System etc.

Abstract

To provide a system that temporarily performs parking recording while a cancel area where no parking recording is performed is set, and then when a vehicle is parked in a parking position during the setting while predetermined conditions are not satisfied, performs parking recording originally set without a special operation.SOLUTION: A system has a parking monitoring function of recording a video captured at a parking position, and a function of setting a parking position where actuation of the parking monitoring function is inhibited. The parking monitoring function records a video when predetermined conditions are satisfied, even if a vehicle is parked at the position during the setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a system or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes, regarding inventions related to in-vehicle devices and systems (paragraphs

[0001] etc.), in paragraph

[0055] , "When the power supply from the ACC power supply is cut off, the power supply source to the drive recorder is switched from the vehicle to the internal battery, and the power supply to the drive recorder is continued." Also, in paragraph

[0076] , "The'my area' is an area where surveillance recording is automatically performed even when the'recording mode' is set to'manual'. The'my cancel area' is an area where surveillance recording is not automatically performed even when the'recording mode' is set to 'automatic'. For example, if the user registers a parking lot at home without security as the'my area', when parking at the parking lot at home, surveillance recording can be automatically performed. The'my cancel area' can be registered in advance in the'settings'. Also, for example, if the user registers a parking lot at the workplace with security as the'my cancel area', surveillance recording cannot be performed at the parking lot at the workplace."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when monitoring recording is performed or not performed during parking, it may be necessary to change the registered content of the settings, which can be complicated. For example, when the vehicle is parked and the ACC is turned off, there may be a driver who wants to get out of the vehicle quickly, and a system that requires changing the registered content of the settings may not be able to meet the driver's request. Also, for example, when the driver parks the vehicle and gets out, there may be a case where the driver wants to activate / suppress the appropriate parking monitoring function while getting out without performing troublesome setting switches.

[0005] Conventionally, monitoring during parking is uniform, such as whether to perform monitoring recording or not, and it is not possible to perform parking monitoring according to the vehicle's situation such as the remaining battery level, the parking location, the surrounding situation, the parking time, etc. One of the objects of the present invention is to solve such problems related to monitoring recording during parking.

[0006] By the way, there is a problem that it is difficult to know where the recording data during driving in a state where an accident is likely to occur (so-called near misses) is recorded in the recording data of the drive recorder. Since the current drive recorder is specialized for recording at the time of an accident, when there is a large impact such that the G-sensor exceeds the threshold value, it is saved with increased importance as event recording (also referred to as event logging). However, if the user does not perform an operation to instruct event button recording during a state where an accident is likely to occur (near miss), the image at the time of the near miss will be buried in the normal recording image and may be difficult to distinguish later. Therefore, it has become troublesome to look back at near miss driving in video. Therefore, one of the other objects of the present invention is to solve such problems related to recording during driving.

[0007] 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 application, amendment, etc. for a configuration aimed at obtaining the effects exhibited by a part of the configuration disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. For example, a problem obtained by reading a part described as "can do" in this specification 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 application, amendment, etc. alone for the configuration for solving this problem. Even if the problem is implicitly understood 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 Problem

[0008] (1) It is preferable to include a parking monitoring function for recording an image taken at a parking position and a function for setting a parking position for suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function, and the parking monitoring function is configured to record the image when a predetermined condition is satisfied even when parked at the parking position being set.

[0009] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, record the image taken at the parking position while maintaining the setting of the parking position for suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function. Since the setting of the parking position where recording is not performed is maintained, when parked at the set parking position in a state where the predetermined condition is not satisfied thereafter, the operation of the parking monitoring function is suppressed. For example, when the driver parks the vehicle and gets out, the problem of being able to get out without performing a special operation (for example, switching a troublesome setting) while appropriately operating / suppressing the parking monitoring function can be solved.

[0010] (2) Suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function may mean not recording the video. By doing so, when parked at the set parking position, the parking monitoring function will not record the video. By appropriately setting the parking position in advance, when parking the vehicle and getting out, it is possible to perform parking monitoring at the desired position and not perform parking monitoring at the set parking position. Since the setting of the parking position has not changed, when parking at that parking position later, no parking record will be made. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that no parking record is made in a place where normally no parking record needs to be made.

[0011] (3) The parking monitoring function may suppress operation when parked at a position other than the set parking position, provided that a predetermined condition is satisfied. When parked at a position other than the set parking position, the parking monitoring function records the video taken at the parking position, but suppresses the operation of the parking monitoring function when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, since it is suppressed without setting the parking position, when parking next time, the video during parking can be recorded without performing a special operation.

[0012] (4) It has a function of setting a parking position for recording the video during parking and a parking monitoring function that records the taken video when parked at the set parking position. The parking monitoring function may suppress the recording of the video when parked at the set parking position, provided that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0013] By doing so, when parked at the set parking position, the video during parking can be recorded even when getting out of the vehicle. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the recording of the video can be suppressed while maintaining the setting of the parking position for recording the video during parking. In this case, since the setting of the parking position is maintained, when parked at the set parking position in a state where the predetermined condition is not satisfied later, the video during parking will be recorded. Thereby, for example, when the driver parks the vehicle and gets out, the driver can operate / suppress the appropriate parking monitoring function while getting out without performing a special operation (such as a troublesome setting change).

[0014] (5) The parking monitoring function may record the video during parking when a predetermined condition is satisfied even if the vehicle is parked at a position other than the set parking position. By doing so, it is possible to record the video taken when the vehicle is parked at a position other than the set parking position without changing the settings. And since the parking position setting has not been changed, when parking next time, parking recording is not performed without any particular operation.

[0015] (6) The predetermined condition may be based on the operation when parked at the parking position. By doing so, it is possible to cause a different operation from the setting for parking monitoring when parked at the set parking position by the operation when parked at the parking position.

[0016] (7) It is preferable to have a function of changing the light emission state of the light emitting part based on the operation. By doing so, for example, by checking the light emission state when the user operates, it can be visually understood whether the current state satisfies the predetermined condition. For example, when the user cannot operate or performs a different operation, the system can be made to perform the desired operation by re - operating.

[0017] (8) It is configured to switch whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by the operation. Assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied when there is no such operation until a predetermined time has elapsed after parking, if there is such an operation, the predetermined time is extended, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by the elapse of the extended time.

[0018] By doing so, even if there is an accidental operation, since the predetermined time is extended by the operation, sufficient time can be secured to perform the correct operation again when an unintended operation is performed. Also, when the correct operation is performed, since the content is determined based on the last operation when the predetermined time has elapsed, a separate operation for content determination is not required, reducing the user's operation effort and enabling quick getting out of the vehicle.

[0019] (9) It is preferable to include a function of switching whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied according to an operation different from the above operation, and a function of updating the setting regarding the parking position. By doing so, it is possible to easily select whether to perform an operation different from the setting only this time without changing the setting at the parking position, or to update the setting so that the same operation as this time is performed from the next time onward.

[0020] (10) It is preferable to include a display unit, and the predetermined condition is preferably based on an operation on the screen of the display unit when parked at the parking position. The predetermined condition can be easily satisfied by an operation on the screen of the display unit.

[0021] (11) It is preferable to include a function of determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied when an operation on the screen is performed. By doing so, the predetermined condition can be satisfied early, and the driver can get out of the vehicle immediately. Since it is less likely to make a misoperation such as pressing the wrong button by looking at the display unit, the convenience is improved by determining immediately.

[0022] (12) It is preferable to simultaneously display on the display unit a first area for operating to satisfy the predetermined condition and a second area for operating to update the setting regarding the current parking position. By doing so, it is possible to easily give an instruction on whether to perform an operation different from the setting only this time without changing the setting at the parking position, or to update the setting so that the same operation as this time is performed from the next time onward.

[0023] (13) It is preferable to include a display unit, and when the power supply for supplying power to the system is the vehicle battery, to display the vehicle battery voltage on the display unit, and when it is another power supply device, to not display the battery voltage. By doing so, when receiving power supply from the vehicle battery, the battery voltage is displayed, so the user can, for example, recognize the state of the battery and decide whether to perform parking monitoring, and can also recognize the type of power supply from the presence or absence of the display of the battery voltage.

[0024] (14) A first device having a function of recording the image, a second device having the display unit, and a connection control device for connecting the first device and the second device, wherein the connection control device supplies power to the first device and the second device based on the power supplied from the connected power source, and has a function of communicating with the first device and the second device, and a power control function of performing ON / OFF control of the power supplied to the first device and the second device. By doing so, the connection control device can control the power supply, communication, and ON / OFF of the power to each of the first device having a function of recording an image and the second device having a display unit.

[0025] (15) A connection control device that connects a first device having a function of recording an image by any of the above parking monitoring functions and a second device that displays a screen related to the parking monitoring function, and based on the power supplied from the power source, supplies power to the first device and the second device, has a communication control function of communicating with the first device and the second device, and a power control function of performing ON / OFF control of the power supplied to the first device and the second device. By doing so, the connection control device can control at least any one of the power supply, communication, and ON / OFF of the power to each of the first device and the second device.

[0026] (16) The program according to the present invention is preferably a program for causing a computer to realize the functions in the system according to any one of (1) to (14) or the functions of the connection control device according to (15).

[0027] (17) Further, the present invention may be specified by a system having a function of determining the state of a vehicle driver and a function of performing event recording according to the state of the driver. In this way, recording can be automatically performed according to the state of the vehicle driver.

[0028] The inventions described in (1) to (17) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, it may be configured to add at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) to all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, it is preferable to be an invention in which 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 to obtain patent rights, design rights, etc. by means of amendment, divisional application, change application to design registration application, etc. for those including these configurations.

Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, for example, at least any one of the following effects can be achieved. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function or recording the video taken during parking and maintaining the setting of the parking position, temporarily, for example, the same processing as in a place where the parking position is not set can be performed. Since the setting of the parking position is maintained, when parking at the set parking position in a state where the predetermined condition is not satisfied thereafter, the originally set processing can be performed without any special operation. For example, when the driver parks the vehicle and gets out, the driver can get out without switching troublesome settings and can activate / suppress an appropriate parking monitoring function.

[0030] The effects of the invention of the present application are not limited to this, and the effects achieved from the parts of the configuration disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant also has the intention to obtain rights by means of divisional application, amendment, etc. for the configuration achieving the effects. For example, the parts described as "can" in this specification are descriptions that clearly show the achieved effects, and even if there is no description of "can", there are parts indicating the effects. Further, even without such a description, there are effects grasped by the configuration.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0031]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain the technical features that the present invention can adopt. The configuration, shape, etc. of the described device are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not construed as being limited thereto, and various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] [Basic Configuration of an Embodiment of the System] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a drive recorder system which is a form of a device having a parking monitoring function for recording images taken during parking. The system 1 of the present embodiment includes a drive recorder 2 and a power supply device 3 that supplies power to the drive recorder 2.

[0034] This drive recorder 2 is a device that is installed later with respect to the vehicle in the present embodiment. The drive recorder 2 of the present embodiment has a parking monitoring function of photographing and recording a predetermined area in front of the vehicle, in the vehicle interior, etc. for example when parking, in addition to the drive recorder function of photographing and recording a predetermined area around during driving. To realize this parking monitoring function, in the system 1, even in a power-off state where the ignition switch is OFF, that is, ACC (accessory power) is OFF and power supply from the vehicle battery cannot be received, such as when the vehicle is parked, the drive recorder 2 operates by receiving power supply from a power supply device 3 prepared separately from the vehicle.

[0035] The power supply device 3 is a device that is interposed between the vehicle and the drive recorder 2 and supplies power to the drive recorder 2. The power supply device 3 is composed of a housing separate from the drive recorder 2. The power supply device 3 includes a charge / discharge control unit 3a, a DC-DC converter 3b, a CPU 3c, an internal battery 3d, etc. The charge / discharge control unit 3a controls the charging of the internal battery 3d and the power supply to the drive recorder 2. The internal battery 3d is a secondary battery and is realized by, for example, a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery. The DC-DC converter 3b converts the 12V or 24V voltage supplied from the vehicle battery into a 5V voltage through the charge / discharge control unit 3a and outputs it. The CPU 3c uses a memory (e.g., RAM) not shown in the figure as a work area and controls each part of the power supply device 3 such as the charge / discharge control unit 3a. Also, the CPU 3c communicates with the drive recorder 2 connected via the cable 4. The cable 4 includes a power line and a communication line.

