embodiment, it is set to 1.15 mm (see Figure 17(a), etc.).

[0126] Openings 70 are provided at the ends of the two directions of the electric field plane. The distance from the top of the reflector 68 to each opening 70 is approximately 3 / 4λ, or 10.4 mm. These openings 70 face the front and rear of the vehicle 1 when the drive recorder 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1 in the correct orientation, with the horizontal line 30 being horizontal. The radio waves reflected by the reflector 68 and traveling in the two directions of the electric field plane are radiated as main lobes from the openings 70 toward the outside of the antenna 51. As described above, the electric field component of the radio waves whose vertical path is blocked and suppressed by the shielding plate 66 is distributed in two directions by the reflector 68 and added to the radio waves radiated as main lobes from the pair of openings 70, allowing the radio waves to reach further. The reflection loss (VSWR: Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) is adjusted by the distance between the reflector 68 and the openings 70.

[0127] The conical reflector 68 has multiple sections on its sides that change in angle. In this configuration, it is divided into two sections: a steep section near the apex and a gentler section at the base. By using these two sections, and taking into account the cooperation with the first fin 71 and the second fin 72, the radio waves radiated from one of the openings 70 can be spread over a wide area of ​​nearly 180 degrees. Simulation results showed that in the case of a simple cone with a single incline, even by adjusting the angle and the length of the fins, it was not possible to radiate over a wide area of ​​nearly 180 degrees. This is thought to be because the reflection angles differ when using two sections, resulting in reflection over a wider area. By changing the incline shape of the cone's sides in this way, the radiation angle of radio waves traveling in two directions on the electric field surface can be controlled, and the direction of high gain in the main lobe radiation from these two directions can be set to a desired state.

[0128] The reflector 68 is provided with slits 69 in a predetermined section on a vertical line including the apex of the cone. These slits 69 are not provided at the apex of the reflector 68, but are positioned at a predetermined distance from the apex, extending vertically from each position. The orientation of the slits 69 coincides with the magnetic field surface, and a portion of the radio waves output from the sensor module 50, mainly the magnetic field, passes through the slits 69. In this embodiment, since the reflector 68 is conical, the magnetic field tilts forward in the direction of propagation, making it easier for it to resonate in the slits 69 and be emitted forward, which is advantageous.

[0129] As the magnetic field progresses after passing through the slit 69, an electric field is also generated, and when it reaches the far field at a certain distance, it radiates as a normal electromagnetic wave in the same direction as a specific direction. This radio wave traveling in the same direction as a specific direction is radiated outward from the end faces of the horizontal lines 30 on one end 21a, 22a of the drive recorder 10. When it hits an object within the detection area, the reflected wave returns.

[0130] Furthermore, the wider the slit 69, the more electric field components pass through it, and consequently, the relatively smaller the electric field components distributed by the reflector 68. The radio waves radiated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, as well as the radio waves radiated towards the opposite side where the area sensor 48 is not installed, are based on the electric field components distributed by the reflector 68. Therefore, the slit width is set in balance with the range of the radio waves radiated based on the distributed electric field components.

[0131] Furthermore, this embodiment is characterized in that the vertex of the reflector 68 does not have a slit 69, but rather a slit 69 extending vertically from partway up the reflector. If a slit were provided all the way to the vertex, the electric field reflected by the slit at the vertex of the cone and distributed in two directions would not be evenly distributed, resulting in an imbalance of radio waves radiated from both openings 70. In contrast, as in this embodiment, the presence of a vertex at the top of the cone allows the electric field that hits it to be reflected and distributed evenly to both sides, which is advantageous. Moreover, while a shape with a slit all the way to the vertex would be difficult to manufacture, providing a vertex makes manufacturing easier, which is another advantage.

[0132] Furthermore, since there is no slit at the apex of the cone, but rather a slit 69 from the middle of the cone's side, the magnetic field component can propagate more easily, allowing radio waves to travel further, which is preferable. This was confirmed by simulation results, which showed that the phases of the magnetic field components propagating through the upper slit 69 and the lower slit 69 are opposite, and that if slits were provided all above and below, including the apex, the phases would not be reversed. This is similar to the phenomenon where the electric field components distributed in two directions are in opposite phase (the direction of both electric fields is indicated by the black arrows in Figure 18), and it is presumed that this phase reversal extends the radio wave transmission distance. Also, the dimensions of the part where there is no slit 69 near the apex should be such that, for example, as shown in Figure 17(e), the distance t6 along the side of the cone from one end of one slit 69 on the apex side, through the apex, to one end of the other slit 69 on the apex side is approximately 1 / 2λ. The distance from the apex to one end of each slit 69 is approximately 1 / 4λ.

[0133] Furthermore, it includes a first metal fin 71 extending in a direction parallel to a specific direction from the periphery of the opening 70 provided at two ends of the electric field surface, and a second metal fin 72 extending in the opposite direction from the periphery of the opening 70. In this embodiment, the second fin 72 is also used as part of the frame 65. The part that is used as part of the frame 65 is the wall surface connected to the opening 70.

[0134] The first fin 71 and the second fin 72 function to redirect the electric field radiated from the aperture 70 in a 45-degree direction. Without these fins, the spread of the electric field would be small, preventing the radiation of radio waves over a wide area from the aperture 70. Instead, the radiation would simply spread out from the aperture 70, resulting in directivity. In contrast, with the first fin 71 and the second fin 72, the radio waves wrap around to the tips of each fin and begin radiation from there, allowing for radiation over a wide area. The lengths of the first fin 71 and the second fin 72 are set so that the wide-angle range of radio waves radiated in two directions perpendicular to a specific direction is greater than or equal to the reference angle. Increasing the length of the fins widens the wide-angle range, allowing radiation to be directed over a wider area from the aperture 70. However, if the range is too wide, the reach of the main lobe radiation will be shortened, making area detection within an appropriate range difficult. Also, if the length is not appropriate, the gain will decrease. For example, the length should be between 1 / 2λ and 1 / 4λ. Furthermore, the length of the second fin 72 is set to provide a function of propagation through it and radiation in the reverse direction, or rearward radiation. The length is set so that resonance occurs at the part of the second fin 72 and propagation occurs to the rear. Based on the above range, the setting is adjusted as appropriate, taking resonance into consideration. In this embodiment, the length t5 of the first fin 71 is set to approximately 3 / 8λ, or approximately 5 mm, and the length t4 of the second fin 72 is set to approximately 3 / 4λ, or approximately 9 mm. In this embodiment, since the area sensor 48 is eccentrically positioned to one end of the main body 11, the length of the first fin 71 is shortened and the length of the second fin 72 is lengthened to increase the radiation angle on the second fin 72 side, so that radiation can be emitted over a wide area in front and behind the drive recorder 10.

