In-vehicle camera

Abstract

To increase the normal operating time of an on-vehicle camera by shortening a period required for recovery of the stopped on-vehicle camera while reducing failures caused by a temperature rise in the on-vehicle camera.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle camera includes imaging means, temperature detection means, vehicular speed detection means, and control means that is configured to stop or limit a function of the on-vehicle camera in a case where an internal temperature of the on-vehicle camera is higher than a first temperature, and is incorporated in the vehicle for imaging the outside of the vehicle. Further, in a case where the internal temperature of the on-vehicle camera is equal to or lower than a second temperature being lower than the first temperature, the control means disengages stopping or limiting of the function of the on-vehicle camera, and the temperature detection means and the vehicular speed detection means are configured to function even in the case where the function of the on-vehicle camera is stopped or limited by the control means. Further, the second temperature is changed, on the basis of a vehicle parameter that is a parameter including at least a vehicular speed, so as to approach the first temperature as a radiation efficiency of the on-vehicle camera increases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an on-board camera, and more particularly to an on-board camera that can reduce failures caused by temperature rise in the on-board camera while shortening the period required for the on-board camera to resume operation after being stopped, thereby increasing the normal operation time of the on-board camera. [Background technology]

[0002] In an on-board camera used for vehicle control, etc., a problem may occur in which the temperature of the on-board camera rises and exceeds the guaranteed operating temperature due to, for example, the environment outside the vehicle (e.g., temperature and solar radiation, etc.) and / or heat generation (self-heating) associated with operation, causing the on-board camera to break down. In order to reduce such problems, a technique is known that stops the on-board camera by turning off the power when the temperature of the on-board camera exceeds a predetermined threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is known that the on-board camera is restored (the power supply of the on-board camera is turned on) when it is detected that the on-board camera is estimated to have cooled down to a temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this case, since the power supply of the on-board camera is off when the on-board camera is restored, the temperature of the on-board camera itself cannot be detected. Therefore, the temperature of the on-board camera is estimated based on the elapsed time since the on-board camera was stopped, the speed of the vehicle on which the on-board camera is mounted (vehicle speed), and vehicle information such as the outside air temperature of the vehicle, and the on-board camera is restored when it is determined that the temperature has dropped to a predetermined threshold or lower. In this way, since the temperature of the on-board camera estimated based on the vehicle information, etc., rather than the temperature of the on-board camera actually detected, is used when the on-board camera is restored, it is necessary to set the threshold value low in consideration of the estimation accuracy. As a result, the period required from turning off the on-board camera to turning it on again (from stopping the on-board camera to restoring it) becomes longer, and there is a risk that the normal operation time of the on-board camera becomes excessively short.

[0004] However, when the temperature threshold (stop temperature) of the vehicle-mounted camera when the power of the vehicle-mounted camera is turned off is the same as the temperature threshold (return temperature) of the vehicle-mounted camera when the power of the vehicle-mounted camera is turned on (without hysteresis control), the power of the vehicle-mounted camera is frequently switched on and off (stopping and returning the vehicle-mounted camera is frequently repeated) as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the technical field, it is common to set the return temperature lower than the stop temperature (performing hysteresis control) in order to reduce such problems. As illustrated in FIG. 5, by performing hysteresis control, the period during which the power of the vehicle-mounted camera is switched on and off (stopping and returning the vehicle-mounted camera is repeated) can be made longer (see the thick double-headed arrow) compared to the case in which the hysteresis control illustrated in FIG. 4 is not performed. However, the lower the temperature threshold for the dash camera when powering it on is set in this manner, the longer the period required to power the dash camera off and then on again (from stopping the dash camera to restarting it), which may result in the normal operating time of the dash camera becoming even more excessively short.

[0005] As described above, there is a need in the art for a technology that can increase the normal operating time of an on-board camera by reducing failures caused by temperature increases in the on-board camera while shortening the period required for the on-board camera to resume operation after being stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-151301 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-191575 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, there is a need in the art for a technology that can increase the normal operating time of an on-board camera by reducing failures caused by temperature rise in the on-board camera while shortening the period required for the on-board camera to resume operation after being stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, as a result of intensive research, the inventor has discovered that the above problem can be solved by continuing to detect the temperature of the on-board camera even when the function of the on-board camera is stopped or restricted due to a rise in temperature of the on-board camera, and by appropriately changing the threshold value (return temperature) for restoring the function of the on-board camera in accordance with parameters such as vehicle speed.

