Automotive electronic equipment and programs

Abstract

To provide an image recording device that continuously records captured images, in which the image recording device can relatively easily execute processing related to other data even during an operation of continuously recording captured images, and to provide an image recording system, and a program .SOLUTION: A drive recorder includes a CCD camera for acquiring image information, SD card readers 311, 312 which are media storage units for accommodating storage media (SD cards) such that the storage media can be insertable and removable, and a controller capable of executing control for recording captured images in the storage medium. The controller is capable of executing a control mode for recording a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time in the past using the storage medium by deleting captured images in order from the oldest captured image and storing new captured images in a free space while securing the free space in a storage area of the storage medium, and the controller includes at least two media storage units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device capable of continuously recording captured images, such as a drive recorder or a monitoring device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, image recording devices such as a drive recorder that captures and continuously records the front view of a vehicle and a monitoring device that captures and continuously records a predetermined monitoring area are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, an image recording device such as a drive recorder sequentially records new captured images while erasing captured images with an older recording time to secure an empty area as long as the power-on state continues after the ignition of the vehicle is switched on. According to a drive recorder or the like that performs such a recording operation, captured images over a predetermined period in the past up to the present can be constantly updated and held.

[0003] For the purpose of recording captured images over a predetermined period in the past as described above, there are purposes such as identifying the cause of a traffic accident or the employer side managing the driving of a driver who is an employee. In recent years, as inexpensive drive recorders have become available for sale at mass retailers of automotive supplies and the like, there are also users who personally enjoy using them for purposes such as recording driving scenes or recording the scenery of the town.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Image recording devices such as dashcams, which continuously record captured images, differ significantly from cameras and video cameras in how they utilize their memory. Specifically, as long as they are powered on, dashcams and similar image recording devices can endlessly repeat the process of erasing old images and recording new ones.

[0006] In image recording devices such as dashcams, when continuously erasing and writing captured images indefinitely, attempting to write or erase other data in addition to the continuous recording of captured images can lead to excessive data access to the storage medium or cause processing to become unsustainable. Therefore, when continuously erasing and writing captured images indefinitely, the number of processes that can be executed simultaneously is limited, or certain processes may become impossible to execute.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide an image recording device that can continuously record captured images, and that can perform processing on other data relatively easily even while continuously recording captured images. Furthermore, conventional dashcams that record to a memory card, such as those that only have one memory card slot, have the following problems and challenges. (a) If the memory card is damaged or malfunctions, recording will not be possible. In particular, if continuous recording is performed, the probability of damage is high because recording is constantly overwritten (repeatedly erased and stored) while driving. Also, removing the memory card while it is in operation is highly likely to cause damage. Most dashcams turn on and off in conjunction with the engine key, but in some vehicles, voltage fluctuations, interruptions, or surges may occur, especially when the engine is started, and these may have a negative impact, causing abnormalities in the control of the memory card and resulting in damage or malfunction of the memory card. (b) The primary purpose of a dashcam is to record accidents, and these accident records must be saved in a way that prevents them from being erased. Accident detection is generally performed by detecting an impact exceeding a certain level using a G-sensor, and the images before and after the incident are saved with overwriting protection enabled. However, it is difficult to reliably detect only accidents, as impacts may also be detected by road surface irregularities, bumps, or the driver's driving style. In reality, there is a large amount of recording that does not involve accidents and does not need to be saved. Lowering the sensor sensitivity will prevent accident detection. In addition, recordings of dangerous driving or reckless driving, near-miss experiences, or scenic locations are often saved with overwriting protection enabled via manual operation, and some users record a lot of footage with overwriting protection enabled. When the memory card is full with such overwrite-protected recordings, it is naturally impossible to record any more. While it may be necessary to replace the memory card, retrieve / delete images, or initialize the device, there may be situations where these actions cannot be performed immediately, such as while driving or traveling. In such cases, the device will not be able to store any further data and will cease to function as a dashcam. (c) It is common to store both continuous recording and recordings of events that are not to be overwritten on the same memory card, but if no action is taken, the amount of recordings that are not to be overwritten will increase. It would be good to perform maintenance / actions on a daily basis, but this is not easy to do. In some cases, the memory card is divided into a continuous recording area and an overwrite-protected recording area, but more often than not, the overwrite-protected recording is prioritized and stored without area division, and the continuous recording area is reduced as the amount of overwritten recording increases. In this case, even if the memory card is not filled with overwrite-protected recordings as in (b) above, the continuous recording area decreases and the continuous recording time is shortened, reducing the time that can be used to review past images. At the same time, the time it takes for one overwrite cycle is shortened, the frequency of deletion and recording increases, and the probability of memory card damage or malfunction increases. If the continuous recording area and the overwrite-protected recording area are separated, naturally, when the overwrite-protected recording area is full, no further recording is possible, and it is more likely to fill up than in the method without area division. (d) In order to view or retrieve recorded images using a PC viewer, etc., the memory card may be removed from the dashcam. If the memory card is forgotten after being removed, or if for some reason the removed memory card cannot be used, driving without a memory card installed will result in no recording or storage, and the dashcam will not function. (e) With multi-functional dashcams, the amount of data and information stored on the memory card becomes very large, which may result in slower processing speeds or the inability to process certain parts of the data. Also, the frequency of memory card use increases, raising the probability of memory card damage or malfunction. In many cases, if the memory card is damaged or malfunctions, all functions may become unusable. The present invention aims to provide an image recording device, for example, that can function as a dashcam more continuously and solve the problems of the conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) An image recording device equipped with a control means that has a function of recording an image acquired by an imaging means onto a removable storage medium, It is equipped with multiple media storage units that detachably hold storage media, The control means is preferably an image recording device that has the function of performing a predetermined write operation on a storage medium installed in any of the other media storage units while an captured image is being recorded on a storage medium installed in at least one of the multiple media storage units.