[0036] The charge / discharge control unit 3a receives power supply from the internal battery 3d. While being supplied with power from the vehicle battery, the charge / discharge control unit 3a controls the power supply path so as to supply power from the vehicle battery to the internal battery 3d and the DC-DC converter 3b. Thereby, the internal battery 3d is charged, and the DC-DC converter 3b supplies the power with the voltage converted to the drive recorder 2. The charge / discharge control unit 3a determines whether the ACC of the vehicle is ON or OFF and switches whether to charge or discharge the internal battery 3d. When it determines that the ACC is ON, the charge / discharge control unit 3a controls to supply power from the vehicle battery to the internal battery 3d and the DC-DC converter 3b. When it determines that the ACC is OFF, the charge / discharge control unit 3a discharges the internal battery 3d and controls to supply power from the internal battery 3d to the DC-DC converter 3b.

[0037] As described above, during the period when ACC is ON, the power supply device 3 receives power supply from the vehicle battery and outputs the power to the drive recorder 2. When the power supply from the vehicle battery is cut off, the internal battery 3d is used to output power to the drive recorder 2 for a specified time after the cut-off. When the specified time elapses, the power output is turned OFF. When the power supply from the vehicle battery resumes, the vehicle battery is used again to output power to the drive recorder 2.

[0038] As a result, the drive recorder 2 can continue to operate for a specified time after ACC is turned OFF and the power supply from the vehicle battery is cut off. The specified time may be set, for example, by serial communication from the drive recorder 2. When the drive recorder 2 receives a battery switching signal from the power supply device 3, it transmits a signal instructing the specified time. The CPU 3c may use the set value of the specified time included in the received signal instructing the specified time as the specified time.

[0039] In addition, it is preferable to provide a dip switch or other operation unit in the power supply device 3 to have a function of setting the specified time. By doing so, for example, even for a drive recorder without a communication function, power supply can be provided until the specified time elapses after the supply by the vehicle battery is cut off.

[0040] When the power supply from the vehicle battery to the power supply device 3 is interrupted, the power supply source is switched to the internal battery 3d, and power is supplied to the drive recorder 2. Since the drive recorder 2 continues to be powered before and after the switching, the drive recorder 2 cannot determine whether the power supply source is the vehicle battery or the internal battery 3d. Therefore, when the CPU 3c switches the power supply source to the internal battery 3d, it transmits a battery switching signal to the drive recorder 2. When ACC is turned on after the specified time has elapsed and the power supply device 3 has turned off its output, the drive recorder 2 resumes the interrupted power supply, so it can be determined that ACC has been turned on. On the other hand, when ACC is turned on within the specified time, since the drive recorder 2 continues to be powered, it cannot determine whether the power supply source is the vehicle battery or the internal battery 3d. Therefore, when ACC is turned on within the specified time, the CPU 3c transmits a vehicle switching signal notifying that the power supply source has been switched to the vehicle battery. As a result, the drive recorder 2 can recognize that ACC has been turned on and the power supply source has been switched to the vehicle battery. As will be described later, the drive recorder 2 switches the operation mode in response to the input of the battery switching signal and the vehicle switching signal.

[0041] The drive recorder 2 of this embodiment has a function of recording and outputting an omnidirectional image of the entire sphere obtained by photographing 360 degrees in the horizontal plane and 360 degrees in the vertical plane. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like, the drive recorder 2 includes a main body 11 that executes various processes and a camera unit 12 disposed below the main body 11 in the installed state on the vehicle. Note that the drive recorder 2 is not limited to photographing and recording an omnidirectional image of the entire sphere. The drive recorder 2 may be configured to photograph and record at least one of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.

[0042] The main body part 11 has a flat rectangular main body case 13, and various circuit boards and devices are mounted in the main body case 13. The main body case 13 is constituted by connecting a first case 14 and a second case 15. The first case 14 and the second case 15 are box-shaped with their opposing surfaces open, and are connected by a connecting means in a state where their front end surfaces are joined together. The connecting means is, for example, composed of a protrusion provided on one of the first case 14 and the second case 15 and a recess provided on the other and engaging with the protrusion, and it is preferable that the protrusion and the recess are configured to be fitted together.

[0043] The first case 14 is shallow-bottomed, the periphery of the opening surface has a shape that is substantially rectangular with rounded corners at the four corners, and the depth is substantially uniform throughout. In a state where the drive recorder 2 is installed in a vehicle, this first case 14 is located on the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, the surface on the side opposite to the opening surface of the first case 14 becomes the front surface 13a of the main body case 13. A joint rail 16 is provided on this front surface 13a. Two joint rails 16 are provided vertically at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the first case 14. A bracket 17 is detachably mounted between the two joint rails 16.

[0044] The second case 15 is a box shape deeper than the first case 14, and the periphery of the opening surface has a shape that is substantially rectangular with rounded corners at the four corners, similar to the first case 14. In a state where the drive recorder 2 is installed in a vehicle, this second case 15 is located on the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, the surface on the side opposite to the opening surface of the second case 15 becomes the rear surface 13b of the main body case 13. The rear surface 13b has a flat surface 13b' at a portion adjacent to one of the long sides of the rectangle, which is a plane parallel to the front surface 13a of the main body case 13, and a slanted surface 13b'' at a portion adjacent to the other of the long sides. The slanted surface 13b'' is formed so as to gradually approach the opening surface of the second case 15 from the middle side of the short side toward the outer long side.

[0045] Therefore, the depth of the second case 15 is uniform in the region including the flat surface 13b′ and is formed to gradually become shallower toward the long side in the region including the inclined surface 13b″. By providing the inclined surface 13b″, the external shape of the main body case 13 has a shape in which one long side portion of a rectangular parallelepiped is chamfered. One long side to be chamfered is located at the upper rear of the vehicle when the drive recorder 2 is installed in the vehicle. In a state where the first case 14 and the second case 15 are connected, the front surface 13a on the first case 14 side and the flat surface 13b′ on the second case 15 side are parallel.

[0046] At a predetermined position on the surface of the main body case 13 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the second case 15, which is the rear surface 13b, there is provided a recess 15b arranged to extend in the vertical direction. The recess 15b is shallow at the bottom, and the back surface thereof is located at a position one step deeper than the surface of the second case 15. Also, most of the region of the recess 15b is located on the flat surface 13b′ of the rear surface 13b of the main body case 13, the upper end of the recess 15b is located on the inclined surface 13b″, and the upper end edge is open. Inside this recess 15b, an LED 36, a first button portion 37, and a second button portion 38 are arranged in order from above. The heights of the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 are made higher than the depth of the recess 15b, and the surfaces of the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 protrude slightly outward from the surface of the second case 15 (that is, the flat surface 13b′).

[0047] The LED 36 is an example of a light emitter. The light emission state of the LED 36 changes according to the operating state of the drive recorder 2. The light emission state may be specified by, for example, one or more of the presence or absence of light emission, the light emission color, and the light emission timing. The first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 are operating means that receive a pushing operation (push operation) in the present embodiment. For example, a function of a start button is assigned to the first button portion 37 located on the upper side. When this first button portion 37 is pushed during recording stop, recording is resumed. For example, a function of a stop button is assigned to the second button portion 38 located on the lower side. When this second button portion 38 is long-pressed during recording, recording is stopped.

[0048] The bracket 17 has a flat plate 17a, and grooves 17b are formed along the longitudinal direction on a pair of side surfaces of its long side. The groove 17b is configured to conform to the joint rail 16. The user aligns the groove 17b with the joint rail 16 and relatively slides the bracket 17 and the main body case 13 to attach or detach the bracket 17 to / from the main body case 13.

[0049] An adhesive member such as a double-sided adhesive tape 19 is attached to the surface of the bracket 17 on the side opposite to the surface facing the main body case 13. When attaching the drive recorder 2 to a vehicle, it is attached and fixed to the front windshield 5 of the automobile via the double-sided adhesive tape 19 (see Fig. 4(a) etc.). In this attached state, the front surface 13a and the flat surface 13b' of the main body case 13 are arranged parallel to the attachment surface of the front windshield 5, the long side of the main body case 13 is located in the horizontal plane, and the side surface on the short side of the main body case 13 is located in the vertical plane. Therefore, the main body case 13 is fixed in a horizontally long state while being attached to the front windshield 5, and the camera unit 12 is arranged in a state of being suspended on the bottom surface side of the main body case 13.

[0050] A notch window portion 14a is formed on one short side of the first case 14, and a cover member 20 for closing the notch window portion 14a is attached. The cover member 20 is fastened and fixed with screws 21 in a state of being arranged to close the notch window portion 14a. When the cover member 20 is removed, the card slot 22 mounted in the main body case 13 is exposed through the notch window portion 14a. A memory card 23 such as a micro SD card or an SD card is detachably mounted in this card slot 22. The memory card 23 corresponds to a recording medium on which images are stored. The card slot 22 corresponds to a mounting portion on which the memory card 23 is mounted.

[0051] On the same side as the side where the cutout window portion 14a is provided, a window hole 15a is provided in the second case 15, and a female connector 24 is disposed at the back of the window hole 15a. A male connector 4a provided at one end of the cable 4 is attached to the female connector 24. The cable 4 of this embodiment includes a power line and a communication line, and the drive recorder 2 receives power supply from an external power source or communicates with an external device via this cable 4.

[0052] On the other hand, the camera unit 12 includes a housing 25, a first camera 26 and a second camera 27 mounted in the housing 25, and a recording button 28. The overall shape of the housing 25 is spherical, and it is configured by connecting two split hemispherical first camera cases 25a and second camera cases 25b in an attached state. The first camera case 25a and the second camera case 25b may be fixed in the same manner as the fixing of the first case 14 and the second case 15 described above, for example, by using the fitting of a protrusion provided on one of the first camera case 25a and the second camera case 25b and a recess provided on the other.

[0053] The first camera 26 and the second camera 27 are arranged back to back, and may be fixed and connected so that each takes pictures in the opposite direction to form a camera unit. Then, the optical axes L of the lens unit, which is one of the components of the first camera 26, and the lens unit, which is one of the components of the second camera 27, are set to be on the same straight line.

[0054] The housing 25 of the camera unit 12 is connected to the main body case 13 via an angle adjustment mechanism 29. The angle adjustment mechanism 29 rotates the housing 25 only around a rotation axis provided along the long side on the front side of the bottom surface of the main body case 13, allowing pitching in the front-rear direction (see Fig. 4), but preventing yawing. For example, the housing 25 is rotatably mounted around the axis of a bolt that is arranged in parallel along the long side at a predetermined position within the main body case 13, and a nut 29a is attached to the male thread portion of the bolt. The nut 29a is arranged at the inner end of a hole 13c provided on one side surface of the main body case 13. For example, a tool such as a hexagon wrench is inserted into the hole 13c and aligned with the nut 29a, and the nut 29a is tightened or loosened by rotating the tool such as the hexagon wrench forward and backward. When the nut 29a is loosened, the housing 25 of the camera unit 12 rotates forward and backward, pitching. Also, when the nut 29a is tightened in an appropriate posture while pitching, the angle and the orientation of the camera unit 12 are fixed in that posture.

[0055] The record button 28 is arranged at the center of the lower end of the housing 25, and its surface shape is formed as a curved surface that is substantially circular in plan view and has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of the housing 25. For example, when this record button 28 is pressed, manual recording is performed, and as one-touch recording, the video images for a predetermined period before and after the pressing are recorded on the memory card 23. For example, during continuous recording in which the video images taken during traveling are continuously recorded, when the record button 28 is pressed, for example, separate files are recorded from the continuous recording file. A recording lamp is built into the back and the back side of the record button 28, that is, inside the housing 25. This recording lamp notifies the recording state by lighting up.

[0056] Various processing circuits, devices, components, etc. are further mounted inside the main body case 13. That is, inside the main body case 13, for example, a first control unit 31, a second control unit 32, a sound output unit 33, a microphone 34, a position information storage unit 35, an abnormality detection sensor 39, a GPS receiver 40, a power supply unit 41, and a communication interface 42 are provided.

[0057] The first control unit 31 operates mainly to realize a parking monitoring function, and the second control unit 32 operates mainly to realize a drive recorder function. The power consumption of the second control unit 32 is larger than that of the first control unit 31. Therefore, during parking when the parking monitoring function is operating, usually the operation of the second control unit 32 is turned OFF and the power supply is turned OFF, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the internal battery 3d of the power supply device 3 and enabling long-time operation. The functions of each control unit will be described later.

[0058] The microphone 34 collects sounds around the drive recorder 2. The microphone 34 collects, for example, the voices of people riding in the vehicle and other sounds generated inside the vehicle compartment, as well as impact sounds when an object collides with the vehicle. The microphone 34 corresponds to a sound collection means. The sound output unit 33 is, for example, a speaker or a buzzer, and outputs a predetermined sound at the time of predetermined recording, alarm, operation, etc. The card slot 22 is a device that performs data reading, writing, etc. on the inserted memory card 23. For example, the video captured by the camera unit 12 and the sound collected by the microphone 34 are recorded on the memory card 23. The GPS receiver 40 has a function of receiving GPS signals and acquiring position information, date and time information, and speed information from the GPS signals.

