In-vehicle photographing device and in-vehicle photographing system

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle photographing device and an in-vehicle photographing system that do not need to be installed inside a vehicle, that can avoid breakdowns due to weather, and that can suitably photograph a subject.SOLUTION: A vehicle-mounted photographing device 1 is mounted on the outside of a vehicle 2 and includes a case 8 attached to the outside of the vehicle 2, a location information acquisition unit housed in the case 8 and acquiring location information of the vehicle 2, and a first photographing unit 13 housed in the case 8 and photographing the outside of the case 8 through the case 8, and the first photographing unit 13 is positioned such that one or both sides in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2 are within the photographing range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle imaging device and an in-vehicle imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera installed on a vehicle. The camera captures an image ahead of the vehicle. Based on the image captured by the camera, a determination is made regarding the imaged object (for example, a utility pole). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7340484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not provide detailed information about the installation location of the camera. If the camera described in Patent Document 1 is installed inside a vehicle, part of the space inside the vehicle will be occupied by the camera. As a result, it is expected that situations will arise in which it will be impossible to store luggage inside the vehicle, or the number of people who can ride in the vehicle will be reduced.

[0005] Furthermore, when the camera described in Patent Document 1 is installed outside a vehicle, it is expected that problems such as breakdowns may occur due to the influence of weather such as rain.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an on-vehicle imaging device and an on-vehicle imaging system that do not need to be installed inside a vehicle, that can avoid breakdowns due to weather, and that can optimally capture images of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A feature of the in-vehicle photographing device according to the present invention is that the in-vehicle photographing device is mounted on the outside of a vehicle, and includes: a case attached to the outside of the vehicle; a position information acquisition unit housed in the case and acquiring position information of the vehicle; a first photographing unit housed in the case and photographing the outside of the case through the case; and a second photographing unit housed in the case and photographing the outside of the case through the case, wherein the first photographing unit is disposed so that one or both sides in the left-right direction of the vehicle are within its photographing range, the first photographing unit is disposed so as to face upward relative to the second photographing unit, and the second photographing unit is disposed so as to face forward or backward relative to the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with two first photographing units, the two first photographing units being arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the second photographing unit being arranged between the two first photographing units in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The reason is that.

[0008] According to this configuration, the on-vehicle image capturing device is mounted on the outside of the vehicle. That is, it is not necessary to mount the on-vehicle image capturing device inside the vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the first image capturing unit that captures images is housed in a case. Therefore, breakdowns due to weather conditions can be avoided.

[0009] Furthermore, according to this configuration, the first image capturing unit is disposed so that one or both of the left and right sides of the vehicle are within the image capturing range. As a result, for example, if the first image capturing unit captures an image while the vehicle is traveling on a road, the outside of the road is captured. Therefore, if an object to be captured (for example, a utility pole) is located outside the road, the object can be captured appropriately.

[0010] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize an in-vehicle imaging device that does not need to be installed inside the vehicle, that can avoid breakdowns due to the influence of weather, and that can optimally capture images of the subject. Furthermore, with this configuration, the second photographing unit photographs the area in front of or behind the vehicle. This allows the road conditions (for example, the presence or absence of traffic signals, traffic volume, etc.) to be understood based on the photographing results by the second photographing unit. As a result, for example, if a defect in the photographed object (for example, a utility pole) is discovered based on the photographing results by the first photographing unit, a plan for work to resolve the defect can be made based on the state of the road located near the photographed object.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016] Also, According to this configuration, one of the two first imaging units (for example, the left first imaging unit) can image one side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side), and the other of the two first imaging units (for example, the right first imaging unit) can image the other side in the left-right direction (for example, the right side). This makes it possible to realize an in-vehicle imaging device that can image both sides of the vehicle in the left-right direction.

[0017] Moreover, with this configuration, the second photographing unit is disposed between the two first photographing units in the left-right direction of the vehicle, which prevents the second photographing unit or a support member for the second photographing unit from entering the photographing range of each first photographing unit.

[0018] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that a power supply unit that supplies power to the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit is provided, the power supply unit is housed in the case, the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit are arranged on one side of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the space within the case, and the power supply unit is arranged on the other side of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the space within the case.

[0019] When the first and second image capturing units and the power supply unit are concentrated on one side of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction in the space inside the case, for example, it is conceivable to place the first and second image capturing units above the power supply unit, which tends to make the size of the in-vehicle image capturing device when viewed from the front (particularly the vertical length) relatively large.

[0020] In contrast, with this configuration, the first and second image capturing units and the power supply unit are distributed in the front-to-rear direction, thereby realizing an in-vehicle image capturing device that is relatively small in size (particularly in the vertical direction) when viewed from the front.

[0021] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the case has a first side wall and a second side wall that are opposite to each other, the first side wall having a first opening that connects the inside and outside of the case, and the second side wall having a second opening that connects the inside and outside of the case.

[0022] With this configuration, outside air can easily enter the case through one of the first opening and the second opening, and can easily be expelled to the outside of the case through the other opening, thereby preventing heat from building up inside the case.