[0009] Specifically, the vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "camera of the present invention") is an on-board camera mounted on a vehicle to capture images of the outside of the vehicle, and includes an imaging means, a temperature detection means for detecting an internal temperature of the on-board camera, a vehicle speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle on which the on-board camera is mounted, and a control means for controlling the operating state of the on-board camera. The control means is configured to stop or limit the function of the on-board camera when the internal temperature of the on-board camera is higher than a first temperature which is a predetermined threshold value.

[0010] The temperature detection means is configured to detect the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera even when the function of the vehicle-mounted camera is stopped or restricted by the control means. The vehicle speed detection means is configured to detect the vehicle speed even when the function of the vehicle-mounted camera is stopped or restricted by the control means. Furthermore, the control means is configured to release the stop or restriction of the function of the vehicle-mounted camera when the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera is equal to or lower than a second temperature that is a predetermined threshold lower than the first temperature. In addition, the second temperature is changed based on a vehicle parameter that is a parameter including at least the vehicle speed so that the higher the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera, the closer it is to the first temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0011] As described above, in the camera of the present invention, the second temperature (return temperature), which is the internal temperature threshold when the suspension or restriction of the vehicle-mounted camera's functions is released (the vehicle-mounted camera is restored), is changed so as to become higher as the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera becomes higher. Therefore, according to the camera of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the period required from suspension to restoration of the vehicle-mounted camera while reducing failures caused by temperature rise of the vehicle-mounted camera, thereby increasing the normal operation time of the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0012] Other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention which are given with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 4 is a schematic graph illustrating the relationship between the heat transfer coefficient of a windshield and vehicle speed. [Diagram 2] 5 is a schematic graph illustrating the change in the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention (the camera of the present invention) depending on the vehicle speed and the return temperature (second temperature). [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of each process included in an internal temperature control routine executed in the camera of the present invention. [Figure 4] 11 is a schematic graph showing a change in internal temperature when hysteresis control is not performed and stopping and starting of the vehicle-mounted camera is frequently repeated. [Diagram 5] 10 is a schematic graph showing a change in internal temperature when hysteresis control is performed and the period during which the vehicle-mounted camera is repeatedly stopped and restarted becomes long. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention (the camera of the present invention) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] As mentioned above, in conventional vehicle-mounted cameras (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "conventional cameras"), the vehicle-mounted camera is turned back on when the temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera estimated based on vehicle information, etc., rather than the temperature actually detected by the vehicle-mounted camera, falls below a predetermined threshold. For this reason, the threshold is set low in consideration of the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera, so that the period required from stopping the vehicle-mounted camera to turning it back on becomes long, and there is a risk that the normal operating time of the vehicle-mounted camera will be excessively short. Furthermore, this tendency becomes more pronounced when hysteresis control is performed.

[0016] On the other hand, as described above, the camera of the present invention is an on-board camera that is mounted on a vehicle and captures the outside of the vehicle. Such an on-board camera captures, for example, images of the front and / or periphery of the vehicle, and the images are used for various vehicle controls, such as collision avoidance. Typically, the camera of the present invention is attached near the upper end of the inside (cabin side) of the vehicle windshield like a conventional camera, and captures images centered on the front of the vehicle. However, the mounting position of the on-board camera is not limited to the above, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a location where the effect of increasing cooling efficiency with an increase in vehicle speed can be obtained, as described later.

[0017] The camera of the present invention includes an imaging means, a temperature detection means for detecting the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera, a vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted, and a control means for controlling the operating state of the vehicle-mounted camera. The imaging means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of capturing images that can be used in the intended application, such as the vehicle control described above. Specific examples of the imaging means include digital cameras that use a CCD (Charged Couples Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) as an imaging element.

[0018] The temperature detection means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of detecting the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera, and may be, for example, a thermocouple or other device that is widely used in the technical field. The internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera may be any temperature that correlates with the temperature of a component of the vehicle-mounted camera that may be damaged by a rise in temperature, and is not limited to the temperature at a specific location of the vehicle-mounted camera. Specifically, the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera means, for example, the temperature of an IC chip and / or a circuit board included in the vehicle-mounted camera, the surface temperature of the housing of the vehicle-mounted camera, and the air temperature inside the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0019] The vehicle speed detection means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of detecting the speed of the vehicle in which the on-board camera is mounted, but a vehicle speed sensor that is commonly used for various control purposes in automobiles can be adopted as the vehicle speed detection means.

