Drive recorder control device

Abstract

To provide a drive recorder control device which can execute recording operation during a resting state of a vehicle even when recording operation of a drive recorder cannot be executed only by power supply.SOLUTION: A drive recorder control device comprises: a power output part; a command output part; an impact detection part; and a recording control part. The power output part is connected with the drive recorder to output drive power to the drive recorder. The command output part is connected with the drive recorder to output a simulation recording command. The recording control part controls, when detecting abnormality of a vehicle based on magnitude of impact during a resting state of the vehicle, the power output part and the command output part to output the drive power and the simulation recording command during recording time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive recorder control device. [Background technology]

[0002] The drive recorder mounted on the vehicle is configured to start recording when power is supplied from the vehicle, and records the surroundings of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling. The drive recorder starts recording operation in response to, for example, a drive voltage being supplied from the vehicle. As a result, the drive recorder performs recording operation while the vehicle engine is running. Some vehicles output accessory voltage (hereinafter also referred to as ACC voltage) as the drive voltage.

[0003] On the other hand, a device has been proposed that supplies battery voltage to a drive recorder instead of ACC voltage when the vehicle is at rest (for example, while parked) (Patent Document 1). By using this device, recording by the drive recorder can be realized even when the vehicle is at rest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-119369 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the above-mentioned device is configured to simply supply a driving voltage to the drive recorder, depending on the type of drive recorder, it may not be possible to perform recording when the vehicle is in a resting state.

[0006] In other words, some drive recorders are configured to require the satisfaction of other conditions in addition to the supply of power to the drive recorder in order to perform a recording operation. If the above-described device is applied to such a drive recorder, although power can be supplied, the other conditions cannot be satisfied, and therefore recording cannot be performed when the vehicle is in a resting state.

[0007] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a drive recorder control device that can cause a drive recorder that cannot perform recording operations with power supply alone to perform recording operations when the vehicle is in a resting state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a drive recorder control device including a power output unit, a command output unit, an impact detection unit, and a recording control unit. The power output unit is connected to the drive recorder and configured to output drive power to the drive recorder.

[0009] The command output unit is connected to the drive recorder and configured to output a simulated recording command. The simulated recording command is a command that simulates a recording command. The recording command is a command output from the vehicle to cause the drive recorder to perform a recording operation.

[0010] The impact detection unit is configured to detect the magnitude of an impact that has occurred to the vehicle. The recording control unit is configured to detect a vehicle abnormality based on the magnitude of the impact when the vehicle is in a resting state. If the recording control unit detects an abnormality, it controls the power output unit and the command output unit to output drive power and a simulated recording command for a predetermined recording time. If the recording control unit does not detect an abnormality, it controls the power output unit and the command output unit not to output drive power and a simulated recording command.

[0011] When the drive recorder control device detects an abnormality in the vehicle while the vehicle is in a resting state, the drive recorder control device outputs drive power and a simulated recording command, and the drive recorder control device can cause the drive recorder, which performs recording operation in response to receiving the drive power and the simulated recording command, to perform recording operation while the vehicle is in a resting state.

[0012] Therefore, even if the drive recorder is one that cannot perform recording operation with only power supply, the drive recorder control device can cause the drive recorder to perform recording operation when the vehicle is in a resting state.

[0013] In the above-described drive recorder control device, the command output unit may be configured to communicate with the drive recorder based on a predetermined communication protocol. The communication protocol may correspond to a communication protocol used for communication between the drive recorder and the vehicle. The recording command may include an ignition ON signal or a recording command signal. The ignition ON signal may be a signal output by the vehicle when the vehicle is in operation and may be a signal with a predetermined voltage value. In this case, the voltage value may be a voltage value smaller than the magnitude of the power supply voltage output by the in-vehicle power supply device. The recording command signal may be a signal transmitted from the vehicle to the drive recorder based on the communication protocol.

[0014] Such a drive recorder control device can cause a drive recorder with a specific configuration to perform a recording operation. The drive recorder with a specific configuration may be configured to perform a recording operation by receiving, for example, an ignition ON signal or a recording command signal in addition to drive power.

[0015] In the drive recorder control device described above, the command output unit may determine the type of vehicle based on a signal output from the vehicle. The command output unit may be configured to output a simulated recording command that simulates a recording command signal corresponding to the type. This drive recorder control device can output an appropriate simulated recording command depending on the vehicle type, thereby enabling the drive recorder to perform recording operations in multiple types of vehicles.