[0023] Furthermore, in the present invention ,before a power source for supplying power to the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit; Department Preparation ,before The power supply unit is housed in the case, the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit are arranged on one side of the vehicle in the space within the case in the fore-and-aft direction, the power supply unit is arranged on the other side of the vehicle in the space within the case in the fore-and-aft direction, the first side wall is located on one side of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the case, two of the first openings are provided in the first side wall, and the two first openings face the two first photographing units in a planar view.

[0024] According to this configuration, the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, and the power supply unit are suitably cooled by the air flow inside the case from one of the two first openings and the second opening to the other. In particular, since the two first openings face the two first imaging units in a plan view, each of the first imaging units is suitably cooled.

[0025] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the case has an upper case body located at the top of the case and a lower case body located at the bottom of the case, the lower case body being box-shaped and open upward, the upper case body covering the lower case body from above, and the upper case body being configured to be openable and closable.

[0026] According to this configuration, the user can easily access the first imaging unit and the like inside the case by opening the upper case body, which therefore facilitates maintenance work on the vehicle-mounted imaging device.

[0027] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the upper case body has a first window portion that allows light to pass through, the lower case body has a second window portion that allows light to pass through, the first photographing unit is arranged to take photographs through the first window portion, and the second photographing unit is arranged to take photographs through the second window portion.

[0028] According to this configuration, the first window is provided at a relatively high position, which makes it easier for the first imaging unit to capture an image of a relatively high location (for example, the top end of a utility pole) in a suitable manner.

[0029] Furthermore, with this configuration, the second window is provided at a relatively low position, which makes it easier for the second imaging unit to capture an image of the road in a suitable manner.

[0030] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit are supported by the lower case body.

[0031] With this configuration, the upper case body can be opened and closed more easily than when the first photographing unit or the second photographing unit is supported by the upper case body, thereby realizing an in-vehicle photographing device whose upper case body can be opened and closed more easily.

[0032] A feature of the in-vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention is that the in-vehicle image capturing system includes the above-described in-vehicle image capturing device, and further includes a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the image capturing target based on the image capturing result by the first image capturing unit.

[0033] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine abnormalities (for example, the presence of bird nests) in the object to be photographed (for example, a utility pole), thereby enabling the efficient performance of tasks to discover abnormalities in the object to be photographed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle imaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal right side view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted imaging device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a support mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a support mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a support mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a support mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device according to a first alternative embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of an in-vehicle imaging device according to a first alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be referred to as "front," the direction of arrow B as "rear," the direction of arrow L as "left," and the direction of arrow R as "right." Furthermore, the direction of arrow U in the drawings will be referred to as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0036] The directions of arrows F, B, L, R, U, and D in the figure correspond to the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 and the vehicle 2, respectively.

[0037] [In-vehicle photography system] 1, the vehicle-mounted image capturing system A in this embodiment includes an in-vehicle image capturing device 1. The in-vehicle image capturing device 1 is mounted on the outside of a vehicle 2. The outside of the vehicle 2 refers to the part of the vehicle 2 other than the interior (vehicle compartment space).

[0038] In this embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a passenger car. The vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 is attached to a roof carrier 3 located outside the vehicle 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle 2 may be a truck with a bed, and the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 may be attached to the bed.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes two first image capturing units 13 (left and right) and a second image capturing unit 14. The first image capturing unit 13 and the second image capturing unit 14 are cameras having, for example, CCD elements or CMOS elements. Fig. 1 shows the image capturing range E of each first image capturing unit 13.

[0040] The photographing range E on the left side of FIG. 1 is the photographing range E of the left first photographing unit 13. The photographing range E faces one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2 (more specifically, the left side). That is, the left first photographing unit 13 is disposed so that one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2 falls within the photographing range E. Note that the "left side" includes not only the left side (directly to the side), but also the front left, rear left, upper left, lower left, upper left front, etc.

[0041] The photographing range E on the right side of FIG. 1 is the photographing range E of the right first photographing unit 13. The photographing range E faces one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2 (more specifically, the right side). That is, the right first photographing unit 13 is disposed so that one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2 falls within the photographing range E. Note that the "right side" includes not only the right side (directly to the side), but also the front right, rear right, upper right, lower right, upper front right, etc.

[0042] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first photographing unit 13 may be disposed so that both the left and right sides of the vehicle 2 are included in the photographing range E. For example, the first photographing unit 13 may be a known omnidirectional camera.

[0043] In this way, the first photographing unit 13 is disposed so that one or both sides of the vehicle 2 in the left-right direction are included in the photographing range E.

[0044] The vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 also includes a location information acquisition unit 15 (see FIG. 7). The location information acquisition unit 15 receives GPS signals from satellites used in the GPS (Global Positioning System). The location information acquisition unit 15 then calculates the location information of the vehicle 2 over time based on the received GPS signals. In this way, the location information acquisition unit 15 acquires the location information of the vehicle 2.

[0045] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The location information acquisition unit 15 does not have to use GPS. For example, the location information acquisition unit 15 may use GNSS (GLONASS, Galileo, Michibiki (registered trademark), BeiDou, etc.) other than GPS.