[0135] Furthermore, in contrast to the magnetic field after passing through slit 69, the radio waves emitted from opening 70 have a dominant electric field in the near field, but after traveling a certain distance, the electric and magnetic fields become equal, and when they hit an object within the detection area, the reflected waves return.

[0136] In this way, although not as much as the main lobe, a certain gain can be secured in each radiation area of ​​45 degrees or more, high gain can be secured in two directions orthogonal to the input, and gain can be secured over a wide angle. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the tilt angle of the two-stage conical reflector 68, a high gain direction can be obtained for the two radio waves radiated from the aperture 70.

[0137] As described above, the radio waves output from the sensor module 50 are radiated through the slit 69 in the same direction as the specific direction, and radiated by the reflector and the first fin 71 and second fin 72 in two directions perpendicular to the specific direction and in the opposite direction, so that they can be radiated outwards in a plane (see the white arrow in Figure 18). Using an antenna with a simple structure, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 51 are radiated outwards in a 360-degree horizontal direction, so that a detection area that extends in a plane direction around the area sensor 48 can be formed.

[0138] The antenna 51 of this embodiment is formed by injection molding a plastic, which is an example of a dielectric material, to form a body of the predetermined shape described above, and then plating the surface of the body to form a predetermined metal film. In particular, the antenna of this embodiment is small, only a few centimeters square, and has a complex shape, so it cannot be manufactured using sheet metal or the like. It can be easily manufactured by injection molding of plastic. Moreover, it only requires metal plating on the surface, and it is good that it can be made lighter and relatively inexpensively while having performance equivalent to that of a metal die-cast product. Furthermore, it is good that the performance is less prone to variation. In addition, resins such as plastic have more elasticity than metal die-cast products, and as described above, it can be tightly fixed by simply fitting the flange portion 50f of the sensor module 50 without screwing it in. Combined with its light weight, the antenna 51 will not come off the sensor module 50 even without screwing it in, which is good.

[0139] The metal film can be formed using methods such as nickel plating or nickel-chromium plating. The thickness of the metal film should be greater than the design value calculated using conventional methods. For example, while the usual film thickness is 3-4 μm, it should be increased to about 5-6 μm, approximately 1.5 times thicker. The plastic thickness was set to approximately 1 mm. The plating process roughens the surface of the plastic before depositing the metal film. If the film thickness is thin, the rough surface texture of the plastic likely has an impact. This is thought to cause unstable radiant current flowing through the surface and also through the interior of the film. In contrast, in this embodiment, the increased film thickness fills in the roughness of the plastic surface, resulting in a uniform metal film surface. This allows the radiant current to flow almost entirely near the surface, thus achieving the desired properties. While the film thickness was set to approximately 1.5 times the normal thickness, it is also possible to deposit the desired thickness after the surface roughness has been filled in. Vapor deposition could be used instead of plating, but plating is preferred because it is easier to manufacture.

[0140] [Area sensor drive control] As described above, the area sensor 48 is activated and performs proximity monitoring, etc., while the vehicle is parked and operating in event-only recording mode. At this time, it would be possible to operate the area sensor 48 continuously for constant monitoring, but due to battery capacity limitations, it is operated intermittently.

[0141] In this embodiment, the sensor operates intermittently, for example, with a 1-second cycle, and repeatedly operates for 500ms and stops for 500ms. Conventional sensors and the like switch between modes at shorter cycles when operating intermittently, but the area sensor 48 becomes unstable for a certain period after startup, resulting in a period where it cannot be used for object detection. Therefore, switching at shorter cycles reduces the actual working time during operation, making proper proximity detection impossible. To address this, the sensor is designed to operate intermittently periodically with an operating period at least the same length as the unstable period. Since the area sensor 48 is unstable for 250ms from startup, it is given the same 250ms actual operating period, resulting in a total of 500ms of operation followed by a 500ms stop, as described above.

[0142] When the target of proximity monitoring is, for example, a person, the system cuts out high-frequency ranges to avoid picking up anything other than human movement. The cut-off frequency is set to several tens of Hz. For example, the action of peering over something involves a low frequency of around 5 kHz, and even when a person is running towards it, their movement remains below several tens of kHz. Therefore, by making the high-frequency range a dead zone as described above, battery consumption caused by false detections of non-human objects triggering camera recording is suppressed. For example, if a door of a parked vehicle next to the vehicle opens and a collision occurs, the system can detect it if the movement associated with the opening of the door is below several tens of Hz.

[0143] [Radiation characteristics pattern in dashcams] As described above, the area sensor 48 radiates radio waves in all directions relative to the area sensor 48, in the direction of a predetermined plane / electric field surface. The radio waves radiated in all directions in this way pass through the housing 20 and are radiated outside the drive recorder 10. Some of the radio waves radiated from the area sensor 48 pass through the housing 20 and are radiated to the outside. For example, radio waves based on the magnetic field component that has passed through the slit 69 of the antenna 51 are radiated outward in the axial direction from the protrusions 21b and 22b, which are the sides of one end of the housing 20. Most of the radio waves radiated over a wide area from the pair of openings 70 of the antenna 51 pass through the housing 20 and travel in the direction from which they were radiated.

[0144] As shown in Figure 13(b), etc., a shield case 58 attached to the second circuit board 47 is located at a predetermined distance from one side of the second fin 72 of the antenna 51. The radio waves radiated from the second fin 72 in the opposite direction to a specific direction have their current maximized due to resonance, making them easier to propagate even if there is metal around. In other words, although normally a gap would cause reflection with the metal and prevent transmission, the current is maximized, so the shield case 58 also forms a transmission path for the electromagnetic waves, allowing them to propagate and reach very close to the other side 22d of the housing 20. Then, the radio waves are radiated from the end face of the shield case 58 toward side 22d, and these radiated radio waves pass through side 22d and are radiated to the outside.