[0016] In the drive recorder control device described above, the recording control unit may determine that an abnormality has been detected when the magnitude of the impact exceeds a determination threshold. This prevents erroneous determinations when a weak impact that does not constitute a vehicle abnormality occurs, since the recording control unit does not detect an abnormality.

[0017] The judgment threshold may be determined based on the magnitude of an impact that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle. For example, the minimum magnitude of an impact that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle may be set as the judgment threshold. The recording control unit may also be configured to be able to change the judgment threshold. For example, the judgment threshold may be configured to be able to be changed by a user operation.

[0018] In the drive recorder control device described above, the command output unit may be configured to identify the type of communication protocol based on communication data exchanged between the vehicle and the drive recorder, thereby enabling the drive recorder control device to communicate with the drive recorder based on an appropriate communication protocol according to the type of vehicle and the type of drive recorder.

[0019] In the drive recorder control device, the recording control unit may be configured to detect a power supply voltage output from an onboard power supply unit provided in the vehicle, and to stop outputting the drive power and the simulated recording command when the power supply voltage is lower than a predetermined low voltage threshold.

[0020] As a result, when the power supply voltage is low, the drive recorder control device can reduce the amount of power consumed by the drive recorder and the drive recorder control device, thereby reducing the amount of discharge from the vehicle's onboard power supply device and preventing the onboard power supply device from entering an over-discharge state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drive recorder control device connected to a vehicle and a drive recorder. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing a vehicle type determination process executed by a control unit of the drive recorder control device. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a state monitoring process executed by a control unit of the drive recorder control device. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a recording execution process executed by a control unit of the drive recorder control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various forms can be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Overall structure] 1, the drive recorder control device 1 of the first embodiment is configured to be connectable to both a vehicle 31 and a drive recorder 33. In detail, the drive recorder control device 1 is connected to each of a power path and a communication path that connect the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33.

[0024] The drive recorder control device 1 is configured to be able to start the drive recorder 33 and perform a recording operation when the vehicle 31 is in a resting state (for example, when parked). Details of the drive recorder control device 1 will be described later.

[0025] [1-2. Vehicles] The vehicle 31 is configured to switch between a resting state, an accessory operating state, and an operating state in response to a key switch operation by the user. The resting state is a state in which the engine of the vehicle 31 is stopped and power supply to the accessory devices of the vehicle 31 is stopped. The accessory operating state is a state in which the engine of the vehicle 31 is stopped and power supply to the accessory devices of the vehicle 31 is running. The operating state is a state in which the engine of the vehicle 31 is running and power supply to the accessory devices of the vehicle 31 is running.

[0026] The vehicle 31 is configured to move in an operating state using engine power in response to a driving operation by the user. The operating state is also called an ignition-on state or an IG-ON state.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 31 is connected to a first communication path 35. The first communication path 35 is a communication path for transmitting and receiving various information based on a predetermined communication protocol. The first communication path 35 may be, for example, a communication path based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. CAN is a registered trademark. When the vehicle 31 is in an operating state, it outputs a recording command signal Sr to the drive recorder 33 via the first communication path 35. The recording command signal Sr is a command signal output from the vehicle 31 to cause the drive recorder 33 to perform a recording operation. The recording command signal Sr corresponds to an example of a recording command in the present disclosure.

[0028] The vehicle 31 is connected to a constant power supply path 37. The constant power supply path 37 is a power supply path for transmitting a battery voltage Vb. The vehicle 31 is configured to output the battery voltage Vb regardless of whether the vehicle 31 is in a hibernation state, an accessory operation state, or an operation state. The battery voltage Vb is a voltage output by an on-board power supply device (not shown; hereinafter, also referred to as an on-board battery) provided in the vehicle 31. The voltage value of the battery voltage Vb may be, for example, 12 [V] or 24 [V].

[0029] The vehicle 31 is connected to an ignition power path 39. The ignition power path 39 is a power path for outputting an ignition voltage Vig. The vehicle 31 is configured to output the ignition voltage Vig when in operation. The ignition voltage Vig is generated by an on-board battery of the vehicle 31. The voltage value of the ignition voltage Vig is the same as the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb.

[0030] [1-3. Drive recorder] The drive recorder 33 is installed in the vehicle 31 and used to record the surroundings of the vehicle 31 when the vehicle 31 is in operation. The drive recorder 33 is installed, for example, in a passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 31.