[0046] In the in-vehicle photography system A, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, while a vehicle 2 is traveling on a road 4, two first photography units 13 continuously photograph the outside of the road 4, a second photography unit 14 continuously photographs the condition of the road 4 in front of or behind the vehicle 2, and a location information acquisition unit 15 continuously acquires location information of the vehicle 2.

[0047] At this time, the two first imaging units 13 capture and monitor the imaging target 5 located outside the road 4. The imaging target 5 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a "structure, object, or facility" occupying a "road" as defined in the Road Act, or an "accessory to a road" as defined in the Road Act. More specifically, the imaging target 5 may be, for example, some or all of electrical equipment such as utility poles, electric wires, traffic signals, road signs, high-voltage lines, insulators, transformers, switches, steel towers, and ground-based power distribution equipment.

[0048] The road 4 is not limited to a "road" defined by the Road Act. The road 4 may be any road that the vehicle 2 can travel on.

[0049] Furthermore, the subject 5 does not have to be located outside the road 4. For example, the subject 5 may be located in a place where there is no road 4 nearby.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, the in-vehicle image capturing system A includes a determination unit 80. The determination unit 80 may be, but is not limited to, a known personal computer. First information K1 is sent to the determination unit 80 from each of the two first image capturing units 13. The first information K1 includes information indicating the image capturing results by the first image capturing units 13. The information may be still image data or video data.

[0051] The first information K1 may be sent, for example, from the first photographing unit 13 to the judgment unit 80 via a predetermined network while the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 4, or may be sent from the first photographing unit 13 to the judgment unit 80 via a memory card or the like after the vehicle 2 has finished traveling.

[0052] Further, second information K2 is sent to the determination unit 80 from the second imaging unit 14 and the position information acquisition unit 15. The second information K2 includes information indicating the imaging results of the second imaging unit 14 and position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15. The information indicating the imaging results of the second imaging unit 14 may be still image data or video data.

[0053] The second information K2 may be sent, for example, from the second photographing unit 14 and the location information acquisition unit 15 to the judgment unit 80 via a predetermined network while the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 4, or may be sent from the second photographing unit 14 and the location information acquisition unit 15 to the judgment unit 80 via a memory card or the like after the vehicle 2 has finished traveling.

[0054] The determination unit 80 determines whether there is an abnormality in the subject 5 based on the first information K1. That is, the vehicle-mounted image capturing system A includes a determination unit 80 that determines whether there is an abnormality in the subject 5 based on the image capturing results obtained by the first image capturing unit 13.

[0055] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the photographed object 5 is a utility pole. The determination unit 80 determines whether or not a bird (e.g., a crow) nest 6 is present on the utility pole, which is the photographed object 5. The presence of a nest 6 corresponds to the above-mentioned "abnormality."

[0056] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The abnormality determined by the determination unit 80 may be any abnormality other than the presence of a nest 6. For example, the abnormality determined by the determination unit 80 may be damage or deterioration of the subject 5, contact of another object (e.g., a tree) with the subject 5, the presence of a foreign object in the subject 5, or signs of these.

[0057] The determination unit 80 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the subject 5 to be photographed by using, for example, a known neural network trained using deep learning.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first information K1 and the second information K2 include time information. Based on the photographing time of the object 5 determined to be abnormal, the determination unit 80 extracts from the second information K2 the photographing result of the second photographing unit 14 corresponding to the photographing time and the position information corresponding to the photographing time. Furthermore, the determination unit 80 calculates the position of the object 5 determined to be abnormal based on the extracted position information.

[0059] Then, the determination unit 80 displays on a display, a mobile terminal, etc., an image showing the object 5 determined to be abnormal (in other words, the image capturing result by the first image capturing unit 13), the position of the object 5 determined to be abnormal, and the extracted image capturing result by the second image capturing unit 14. In this way, the determination result by the determination unit 80 is notified to the user.

[0060] Furthermore, when the first information K1 and the second information K2 are sent to the judgment unit 80 while the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 4, the judgment by the judgment unit 80 and the notification to the user may be performed immediately (in other words, while the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 4) or may be performed after the vehicle 2 has finished traveling.

[0061] 〔case〕 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle-mounted imaging device 1 includes a base member 7 and a case 8. The base member 7 is a horizontally oriented plate. The front, rear, left, and right ends of the base member 7 are bent upward. The base member 7 is fixed to the roof carrier 3 by a plurality of fixing portions 22 in a state in which it abuts against the roof carrier 3 from above. The case 8 is attached to the base member 7. In this embodiment, ten fixing portions 22 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of fixing portions 22 provided may be any number other than ten.

[0062] In this way, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes a case 8 that is attached to the outside of the vehicle 2. The case 8 may be made of metal, although there is no particular limitation to such a material.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the case 8 has an upper case body 9 located at the upper part of the case 8 and a lower case body 10 located at the lower part of the case 8.

[0064] Two hinges 30 are attached to the left side of the case 8. Each hinge 30 is provided across the upper case body 9 and the lower case body 10. Note that the number of hinges 30 provided may be any number other than two.