[0145] Furthermore, the shield case 58 is positioned on only one side, and as shown in Figure 13(a), there is no metal plate corresponding to the shield case on the other side, the second fin 72 side. Therefore, radio waves propagate efficiently backward only on that one side. Even if only one side is used for propagation and radiation, the desired level can be achieved, and radio waves can reach the desired area. Adding metal plates corresponding to shielding plates to both sides would further expand the detection area, which is desirable. The expansion would be, for example, about 1.8 times.

[0146] In this embodiment, the influence of the shielding case 58, which is placed on only one side, causes the peak in the direction perpendicular to the side 22d to shift and not be directly to the side. Also, when in use, the power cable is connected to the power connector 34, but the radio waves radiated to the outside from the side 22d may be attracted to the power cable and affect the radiation pattern. In this case, it is good to place the power cable on the side of the metal plate / shielding case 58 that a force acts to return the direction of radio wave radiation back to the center. In this embodiment, since the power connector 34 is placed near the center of the side 22d, the power cable connected to it is also routed near the center, which is good.

[0147] Furthermore, the camera section 12 and camera unit 87 are located below the main body section 11, and coupled with the fact that the radiation pattern from the area sensor 48 is in the horizontal plane, the camera section 12 and camera unit 87 are far enough apart that they do not affect the radiation pattern.

[0148] The first case 21 and the second case 22 are located near the opening 70 of the antenna 51, facing it, and when they are perpendicular or curved to the radiating surface, a portion of the radio waves are radiated to the cases. Then, as shown by the arrows in Figure 18, when the high-frequency current propagating as a surface wave along the case surface flows through the metal element 75 provided on the side 22d, it becomes possible to radiate electromagnetic waves with a delay compared to the electromagnetic waves directly radiated from the area sensor 48.

[0149] This configuration is characterized by its ability to delay electromagnetic waves emitted from both the housing 20 and the metal element 75, and is arranged in a way that does not affect the radiation characteristics of the mounted antenna. In this way, if the radiation pattern is disturbed by the complex shape of the housing 20 or shielding case 58, correction can be applied by the case without significantly changing the antenna shape. In other words, without affecting the characteristics of the mounted antenna, for example, if the level of radio waves emitted directly from the antenna 51 becomes extremely low or zero, the radio waves from the metal element 75 are delayed and emitted to match the detection area that cannot be reached by direct radiation. Thus, correction can be applied in the time axis.

[0150] Furthermore, while the radiation characteristics show dips in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the electric field and in the lateral direction due to the magnetic field, these dips have no practical impact because of the presence of pillars. The radiation pattern is also designed to match the vehicle's planar shape.

[0151] (Second Embodiment) Conventional dashcams capture specific areas such as the front, rear, and sides. Recently, however, some dashcams use hemispherical lenses to capture a hemispherical area of ​​180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally with a single camera. This type of hemispherical dashcam is mounted on the ceiling, capturing the lower hemisphere relative to the mounting surface. 180 degrees covers the area from ceiling to ceiling, leaving the top uncaptured (see the area indicated as 180 degrees in Figure 20). As is clear from Figure 20(a), traffic lights 80 and other objects above the ceiling are outside the capture range.

[0152] On the other hand, in the case of currently available dashcams that spot-shoot in a predetermined direction, the vertical field of view when looking straight ahead is about 70 to 90 degrees. In that case, the upper half is about 40 degrees, so it is sufficient if the range from the ceiling up to about 40 degrees above is captured. Furthermore, if the object to be filmed is a traffic light 80, it is effective in proving one's own innocence, for example, in the event of a collision accident while stopped at an intersection or while passing through an intersection, such as having driven on a green light. In order to prove that one entered the intersection on a green light, it is necessary to film the traffic light 80 in the direction of travel along with the color of the signal from a position such as the stop line before the intersection. In order to film the traffic light 80 under conditions such as the height of the traffic light 80, the width of the road 81 in front of the stop line, and the mounting height of the dashcam, it is sufficient if the range up to a diagonal 30 to 40 degrees above is captured, as shown in Figure 20. In this embodiment, therefore, the field of view of the lens is set to 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically. Assuming a vertical angle of 240 degrees, when the drive recorder 10 is mounted on the vehicle and the lens is pointed straight down, a 120-degree range in front can be captured, which falls within the lower limit of 30 degrees from the ceiling mentioned above.

[0153] The resolution of a circular image obtained by capturing is best in the center and lowest at the edges. Therefore, even with a 240-degree lens, the edges appear small and are not captured well, and the range that can be effectively recognized as an image is 220 degrees. Because the camera in this embodiment employs equidistant projection, the 220-240 range, even if it is within the effective pixels, is optically stretched and difficult for the human eye to recognize. Also, because the shooting range is wider than 180 degrees, it is difficult to receive light from behind the lens, and considering this point, it is difficult to see the content of the captured image in the area of ​​about 10 degrees, or about 20 degrees on both sides. Therefore, if a 220-degree lens is used, the range that can actually be effectively captured is 200 degrees, which is almost a hemisphere. In this embodiment, by using a 240-degree lens, it is possible to capture up to the 220-degree range without any problems.

[0154] With a 220-degree range, the area diagonally upward and forward becomes a 30-degree range, allowing the traffic light 80 to be photographed. Therefore, as in the embodiment described above, it is not necessarily required to have a mechanism to change the direction of the camera, but it is even better to have such a mechanism. By changing the direction of the camera, the shooting position on the lens of the traffic light 80 can be positioned closer to the center, where the resolution is higher, allowing for a clearer photograph, which is desirable.

[0155] [Setting the relationship between the circular area where light passing through the camera lens forms an image (hereinafter referred to as the "image circle") and the imaging area of ​​the image sensor.] As shown in Figure 21, the image captured by the lens forms a circular image circle. The C-MOS image sensor, which is the image sensor of the camera unit 87, has a rectangular shooting area. Typically, in a 180-degree camera, the diameter of the image circle shown in Figure 21(a) is equal to the length of the shorter side of the C-MOS sensor when capturing images. This allows for capturing the entire 180 degrees, but the area outside the image circle is not used for capturing and is wasted. The area not used for actual shooting varies depending on the aspect ratio, but it is about half of the area that is wasted. There is a challenge in expanding the effective area that the sensor actually captures.