[0059] The position information storage unit 35 is composed of a non-volatile memory. The position information storage unit 35 includes, for example, a final positioning position storage area that stores and holds the final positioning position measured by the GPS receiver 40. The second control unit 32 stores the position information output from the GPS receiver 40 in the final positioning position storage area and rewrites and updates it.

[0060] Furthermore, the parking monitoring function of the present embodiment has a canceling function that does not perform recording when a vehicle parks in a registered "cancellation area". This "cancellation area" may be, for example, a circular area with a predetermined radius (e.g., 50 m) centered on the registered parking position. It is sufficient to only store the parking position information that identifies the parking position, and then it is possible to determine whether the actual parking position is within the cancellation area. The position information storage unit 35 has a parking position storage area for storing the parking position information for realizing the cancellation function. Details of this cancellation function will be described later.

[0061] The abnormality detection sensor 39 is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a 6-axis sensor (integrated 3-axis acceleration and 3-axis angular velocity), and detects the state of the vehicle such as the impact applied to the vehicle, the acceleration of the vehicle, and the inclination. The abnormality detection sensor 39 is not limited to those exemplified above. For example, it may be a Doppler sensor that detects the approach of an object, a proximity sensor, or other sensors that detect events that trigger the recording of various images.

[0062] The power supply unit 41 has a function of supplying a power supply voltage to, for example, the devices provided in the drive recorder 2 and operating them. The power supply unit 41 is electrically connected to the terminals of the power supply line of the female connector 24, receives the power supplied from the power supply device 3, and supplies a power supply voltage with a desired voltage value to each device mounted on the main body case 13.

[0063] The communication interface 42 is connected to the terminals of the communication line of the female connector 24. It communicates between the CPU 3c of the power supply device 3 and the first control unit 31 and / or the second control unit 32 of the drive recorder 2.

[0064] The first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 are each a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, I / O, etc., and are connected to the respective units described above as shown in FIG. 1. The functions in the drive recorder 2 of the present embodiment are realized, for example, by the CPU in the control unit executing the firmware stored in the NAND Flash memory of the control unit, and the CPU in the control unit executes this. The firmware stored in the NAND Flash memory can be updated by the new firmware stored in the memory card 23.

[0065] The first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32, either alone or in cooperation, control the operations of output devices (for example, the card slot 22, the position information storage unit 35, the LED 36, etc.) based on the information input from the various input devices described above (for example, the camera unit 12, the microphone 34, the position information storage unit 35, the first button unit 37, the second button unit 38, the abnormality detection sensor 39, the GPS receiver 40, etc.), and output predetermined information, etc. The second control unit 32, for example, accesses the position information storage unit 35, performs reading and writing, or controls the GPS receiver 40 to acquire position information, etc.

[0066] When the ACC is ON with the engine started, both the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 start and operate, and record, for example, the video data captured by the camera unit 12 and the audio data collected by the microphone 34. This recording may be a continuous recording that records constantly while the vehicle is in a drivable state such as when the engine is running, and when the event condition is met, record the video and audio for a certain period before and after the event as separate data. Both the data of the continuous recording and the separate data at the time of event occurrence are recorded on the memory card 23. Also, when continuous recording is not performed, the second control unit 32 temporarily records the video and audio for a certain period in a buffer memory or the like at all times, and when the event condition is met, uses the temporarily recorded data, etc. to record the video and audio for a certain period before and after the event on the memory card 23.

[0067] Also, while the vehicle is parked with the engine stopped (ACC off), it operates in the parking monitoring mode and records video data and the like captured by the camera unit 12 in accordance with the set operating conditions on the memory card 23. Recording in the parking monitoring mode includes, for example, continuous recording that always records images captured during a predetermined recording time (e.g., 30 minutes), and event recording that records video data continuously for a predetermined time when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection sensor 39. Event recording is performed, for example, when event conditions such as "detecting that a person or vehicle has approached", "detecting a shock of a certain level or more", "detecting a vehicle tilt of a certain level or more (e.g., jacking up)", and "detecting the opening of a vehicle door" are satisfied. The abnormality detection sensor 39 includes one or more sensors for performing those detections.

[0068] After the recording time of the continuous recording has elapsed, it is preferably configured to automatically switch to event recording and continue parking monitoring. Also, when a predetermined event condition is satisfied while continuous recording is being performed, it is preferable to record the video of a predetermined time before and after the occurrence of the event as event recording in a separate file.

[0069] When performing event recording, when there is no operation trigger during parking, the camera unit 12 stops operating. For example, when a moving object such as a person or a vehicle is detected within the detection area of an area sensor using microwaves, the camera unit 12 is activated, and during a predetermined camera standby time, the camera unit 12 is operated to perform shooting, and then the operation of the camera unit 12 is stopped. Then, if a predetermined event condition is satisfied during that camera standby time, the video captured at a predetermined time before and after the occurrence of the satisfied event is recorded on the memory card 23.

[0070] The activation of this parking monitoring mode may, for example, be started by an operation trigger after the vehicle engine is turned off (ACC OFF). The operation trigger may include "Manual" which shifts based on manual operation, "ACC OFF linked" which automatically shifts when ACC is turned off, etc. The switching between "Manual" and "ACC OFF linked", the switching of the recording method of the parking monitoring mode (such as "constant recording + event" and "event only"), various recordings, operation time, etc. may be performed by various mode setting operations, for example.

[0071] During operation in this parking monitoring mode, the first control unit 31 is in charge of control, the second control unit 32 is activated as needed and operates in cooperation with the first control unit 31, and then the second control unit 32 turns off. For example, since the second control unit 32 performs the function of acquiring the current position based on the GPS receiver 40, the second control unit 32 is activated when acquiring the current position, and the first control unit 31 acquires the position information from the second control unit 32. The second control unit 32 controls the operation of, for example, the abnormality detection sensor 39 etc. that is activated during the operation of the parking monitoring mode.

[0072] [Cancellation Area Setting for Parking Recording in the Cancellation Function] As described above, the drive recorder of this embodiment has a cancellation function of not performing the above-described parking recording when the parking position is within the registered cancellation area. In this embodiment, the registration of this cancellation area is performed by registering the parking position as a point. Then, a predetermined range (for example, 50 m) around the stored point is set as the cancellation area. Not performing the parking recording is an example of suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function.

[0073] The relevant location registration is performed when a predetermined operation means is operated while the vehicle is parked at the parking position to be registered and the drive recorder 2 is operating. In this embodiment, when the engine is stopped (ACC is OFF), based on the push operations of the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 performed within a certain time, it has a function of setting a cancellation area or deleting the set cancellation area. Taking an example, when the vehicle is parked at a location that is not the cancellation area and the engine is turned off, the first control unit 31 lights the LED 36, which is a power lamp, in red as shown in FIG. 5(a-1), and outputs a sound of "pipiro pipiro pipiro" from the sound output unit 33. If the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 are simultaneously pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after this sound is output, the second control unit 32 registers the parking position information that identifies the current position in the parking position storage area of the position information storage unit 35 according to the instruction from the first control unit 31. After the registration, the first control unit 31 blinks the LED 36 in orange and outputs a sound of "pipi·pipi……" from the speaker as shown in FIG. 5(a-2).

[0074] On the other hand, when the vehicle is parked at a location within the cancellation area and the engine is turned off, the first control unit 31 lights the LED 36, which is a power lamp, in orange as shown in FIG. 5(b-1), and outputs a sound of "pipi·pipi……" from the sound output unit 33. If the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 are simultaneously pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after this sound is output, the second control unit 32 releases the cancellation area of the current position according to the instruction from the first control unit 31. After the release, the first control unit 31 blinks the LED 36 in red and outputs a sound of "pipiro pipiro pipiro" from the speaker as shown in FIG. 5(b-2).

[0075] In this way, when the first control unit 31 detects that the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38 are simultaneously pressed while a predetermined time elapses after the ACC is turned off, the registration and cancellation of the cancellation area are alternately transitioned, and the predetermined time is also restarted. In this embodiment, with the decision of the first control unit 31, the second control unit 32 updates the stored content of the position information storage unit 35. Then, when there is no button operation during the predetermined time, the first control unit 31 determines in the last state. Therefore, for example, when it is acceptable to remain in the current state at the parking position (for example, the presence or absence of the setting of the cancellation area), the user can get out of the vehicle as it is and perform the operation as set. For example, when an incorrect operation is performed, by simultaneously pressing the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38, the user can set the desired state regarding the presence or absence of the cancellation area.

[0076] Conventionally, the registration and cancellation of this type of cancellation area are performed in the mode setting during the operation of the drive recorder. Therefore, for example, after turning off the engine within the cancellation area and then deciding to perform parking monitoring this time, it is necessary to turn on the engine once, turn on the drive recorder 2, delete the cancellation area in the mode setting, and then turn off the engine again, which can be very troublesome. Similarly, when the engine is turned off outside the cancellation area and the mode can be confirmed, and then it is desired to perform parking monitoring this time, it is necessary to turn on the engine again to drive the drive recorder and change the settings, which can be very complicated.

[0077] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the current setting (for example, inside / outside the cancellation area) can be switched by a button operation (for example, simultaneous pressing) after the engine is turned off, the registration and cancellation of the cancellation area can be performed easily and smoothly.

[0078] The drive recorder 2 of this embodiment does not include a display unit for displaying, for example, the video being shot by the camera unit 12 or a setting screen when performing various settings. Therefore, for example, it is not possible to display and indicate the current situation such as whether the current position is within the cancellation area. Thus, in this embodiment, depending on whether the current position is inside or outside the cancellation area, the light emission state (for example, the emission color) of the LED 36 is changed, and the output sound is also changed. As a result, the user can confirm the current setting status by, for example, checking the emission color of the LED 36 or listening to the content of the notified sound. Therefore, when the user parks and gets out of the vehicle, the user checks the color of the LED, determines whether it is the desired color, and if it is different, presses both button parts simultaneously to switch the setting.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, by simultaneously pressing the first button part 37 and the second button part 38, the registration and cancellation of the cancellation area are alternately performed. Therefore, for example, within the cancellation area, only the cancellation of the cancellation area, in this embodiment, only the deletion of the parking position information can be performed, and additional registration for the same position or a position within a distance r from the registered point cannot be performed. As a result, for example, a plurality of parking position information is not registered in the same parking lot, etc., and only one representative central point is registered, thereby reducing the memory capacity and enabling a large number of registrations of the cancellation area at different locations.

[0080] The registration point of the cancellation area uses the final positioning point sequentially updated from when the ACC is turned on until it is turned off. As a result, for example, even when parking in a place where a GPS signal cannot be received and positioning cannot be performed, such as an underground parking lot, it is possible to register using the final positioning point such as the entrance. Similarly, when determining whether it is the cancellation area, the second control unit 32 may access the final positioning position storage area according to an instruction from the first control unit 31 and make a determination based on the acquired position information.

[0081] By doing so, even when parking in a location where positioning is not possible, such as an underground parking lot, the final positioning position can be used to determine whether it is a cancellation area, and the operation of performing / not performing parking monitoring can be executed according to the wishes of the user who has set it in the drive recorder. For example, in the case of an underground parking lot, it may become impossible to perform positioning near the entrance of the parking lot. Therefore, the position information measured near the entrance is recorded and held in the final positioning position storage area. When setting the underground parking lot as a cancellation area, if the setting of the cancellation area is performed while the vehicle is parked in the underground parking lot, it is set based on the position information near the entrance of the parking lot stored in the final positioning position storage area at that time. Therefore, even if GPS positioning becomes impossible when parking in that underground parking lot at a later date, it can be correctly determined whether it is within the cancellation area based on the position information (for example, near the entrance of the parking lot) stored in the final positioning position storage area.

[0082] Also, for example, even if the engine is started in an underground parking lot and positioning is not possible, and the engine is stopped again and parked without moving to a positionable area such as outdoors from that state, since the position information of the entrance of the parking lot is stored as the final positioning position as the last recorded point, it is possible to determine whether it is a cancellation area and execute the operation of performing / not performing parking monitoring according to the wishes of the user who has set it in the drive recorder.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the registration points (parking position information) of the cancellation area can register a plurality (for example, 200) of them. Each parking position information registered in the position information storage unit 35 has a function of registering the number of times it has been referred to in subsequent use in association. That is, the number of times parked later is registered in association with the registered cancellation area. And when a new cancellation area is to be registered when the number of registered cancellation areas in the position information storage unit 35 reaches the maximum registrable value (for example, 200), among the cancellation areas with the fewest reference times, the oldest registered one is deleted and registered. In addition, if there are multiple with the same reference times and registration dates under this condition, the one with the smaller area number is deleted.