[0065] Two catch clips 31 are attached to the right side of the case 8. Each catch clip 31 is provided across the upper case body 9 and the lower case body 10. The number of catch clips 31 provided may be any number other than two.

[0066] The catch clip 31 is well known and will not be described in detail, but the catch clip 31 can be changed between an engaged state and a disengaged state. When the catch clip 31 is in the engaged state, the right end of the upper case body 9 and the right end of the lower case body 10 are connected by the catch clip 31. When the catch clip 31 is in the disengaged state, the right end of the upper case body 9 and the right end of the lower case body 10 are not connected to each other.

[0067] 8, when each catch clip 31 is released, the upper case body 9 is openable and closable around the hinge 30. That is, the upper case body 9 is configured to be openable and closable.

[0068] 2 to 8, the lower case body 10 is box-shaped and open upward. The upper case body 9 covers the lower case body 10 from above.

[0069] 2 to 6, the in-vehicle imaging device 1 is provided with a plurality of handles 29. Although not particularly limited, the handles 29 are fixed to the left and right walls of the upper case body 9 and the left and right walls of the lower case body 10. By gripping the handles 29, the user can easily open and close the upper case body 9 and carry the case 8 detached from the base member 7.

[0070] Additionally, although not particularly limited, the two upper handle portions 29 extend downward, and the two lower handle portions 29 extend upward. However, the present invention is not limited to this. One of the two upper handle portions 29 may extend upward and the other may extend downward. In this case, it is particularly preferable that the handle portion 29 on the side opposite to the direction in which the case 8 removed from the base member 7 is lowered (e.g., the right side) extends downward, and the handle portion 29 on the side opposite to that direction (e.g., the left side) extends upward. With this configuration, for example, when two people are installing or removing the case 8, the person located above the vehicle 2 can easily grasp the handle portion 29 extending upward, and the person located on the ground can easily grasp the handle portion 29 extending downward. This makes it easy for the two people to hand over the case 8 to each other.

[0071] Of the two upper handles 29, it is preferable that the handle 29 on the side opposite to the side where the hinge 30 is located (in other words, the free end side of the upper case body 9 when opening and closing) extends downward. With this configuration, the user can easily open and close the upper case body 9 by grasping the handle 29.

[0072] [First Camera Unit] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 7, each first photographing unit 13 is housed in a case 8. An upper case body 9 has left and right first window portions 11. The first window portions 11 are configured to allow light to pass through. That is, the upper case body 9 has the first window portions 11 that allow light to pass through.

[0073] The left first photographing section 13 is disposed at a position corresponding to the left first window section 11. The right first photographing section 13 is disposed at a position corresponding to the right first window section 11.

[0074] The first photographing unit 13 is arranged to photograph through the first window 11. As a result, the first photographing unit 13 photographs the outside of the case 8 through the case 8. That is, the in-vehicle photographing device 1 is housed in the case 8 and includes the first photographing unit 13 that photographs the outside of the case 8 through the case 8. The lens surface of the first photographing unit 13 and the first window 11 corresponding to the first photographing unit 13 are approximately parallel. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which light reflection from the first window 11 interferes with photographing by the first photographing unit 13.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle-mounted imaging device 1 includes a bottom plate 21. The bottom plate 21 is located at the bottom (lower end) inside the case 8. The bottom plate 21 faces the bottom plate of the lower case body 10 (case 8) and is fixed to the lower case body 10 by, for example, welding or bolting. Although not particularly limited, the bottom plate 21 may have a plurality of small holes. In this case, the bottom plate 21 becomes relatively lightweight. Furthermore, heat from heat-generating components such as a power supply unit 19 (described later) is more likely to escape downward through the small holes.

[0076] 7 and 9, the vehicle-mounted imaging device 1 includes left and right support mechanisms J. Each support mechanism J is supported by the bottom plate portion 21 while abutting against the bottom plate portion 21 from above. Each support mechanism J is fixed to the bottom plate portion 21 by, for example, welding or bolting.

[0077] The left first photographing unit 13 is supported by the left support mechanism J. The right first photographing unit 13 is supported by the right support mechanism J. As a result, each first photographing unit 13 is supported by the lower case body 10 via the support mechanism J and the bottom plate portion 21.

[0078] 7 and 9, the first photographing unit 13 has a monitor 13a that can be opened and closed. The first photographing unit 13 can display photographing results on the monitor 13a. In this embodiment, the monitor 13a is in an open state. This makes it less likely that heat will build up from the first photographing unit 13 than when the monitor 13a is in a closed state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the monitor 13a may also be in a closed state.

[0079] 2 to 7, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 has left and right eaves portions 32. The left and right eaves portions 32 are provided on the upper case body 9.

[0080] The left eave portion 32 covers the upper, left, and right sides of the left first window portion 11. The right eave portion 32 covers the upper, left, and right sides of the right first window portion 11.

