Image recording devices and programs, etc.

Abstract

To provide an image recording device and a program for formatting a recording medium for recording image data.SOLUTION: An image recording device 10 comprises a control unit 11 which performs recording image data indicative of an image captured by an imaging apparatus 14 on a recording medium 13 and formatting to set the recording medium 13 to a predetermined recording format. Short pressing of a first operation key of an operation unit 15 causes the control unit 11 to receive input of a format instruction and executes formatting on the recording medium 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, an image recording apparatus, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drive recorder that records image data captured by a CCD camera on an SD card. When the capacity of the recorded image data reaches the storage capacity of the SD card and overwrite recording is set, there is a drive recorder that records while overwriting newly captured image data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When repeatedly recording while overwriting the captured image data on the SD card, fragmentation progresses, and the time-series image data may not be recorded on the SD card in time series, and it may take time for reading and writing. In order to eliminate fragmentation, it is required to perform a format process on a recording means such as an SD card at an appropriate timing such as periodically. One object of the present invention is to provide a technique related to formatting a recording means.

[0005] The above-described problems are described as independent ones, and the present invention does not necessarily have to solve all of the described problems. The object of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights by means of divisional applications, amendments, etc. for a configuration aimed at obtaining an effect exerted by a part of the configuration disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. For example, a problem in which a part described as "can be" in this specification is read as "is a problem" is disclosed in this specification. The problems are described as independent ones, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights by means of divisional applications, amendments, etc. alone for a configuration for solving this problem. Even if a problem is implicitly grasped from the description of the specification, the applicant has the intention of making a part of the configuration described in this specification the scope of claims by amendment or divisional application. Also, problems combining these independent problems are disclosed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) To provide an image recording apparatus having a function of recording image data indicating an image photographed by photographing means in recording means, an input reception function of receiving an input of a format instruction at least during the photographing or the recording, and a format function for executing a format process on the recording means that operates when the format instruction is input. By doing so, as a situation where the image recording apparatus is operating, an input of a user's format instruction is received during photographing by the image recording apparatus or during recording of photographed image data. The user can give a format instruction more easily compared to the case where the user has to stop an operation such as photographing or recording by the image recording apparatus and then input the format instruction.

[0007] (2) The recording function records the image data in such a manner that the image data are continuously arranged in a continuous recording area previously secured in the recording means, and the formatting function may have a function of performing a formatting process for securing the continuous recording area in the recording means. By doing so, since the image data are continuously arranged in the continuous recording area previously secured in the recording means, the recording is performed in a recording format in which fragmentation is less likely to occur. In the case of such a recording format, in terms of preventing the occurrence of an error in the process of recording the image data caused by such fragmentation, it may not be necessary or the necessity may be small to perform a formatting process on the recording medium. However, for the user, there may be a case where the user wants to quickly erase the image data recorded in the recording means. Also, for the user, there may be a case where the user wants to check whether there is a failure in the recording means and prevent the situation where the recording of the image data is not performed in a situation where the recording of the image data is required. Depending on the user, for example, for such purposes, the formatting of the recording means can be easily performed. Securing the recording area may be, for example, making a predetermined recording area available for writing image data, and for example, regardless of whether data are stored in the recording area, it may be made writable in order from the beginning.

[0008] (3) The recording function records the image data in such a manner that the addresses are consecutive in time series in a determined area of the recording means by a method of not recording FAT (File Allocation Tables). The formatting function has a formatting process function for enabling the recording of the image data in such a manner that the addresses are consecutive in time series in the determined area of the recording means. The method of not recording FAT is a recording method in which time series image data exists across a plurality of clusters that are discretely present, and there is no need to manage the time series order of these clusters with FAT. Therefore, fragmentation is less likely to occur even when image data is repeatedly recorded in the recording means. Thus, in terms of preventing the occurrence of errors in the process of recording image data caused by this fragmentation, it may not be necessary or the necessity may be low to perform a formatting process on the recording medium. Even in such a case, the formatting of the recording medium can be easily performed.

[0009] (4) The input reception function may be configured to enable the input of the formatting instruction with one action of the user. Since the input of the formatting instruction is received by one action, the formatting function can be activated quickly, and for example, formatting processing for the recording means can be performed. The one action may be composed of, for example, one or a continuous series of operations or actions. For example, a single touch, which is an example of one operation or action such as pressing an operation unit once to receive the input of the formatting instruction, and for example, a gesture or the like is an example of one or a continuous series of operations or actions of the user. The continuous series of operations or actions may be long in time but may also be considered as a continuous series, and if it is an operation performed within a predetermined time, it is better because the input of the formatting instruction can be made easily and quickly. If it is an operation performed longer than the predetermined time, it is better in terms of suppressing the possibility that the user accidentally inputs the formatting instruction or the input is made by a third party. The predetermined time may be, for example, within a certain limited range such as several seconds or several tens of seconds. Also, an operation such as touching the screen multiple times like a double touch may be regarded as one operation as a whole and be regarded as one action, or may be regarded as a continuous series of actions, and in any case, it is included in one action. Also, for example, when an operation of the other hand or arm follows an operation of one hand or arm, etc., the operations of both hands are continuously performed to become a continuous series of operations, etc., and such operations are also an example of one action. Also, the user's utterance is an example of the user's operation or action, and even if it is one word, keyword, or a combination of multiple words, it corresponds to at least a continuous series of operations or actions and is an example of one action.

[0010] On the one hand, for example, after a button area to be selected is displayed on the screen, until a formatting instruction is given, each time the screen switches, tapping various places or performing a predetermined button operation is not an independent single tap operation or the like, nor does it correspond to a continuous operation or the like. For example, if a plurality of hierarchical menu screens used for mode setting or the like are prepared and formatting is provided as one item of the menu screen, when selecting one of the plurality of items of the menu screen, displaying a lower-level menu screen based on the selection, and performing an operation of selecting one of the plurality of items of the newly displayed menu screen multiple times, tapping different places on different screens also results in it not being included in one action.

[0011] (5) The input reception function may preferably include operation means for inputting the formatting instruction that is exposed to the outside. In this way, since the operation means for inputting the formatting instruction is exposed to the outside, the user can easily give a formatting instruction. The exposed input reception function may preferably include, for example, a dedicated button for receiving input of the formatting instruction. The dedicated button or the like may preferably be configured to receive by performing a predetermined operation such as pressing on the dedicated button or the like. For example, even when a plurality of different functions are assigned to the dedicated button or the like, the dedicated button or the like in the standby state receives the formatting instruction by performing a determined operation such as a long press, a short press, or a continuous press multiple times. For example, it is particularly good if the dedicated button or the like does not have other functions assigned. Also, the dedicated button or the like may be a physical button, for example, although there may be a soft button displayed on the display means.

[0012] (6) It is preferably provided with a display means, and the input reception function is configured to be able to input the formatting instruction without displaying a menu screen on the display means. In this way, the operation burden on the user can be reduced. For example, the user does not need to display a menu screen, nor does the user need to search for a menu corresponding to the formatting process from the menus included in the menu screen.

[0013] (7) A display means that displays on the display means a menu screen including a format menu for instructing execution of format processing for the recording means, and a function of executing format processing for the recording means in response to an operation of selecting the format menu. The input reception function may receive an input of the format instruction without displaying a menu screen on the display means. In this way, when the user wants to format the recording means immediately during use of the vehicle or the like, it can be realized by the input reception function. Also, for example, when the user displays a menu screen including a menu for setting the operation of the image recording device and performs an operation related to the setting, the setting can be performed and the recording means can be immediately formatted by selecting the format menu included in the menu screen.

[0014] (8) When the format function is activated, it is advisable to perform a process of confirming with the user whether the format process of the recording means is executed. In this way, for example, the possibility that the user accidentally performs the format process or does not perform the format process can be reduced.

[0015] (9) It is provided with a display means, the input reception function receives the input of the format instruction by instructing a predetermined part of the display surface of the display means, and the process of confirming to the user has a process of displaying a confirmation screen for confirming to the user whether the format process is executed or not on the display surface, and at least a part of the predetermined part and the area for receiving confirmation on the confirmation screen may overlap. By doing so, since the area for instructing the format instruction set on the display surface and the area for receiving the confirmation of the confirmation screen displayed accordingly overlap at least partially at the position touched first, the user can give a format instruction and a confirmation instruction by continuously touching the same place or a nearby place, for example, and each instruction can be easily performed. The predetermined part of the display surface of the display means for receiving the input of the format instruction may be at a fixed position or the touched part may be used as the predetermined part even if it is not fixed.

[0016] (10) When receiving the input of the format instruction during the recording of the image data, it is advisable to perform a process of confirming to the user while continuing the recording of the image data. By doing so, even if a format instruction is given, for example, if the user changes their mind later or if it was originally an accidental operation and the format process is not performed, the image data during those operations can also be continuously recorded.

[0017] (11) When the format function is activated, it is advisable to execute a format process on the recording means. By doing so, the recording means can be formatted along with the activation of the format function, and the recorded image data can be deleted in one batch. In particular, when the format function is activated, it is advisable to execute the format process without performing a confirmation process. By doing so, the format process can be executed quickly, and the recorded image data can be deleted in one batch.

[0018] (12) It has a display means for displaying an image during shooting by the shooting means, and when the input of the format instruction is received during the display of the image during shooting, the format function may be activated. By doing so, the user can use the fact that the image captured by the shooting means is being displayed as a clue to grasp the situation where the format function can be activated, and it is easy for the user to grasp that situation.

[0019] (13) The input reception function receives the input of the format instruction by operating a first operation unit among a plurality of arranged operation units, and the first operation unit may require more effort to operate than the second operation unit. Since it requires such effort, a user who attempts to perform a format process will perform the operation with the purpose of giving a format instruction, and can suppress as much as possible the input of a format instruction due to an erroneous operation based on a simple operation such as accidentally touching it. An operation that requires effort may be, for example, not the same as an operation on the second operation unit, an operation that is not relatively simple, or an operation that cannot be input and received by touching the first operation unit in an unintended situation. For example, while the second operation unit operates with a short press, the first operation unit may be a long press such as pressing it continuously for a predetermined time or more, or while the second operation unit operates by pressing it a first number of times, the first operation unit operates by pressing it a second number of times more than the first number of times (for example, double-tapping within a predetermined time), etc. Also, for example, compared to the case where the user operates the second operation unit by reaching out while sitting, when the user cannot reach or touch the first operation unit smoothly even when touching it while sitting, an example of a case where it requires effort is when the user has to lift their hips a little or stand up.

[0020] (14) It has a housing provided with the first operation unit and the second operation unit. The second operation unit has an operation unit for giving an instruction to start recording the image data. The first operation unit and the second operation unit may be arranged on different surfaces of the housing. Since the first operation unit for receiving an input of a format instruction and the second operation unit for giving an instruction to start recording image data are arranged on different surfaces of the housing, for example, when trying to start recording image data, the possibility of an incorrect operation such as activating the format function can be reduced. For example, if the first operation unit is arranged on a surface that is more difficult to operate than the second operation unit, the possibility of accidentally touching the first operation unit with an unintended operation is reduced, and the possibility of an incorrect operation is reduced. The surface that is difficult to operate may be, for example, a surface that is far from the operator's position or not facing the operator.

[0021] (15) It is provided with a user authentication function, and the format function may operate on the condition of authentication by the authentication function. By doing so, since an input of a format instruction from outside a specific user is not accepted, it is possible to prevent image data from being deleted by a third party due to malice or negligence.

[0022] (16) The authentication function may be performed based on information obtained by photographing the user. User authentication can be performed using the photographing function of the image recording device. For example, when the user is photographed using photographing means for photographing image data recorded by the recording means, it is not necessary to add a special device or authentication device for authentication, but a separate photographing means for authentication may be provided. The authentication may be, for example, face authentication based on image data obtained by photographing the operator's face, and may be iris authentication, fingerprint authentication, etc. as the accuracy of the photographing means is improved. Also, authentication may be performed based on the movement of a predetermined user.

[0023] (17) It is mounted on a vehicle and has a function of performing parking monitoring based on an image captured by the imaging means during parking of the vehicle. The input reception function may receive an input of the format instruction based on the movement of the user captured within a predetermined time after starting the parking monitoring, and switch to the parking monitoring after the elapse of the predetermined time. By doing so, a format instruction can be given non-contact. If it is within the predetermined time, the driver is often in the vehicle and not driving, so various movements can be easily performed. When there is an input of a format instruction, the subsequent time can be effectively utilized. Especially immediately after starting the parking monitoring, the driver is also in or near the vehicle, and there is not much problem even without performing the parking monitoring. The format function can operate and predetermined processing can be performed using that period. When it is outside the predetermined time, it is preferable not to receive an input of a format instruction.

[0024] (18) When the recording means is formatted, it is preferable to have a function of recording information regarding the formatting process in the recording means. Since information regarding the formatting process is recorded, for example, when no image data is recorded, it can be known whether it was not originally recorded or the image data was deleted by the formatting process.

[0025] (19) The recording means has a first recording area and a second recording area, and the recording function alternately repeats writing to the first recording area and the second recording area. When a condition is satisfied, the formatting function is activated, and a formatting process may be performed on the recording area where writing has not been performed among the first recording area and the second recording area. By doing so, the formatting process can be automatically performed. The first recording area and the second recording area may be provided in different recording means respectively, or may be provided by partitioning one recording means. In particular, it is preferable that one partition be readable by a personal computer such as FAT, and the other partition have the configuration of (2) or (3). The formatting may be performed only on a part of the partitions, but it is preferable to perform it on all the partitions. After formatting, a process may be performed to record the data and files in a predetermined initial state used by the image recording apparatus.

[0026] (20) It is provided with a permission mode for permitting overwriting of the image data stored in the first recording area and the second recording area, and a prohibition mode for prohibiting overwriting. When in the permission mode, the formatting function is activated, and when in the prohibition mode, the formatting function is not activated. By doing so, by setting to the prohibition mode, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the image data is deleted due to the activation of the formatting function while ensuring that the recorded image data is not overwritten and deleted.

[0027] (21) It has a continuous recording mode for continuously recording the image data during the use of the vehicle, and a recording mode different from the continuous recording mode. When receiving the format instruction, it compares the recording period of the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode with the recording date and time of the image data recorded in the recording mode. When there is image data whose recording date and time is outside the recording period, it is advisable to suppress the format process. Since the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode is always recorded during the operation of the device, it is related to the images taken in the relatively recent past from the current time, so the user often remembers what kind of images are recorded. Therefore, the user can relatively correctly judge whether it is okay to delete them, that is, whether there is no problem with formatting. Also, even for the image data recorded in a recording mode different from the continuous recording mode, if it is within the recording period of the continuous recording mode, for the same reason, it can be judged whether it is okay to delete that image data. On the other hand, if there is image data older than the recording period of the continuous recording mode among the image data recorded in the recording mode, the user may not be able to correctly judge whether the old image data can be deleted, and there may also be cases where the user does not remember recording it at all. If there is old data outside the recording period, since the format process is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the risk of being accidentally deleted by the format process.

[0028] It is provided with a continuous recording mode for continuously recording the image data during the use of the vehicle and an event recording mode for recording the image data based on a manual operation. When receiving the format instruction, it determines the presence or absence of the image data recorded in the event recording mode. If the image data is recorded, it is preferable to suppress the execution of the format process of the format function. When the image data is recorded based on a manual operation, since the event recording is performed based on the intention of the user to record, it may be more important than the image data based on the continuous recording mode or data that the user wants to keep. Even if the user forgets to perform the event recording based on the manual operation, if the image data based on such event recording is recorded, the format process is suppressed, so that the possibility of being accidentally deleted by the format process can be prevented. As the suppression, for example, it is preferable not to perform the format or to confirm whether to perform the format or not.

[0029] (23) When the level of a predetermined event exceeds a set first criterion, it has an event recording mode for recording the captured image data in association with the level, and when receiving the format instruction, if the level associated with the image recorded in the event recording mode exceeds a second criterion larger than the first criterion, it is advisable to suppress the execution of the format process of the format function. Among the image data recorded by event recording based on a predetermined event, there may be important image data that should not be deleted when the level of the event is particularly large. Even if the user forgets the existence of such an impact or doesn't know about it in the first place, when such image data with a particularly large level is recorded, the process is suppressed, so the risk of accidental deletion by the format process can be prevented. On the other hand, when the level of the event exceeds the first criterion but is small and does not exceed the second criterion, it may not be very important and deletion may not cause a major impact. Therefore, even if event-recorded image data is recorded, when the level of the event associated with all the image data exceeds the first criterion but is small and does not exceed the second criterion, the user's format instruction is prioritized and the format process is performed, so that the format process in accordance with the user's intention and the accompanying deletion of image data can be carried out.