[0084] The cancellation of the cancellation area is performed by deleting the parking position information X1 that identifies the cancellation area from the position information storage unit 35 when the current position Y1 of the vehicle is within the cancellation area within a radius r centered on the predetermined parking position information X1, as shown in FIG. 6(a), for example. That is, when there is a center position (parking position information) of the area within a distance r from the current position Y1, the parking position information X1 is deleted.

[0085] Also, as described above, although additional registration within the cancellation area is not allowed, if it is outside the cancellation area, even if the current position is near the area, it is registered as a new cancellation area. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), there is an area where the cancellation areas based on the parking position information X2 and X3, which are the respective registration points, overlap. In such a case, when parked at any position in either of the two areas, control is performed so that it operates anywhere in the area of only one of the cancellation areas and in the overlapping common area, and parking monitoring is not performed.

[0086] And for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b) as described above, when the current position Y2 of the vehicle is within the cancellation areas within a radius r centered on different parking position information X2 and X3 respectively, and cancellation of the cancellation area is instructed while parked in the overlapping area of the plurality of cancellation areas, the parking position information X2 and X3 that identify the respective cancellation areas are deleted from the position information storage unit 35. That is, all cancellation areas whose center points of the cancellation areas are included within a radius r from the current position are deleted.

[0087] (Function such as temporarily performing parking monitoring and recording within the cancellation area) In this embodiment, even when parked within the cancellation area based on the set parking position information, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is provided with a function of temporarily performing parking monitoring without changing the setting of the cancellation area. The activation of this temporary parking monitoring mode may be executed based on the push operation of a predetermined button unit, which is an operation means performed within a predetermined period after the engine is turned off (ACCOFF), in the same manner as the setting / cancellation of the cancellation area.

[0088] For example, as described above, when the vehicle is parked at a location within the cancellation area and the engine is turned off, the LED 36, which is the power lamp, is lit orange, and a sound such as "Pippi·Pippi..." is output from the sound output unit 33 (see Fig. 5(b-1)). If only the first button unit 37 is operated within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) after this sound is output, the first control unit 31 activates the parking monitoring mode without canceling the cancellation area of the current position, and outputs a sound such as "Pipiro Pipiro Pipiro" from the sound output unit 33. By doing so, the cancellation area set at the parking position remains registered without being canceled. Therefore, when this parking monitoring is completed and parking is done again later, parking monitoring is not performed based on the set cancellation area. Thus, parking monitoring only for this time can be performed by a one-touch operation on the first button unit 37.

[0089] The cancellation area may be set, for example, at a parking lot within a company's premises, a place with another security such as a garage with a door and shutter at home, a place where you do not park for a long time and return immediately such as a convenience store, a place where you can visually recognize and monitor the parked vehicle from the staying place at a coffee shop, café or other facilities, a place where the risk of intrusion or theft from the outside is extremely low, a place where parking recording is meaningless, etc. Setting the cancellation area can suppress the wasteful use of the memory capacity of the memory card and the consumption of the battery.

[0090] On the other hand, even if the cancellation area is set, if a reason or circumstance for which recording is desired only this time occurs, it is necessary to park after canceling the setting of the cancellation area (deleting the parking position information) in advance. As described above, in this embodiment, since it can be canceled by simultaneously pressing the first button portion 37 and the second button portion 38 when getting out of the vehicle, although the complexity can be eliminated compared to performing function settings, mode settings, etc. during the operation of the drive recorder as in the conventional system, in order not to perform parking recording during subsequent parking, it is necessary to reset the cancellation area again during the next parking, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, if such a reset is not performed, parking will be recorded and meaningless recording processing will be performed.

[0091] In this embodiment, when it is desired to perform parking monitoring, the first button portion 37 is pressed to temporarily cancel the cancellation function, and a temporary monitoring area can be set to perform parking recording. Since the setting of the cancellation area remains unchanged without being canceled, when getting out of the vehicle during the next parking without any particular operation, it is ensured that parking recording will not be performed. In this way, equivalent operations can be performed without canceling and resetting the registration of the cancellation area, and moreover, there is no risk of forgetting to reset. Therefore, the driver, who is the user, can perform appropriate parking monitoring (including not performing it) according to the parking position even if getting out of the vehicle as it is or with a simple operation after turning off the engine.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a function for registering a temporary cancellation area where parking recording is not performed only this time is provided outside the cancellation area. The registration of this temporary cancellation area may be executed based on the push operation of a predetermined button portion, which is an operation means performed within a predetermined period after the engine is turned off (ACC off), similar to the setting / cancellation of the cancellation area.

[0093] For example, as described above, when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off at a location that is not a cancellation area, the LED 36, which is a power lamp, is lit in red, and a sound "Piroropiroropiro" is output from the sound output unit 33 (see Fig. 5(a-1)). Therefore, if only the second button unit 38 is pressed within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) after this sound is output, the first control unit 31 causes it to be registered as a temporary cancellation area without registering the parking position information for specifying the current position in the parking position storage area of the position information storage unit 35. After registration, a sound "Pipip... Pipip..." is output from the sound output unit 33, and the LED 36 blinks in orange. If the first button unit 37 is pressed again while this sound "Pipip... Pipip..." is being output, the first control unit 31 cancels the temporary cancellation area. When registered in the temporary cancellation area, parking monitoring is not performed during this parking, but since this parking position information is not registered in the position information storage unit 35, if parked at the same location next time, even if the engine is turned off and the user gets out of the vehicle as it is, parking recording will be performed.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, registration / cancellation of the cancellation area is performed by pressing the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38 simultaneously, and temporary ones (temporary parking monitoring / temporary cancellation area) are performed by pressing one of the first button unit 37 or the second button unit 38. In this way, by simply pressing the desired button within a predetermined time after the engine is stopped, various settings and specifications can be made, and the last button operation pressed becomes valid and there is no need for a confirmation button operation, etc. Therefore, after pressing the desired button unit, the user can get out of the vehicle as it is. Furthermore, the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38 are arranged in proximity. For example, even if there is a risk of an unintended operation such as accidentally pressing the wrong button unit or pressing both button units simultaneously when intending to press only one, in this embodiment, when there is a button operation, the standby time for content confirmation restarts. So, if a mistake is noticed from the emission color of the LED, the sound, etc., a correct button operation can be performed again within a predetermined time, and no separate cancellation operation is required.

[0095] In this way, the temporary parking monitoring mode is, for example, used when parking in a cancellation area where, for example, there are children playing around and there is a risk of mischief, or when it is highly likely to park for a relatively long time, etc., when the situation during parking is expected to be different from normal. Also, the registration of a temporary cancellation area is, for example, usually not set for the cancellation area, but when there are many people passing by around, for example, when it is predicted that people around will be detected and parking recording will be frequently performed. In such a case, if getting out of the vehicle as it is, there will be a lot of unnecessary recording that has little to do with it, so it is advisable to register a temporary cancellation area to suppress memory consumption and battery capacity reduction. Also, it is advisable not to perform parking recording only this time based on the state of the vehicle's battery and internal battery. Since these events are temporarily performed with this parking, at the next parking, the user such as the driver can get out of the vehicle without pressing a button, and the processing based on the normally registered cancellation area can be performed.

[0096] Also, the driver has issues such as not wanting to switch complicated settings when parking the vehicle and getting out, and even when temporarily parking in a place where parking recording is not usually required, wanting to ensure that parking recording is not performed without complicated operations afterwards. However, in this embodiment, such issues can be solved.

[0097] FIG. 7 shows the processing flow executed with the above-described ACC OFF with the engine turned off. This flowchart is for the case where "ACC OFF linked" which automatically shifts to parking monitoring with the OFF of ACC is set. Also, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 operates with the cooperation of the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32. The first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 may be collectively simply referred to as the "control unit".

[0098] When ACCOFF occurs, the control unit determines whether the current position is within the cancellation area and checks the ACC status (S1). The ACC status check is performed by the first control unit 31. When ACCON is activated, the power of the drive recorder 2 is turned on. Also, during parking after ACCOFF, the first control unit 31 mainly takes charge, and the actual determination of whether it is within the cancellation area is performed by the second control unit 32 that accesses the position information storage unit 35 to update the final positioning position.

[0099] Therefore, this determination process in S1 is carried out, for example, by the first control unit 31 sending an inquiry to the second control unit 32 about whether the current position is within the cancellation area, and the second control unit 32 notifying the first control unit 31 of the determination result. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, etc., when the first control unit 31 checks the ACC status and determines ACCOFF, it notifies the second control unit 32 that it is "ACCOFF". Then, when the second control unit 32 receives such an "ACCOFF" notification, it accesses the position information storage unit 35, acquires the stored final positioning position, and determines whether the acquired final positioning position is within the cancellation area. The determination of whether it is within the cancellation area can be made, for example, by respectively calculating the distances between the final positioning position and the center points (parking position information) of all the stored cancellation areas, and determining whether there is any within the radius r that specifies the cancellation area. It is advisable that all the parking position information for specifying the cancellation area stored in the position information storage unit 35 is read out and stored in advance by the second control unit 32 when ACCON at engine start, and then the stored information is compared with the final positioning position, so that the determination process can be carried out quickly.

[0100] When the current parking position is not within the cancellation area, that is, in the monitoring area, the process proceeds to processing step S2, and the control unit blinks the LED36 in red and outputs the sound "Piropiro" three times repeatedly from the sound output unit 33. This notification using the LED36 and / or the sound output unit 33 may be performed by the second control unit 32 that made the area determination, or may be performed by the first control unit 31 that received the determination result from the second control unit 32.

[0101] Next, after the control unit notifies the current situation (not the cancellation area), it waits for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) to elapse. During this waiting period, the first control unit 31 checks for switch operations on the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38, and the state of the ACC (S3). If the ACC is turned on during the waiting period, the power of the drive recorder 2 is activated. When the predetermined time elapses and times out, the control unit turns off the LED 36 (S15) and shifts to the parking monitoring mode (see Fig. 8(a)).

[0102] If the second button unit 38 (SW2) is pressed alone during the waiting in S3, the control unit sets it as a temporary cancellation area, blinks the LED in a predetermined color, and continuously outputs a sound such as "pipipi·pipipi..." from the sound output unit 33 (S5). This process may be performed by the first control unit 31, for example. When the second control unit controls the LED 36 and the sound output unit 33, the first control unit 31 notifies the second control unit 32 that the first button unit 37 has been pressed, and the second control unit 32 that has received the notification performs a predetermined process. Registration to the position information storage unit 35 is not performed because it is a temporary cancellation area.

[0103] After that, the process proceeds to processing step S6, and the first control unit 31 waits for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) to elapse. During this waiting period, the first control unit 31 checks for switch operations and the state of the ACC (S6). If the ACC is turned on, the drive recorder 2 is activated. If the first button unit 37 (SW1) is pressed alone, the control unit proceeds to processing step S7, sets it as a monitoring area, blinks the LED in a predetermined color, and outputs the sound "piropiro" three times from the sound output unit 33 (S7). Then, the process returns to processing step S3 and performs the above-described process. If the process is not performed and times out during the waiting in S6, the control unit turns off the LED 36 (S8) and shifts to the parking monitoring prohibited mode. When shifting to this parking monitoring prohibited mode, both the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 are turned off, and the power supply to the drive recorder 2 is stopped.

[0104] On the other hand, when the first button part 37 and the second button part 38 are simultaneously pressed (SW1 + SW2) while waiting in S3, the first control part 31 notifies the second control part that both such buttons have been pressed (see FIG. 9). Then, the second control part 32 that has received such notification registers the current position, that is, the final positioning position, as the parking position information in the cancellation area in the position information storage part 35. Then, the control part blinks the LED in a predetermined color and continuously outputs a sound such as "pipipi·pipipi..." from the sound output part 33 (S4). By executing this processing step S4, since the current position is registered in the cancellation area and the parking position is within the cancellation area, the process proceeds to processing step S10 and shifts to the processing system within the cancellation area.