[0081] [Second Camera Unit] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the second photographing unit 14 is housed in a case 8. In this embodiment, the second photographing unit 14 is arranged so that the photographing direction of the second photographing unit 14 faces forward of the vehicle 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second photographing unit 14 may be arranged so that the photographing direction of the second photographing unit 14 faces backward of the vehicle 2. In other words, the second photographing unit 14 is arranged so that the photographing direction of the second photographing unit 14 faces forward or backward of the vehicle 2.

[0082] The lower case body 10 has a second window portion 12. The second window portion 12 is configured to allow light to pass through. That is, the lower case body 10 has the second window portion 12 that allows light to pass through.

[0083] The second photographing unit 14 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second window 12. The second photographing unit 14 is disposed so as to photograph through the second window 12. As a result, the second photographing unit 14 photographs the outside of the case 8 through the case 8. That is, the in-vehicle photographing device 1 is housed in the case 8 and includes the second photographing unit 14 that photographs the outside of the case 8 through the case 8. The lens surface of the second photographing unit 14 and the second window 12 are approximately parallel. This configuration makes it possible to prevent light reflection from the second window 12 from interfering with photographing by the second photographing unit 14.

[0084] The first window portion 11 and the second window portion 12 are not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, tempered glass. Alternatively, the first window portion 11 and the second window portion 12 may be simply an opening or a slit.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first window portion 11 and the second window portion 12 are rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first window portion 11 and the second window portion 12 may have any shape. For example, the first window portion 11 and the second window portion 12 may be circular, elliptical, or triangular.

[0086] 2 to 8, the lower case body 10 has a first side wall 41 and a second side wall 42. The first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 are side walls that face each other. That is, the case 8 has the first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 that are side walls that face each other.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first side wall 41 is the front wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8), and the second side wall 42 is the rear wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8).

[0088] 7 and 8, the in-vehicle image capturing device 1 includes a first support portion 17. The first support portion 17 is fixed to the inner wall surface (in other words, the rear surface) of the first side wall 41. The second image capturing portion 14 is supported by the first support portion 17 in a state where it is suspended from the first support portion 17. As a result, the second image capturing portion 14 is supported by the lower case body 10 via the first support portion 17.

[0089] With the configuration described above, the first photographing unit 13 and the second photographing unit 14 are supported by the lower case body 10.

[0090] [Location information acquisition unit] 4 and 7, the vehicle-mounted imaging device 1 includes a horizontally oriented acrylic plate 16. A rectangular hole 9a is formed in the rear portion of the top plate of the upper case body 9. The acrylic plate 16 is fixed to the top plate of the upper case body 9 in a state in which it covers the rectangular hole 9a from above.

[0091] 4 and 7, the position information acquisition unit 15 is housed in the case 8. That is, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 is housed in the case 8 and includes the position information acquisition unit 15 that acquires position information of the vehicle 2.

[0092] 4, the position information acquisition unit 15 is located inside the rectangular hole 9a in a plan view and is arranged at a position overlapping the acrylic plate 16. The acrylic plate 16 allows GPS (GNSS) signals to pass through more easily than the top plate of the upper case body 9. Therefore, this configuration improves the reception state of the position information acquisition unit 15.

[0093] 7, the in-vehicle imaging device 1 includes a second support portion 18. The second support portion 18 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the upper case body 9. The position information acquisition portion 15 is supported by the second support portion 18. As a result, the position information acquisition portion 15 is supported by the upper case body 9 via the second support portion 18.

[0094] The position information acquisition unit 15 is connected to be able to communicate with the second photographing unit 14. The second photographing unit 14 and the position information acquisition unit 15 constitute a drive recorder G.

[0095] That is, the vehicle-mounted photographing device 1 includes a drive recorder G having a second photographing unit 14 and a position information acquiring unit 15.

[0096] [Power supply section] 7 and 9, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes three power supply units 19. Each power supply unit 19 supplies power to the first image capturing unit 13 and the second image capturing unit 14. That is, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes a power supply unit 19 that supplies power to the first image capturing unit 13 and the second image capturing unit 14. Note that the number of power supply units 19 provided may be any number other than three. The power supply units 19 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[0097] The power supply unit 19 is housed in the case 8. The vehicle-mounted imaging device 1 also includes a power supply holding unit 20. The power supply holding unit 20 is supported by the bottom plate unit 21 while abutting against the bottom plate unit 21 from above. The power supply unit 19 is held by the power supply holding unit 20.

[0098] [Case layout] As shown in FIG. 9 , the two first photographing units 13 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the second photographing unit 14 is arranged between the two first photographing units 13 in the left-right direction of the vehicle 2. In this configuration, the height position (position in the up-down direction) of the second photographing unit 14 may be different from the height positions (position in the up-down direction) of the two first photographing units 13, and the front-to-rear position of the second photographing unit 14 may be different from the front-to-rear positions of the two first photographing units 13. In other words, "the second photographing unit 14 is arranged between the two first photographing units 13 in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 2" means that the second photographing unit 14 is located to the right of one first photographing unit 13 and to the left of the other first photographing unit 13.

[0099] 7 and 9, the first photographing units 13 and the second photographing units 14 are disposed on one side of the space within the case 8 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 2. The first side wall 41 is located on one side of the space within the case 8 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 2. In contrast, the power supply unit 19 is disposed on the other side of the space within the case 8 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 2.