[0030] (24) It has a display means and has an event recording mode for recording the captured image data when a predetermined event occurs. The format function, when receiving the format instruction, reads out the predetermined image data recorded in the event recording mode, displays it on the display means, and has a function of performing a process of confirming with the user whether to execute the format process, and based on the result of the confirmation process, it is advisable to execute or stop the format process. By doing so, when there is image data recorded in the event recording mode, by displaying the image, the user can determine whether it is okay to delete it, correctly make a judgment on whether to directly execute the format process and delete the image data, or stop the format process and leave the image data recorded in the event recording mode.

[0031] It is preferable that a program for causing a computer to realize the function of any one of the image recording apparatuses according to (1) to (24) be provided.

[0032] The above-described system may be configured by one device or by a plurality of devices.

[0033] The inventions according to the above-described (1) to (25) can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a configuration may be such that at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) is added to all or a part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, it is preferable that the invention be such that at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) is added to the invention shown in (1). The applicant of the present application also has the intention of obtaining patent rights, design rights, etc. by means of amendment, divisional application, amendment of a design registration application, etc. for those including these configurations.

Effect of the Invention

[0034] According to the present invention, for example, a technique related to formatting for a recording unit can be provided. For example, in a case where a format instruction can be received, format processing of a recording medium for recording image data can be performed based on an input of a single action by a user. Received

[0035] The effects of the invention of the present application are not limited to this, and effects resulting from parts of the configurations disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights by means of divisional application, amendment, etc. for the configurations that exhibit the effects. For example, portions described as "can" in this specification are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects, and even if there is no description of "can", there are portions that indicate the effects. Further, even if there is no such description, there are effects grasped by the configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configurations, shapes, etc. of the described devices are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In the following description, the labeling using numerical values such as first, second, ··· is for identifying each element and does not define the number of elements.

[0038] When recording image data on a recording means, it is necessary to set it in a predetermined recording format. For example, when performing a formatting process on the recording means, setting it in a predetermined recording format, and deleting the recorded image data in a batch, for example, like the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an SD card, which is an example of the recording means, is taken out from the drive recorder, set in the reader / writer of a personal computer, and this may be done using a setting tool installed on the personal computer. The setting tool writes the operating conditions and various modes of the drive recorder to the SD card, and performs operation settings on the drive recorder via the SD card. One of the setting items in the setting tool is a format instruction. Therefore, with the SD card mounted on the reader / writer, a setting tool with a hierarchical menu screen is used to format the SD card. In this case, for example, it is necessary to remove and attach the SD card from the drive recorder, which is cumbersome. Also, if a setting tool function is implemented in an image recording device such as a drive recorder, the SD card can be set on the drive recorder side. However, it is still equally cumbersome to operate the hierarchical setting screen. In particular, some drive recorders have a small display screen, resulting in poor workability. Also, in order to start the setting screen, it may be necessary to stop the recording. The operation of stopping such recording is also cumbersome, and the format instruction itself cannot be given without knowing that it is necessary to stop. Also, among the recording formats, there are those in which fragmentation hardly occurs. If fragmentation hardly occurs, the formatting process may become unnecessary, or the frequency of executing the formatting process may become extremely low. In such cases, since the priority of executing the formatting process decreases, even if a format function is provided, it may be set in a lower layer in the setting screen, making the formatting process difficult. On the other hand, even for those in which fragmentation hardly occurs as described above, it may be necessary to perform formatting. When such a need arises, since the frequency is low, the operation for giving a format instruction becomes more cumbersome, resulting in various problems such as poor usability.Each embodiment of the present invention described below proposes a technology related to a format of a recording medium that records captured image data capable of solving a predetermined one of the various problems described above.

[0039] [1. Configuration of Image Recording Device] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image recording device 10 that records image data on a recording medium 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the image recording device 10. This image recording device 10 has a photographing function, a function of recording image data captured by the photographing function, and a formatting function. Recording image data is hereinafter referred to as "recording", and the function of recording image data may hereinafter be referred to as the "recording function".

[0040] First, the formatting function will be briefly described. The formatting function is a function related to the format of the recording medium 13, for example, a function related to the format of the recording medium 13 that records image data captured by the photographing function. The formatting function has at least a function of performing a formatting process on the recording medium 13. The formatting process may be said to be a process of erasing data such as image data recorded on the recording medium 13, for example, data such as image data recorded on the recording medium 13 after the execution of the previous formatting process. Also, the formatting process may be said to be a process of setting the recording medium 13 for use in the image recording device 10 (which can also be said to be an initial setting process). In the present embodiment, the formatting process may be said to be a process of writing setting information indicating the content of the operation setting to the recording medium 13 in order to make the recording medium 13 in a state where the image recording device 10 can use it (for example, a state where image data can be read and written). The formatting process is not limited to this, and may be said to be a process of setting the recording medium 13 to a specific file state. For example, the formatting process may include a process of generating a predetermined folder. There are a folder in which image data in the always recording mode described later is stored and a folder in which image data in the event recording mode described later is stored. Note that it is even better if the folder for the event recording mode is divided into folders for each event.

[0041] Although details will be described later, the formatting process of the present embodiment is a process for making the recording medium 13 in a state where image data can be recorded in a recording format using the FAT described later, or a format-free method exemplified by the first recording format or the second recording format in the present embodiment. For example, when adopting a recording format using FAT, the image recording apparatus 10 generates a file when writing image data to the recording medium 13. When adopting the format-free method exemplified by the first recording method or the second recording method described later in the present embodiment, the image recording apparatus 10 secures a determined area on the recording medium 13 or generates a dummy file. Securing a determined area is, in effect, a process of determining in advance that although no data is written to the recording medium 13, writing from this sector to this sector will be done. In the case of a dummy file, it may be a dummy file that is usually made invisible.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the entity that sets the formatting process for the recording medium 13 and the entity that uses the recording medium 13 are the same, i.e., the image recording apparatus 10. The formatting function may include, in addition to the formatting process, a process of confirming with the user whether to execute the formatting process as a pre-stage process thereof.

[0043] This image recording apparatus 10 is, for example, a drive recorder installed in a vehicle or the like. The vehicle may be a vehicle in a transportation facility such as a private automobile, a bus, a linear motor car, or a monorail. The vehicle may be, in addition to a vehicle in a transportation facility, a vehicle that an unspecified (for example, a large number of unspecified) person may ride, such as a taxi, a rental car, or a limousine. The vehicle may be a vehicle other than a vehicle such as a ship or an airplane.

[0044] The image data is video data in the present embodiment. The video data is, for example, in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (for example, MPEG2, MPEG4), but may be in the AVI, MOV, WMV, or other formats.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a reader / writer 12, a recording medium 13, a photographing apparatus 14, an operation unit 15, a display device 16, a microphone 17, a speaker 18, an acceleration sensor 19, a power supply unit 20, and a camera jack 21 which is an example of an interface unit for connecting to an external device. These components may be mounted on a single housing or may be separately mounted on a plurality of housings. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, they are mounted on a single housing 24. However, for example, when the image recording apparatus 10 is composed of a plurality of housings, the plurality of housings may be directly connected and integrated with each other via a predetermined connecting member, or may be of a separate type arranged separately to transmit and receive data by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0046] The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuits. The memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memories. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data from the memory and performing arithmetic processing. This data includes a program. The control unit 11 executes each control described later based on this program.

[0047] The reader / writer 12 is configured to be detachable from the recording medium 13 and reads and writes data to and from the mounted recording medium 13. The recording medium 13 is an example of a recording means. In this embodiment, the recording medium 13 is an SD card, but may be a recording medium such as a USB memory or a hard disk device. Note that the recording medium 13 may be a recording means built in the image recording apparatus 10 and may not be detachable from the image recording apparatus 10.

[0048] The imaging device 14 is an example of imaging means and includes a camera unit that images an imaging region with a predetermined angle of view. The camera unit includes a lens 141, an imaging element such as a CMOS sensor that images the light condensed by the lens 141, and a circuit unit that processes an output signal from the imaging element. As the lens 141, for example, a lens with a wide angle of view such as a wide-angle lens, a fish-eye lens, or a hemispherical lens may be used. Further, the hemispherical lens is not limited to one with a 180-degree angle of view and includes lenses with an angle of view of 180 degrees or more.

[0049] The operation unit 15 is one of the user interfaces for inputting various instructions to the image recording device 10. As an example of the operation unit 15, as shown in FIG. 2, there are operation buttons variously arranged on a predetermined surface of the housing 24. Details will be described later.

[0050] The display device 16 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The control unit 11 performs control to display, for example, image data being captured by the imaging device 14 in real time on the display surface of the display device 16, or to read out and display image data recorded on the recording medium 13.

[0051] The microphone 17 collects ambient sounds, for example. The microphone 17 collects, for example, the voices of people riding in a vehicle and other sounds generated inside and outside the vehicle. When the control unit 11 records the image data captured by the imaging device 14 on the recording medium 13, the sound collected by the microphone 17 is also recorded in association.

[0052] The speaker 18 outputs sound. The control unit 11 outputs a predetermined sound from the speaker 18 at the time of predetermined recording, warning, operation, etc. The control unit 11 notifies, for example, operation sounds in the operation unit 15 and various messages (guides, warnings, etc.) using the speaker 18.

[0053] The acceleration sensor 19 is a three-axis type sensor that detects the acceleration and inclination in the directions of each of the three axes (X, Y, Z), and detects the state of the vehicle such as the impact applied to the vehicle, the acceleration of the vehicle, and the inclination. The detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 is output at all times and given to the control unit 11. When the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds a threshold value or shows a predetermined temporal change indicating, for example, the occurrence of an impact, the control unit 11 may perform event recording for recording the image data captured by the imaging device 14 or the like and the sound collected by the microphone 17 and the like.

[0054] The power supply unit 20 receives external power supply and supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to devices and equipment within the image recording device 10. The power supply unit 20 includes, for example, a DC jack 201 for attaching a power cable for connecting to an external power supply.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the external configuration of the image recording device 10 includes a flat substantially rectangular housing 24. The housing 24 stands upright in the correct posture when attached to a predetermined position of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle. A lens 141 of the built-in imaging device 14 is disposed on the front surface 241 located on the front side in the moving direction of the vehicle in the correct posture. The imaging device 14 captures an area in front of the traveling direction of the vehicle. Above the lens 141 on the front surface 241 of the housing 24, a through hole 181 for the speaker 18 built in the housing 24 is provided. Further, below the lens 141 on the front surface 241 of the housing 24, a through hole 171 for the microphone 17 built in the housing 24 is provided.

[0056] On the upper surface 244 of the housing 24, a joint rail 23 and a camera jack 21 are provided. The joint rail 23 detachably attaches one end of a bracket, which is an example of an attachment member not shown in the figure. The other end of the bracket serves as an attachment part for attachment to, for example, a predetermined position above the front glass of a vehicle, a vehicle's rearview mirror, the ceiling inside the vehicle cabin, etc. This attachment part is attached and fixed, for example, by sticking it to the front glass of the vehicle, which is an example of an attachment site. Thereby, the image recording device 10 is arranged at a predetermined position inside the vehicle cabin. Also, when the image recording device 10 is arranged at the predetermined position and set to the correct posture as described above, the front surface 241 faces the front glass of the vehicle, and the photographing device 14 photographs the area in front of the vehicle.

[0057] The camera jack 21 connects one end of a camera cable not shown in the figure. The other end of this camera cable is connected to another external photographing device. The external photographing device is preferably one that photographs an area different from the photographing area of the photographing device 14, for example, one that photographs the inside of the vehicle cabin or an area outside the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0058] On the rear surface 242 of the housing 24, a display surface of the display device 16, an operation unit 15, and a power lamp 28 are provided. In the example shown in Fig. 2(b), the operation unit 15 has a plurality of operation buttons arranged vertically in the area on the right side of the display surface of the display device 16. In this embodiment, four operation buttons are arranged in order from the top: the first operation button 151, the second operation button 152, the third operation button 153, and the fourth operation button 154.

[0059] The first operation button 151 is a button that switches the video displayed on the display surface of the display device 16 by a short press and accepts a format instruction for the recording medium 13 by a long press. When the control unit 11 accepts the input of the format instruction using the first operation button 151, it activates the format function. The long press operation of the first operation button 151 is an example of a one-action. Details of the function of accepting the input of the format instruction accompanying the long press will be described later. The image recording apparatus 10 has a function of connecting a separate external imaging device (not shown) using a camera cable connected to the camera jack 21 as described above and displaying the image data captured by the external imaging device on the display surface of the display device 16. When the first operation button 151 is short-pressed, the control unit 11 switches the display between the image captured by the imaging device 14 built in the image recording apparatus 10 and the image captured by the external imaging device.

[0060] The second operation button 152 is a button that displays a selection screen for selecting the image data to be played back. When this second operation button 152 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen for selecting and playing back the image data recorded on the recording medium 13. As described above, since the types of image data recorded in this embodiment are "constant recording", "recording based on an acceleration sensor", and "one-touch recording based on the operation of an operation button (the fifth operation button 155)", the first selection screen to be displayed may be a menu screen for selecting any one of these three, and when any one type is selected, a selection screen such as a list of image data of that type may be displayed. The second operation button 152 may be configured to operate by a short press, unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting a format instruction.

[0061] The third operation button 153 is a button for displaying a setting screen for performing various operation settings and the like. This setting screen includes a plurality of hierarchical menu screens. By appropriately operating each operation button, a lower-level menu screen is displayed, and various operation modes and the like are set on the menu screen having the target menu item. The third operation button 153 may be configured to operate by a short press, unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting a format instruction.

[0062] The fourth operation button 154 is a button for starting / stopping recording. For example, in the continuous recording function, when the fourth operation button 154 is short-pressed during recording, the control unit 11 that detects this temporarily stops the recording, and when the fourth operation button 154 is short-pressed during the temporary stop, the control unit 11 resumes the recording. Further, when this fourth operation button 154 is long-pressed, the control unit 11 changes the frame rate at the time of recording. The fourth operation button 154 may be configured to operate by a short press, unlike the first operation button 151 for inputting a format instruction.

[0063] On the right side surface 243 of the housing 24, a DC jack 201 and a recording medium insertion port 25 are provided. The DC jack 201 is used to supply power to the image recording device 10. For example, a connector of a cigar plug cord can be connected to the DC jack 201, and the cigar plug cord can be connected to the cigar socket of a vehicle to receive power supply. Instead of the cigar plug cord, an OBDII adapter connectable to the OBDII connector of the vehicle may be used. The OBDII connector, also called a fault diagnosis connector, is connected to the ECU of the vehicle, and various vehicle information is output periodically. Therefore, by connecting this OBDII adapter and the OBDII connector on the vehicle body side and connecting the connector attached to the tip of the connection cord of the OBDII adapter to the DC jack 201, while supplying power to the image recording device 10, the control unit 11 periodically acquires various vehicle information. The recording medium insertion port 25 is an insertion port for inserting an SD card, which is an example of the recording medium 13. A reader / writer 12 is mounted inside the recording medium insertion port 25, and the recording medium 13 such as an SD card can be detachably attached to the reader / writer 12.

[0064] On the left side surface 245 of the housing 24, a fifth operation button 155, which is an example of the operation unit 15, is provided. This fifth operation button 155 is an input button for manually instructing the start of recording. When the fifth operation button 155 is pressed, the control unit 11 may perform event recording for recording the image data captured by the imaging device 14 or the like and the sound collected by the microphone 17.

[0065] Based on the above configuration, the control unit 11 has, for example, a recording function of exchanging image data with the imaging device 14 or an external imaging device and controlling the reader / writer 12 to record the exchanged image data on the recording medium 13, a playback function of reading out the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 and outputting and displaying it on, for example, the display device 16, and a formatting function of performing a formatting process on the recording medium 13.

[0066] [2. Recording Format for the Recording Medium 13] First, several examples of the recording format of image data on the adoptable recording medium 13 will be described.