[0156] Therefore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the image circle is set to be less than or equal to the length of the longer side of the rectangular imaging area of ​​the C-MOS image sensor, and shorter than the length of the shorter side. Furthermore, the image captured in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 is configured to be imaged in a direction along the longer side of the image sensor. Specifically, in this embodiment, the shorter side is set to 180 degrees, the same as conventional hemispherical cameras, and the longer side is set to 240 degrees to determine the diameter of the image circle. Furthermore, it is preferable to use an image sensor with an aspect ratio of 3:2.

[0157] If the image circle obtained by the lens is larger than the image sensor's shooting area, the image within the overlapping area is actually captured by the CMOS image sensor. This results in a cropped image of a portion of the image circle. This reduces the wasted area of ​​the CMOS image sensor that is not used for shooting, thus making efficient use of the sensor. Furthermore, this method reduces the wasted area outside the image circle, allowing for a larger image of the subject, which is beneficial.

[0158] Furthermore, since the images captured in the front and rear directions of the vehicle are formed along the long side of the C-MOS image sensor, the entire front and rear image of the vehicle falls within the image sensor's shooting area, allowing for the capture of the scenery in front of the vehicle and the interior. Also, the area outside the image sensor's shooting area of ​​the image circle is the area diagonally above and to the left and right of the vehicle, so it is not much of a problem. In other words, for example, it can capture a range equivalent to or greater than that of a conventional dashcam that used two cameras to capture the front scenery and the interior of the rear vehicle. Moreover, when capturing a range wider than a hemisphere, for example, the area outside the image sensor's shooting area and where light cannot be received will only capture the vehicle's ceiling and not the outside scenery, so it is not a problem if it is not recorded. The advantage of being able to effectively utilize the image sensor and capture a larger area outweighs the disadvantage of not being able to capture some parts in the left and right directions. Furthermore, if the long side is 240 degrees, the entire scenery from the front to the interior of the vehicle will be captured, which is good.

[0159] C-MOS sensors come in various aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, and 3:2, but in this embodiment, a 3:2 sensor was used. When using a sensor of this size, if the short side of the C-MOS sensor is allocated to 180 degrees, the long side can cover up to 270 degrees. And since a 240-degree lens is used, if the total length of the C-MOS sensor in the long side is allocated to 240 degrees, the short side becomes about 160 degrees, and in reality, about 140 degrees can be captured. At around 140 degrees, it is difficult to capture the outside of the car, but the inside of the car can be captured, so there is an advantage in that one camera can capture the same or even larger range as a dashcam that uses two cameras to capture the front view and the rear interior of the car, and it is good because the shooting range of the C-MOS sensor can be effectively utilized. Thus, the short side can also be less than 180 degrees, and in the above case the utilization rate is close to 100%.

[0160] However, with a 140-degree field of view, if the dashcam is mounted too close to the driver's or passenger's side, the opposite side will be difficult to see. To avoid this, it is best to mount it near the center. For example, if mounted on the passenger side, only the driver's seat cushion will be visible, and the driver's face will not be captured. The opposite is true if mounted on the driver's side. Therefore, this type of dashcam is actually convenient for those who only want to record one side. Examples of situations where one side needs to be recorded include: "General users don't want to be filmed themselves, but want to record the rest of the interior of the car," "Passengers need to be filmed for security reasons, such as in taxis," and "Drivers need to be filmed for operational management."

[0161] Furthermore, with tall sedan-type vehicles, shifting the mounting position to the driver's or passenger's side makes it easier to capture the entire vehicle, while with low-profile sports cars, it becomes more difficult to capture the entire vehicle. For buses, a 140-degree angle is sufficient.

[0162] Furthermore, assigning a 170-degree horizontal range of the image sensor to the shorter side of the C-MOS sensor's shooting area is beneficial because it allows the interior of the vehicle to be captured regardless of its mounting position. Additionally, as mentioned above, a 180-degree range would capture the entire interior, including near the ceiling, but whether that is truly necessary is debatable. Therefore, it is better to reduce the shooting range in the left-right direction of the vehicle to around 170 degrees and widen the angle in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle.

[0163] The number of pixels in an image sensor varies; the smallest C-MOS sensor has 0.3 megapixels for VGA resolution, 4K TVs have 8 megapixels, and 16K has 16 megapixels. The image captured within the same size imaging area of ​​a C-MOS sensor will contain a wider area of ​​real space when captured with a hemispherical lens or a lens that captures a wide 240-degree field of view, compared to a conventional dashcam that captures only a spot in front using an optical lens. Therefore, if a high-resolution C-MOS sensor is not used, the image cannot be viewed at the same resolution as before when played back. If the same C-MOS sensor is used, for example, something that was visible in a conventional dashcam might appear as a dot and become invisible in the dashcam of this embodiment. Therefore, it is advisable to use a high-resolution sensor such as 4K or even 8K.

[0164] For example, if we consider a pattern that includes the entire image circle shown in Figure 21(a), the image circle using VGA is 2M and has 1080 pixels, while the image circle using 4K is 1920 pixels, resulting in an area ratio of approximately 1.7 times. Furthermore, the image circle using 8K is 12M and has 2976 pixels, increasing the area ratio by approximately 2.7 times. In this embodiment, the image is recorded using a 6.8M sensor and compressed to a resolution of 4M.

[0165] [Smartphone integration: Settings] The drive recorder 10 is equipped with a short-range wireless communication function using Bluetooth®, and uses this communication function to pair with a smartphone. The smartphone must have the app compatible with the drive recorder downloaded in advance, and when the app is launched, the settings screen is displayed on the smartphone's display. The user operates the settings screen to set the detection sensitivity (10 levels) of the area sensor 48, the impact sensitivity setting, the tilt sensor ON / OFF, the door open ON / OFF, etc. Powering on the drive recorder to make settings consumes power, so security operations can be performed without driving the drive recorder 10. For this reason, the microphone sensor and tilt sensor, as well as the tilt sensor (G sensor) separately provided for security monitoring, are turned ON when the engine is OFF, and the drive recorder's G sensor is turned ON when the engine is ON.