[0100] More specifically, the first photographing units 13 and the second photographing units 14 are disposed on the front side of the vehicle 2 in the space within the case 8. The first side wall 41 is located on the front side of the vehicle 2 in the case 8. In contrast, the power supply unit 19 is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle 2 in the space within the case 8.

[0101] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first and second photographing units 13, 14 may be disposed on the rear side of the vehicle 2 in the space within the case 8, the first side wall 41 may be located on the rear side of the vehicle 2 in the space within the case 8, and the power supply unit 19 may be disposed on the front side of the vehicle 2 in the space within the case 8.

[0102] [First opening and second opening] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, two first openings 43, one on the left and one on the right, are provided in the first side wall 41. The first openings 43 are provided in the lower case body 10. The first openings 43 allow communication between the inside and outside of the case 8. Although not particularly limited, the first openings 43 are configured with a plurality of slits. Each slit extends in the left-right direction and opens downward and forward.

[0103] In this way, the first side wall 41 is provided with the first openings 43 that communicate between the inside and outside of the case 8. As shown in Fig. 9, the two first openings 43 face the two first imaging units 13 in plan view.

[0104] 7 and 9, two second openings 44, one on the left and one on the right, are provided in the second side wall 42. The second openings 44 are provided in the lower case body 10. The second openings 44 allow communication between the inside and outside of the case 8.

[0105] In this manner, the second side wall 42 is provided with the second opening 44 that allows communication between the inside and outside of the case 8.

[0106] 7 and 9, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 is equipped with two fans 45, one on the left side and one on the right side. Each fan 45 is housed in a case 8. The left fan 45 is attached to the left second opening 44. The right fan 45 is attached to the right second opening 44.

[0107] Each fan 45 is configured to send air inside the case 8 to the outside of the case 8 through the second opening 44. As the air inside the case 8 flows out to the outside of the case 8 through the second opening 44, air outside the case 8 is introduced into the case 8 through the first opening 43.

[0108] As a result, air introduced from the first opening 43 flows rearward while cooling each section inside the case 8 (specifically, the first imaging section 13, the power supply section 19, etc.), and is discharged from the second opening 44. Note that each fan 45 may be configured to be driven by power from the power supply section 19. Also, each fan 45 may be configured to introduce air from outside the case 8 into the case 8 through the second opening 44.

[0109] 4, 7, and 9, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes a cover 46. The cover 46 is attached to the second side wall 42 from the outside of the case 8. The cover 46 covers the upper, left, and right sides of the two second openings 44.

[0110] A center position CL is shown in Fig. 9. The center position CL is the center position of the in-vehicle image capturing device 1 (more specifically, the case 8) in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 9, the left and right first image capturing units 13 and the left and right fans 45 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center position CL. The second image capturing unit 14 is also arranged so that the center position of the second image capturing unit 14 in the left-right direction coincides with the center position CL.

[0111] Furthermore, a connection portion (not shown) to which a cable for charging the power supply unit 19 can be connected is provided at an end portion on one side (for example, the right side) in the left-right direction of the power supply unit 19. The power supply unit 19 is arranged so that the center position of the power supply unit 19 in the left-right direction is located on the other side (for example, the left side) in the left-right direction of the center position CL.

[0112] [Case mounting structure] 3 and 7, a plurality of legs 25 are fixed to the bottom of the lower case body 10. The plurality of legs 25 abut against the base member 7 from above. The legs 25 are made of an elastic member (e.g., rubber).

[0113] 2 to 4, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 includes a locking portion 23, a fixed frame 26, and a connecting frame 27. The locking portion 23 is a member that extends in the front-rear direction and has an L-shaped cross section. The locking portion 23 is fixed to the lower end of the left wall of the lower case body 10.

[0114] The locking portion 23 has a plurality of claw portions 24. The claw portions 24 extend outward in the left-right direction (more specifically, to the left).

[0115] A plurality of holes 7a are formed in the lower end portion at the left end portion of the base member 7. Each of the claws 24 is inserted into the hole 7a from the right side.

[0116] The fixed frame 26 is a frame that extends in the front-rear direction. The fixed frame 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the base member 7. In a plan view, the fixed frame 26 is disposed along the right side wall of the case 8 and in the vicinity of the right side wall.

[0117] The connecting frame 27 is a member that extends in the front-rear direction and has an L-shaped cross section. The connecting frame 27 is fixed to the lower end of the right wall of the lower case body 10. The connecting frame 27 is fastened to the fixed frame 26 by fastening parts 28 (e.g., bolts).

[0118] When removing the case 8 from the base member 7, first, the fastening portions 28 are released. Next, the plurality of claw portions 24 are pulled out of the plurality of holes 7a. This allows the case 8 to be removed from the base member 7.

[0119] When attaching the case 8 to the base member 7, first, the multiple claws 24 are inserted into the multiple holes 7a. Next, the connecting frame 27 is fastened to the fixed frame 26 by the fastening parts 28. At this time, fastening is performed by the fastening parts 28 against the elastic force of the leg parts 25 so that the leg parts 25 are compressed in the vertical direction due to elastic deformation. As a result, each claw part 24 is pressed against the upper edge of the hole 7a. As a result, the case 8 is stably fixed to the base member 7. In this way, the case 8 can be attached to the base member 7.