[0067] [2-1. FAT format] For example, a recording format using FAT such as FAT32 can be adopted. In the case of this recording format, the clusters stored in the recording area of time-series image data become non-consecutive (i.e., discrete) with use, and fragmentation is likely to occur. For example, as shown in Fig. 3(a), even if recording is initially done in order from the beginning, with use, when the recording conditions are changed or some of the image data is erased, free clusters are generated (see Fig. 3(b)). In the figure, each block is one cluster, and the numbers in the blocks are the order of shooting. For the sake of illustration, when 24 clusters are recorded, the storage capacity is full, and overwriting is performed on the old data to record new image data.

[0068] Then, in Fig. 3(a), the 24th data is recorded, and when the recording capacity is full, the 25th data is recorded in the cluster where the oldest 1st data was recorded. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3(b), sequential overwriting is performed up to the 33rd, but for example, when the recording conditions change from the 34th, free clusters are generated. The control unit 11 searches for free clusters and writes the image data there when writing, so fragmentation gradually progresses (see Fig. 3(c)). The more non-consecutive the locations of the free clusters are, the longer it takes to search for the locations of the free clusters, and the slower the writing speed to the recording medium 13 becomes. And when the time to search for free clusters becomes longer than the writing time, a writing error occurs. Therefore, in order to eliminate fragmentation, it is necessary to perform a format process on the recording area of the recording medium 13 at regular or appropriate timings. On the other hand, as a recording format less likely to cause fragmentation than FAT, for example, the following recording formats exist.

[0069] [2-2. Recording function to the recording medium 13 by the first recording format less likely to cause fragmentation] The recording function has, for example, a continuous recording function that operates in the continuous recording mode and an event recording function that operates in the event recording mode. The continuous recording process in the continuous recording function is generally (continuously) performed during the period when the power of the image recording device 10 is on. The event recording process in the event recording function is performed when a condition (hereinafter referred to as "event condition") indicating that a predetermined event (an example of an event) has occurred is satisfied. In this embodiment, the event conditions include acceleration sensor recording that is executed when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 satisfies a predetermined condition, and one-touch recording that is performed when a manual recording instruction input based on an operation of the operation unit 15 is received. The acceleration sensor recording and the one-touch recording are stored in separately divided recording areas respectively.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration and recording format of the recording medium 13. The recording medium 13, for example, an SD card, is used after being divided into a file system area 131 and an imaging recording area 132. The file system area 131 is a file system that can be read and written by the OS of a personal computer in the same manner as a general recording medium of a personal computer. Dedicated browser software is stored in this file system area 131. When reproducing the recording content of the recording medium 13, if the dedicated browser is not installed on the personal computer, etc., the dedicated browser can be installed on the personal computer from this file system area 131. The imaging recording area 132 that records image data and the like by a method that does not record FAT is a partition in a unique format that cannot be read or written by the OS of a personal computer. This imaging recording area 132 is used after being divided into a continuous recording area 133, a G-sensor recording area 134, and a one-touch recording area 135. The image data recorded in each of these areas is denoted as "captured image" in Figure 4. The captured image is recorded in each recording area in a state where a plurality of frames are arranged in chronological order. Note that the figure shows an area for recording the image data captured by the imaging device 14, and although not shown, the recording area for the image data captured by an external imaging device has the same recording format. This is the same for the following.

[0071] The continuous recording area 133 includes a management area 133A and a recording area 133B. The management area 133A is an area where various setting information is recorded by a dedicated browser. When recording image data by the image recording apparatus 10, recording to the management area 133A is not performed. By doing so, even if power is cut off or the like during shooting, the setting data in the management area 133A is not lost. In the management area 133A, an overwrite count master value MUC, a format count master value MFC, an overwrite upper limit value UL, and the like are recorded. The overwrite count master value MUC indicates the maximum number of overwrites performed on each storage unit of the continuous recording area 133. The overwrite count master value MUC is updated to the same value as the maximum overwrite count value UC in the recording area 133B when setting information is recorded in the management area 133A of the recording medium 13 by a dedicated browser. The format count master value MFC indicates the number of times the continuous recording area 133 has been formatted. Further, the overwrite upper limit value UL indicates a standard of the number of overwrites at which a failure of the recording medium 13 occurs, and this overwrite upper limit value UL can be used as a standard for determining the lifespan (that is, how many more times overwriting is possible). This overwrite upper limit value UL varies depending on the type of the recording medium 13. When the user performs a format process on the recording medium 13 using a dedicated browser or the like, the user can record the overwrite upper limit value UL in the management area 133A by specifying the model number of the recording medium 13 to be used or by directly inputting a value.

[0072] The recording area 133B is an area for storing image data shot by the imaging device 14. The control unit 11 provides a header and a footer for one frame of image data, and records additional information for the image data of this frame in the header and the footer. Since the recording size of the combined image data and additional information is larger than 1 byte, which is the address assignment unit of the recording medium 13, the image data and additional information for one frame are recorded at a plurality of consecutive addresses. In the example shown in FIG. 4, recording is performed at 32768 bytes (32 kilobytes) per frame.

[0073] As additional information recorded in the header and footer of each frame, the imaging time CT of the image data of the frame, the format count value FC, the overwrite count value UC ("1" at the first write), a trigger flag TF indicating that the image was captured at the timing when an event occurred, etc. are recorded. The format count value FC is a value indicating the number of times the formatting process has been performed on the recording medium 13. The overwrite count value UC is a value indicating the number of times data has been written to the address. The format count value FC and the overwrite count value UC are used for life management of the recording medium 13, recording control, etc. The information recorded in the header and footer may have non-overlapping contents, or may have exactly the same contents, but it is particularly good to have only partial overlap as in the example shown in FIG. 4. By overlapping only part of the contents of the header and footer, the difficulty of forging data including additional information can be increased.

[0074] The control unit 11 of the image recording apparatus 10 stores the image data continuously captured by the imaging device 14 in the recording area 133B in order of shooting at consecutive addresses in time series. Specifically, when recording the first captured image in the recording area 133B, recording starts in order from the head address of the recording area 133B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, for the first frame, the addresses are 0 to 32767, for the second frame, the addresses are 32768 to 65535, and so on. Using consecutive addresses in the recording area 133B, the captured images are recorded in the order of shooting. Then, when the last address of the recording area 133B is reached, the recording returns to the head address of the recording area 133B, and recording continues while overwriting the data that has already been written. At the time of recording after the second round, the overwrite count value UC is recorded as a value increased by 1 from the current value.

[0075] The G-sensor recording area 134 for performing acceleration sensor recording, which is one type of event recording, also includes a management area 134A and a recording area 134B, similar to the always-on recording area 133. In the management area 134A, format count master value MFC, overwrite count master value MUC, overwrite upper limit value UL, etc. are recorded. Also, in the recording area 134B, image data captured by the imaging device 14 during a recording period including the time before and after the moment when a predetermined event occurs, such as when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds a threshold value, is recorded together with additional information. The management area 134A and the recording area 134B store the same information as the management area 133A and the recording area 133B, respectively. The additional information recorded here is the same as the additional information stored in the recording area 133B of the always-on recording area 133.

[0076] When the control unit 11 satisfies a predetermined event condition, such as when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 11 sequentially stores, in the recording area 134B, the image data captured by the imaging device 14 during a recording period including the time before and after the moment when the event condition is met, in the same manner as the recording in the recording area 133B, at consecutive addresses.

[0077] The one-touch recording area 135 for performing one-touch recording associated with a manual operation, which is one type of event recording, also includes a management area 135A and a recording area 145B, similar to the always-on recording area 133, etc. In the management area 135A, format count master value MFC, overwrite count master value MUC, overwrite upper limit value UL, etc. are recorded. Also, in the recording area 135B, image data captured before and after the time of the event occurrence is recorded together with additional information. The management area 135A and the recording area 135B store the same information as the management area 133A and the recording area 133B, respectively. The additional information recorded here is the same as the additional information stored in the recording area 133B of the always-on recording area 133.

[0078] When the control unit 11 satisfies a predetermined event condition such as the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeding a threshold value, the control unit 11 stores, in the recording area 134B, the image data captured by the imaging device 14 during a recording period including the time before and after the moment when the event condition is satisfied, in the same manner as the recording to the recording area 133B, sequentially at consecutive addresses.

[0079] With the above recording method, for consecutive addresses in the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B, the image data of each type is written in a cyclic manner to the determined recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B. As a result, the latest overwrite count value UC is recorded in the additional information of the frame that was written most recently, and an overwrite count value UC that is 1 less is recorded in the additional information of the next frame. The control unit 11 finds the frame at which the overwrite count value UC switches for consecutive addresses in the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B, and performs control to start the next writing from that frame. By doing so, recording can be performed while overwriting the oldest data at any time. Moreover, by simply finding the frame at which the above overwrite count value UC switches and performing control to start the next writing from that frame, the oldest data can be overwritten at any time without the need for other complex control. Also, since it is recorded how many times the imaging data has been recorded by overwriting and this can be confirmed during playback, the overwrite count value UC (and other additional information) can be used to verify whether there has been any falsification of the data.

[0080] In this embodiment, an area for recording each piece of image data in advance is determined, and image data is sequentially recorded in that area in a predetermined order. Therefore, the time-series image data captured and stored is arranged in time series on the memory. That is, the cluster numbers and sector numbers where the image data is recorded are arranged in time series. For example, in the case of FAT32, there is no need to sequentially write to free areas, i.e., free clusters, so the recording format is less likely to cause fragmentation. Since the recording medium 13 is less likely to cause fragmentation in this way, after the start of use, it is possible to continue recording in a predetermined order while overwriting the image data without performing a format process. Since a format process is not required over a long period of time, it is sometimes referred to as "format-free". This is the same in the following second recording format. Such a recording format is a method of not recording the FAT on the recording medium 13. More specifically, when one file spans multiple clusters, it is a method that does not require information on which cluster the continuation is in.

[0081] Also, the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B can be used evenly, preventing a bottleneck from occurring at a location where the number of overwrites is locally high and shortening the life of the memory card itself.

[0082] [2-3. Recording function to the recording medium 13 by the second recording format less likely to cause fragmentation] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the main part of the second recording format less likely to cause fragmentation. In this recording format, a large-capacity dummy file that combines clusters is created, and a place to put data in advance is created. This file is created with consecutive sector numbers for files (F1, F2, F3,...) for example every predetermined unit of time.

[0083] The control unit 11 records the time-series image data captured by the imaging device 14 in order in files for each unit of time in a method that does not record the FAT on the recording medium 13. Then, when the image data is recorded in the last file, it returns to the first file and overwrites it. The following is repeated for recording in order. As a result, the time-series image data is recorded with the order of the sector numbers being in time series without deviation.

[0084] Also, for example, when recording by changing recording conditions such as resolution, as shown in FIG. 5(b), empty clusters may occur at the end of one file. In such a case, when writing image data next, the empty clusters are ignored and writing is performed in order from the beginning of the next file. By doing so, empty clusters are generated, but the time-series image data is recorded in the order of sector numbers in time series without shifting forward or backward. Therefore, fragmentation is less likely to occur.

[0085] Since the control unit 11 writes the image data in the determined file order, there is no need to search for empty clusters, and write errors are less likely to occur regardless of the presence or absence of empty clusters. Image data can be read and written in a method that does not record the FAT.

[0086] Such files F for each unit time are created for each type of image data to be recorded, for example, a file group (F1, F2, F3,...) for continuous recording, a file group (F1, F2, F3,...) for acceleration sensor recording, and a file group (F1, F2, F3,...) for one-touch recording. Then, writing is performed in the corresponding file order according to the type of image data to be recorded. And, for example, the recording medium 13 attached to the image recording apparatus 10 and sold together may be set in advance on the manufacturer side to the second recording format described above.

[0087] The recording medium 13 set to the recording format described above is used in the image recording apparatus 10. The recording medium 13 is, for example, attached to the image recording apparatus 10 and sold together, and it is advisable to set it in advance on the manufacturer side to the recording format described above. By setting it to a predetermined recording format in this way, a user who purchases and acquires the image recording apparatus 10 can start using it by setting the recording medium 13 in the reader / writer 12, and the image data captured by the imaging device 14 etc. is recorded in time series on the recording medium 13. The image recording apparatus 10 may have a function of performing a formatting process for setting to any of the recording formats described above when the recording medium 13 is first installed.

[0088] [3. Input reception function and formatting function] In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 receives an input of a user's formatting instruction at least during shooting by the image recording apparatus 10 or during recording of captured image data, as a situation where the image recording apparatus 10 is operating. The user can give a formatting instruction more easily than in the case where the user has to stop operations such as shooting or recording by the image recording apparatus 10 and then input the formatting instruction. Note that, as a situation where the image recording apparatus 10 is operating, the formatting instruction may be configured to be inputtable at other times during the period when the power of the image recording apparatus 10 is on. Hereinafter, the details of the formatting function of the present embodiment will be described.

[0089] [3-1. Regarding the significance of the formatting function] For example, in the case of a recording format such as the FAT format that is prone to fragmentation, by frequently performing a formatting process, the occurrence of problems caused by fragmentation can be suppressed.

[0090] On the other hand, the first recording format and the second recording format are shown as an example of a recording format called format-free that is less prone to fragmentation. In this case, in terms of preventing the occurrence of errors in the process of recording image data caused by fragmentation, it may not be necessary or the necessity may be small to perform a formatting process on the recording medium 13. However, for the user, there may be a case where the user wants to quickly erase the image data recorded in the recording means. For example, when the user does not want a third party to view the image data. Also, for the user, there may be a case where the user wants to check whether there is a failure in the recording means and prevent the situation where the image data is not recorded in a situation where the recording of the image data is required. For example, when an accident or trouble occurs and the user wants to check the captured image later, it is inconvenient if the image data is not recorded due to a defect in the recording medium 13. For some users, it is desirable to be able to easily format the recording medium 13 for such purposes. Therefore, the image recording apparatus 10 has the following functions regarding formatting.

[0091] [3-2. Format Function Based on One-Touch Operation] [3-2-1. Background of Providing Format Function Based on One-Touch Operation] For example, if the operation is configured to perform a predetermined operation such as operating the menu screen of the hierarchical setting screen and switching between multiple screens to execute the format process, the work may become complicated. Further, if there are multiple screen switching processes like this, it takes time to reach the screen for performing the format process. For example, when there is a request to immediately erase the screen data, the request cannot be responded to.

[0092] Also, if the frequency of performing the format process is lowered, it is difficult to arrange the screen for giving the format instruction in the upper hierarchy due to the relationship with other setting items. Also, when the frequency of performing the format process is low, there is a possibility that the target menu screen cannot be smoothly reached when attempting to perform such a format process.

[0093] Also, the setting screen sets and may rewrite the operating conditions of the image recording apparatus 10. For example, when the continuous recording mode is in operation, the setting screen may not be opened unless the recording is once stopped. With such a specification that the setting screen cannot be opened without stopping the recording, an operation is required to stop the recording, and the format instruction cannot be given promptly, and as a result, batch deletion of image data cannot be performed quickly. Further, if it is not known that the recording needs to be stopped to open the setting screen, there is a possibility that the setting screen cannot be opened in the first place, and there is also a possibility of misunderstanding such a situation as a failure.

[0094] [3-2-2. Input Reception Function for Receiving Format Instruction Input] There is an object to solve these problems and enable easy input of format instructions. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image recording apparatus 10 is provided with a format button for giving a format instruction by a one-touch operation. In the present embodiment, this format button is assigned to the first operation button 151 provided on the back surface 242 of the housing 24, and further, when the first operation button 151 is long-pressed, it is regarded as an input of a format instruction.

[0095] The image recording apparatus 10 has an input reception function for receiving an input of a format instruction. The input reception function is a function realized by inputting a format instruction using an input means used by a user to input information and the control unit 11 recognizing the reception of the input of this format instruction. In the present embodiment, the input reception function receives an input of a format instruction using the first operation button 151 exposed on the outside (surface) of the image recording apparatus 10. For this reason, a user who wants to perform formatting can give an instruction by pressing (in this example, long-pressing) the first operation button 151. There is no need to open a setting screen and navigate through a hierarchical menu screen, and a format instruction can be given promptly. Along with this, a format process can be executed promptly, and for example, all recorded image data can be erased.