[0166] The specific processes and functions for linking with a smartphone are as follows: For example, the user downloads an app compatible with the dashcam to their smartphone beforehand. When pairing, the user turns on Bluetooth® on the smartphone and launches the app. Upon launching, the app displays an operation button for pairing on the display unit. When the app detects that the operation button has been touched, it sends a pairing signal and receives a signal from the dashcam 10 in response, attempting to establish pairing. If pairing is successful, the app announces a predetermined result message (for example, "Pairing successful.") by voice and displays an operation screen, such as the one shown in Figure 23(a), on the display unit 91. If pairing is not established after a certain period of time, the app announces a predetermined result message (for example, "Pairing failed.") by voice. In response, the user touches the operation button for pairing again to attempt to establish pairing.

[0167] As shown in Figure 23(a), the settings screen includes a settings display unit 92a, a recording mode setting button 92b, a stop button 92c, an area sensitivity setting button 92d, and a version information confirmation button 92e. Furthermore, below the settings screen are a recorder connection button and a smartphone video button.

[0168] The setting display unit 92a displays four items: "Operating Status," "Vehicle Battery Voltage," "Area Sensitivity Level," and "Number of Event Recordings." The "Operating Status" column shows the current video recording status. In the diagram, "Area AUT," which indicates the type of operating trigger currently set, and "Monitoring Waiting," which indicates that the system is transitioning to proximity monitoring mode, are displayed. The "Vehicle Battery Voltage" area displays the current vehicle battery voltage (in the example shown in the diagram, "12.7V"). This battery voltage is displayed based on information sent from, for example, the drive recorder 10. The "Area Sensitivity Level" area displays the currently set area sensitivity. In the diagram, it displays 7 / 10, indicating that the level is 7 out of 10. The "Number of Event Recordings" area displays the number of event recordings in proximity monitoring mode.

[0169] The recording mode setting button 92b has a "continuous recording button" and an "event recording button" on the left and right sides, respectively. These buttons are used to temporarily change the recording mode during parking recording. For example, to change the recording mode from "event recording" to "continuous recording" during parking recording, touch the "continuous recording button". When the app detects this touch, it displays a "recording mode switching confirmation screen" (not shown in the illustration) and switches to continuous recording, provided that the confirmation button has been touched. Also, to perform parking recording in "event recording" mode while parked, touch the "event recording button". When the app detects this touch, it displays a "recording mode switching confirmation screen" (not shown in the illustration) and starts parking recording in event recording mode, provided that the confirmation button has been touched. The change is only reflected this time, and the mode registered in the mode setting will be executed the next time parking recording is performed.

[0170] If the stop button 92c is touched, the app that detects this will stop parking recording. If either the "continuous recording button" or the "event recording button" is touched while recording is stopped, the corresponding parking recording will start.

[0171] The user operates the settings screen to configure settings such as the detection sensitivity (10 levels) of the area sensor 48, the impact sensitivity, the ON / OFF status of the tilt sensor, and the ON / OFF status of the door open sensor. Sensitivity settings are performed as follows: When the area sensitivity setting button 92d is touched, the app that detects this displays a sensitivity setting screen equipped with a sensitivity level display unit 93, a sensitivity level adjustment unit 94, and a confirmation button 95, as shown in Figure 23(b). The sensitivity level display unit 93 displays a circular area schematically representing the monitoring area around the vehicle, and displays the current sensitivity level as text above it. The sensitivity level adjustment unit 94 allows level adjustment by touching the circular operation button / slider with a finger and sliding it left or right. In this embodiment, the level is adjusted within a range of 1 (near) to 10 (far). When the slider is at the left end, the level is 1, and when the slider is at the right end, the level is 10. As the slider moves left or right, the app changes the corresponding numerical value of the sensitivity level. Furthermore, it is good to change the diameter of the circular area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with the change in sensitivity level. In this way, the smaller the level, the smaller the diameter, making it easy to intuitively understand the sensitivity. When the confirmation button 95 is touched, the sensitivity level set by the sensitivity level adjustment unit 94 at that time is determined, and thereafter, area sensing is performed with the determined sensitivity.

[0172] Recordings captured by the Dashcam 10 and saved to a memory card can be handled by a personal computer, for example. For instance, by inserting the memory card into a reader / writer connected to a personal computer, the personal computer can access the memory card, allowing users to import desired recording files to the computer or transfer those files to a smartphone.

[0173] The app has the function of playing back recorded files that have been transferred to and saved on the smartphone. For example, when the app detects that the "Smartphone Video Button" located at the bottom of the settings screen shown in Figure 23(a), etc., has been touched, the app searches for recorded files saved on the smartphone and displays a list (see Figure 23(c)). The user touches the recorded file they want to play from this list. Upon detecting such a touch, the app reads the corresponding recorded file and displays it on the display unit 91 for playback (see Figure 23(d)). When playing back recorded files saved on the smartphone, the same processing as that performed on video files saved in the dashcam, which will be described later, can be performed.

[0174] The app downloaded to the smartphone has functions to play back videos and saved recording files taken by the dashcam 10 by connecting to the dashcam 10 via Wi-Fi. Press the record button 33 to stop recording on the dashcam 10. With recording stopped, use the Wi-Fi connection function of the smartphone to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the dashcam 10.

[0175] When the app is launched, if the smartphone and the drive recorder 10 are connected via Bluetooth, the settings screen shown in Figure 23(a) is displayed. If they are not connected via Bluetooth, a screen prompting connection is displayed. Both screens have a recorder connection button and a smartphone video button below the display unit 91. The user then touches the recorder connection button. Upon detecting this touch, the app displays the list of recorder connection targets shown in Figure 24(a).