[0120] [Support mechanism] The left and right support mechanisms J shown in Fig. 9 have the same structure. As shown in Figs. 10 to 12, each support mechanism J has a holding portion 50 and a base portion 60. As shown in Fig. 13, the holding portion 50 has a first holding member 51 and a second holding member 52.

[0121] 10 to 13, the first holding member 51 is configured to come into contact with the lateral side surfaces and the bottom surface of the first photographing unit 13 in the vertical orientation, among the multiple side surfaces of the first photographing unit 13. The first holding member 51 holds the first photographing unit 13 in the vertical orientation.

[0122] The second holding member 52 is configured in a shape that allows it to be placed over the base 60 from above. The top surface of the second holding member 52 is connected to the bottom surface of the first holding member 51. The first holding member 51 is fastened to the lateral side surface of the first photographing unit 13 in the vertical position by a first bolt 53. The first holding member 51 is fastened to the bottom surface of the first photographing unit 13 in the vertical position by a second bolt 54.

[0123] With the configuration described above, the holding unit 50 is attached to the first photographing unit 13. Note that the connection between the first photographing unit 13 and the holding unit 50 can be released by releasing the fastening of the first bolt 53 and the second bolt 54. In other words, the holding unit 50 is detachable from the first photographing unit 13.

[0124] 13, the second holding member 52 is placed over the base portion 60 from above, and the second holding member 52 is fastened to the base portion 60 with a knob bolt 70, thereby fixing the holding portion 50 to the base portion 60. At this time, the second bolt 54 enters a bolt hole 60a formed in the upper surface of the base portion 60.

[0125] The top surface of the base 60 is tilted upward in the front, so that the photographing range E (see FIG. 1) of the first photographing unit 13 faces diagonally upward.

[0126] The connection between the holding part 50 and the base part 60 can be released by releasing the fastening of the knob bolt 70. In other words, the holding part 50 is detachable from the base part 60.

[0127] 7 and 9, the base 60 has a first wall 61 and a second wall 62. The first wall 61 and the second wall 62 are both vertically oriented plate-like members. As shown in FIG. 9, in a plan view, the first wall 61 extends in the direction in which the first imaging unit 13 faces. In addition, in a plan view, the second wall 62 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first wall 61 extends.

[0128] The rear end of the first wall portion 61 is connected to the front surface of the second wall portion 62. In a plan view, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are arranged in a T-shape.

[0129] 7 and 9, the flow of air introduced into the case 8 from the first opening 43 is indicated by outline arrows. As shown in Fig. 7, at least a portion of the air introduced into the case 8 from the first opening 43 hits the second wall portion 62 and flows upward, passes near the second imaging unit 14, then flows rearward while passing over the first imaging unit 13, and is discharged from the second opening 44.

[0130] Also, as shown in Figure 9, at least a portion of the air introduced into the case 8 from the first opening 43 is divided into left and right by the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62, then flows to the rear side, wrapping around the upper and sides of the power supply unit 19, and is discharged from the second opening 44.

[0131] With this configuration, the air introduced into the case 8 from the first opening 43 flows so as to cling to each of the first imaging units 13, second imaging units 14, and power supply units 19. This allows each of the first imaging units 13, second imaging units 14, and power supply units 19 to be cooled effectively.

[0132] According to the configuration described above, the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 is mounted outside the vehicle 2. That is, there is no need to mount the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 inside the vehicle. Furthermore, according to the configuration described above, the first image capturing unit 13 that captures images is housed in the case 8. Therefore, breakdowns due to the influence of weather can be avoided.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the configuration described above, the first photographing unit 13 is disposed so that one or both of the left and right sides of the vehicle 2 are within the photographing range E. As a result, for example, if the first photographing unit 13 photographs while the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 4, the outside of the road 4 is photographed. Therefore, if the photographing target 5 (for example, a utility pole) is located outside the road 4, the photographing target 5 can be suitably photographed.

[0134] Therefore, with the configuration described above, it is possible to realize an in-vehicle image capturing device 1 that does not need to be installed inside a vehicle, that can avoid breakdowns due to weather, and that can optimally capture images of the subject 5 to be captured.

[0135] [First Alternative Embodiment] In the vehicle-mounted image capturing device 1 of the above embodiment, the second image capturing unit 14 and the position information acquiring unit 15 are separate units.

[0136] However, the present invention is not limited to this. Below, a first alternative embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment. The configuration other than the parts described below is the same as the above embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same configuration as the above embodiment.

[0137] 14, in the first alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second imaging unit 14 and the position information acquisition unit 15 are integrally configured. More specifically, for example, the position information acquisition unit 15 may be built into the second imaging unit 14. The drive recorder G including the second imaging unit 14 and the position information acquisition unit 15 is disposed in the same position as the second imaging unit 14 in the above embodiment.