[0031] The drive recorder 33 is equipped with a camera (not shown). The drive recorder 33 is configured to perform a recording operation by receiving driving power and a recording command from an external device of the drive recorder 33. The driving power is power for driving the drive recorder 33. The recording command is a command for causing the drive recorder 33 to perform a recording operation.

[0032] The drive recorder 33 is connected to a wire harness 41. The wire harness 41 includes a second communication path 43 and a drive power path 45. The second communication path 43 is a communication path for transmitting and receiving various information based on a predetermined communication protocol. The second communication path 43 is a communication path based on the same communication protocol as the first communication path 35. The second communication path 43 is connected to the drive recorder 33. The second communication path 43 is configured to be connectable to the first communication path 35. The drive recorder 33 is configured to receive a recording command signal Sr from the vehicle 31 via the first communication path 35 and the second communication path 43.

[0033] The driving power path 45 is a power path for supplying driving power to the drive recorder 33. The driving power path 45 is configured to include electric wires having a predetermined current capacity so that a current corresponding to the driving power can be passed through. The driving power path 45 is connected to the drive recorder 33. The driving power path 45 is configured to be connectable to the ignition power path 39. The drive recorder 33 is configured to receive the ignition voltage Vig from the vehicle 31 via the ignition power path 39 and the driving power path 45.

[0034] In this way, when the vehicle 31 is in operation, the drive recorder 33 performs a recording operation by receiving the ignition voltage Vig and the recording command signal Sr. Also, when the vehicle 31 is in a resting state or an accessory operating state, the drive recorder 33 does not perform a recording operation based on a command from the vehicle 31 because the ignition voltage Vig and the recording command signal Sr are not input from the vehicle 31.

[0035] [1-4. Drive recorder control device] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive recorder control device 1 includes a control unit 11, a time count unit 13, a position information detection unit 15, an impact detection unit 17, a branch communication path 19, a power supply switching unit 21, and a communication switching unit .

[0036] The control unit 11 includes a calculation unit 11a (hereinafter also referred to as CPU 11a) and a memory 11b. The CPU 11a is configured to execute various processes in accordance with a computer program to control each unit of the drive recorder control device 1. The CPU 11a is configured to read the computer program from the memory 11b.

[0037] The memory 11b stores various information including computer programs executed by the CPU 11a. The memory 11b may include RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The ROM stores the computer programs. The RAM is used as a work area when executing processes according to the computer programs. The flash memory is used to store various data such as setting data and video data.

[0038] The time counting unit 13 is configured to receive current time information from the vehicle 31 via the first communication path 35. The time information includes information such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. When the engine is started and the vehicle 31 is in operation, the drive recorder control device 1 is configured to determine information such as elapsed time and the current time used in various processes executed by the control unit 11 based on the time information received by the time counting unit 13. When the engine is stopped and the vehicle 31 is in a resting state, the time counting unit 13 is configured to count elapsed time based on the last received time information, thereby determining elapsed time and the current time within the drive recorder control device 1. For example, when the impact detection unit 17 (described below) detects an impact while the vehicle 31 is in a resting state, the time counting unit 13 notifies the control unit 11 of information regarding the current time at that time.

[0039] The position information detection unit 15 is configured to record the current position of the drive recorder control device 1. For example, when the engine is started and the vehicle 31 is in operation, the position information detection unit 15 is configured to record the current position based on satellite signals received from GPS satellites via the first communication path 35. The satellite signals include information about the current position (hereinafter also referred to as position information). When the engine is stopped and the vehicle 31 enters a resting state, the position information detection unit 15 holds the last recorded information about the current position. For example, when the impact detection unit 17, which will be described later, detects an impact while the vehicle 31 is in a resting state, the position information detection unit 15 transmits the last recorded information about the current position to the control unit 11.

[0040] The impact detection unit 17 is configured to detect the magnitude of an impact that has occurred on the vehicle 31. Specifically, the impact detection unit 17 is configured to detect acceleration G1 that has occurred on the impact detection unit 17 and transmit a detection signal reflecting the detection result to the control unit 11. The impact detection unit 17 may include an acceleration sensor. The control unit 11 detects an impact on the vehicle 31 based on the detection signal of acceleration G1 received from the impact detection unit 17.

[0041] The branch communication path 19 is a communication path for transmitting and receiving various types of information based on a predetermined communication protocol. The branch communication path 19 is a communication path based on the same communication protocol as the second communication path 43. The branch communication path 19 connects the control unit 11 and the communication switching unit 23. The branch communication path 19 is configured to be connectable to the first communication path 35 and the second communication path 43 via the communication switching unit 23.