[0105] Also, in S1, when it is determined that the current position is within the cancellation area, the control part blinks the LED in a predetermined color and continuously outputs a sound such as "pipipi·pipipi..." from the sound output part 33 (S9). Next, after notifying the current situation (being within the cancellation area) in S9, it waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) to elapse. Then, during that waiting period, the first control part 31 checks the switch operations for the first button part 37 and the second button part 38 and the state of the ACC (S10). When the ACC is turned on during the waiting period, the power of the drive recorder 2 is activated. When the predetermined time elapses and times out, the LED 36 is turned off (S8) and the parking monitoring prohibition mode is entered (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0106] When the first button part 37 (SW1) is pressed alone during the waiting in S10, a temporary monitoring area is set, the LED is blinked in red, and a sound such as "peepiro piro piro" is output from the sound output part 33 (S12). This processing may be performed by, for example, the first control part 31. When the second control part 32 controls the LED 36 and the sound output part 33, the first control part 31 notifies the second control part that the first button part 37 has been pressed, and the second control part 32 that has received such notification performs predetermined processing. Since it is a temporary monitoring area due to the temporary cancellation of the cancellation area, the cancellation process of the cancellation area corresponding to the current position registered in the position information storage part 35, that is, the deletion of the corresponding parking position information, is not performed.

[0107] After that, the process proceeds to process step S13, and the first control unit 31 waits for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) to elapse. During this waiting period, the first control unit 31 checks the switch operation and the state of the ACC (S13). When ACCON is activated, the drive recorder 2 is started. When the second button unit 38 (SW2) is pressed alone, the process proceeds to process step S25, where it is set in the monitoring cancellation area, the LED is blinked in red, and a sound "Piropiro" is output three times from the sound output unit 33 (S14). After that, the process returns to process step S10 and the above-described process is performed. If the process times out without any process being performed during the waiting in S13, the LED 36 is turned off (S15), and the process shifts to the parking monitoring mode.

[0108] On the other hand, when the first button unit 37 and the second button unit 38 are pressed simultaneously during the waiting in S10 (SW1 + SW2), the first control unit 31 notifies the second control unit 32 that both such buttons have been pressed (see FIG. 10). Upon receiving such notification, the second control unit 32 deletes the parking position information of the cancellation area corresponding to the current position from the position information storage unit 35 and cancels the cancellation area. Then, the control unit blinks the LED 36 in red and outputs a sound "Piropiro" three times from the sound output unit 33 (S11). By executing this process step S11, the cancellation area including the current position is cancelled, so that the parking position is outside the cancellation area. Therefore, the process proceeds to process step S3 and shifts to the process system outside the cancellation area, that is, the monitoring area.

[0109] Figure 11 shows an example of the processing flow executed in association with the above-described engine OFF / ACC OFF. This flowchart is for the case where "Manual", which is shifted based on a manual operation, is set. When Manual is set, parking monitoring is performed if the first button unit 37 is pushed within a predetermined time after ACC OFF, and parking monitoring is not performed if there is no push operation. Thus, the parking monitoring in the manual mode of this embodiment is performed when there is some action from the user, and parking monitoring is not performed when getting out of the vehicle without any operation.

[0110] In association with ACC OFF, the control unit causes the LED 36 to blink and emit light in a predetermined color, and continuously outputs a sound such as "Pippi · Pippi..." from the sound output unit 33 (S21). Next, after notifying the current situation (Manual), the control unit waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) to elapse. During this waiting period, the first control unit 31 checks for a switch operation on the first button unit 37 (SW1) and the state of ACC (S22). If ACC becomes ON during the waiting period, the power of the drive recorder 2 is activated. When the predetermined time elapses and times out, the LED 36 is turned off (S26), and the parking monitoring prohibition mode is entered. As a result, the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 are turned off, and the power supply to the drive recorder is cut off.

[0111] Also, if the first button unit 37 (SW1) is pushed alone during the waiting in S22, the control unit causes the LED 36 to blink in red and outputs the sound "Piroro" three times from the sound output unit 33 (S23). When the first button unit 37 is pushed in the state where Manual is set, parking monitoring is performed. Then, after that, the first control unit 31 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) to elapse. During this waiting period, the first control unit 31 checks for a switch operation and the state of ACC (S24). If the process times out without any operation during the waiting period, the parking monitoring mode specified by pushing the first button unit 37 is determined. Then, the LED 36 is turned off (S25), and the parking monitoring mode is entered.

[0112] On the other hand, when the second button unit 38 (SW2) is pressed alone during the standby in standby S24, it is an instruction to cancel the push operation of the first button unit 37, returns to S21, and the above-described respective processes are executed. When ACCON is turned on during standby, the drive recorder 2 is activated.

[0113] In each of the above-described embodiments, after shifting to the parking monitoring mode, the first control unit 31 is always turned on, controls a predetermined input device / output device, and controls the ON / OFF of the second control unit 32. When the second control unit 32 is turned on, shooting is started and recording is also performed. The first control unit 31 determines whether or not to perform recording. For example, when performing parking monitoring outside the cancel area and performing continuous recording, the first control unit 31 keeps the second control unit 32 turned on. On the other hand, in the case of event recording, the second control unit 32 is once turned off and turned on at the time of an event. If it is within the cancel area, the second control unit 32 is turned off. Also, when the second control unit 32 is turned on, it is preferable to record normal continuous recording or video with a reduced frame rate.

[0114] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 12 shows an example of a second embodiment of the system. The second embodiment is also an embodiment related to monitoring recording during parking. In the system of this embodiment, a drive recorder 51 is connected to a vehicle and other devices via a junction unit 52. The junction unit 52 corresponds to a connection control device. Other devices include, for example, a GPS antenna unit 53, a radar detector 54, a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) unit 55, and the like. The junction unit 52 includes a main body case having a predetermined shape such as a rectangle, and connectors for connecting to the above-mentioned respective devices are provided on the side surface of the main body case. The connectors include, for example, a first connector 61a for connecting the drive recorder 51, a second connector 61b for connecting the GPS antenna unit 53, a third connector 61c for connecting the radar detector 54, a fourth connector 61d for connecting the DMS unit 55, and the like. Further, the junction unit 52 includes a fifth connector 61e for connecting an OBD adapter cable 56 and a sixth connector 61f for power supply. The sixth connector 61f is alternatively attached with a connection cable 58 connected to a power supply device 57 or a power cable 59 connected to the vehicle battery. The connection cable 58 uses a four-core one, and the power cable 59 uses a three-core power cord. The radar detector 54 includes a control unit having a CPU and a memory, an interface connected to the junction unit 52, various sensors, and the like. Each part of the radar detector 54 is controlled by the control unit. The radar detector 54 has an alarm function of detecting a predetermined radar and issuing an alarm. The radar detector 54 may further have a function of detecting a predetermined laser beam and issuing an alarm. As will be described later, the radar detector 54 also functions as an information display terminal for displaying a screen related to the parking monitoring function. The radar detector 54 includes a touch panel in which a touch sensor is overlaid on a display as means for receiving an operation on the screen. The radar detector 54 turns off the screen during recording by the parking monitoring function. The radar detector 54 corresponds to the second device.

[0115] The power supply device 57 may be the same as the power supply device 3 in the above-described embodiment, for example. This power supply device 57 has a rechargeable internal battery, is connected to the vehicle battery using a cable (not shown), receives power supply from the vehicle battery when ACCON, charges the internal battery, and discharges the internal battery when ACCOFF to supply power to the junction unit 52 and thus to each device connected to the junction unit 52. Also, when in the ACCON state, the power supply device 57 supplies power to the junction unit 52 while charging the internal battery.

[0116] The junction unit 52 includes a power supply IC 62, a communication control unit 63, and a power supply control unit 64 in the main body case. The power supply IC 62 has a function of supplying power to each device connected to the junction unit 52 based on the power supplied from the power supply. The power supply IC 62 connects its input part to terminals such as the power line of the sixth connector 61f, and connects its output part to terminals such as the power lines of the first connector 61a to the fourth connector 61d, and the power supply voltage terminal parts of the communication control unit 63 and the power supply control unit 64, and supplies the input voltage supplied from the outside via the sixth connector 61f to a predetermined voltage value (for example, 5V) respectively. The power supply control unit 64 has a power supply control function of performing ON / OFF control of the power supply to each device connected to the junction unit 52. The communication control unit 63 has a communication control function. Part or all of the functions of the power supply IC 62, the communication control unit 63, and the power supply control unit 64 may be realized by the execution of a program. When realized by the execution of a program, in the junction unit 52, an arithmetic processing device (computer) such as a CPU reads the program and necessary data into a memory such as a RAM, and performs various arithmetic processes according to the program, so that each function of the junction unit 52 is realized.

[0117] Each device connected to the junction unit 52 exchanges information and data with each other via the communication control unit 63. For example, the drive recorder 51 acquires current position information from the GPS antenna unit 53. Also, for example, the drive recorder 51 may communicate with the radar detector 54 and utilize the display unit 65 with a touch panel of the radar detector 54.

[0118] The drive recorder 51 includes a front camera unit 66 attached to, for example, the front glass of the vehicle to capture, for example, the front of the vehicle, a rear camera unit 67 attached to, for example, the rear glass of the vehicle to capture, for example, the rear of the vehicle, a connection cable 68 connecting the front camera unit 66 and the rear camera unit 67, a power cable 69 connecting the front camera unit 66 and the junction unit 52, etc.

[0119] This drive recorder 51 receives power supply from a predetermined power source via the junction unit 52 and the power cable 69 to the front camera unit 66, and the rear camera unit 67 receives power supply via the front camera unit 66 through the connection cable 68. Then, the drive recorder �1 starts up when the ACC is turned on and records the video captured by the front camera unit 66 and the rear camera unit 67 according to the set operating conditions. The set operating conditions include, for example, a continuous recording mode in which recording is performed constantly when the ACC is on, an event recording mode in which recording is not performed constantly but recording is performed when a predetermined event occurs, and combinations thereof. Also, even if the drive recorder is set to the continuous recording mode or the like, there may be cases where recording is manually stopped during the running of the vehicle. Therefore, when the engine is stopped and the ACC changes from ON to OFF, a recording state and a non-recording state occur.

[0120] Also, although the front camera unit 66 omits the illustration of its specific internal configuration, etc., it has a configuration substantially the same as the block diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above. For example, it records the final positioning position information in the position information storage unit, registers the cancellation area, does not perform parking monitoring when the parking position is in the cancellation area, temporarily performs parking monitoring even within the cancellation area, or does not temporarily perform parking recording even when the parking position is outside the cancellation area. It has various functions related to parking monitoring, etc. The drive recorder 51 corresponds to the first device.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a parking recording start flow that starts when ACC, which is one of the functions of the drive recorder in this embodiment, changes from ON to OFF. The control unit mounted on the drive recorder 51, for example, the front camera unit 66, checks whether it is recording when ACC becomes OFF (S31). If it is not recording (No in S31), the control unit does not shift to the parking monitoring mode and turns off the power of the drive recorder 51 and the radar detector 54 (S32). For the power-off process of the radar detector 54, for example, the control unit may send an instruction to turn off the power to the radar detector 54, and the control unit of the radar detector 54 that has received the instruction may perform a shutdown process to turn off the power. Thus, in this embodiment, when the engine is turned off (ACC OFF) and it is not constantly recording, parking monitoring is not performed.

[0122] On the other hand, when the engine is turned off (ACC OFF) and it is constantly recording (Yes in S31), the control unit checks whether the parking monitoring mode is set (S33). If the current setting is "do not perform parking monitoring recording" (No in S33), the control unit does not shift to the parking monitoring mode and turns off the power of the drive recorder 51 and the radar detector 54 (S34).

[0123] Also, when the setting is "perform parking monitoring recording" (Yes in S33), the control unit accesses the position information storage unit 35 of the front camera unit 66 and checks whether there is a final positioning position (S35).

[0124] When there is no final positioning position in the position information storage unit (NO in S35), parking monitoring is started (S36). A state where the final positioning position is not recorded is, for example, a state where GPS has not been positioned even once since the system started, or a state where a vehicle is parked in a place where GPS cannot be positioned, such as an underground parking lot, and a drive recorder is newly installed and powered on for the first time, and then ACC is turned off without performing positioning. In such a case, since it is unknown whether it is a cancellation area or not, parking monitoring is performed. Along with the start of this parking monitoring, the power of the radar detector 54 is turned off, and the power of the drive recorder 51 is continuously kept on (S37).

[0125] Also, when there is a final positioning position (Yes in S35), the control unit determines whether the current position (final positioning position) is within the cancellation area (S38). This determination is the same as in the above-described embodiment. When GPS has not been positioned even once since the drive recorder was started and no final positioning position is recorded in the position information storage unit of the drive recorder 51 and thus the front camera unit 66, if there is a final positioning position stored in the non-volatile memory of the radar detector 54, it may be used. In this way, even when no final positioning position is recorded in the drive recorder 51, it is possible to determine whether it is within the cancellation area based on the final positioning position held by the radar detector 54. When using the final positioning position stored and held on the radar detector 54 side, when the control unit of the front camera unit 66 accesses its own position information storage unit and no final positioning position is recorded, it may inquire the radar detector 54 for the final positioning position information via the communication control unit 63 of the junction unit 52 and obtain it based on the response from the radar detector 54.