[0020] The control means is configured to stop or limit the function of the vehicle-mounted camera when the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera is higher than a first temperature, which is a predetermined threshold. The function as such a control means can be realized, for example, by an electronic control unit (ECU: Electric Control Unit) equipped in the vehicle-mounted camera. The ECU has a microcomputer as a main part, and has an input port for receiving detection signals from components such as the temperature detection means and an output port for transmitting instruction signals to components such as the power supply unit of the vehicle-mounted camera. The microcomputer includes, for example, a CPU and a data storage device such as a ROM and a RAM. The CPU is configured to realize various functions by receiving various detection signals, executing various arithmetic processing, and transmitting various instruction signals based on instructions (programs) stored in the ROM. The ECU can thus realize the function as a control means.

[0021] The first temperature corresponds to the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera detected by the temperature detection means when the temperature of a component of the vehicle-mounted camera that may fail due to a temperature rise exceeds the guaranteed operating temperature. The first temperature can be determined appropriately, for example, taking into consideration a detection error by the temperature detection means and / or a further temperature rise during the period required for the control means to stop or limit the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0022] The stop or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera by the control means is not necessarily limited to the stop or restriction of all functions of the vehicle-mounted camera, as long as it is possible to reduce further heat generation inside the vehicle-mounted camera. In other words, the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera stopped or restricted by the control means may be some functions of the components of the vehicle-mounted camera, such as those that are likely to break down due to temperature rise and / or those that generate a large amount of heat when operated. In addition, the stop or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera by the control means is not necessarily limited to the stop by, for example, cutting off the power supply to all or some of the components of the vehicle-mounted camera, as long as it is possible to reduce further heat generation inside the vehicle-mounted camera. In other words, the stop or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera by the control means also includes, for example, reducing the processing by changing the operation mode of all or some of the components of the vehicle-mounted camera, reducing the load on all or some of the components of the vehicle-mounted camera, etc.

[0023] However, in the camera of the present invention, the temperature detection means is configured to detect the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera even when the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera are stopped or restricted by the control means. As a result, in the camera of the present invention, the stop or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera can be released (the vehicle-mounted camera can be restored) based on the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera actually detected by the temperature detection means, rather than the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera estimated based on vehicle information, etc., as in the conventional camera described above.

[0024] That is, in the camera of the present invention, the control means is configured to release the suspension or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera when the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera is equal to or lower than the second temperature, which is a predetermined threshold lower than the first temperature. That is, in the camera of the present invention, hysteresis control is performed. The second temperature is set to a temperature lower than the first temperature so that the suspension or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera and the release of the suspension or restriction are not frequently switched (the suspension and recovery of the vehicle-mounted camera are not frequently repeated). In other words, the second temperature is set to a temperature lower than the first temperature so that the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera can remain in a range equal to or lower than the first temperature for a sufficiently long period of time even if the suspension or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera is released at that time and the rise in the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera resumes.

[0025] As described above, the on-board camera is typically attached near the upper end of the inside (cabin side) of the windshield of the vehicle. As the vehicle speed increases, the amount of heat dissipated from the windshield due to contact with the air in front of the vehicle increases, so as the vehicle speed increases, the heat dissipation efficiency (heat transfer rate) of the windshield increases. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency from the on-board camera via the windshield and / or the air in the cabin around the windshield also increases as the vehicle speed increases.

[0026] As a result of the above, as shown in (a) of Fig. 2, the rate at which the internal temperature of the dash-camera drops during the period after the internal temperature of the dash-camera becomes higher than the first temperature (stop temperature) and the dash-camera's functions are stopped or restricted (the dash-camera is stopped) is higher when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when the vehicle speed is low (low speed). Therefore, if the same second temperature (return temperature) is set for both low and high speeds, the timing at which the internal temperature of the dash-camera falls below the second temperature (return temperature) and the stop or restriction of the dash-camera's functions is released (the dash-camera returns) is earlier when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when the vehicle speed is low (low speed) (see the open arrow).

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in (a) of FIG. 2, the rate of increase in the internal temperature of the dash-camera after recovery is slower when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when it is low (low speed). Therefore, if the same second temperature (return temperature) is set for both low and high speeds, the timing at which the internal temperature of the dash-camera becomes higher than the first temperature (stop temperature) again and the functions of the dash-camera are stopped or restricted again (the dash-camera is stopped again) will be later when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when it is low (low speed). In this way, the normal operation time of the dash-camera can be secured longer when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when it is low (low speed).