[0042] The power supply switching unit 21 is electrically connected to the drive recorder 33 via a drive power path 45. The power supply switching unit 21 is configured to switch the connection state of the constant power supply path 37, the ignition power supply path 39, and the drive power path 45. The power supply switching unit 21 is configured to switch the connection destination of the drive power path 45 between the constant power supply path 37 and the ignition power supply path 39 based on a power supply switching signal S1 from the control unit 11.

[0043] That is, the power supply switching unit 21 is connected to the drive recorder 33 and configured to output the ignition voltage Vig or the battery voltage Vb to the drive recorder 33 as drive power.

[0044] The power supply switching unit 21 is configured to connect the drive power path 45 to the ignition power path 39 when no command is input from an external device (in other words, when no power supply switching signal S1 is input from the control unit 11).

[0045] The communication switching unit 23 is connected to the drive recorder 33 via the second communication path 43. The communication switching unit 23 is configured to switch the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43. In detail, the communication switching unit 23 is configured to switch the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 to a first connection state or a second connection state based on a communication switching signal S2 from the control unit 11.

[0046] The first connection state is a state in which the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 are connected to each other. In the first connection state, the drive recorder control device 1, the vehicle 31, and the drive recorder 33 can transmit and receive signals to and from each other. The second connection state is a state in which the branch communication path 19 and the second communication path 43 are connected, but the first communication path 35 is not connected to either the branch communication path 19 or the second communication path 43. In the second connection state, the drive recorder control device 1 and the drive recorder 33 can transmit and receive signals to and from each other, but the vehicle 31 cannot transmit and receive signals to and from either the drive recorder control device 1 or the drive recorder 33.

[0047] That is, the communication switching unit 23 is configured to be able to change the mutual connection state among the vehicle 31, the drive recorder 33, and the drive recorder control device 1 based on the communication switching signal S2 from the control unit 11. The connection state includes "a connection state in which the vehicle 31, the drive recorder 33, and the drive recorder control device 1 can mutually transmit and receive signals." The connection state includes "a connection state in which signals cannot be transmitted and received between the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33, but signals can be transmitted and received between the drive recorder 33 and the drive recorder control device 1."

[0048] The communication switching unit 23 is configured so that when no command is input from an external device (in other words, a communication switching signal S2 from the control unit 11), the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 become the first connection state.

[0049] When the vehicle 31 is in a resting state, the drive recorder control device 1 can supply power to the drive recorder 33 and transmit signals to the drive recorder 33 on behalf of the vehicle 31.

[0050] [1-5. Vehicle type determination process] The drive recorder control device 1 is configured so that the control unit 11 executes various processes. The control unit 11 executes at least a vehicle type determination process, a state monitoring process, and a recording execution process.

[0051] After the drive recorder control device 1 is physically connected to the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33, the control unit 11 executes the vehicle type determination process only once at the time of initial startup. 2, when the control unit 11 starts the vehicle type determination process, it first determines in S110 (S represents step) whether the initial operation has been completed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative, the process waits by repeatedly executing the same step. Completion of the initial operation means that the operation check of the LED and buzzer when the drive recorder control device 1 is powered on has been completed. In other words, the control unit 11 makes a positive determination if the operation check of the LED and buzzer has been completed, and makes a negative determination if the operation check of the LED and buzzer has not been completed.

[0052] In S120, the control unit 11 turns off all LEDs (not shown) provided in the drive recorder control device 1. The drive recorder control device 1 is provided with a plurality of LEDs for notifying the user of information. The plurality of LEDs are configured to notify various states depending on their lighting states. The various states include, for example, the activated state or inactive state of the drive recorder control device 1, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the drive recorder control device 1, the state of communication with the vehicle 31, the state of communication with the drive recorder 33, etc.

[0053] In S130, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 31 is in an operating state (in other words, an IG-ON state), and if the determination is affirmative, the control unit 11 proceeds to S140, and if the determination is negative, the control unit 11 waits by repeatedly executing the same step. At this time, the control unit 11 may determine whether the vehicle 31 is in an operating state based on whether the vehicle 31 is outputting the ignition voltage Vig.