[0126] And when the final positioning position is not within the cancellation area and is outside the cancellation area (NO in S38), the control unit sets and starts a timer for 10 seconds, and displays a "parking monitoring screen" on the display unit 65 of the radar detector 54, and waits in the parking monitoring mode (S39).

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 15(a), this parking monitoring screen displays a title item 71a of "parking monitoring" at the left end of the upper area and a camera mark 71b at the right end. Thereby, the user can easily understand that the current parking monitoring mode is selected from the characters and the image. FIG. 15(a) shows an example of the screen displayed on the actual display unit 65.

[0128] Also, a battery voltage display unit 71c is arranged at the center of the upper area of the parking monitoring screen. This battery voltage display unit 71c is an area for displaying the battery voltage which is the voltage value of the vehicle's battery. When the power cable 59 is connected to the sixth connector 61f and directly receives power supply from the vehicle's battery to the junction unit 52, the battery voltage is acquired and displayed. And when the power supply device 57 is connected, the battery voltage is not displayed. When the battery voltage is not displayed, a message "within the cancellation area" is displayed as information instead of the voltage value, so that the screen area of the display unit can be effectively utilized. Whether the power supply device 57 or the vehicle's battery is connected can be determined, for example, since the power supply device 57 has a communication function, it may be determined by whether communication is possible, for example, but it can be easily determined by, for example, the voltage value of the input voltage supplied from the outside to the sixth connector 61f.

[0129] The power control unit 64 has a wiring that is directly connected to the sixth connector 61f, separate from the power line that receives the supply of the power voltage from the power supply IC 62. The power control unit 64 has a function of detecting the voltage value of the input voltage supplied from the outside via the sixth connector 61f through that wiring. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle battery is directly connected to the sixth connector 61f, the power control unit 64 detects the voltage value of the input voltage to detect the vehicle battery voltage by that function. The battery voltage display unit 71c may display the voltage value obtained by that detection function. On the other hand, for example, when the power supply device 57 is connected to the sixth connector 61f, the voltage value detected by that function is the input voltage from the power supply device 57, that is, the voltage value of the internal battery of the power supply device 57, and the vehicle battery voltage cannot be directly detected. Therefore, since it is meaningless to display the detected voltage value as the vehicle battery voltage, when the power supply device 57 is connected, the battery voltage display unit 71c is made non-displayed.

[0130] When connected to the vehicle battery, since the battery voltage value is displayed, the user can check the charging state of the battery and make judgments such as whether it is okay to perform parking monitoring during this parking, and can appropriately set whether to perform parking monitoring. The battery voltage display unit 71c serves as an indicator for stopping parking monitoring when the vehicle battery is getting weak and as an indicator for the user to make a judgment.

[0131] Also, the drive recorder 51 and the front camera unit 66 preferably have a function of not starting when the battery voltage becomes lower than a threshold value during parking monitoring, and the threshold value for not starting may be made changeable by setting. Since the vehicle battery voltage may be constantly low / high depending on the vehicle and a threshold value cannot be determined uniformly, it is necessary to set it appropriately, and by checking the battery voltage normally displayed on the battery voltage display unit 71c, such a threshold value can be set appropriately.

[0132] Also, by changing the display mode with the power supply connected to the sixth connector 61f, it is possible to determine whether it is connected to the vehicle battery or the power supply device 57 by observing the display mode of the area of the battery voltage display unit 71c.

[0133] Furthermore, in the upper area of the parking monitoring screen, a remaining time indicator 71d is arranged on the upper side. This remaining time indicator 71d displays the remaining time of a timer set to 10 seconds and started. As time passes, the bar becomes shorter and reaches the right end when 10 seconds have elapsed. Users such as drivers can know the remaining time until mode confirmation by observing this remaining time indicator 71d.

[0134] Furthermore, in the parking monitoring screen, a wide area below the remaining time indicator 71d is divided into two parts left and right. The left side is provided with a cancel area setting button area 71e which is the first area, and the right side is provided with a temporary cancel button area 71f which is the second area. In each button area, an image representing the content and large characters are displayed so that the content assigned to each button area can be intuitively understood. By providing each button area in many areas of the display unit 65, the occurrence of mis-touch such as pressing the wrong button or accidentally pressing them simultaneously is suppressed.

[0135] As described above, the control unit displays the parking monitoring screen, changes the display of the bar of the remaining time indicator 71d as time passes, and starts parking monitoring when a timeout occurs after 10 seconds have elapsed (S40). With the start of this parking monitoring, the power supply of the radar detector 54 is turned off, and the power supply of the drive recorder 51 is continuously kept on (S41).

[0136] When the right temporary cancel button area 71f is touched while the "Parking Monitoring Screen" is being displayed, the control unit does not shift to the parking monitoring mode as a one-time parking monitoring cancellation only this time, but turns off the power of the drive recorder 51 and the radar detector 54 (S42). At this time, since the cancellation area is not registered based on the current position, for example, when parking at the same location next time, the control unit displays the parking monitoring screen and waits in the parking monitoring mode. In the above-described embodiment, the timer was restarted with a button operation, but in this embodiment, a decision is made immediately without waiting for 10 seconds. This is because both button parts are displayed side by side and large on the display unit, so there is no chance of pressing the wrong button, and the state is immediately shifted so that the user can get out of the vehicle immediately.

[0137] Also, when the cancellation area setting button area 71e is touched while the parking monitoring screen is being displayed in S39 and waiting until timeout, the radar detector 54 notifies the drive recorder to that effect, and the control unit of the front camera unit 66 sets and registers the current position as the cancellation area according to such notification. Thereafter, the control unit displays a "Power OFF Screen" on the display unit 65 of the radar detector 54 and restarts the 10-second waiting time (S43).

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 14(b), 15(b), etc., the power OFF screen displays a title item 72a of "Power OFF" at the left end of the upper area thereof and a mark 72b imitating a power button at the right end. Also, a layout is adopted in which a character 72c of "Inside the Cancellation Area" is displayed in the center of the upper area of the power OFF screen. Thereby, the user can easily understand from the character and the image that they are currently inside the cancellation area. FIG. 15(b) shows an example of the screen displayed on the actual display unit 65. Further, a remaining time indicator 72d is arranged in the upper area of the power OFF screen. This remaining time indicator 72d displays the remaining time of the timer set to 10 seconds and started, and the bar becomes shorter as time elapses, and reaches the right end when 10 seconds have elapsed. A user such as a driver can know the remaining time until the mode is determined by looking at this remaining time indicator 72d.

[0139] Furthermore, on the power-off screen, a wide area below the remaining time indicator 72d is divided into two parts left and right. The left side is provided with a cancel area release button area 72e which is the first area, and the right side is provided with a temporary parking monitoring button part 72f which is the second area. In each button area, an image representing the content is displayed, and the characters are displayed large so that the content assigned to each button area can be intuitively understood. By providing each button area in many areas of the display unit 65, the occurrence of mis-touch such as mis-pressing or accidentally pressing simultaneously is suppressed.

[0140] As described above, the control unit displays the power-off screen, changes the display of the bar of the remaining time indicator 72d as time passes, and when 10 seconds have passed and it times out, parking monitoring is not performed because it is within the cancel area. Along with the stop of this parking monitoring, the power of the radar detector 54 and the drive recorder 51 is turned off (S44).

[0141] When the temporary parking monitoring button part 72f on the right side is pressed during the display of the "power-off screen", it becomes a mode to perform parking monitoring only this time, and parking monitoring starts (S45). Along with the start of this parking monitoring, the power of the radar detector 54 is turned off, and the power of the drive recorder 51 continues to be on (S46). In this example as well, a decision is made immediately without waiting for 10 seconds. Since there is no mis-pressing of the button, by immediately shifting the state, it is possible to get out of the vehicle immediately.

[0142] On the other hand, when the cancel area release button area 72e on the left side of the "power-off screen" is pressed, the cancel area corresponding to the current position is released, the "parking monitoring screen" is displayed, and the 10-second waiting time is restarted.

[0143] Also, when the current position is in the cancel area, it becomes Yes in S38, and the "power-off screen" is displayed (S43). Then, the same processing as above is performed hereafter.

[0144] As described above, also in this embodiment, for "setting the cancellation area" and "canceling the cancellation area", the setting is updated by pressing a button, and the screen is alternately switched (restart in 10 seconds).

[0145] As described above, in this embodiment, a function of displaying the battery voltage is provided on the "parking monitoring screen". As a result, the user can look at the battery voltage, temporarily cancel if the battery seems to be rising, weigh both the battery voltage and the situation during parking, make a comprehensive judgment, and take an appropriate usage mode. On the other hand, on the power-off screen, the battery voltage is not displayed. Since there is little need to notify the battery voltage because parking is not monitored in the cancellation area, by notifying that it is the "cancellation area" using the area for displaying the battery voltage display unit 71c, the user is made aware that this parking position is registered in the cancellation area and parking monitoring will not be performed as it is, and an opportunity is provided to cancel the cancellation area or temporarily perform parking monitoring as needed.

[0146] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14 to 16, etc., an operation screen is displayed on the display unit 65 of the radar detector 54 to facilitate the setting of cancellation / temporary cancellation and the registration / cancellation of the cancellation area. In the case of a single device equipped with a button unit on the main body case of the drive recorder like the drive recorder 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, etc., it is difficult to use it as an input unit for screen touch because it does not have a display unit or has a small one even if it does. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since a device different from the drive recorder is used, if a device with a large display unit is used or a device installed at a position close to the driver such as a dashboard is used, the display content is easy to see and a wide area can be secured as the area of the button unit, so the operability is good.

[0147] Basically, get off as it is. That is, for example, look at the screen of the radar detector, check if it is as expected, and if it is okay, get off directly, and it will activate, for example, after 10 seconds. Also, when giving a predetermined instruction, it can be done with a single touch on the screen. Registration / deletion of the cancellation area can also be done with a single touch. Since the current situation (cancellation area set / not set) can be known, it can be determined whether the current setting status is correct, and subsequent correct operation (getting off without operating) can be carried out. Usually, it is done by activating the mode setting screen, but it can be easily done with a single touch.

[0148] [Function of the Power Control Unit] The power control unit 64 controls the ON / OFF of the power supply to the connected devices and the junction unit 52. FIG. 17 shows the power control state transition for the radar detector (RD). The power supply device 57 is denoted as "OP power supply", and the radar detector is denoted as RD. Also, T1 is a power-off guard timer, which is a guard value when the power supply device 57 does not turn off. For example, it can be set to about 15 seconds. T2 is an end waiting timer for the radar detector, and it can be set to about 10 seconds, for example.

[0149] The power control unit 64 turns on the power of the radar detector with ACCON. Then, after ACC OFF, it refers to the power state of the power supply device. If the OP power supply is ON, it waits until the OP power supply turns OFF. If the OP power supply is OFF, it waits for the RD power-off permission, and when the permission is obtained, it transitions to the power-off state. The RD power-off permission is determined based on the power state of the drive recorder (DVR). It waits for the waiting time (with a 10-second extension) for the cancellation / temporary cancellation of parking monitoring and the setting / cancellation operation of the cancellation area, and then turns it off when it is finished. In order to display each screen on the display unit 65 of the radar detector 54, the power supply to the radar detector 54 is continued so as not to turn it off.

[0150] Figure 18 shows the power control state transition for a drive recorder (DVR). In the figure, T1 is a parking recording determination inquiry response reception timer, which may be set to about 500 [ms], for example. T2 is a parking recording determination result waiting timer, which is the time for inquiring whether to perform parking monitoring on RD. It may be set to about 15 seconds, for example. T3 is a parking recording timer, and there is a set value stored in the DATA FLASH within the junction unit 52. This set value may be modifiable in the setting menu of the radar detector, for example.

[0151] This power control state diagram is for controlling the drive recorder that executes the flowchart shown in Figure 13. When ACC is OFF and parking monitoring is OFF, the power is immediately turned off. When it is in the determination process, the power-on is continued.

[0152] In the figure, in the "During parking recording cancellation determination" block, the parking monitoring screen / power-off screen is displayed on the display unit of the radar detector, and it is in a state of waiting for an instruction from the radar detector. Then, when the instruction and response from the radar detector indicate not to perform parking recording, the power is turned off at an appropriate timing.