[0028] In particular, in the graph shown in FIG. 2(a), after time Tr (see black circle), the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera and the first temperature (stop temperature) becomes larger when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) than when the vehicle speed is low (low speed). In other words, if the same second temperature (return temperature) is set for both low and high speeds, the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera when the vehicle speed is high (high speed) is kept excessively low relative to the first temperature (stop temperature) compared to when the vehicle speed is low (low speed). In other words, in consideration of the rate at which the internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera rises when the vehicle speed is high (high speed), it can be said that the same second temperature (return temperature) as when the vehicle speed is low (low speed) is too low. In other words, when the vehicle speed is high (high speed), even if the second temperature (return temperature) is set higher than when the vehicle speed is low, the length of the period (normal operating time) until the internal temperature of the dash camera again becomes higher than the first temperature (stop temperature) and the function of the dash camera is stopped or restricted (the dash camera is stopped) can be maintained at least as long as when the vehicle speed is low (low speed).

[0029] Therefore, in the camera of the present invention, the second temperature is changed based on vehicle parameters, which are parameters including at least the vehicle speed, so that the higher the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera, the closer it becomes to the first temperature. As described above, the vehicle-mounted camera is typically attached near the upper end of the inside (cabin side) of the vehicle's windshield, so the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera via the windshield and / or the air in the cabin around the windshield. Therefore, in the camera of the present invention, the higher the vehicle speed, the closer the second temperature (return temperature) is set to a temperature.

[0030] FIG. 2(b) is a schematic graph showing the transition of the internal temperature of the camera of the present invention when the vehicle speed is low (low speed) and when the vehicle speed is high (high speed). In the camera of the present invention, the second temperature at high speed is set to a temperature closer to (higher than) the first temperature than the second temperature (return temperature) at low speed as described above (see the black arrow). Therefore, the timing at which the internal temperature of the camera of the present invention becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature and the stop or restriction of the function of the camera of the present invention is released (the camera of the present invention returns) becomes earlier at high speed than at low speed (see the white arrow). As a result, the timing at which the camera of the present invention returns becomes earlier at high speed than when the same second temperature is set at low speed and high speed as shown in FIG. 2(a) (see the solid double-headed arrow). In this way, according to the camera of the present invention, it is possible to reduce failures caused by temperature rise of the vehicle-mounted camera, shorten the period required from stopping to returning the vehicle-mounted camera, and increase the normal operation time of the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0031] The above-mentioned "vehicle parameters" may be only the vehicle speed, or may further include other parameters that affect the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera in addition to the vehicle speed. Specific examples of such other parameters include the outside air temperature of the vehicle. Naturally, the lower the outside air temperature of the vehicle, the higher the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera via the windshield and / or the air in the passenger compartment around the windshield. Therefore, the camera of the present invention may further include an outside air temperature detection means for detecting the outside air temperature of the vehicle, and may not only change the second temperature (return temperature) so that it approaches the first temperature (stop temperature) as the vehicle speed increases, but also change the second temperature (return temperature) so that it approaches the first temperature (stop temperature) as the vehicle outside air temperature decreases.

[0032] In addition, the vehicle speed of the vehicle on which the camera of the present invention is mounted may be an average vehicle speed over a predetermined period of time. In the case where the outside air temperature of the vehicle is also adopted as a vehicle parameter as described above, the average outside air temperature over a predetermined period of time may be used.

[0033] The above-mentioned correspondence relationship between the vehicle parameters and the second temperature (return temperature) can be stored in a data storage device such as a ROM constituting the control means as a two-dimensional data map of a combination of a plurality of second temperatures (return temperatures) corresponding to each range of the vehicle speed divided into a plurality of ranges. In the case where the outside air temperature of the vehicle is also adopted as the vehicle parameter as described above, the correspondence relationship between the vehicle parameters and the second temperature (return temperature) can be stored in a data storage device such as a ROM constituting the control means as a three-dimensional data map of a combination of a plurality of second temperatures (return temperatures) corresponding to each combination of the vehicle speed divided into a plurality of ranges and the outside air temperature divided into a plurality of ranges. Alternatively, the correspondence relationship between the vehicle parameters and the second temperature (return temperature) can be stored in a data storage device such as a ROM constituting the control means as a function (calculation formula) with vehicle parameters such as the vehicle speed or a combination of the vehicle speed and the outside air temperature as variables.