[0054] In S140, the control unit 11 determines the type of the vehicle 31. At this time, the control unit 11 may determine the type of the vehicle 31 based on the content of a signal that the vehicle 31 outputs to the drive recorder 33 via the first communication path 35. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may inquire about the type of the vehicle 31 to the vehicle 31, and determine the type of the vehicle 31 based on the content of the reply.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 11 identifies the type of communication protocol based on the communication data exchanged between the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33. This allows the drive recorder control device 1 to communicate with the drive recorder 33 based on an appropriate communication protocol according to the type of vehicle 31 and the type of drive recorder 33.

[0056] At this time, the control unit 11 sets the signal format so that the signal to be output from the control unit 11 to the drive recorder 33 thereafter becomes a simulated signal that simulates the signal that the vehicle 31 will output to the drive recorder 33. By setting the signal format in this manner, the control unit 11 can output various signals to the drive recorder 33 on behalf of the vehicle 31. For example, the control unit 11 can output a simulated recording command signal Sir that simulates the recording command signal Sr of the vehicle 31. The simulated recording command signal Sir at this time is a command signal that simulates the recording command signal Sr that corresponds to the type of vehicle 31.

[0057] In S150, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 31 is in operation (in other words, the IG-ON state), and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S140, and if the determination is negative, the vehicle type determination process ends. The determination method in S150 is the same as the determination method in S130.

[0058] In S160, the control unit 11 receives signals transmitted and received between the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33. At this time, the control unit 11 only receives signals and does not transmit signals.

[0059] When the control unit 11 finishes S160, the process returns to S150. In this way, the control unit 11 is configured to execute a vehicle type determination process when the vehicle 31 enters an operating state after the drive recorder control device 1 is physically connected to the vehicle 31 and the drive recorder 33, thereby determining the type of the connected vehicle 31. Thereafter, when the vehicle 31 enters a resting state, the control unit 11 ends the vehicle type determination process.

[0060] This allows the drive recorder control device 1 to output an appropriate simulated recording command signal Sir according to the type of connected vehicle 31, and to cause the drive recorder 33 to perform recording operation on behalf of the vehicle 31. Furthermore, by executing the vehicle type determination process, the drive recorder control device 1 can change the format of the simulated recording command signal Sir according to the type of connected vehicle 31, thereby enabling the drive recorder 33 to perform recording operation in each of multiple types of vehicles 31.

[0061] [1-6. Status monitoring process] When the vehicle 31 transitions from an operating state to a resting state, the control unit 11 executes a state monitoring process.

[0062] 3, when the control unit 11 starts the state monitoring process, it first performs an initialization operation in S210. The initialization operation sets initial values ​​and initial states for various variables and flags used in the state monitoring process.

[0063] In S220, the control unit 11 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 31. At this time, the control unit 11 compares the magnitude of the acceleration G1 detected by the impact detection unit 17 with a predetermined determination threshold Gth. If the magnitude of the acceleration G1 exceeds the determination threshold Gth, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred and sets the impact detection flag Fa to a set state. If the magnitude of the acceleration G1 does not exceed the determination threshold Gth, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has not occurred and sets the impact detection flag Fa to a reset state.

[0064] The determination threshold Gth is set to a value according to the magnitude of the impact that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 31. In this embodiment, the determination threshold Gth is set to the minimum value of the magnitude of the impact that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 31.

[0065] In S230, the control unit 11 monitors whether the battery voltage Vb of the vehicle 31 is low, and if the battery voltage Vb is not low, proceeds to the next step, and if the battery voltage Vb is low, forcibly ends the state monitoring process. The control unit 11 determines whether the battery voltage Vb is low based on the low voltage flag Fb updated in the voltage determination process. If the low voltage flag Fb is set, the control unit 11 determines that the battery voltage Vb is low, and if the low voltage flag Fb is reset, the control unit 11 determines that the battery voltage Vb is not low.

[0066] In addition to the status monitoring process, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes a voltage determination process at each voltage determination period Tb. In the voltage determination process, the control unit 11 first compares the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb with a predetermined low-voltage threshold Vth. If the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb is lower than the low-voltage threshold Vth, the control unit 11 increments the number of consecutive low-voltage occurrences Ca by 1. If the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb is not lower than the low-voltage threshold Vth, the control unit 11 resets the number of consecutive low-voltage occurrences Ca to 0. Next, the control unit 11 compares the number of consecutive low-voltage occurrences Ca with a predetermined emergency shutdown threshold Cth. If the number of consecutive low-voltage occurrences Ca does not reach the emergency shutdown threshold Cth, the control unit 11 resets a low-voltage flag Fb. If the number of consecutive low-voltage occurrences Ca reaches the emergency shutdown threshold Cth, the control unit 11 sets the low-voltage flag Fb to a set state. The voltage determination period Tb may be, for example, 10 seconds. The emergency shutdown threshold Cth may be, for example, 3 times.