[0153] Taking a specific example, when ACC is ON, the DVR power is turned on. When ACC is OFF and the parking recording setting is OFF, the DVR power is turned off. On the other hand, when ACC is OFF and the parking recording setting is ON, the radar detector is inquired whether to cancel the parking recording. According to the result of the parking recording inquiry from the radar detector, if parking recording is to be performed, the drive recorder (DVR) is instructed to perform parking recording. If parking recording is not to be performed, the DVR power is turned off.

[0154] In the "Parking Recording Judgment and Transmission" block, when communication is not possible, T1 is set and a retry is attempted. If communication still fails and a timeout occurs, the recording starts and the power supply is continued. Also, in the "Waiting for Parking Recording Judgment Result" block, every time the cancel area setting button area 71e or the cancel area release button area 72e on the left side of the screen of the display unit 65 is touched, a 10-second extension instruction (Timer Extend) is sent from the radar detector, and T2 (parking recording judgment result waiting timer) is set and restarted.

[0155] Furthermore, when parking recording is performed, as shown in the "During Parking Recording" block, when the parking recording time ends or the voltage drops, the DVR power supply is turned off. Also, when a function is provided to change the frame rate during parking recording, for example, it is advisable to be able to select a 1fps setting and a normal setting (e.g., 30fps). By setting the parking recording to be slower than the normal setting, such as 1fps, the power consumption of the battery can be suppressed, enabling long-time recording. And when such a function is provided, it is advisable to send the start and stop of parking recording to the DVR only in the case of the 1fps setting. During parking recording, a status notification is requested from the DVR regularly (e.g., every 3 seconds). If an abnormality (such as recording stop or no SD card) is detected, the power supply is turned off. Furthermore, although the power supply is continuously provided during recording, when the set time (T3: maximum 9 hours) has elapsed, the power supply is turned off.

[0156] In this embodiment, since the radar detector 54 and the junction unit 52 are separate units, such power control is required. The junction unit 52 determines and controls what to do with the power supply while communicating with the radar detector.

[0157] Figure 19 shows the power control state transition for the junction unit (JCT) 52. In the figure, the control for itself is to turn itself off when the power supplies of all connected devices are turned off.

[0158] For example, when ACC is ON, the power supply turns on and self - holds. This power supply self - holding is achieved, for example, by connecting ACC to one of the inputs of a 2 - input OR gate and feeding its own output to the other input. Thus, when JCT turns ON with the ON of ACC, it continues to be ON even after ACC turns OFF. During ACCOFF, after confirming that all other power supplies are OFF, turn off the JCT power supply to release the power supply self - holding. Also, if ACC is input again while the power supply voltage is dropping after releasing the self - holding, restart the MPU of JCT.

[0159] Figures 20 and 21 show an example of a setting screen or the like for setting the system. This setting screen or the like is displayed on the display unit 65 of the radar detector 54 while the junction unit 52 communicates with it, and based on the touched position on the screen, the junction unit 52 performs processes such as instructing screen switching or updating the setting content for the corresponding device. Figure 20(a) shows an example of a "menu screen for external device settings" that is transitioned and displayed with the touch of the screen from the top screen of the settings (not shown). This menu screen arranges a title display section 80a at the upper end, arranges a predetermined number of multiple setting item display areas 80b vertically using many areas below the title display section 80a, arranges cursor buttons 80c at the upper and lower ends on the right side, arranges a page display section 80d in the center on the right side, and arranges a return button 80e and a top button 80f below the left end. The title display section 80a displays "External Device Settings" indicating that it is an external device setting screen.

[0160] When the return button 80e is touched, the control unit of the junction unit performs a process of returning the screen display to the previous screen. When the top button 80f is touched, the control unit switches to the display of the top screen, for example, the standby screen.

[0161] The setting item display area 80b is formed horizontally long, and the title of the setting item is displayed on the left - hand side. Also, as shown in Figures 20(c) to (e) for example, the current setting content is displayed on the right - hand side of the setting item display area 80b.

[0162] The page display section 80d indicates the number of pages that the screen is composed of. In this embodiment, the setting item display area 80b displays four items per page. When there are five or more items on the setting screen, they are split and displayed on multiple pages. The page display section 80d displays the total number of pages and the page number of the currently displayed screen. For example, in the example of FIG. 20(a), since there are four items of the external device to be set, it is composed of one page, so the page display section 80d displays "1 / 1". Also, for example, in the example of FIG. 20(c), the setting screen of the drive recorder has a total of three pages and this is the first page, so the page display section 80d displays "1 / 3". The cursor button 80c is a button for switching to each screen when the setting screen is composed of multiple screens as described above. For example, since FIG. 20(c) shows the screen of the first page, when the downward cursor button 80c is touched, the screen of the second page is displayed as shown in FIG. 20(d).

[0163] When performing parking monitoring settings for the drive recorder, on the menu screen shown in FIG. 20(a), touch the uppermost setting item display area 80b (DR). When the control unit detects such a touch, it switches to the display of the drive recorder setting screen shown in FIG. 20(c). Also, if recording is currently in progress, it is "paused for setting". At this time, before switching the screen from FIG. 20(a) to FIG. 20(c), a notification screen for notifying "recording paused" is displayed as shown in FIG. 20(b). Then, when the recording stops, the current set value is acquired from the drive recorder 51, and the first page of the drive recorder setting screen is displayed (see FIG. 20(c)).

[0164] This drive recorder setting screen displays "DR Settings" in the title display section 80a so that it can be understood that it is a function setting of the drive recorder. Also, in each setting item display area 80b, the title of the setting item is displayed on the left end side, and the currently acquired setting content is displayed on the right end side. By touching the cursor button 80c, it mutually transitions among FIGS. 20(c), (d), and (e). Then, when it is detected that the setting item display area 80b of the fourth "Parking Monitoring" on the second page of the setting screen shown in FIG. 20(d) is touched, the control unit of the junction unit 52 displays the parking monitoring setting screen shown in FIG. 20(f).

[0165] The initial value of "Parking Monitoring Recording" in the uppermost setting item display area 80b may be, for example, OFF. There are users who purchase this type of system and use it with the initial value as it is. If the initial value is set to ON for parking monitoring, there is a risk that the vehicle's battery or the internal battery of the power supply device will be unexpectedly consumed. Furthermore, if one does not notice that parking monitoring is being performed, it will consume the memory capacity uselessly. Therefore, by setting the initial value to OFF and allowing users who want to perform parking monitoring to change the setting according to their own will and operation, subsequent parking monitoring can be performed in an appropriate state, and battery management and utilization of the parked video can also be appropriately performed. FIG. 20(f) shows an example where it is selected to use parking monitoring recording according to the setting (displaying "ON" at the right end of the setting item display area 80b).

[0166] When parking surveillance recording is OFF, the following three items cannot be selected, and pressing them will not cause a screen switch. Further, when changing the parking surveillance time (an example where 9 hours is set in Fig. 20(f)), which is one of the setting items on the parking surveillance setting screen, the user touches the second setting item display area 80b from the top. When detecting such a touch, the control unit displays the first page of the parking surveillance time setting screen shown in Fig. 20(g). Upon receiving a touch on the cursor button 80c, the control unit switches the screen between Fig. 20(g) and Fig. 20(h), and sets the time assigned to the touched selection item display area as the parking surveillance time. When the set parking surveillance time elapses, the parking recording is stopped and the power-off process is performed.

[0167] Also, when changing the parking surveillance end voltage (an example where 12.2V is set in Fig. 20(f)), which is one of the setting items on the parking surveillance setting screen, the user touches the third setting item display area 80b from the top. When detecting such a touch, the control unit displays the first page of the parking surveillance end voltage setting screen shown in Fig. 20(i). Upon receiving a touch on the cursor button 80c, the control unit switches the screen between Fig. 20(i) and Fig. 20(j), and sets the voltage assigned to the touched selection item display area as the parking surveillance end voltage. When the external battery voltage, for example, the input voltage to the junction unit 52, becomes equal to or lower than the set parking surveillance end voltage, the junction unit 52 stops the parking recording and performs the power-off process. Note that in order to prevent the vehicle battery from discharging, it is advisable to assign a high value as the voltage of the selection item so that the end voltage can be set high.

[0168] Note that the item of "parking surveillance end voltage" becomes invalid only when a predetermined power supply device is connected to the sixth connector 61f of the junction unit 52. This is because the predetermined power supply device is not designed to end when the parking surveillance time elapses or when the battery remaining amount runs out, and to set the battery voltage to end the recording.

[0169] Figure 21(a) shows an example of a system settings screen displayed on the display unit 65. This system screen is equipped with a function to erase the cancellation area. When it is detected that the second setting item display area 80b from the top, which is displayed as the parking monitoring cancellation area, is touched, the control unit switches the display on the display unit 65 to the confirmation screen shown in Figure 21(b). When the "Yes" button 80g is touched on this confirmation screen, the specific information (center position) of all the cancellation areas registered in the position information storage unit 35 is deleted. When the "Back" button 80h is touched, the screen switches to the screen of the upper layer, for example, the screen in Figure 21(a). Thus, in this embodiment, based on a screen touch at the parking position, the registration / cancellation of the cancellation area including the current position can be performed, and it can also be performed according to the settings, so it is good if the registration / cancellation can be done in an appropriate way.

[0170] And when actually performing parking monitoring, parking monitoring is performed according to the content set on this settings screen. When temporarily canceling parking monitoring inside or outside the cancellation area, it will turn off without even looking at this setting in the first place.

[0171] Figures 21(c) and (d) show an example of version information displayed on the display unit in accordance with a predetermined screen operation. The version of the junction unit 52 is displayed on the right side of the item "Junction" at the bottom of the screen. In the display of this version information, if there is an "M" at the end of the junction version, it indicates that a predetermined power supply device is connected to the junction unit. Thereby, for example, even when the power supply device is in a position that is difficult to see from the driver's seat or the like and it is not possible to immediately confirm whether it is connected to the vehicle battery or the power supply device, it can be easily understood by checking this version information.

[0172] [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, an embodiment in which event recording is performed according to the state of the driver of a vehicle will be described. This event recording is provided to enhance the importance of the recorded data. Among the recorded data of a drive recorder, there is a problem that it is difficult to know where the recorded data during driving in a state where an accident is likely to occur (so-called near misses) is recorded. Since the current drive recorder is specialized for recording at the time of an accident, when there is a large impact such that the G-sensor exceeds the threshold value, it is saved with enhanced importance as event recording. However, when in a state where an accident is likely to occur (near miss), if the user does not perform an operation to instruct event button recording, the image at the time of the near miss may be buried in the images of normal recording and may be difficult to understand later. Therefore, it has become troublesome to review near miss driving in video. Thus, the inventor considered that new value could be added if, during near miss driving, it is saved separately with a higher priority than normal recording.

[0173] The configuration of the system of this embodiment is based on the configuration of the system of the second embodiment described above, and the differences will be mainly described below. The vehicle is a general four-wheeled passenger car, a medium-sized or larger passenger automobile such as a bus, a freight automobile such as a truck, or the like.

[0174] The DMS unit 55 includes a control unit having a CPU and a memory, an image processing unit that performs image recognition and the like, an operation unit that receives user operations, a camera, an interface for connecting to the junction unit 52, and the like. Each part of the DMS unit 55 is controlled by the control unit. The DMS unit 55 captures an image of the driver (mainly the face), recognizes the captured image, and determines the driver's state. For the image recognition algorithm, for example, a known image recognition algorithm may be adopted. The DMS unit 55 detects, for example, the orientation of the user's face, the direction of the line of sight, and the opening and closing of the eyelids, and determines the driver's state. The driver's state is a state determined in advance as the driver's state. In this embodiment, it is a state in which the driver is dozing or driving while distracted. The state in which the driver is dozing or driving while distracted includes not only the case where the driver is actually in such a state, but also the case where the DMS unit 55 determines that there is a possibility of such a state. Such a driver's state is a state that may induce risks such as accidents.

[0175] When the DMS unit 55 determines that the driver is in a state of dozing or driving while distracted, it generates a predetermined event (hereinafter referred to as "DMS event") and notifies the junction unit 52. The DMS event may be a signal that can recognize the type of the driver's state (such as dozing or driving while distracted). It is desirable that the DMS unit 55 be mounted above the front glass higher than the user's line of sight using a predetermined mounting member, but it may also be mounted on the rearview mirror, dashboard, or other locations. The junction unit 52 (communication control unit 63) outputs a DMS event signal indicating the occurrence of the DMS event to the radar detector 54. When receiving the DMS event signal, the radar detector 54 outputs a DMS event recording signal for instructing the execution of event recording (hereinafter referred to as "DMS event recording") to the drive recorder 51.