[0096] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, reception of a format instruction by the above-described long-pressing is allowed even during recording. Thereby, when a user wants to perform formatting during recording, the user can quickly perform a format process by immediately long-pressing the first operation button 151 without operating the fourth operation button 154 for stopping recording. Also, a user who wants to perform formatting only needs to operate an operation button (the first operation button 151) for formatting related thereto, so the operation is easy to understand, and there is no risk of malfunction or misunderstanding even if the operation button for a format instruction is operated as described above and no operation for formatting is performed.

[0097] [3-2-3. Confirmation Process for Received Format Instruction: Part of Format Function] Further, in this embodiment, when the first operation button 151 is long-pressed, the control unit 11 displays a format confirmation screen 51 on the display surface of the display device 16 (see Fig. 6(a)). When displaying this format confirmation screen 51, the control unit 11 does so without changing the recording state. That is, when recording, the format confirmation screen 51 is displayed while recording.

[0098] And when the control unit 11 receives an operation instructing the button marked "Execute" included in the format confirmation screen 51, it receives this as an operation instructing the execution of the format process (see Fig. 6(b)). And when currently recording, the control unit 11 stops the recording and executes the actual format process on the recording medium 13. By including this confirmation process, it is possible to prevent accidental operation or accidentally pressing the first operation button 151, and based on this, prevent the format process unintended by the user from being performed and the image data from being deleted.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the format confirmation screen 51 has a layout in which menu items of [Cancel] and [Execute] are arranged under the message "Do you want to initialize the SD card?", and [Cancel] is selected by default. On this confirmation screen, the third operation button 153 or the second operation button 152 is operated to select either [Cancel] or [Execute]. That is, when the third operation button 153 is pressed in the state where [Cancel] in Fig. 6(a) is selected, as shown in Fig. 6(b), [Execute] is selected, and when the second operation button 152 is pressed in this state, it changes to the state of Fig. 6(a). And when the fourth operation button 154 is pressed, the menu item ([Cancel] / [Execute]) selected at that time is confirmed.

[0100] When the fourth operation button 154 is pressed in the state shown in Fig. 6(b), if recording is in progress, the control unit 11 stops the recording and executes a formatting process on the recording medium 13 (here, an SD card). The formatting process will be described later. Then, when the formatting process is completed, the control unit 11 displays a message screen saying "The initialization of the SD card has been completed" on the display surface of the display device 16 for several seconds and ends the formatting process. The specific formatting process will be described later. Note that in Fig. 6 and other screens, the term "initialization" is used, which emphasizes the user-friendliness of the formatting process.

[0101] When the formatting process ends, the control unit 11 may resume continuous recording. With the resumption of continuous recording, the captured image data is written in order from the address at the beginning of the recording area. When the formatting process is completed, the control unit 11 may automatically resume recording. At this time, the control unit 11 may display information indicating the resumption of recording, such as "Recording will be resumed", on the display device 16 as a display screen, or output an audio message.

[0102] On the other hand, when the fourth operation button 154 is pressed in the state shown in Fig. 6(a), the control unit 11 cancels the display of the format confirmation screen 51, does not perform the formatting process on the recording medium 13, and ends the process. Also, the recording state is maintained. Therefore, when the first operation button 151 is long-pressed during recording, since the recording state is maintained even while the format confirmation screen 51 is being displayed, for example, even if the first operation button 151 is accidentally long-pressed, the captured image data can be recorded without interruption by canceling on the format confirmation screen 51.

[0103] In this embodiment, the four operation buttons, i.e., the first operation button 151 to the fourth operation button 154, are assigned with respective functions for format processing based on a one-touch operation on the first operation button 151, and characters, logos, marks, etc. indicating the respective functions are provided on the surfaces of the operation buttons. Thereby, the user can intuitively understand which operation button to press. In this example, a logo consisting of a figure imitating an SD card and the characters "SD" is provided on the surface of the first operation button 151, and it can be understood that pressing this operation button gives a process for the SD card, that is, a format instruction. Triangles facing upward and downward are provided on the surfaces of the second operation button 152 and the third operation button 153, respectively, so that it can be easily understood that they are used to change the menu items to be selected. Further, the character "OK" is provided on the surface of the fourth operation button 154, so that it can be easily understood that it is used for a confirmation instruction.

[0104] [3-2-4. Processing of the control unit 11 that executes the input reception function and the format function] To perform the above-described processing, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 waits for the first operation button 151 to be long-pressed. When it is long-pressed (Yes in S11), the format confirmation screen 51 is displayed (S12). While the format confirmation screen is being displayed, when the control unit 11 receives a short press from the second operation button 152 or the third operation button 153, it switches the selection of the menu items ([Cancel] / [Execute]) in the format confirmation screen. Then, when the fourth operation button 154 is pressed, the control unit 11 determines whether the currently selected menu item is [Cancel] or [Execute] (S13). If [Cancel] is selected, the current format instruction is canceled and the process returns without performing the format processing.

[0105] On the other hand, when execution is selected, the control unit 11 determines whether recording is currently in progress (S14). If recording is not in progress, the control unit 11 directly executes the formatting process on the recording medium 13 (S16). If recording is in progress, after stopping the recording operation (S15), the control unit 11 executes the formatting process on the recording medium 13 (S16). The specific process of the formatting process is as follows. When the formatting process for the recording medium 13 is completed, the control unit 11 resumes recording (S17). In this way, the user can easily give a format instruction to the image recording apparatus 10 and cause the formatting process to be executed.

[0106] [3-2-5. Formatting Process in the First Recording Format] The control unit 11 accesses the recording medium 13 and checks whether it is in a predetermined recording format. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether the structure of the recording medium 13 is provided with a file system area 131, management areas 133A, 134A, 135A, etc., as shown in FIG. 4. If the predetermined areas are not provided, the control unit 11 sets each area, secures recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B for continuously recording image data, and sets the values of the management areas 133A, 134A, 135A to initial values to form a predetermined recording format. For areas where the control unit 11 records image data such as the constant area, it only needs to secure the area and does not need to perform data erasing operations such as writing predetermined data. By setting the values such as the overwrite count master value MUC, format count master value MFC, and overwrite upper limit value UL in the management areas 133A, 134A, 135A to initial values, no image data is recorded in the recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B. Therefore, when recording image data in the predetermined recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B of the recording medium 13 after the formatting process, the control unit 11 records the data in order from the addresses at the beginning of the recording areas 133B, 134B, 135B.

[0107] On the one hand, when a predetermined recording format has already been set, a batch deletion process for the data already recorded in the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B is performed. This batch deletion process may control to delete data for the entire recording area, but the control unit 11 may perform a format process by incrementing the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A by 1. During this format process, no writing or deletion processes are performed on the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B. In the image recording apparatus 10, for a frame in which a format count value FC smaller than the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A is recorded as additional information, the data is treated as having been deleted. Specifically, when the control unit 11 writes new image data to an area where old image data is stored, the control unit 11 compares the format count value FC recorded as additional information in the old image data with the format count master value MFC recorded in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A. Then, when the format count value FC is smaller than the format count master value MFC, the old image data (or a data fragment) is written to that area as if it has been deleted and can be overwritten. In this way, by updating the count values and the like in the management areas 133A, 134A, and 135A, the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B for writing image data are in a state similar to that in which no image is written, and it appears as if the image data has been deleted, and the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B are ensured so that writing can be performed from the start addresses of the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B. With such control, it is not necessary to perform control (such as applying a high voltage) for deleting data from the elements in the recording areas 133B, 134B, and 135B during formatting, and it can contribute to extending the life of the elements and speeding up the formatting process.

[0108] [3-2-5. Formatting Process by the Second Recording Format] Since this second recording format is also a recording format in which fragmentation is less likely to occur, it is not necessary to provide a formatting function after the start of use by using the recording medium 13 that is set to the second recording format in advance. However, in the present embodiment, a formatting function is provided so that a formatting process can be performed on the recording medium 13 on which image data has already been recorded.

[0109] For the formatting process for this second recording format, for example, the control unit 11 accesses the recording medium 13 and checks whether it is in a predetermined recording format. That is, it determines whether a predetermined file is provided in the structure of the recording medium 13. If not, for each type of image data, dummy files of a predetermined storage capacity are set respectively, and continuous recording areas for recording each image data are secured. Also, this dummy file may be a hidden file.

[0110] On the other hand, when a predetermined recording format is already set, the control unit 11 deletes all the image data recorded in each file. For example, when the recording medium 13 is an SD card, control (such as applying a high voltage) for deleting data in the elements in the file is performed to batch-delete all the recorded image data. Thereby, a continuous recording area for recording image data from the head of each file is secured.

[0111] Also, without checking whether a predetermined recording format is set in this way, similar to the process for a new recording medium 13, dummy files of a predetermined storage capacity may be set for each type of image data respectively, and continuous recording areas for recording each image data may be secured.

[0112] By doing so, it is possible to meet the user's desire to easily format the recording medium 13 in the case of a recording format called format-free.

[0113] [3-2-6. Formatting Process with the Recording Format Using FAT] For a recording medium 13 on which image data is recorded in a recording format prone to fragmentation such as the FAT format, the formatting process may be performed in the same manner as described above. The control unit 11 that receives a format instruction based on a one-touch operation accesses, for example, the recording medium 13, checks whether it is in a predetermined FAT format recording format, and if a predetermined recording format is set, for example, deletes FAT information so that the recorded image data cannot be accessed, or deletes the image data.

[0114] [3-3. Suppression of accidental input reception due to operation on the button for giving a format instruction] The operation on the first operation button 151 for giving a format instruction should be an operation that requires effort. In the case of an operation that does not require much effort, there is a risk that the operation may be accidentally performed and an input of a format instruction may be received unintentionally. However, by performing an operation that requires effort, the user will perform the operation with the purpose of giving a format instruction, and the risk of the format function being activated due to an accidental operation or the like can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0115] The operation that requires effort may be, for example, a time-consuming one such as a long press in the above-described embodiment, or an operational one such as pressing a plurality of times continuously within a predetermined time. For example, the second operation unit that was a short press operates when pressed a first number of times, while the first operation unit that was a long press operates when pressed a second number of times greater than the first number of times (for example, double-tapping within a predetermined time), etc. For example, even if the first operation button 151 is accidentally touched and a short press is made, such as pressing the button for a short time, when trying to correct the posture of the housing 24 of the image recording apparatus 10 or when trying to operate another operation button, the control unit 11 does not recognize it as a format instruction, so the accidental operation of the format function is suppressed.

[0116] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of functions are assigned to the first operation button 151, a long press is for inputting a format instruction, a short press is for another function (screen switching), and the method of giving the format instruction is a long press that requires effort. However, for example, even when the first operation button 151 is a dedicated operation button for giving a format instruction, it may be accepted by an operation that requires effort such as a long press. Further, when there are a plurality of operation buttons, this operation that requires effort should be more laborious (for example, pressing for a long time) for the first operation button 151 than for other operation buttons, for example, the fifth operation button 155 for performing one-touch recording based on a manual operation.

[0117] [3-4. Prevention of accidental input reception by arrangement of button for giving format instruction] The button for giving a format instruction (the first operation button 151) may be arranged at a position that is more difficult to press than other operation buttons. By arranging it at a position that is more difficult to press, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the situation where the user accidentally presses the first operation button 151 without intention (such as not wishing to format) and a format instruction is received.

[0118] As an arrangement at a position that is more difficult to press, for example, it may be provided at a position far from the driver sitting in the driver's seat, on a surface that is difficult to operate, etc. A position far from the driver may be, for example, positioned on the upper side when the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 is in a correct posture. When the first operation button 151 is positioned on the upper side of the housing 24, for example, the hand may not reach it while sitting, or even if it reaches, the pressing operation is difficult, so it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the user accidentally long-presses the first operation button 151.

[0119] Also, in the present embodiment, a plurality of operation buttons are arranged on the same surface of the housing 24 (in the embodiment, the back surface 242), and the first operation button 151 for giving a formatting instruction is arranged at the top. By doing so, it becomes difficult to press compared to other operation buttons, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the first operation button 151 from being accidentally pressed and formatted. When arranging a plurality of operation buttons in this way, when viewed from the driver sitting in the driver's seat, it is preferable to arrange the button for giving a formatting instruction (here, the first operation button 151) at the farthest position.

[0120] On the other hand, in the image recording device 10, the operation button with the highest priority during operation is the fifth operation button 155 that triggers event recording based on manual operation. Therefore, the fifth operation button 155 (event button) is arranged in a place where it can be pressed quickly. A place where it can be pressed quickly is, for example, the lower position of the left side surface 245 on the driver's side when the housing 24 is installed in a correct posture. When the fifth operation button 155 is arranged on the left side surface 245, for example, a driver getting into a vehicle with a right-hand steering wheel can easily press the fifth operation button 155 by, for example, placing the thumb of the left hand on the fifth operation button 155 and holding the right side surface 243 and the left side surface 245 with the left hand. In particular, when the fifth operation button 155 is arranged downward as in the present embodiment, the operation can be performed without raising the palm of the left hand much. Also, since the fifth operation button 155 can be pressed by the operation of gripping the palm, it can be operated quickly.

[0121] In addition, a first operation button 151 for giving a format instruction and a fifth operation button 155 for giving a one-touch recording instruction are provided on different surfaces of the housing 24, and it is preferable to arrange them on a surface where the first operation button 151 is difficult to operate. By doing so, it becomes easier to operate the fifth operation button 155 with high usage frequency. For example, when trying to start recording image data, the possibility of accidentally pressing the first operation button 151 and giving a format instruction to the control unit 11 to activate the format function can be suppressed. And when a situation where formatting is desired, such as deleting recorded image data all at once, occurs, a format instruction can be given by a simple operation such as long-pressing the first operation button 151 regardless of whether recording is in progress or not.

[0122] [3-5. Combined use of formatting using the menu screen and formatting based on operations on the operation unit 15 of the image recording apparatus without displaying the menu screen] The setting screen displayed along with a short press of the third operation button 153 includes a plurality of menu screens with menu items for performing various operation settings and the like hierarchically. And for the menu screen in the lower layer of this setting screen, it is preferable to provide an item for performing formatting as one of the menu items in the menu screen several layers below. In this way, the control unit 11 causes the display device 16 to display a menu screen including a format menu for instructing the execution of a format process on the recording medium 13, and preferably has a function of executing a format process on the recording medium 13 in response to an operation of selecting the format menu. Thereby, the image recording apparatus 10 has a function of performing formatting in response to the selection of "Format" prepared therein by displaying a menu screen, and a function of performing formatting in response to receiving a format instruction based on an operation on the first operation button 151 which is an operation means of the image recording apparatus 10 in a state where such a menu screen is not displayed as in the above-described embodiment.

[0123] The formatting function that operates in response to the operation of the first operation button 151 is different from the formatting process performed by displaying a menu screen on the display device 16 and then receiving an input of a formatting instruction. After operating the third operation button 153 to display the top page of the setting screen, the second operation button 152, the third operation button 153, and the fourth operation button 154 are appropriately operated to display the target formatting menu. The formatting process based on the formatting function activated by the operation of the first operation button 151 can reduce the user's operation burden. For example, the user does not need to display the menu screen, and there is no need to search for the menu corresponding to the formatting process from the menus included in the menu screen. Also, when the user wants to format the recording medium 13 immediately during vehicle use or the like, it can be achieved by operating the first operation button 151.

[0124] On the other hand, for example, the formatting process using the menu screen displayed in response to the operation of the third operation button 153 can be performed by displaying a menu screen including a menu for setting the operation of the image recording apparatus 10 and performing operations related to the setting. By performing a series of menu screen switching operations and selecting the formatting menu included in the menu screen, the recording medium 13 can be formatted immediately. Thus, since there are multiple formatting means, a formatting instruction can be input according to the user's usage situation, usage status, etc., improving the convenience for the user.

[0125] [4-1. Execute the formatting process without confirmation] In the above-described embodiment, when the first operation button 151 is long-pressed during recording, the control unit 11 displays the format confirmation screen 51 and executes the format process for the recording medium 13 on the condition that a re-execution command is received, and deletes all the image data and the like recorded on the recording medium 13 in a batch. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the control unit 11 detects a long press on the first operation button 151, it may be provided with a function of executing the format process for the recording medium 13 and deleting all the image data and the like without displaying the format confirmation screen 51.

[0126] In this way, for example, a user who wants to delete image data in a batch only needs to press the first operation button 151, and since no button operation for subsequent confirmation is required, the complexity is eliminated. Also, since the time required for such a confirmation operation is not needed, all the recorded image data can be deleted more quickly.