[0034] Here, the operation of the camera of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of each process included in the internal temperature control routine executed in the camera of the present invention. When the power supply of the camera of the present invention is turned on (ON) and normal operation as a vehicle-mounted camera is started, the control routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the CPU constituting the control means in accordance with a program stored in a data storage device such as a ROM constituting the control means. In the following explanation, a case will be described in which the vehicle speed is used as a vehicle parameter that serves as an index for changing the second temperature (return temperature).

[0035] When the control routine is started, first in step S01, the internal temperature T of the camera of the present invention is acquired by the temperature detection means. Next, in step S02, it is determined whether the internal temperature T is higher than a first temperature (stop temperature) T1. If the internal temperature T is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the result in step S02 is "No" and the process proceeds to step S09, where normal operation as an in-vehicle camera continues. On the other hand, if the internal temperature T is higher than the first temperature T1, the result in step S02 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step S03, where the function of the in-vehicle camera is stopped or limited.

[0036] When the function of the vehicle-mounted camera is stopped or restricted in step S03 as described above, the process proceeds to the next step S04, where the vehicle speed V of the vehicle on which the camera of the present invention is mounted is acquired by the vehicle speed detection means. Next, in step S05, the second temperature (return temperature) T2 is determined based on the vehicle speed V as the vehicle parameter described above. Specifically, as described above, the second temperature T2 is specified or calculated by the CPU constituting the control means based on a data map or function stored in a data storage device such as a ROM constituting the control means.

[0037] Next, the process proceeds to step S06, where the internal temperature T of the camera of the present invention is acquired again by the temperature detection means. Then, in the next step S07, it is determined whether the internal temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2. If the internal temperature T is higher than the second temperature T2, the result of the determination in step S07 is "No," the process returns to the above-mentioned step S04, the vehicle speed V of the vehicle is acquired again by the vehicle speed detection means, and the process from step S05 onwards is repeated. On the other hand, if the internal temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2, the result of the determination in step S07 is "Yes," the process proceeds to the next step S08, where the suspension or restriction of the functions of the vehicle-mounted camera is released (the normal operation of the camera of the present invention is resumed). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S09, where the normal operation of the vehicle-mounted camera continues.

[0038] As described above, in the camera of the present invention, the second temperature (return temperature), which is the internal temperature threshold when the suspension or restriction of the vehicle-mounted camera's functions is released (the vehicle-mounted camera is restored), is changed so as to become higher as the heat dissipation efficiency from the vehicle-mounted camera becomes higher. Therefore, according to the camera of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the period required from suspension to restoration of the vehicle-mounted camera while reducing failures caused by temperature rise of the vehicle-mounted camera, thereby increasing the normal operation time of the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0039] The demand for increasing normal operation time by reducing the period required for function recovery from suspension or restriction while reducing failures caused by temperature rises accompanying operation is not limited to vehicle-mounted cameras, but is common to various vehicle-mounted devices that may experience problems such as failures due to temperature rises caused by the environment outside the vehicle and / or self-heating. In other words, the present invention is not limited to vehicle-mounted cameras, but can also be applied to various vehicle-mounted devices that have similar demands.

[0040] For the purpose of explaining the present invention, several embodiments having specific configurations have been described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these exemplary embodiments, and it goes without saying that appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and the matters described in the specification.

Claims

[Claim 1] The vehicle-mounted camera includes an imaging means, a temperature detection means for detecting an internal temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera, a vehicle speed detection means for detecting a vehicle speed of the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted, and a control means for controlling an operating state of the vehicle-mounted camera, The control means is configured to stop or limit a function of the vehicle-mounted camera when the internal temperature is higher than a first temperature that is a predetermined threshold value, An in-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle to capture an image of an exterior of the vehicle, The temperature detection means is configured to detect the internal temperature even when the function of the vehicle-mounted camera is stopped or limited by the control means, The vehicle speed detection means is configured to detect the vehicle speed even when the function of the vehicle-mounted camera is stopped or restricted by the control means, The control means is configured to release the suspension or restriction of the function of the vehicle-mounted camera when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than a second temperature that is a predetermined threshold lower than the first temperature, The second temperature is changed so as to approach the first temperature as the vehicle speed increases. The in-vehicle camera is characterized by the above.

Images