[0176] The user touches the drive recorder 10 to be connected from the list. The app, upon detecting this touch, displays a confirmation message as shown in Figure 24(b). If "OK" or "Don't show this again" is touched, the app receives the live video currently being captured by the camera unit 12 and displays it on the smartphone's display unit 91 (see Figure 24(c), etc.). This live video display function is used, for example, to adjust the angle of the camera unit 12 as explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0177] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24(d), a "main unit recording button" is placed on the lower left side of the area displaying live video, and a "smartphone recording button" is placed on the right side. When the main unit recording button is pressed, the app sends a recording command to the drive recorder 10, and in response, the control unit of the drive recorder 10 saves the recording file to the memory card. When the smartphone recording button is pressed, the app saves the recorded video directly to the smartphone's memory. In this case, it is not saved to the drive recorder 10. In this way, recording of recorded video can be instructed by operating the smartphone. This operation is advantageous because it is performed on the user's device and on a larger screen compared to the buttons on the drive recorder 10, thus improving usability.

[0178] Furthermore, when the smartphone is turned sideways, the app switches the recorded video to full-screen display, as shown in Figure 24(e). The app then hides information such as the recording time within a few seconds, displaying only the video. If the screen is touched while only the video is displayed in full-screen mode, the app redisplays the relevant information, such as the recording time.

[0179] Figure 25 shows an example of the settings screen for the drive recorder 10. Figure 25(a) is the recording conditions setting screen. The figure shows the initial values, with the recording frame rate set to 15 frames / second, all operation settings turned ON, and the G-sensor sensitivity set to operate at 1.00G or higher for each axis. ON / OFF switching alternates between ON and OFF each time the corresponding item is touched. The recording frame rate has a fixed set of selectable frame rates, such as "30 frames / second, 15 frames / second, 10 frames / second, 5 frames / second," and switches each time it is touched. Alternatively, a pull-down menu list showing the selectable frame rates can be displayed by long-pressing, and the user can select from there by touching. The G-sensor sensitivity is set in 0.1 steps for each axis by moving the "○" slider left or right.

[0180] Figure 25(b) shows the settings screen for proximity monitoring mode using the area sensor 48. The figure shows the initial values; each item can be changed by touching it. Recording frames per second sets the number of recording frames in proximity monitoring mode, and can be selected from 30 frames / second, 15 frames / second, 10 frames / second, 5 frames / second, and 1 frame / second. Proximity monitoring mode transition time sets the time from when the vehicle engine is turned off (ACC off) until parking recording starts, and can be selected from 3 minutes and 5 minutes. Camera standby time sets the time from when the camera is turned on until it is turned off, and can be selected from 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, and 4 minutes. Recording time (when multi-battery is not connected) sets the parking recording time when an external battery or external power supply is not connected, and can be selected from 30 minutes and 1 hour. The recording time (when multi-battery is connected) sets the parking recording time when an external battery / external power supply is connected, and can be selected from not used, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours. The detection voltage setting sets the voltage at which the power turns off when the vehicle battery voltage falls below a set level, and can be selected from 12.6V, 12.3V, 12.2V, and 11.9V. The tilt sensor and door open sensor allow you to select whether or not to perform detection by each sensor. The impact sensitivity sets the impact sensitivity for starting event recording, and can be set from OFF to 1-10. The microwave sensor area detection sensitivity sets the area detection sensitivity for detecting the intrusion of people, etc. into the detection area by the area sensor, and can be set from OFF to 1-10. The microwave sensor proximity sensitivity sets the sensitivity for detecting proximity for starting event recording, and can be set from OFF to 1-10.

[0181] The video recorded by the drive recorder 10 can be displayed in conjunction with a map, such as Google Maps, by using dedicated viewer software installed on a personal computer. By launching an application program installed in the memory of the personal computer (referred to as "PC Viewer" in this embodiment), the personal computer operates as a display device for the drive recorder. The drive recorder 10 records video and audio taken while driving or parked, as well as various information related to the recorded video, such as date and time information and speed information, onto the memory card 36. When the user wants to play back the video etc. recorded on the memory card 36, they remove the memory card 36 from the memory card slot and insert it into the reader / writer of the personal computer. They then run the launched PC Viewer and display the video etc. recorded while driving etc. on the display unit. The specific functions of the PC Viewer are as follows.

[0182] Figure 26 shows an example of the display layout displayed on the display unit of a personal computer after launching the PC viewer, selecting recorded video, and starting playback. The left side of the display screen 100 has, from top to bottom, a menu bar, a calendar display unit, a playback list display unit 102, a map display unit 103, etc., and a large area to the right of these is the video display area 101 that displays the video of the selected data. Below the video display area 101 are an information display unit 105 and an acceleration sensor graph / acceleration plot diagram display unit 104, etc.

[0183] Based on the vehicle's position information from the loaded video, a map of the surrounding area, such as Google Maps, is acquired and displayed on the map display unit 103, and the vehicle's position icon moves in conjunction with the map. If there is no internet connection, the surrounding map will not be displayed.

[0184] The acceleration sensor graph / acceleration plot display unit 104 is an area that displays data related to recorded acceleration, and is the area that displays the acceleration sensor graph shown in Figure 26(b) or the acceleration plot shown in Figure 26(c). The acceleration sensor graph displays the recorded data graphically with acceleration (vertical axis) and time (horizontal axis). Clicking the + button enlarges the acceleration sensor scale, and clicking the - button reduces the acceleration sensor scale. The zoom in / out buttons at the top enlarge / out for time, and the zoom in / out buttons on the side enlarge / out for acceleration. The acceleration plot displays the recorded data as a plot on the X and Y axes. Clicking the + button enlarges the acceleration plot, and clicking the - button reduces the acceleration plot.

[0185] To the right of the video display area 101, the playback screen tools are displayed. The PC viewer has the function to change the display mode by clicking on each icon of these playback screen tools. For example, the "fisheye display" shown in Figure 27(a) is a display mode that displays the recorded image as is (fisheye state). The "enlarged flat display" shown in Figure 27(b) is a display mode that enlarges a part of the image and displays it on a flat surface. The "panorama display" shown in Figure 27(c) is a display mode that displays the horizontal 360 degrees as a single, horizontally elongated image. The "ring-shaped display" shown in Figure 27(d) is a display mode that displays the panoramic image as a ring-shaped image. The "dome-shaped display" shown in Figure 27(e) is a display mode that displays the image as a dome-shaped image. The "180° VR panorama display" shown in Figure 27(f) is a display mode that displays the panoramic image in VR.