[0127] When receiving an input of a format instruction such as a long press of the first operation button 151, the control unit 11 is provided with, for example, a mode for performing a confirmation process such as displaying the format confirmation screen 51, and a mode for performing the format process without performing the confirmation process as described above, and it is preferable that either one can be selected by, for example, mode setting using a setting screen. For example, it can correspond to both a user who emphasizes safety by reducing the possibility of accidentally deleting recorded image data and a user who wants to perform the format operation simply and quickly, and functions suitable for each user can be realized by mode setting.

[0128] [4-2. Allowing input of a format instruction on the condition of the recording stop state] Even if there is an operation for giving a format instruction such as a long press of the first operation button 151 during recording, the control unit 11 does not perform the format process, and it is preferable that the control unit 11 is provided with a function of performing the format process when there is an operation for giving a format instruction during recording stop.

[0129] For example, when the control unit 11 detects a long press of the first operation button 151, it determines whether recording is currently in progress. If recording is not in progress, it performs predetermined processing such as displaying the format confirmation screen 51 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, or immediately executing the format process without such display. On the other hand, when the determination result is that recording is in progress, the control unit 11 continues the recording process as it is. At this time, the control unit 11 may display a message screen with content such as "Please long press the format button after stopping the recording" or perform an audio notification. By displaying such a message screen, the user can understand the operations necessary for the format process. Also, a user who is unaware that formatting cannot be performed during recording may mistakenly think that there is a malfunction if nothing happens when they long press the first operation button 151 during recording. However, by providing notifications on the screen, audio, etc., such misunderstandings can be avoided.

[0130] As in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a mode that does not allow the input of a format instruction during recording and a mode that allows it as in the above-described embodiments, and to enable selection of either one by, for example, mode setting using a setting screen. For example, it can accommodate both users who prioritize safety by reducing the possibility of accidentally deleting recorded image data and users who want to perform the format operation simply and quickly, and the mode setting can realize functions suitable for each user.

[0131] [4-3. Stopping Continuous Recording Based on Format Instruction] In a configuration that allows the input of a format instruction during continuous recording, it is preferable to have a function to stop continuous recording when a format instruction is input. In the above-described embodiment, in the case of a configuration where confirmation processing is performed even when a format instruction is input, continuous recording is continued until confirmation such as acceptance of an execution command can be obtained. However, it is better to stop immediately when a format instruction is received.

[0132] A user who has input a format instruction in each of the above-described various embodiments may want to perform the format process quickly. Since the image data recorded immediately before is also deleted by the execution of the format process, it often doesn't make sense to record it because it can't be viewed later. Therefore, by immediately stopping the continuous recording, the format process can be immediately executed after the confirmation process or the like.

[0133] Also, regarding the lower-layer menu screen, it is preferable to provide an item for performing formatting in one of the menu items of the menu screen several layers below. In this way, the control unit 11 may cause the display device 16 to display a menu screen including a format menu for instructing the execution of the format process on the recording medium 13, and have a function of executing the format process on the recording medium 13 in response to an operation of selecting the format menu. The format function that operates in response to the operation of the first operation button 151 is different from the format process performed by operating the third operation button 153 to display the top page of the setting screen and then appropriately operating the second operation button 152, the third operation button 153, and the fourth operation button 154 to display the target format menu, in that it accepts the input of the format instruction without displaying the menu screen on the display device 16.

[0134] Since the image recording apparatus 10 has a format function that is activated by operating the first operation button 151, the operation burden on the user can be reduced. For example, the user does not need to display the menu screen, nor does the user need to search for a menu corresponding to the format process from among the menus included in the menu screen. Also, when the user wants to immediately format the recording medium 13 during use of the vehicle or the like, this can be achieved by operating the first operation button 151. On the other hand, for example, when the user is displaying a menu screen including a menu for setting the operation of the image recording apparatus 10 and performing an operation related to the setting, the recording medium 13 can be immediately formatted by performing a series of menu screen switching operations and selecting the format menu included in the menu screen. As described above, since there are multiple means for formatting, it is possible to input a format instruction according to the usage situation, utilization situation, etc. of the user, and the convenience of the user is improved.

[0135] [5. Other Embodiments] The present invention can be implemented in a form different from the above-described embodiments. The present invention can also be implemented, for example, in the following forms. Also, the forms shown below may be combined as appropriate.

[0136] [5-1. Input of Format Instruction Other than Physical Operation Button] [5-1-1. Soft Button Displayed on Screen] The input means for the user to input a formatting instruction is not limited to the first operation button 151. As the input means, various means such as the operation means described later can be adopted. For example, a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display device 16, and when an operation on the touch panel such as a tap or a swipe (hereinafter simply referred to as "tap etc.") is performed on a predetermined position of the screen, the control unit 11 displays a formatting instruction button section 52 (soft button) on the display surface (see Fig. 8(a)). This tap etc. is an example of one action. When the formatting instruction button section 52 is not displayed, it is not in a state where it can accept input, and when the formatting instruction button section 52 is displayed, it becomes a state where it can accept the input of a formatting instruction. Then, when the formatting instruction button section 52 is tapped etc., the input of the formatting instruction is accepted, and the above-described predetermined process may be executed.

[0137] The predetermined position on the screen where the tap that triggers the display of the formatting instruction button section 52 may be the entire screen. The soft button for the first tap may be provided on the entire screen in a non-visible state. The formatting instruction button section 52 is normally not displayed, and since it is difficult to determine the target of the tap, it is preferable that the formatting instruction button section 52 is displayed when any part of the display surface of the display device 16 is tapped. In particular, when no image data is displayed on the display surface of the display device 16 and the screen is blank, there is no reference for the tap position, so it is preferable to use the entire screen. When the soft button is not visible, any part of the screen can be pressed without being conscious of a special area. Also, since the formatting instruction button section 52 is normally hidden, when real-time image data during shooting is displayed or the image recorded on the recording medium 13 is displayed on the display surface, the image data will not be difficult to see. Then, when the screen is tapped etc., the formatting instruction button section 52 is displayed and becomes a state where it can accept input, and when the formatting instruction button section 52 is tapped there, the input of the formatting instruction is accepted.

[0138] When the format instruction button section 52 is tapped, the predetermined process is, for example, to display a format confirmation screen 53 (see Fig. 8(b)), and execute a format process on the recording medium 13 according to the instruction (execution / cancel) by the format confirmation screen 53, or to cancel the format confirmation screen 53 without performing the format process and end the series of processes.

[0139] The display layout of the format confirmation screen 53 may include, for example, a cancel button area 531 and an execution button area 532, and tapping on each button area etc. may confirm the content. Similar to the above-described embodiment, it may receive a confirmation button area corresponding to the fourth operation button 154 for giving a confirmation instruction. However, in this embodiment, such a confirmation button area is not provided, and the instruction can be confirmed simply by tapping on either the execution or cancel button area once, eliminating the need to tap on the confirmation button area and enabling easy input of an instruction regarding the format process.

[0140] Also, a confirmation button area may be provided at a predetermined position such as below the execution button area 532, and the final instruction may be confirmed by tapping on the confirmation button area etc. while either the cancel button area 531 or the execution button area 532 is selected by tapping on it etc.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a part of the display position of the format instruction button section 52 and the display position of the execution button area 532 of the format confirmation screen 53 overlap. As a result, although the confirmation screen is displayed to draw attention, the format process is executed by touching the same location multiple times as the user's operation, improving the operability.

[0142] Furthermore, instead of fixing the display position of the format instruction button section 52, for example, in order to display the format instruction button section 52, the display position of the format instruction button section 52 may be changed according to the position where the display surface is tapped or the like in the non-display state. For example, the marked area of the format instruction button section 52 may include the position where it was first tapped. By doing so, the operability for inputting a format instruction is further improved. Also, in response to the change in the display position of the format instruction button section 52, the display position of the format confirmation screen 53 and the display position of the execution button area 532 may also be changed.

[0143] Also, in this embodiment as well, when the display surface is tapped or the like regardless of whether image data is being recorded, the format instruction button section 52 is displayed, and subsequent processes such as the display of the format confirmation screen 53 are performed, and those processes may be performed while continuing the recording process.

[0144] Rather than taking a tap or the like on the above-described format instruction button section 52 as an input of a format instruction, when a soft button on the display surface of the display device 16 is tapped or the like in the non-display state, the control unit 11 may accept the input of a format instruction and execute a predetermined process. The predetermined process may be, when the display surface is tapped or the like, to display the format confirmation screen 53 shown in FIG. 8(b), and after receiving confirmation, execute or cancel the format process.

[0145] A tap or the like on the display surface may be regarded as a format instruction in the case of a long press where it is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more. Although a short tap or the like on the display surface may also be accepted as an input of a format instruction, there is a possibility of accidental input when adjusting the orientation of the housing 24 or touching the housing 24 for operations of other operation buttons or the like and accidentally touching the display surface of the display device 16. Therefore, in the case of a short press such as a momentary touch, by not accepting the input of a format instruction, the possibility of such accidental input being accepted can be reduced.

[0146] Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, when a tap or the like for format instruction is made without performing confirmation processing such as display of the format confirmation screen 53, the format processing for the recording medium 13 may be directly executed. Further, in the above-described embodiments, while a normal captured image is being displayed, soft buttons such as the format instruction button unit 52 are made non-displayed, and the format instruction button unit 52 and the like are displayed upon a tap or the like on the screen. However, the format instruction button unit 52 and the like may be displayed even while an image is being displayed, and the input of the format instruction may be accepted.

[0147] [5-1-2. Inputting a format instruction in a non-contact one-action manner to the image recording apparatus 10 in a state where it can be received] Instead of the function of giving a format instruction to the image recording apparatus 10 such as the first operation button 151 or the format instruction button unit 52 by the touch panel with a single touch or the like, it is preferable to have a function of inputting a format instruction by a non-contact operation without contacting the image recording apparatus 10. By doing so, it is possible to execute a non-contact format process suitable for the corona era without newly providing a button or the like for format instruction.

[0148] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to have a format function that operates based on the touch of the first operation button 151 or the like and also have a function of inputting this non-contact format instruction. The input of the contact-type format instruction may be faster or easier to perform in some cases. By having both functions, it can be selectively used according to the user's preference, usage environment, etc. As a means for accepting the input of the non-contact format instruction, for example, the following may be used.

[0149] [5-1-2-1. Voice input instruction] The control unit 11 performs voice recognition on the voice collected by the microphone 17 as an input means. When the recognized result is a predetermined phrase such as "format" or "card initialization", it may be good to stop the constant recording and start the formatting process for the recording medium 13. The input of this predetermined phrase by the user is an example of one action. This acceptance by voice recognition may be always acceptable during the operation of the image recording device 10, or, for example, after recognizing a call of the image recording device 10 such as "Hi ○○", it becomes in a state where a format instruction can be accepted. When the voice of the above-mentioned predetermined phrase is recognized in the acceptable state, it may be good to start the formatting process. In this way, by not accepting the format by voice recognition during normal times, for example, when the user utters a predetermined phrase in a daily conversation with a co-rider, it is possible to suppress the execution of an unintended formatting process.

[0150] Also, when a predetermined phrase is recognized, it may be good to perform a predetermined confirmation process and then execute the formatting process for the recording medium 13. The confirmation process may be to display a message on the display surface of the display device 16 or output an audio message from the speaker 18, and perform a predetermined process in response to an affirmative answer instruction such as "Hi", "Yes", "Execute", etc. or a negative answer instruction such as "No", "No", "Cancel", etc. in voice. These answer instructions may be those registered in advance.

[0151] As the phrase such as "format" which is a comparison standard for the result of voice recognition, those registered in advance as default may be used, but it may be good to have a function for the user to register and execute the formatting process when the result of voice recognition matches the registered phrase. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the user to forget the phrase for giving a format instruction, and the input of the format instruction by voice can be surely performed. On the other hand, by not using a general phrase such as "format" for the registered phrase, it is possible to suppress a third party from formatting the recording medium 13 using voice recognition and deleting the recorded image data.

[0152] [Input instruction by gesture [5-1-2-2]] The image recording device 10 of this embodiment is, for example, an image recording device 10 such as a 360-degree camera that captures the entire area as a photographing device 14, or a drive recorder equipped with a plurality of cameras and configured to capture the inside of the vehicle in addition to the outside of the vehicle. It has a parking monitoring mode in which it captures the inside and outside of the vehicle even when the vehicle is parked and records image data.

[0153] Then, within a predetermined period after entering the parking monitoring mode, for example, within 30 seconds, during a time when there is a high possibility that the driver remains in the vehicle, the parking monitoring camera is used as an input means, and if a format gesture of the driver is detected by motion detection by this camera, the control unit 11 may perform format processing. This gesture is an example of a user's one action. Then, when a predetermined time such as 30 seconds has elapsed, it is preferable not to accept the input of the format instruction. By limiting it to such a limited time, it is not necessary to always perform image analysis. Also, since it is set to 30 seconds after entering the parking monitoring mode, the driver does not perform a predetermined gesture for formatting while driving. Since formatting is performed when a specific gesture is made, a third party who does not know the specific gesture cannot format.

[0154] Although a camera is used when detecting a gesture, other gesture sensors such as an optical sensor capable of gesture recognition may be used in addition to the camera.

[0155] [Input instruction using a non-contact type touch panel [5-1-2-3]] Although the touch panel described above has been explained by taking the contact type as an example, a non-contact type touch panel may be used as the input means. Since it is a non-contact type, an instruction can be given in a state of being close without contacting the surface of the touch panel. For example, when the touch panel approaches, for example, a user's finger or the like to a predetermined area of the touch panel and gets closer than a certain distance, it is recognized that the predetermined area has been selected. By this recognition, it is assumed that a button prepared in the predetermined area has been selected, and a format instruction or a cancel instruction is given in the same manner as the input instruction using the touch panel described above. The input of information to this non-contact type touch panel is an example of a single action of the user.

[0156] [6. Restriction Function for Format Operator] A drive recorder, which is an example of the image recording apparatus 10, records, for example, the scenery during main traveling such as continuous recording, and in addition to the aspect that the user plays it back at a later date with interest or memories during driving, for example, to confirm the situation at the time of an accident or to perform operation management when dangerous or reckless driving occurs, a court, a police, an insurance company, an operation manager, etc. may play back the recorded image data.

[0157] In the case of the former, when an individual watches and enjoys it, it is desired to prevent the format from being executed by a third party. Also, in the case of the latter when a third party uses it, there is a situation where even a user of the image recording apparatus 10 does not want to easily format the recording medium 13. If the recorded image data can be easily erased, there may be problems such as a decrease in the reliability of evidence in a trial. Therefore, it is advisable to raise the hurdle when deleting the image data so that only a specific person can erase it.

[0158] For example, when the image recording device 10 is for consumer use, since the user uses it for their own purposes, only the user can delete the image data, and it is preferable not to accept the input of a format instruction by an operation from outside the user. Also, when the image recording device 10 is for business use, there are the positions of the administrator and the driver, and the administrator uses it to manage the driver's operation. Therefore, in the case of business use, only the administrator can delete the image data, and for example, it is preferable not to accept the input of a format instruction by an operation from outside the administrator including the driver.

[0159] In this case, as in each of the above-described embodiments, since it is highly convenient that anyone can format in one go, it is preferable to leave such a function as it is and provide a function that restricts the input person of the format instruction as an option for restricting the activation of that function. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an unintended format process from being executed. Which function to enable may be selectable, for example, by mode setting or the like. And for the authentication and the like for restricting the operator who gives a specific format instruction, for example, it may be as follows.

[0160] [6-1. Fingerprint authentication] An authentication device for fingerprint authentication is implemented in the image recording apparatus 10, and fingerprint information of a specific person who allows a format such as a user in advance is registered. When a format instruction is input, fingerprint authentication may be performed using the authentication device at a predetermined timing, only an input from the registered user or the like may be accepted, and a predetermined format process may be performed. The predetermined timing may be, for example, an appropriate timing after the power of the image recording apparatus 10 is turned on, and when the fingerprint authentication is successful, it may be made valid until the power is turned off. By performing the authentication in advance, the authentication process becomes unnecessary when inputting the format instruction, and the format process can be executed quickly. Also, when the format process is executed in this way, the authentication may be made valid until the power is turned off, but it is particularly preferable to cancel the authentication once when the format is completed. Once the format process is performed, it is often not necessary to reformat for a while thereafter, and by making the authentication valid, it is possible to suppress as much as possible that a person other than the registered user gives a format instruction and is recognized as valid.