[0138] 15, in this first alternative embodiment, a rectangular hole 9a is formed in the front part of the top plate portion of the upper case body 9. As in the above embodiment, an acrylic plate 16 is fixed to the top plate portion of the upper case body 9 in a state where it covers the rectangular hole 9a from above.

[0139] A rectangular hole 9b is formed in the front wall of the upper case body 9. In the left-right direction of the vehicle 2, the rectangular hole 9b is located between the two first window portions 11. An acrylic plate 34 is fixed to the front wall of the upper case body 9 in a state where it covers the rectangular hole 9b from the front side.

[0140] The acrylic plates 16 and 34 allow GPS (GNSS) signals to pass through more easily than the top plate and front wall of the upper case body 9. Therefore, this configuration improves the reception state of the position information acquisition unit 15.

[0141] Other Embodiments (1) The number of first photographing units 13 provided may be one, or may be any number of three or more.

[0142] (2) The second photographing unit 14 may be disposed so as to face the left or right side of the vehicle 2.

[0143] (3) The second imaging unit 14 does not have to be provided.

[0144] (4) The location information acquisition unit 15 does not have to be included in the drive recorder G.

[0145] (5) In the left-right direction of the vehicle 2, the second photographing unit 14 does not have to be disposed between the two first photographing units 13.

[0146] (6) The power supply unit 19 does not have to be housed in the case 8.

[0147] (7) The first imaging unit 13, the second imaging unit 14, and the power supply unit 19 may be concentrated on the front or rear side of the space within the case 8.

[0148] (8) The first opening 43 does not have to be provided.

[0149] (9) The second opening 44 does not have to be provided.

[0150] (10) The upper case body 9 may be configured so as not to be openable or closable.

[0151] (11) The case 8 may be formed of a single member. That is, the case 8 does not have to have the upper case body 9 and the lower case body 10.

[0152] (12) The first photographing unit 13 may be supported by the upper case body 9.

[0153] (13) The second photographing unit 14 may be supported by the upper case body 9.

[0154] (14) The first side wall 41 may be the rear side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8), and the second side wall 42 may be the front side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8). Alternatively, the first side wall 41 may be the left side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8), and the second side wall 42 may be the right side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8). Alternatively, the first side wall 41 may be the right side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8), and the second side wall 42 may be the left side wall of the lower case body 10 (case 8).

[0155] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0156] The present invention can be used in an in-vehicle imaging device and an in-vehicle imaging system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1: In-vehicle camera 2: Vehicle 5: Subject 8: Case 9: Upper case body 10: Lower case body 11: First window 12: Second window section 13: First Filming Section 14: Second Filming Section 15: Location information acquisition section 19: Power supply section 41: First side wall 42: Second side wall 43: First opening 44: Second opening 80: Judgment section A: In-vehicle photography system E: Shooting range G: Drive recorder

Claims

1. An on-board imaging device mounted on the outside of a vehicle, a case attached to the exterior of the vehicle; a location information acquisition unit that is housed in the case and that acquires location information of the vehicle; a first photographing unit that is housed in the case and photographs the outside of the case through the case; a second photographing unit that is housed in the case and photographs the outside of the case through the case, The first photographing unit is disposed so that one or both sides in the left-right direction of the vehicle are within a photographing range, The first imaging unit is disposed so as to face upward relative to the second imaging unit, The second photographing unit is arranged to face forward or backward of the vehicle, two of the first imaging units; The two first photographing units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the vehicle, An in-vehicle photographing device in which the second photographing unit is disposed between the two first photographing units in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

2. a power supply unit that supplies power to the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit; The power supply unit is housed in the case, the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit are disposed on one side in a front-rear direction of the vehicle in the space within the case, The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply unit is disposed on the other side of the space within the case in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

3. The case has a first side wall and a second side wall that are opposed to each other, a first opening portion that communicates the inside and outside of the case is provided in the first side wall; The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second side wall is provided with a second opening for communicating the inside and outside of the case.

4. A power supply unit that supplies power to the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, The power supply unit is housed in the case, the first photographing unit and the second photographing unit are disposed on one side in a front-rear direction of the vehicle in the space within the case, the power supply unit is disposed on the other side of the space within the case in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first side wall is located on one side of the case in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The first side wall is provided with two first openings, The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 3 , wherein the two first openings face the two first image capturing units in a plan view.

5. The case has an upper case body located at an upper part of the case and a lower case body located at a lower part of the case, The lower case body is a box-like body that is open upward, The upper case body covers the lower case body from above, The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 1 , wherein the upper case body is configured to be openable and closable.

6. the upper case body has a first window portion through which light passes, the lower case body has a second window portion that allows light to pass through, the first imaging unit is disposed to perform imaging through the first window, The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 5 , wherein the second image capturing section is disposed so as to capture images through the second window section.

7. The vehicle-mounted image capturing device according to claim 5 , wherein the first image capturing unit and the second image capturing unit are supported by the lower case body.

8. An in-vehicle photography system including the in-vehicle photography device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An in-vehicle photography system including a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the subject to be photographed based on the photographing result by the first photography unit.

Images