[0186] [Differentiation] In the above-described embodiment, the area sensor used was a radio wave sensor that uses microwaves such as quasi-millimeter waves, but other types of radio waves such as microwaves or millimeter waves may also be used. Radio wave motion sensors or quasi-millimeter wave motion sensors that detect the movement of objects may also be used.

[0187] In this embodiment, the ring portion 16 is a continuous annular shape, but it may also be a partially cut-out shape, such as a C-ring. However, a continuous annular shape is preferable because it can securely hold the main body portion 11. In addition, although the main body portion 11 is detachable from the ring portion 16, it may also be permanently linked.

[0188] In the embodiment described above, the camera unit 87 is mounted in the camera case 40, and the memory card slot, main CPU, power supply circuit, etc. are mounted in the main unit housing 20, but some of these may be provided on the camera case 40 side.

[0189] In the embodiment described above, a photographic lamp 44 is provided, and the control of the photographic lamp is set to on / off, with the brightness / luminance of the lamp fixed. However, it is preferable to change the brightness of the light emitted in response to the ambient light. If it is changed, it is preferable to change it dynamically. If blinking or PWM control is used, the LED will be reflected in the image, so it is preferable to control it by changing the current value.

[0190] In the embodiment described above, the reflector 68 changed in two stages, but it may also change in three or more stages or have a trumpet-shaped curved surface. Such a configuration is preferable because it allows for adjustment of the radiation pattern, such as increasing the radiation level in a specific direction while widening the radiation range. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to radiate over a wide range of nearly 180 degrees, the side inclination angle may be a simple cone shape. However, in order to perform proximity monitoring that detects uniformly in the horizontal plane and detects regardless of the direction from which an object approaches, it is preferable to use a two-stage configuration as in the embodiment.

[0191] In the embodiment described above, the variation in the mounting direction of the main unit 11 to the bracket 13 was intended to position the camera in the center, and also to position it in an easily accessible location. This can also be applied to other applications, such as mounting an infrared sensor, which has a specific orientation. Furthermore, if the drive recorder 10 has a detection area along its axial direction, a structure that allows mounting from either the left or right side of the bracket is beneficial, as it allows for mounting in a manner appropriate to the situation. This approach can also be applied to asymmetrical elements, such as antennas, not just sensors. For example, in the case of a Wi-Fi antenna, if the antenna has strong directivity on one side relative to the location of the parking lot and the house, it should be mounted so that the house faces the side with stronger directivity. Beyond sensing and transmission, this approach can also be applied to devices with light-emitting elements, adjusting the mounting method when the light output or the type of light source is asymmetrical. For example, the light output could be increased on the driver's side and decreased on the passenger's side, or vice versa. For example, if security measures are intended to deter parking, the light could be directed towards the side that is more visible from the outside.

[0192] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the radiation pattern was such that radio waves were emitted from the antenna 51 and area sensor 48 in all directions within a plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be parts of the surrounding area where the radiation is weak or not emitted at all. In that case, when mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable to have an obstacle such as a pillar in the direction of that part, which would be visible from inside the vehicle to the outside. In this way, since the outside of the vehicle cannot be photographed in that direction due to the pillar, etc., the impact of not emitting radio waves in that direction is minimal, and it is also advantageous because the radio waves not radiated in that direction can be transmitted further in other directions.

[0193] In the embodiment described above, the shape of the antenna 51 is set as desired, and the radio waves output from the sensor module 50 are reflected by various parts of the antenna 51 to radiate radio waves in a desired direction. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable to arrange reflective elements or the like at appropriate positions separately from the antenna 51 to adjust the radiation pattern.

[0194] For example, a reflective element is placed at a predetermined distance outward from the vertically positioned shielding plates 66. In this way, the radiation from the shielding plates 66 is reflected back by the reflective element, improving the radiation gain in directions other than vertical. The predetermined distance can be, for example, 1 / 2λ or 1 / 4λ.

[0195] It is preferable to add a reflective element to one of the apertures 70 at a predetermined distance outward from that aperture 70. In this way, radio waves radiated from the aperture on the side with the added reflective element are reflected back by the reflective element and propagate toward the opposite aperture 70. Then, in-phase synthesis is performed on the electromagnetic waves that were originally propagating toward the opposite aperture 70 after being separated by the reflector 68, thereby improving the gain of the radio waves radiated from the opposite aperture 70.

[0196] Such a reflective element can be realized, for example, by attaching metal tape to a predetermined position on the ring portion 16. In particular, in the embodiment described above, since the ring portion 16 is positioned outside the opening 70 of the antenna 51, a configuration can be achieved in which the reflective element is positioned at a predetermined distance from the opening 70 by attaching the metal tape to a predetermined position on the ring portion 16. The metal tape is preferably attached to the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 16.

[0197] Furthermore, by changing the position where the metal tape is attached to the ring portion 16, it is possible to increase the gain of radiation directed towards the front of the vehicle or towards the interior of the vehicle. Also, the reflective element placed on the outside of the shielding plate 66 mentioned above can be realized by attaching metal tape to a predetermined position on the ring portion 16. Multiple types of brackets with metal tape attached to desired positions on the ring portion 16 are prepared. For example, a "bracket for recording both front and rear," a "bracket for recording the front center," and a "bracket for recording the rear center" can be prepared, and the user can install the drive recorder 10 using the bracket that suits their preference.

[0198] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the radio wave output port 50e of the sensor module 50 is a vertically elongated rectangle, but it may also be circular, and both linear and circular polarization are possible. However, a rectangular shape as in the embodiment is preferable because it makes it easier to coordinate with the slit 69.

[0199] Although the function of the sensor module 50 to output radio waves is configured using a waveguide, the present invention is not limited to this, and power may be supplied using, for example, a microstrip patch structure or a slot structure. In that case, the magnetic field direction should be the vertical direction connecting the pair of upper and lower shielding plates. The shape of the patch can be rectangular or any other shape. However, if a waveguide type is used as in the embodiment, for example, by setting the flange portion 50f on the frame 65, the relative positional relationship between the antenna 51 and the sensor module 50 / power supply point can be set, fixed, and grounded, which is advantageous.