[0067] In this way, when the battery voltage Vb is low, the control unit 11 forcibly terminates the status monitoring process, thereby reducing the amount of discharge from the vehicle 31's onboard power supply device and preventing the onboard power supply device from entering an over-discharge state.

[0068] In S240, the control unit 11 monitors the temperature of the drive recorder control device 1. The drive recorder control device 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown). If the detected temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor is within a predetermined normal range, the control unit 11 determines that the temperature is normal and resets the temperature abnormality flag Ft. If the detected temperature Tc is outside the normal range, the control unit 11 determines that the temperature is abnormal and sets the temperature abnormality flag Ft to the set state.

[0069] In S250, the control unit 11 controls the LED so that the LED is lit in a state that indicates that the status monitoring process is being executed. In S260, the control unit 11 checks whether the vehicle 31 is in operation (IG-ON state), and if it is in operation, sets the operation state flag Fig to a set state, and if it is not in operation, sets the operation state flag Fig to a reset state.

[0070] In S270, the control unit 11 checks the state of each flag and proceeds to a step according to the check result. If the operating state flag Fig is set, the process proceeds to S280. If the impact detection flag Fa is set, the process proceeds to S290. In other cases, the process proceeds to S220 again.

[0071] In S280, the control unit 11 transitions to an idle state. The idle state corresponds to a standby state in which no processing is being executed. In S290, the control unit 11 executes a recording execution process. The recording execution process will be described later.

[0072] If the impact detection flag Fa is reset at S270, the control unit 11 determines the state as "other" and does not execute the recording execution process. As a result, the control unit 11 maintains the state of controlling the power supply switching unit 21 so that the drive power path 45 is connected to the ignition power path 39. Similarly, the control unit 11 maintains the state of controlling the communication switching unit 23 so that the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 are the first connection state.

[0073] In this way, when the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the processes from S220 to S270 in the state monitoring process and the operating state flag Fig is set, the control unit 11 transitions to the idle state (S280) and ends the state monitoring process. Thereafter, when the vehicle 31 transitions from the operating state to the idle state, the control unit 11 executes the state monitoring process again.

[0074] Furthermore, when the impact detection flag Fa is set while repeatedly executing the processes from S220 to S270 in the status monitoring process, the control unit 11 executes the recording execution process (S290) and ends the status monitoring process. After that, when the recording execution process ends, the control unit 11 executes the status monitoring process again.

[0075] Furthermore, if the battery voltage Vb is low during the execution of the state monitoring process, the control unit 11 forcibly ends the state monitoring process. [1-7. Recording execution process] When the control unit 11 proceeds to S280 in the status monitoring process, it executes the recording execution process.

[0076] 4, when the control unit 11 starts the recording execution process, in S410, the control unit 11 executes control to switch the power supply switching unit 21 and the communication switching unit 23 to their respective predetermined states. The control unit 11 controls the power supply switching unit 21 so that the drive power path 45 is connected to the constant power supply path 37. The control unit 11 controls the communication switching unit 23 so that the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 are set to the second connection state.

[0077] As a result, the drive recorder control device 1 outputs the battery voltage Vb to the drive recorder 33. In addition, the drive recorder control device 1 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the drive recorder 33.

[0078] In S420, the control unit 11 starts counting the elapsed time Tp using the time count unit 13. At this time, the control unit 11 measures the elapsed time Tp from the point in time when the power supply switching unit 21 and the communication switching unit 23 are controlled to their respective predetermined states.

[0079] In S430, the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined recording time Tr has elapsed, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S450, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to S440. The control unit 11 compares the elapsed time Tp with the recording time Tr to determine whether the recording time Tr has elapsed. The recording time Tr may be set to, for example, 1 minute.

[0080] In S440, the control unit 11 transmits a simulated recording command signal Sir that simulates the recording command signal Sr to the drive recorder 33. As a result, the drive recorder 33 receives the battery voltage Vb and the simulated recording command signal Sir from the drive recorder control device 1 instead of the ignition voltage Vig and the recording command signal Sr from the vehicle 31, and performs a recording operation. This enables the drive recorder 33 to record data when the vehicle 31 is in a resting state.

[0081] In S450, the control unit 11 stops transmitting the simulated recording command signal Sir to the drive recorder 33. As a result, the drive recorder 33 stops recording. This completes the recording operation by the drive recorder 33 for the recording time Tr in the vehicle 31 in the resting state.