[0161] Also, the predetermined timing may be when inputting the format instruction (for example, simultaneously or immediately before). It is almost never necessary to perform the format process every time with the power on, and if the format process is not performed between turning on and off the power, the authentication work performed after turning on the power will be wasted. Therefore, the authentication work may also be performed when giving the format instruction.

[0162] Also, the authentication device may be prepared separately from the housing 24 of the image recording apparatus 10 and connected by a cable or the like so that the control unit 11 can receive the authentication result, but it is preferably incorporated into the housing 24. Then, for example, a fingerprint authentication button or the like mounted on a smartphone or a tablet is adopted. For example, when the input reception function of the format instruction uses the first operation button 151, the fingerprint authentication button may be used on the top surface (the part touched by the finger) of the first operation button 151. In this way, when an operation for pressing is performed for inputting the format instruction, the fingerprint authentication is also executed at the same time. In particular, since the first operation button 151 is long-pressed, sufficient information for fingerprint authentication can also be obtained.

[0163] [6-2. Authentication Based on Image Data Captured by a Camera] For example, authentication processing may be performed based on image data obtained by photographing the face of an operator or the like, and formatting processing may be disabled unless it is an operation by a user or the like registered in advance. As a photographing device for performing authentication, an authentication camera may be prepared. For example, as the photographing device 14, a device that photographs the entire range such as a 360-degree camera, or an image recording device 10 such as a drive recorder equipped with a plurality of cameras and configured to photograph the interior of the vehicle in addition to the outside of the vehicle. It is particularly preferable to use a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle. It is preferable to implement this as an additional function of a camera that can simultaneously photograph the inside and outside of the vehicle.

[0164] For the authentication process, for example, when an operation on the first operation button 151 is performed, face authentication, iris authentication, etc. may be performed based on image data obtained by photographing the operator with a camera that photographs the interior. Also, the authentication process is not limited to being based on the captured still image. For example, it may be possible to identify whether the operator is a legitimate one based on image data such as a specific gesture. In this way, a person who does not know a specific gesture cannot format and delete the image data.

[0165] [6-3. Recognition by Card Information for Identity Verification] For example, a reading device that reads information on a card on which information for identifying the person such as a driver's license, a My Number card, an employee ID card, etc. is recorded is externally attached to the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 or built into the housing 24. As the reading device, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication)-compatible card reader or the like may be used.

[0166] Authentication is performed, for example, by setting an authentication card in a reading device, having the reading device read the authentication information recorded on the card, and determining whether it matches the authentication information registered in advance by the control unit 11. If they match, it may be set to a formatable state. When an input of a format instruction is received in this formatable state, the control unit 11 activates the format function and performs predetermined processing for executing the format process. The formatable state may be made valid, for example, after the power of the image recording device 10 is turned on and until the power is turned off. Also, if the formatable state is not maintained unless the card is inserted into the reading device, the risk of third-party formatting can be further reduced.

[0167] Also, the image recording device 10 equipped with such a reading device may be configured not to operate or to operate abnormally unless a card for identifying the user is attached to the reading device. By doing so, for example, it is possible to meet the need for a personal authentication function using a driver's license or the like in a drive recorder. Also, to implement such a function, the reading device may be mounted on the housing 24, but it may be provided as an external optional device and implemented as an additional function.

[0168] Also, when equipped with a reading device, the control unit 11 may record the authentication information for identifying the individual read from the card in the recording medium 13 in association with, for example, the recorded image data. By doing so, for example, it is possible to identify the driver who was driving the vehicle when the image data was captured. When reproducing the recorded image data, if the information for identifying the associated individual is also displayed, it is easy to understand who was driving while reproducing the image.

[0169] [6-4. Pairing with a smartphone, etc.] The image recording device 10 may be provided with a function of establishing communication with a portable terminal device such as a smartphone and performing pairing using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other short-range communication. Then, the formatting process may be executable under the condition that such pairing has been established. When the control unit 11 receives an input of a formatting instruction, it determines whether the above pairing has been established, and when the pairing has been established, it executes a predetermined process for performing the formatting process. On the other hand, when the pairing has not been established, the control unit 11 may simply end or may notify that pairing is necessary and then end the current process.

[0170] By pre-registering a portable terminal device that can be paired, the operator who can give a formatting instruction can be restricted, and if a specific person carrying such a portable terminal device is not near the image recording device 10, formatting cannot be performed, so it is possible to suppress the image data from being deleted by being formatted by a third party.

[0171] [7. Recording of Formatting Information] When the control unit 11 executes the formatting process, it may be provided with a function of recording that information, for example, in an invisible area or the like of the recording medium 13 after formatting. When no image data is recorded on the recording medium 13, it is not clear whether the image data has not been originally photographed and recorded or has been intentionally deleted. However, by recording information regarding the execution of the formatting process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "formatting execution information"), it is possible to confirm whether the image data has been deleted by formatting based on the presence or absence of the formatting execution information. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of inputting a formatting instruction while suppressing malicious deletion.

[0172] The format execution information may be, for example, the date and time information when the format process was executed. As a result, for the period from the date and time when the format process was executed to the present, if no image data was recorded, it can be understood that the data was not originally recorded rather than being deleted. Further, before performing the format process, the control unit 11 may acquire information regarding the recording date and time of the recorded image data, and record, as the format execution information, information regarding the period during which the image data to be deleted by the format process was taken and recorded, after the format. By doing so, it is possible to confirm the date and time when the image data actually deleted by the format was recorded, and it can be determined whether the image data was not originally taken and recorded or was intentionally deleted even for a period prior to the date and time when the format process was performed.

[0173] Also, regarding the date and time information of the recorded image data, it is advisable to record the start date and time and the end date and time for a continuous period. Further, when it is cumbersome to acquire the date and time information recorded for all the image data prior to performing the format process, it is advisable to acquire the date and time information of the image data recorded based on the event recording, and record the format information based thereon on the recording medium after the format process. By retaining the information based on the event recording, it can be determined whether the image data serving as evidence in the event of, for example, an accident or dangerous driving has been deleted.

[0174] Furthermore, when the above-described previous format execution information is recorded on the recording medium 13 to be formatted, the control unit 11 may read out and temporarily store such information, and record it on the recording medium 13 together with the information regarding the current format after the format process.

[0175] Furthermore, for example, a reading device that reads information on a card on which information for identifying the user, such as a driver's license, a My Number card, an employee ID card, etc., is recorded, is configured to be externally attached to the housing 24 of the image recording device 10 or built into the housing 24. When at least format processing is to be performed, it is to be performed with the card mounted on the reading device. Then, the control unit 11 may read the information on the card that was used for formatting, that is, the card that was mounted during format processing, and record it on the image recording device 10 side, or write it to the recording medium 13 after format execution. When writing to the recording medium 13, it may be used as one of the format execution information. By doing so, it is possible to confirm who gave the instruction to perform the format processing and delete the image data, and the suppression effect of malicious deletion is further improved.

[0176] In the embodiment of recording the information on the card used for formatting as described above, it may be applied when restricting the operator who can format by the above-described authentication, or it may also be applied to a device in which anyone can give a format instruction without imposing such a restriction.

[0177] [8. Automatic Execution of Format Processing in an Apparatus Having Two Recording Areas] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, two recording medium insertion ports 25 for the recording medium 13 (e.g., an SD card) are provided in the housing 24. In the illustrated example, two are arranged side by side vertically, but they may be arranged side by side horizontally or provided on another surface. A reader / writer 12 is arranged on the back side of each recording medium insertion port 25, and the first recording medium 26 and the second recording medium 27 are detachably mounted from each recording medium insertion port 25, respectively. The recording area of the first recording medium 26 (referred to as the first recording area) and the recording area of the second recording medium 27 (referred to as the second recording area) are set in the same recording format in advance.

[0178] The control unit 11 alternately repeats writing the image data to the end of one recording area in a determined order, for example, to the first recording area of the first recording medium 26 and then writing to the second recording area of the second recording medium 27.

[0179] When the control unit 11 is writing to the first recording medium 26, for example, if the remaining capacity of the first recording area becomes equal to or less than a set value, the control unit 11 accepts the input of a format instruction and performs a format process on the second recording area that is currently waiting. This format process is set to end before writing reaches the end of the first recording area that is currently being written. The above set value may be set, for example, to a value such that the time required to write the remaining capacity when overwriting recording during continuous recording is longer than the time required for formatting. The remaining capacity may be, for example, ○○% or a specific numerical value, or in the case of a configuration in which image data is recorded in a predetermined order that is difficult to fragment as described in each of the above embodiments, it may be when the address at the time of writing exceeds a predetermined value. When managed by an address, it is not necessary to calculate the remaining capacity, resulting in simple control.

[0180] In this way, when the writing to one recording area (for example, the first recording area) by the control unit 11 approaches completion, the control unit 11 executes a format process on the other recording area (for example, the second recording area). Since the other recording area is not in the process of recording image data, there is no problem in directly applying the format process. When the writing of one recording area is completed, since the writing of the other recording area has already been completed, image data is written in a predetermined order in sequence from the head of the other recording area (for example, the second recording area) where the format process has been performed and the image data has been deleted. After changing the writing target to the second recording area, when the remaining capacity of the second recording area becomes equal to or less than the set value, the control unit 11 executes a format process on the first recording area.

[0181] In this way, the user can execute the formatting process for the implemented first recording medium 26 and second recording medium 27 without particularly being aware of the formatting process and without performing any special operations. For example, even when formatting is not required over a long period, as in the recording methods of the above-described embodiments, it may be desirable to perform the formatting process based on checking for the presence or absence of a failure in the recording medium 13 or the like. And for a user who thinks it is strange that formatting is necessary when it is claimed to be "format-free" because formatting is not required over a long period, automatic formatting may be performed.

[0182] The execution of the formatting process may be performed each time the recording area to be written is changed, but instead of performing it every time, it may be performed when the writing to the recording area is approaching the end under a state where a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when the first recording medium 26 and the second recording medium 27 are SD cards or the like, the formatting process also applies a high voltage similar to the writing of data, and there may be cases where it is not preferable to perform the formatting process frequently. Therefore, for example, the number of times of overwriting or the number of elapsed days after the formatting process is recorded and managed, and when the writing to the recording area is approaching the end in a state where a predetermined number of times or a predetermined period has been exceeded, the formatting process for the other recording area may be performed.

[0183] Also, in the case of an apparatus where an overwriting mode in which, when recording reaches the end of the recording area, the recording returns to the first address and overwrites in a shared manner and an overwriting prohibited mode in which no new recording is performed when recording reaches the end of the recording area can be selected, the control unit 11 may perform control to perform the above-described formatting process in the overwriting mode and not perform the formatting process in the overwriting prohibited mode. In this way, it is possible to prevent the recorded image data from being automatically deleted while the overwriting prohibited mode is set.

[0184] It is preferable to provide a notification function for identifying whether the target for recording the current image data is the first recording medium 26 or the second recording medium 27. Such a notification function may be, for example, to provide a light-emitting unit such as an LED lamp around each recording medium insertion port 25 of the housing 24, and only light up the LED lamp on the recording side, or light up both and make the light-emitting states (color, blinking, etc.) different.

[0185] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is not necessarily required to provide a function of giving a format instruction based on the first operation button 151 or other user operations, but it is also preferable to provide these functions together. By doing so, while automatically performing the format process at an appropriate timing, the format process can be executed based on the user's intention at an arbitrary timing between the automatically performed format process and the format process, and all the recorded image data can be erased in a batch.

[0186] Furthermore, the automatic format in this embodiment is performed on a recording area that is not currently being written, but when executing the format process based on a user operation, it is preferable to perform it on the currently used recording area that is being written. For example, when wanting to delete all the recorded image data at once, there may be cases where the user has relatively recent past data in memory. For example, when there are circumstances where the user does not want to delete old image data recorded in the other recording area that is not currently being written, it is preferable to perform the format process only on the used recording area and not format the other recording area. When performing the format process only on the used recording area in this way, writing of new image data may be performed on the recording area that has been formatted.

[0187] Also, the recording format of the recording area is not limited to those that are less likely to cause fragmentation. For example, it may be applied to those that cause fragmentation with the use of FAT32 or the like.

[0188] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the first recording area and the second recording area are not limited to being set on different recording media (the first recording medium 26 and the second recording medium 27). For example, the first recording area and the second recording area may be configured by dividing a partition of one recording medium 13 into two. In this way, the first recording area and the second recording area may be physically distinguished or logically distinguished. Further, in addition to the first recording area and the second recording area, one or more other recording areas may exist.

[0189] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which image data is alternately overwritten in the same recording format in both the first recording area and the second recording area has been described. In particular, it is preferable to configure one partition to be readable by a personal computer such as FAT and the other partition to have a recording format in which fragmentation is less likely to occur. The formatting may be performed only on some partitions, but it is preferable to perform it on all partitions. After formatting, a process of recording data and files in a predetermined initial state used by the image recording apparatus 10 may be performed.

[0190] Also, the function of providing a plurality of recording areas and alternately writing or formatting the other is not limited to a recording medium 13 such as an SD card, and may be applied to various recording means.

[0191] [9. Formatting suppression function] In the above-described embodiments and the like, when a format instruction input is received based on a predetermined operation of the user or automatic execution conditions, etc., the control unit 11 preferably has a function of determining whether to execute the formatting process based on a predetermined determination condition. By doing so, for example, even when data that needs to be left is recorded on the recording medium 13, the possibility of forgetting it and issuing a format instruction to delete necessary image data can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0192] [9-1. Suppression based on the recording date and time of data] The above-described predetermined determination conditions may be based on the date and time when the image data is recorded on the recording medium 13. For example, the image recording apparatus 10 has a continuous recording function that continuously records the images captured by the imaging apparatus 14 until the power is turned off after being turned on, and a recording function that records the image data captured in a predetermined period before and after when an event condition is satisfied, which is different from the continuous recording function under different conditions. The continuous recording function is a function that continuously records during the use of the vehicle. The use of the vehicle refers to the period when the user is in the vehicle. The use of the vehicle is, for example, the period when the engine of the vehicle is operating (for example, the period when the accessory power is turned on). The recording area for recording the image data by the continuous recording function and the recording area for recording the image data by the event recording function are divided by, for example, partitions. Then, the continuous recording function records the time-series image data in a predetermined order while overwriting using the recording area for continuous recording, and the event recording function records the time-series image data in a predetermined order while overwriting using the recording area for event recording. When different types of event conditions are provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, different recording areas may be provided for each event condition, or recording may be performed while overwriting the same recording area.

[0193] Compared with continuous recording, event recording has a lower occurrence frequency. Even when it occurs, it is within a predetermined period before and after the event occurrence. The amount of image data to be recorded is less compared to continuous recording. Assuming that the capacities of each recording area are the same, continuous recording will fill up the capacity more quickly and overwrite will start. And the storage period of the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 is the period from when the image data is written until it is overwritten next. Therefore, when the capacities of the recording area for continuous recording and the recording area for event recording are equal as described above, the storage period of the image data recorded based on event recording is longer than that of the image data recorded by continuous recording. Also, since the amount of image data to be recorded during the same driving is less for event recording compared to continuous recording, the capacity of the recording area for continuous recording may be made larger. Even in such a case, in addition to the low occurrence frequency of event recording, the image data recorded by event recording is often important, so the storage period until it is overwritten tends to be long. Also, the storage period of continuous recording corresponds to the driving time of the vehicle and can be determined to a certain extent because it is continuously recorded while the power is ON, but the storage period of the image data based on event recording varies greatly depending on the occurrence frequency.

[0194] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, when the control unit 11 receives an input of a format instruction, it searches for the date and time when all the image data recorded in the recording area for continuous recording was recorded, and acquires the oldest date and time T1 (S21). Similarly, the control unit 11 examines the date and time when all the image data recorded in the recording area for event recording was recorded, and acquires the oldest date and time T2 (S22). Note that the processing of S21 and the processing of S22 may be performed in the reverse order instead of this order.

[0195] When the oldest date and time T2 recorded in the recording area for event recording is in the past older than the oldest date and time T1 recorded in the recording area for continuous recording (Yes in S23), the control unit 11 cancels the format instruction and ends the current processing without performing the format processing (S24).