[0200] In the embodiments described above, the shooting means was a hemispherical camera or a camera capable of shooting an even wider area than a hemispherical camera, such as a single camera mounted on the camera unit 12 that shoots a hemisphere or a wider area than a hemisphere. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any shooting range that includes 180 degrees opposite directions is acceptable, such as a 360-degree omnidirectional camera capable of shooting a full sphere of 360 degrees horizontally and 360 degrees vertically, an omnidirectional camera with a detection and shooting range of 360° around the periphery, or two cameras positioned in opposite directions to shoot the front and rear. In particular, a hemispherical camera (including a camera capable of shooting an area of ​​more than a hemisphere) or a full 360-degree camera is preferred, as used in the embodiments.

[0201] An omnidirectional camera achieves a 360° field of view by, for example, reflecting the surrounding scenery onto an omnidirectional mirror mounted on top and capturing the image with an upward-facing camera. The omnidirectional mirror can be shaped in various ways, such as a cone, hemisphere, or parabolic surface. However, because the upward-facing camera captures the area near the lower apex of the mirror, the vertical field of view is limited to approximately 10-15° above and 55° below the horizontal plane, meaning that the view directly below cannot be captured. Therefore, it is not suitable for, for example, filming the interior of a vehicle.

[0202] In contrast, a hemispherical camera, such as the one shown in the embodiment that captures a hemisphere or a wider area than a hemisphere, or a camera that can capture an even wider area than a hemispherical camera, or a 360-degree camera, is configured to include, for example, a lens with a field of view of 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees or more vertically, and an image sensor that captures the light collected by that lens. Since the shooting range is 360 degrees around the periphery and a continuous space of 180 degrees or more in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the periphery, it is advantageous because it can capture a continuous space in the front-to-back direction, including, for example, the interior of a vehicle.

[0203] In the embodiment described above, an example of implementing an area sensor in a drive recorder was explained, but this area sensor can be implemented in various devices and systems other than drive recorders. For example, it can be applied to communication devices, etc.

[0204] For example, in the case of a communication robot, which is an example of a communication device, the area sensor 48 is attached to a predetermined position on the robot body so that the plane is horizontal. The predetermined position can be, for example, below or on the head. Placing it below is particularly good because it can be implemented without being conspicuous. It can detect all directions in the horizontal direction around the robot, so for example it can detect when a person enters a room or leaves a room. It can be applied to both self-propelled and stationary robots. Automated transport robots usually use lidar to see only in one dimension of the direction of movement, but using this allows them to see all directions, which is a good thing. Since it is an antenna, the system and detection algorithm to which it is attached can be changed, and it can be changed from object detection to determine the distance to an object, and can be used for obstacle detection to avoid collisions.

[0205] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary robot, instead of a dashcam that shows the front and back, It is best to position the antenna 51 so that its pair of openings 70 face left and right towards the robot, thereby emitting the main lobe in the left-right direction and widening the detection range.

[0206] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to implement sensors in communication devices other than robots so that they can respond based on detection outputs such as human movement, approach, and departure.

[0207] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the sensor's detection range, it can be used to detect the movement of bedridden elderly people and notify when their movement stops, to notify if they fall out of bed, or to notify if they wander out of the room and move out of the detection range. The wide monitoring area allows for monitoring with a single sensor, which is advantageous.

[0208] Furthermore, the sensor's detection area is oriented vertically, and the area within this vertical plane is designated as the monitoring area. The radiation pattern is flattened like a stack of mochi rice cakes, so it has little horizontal spread. Therefore, when placed at a gate, it will not detect an object until just before it passes through the gate.

[0209] In the embodiments described above, the basic approach is to radiate radio waves in all directions, or to narrow the radiation direction to, for example, two directions, and arrange multiple antennas in a chain to cover the entire area. Adjacent pairs of antennas have different frequencies depending on their transmission and reception type, and the difference in frequency is detected to create a counter-type detector. In this case, a difference of 1 MHz or more is preferable. When radio waves pass between the antennas, this can be detected, and it is possible to determine from where the intrusion / exit occurred.

[0210] While various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments and modifications, it should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but rather are provided to aid in understanding the present invention.

[0211] 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 applicant intends to include configurations not currently specified in the claims within the scope of the claims in the future. The applicant intends to obtain rights for such portions and combinations through amendments, divisional applications, or amendments to design registration applications.

[0212] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. The components of each embodiment and modification described above may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification may 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. We intend to obtain rights for these as well in amendments or divisional applications of this application.

[0213] 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]

[0214] 1: Vehicle 2: Windshield 10: Dashcam 11: Main body 12: Camera Department 13: Bracket 16: Ring section 17: Fixed plate part 20: Cabinet 21: First Case 22: Second Case 23: Dental Department 25: Teeth 26: Nut component 30: Horizontal line 38: Inner Case 38c: Main body side first tooth part 38d: Second tooth on main body side 40: Camera Case 41: First lens holder 42: Second lens holder 42b: Curved section 43: Lens 48: Area Sensor 50: Sensor Module 50e: Outlet 50f: Flange section 51: Antenna 58: Shield Case 65:Frame body 66: Barrier plate 67: Shielding plate 68:Reflector 69: Slit 70: Opening 71: First Fin 72: Second Fin 73: Projection piece 75: Metal element 86a: First tooth portion on the camera side 86b: Camera-side second tooth portion 86c: Locking convex part 87: Camera Unit P: Power supply point

Claims

1. Sensor module and An antenna that radiates radio waves output from the sensor module in a predetermined planar direction, A ring portion that holds the main body, Electronic equipment equipped with, The antenna has an opening, The ring portion is positioned outside the opening. A reflective element is formed by a metal tape attached to a predetermined position on the ring portion. electronic equipment.

2. The metal tape is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. By changing the position where the metal tape is attached to the ring portion, the gain of radiation in a predetermined direction can be increased. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes an adjustment means for adjusting the orientation of the plane. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The direction of the aforementioned plane is set to a vertical plane, and the area within that vertical plane is defined as the monitoring area. The radiation pattern of the aforementioned antenna has little horizontal spread. The electronic device according to claim 4.

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