[0176] The drive recorder 51 performs DMS event recording triggered by receiving a DMS event recording signal (i.e., the driver is dozing or glancing away while driving). DMS event recording is a process of storing image data captured during a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds before and after) before and after receiving the DMS event recording signal (i.e., before and after the DMS event occurs). When the DMS event recording is completed, the radar detector 54 determines the driver's state again. If it determines that the driver is in a dozing or glancing-away driving state, it outputs the DMS event recording signal to the drive recorder 51; otherwise, it does not output it.

[0177] The drive recorder 51 performs continuous recording during vehicle driving using, for example, a first storage area, and performs DMS event recording using a second storage area. Continuous recording is performed by overwriting image data in the first storage area. That is, continuous recording is performed by overwriting old image data with new image data in order when the entire first storage area is written with image data. Therefore, the old image data of continuous recording may disappear due to overwriting. The video recorded by DMS event recording will not disappear due to overwriting by other image data. For this reason, overwriting recording is not adopted in DMS event recording. The first storage area and the second storage area are ensured, for example, by logically dividing storage areas in the same storage medium (e.g., the memory card described above). In this case, the drive recorder 51 can prevent overwriting of this image data by storing the image data at the time of a near miss in a folder different from the folder where the image data of continuous recording is stored by DMS event recording.

[0178] However, the first storage area may be ensured in the first storage medium, and the second storage area may be ensured in the second storage area. In this case, the first storage area and the second storage area are physically divided.

[0179] The image data of event recording (so-called manual recording) performed in response to an operation instructing the user's event button recording may be stored, for example, in the second storage area. When multiple events occur, the one that entered the event state first is prioritized. In the present embodiment, when performing DMS event recording during manual recording, the drive recorder 51 stores the image data at the moment of a near miss by the ongoing manual recording.

[0180] In addition, the radar detector 54 issues an alarm triggered by the reception of a DMS event signal. The radar detector 54 issues an alarm simultaneously with the DMS event recording by the drive recorder 51. The alarm may be, for example, an audible alarm, including a message for warning the driver such as "Beep. Please pay attention." in the case of distracted driving and "Danger. Danger." in the case of drowsy driving. The alarm may be, for example, a visual alarm on the screen, performed by the screen display in Fig. 22(a) in the case of distracted driving and by the screen display in Fig. 22(b) in the case of drowsy driving. The display of "02 / 32" in Figs. 22(a) and (b) indicates that 32 files of event recording are possible, while currently 2 files of event recording are being performed. Also, the alarm may be issued by the light emission of a light emitting part (for example, an LED) provided in the radar detector 54. In this case, the radar detector 54 may change the light emission state depending on whether it is distracted driving or drowsy driving. The radar detector 54 may change the audible and visual alarms depending on at least one of the time with the eyes closed and the number of warnings in the case of drowsy driving. The radar detector 54 stops the alarm when the driver faces forward and stops the drowsy driving alarm when the eyes are opened.

[0181] DMS event recording may be performed only when the alarm from the radar detector 54 continues for a certain period of time. The radar detector 54 may start the alarm, and when the alarm continues for a certain period of time while warning, output a DMS event recording signal to the drive recorder 51. In this case, the DMS event recording starts after the alarm starts and a certain period of time has elapsed. This is based on the idea that when drowsy driving or distracted driving is for a short time, an alarm is given as a mild state, and when it continues for more than a certain period of time, an alarm and event recording are performed as a severe state. This suppresses the occurrence of unnecessary event recordings and also has the effect of securing the memory area.

[0182] At the time of the alarm, it is advisable to comprehensively judge whether it is a normal warning state or within the normal range, not only based on the drowsy driving / distracted driving information detected by the DMS unit 55 but also in combination with the vehicle state. Even if the continuous recording is set to overwrite, in order to increase the priority of recording at the time of a near miss, it can be set not to overwrite. For example, one or more of the following can be adopted.

[0183] (1) The radar detector 54 may obtain vehicle speed information from the vehicle via the junction unit 52, and perform an alarm and DMS event recording when the speed is above a predetermined speed, and not perform an alarm and DMS event recording when the speed is below the predetermined speed. The predetermined speed is, for example, 10 km / h or less. When the vehicle speed is low, the driver may be looking for a parking space in a parking lot or the like and looking around. In this case, the alarm for distracted driving is not appropriate, so unnecessary alarms and recordings are suppressed.

[0184] (2) The radar detector 54 may detect the running state of the host vehicle with, for example, a gyro sensor, and when a predetermined condition indicating a large change in inclination is satisfied, it is advisable not to perform an alarm and DMS event recording. For example, at intersections or parking lots, the driver may be looking for a parking space and looking around. In this case, the alarm for distracted driving is not appropriate, so unnecessary alarms and recordings are suppressed.

[0185] (3) To improve the detection accuracy of the DMS unit 55, when the brightness changes suddenly, as a countermeasure against the possibility of the camera of the DMS unit 55 making an image misdetection, it is advisable to determine the change in brightness by the illuminance sensor provided in the radar detector 54. If the difference in illuminance is large, for example, it may cause a malfunction in the DMS that monitors the state of the driver or the like based on the image captured by the camera. Therefore, when the radar detector 54 determines that the change in the difference in illuminance is equal to or greater than a certain value, it is advisable not to issue an alarm and record DMS events. By doing so, alarms due to image misdetection can be suppressed.

[0186] Situations where the illuminance is likely to change easily occur frequently in tunnels during the day. Therefore, as supplementary information, the radar detector 54 is preferably not to issue an alarm based on the data indicating the position of the tunnel. Examples of such data include map data and tunnel POIs. The radar detector 54 is preferably not to issue an alarm and record DMS events, for example, near the entrance or exit of the tunnel. By doing so, unnecessary alarms and recordings can be suppressed.

[0187] (4) The detection of drowsiness and dozing off by the DMS is also executed even when it is necessary to change the direction of the line of sight, such as when looking behind during a lane change or checking the rearview mirror. Therefore, the radar detector 54 is preferably not to issue an alarm and record DMS events based on the turn signal wire or turn signal information such as an OBD2 adapter. By doing so, unnecessary alarms and recordings can be suppressed.

[0188] (5) The radar detector 54 may be configured to cause the drive recorder 51 to record for a certain period of time when the driver changes, based on the recognition result of the driver's face. This is because when the driver is different from normal, there is a high possibility of inexperienced driving. In this case, the radar detector 54 may cause recording to be performed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving when the driver changes. This recording may be performed when a first-time driver is recognized, or may also be performed when a driver different from the previous one is recognized. In this way, when the driver is different from normal and there is a possibility of inexperienced driving, the drive recorder 51 can be automatically used for recording.

[0189] Note that in this embodiment, overwriting of continuous recording may be prohibited or overwriting of event recording may be permitted according to the setting. The vehicle may be a vehicle that travels on a railway or a track equivalent thereto, and examples of such vehicles include trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and the like.

[0190] [Modification Example] In each of the above-described embodiments, suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function has been defined as not performing parking recording in the area (cancellation area) where the parking position is stored. However, it may also be not performing shooting, performing shooting but not recording, or performing recording with lower quality than normal recording when parking in an area where the parking position is not set. Examples of recording with lower quality include reducing the frame rate, reducing the resolution, and recording only when a predetermined condition is satisfied instead of continuous recording. Also, there are cases such as reducing the amount of memory capacity used and suppressing battery consumption.

[0191] Also, in the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the operation of the parking monitoring function is suppressed at the set parking position. However, it is preferable to configure the vehicle to have a parking monitoring function that records the captured video when parked at the set parking position, and also to have a parking monitoring function that suppresses video recording when parked at the set parking position and a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0192] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, a predetermined area such as the set parking position is memorized, and different parking monitoring is performed inside and outside the area. However, for example, when combining various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification, the idea of using such an area and a cancellation area is not essential, and it may be applied to a system having a function of performing parking monitoring when an operation is performed and not performing parking monitoring when an operation is performed without registering an area. For example, it is applicable to a device without the concept of a cancellation area in screen display, operation, power control, etc.

[0193] The operation means for receiving the operation of the user provided in the drive recorder 2 may be an operator other than a push-type button (for example, a slide type), a sensor such as a touch sensor or a proximity sensor, a photographing means such as a camera, a sound collecting means such as a microphone, etc. The operations include, for example, push, slide, touch, proximity, gesture, voice operation, etc.

[0194] The "parking position for suppressing the operation of the parking monitoring function" may be an area having a certain range, or may be a certain point position specified pinpoint.

[0195] Although the drive recorder 2 is a system without a display unit, even in a system with a display unit, a light-emitting unit may be provided separately from the display unit, or the display unit may function as a light-emitting unit. For example, even in a system with a display unit, when there is other information to be displayed on the display unit, it may be possible to notify by changing, for example, the background of the display unit or the light-emitting state of a predetermined area. For example, when the system is a drive recorder and the display unit is arranged integrally with a case equipped with a camera, if the drive recorder is small, the display unit will also be small and it will be difficult to see messages, icons, marks, etc. displayed, but it will be easier to recognize various changes in the display by simply changing the light-emitting state such as the light-emitting color. Also, in the case of a drive recorder, it is often arranged above the front glass or the like, i.e., on the upper side of the interior space of the vehicle, and depending on the installation position, it may be arranged, for example, behind the rearview mirror when viewed from the driver's seat side. Even in such a situation, it is good because changes in the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit are easy to confirm. Thus, whether or not there is a display unit is acceptable, but it is more preferable to apply it to a system without a display unit. The light-emitting unit such as the LED 36 may be located at a position other than the embodiment as long as a user such as a driver sitting in the driver's seat or a driver who has performed an operation can visually recognize the light-emitting unit. The operation methods, light-emitting states, screens, output sounds, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are examples. The manner of cooperation between the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 in the above-described embodiment is an example. The functions of the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 may be realized by a single control unit (such as a processor).

[0196] The various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments and modifications, etc. It should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. Among the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought has been specified in the claims attached to the application. However, even a configuration that is not currently specified in the claims may potentially be claimed in the future for the configurations disclosed herein. For the sake of caution, the applicant of the present application intends to acquire rights through amendments, divisional applications, change applications for design registration applications, etc. with respect to such parts and combinations.

[0197] The present invention of the application is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Also, any constituent element of each of the embodiments and modifications 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. The applicant also intends to acquire rights in the present application through amendments, divisional applications, etc. for the inventions of these configurations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0198] 1: System 2: Drive Recorder 3: Power Supply Device 4: Cable 11: Main Body Portion 12: Camera Portion 13: Main Body Case 22: Card Slot 23: Memory Card 26: First Camera 27: Second Camera 31: First Control Unit 32: Second Control Unit 33: Sound Output Unit 34: Microphone 35: Location information memory unit 36: LED 37: First button unit 38: Second button unit 39: Abnormality detection sensor 40: GPS receiver 41: Power supply unit 42: Communication interface 51: Drive recorder 52: Junction unit 53: GPS antenna unit 54: Radar detector 56: OBD adapter cable 57: Power supply device 58: Connection cable 59: Power cable 62: Power supply IC 63: Communication control unit 64: Power supply control unit 65: Display unit 66: Front camera unit

Claims

1. Parking monitoring function that records video taken at the parking position, A display unit; A system having: When the power source supplying power to the system is a vehicle battery, the display unit displays the battery voltage of the vehicle, and when the power source is a separate power source, the display unit has a function of displaying, instead of the battery voltage, that the vehicle is in the parking position where operation of the parking monitoring function is inhibited. system.

2. Parking monitoring function that records video taken at the parking position, a display unit having a battery voltage display area capable of displaying the voltage of a power source that supplies power to the system; A system having: The display mode of the battery voltage display area is changed depending on whether the power source supplying power to the system is a vehicle battery or a separate power source. system.

3. A function for setting a parking position that inhibits the operation of the parking monitoring function, The parking monitoring function records the video when a predetermined operation is performed on the display unit during parking, even if the vehicle is parked in a set parking position, moreover, The display unit has a function of simultaneously displaying a first area operated to receive the predetermined operation and a second area operated to perform the setting related to the parking position.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It has a function to set the parking position to record video while parking, The parking monitoring function is a function for recording captured video when the vehicle is parked in a set parking position, The parking monitoring function suppresses recording of the video when a predetermined operation on the display unit is received during parking, even when the vehicle is parked in a set parking position, moreover, The display unit has a function of simultaneously displaying a first area to be operated to receive the predetermined operation and a second area to be operated to update the setting related to the parking position.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions used in the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images