[0196] If the oldest date and time T2 recorded in the recording area for event recording is not in the past and older than the oldest date and time T1 recorded in the recording area for continuous recording (No in S23), the control unit 11 performs a process for normal formatting. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether recording is currently in progress (S14). If recording is not in progress, the control unit 11 directly executes the formatting process for the recording medium 13 (S16). If recording is in progress, after stopping the recording operation (S15), the control unit 11 executes the formatting process for the recording medium 13 (S16). The specific process of the formatting process is as follows. When the formatting process for the recording medium 13 is completed, the control unit 11 resumes continuous recording (S17).

[0197] When the date and time when the image data based on event recording is recorded is before the oldest one in continuous recording, that is, when there is an older one in the past, it is advisable to perform processing in the direction of suppressing the formatting process. In this embodiment, it is canceled. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the horizontal axis is the time axis, the data for continuous recording is continuously recorded while the power is ON. For example, the recording time that can be recorded in the recording area for continuous recording may be several hours. Therefore, for example, in the case of a commercial vehicle or personal use during driving, etc., it may run without turning off the engine for several hours. In this case, as shown in the figure, the image data D based on continuous recording is written in time series over a continuous and fixed recording period T.

[0198] On the other hand, the image data d1, d2,... based on event recording becomes, for example, individual image files (video files in this embodiment) and are recorded at the event occurrence time. Therefore, depending on the occurrence situation of the event as shown in the figure, for example, the image data d1, d2 (one video file) of event recording that has elapsed from the present are recorded in an old past period outside the range before the recording period T of continuous recording, and the image data d3, d4 are recorded within the recording period T of continuous recording.

[0199] In such a case, in the present embodiment, if there is image data d1, d2, ... based on event recording within the recording period T of continuous recording (for example, the period from T1 to the present), other than if it exists within the range, the formatting process for the recording medium 13 is not performed. On the other hand, for example, if there is no image data based on event recording, d3 and d4 and d1 and d2 as in the case where it is within the recording period T of continuous recording, the formatting process is performed.

[0200] Since the recording time of continuous recording is fixed, such as several hours, it is easy for the driver to grasp whether the image data recorded during that time should be retained. That is, if the driver has been driving in the recent few hours and there is nothing particularly unusual, the driver may decide that it is unnecessary and it may be okay to format. Since the driver may remember the occurrence of events that need to be retained, the driver may decide not to format.

[0201] On the other hand, as described above, the storage period of event recording is also long. For example, image data recorded two weeks ago or even earlier may remain recorded on the recording medium 13. It can be expected that many drivers do not remember the existence of such image data one by one. And when the recorded image data is played back, the driver may notice that it is the necessary image and remember it.

[0202] Therefore, for example, based on the memory of driving in the recent few hours, if the driver thinks it may be okay to format and gives a format instruction by the operation of the operator in each of the above-described embodiments and formats it, in fact, there is a problem that a case may occur where the driver did not want to delete that video which was event-recorded two weeks ago or the like. In the present embodiment, in such a case, since the formatting process is not executed based on the old recording date and time of event recording, the possibility of deleting unnecessary image data based on important past event recordings can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0203] In addition, event recording generally involves data that one wishes to retain as important and significant data. However, if the recording period of continuous recording is about several hours, when there is event recording, it is understandable that the fact of the event recording is recognized more than the image data recorded by continuous recording, and it is also necessary to save the image data recorded by the event recording. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, even when image data based on event recording is recorded, if the recording date and time of the image data based on event recording is within the recording period of continuous recording (No in S23), the formatting process can be executed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where, for example, formatting including the image data based on event recording cannot be performed although one wishes to perform the formatting process.

[0204] As examples of predetermined data other than continuous recording, data with a long storage period and image data of event recording have been exemplified. However, unexpectedly, for example, GPS log data etc. may also be targeted. In the case of GPS log data, there are users who do not remember whether the data needs to be saved, and this is especially true for older data. Therefore, when there is old data that is not continuous recording for which it is difficult to quickly determine whether it is necessary, it is advisable not to perform the formatting process.

[0205] [9-2. Suppression of Formatting Based on One-Touch Recording Data] For example, when there is data recorded with a manual operation as a trigger, such as the pressing operation on the fifth operation button 155 in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 preferably has a function of withholding or not performing the formatting process even if it is determined that the formatting process should be performed.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment, it was determined whether to perform the formatting process based on the date and time data etc. of the image data based on event recording. However, in the present embodiment, when image data by manual one-touch recording is recorded regardless of the recorded date and time data, formatting is made impossible. By doing so, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the risk of accidentally deleting necessary one-touch recording data due to misrecognition or other malfunctions.

[0207] Further, the control unit 11 may be provided with a function of individually specifying and deleting even image data recorded by one-touch recording or the like. By doing so, for example, the content of the data is confirmed and deleted by a separate function. This enables formatting.

[0208] Also, a mode in which formatting is not possible when one-touch recording is performed in this way and a mode in which formatting is possible may be prepared, and either one can be selectively selected by mode setting. If there is such a selectable mode, usually, it is set to a mode in which formatting is not possible to prevent the occurrence of deletion, and when necessary, by changing to a mode in which formatting can be performed, the above-described individual deletion function becomes unnecessary and the operability is improved. In addition, in this embodiment, one-touch recording is used as a guideline for suppressing the formatting process. However, for example, when there is a detection value of an acceleration sensor and recording by other event recording, the formatting process may not be performed.

[0209] [9-3. Suppression of Formatting Based on the Level of the Trigger for Event Recording] When there is data in the event recording data that exceeds a predetermined level greater than the level of the trigger for event recording, the image recording apparatus 10 may be provided with a function of withholding or not performing the formatting process even when it is determined that the formatting process should be performed. The withholding may, for example, warn that image data recorded based on a large level of the trigger is recorded, or perform a formatting confirmation process as in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0210] For example, in the case of acceleration sensor recording in which event recording is performed based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19, the control unit 11 uses, for example, the case where the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 exceeds the first threshold as a trigger, and the image data captured in a predetermined period before and after the trigger is recorded in a recording area for event recording or the like, and the detection value (here, the acceleration value) of the acceleration sensor 19 is recorded in association with the image data.

[0211] Then, the control unit 11 that has received the input of the format instruction accesses the recording area for event recording, searches for the acceleration values recorded in association with the image data, and if there is a strong acceleration value exceeding, for example, a second threshold value (e.g., collision accident > first threshold value), performs a process of suppressing the format process such as outputting a format warning. On the other hand, if all the acceleration values are weak and less than the second threshold value even when there is event recording, the control unit 11 performs the format process as it is.

[0212] [9-4. Playback of images recorded in event recording and format confirmation process] When the control unit 11 receives the input of the format instruction, if it accesses the recording area of the event recording and the image data of the event recording is recorded, it performs a notification asking whether it is really okay to execute the format process while playing back the image at the trigger position, receives the input of the instruction on whether to execute the format process, and has a function of executing the process according to the received instruction.

[0213] As described above, event recording is generally important and data that one wants to keep, and since the storage period tends to be long, there are cases where relatively old past image data is recorded without being overwritten by the recording period of the image data based on continuous recording. In such a case, even if it is notified that there is image data of event recording, the user may not remember the recorded image data, and it is impossible to confirm whether it is okay to format. In this embodiment, for example, the user can automatically play back the image data at the trigger position on the device side without performing a special operation such as operating the setting screen to play back the recorded image data, so that the user can check the playback image and determine whether it is okay to perform the format process. Therefore, if it is noticed that there is data that one wants to keep, it is possible to prevent deleting the necessary data by canceling the format instruction. Also, even if there is image data based on event recording, if it is unnecessary data, the format process can be executed as it is to delete the image data.

[0214] When a plurality of image data based on event recording is recorded, it is preferable to play them back in order from the image data with the highest importance. The image data with the highest importance is the image data that seems not to be deleted or the image data that needs to be confirmed by the user, and it may be determined based on, for example, time, the type of image data, etc. In the case of time, it may be played back so as to trace back from the latest recorded one, but it is particularly good to increase the importance of older ones and play them back in the order of recording. The user is more likely to forget the older data, and it becomes data that needs to be confirmed.

[0215] Also, as the types of event recording, as in the above-described embodiment, when one-touch recording based on the user's manual operation and acceleration sensor recording based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 19 are prepared, it is preferable to increase the importance of the one-touch recording recorded based on the user's intention and play it back preferentially. Also, when a plurality of image data based on acceleration sensor recording is recorded, for example, playing it back in the order of increasing acceleration may play it back in order from the image data of more dangerous driving, but it is particularly good to give priority to the above-described time and play it back in the order of older regardless of the magnitude of acceleration. Playing it back along with the passage of time is also easier for the user to understand.

[0216] And, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the recording area for event recording is divided into a recording area for one-touch recording and a recording area for acceleration sensor recording, and each recording area has a recording format in which a large-capacity dummy file that groups clusters is created in advance to create a place to store data. This file is created, for example, with files (F1, F2, F3,...) for each predetermined unit time with consecutive sector numbers.

[0217] In this recording format, during the recording operation when an event occurs, the control unit 11 sequentially records the time-series image data captured by the imaging device 14 into files for each corresponding unit time for each type of event recording. That is, for example, the image data of one-touch recording is recorded in order from the first file for one-touch recording. When the image data is recorded in the last file, it returns to the first file and overwrites it. This is repeated in order. In the illustrated example, the image data captured from the 22nd to the 30th is recorded in the file. Then, the control unit 11 stores and holds information such as the file information (e.g., the start address) of the file where the image data will be written next. When the image data by one-touch recording is captured next, it is recorded in order from the stored start address, overwriting and recording the file where the 22nd image data was recorded. The same applies to the recording area for acceleration sensor recording.

[0218] When an input of a format instruction is received in this state, the control unit 11 accesses the oldest data of the image data stored in the recording area of one-touch recording, that is, the file where the next data will be written (in this example, the file where the 22nd image data was recorded), reads out the predetermined image data recorded in that file, and displays it on the display surface of the display device 16 (see FIG. 13). Then, the control unit 11 sequentially reads out the time-series image data and displays it on the display device 16, and it is preferable to automatically play back the image data based on multiple event occurrences.

[0219] The control unit 11 displays the read image data and, for example, as shown in Fig. 13(a), adopts a layout in which a message display section 54, a cancel button area 55 for receiving confirmation from the user, and an execution button area 56 are arranged at appropriate positions on the screen. The message display section 54 displays a message indicating that the image data of the event recording recorded on the recording medium 13 is being played back and that it is a final confirmation of whether to perform formatting (initialization), such as "During event recording playback, do you want to initialize?". In the illustrated example, an input means such as a touch panel is arranged on the display surface of the display device 16. When the cancel button area 55 is tapped or the like, the control unit 11 ends without performing the formatting process. When the execution button area 56 is tapped or the like, the control unit 11 executes the formatting process on the recording medium 13.

[0220] These message display section 54, cancel button area 55, execution button area 56, etc. may perform, for example, OSD (On-Screen Display) or super-impose display and be drawn semi-transparently so that the video can be seen through.

[0221] Also, the image data read by accessing each file may be read all from the head address of the file. However, for example, it may be the image data at the time of trigger generation (such as pressing the fifth operation button 155) that triggered the event recording. If all the image data is played back, it may take a long time until the confirmation is completed, which may hinder the smooth and rapid execution of formatting. Therefore, it is advisable to use the image data at the time of event generation as a representative. Also, since it may be difficult to grasp the content if only one image is displayed for one event, it is advisable to display a plurality of images for one event and play back a digest in the form of frame-by-frame advancement, such as setting a predetermined period before and after the event generation (a period shorter than the event recording period) or appropriately thinning out while playing back from the head address of the file, so that the general content can be grasped.

[0222] When neither the cancel button area 55 nor the execution button area 56 is tapped or the like until the reproduction of the image data recorded in the one-touch recording is completed, the control unit 11 accesses the oldest data of the image data stored in the recording area for the acceleration sensor recording, that is, the file to which the next data is to be written (in this example, the file in which the 27th image data was recorded), reads out the predetermined image data recorded in the file, and displays it on the display surface of the display device 16. Then, the control unit 11 sequentially reads out the image data in time series and displays it on the display device 16, and it is preferable to automatically reproduce the image data based on a plurality of event occurrences. The selection of the image data to be read out and the like are the same as those in the one-touch recording.

[0223] FIG. 13(a) is a display example when an input means such as a touch panel is arranged on the display surface of the display device 16. For example, when the input means such as a touch panel is not provided, as shown in FIG. 13(b), it may be operated by a plurality of operation buttons. For example, a cancel part 57 and an execution part 58 are displayed on the display surface and one of them is set in a selected state. In the figure, the cancel part 57 is in a selected state and the color has changed. The switching between the cancel part 57 and the execution part 58 is switched by pressing the second operation button 152 and the third operation button 153, and based on the pressing of the fourth operation button 154, the confirmation instruction content is determined according to the item (cancel / execution) selected at that time.

[0224] In the above-described embodiments, the first operation button 151 for giving a format instruction and the fifth operation button 155 for instructing manual event recording are installed in the same housing 24. However, each of them may be arranged in a separate housing (for example, the first housing and the second housing). When using separate housings, data transmission and reception between the devices and equipment mounted on the first housing and the second housing may be performed using wired communication or wireless communication. By using separate housings, for example, the second housing provided with the fifth operation button 155 can be installed in a place where it is easy for the driver to operate, and the first housing provided with the first operation button 151 can be installed in a place where it is difficult for the driver to operate. For example, the second housing provided with the fifth operation button 155 for one-touch recording may be separated from the third housing (which may be the same as the first housing) on which the imaging device 14 or the like is mounted and arranged near the driver. In this way, it is possible to easily give an instruction for one-touch recording while driving.

[0225] In each of the above-described embodiments, the recording format is made less likely to fragment. However, it may also be applied to a recording format in which fragmentation progresses with use. Further, in the above-described embodiments, an example of implementing as a drive recorder installed in a vehicle or other vehicle as an example of an image recording device has been described. However, it may be applied to in-vehicle devices other than drive recorders and other image recording devices.

[0226] [10. Other Embodiments] FIG. 14 shows an example of a drive recorder 30 which is an example of an image recording apparatus, and FIG. 15 shows an example of a network system to which the drive recorder 30 is connected. In addition to the configuration of the drive recorder which is an example of the image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 described above, this drive recorder 30 includes an LTE module 31 for performing LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication as a first communication unit, a wireless LAN module 32 for connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as a second communication unit, and the like. Devices and the like constituting the drive recorder 30 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and may further include other devices, or may not include some devices and the like. As another device, for example, a position information acquisition unit such as a GPS module that acquires the position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle based on a signal from GPS (Global Positioning System) which is one of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System: Global Positioning Satellite System), a gyro sensor, etc. may be mounted.

[0227] The control unit 11 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU 111, an EEPROM 112, a RAM 113, and the like. The functions of the drive recorder 30 are stored in the EEPROM 112 of the control unit 11 as firmware executed by the CPU 111 provided in the control unit 11, and are realized by the CPU 111 executing this. The RAM 113 is used as a work area, for example, when the CPU 111 executes various functions.

[0228] [10-1. Standard Configuration] Also, this drive recorder 30 becomes a drive recorder 30 having different functions by connecting to an external device, for example. For example, a configuration in which a cigar plug cord 37 is connected to the DC jack 201 and power is supplied from the battery via the cigar lighter socket of the vehicle is taken as a standard.

[0229] [10-2. Type with Vehicle Information Acquisition Function] On the contrary, for example, instead of the cigar plug cord 37, an OBDII adapter 38 is connected to the DC jack 201, and the OBDII adapter 38 is attached to the OBD connector of the vehicle. Thereby, the drive recorder 30 acquires vehicle information via the OBDII adapter 38 by a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). The vehicle information to be acquired includes brake information, blinker information, vehicle speed pulses, and the like. The control unit 11 records each of the acquired information in association with the date and time information and the position information on the recording medium 13. This type of recording vehicle speed information may be installed in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trains, for example, and used for operation management and the like.

[0230] [10-3. Sub-camera connection type] In addition to the photographing device 14 provided in the drive recorder 30, one end of a camera cable is connected to the camera jack 21, and a predetermined sub-camera is connected to the other end of the cable, thereby constituting a two-camera 30. When installing the drive recorder 30, the photographing device 14 is set to photograph, for example, the front of the vehicle, and the sub-camera is installed at a position to photograph, for example, the rear of the vehicle or a position to photograph the interior of the vehicle, so that different areas can be photographed and recorded.