[0082] In S460, the control unit 11 executes control to switch the power supply switching unit 21 and the communication switching unit 23 to their respective predetermined states. The control unit 11 controls the power supply switching unit 21 so that the drive power path 45 is connected to the ignition power path 39. The control unit 11 controls the communication switching unit 23 so that the connection states of the branch communication path 19, the first communication path 35, and the second communication path 43 are set to the first connection state.

[0083] When S460 is completed, the control unit 11 ends the recording execution process. That is, by executing the recording execution process, the control unit 11 causes the drive recorder 33 to perform the recording operation for the recording time Tr.

[0084] After the recording execution process is completed, when the vehicle 31 enters an operating state, the ignition voltage Vig is output from the vehicle 31 to the drive recorder 33, and signals can be transmitted and received between the drive recorder 33 and the vehicle 31.

[0085] [1-8.Effects] As described above, in the drive recorder control device 1, the control unit 11 is configured to detect an abnormality in the vehicle 31 based on the magnitude of the impact that has occurred to the vehicle 31 when the vehicle 31 is in a resting state.

[0086] When the control unit 11 detects an abnormality in the vehicle 31 (impact detection flag Fa: set state), it controls the power supply switching unit 21 and the communication switching unit 23 to output the battery voltage Vb and the simulated recording command signal Sir for the recording time Tr (S290).

[0087] If the control unit 11 does not detect an abnormality (impact detection flag Fa: reset state), it controls the power supply switching unit 21 and the communication switching unit 23 so as not to output the battery voltage Vb and the simulated recording command signal Sir (determined as "other" in S270).

[0088] That is, when the drive recorder control device 1 detects an abnormality in the vehicle 31 while the vehicle 31 is at rest, it outputs the battery voltage Vb and the simulated recording command signal Sir. The drive recorder control device 1 can cause the drive recorder 33, which performs recording operation upon receiving the ignition voltage Vig and the recording command signal Sr, to perform recording operation while the vehicle 31 is at rest.

[0089] Therefore, even if the drive recorder 33 is one that cannot perform recording operation with only power supply, the drive recorder control device 1 can cause the drive recorder 33 to perform recording operation when the vehicle 31 is in a resting state.

[0090] Next, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has been detected when the magnitude of the acceleration G1 exceeds the determination threshold Gth. As a result, when a weak impact that does not correspond to an abnormality of the vehicle 31 occurs, the control unit 11 does not detect an abnormality, and therefore, erroneous determinations can be suppressed.

[0091] Next, the control unit 11 repeatedly compares the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb with the low voltage threshold Vth, and when the number of consecutive low voltage events Ca reaches the emergency stop threshold Cth, the control unit 11 forcibly ends the state monitoring process. This allows the drive recorder control device 1 to reduce the amount of discharge from the on-board power supply device of the vehicle 31, and prevent the on-board power supply device from entering an over-discharge state.

[0092] Next, the control unit 11 repeatedly compares the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb with the low voltage threshold Vth, and when the number of consecutive low voltage occurrences Ca reaches the emergency stop threshold Cth, the control unit 11 forcibly ends the status monitoring process. That is, when the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb is smaller than the low voltage threshold Vth, the control unit 11 stops outputting the battery voltage Vb and the simulated recording command signal Sir to the drive recorder 33.

[0093] As a result, when the battery voltage Vb is low, the drive recorder control device 1 can reduce the amount of power consumed by the drive recorder 33 and the drive recorder control device 1. Therefore, when the battery voltage Vb is low, the drive recorder control device 1 can reduce the amount of discharge from the on-board power supply device of the vehicle 31, thereby preventing the on-board power supply device from entering an over-discharge state.

[0094] [1-9. Correspondence of Wording] Here, the correspondence between the words will be explained. The control unit 11 corresponds to an example of a recording control unit in the present disclosure, the power supply switching unit 21 corresponds to an example of a power output unit in the present disclosure, and the control unit 11 and the communication switching unit 23 correspond to an example of a command output unit in the present disclosure. The battery voltage Vb corresponds to an example of drive power in the present disclosure, and the simulated recording command signal Sir corresponds to an example of a simulated recording command in the present disclosure. The magnitude of the acceleration G1 corresponds to an example of the magnitude of the impact in the present disclosure.

[0095] 2. Other Embodiments The above describes embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0096] (a) In the above embodiment, the drive recorder 33 is configured to execute a recording operation upon receiving a recording command signal Sr as a recording command, but the drive recorder controlled by the drive recorder control device of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive recorder may be configured to execute a recording operation upon receiving an ignition ON signal as a recording command. The ignition ON signal is a signal output by the vehicle when the vehicle is in operation, and is a signal with a predetermined voltage value. In this case, the voltage value may be a voltage value smaller than the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb output by the in-vehicle power supply device.

[0097] When controlling such a drive recorder, the drive recorder control device may be configured to output a simulated recording command signal that simulates an ignition ON signal. In this way, the drive recorder control device may be configured to control multiple types of drive recorders by outputting a simulated recording command corresponding to the format of the recording command of the drive recorder.

[0098] (b) In the above embodiment, the determination threshold Gth used by the control unit 11 for the determination in S220 was a fixed value, but the drive recorder control device of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 11 may be configured so that the determination threshold Gth can be changed by a user operation. With such a drive recorder control device, the user can set the determination threshold Gth to any value, and therefore the determination threshold Gth can be changed to a value appropriate for the usage environment.

[0099] (c) In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to forcibly terminate the status monitoring process when the number of consecutive low voltage events Ca reaches the emergency stop threshold Cth, but the drive recorder control device of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 11 may be configured to forcibly terminate the status monitoring process immediately when the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb falls below the low voltage threshold Vth, without counting the number of consecutive low voltage events Ca. In other words, the control unit 11 may be configured to stop outputting drive power and a simulated recording command when the voltage value of the battery voltage Vb falls below the low voltage threshold Vth.

[0100] This allows the drive recorder control device 1 to quickly reduce the amount of power consumed by the drive recorder 33 and the drive recorder control device 1 when the battery voltage Vb is low.

[0101] (d) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Furthermore, at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments may be replaced with a known configuration having a similar function. Furthermore, a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. Note that any aspect included in the technical idea identified only by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...Drive recorder control device, 11...Control unit, 11a...Calculation unit (CPU), 11b...Memory, 13...Time counting unit, 15...Position information detection unit, 17...Impact detection unit, 19...Branch communication path, 21...Power supply switching unit, 23...Communication switching unit, 31...Vehicle, 33...Drive recorder, 35...First communication path, 37...Continuous power supply path, 39...Ignition power supply path, 43...Second communication path, 45...Driving power path.

Claims

1. a power output unit connected to a drive recorder and configured to output drive power to the drive recorder; a command output unit connected to the drive recorder and configured to output a simulated recording command, the simulated recording command being a command that simulates a recording command, and the recording command being a command output from a vehicle to cause the drive recorder to perform a recording operation; an impact detection unit configured to detect the magnitude of an impact that has occurred to the vehicle; a recording control unit configured to detect an abnormality of the vehicle based on the magnitude of the impact when the vehicle is in a resting state, and to control the power output unit and the command output unit to output the drive power and the simulated recording command for a predetermined recording time when the abnormality is detected, and to control the power output unit and the command output unit not to output the drive power and the simulated recording command when the abnormality is not detected; A drive recorder control device comprising:

2. The drive recorder control device according to claim 1, the command output unit is configured to communicate with the drive recorder based on a predetermined communication protocol, the communication protocol corresponds to a communication protocol used for communication between the drive recorder and the vehicle; the recording command includes an ignition ON signal or a recording command signal; the ignition ON signal is a signal output by the vehicle when the vehicle is in operation, and is a signal of a predetermined voltage value; the recording command signal is a signal transmitted from the vehicle to the drive recorder based on the communication protocol; Drive recorder control device.

3. The drive recorder control device according to claim 2, the command output unit is configured to determine the type of the vehicle based on a signal output from the vehicle, and output the simulated recording command that simulates the recording command signal corresponding to the type. Drive recorder control device.

4. The drive recorder control device according to claim 3, the recording control unit is configured to determine that the abnormality has been detected when the magnitude of the impact exceeds a determination threshold. Drive recorder control device.

5. The drive recorder control device according to claim 4, The command output unit is configured to identify the type of the communication protocol based on communication data exchanged between the vehicle and the drive recorder. Drive recorder control device.

6. The drive recorder control device according to claim 5, the recording control unit is configured to detect a magnitude of a power supply voltage output by an in-vehicle power supply device provided in the vehicle, and stop output of the drive power and the simulated recording command when the magnitude of the power supply voltage is lower than a predetermined low voltage threshold. Drive recorder control device.

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