[0231] The variations of the drive recorder 30 include a standard type without connecting a sub-camera and a type with a sub-camera connected. In addition, by selecting a sub-camera to be connected from among multiple types of sub-cameras, a wider variety of variations can be constructed. For example, a manufacturer prepares a first sub-camera 35 equipped with a wide-angle camera and a second sub-camera 36 equipped with a hemispherical camera, and the user selects an appropriate sub-camera according to his or her usage situation and connects it to the camera jack 21. The variations of the sub-camera may include various cameras such as an infrared camera, in addition to the difference in the angle of view as described above.

[0232] [10-4. Type with communication function] It is a communication type that enables the LTE module 31 to operate. In this way, the drive recorder 30 can use LTE communication to access, for example, a management server and transmit the recorded data. For example, before the vehicle returns to the garage, parking lot, etc., by sending the data in real-time or near real-time to, for example, a management server, the operation management center can check the transmitted data in real-time or near real-time. Also, it may be a communication type that enables the Wi-Fi module 32 to operate. By enabling the Wi-Fi module 32 in this way, it can be linked with, for example, a smartphone carried by a driver, etc., and access, for example, a management server via the smartphone to transmit predetermined data.

[0233] [10-5. Firmware Download] As described above, this drive recorder 30 can operate as a drive recorder 30 with various different functions while having the same hardware configuration. However, in order to perform such operations, in order to realize each function and control the operations of various devices according to each configuration and type, it is necessary to install firmware, which is a program, in the drive recorder 30.

[0234] For example, in the case of a customer's drive recorder 30 that wants to connect to Company A's server using LTE communication, firmware that incorporates a program for controlling the operation of the LTE module 31 and the communication specifications of Company A's server is required. When the destination server changes, corresponding firmware is needed. Also, for example, in the case of a customer's drive recorder 30 that wants to access a server manufactured by Company C by relaying through a smartphone using Wi-Fi, firmware that incorporates a program for controlling the operation of the Wi-Fi module 32 and the communication specifications of Company C's server is required. Thus, it is necessary to replace the firmware according to the devices used and the connection destinations. Also, as described above, whether to accept input of vehicle information, control programs tailored to the type of rear camera to be connected, etc. are also implemented as firmware. Furthermore, when inputting vehicle information, which type of vehicle information to acquire, whether to simply record the acquired information, and when performing control according to the values of the vehicle information, etc., the programs for that control are also implemented as firmware. In addition to the programs that differ according to the devices used and usage modes for each customer described above, common programs for each customer for controlling devices for operating as the drive recorder 30 are also implemented as firmware.

[0235] In this embodiment, a mechanism is adopted in which the customer performs the process of recording such firmware in the EEPROM of a predetermined drive recorder 30. The manufacturer creates firmware that matches the specifications of the drive recorder 30 used by the customer and records it, for example, in the server 60. Each customer's firmware (in the figure, for customer A, customer B, customer C,...) is specified at a recording location on the Internet designated by a predetermined URL.

[0236] The manufacturer notifies the customer who purchases the drive recorder 30 of the customer-specific URL where the customer's firmware is recorded. The customer operates, for example, a personal computer 61 connected to the Internet 62, specifies the obtained customer-specific URL, accesses the server 60, and downloads their own firmware to, for example, the personal computer 61. The personal computer 61 transfers the downloaded firmware to an SD card, which is a recording medium 13 set in a reader / writer built into or externally attached to the personal computer 61.

[0237] Next, the customer sets the SD card on which this firmware is recorded in the reader / writer 12 of the drive recorder 30. The CPU 111 of the control unit 11 of the drive recorder 30 reads the firmware recorded on the SD card and writes it to the area in the EEPROM 112 where the firmware is recorded. As a result, for example, even if standard firmware or other firmware for executing other functions is written as initial data, it can be rewritten to the customer's firmware.

[0238] The writing and rewriting processes of the firmware for this drive recorder 30 are performed, for example, as follows. First, with the power of the drive recorder 30 turned off, the SD card is set in the reader / writer 12. In this state, when the power of the drive recorder 30 is turned on, the CPU 111 of the control unit 11 performs a predetermined startup process. During this startup process, the CPU 111 checks whether the SD card has the firmware for rewriting recorded on it. If it is recorded, the CPU 111 reads the firmware recorded on the SD card and overwrites it to a predetermined storage area in the EEPROM 112. After that, the CPU 111 turns off the power after executing a predetermined process. Next, when the power is turned on again, the CPU 111 reads the rewritten firmware and performs control based on the firmware. As a result, the drive recorder 30 has a predetermined function that operates according to the customer's firmware.

[0239] To determine whether rewrite firmware is recorded, for example, compare the recording date and time of the firmware recorded on the SD card with the recording date and time of the firmware recorded in the EEPROM 112. If the recording date and time of the SD card is newer, it may be determined that there is rewrite firmware. Also, as described above, when the CPU 111 writes the firmware recorded on the SD card to the EEPROM 112, perform a process of erasing the firmware recorded on the SD card. If firmware is recorded on the SD card, it may be determined that there is rewrite firmware.

[0240] Also, as described above, when firmware rewrite is performed, in a state of being booted with the new firmware, it is advisable to perform a format process on the SD card which is the recording medium 13. In such a case, if a format instruction is given by a one-touch operation on the first operation button 151 or other single operation as in each of the above-described embodiments, it can be easily formatted.

[0241] The customer-specific URL may be recorded, for example, on a recording medium 13 such as an SD card attached to the drive recorder 30. By doing so, with the SD card or the like set in the reader / writer of the personal computer 61, the personal computer 61 accesses the SD card, reads out the recorded customer-specific URL, and displays it on the display device of the personal computer 61. Then, the customer can easily access the firmware for that customer and download it by copying the displayed customer-specific URL and pasting it into the address input field of the browser, or clicking the displayed customer-specific URL if it is recorded as a hyperlink.

[0242] In addition to writing to the recording medium 13 such as the SD card described above, various methods can be used to notify the customer of the customer-specific URL associated with the firmware. For example, the URL can be printed as text as it is or distributed as a printed matter with a QR code (registered trademark) printed, or posted on a homepage.

[0243] Also, if the drive recorder 30 is in a state where, for example, the LTE module 31 or the wireless LAN module 32 can operate, if a customer-specific URL is recorded on a recording medium 13 such as an SD card, etc., the CPU 111 reads the recorded customer-specific URL, accesses the server 60 using the communication function of a predetermined module based on it, downloads the customer-specific firmware associated with the customer-specific URL, records it in the EEPROM 112, and may perform rewriting. Thereby, the drive recorder 30 becomes the drive recorder 30 for that customer.

[0244] As described above, when a customer accesses the server 60 based on their own customer-specific URL, obtains the customer-specific firmware, and rewrites it to the drive recorder 30, the drive recorder 30 changes to a drive recorder with various functions for that customer. Even when using a drive recorder 30 with the same hardware configuration, by writing different firmware based on different customer-specific URLs, it becomes a drive recorder with different functions. In this way, a single model number of drive recorder 30 can be made to correspond to a large number of customer specifications. For a single part number of drive recorder 30, by storing the customer-specific URL in a recording means such as an SD card and downloading the firmware based on the stored customer-specific URL, it becomes the drive recorder for that customer.

[0245] Also, since the drive recorder 30 does not have a large memory space like a personal computer, for example, it is difficult to prepare and store firmware for all functions. Therefore, by rewriting the firmware according to the customer as in this embodiment, a drive recorder 30 corresponding to the customer can be realized even with a small memory space.

[0246] The firmware rewritten in this embodiment is a program for controlling the operation of devices and equipment. For example, it is different from mode settings such as changing operation conditions, and the customer cannot change the program. By rewriting such content that cannot be changed by the customer for each firmware, a drive recorder 30 with functions suitable for the customer can be configured on the customer side.

[0247] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the LTE module 31 and the wireless LAN module 32 are pre-mounted on the drive recorder 30 and operate or do not operate depending on the content of the firmware. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, they may be external, and for example, a predetermined module may be connected to the USB terminal 33. Further, this connection may be made using, for example, a USB-compatible cable. In particular, the USB terminal provided on the module may be directly connected to the USB terminal 33 without using a cable and integrated into the main body of the drive recorder 30.

[0248] Thus, in this embodiment, by creating firmware for controlling the operation of the device and equipment of the drive recorder 30 according to the customer's specifications, and downloading and rewriting the firmware on the customer side using the customer-specific URL associated therewith, for example, a drive recorder 30 with functions suitable for the customer can be provided while using the same model number of drive recorder.

[0249] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example using the LTE module 31 as an example of the first communication unit and the wireless LAN module 32 as an example of the second communication unit has been described. However, the first communication unit and the second communication unit may have different communication standards and communication methods. For example, one may be a public communication line such as LTE or 5G, and the other may be a short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0250] Also, in the above example, different functions are provided by writing firmware to the drive recorder 30. However, for example, firmware for a monitoring device such as a monitoring camera for housing equipment or firmware for a monitoring device in a factory or the like is prepared, and the customer downloads the corresponding firmware via a customer-specific URL and writes it to the EEPROM 112 of the drive recorder 30, so that the drive recorder 30 can be used as a device for another purpose.

[0251] Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, and also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification within its scope. Among the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the appended claims. However, even a configuration that is not currently specified in the claims has the intention of being the subject of the claims in the future with the configurations disclosed in this specification.

[0252] The present invention of the application is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Also, any constituent element of each embodiment and modification example may be arbitrarily combined with any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention or a constituent element embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention. There is also the intention of obtaining rights in the amendment or divisional application of the present application regarding these. Even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of" or "when", it is not described as a configuration limited to that case or that time. Configurations other than these cases and times are also disclosed and have the intention of obtaining rights. Also, the descriptions with an order are not limited to this order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order reversed are also disclosed and have the intention of obtaining rights.

[0253] Also, due to the change to the design registration application, it has the intention of obtaining rights for the overall design or partial design. Although the drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, the drawings include not only the overall design but also partial designs that claim parts of the device. For example, not only can some members of the device be partial designs, but the drawings also include partial designs of parts of the device regardless of the members, as partial designs. As parts of the device, they can be either some members of the device or parts of those members. Regarding the overall design, of course, there is the intention of obtaining rights for partial designs where any part of the solid-line portion of the drawings is changed to a dashed-line portion. Also, regarding the modules, members, parts, etc. inside the housing of the device, those shown in the drawings are all independently subject to transactions, and similarly, there is the intention of making a change to the design registration application to obtain rights.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0254] 10: Image recording device 11: Control unit 12: Reader / writer 13: Recording medium 14: Photographing device 141: Lens 15: Operation unit 151: First operation button 152: Second operation button 153: Third operation button 154: Fourth operation button 155: Fifth operation button 16: Display device 17: Microphone 18: Speaker 19: Acceleration sensor 20: Power supply unit 201: DC jack 21: Camera jack 23: Joint rail 24: Housing 241: Front surface 241: Front 242: Rear surface 243: Right side surface 244: Above 245: Left side 25: Recording medium insertion slot 26: First recording medium 27: Second recording medium 28: Power lamp

Claims

1. A function of recording image data representing an image captured by a photographing means in a recording means; an input receiving function for receiving input of format instructions; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that executes a formatting process on the recording means; The vehicle is equipped with a function of monitoring parking based on images captured by the imaging means while the vehicle is parked, the input reception function receives input of the format instruction based on user movement captured during a time period during which the driver is likely to remain in the vehicle after the parking monitoring has started, and Switching to parking monitoring after a period of time when it is highly likely that the driver will remain in the vehicle has elapsed Image recording device.

2. A function of recording image data representing an image captured by the photographing means in a recording means; an input receiving function for receiving input of format instructions; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that executes a formatting process on the recording means; a continuous recording mode in which the image data is continuously recorded while the vehicle is in use, and a recording mode different from the continuous recording mode; When the format instruction is received, the recording period of the image data recorded in the continuous recording mode is compared with the recording date and time of the image data recorded in the recording mode, and if the recording date and time is outside the recording period, the execution of the formatting process of the format function is suppressed. Image recording device.

3. A function of recording image data representing an image captured by the photographing means in a recording means; an input receiving function for receiving input of format instructions; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that executes a formatting process on the recording means; a continuous recording mode in which the image data is continuously recorded while the vehicle is in use, and an event recording mode in which the image data is recorded based on a manual operation; When the format instruction is received, it is determined whether or not image data recorded in the event recording mode exists, and if the image data is recorded, execution of the formatting process of the formatting function is suppressed. Image recording device.

4. A function of recording image data representing an image captured by the photographing means in a recording means; an input receiving function for receiving input of format instructions; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that executes a formatting process on the recording means; an event recording mode in which, when an acceleration level exceeds a first reference level, the captured image data is recorded in association with the level; When the format instruction is received, if the level associated with the image recorded in the event recording mode exceeds a second standard that is greater than the first standard, execution of the formatting process of the format function is suppressed. Image recording device.

5. A function of recording image data representing an image captured by the photographing means in a recording means; an input receiving function for receiving input of format instructions; a formatting function that is activated when the formatting instruction is input and that executes a formatting process on the recording means; It has a display means, Equipped with an event recording mode that records captured image data when acceleration occurs, the formatting function has a function of reading out predetermined image data recorded in the event recording mode when receiving the formatting instruction, displaying the image data on the display means, and confirming with a user whether or not the formatting process should be executed; The formatting process is executed or stopped based on the result of the checking process. Image recording device.

6. The input reception function receives input of the format instruction at least during the shooting or recording. The image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The recording function records the image data in a manner that the image data is arranged consecutively in consecutive recording areas reserved in advance in the recording means, The formatting function has a function of performing the formatting process to secure the continuous recording area in the recording means.

7. The image recording device according to claim 6.

8. The recording function records the image data in a predetermined area of the recording means so that addresses are consecutive in chronological order, without recording FAT (File Allocation Tables) in the recording means; The formatting function has a function of performing the formatting process so that the image data can be recorded in the determined area of the recording means so that addresses are consecutive in chronological order.

8. The image recording device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. 9. The image recording device according to claim 6, wherein the input reception function is configured to allow the user to input the format instruction with a single action.

10. The input receiving function includes an externally exposed operation means for inputting the format instruction.

10. The image recording device according to claim 6.

11. When the formatting function is activated, a process is performed to confirm with the user whether or not formatting of the recording means is to be performed.

11. The image recording device according to claim 6.

12. When the input of the format instruction is received during recording of the image data, a process of confirming with the user is performed while continuing recording of the image data. The image recording device according to claim 11.

13. When the formatting function is activated, a formatting process is performed on the recording means.

13. The image recording device according to claim 6.

14. a display means for displaying an image being captured by the image capturing means; When the input of the format instruction is accepted while the image being captured is being displayed, the format function is activated.

14. The image recording device according to claim 6.

15. The image recording device according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the input reception function receives input of the format instruction by operating a first operation unit among a plurality of operation units, and the first operation unit requires more effort to operate than the second operation unit.

16. a housing provided with the first operation unit and the second operation unit; the second operation unit has an operation unit for giving an instruction to start recording the image data, The first operation unit and the second operation unit are disposed on different sides of the housing of the image recording device.

16. The image recording device according to claim 15.

17. It has user authentication function, The formatting function performs a formatting process on the recording means on the condition that the authentication function is performed.

17. The image recording device according to claim 6.

18. The image recording device according to claim 17, wherein the authentication function is performed based on photographed information of the user.

19. When formatting processing is performed on the recording means, information about the execution of the formatting processing is recorded in the recording means.

19. The image recording device according to any one of claims 6 to 18.

20. the recording means has a first recording area and a second recording area, the recording function alternately repeats writing to the first recording area and the second recording area; If the conditions are met, the formatting function is activated, and a formatting process is performed on the recording area in which no data has been written, out of the first recording area and the second recording area.

20. An image recording device according to any one of claims 6 to 19.

21. a permission mode for permitting overwriting of the image data stored in the first recording area and the second recording area, and a prohibition mode for prohibiting overwriting, 21. The image recording device according to claim 20, wherein the formatting function is activated in the permission mode, and the formatting function is not activated in the prohibition mode.

22. 22. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image recording apparatus according to claim 1.

Images