[0009] This image recording device has multiple media storage units and can accommodate multiple storage media. The control means has a function to perform a predetermined write operation on a storage media installed in at least one of the media storage units while an captured image is being recorded on the storage media installed in at least one of the media storage units. Therefore, this image recording device can perform a predetermined write operation on other storage media in parallel with the recording of the captured image.

[0010] If a predetermined write operation is performed on a storage medium other than the storage medium on which the captured image is recorded, even if the predetermined write operation is performed while the captured image is being recorded, the risk of excessive data access, such as writing and reading, to the storage medium on which the captured image is being recorded and the storage medium on which the predetermined write operation is performed can be reduced. As a result, the risk of defects occurring in the recording of the captured image due to the execution of the predetermined write operation can be suppressed.

[0011] This image recording device allows for the execution of relatively frequent data access operations to the storage medium as predetermined writing operations, within a range that minimizes the impact on the recording operation of captured images. If various writing operations can be performed while capturing images are being recorded, the image recording device can be used not only for recording captured images but also for recording vehicle data such as engine speed and vehicle speed, thereby improving convenience.

[0012] Furthermore, as a configuration in which other writing operations are performed while or during the recording of captured images, for example, multiple arithmetic units such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) may be provided to simultaneously execute the process for recording captured images and the process for performing other writing operations. Alternatively, even with a single arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the process for recording captured images and the process for performing other writing operations may be executed simultaneously using time-sharing. For example, it is advisable to perform writing operations to other files while the file recording the captured images is not closed. For example, after the image recording operation by the image recording device starts and before the recording operation is completed, it is advisable for the CPU to perform other writing operations as an interrupt.

[0013] For example, an image recording device may be provided that includes a control means having a function to record an image captured by an imaging means onto a removable storage medium, wherein the device has a plurality of media storage units that detachably hold storage mediums, and the control means has a function to perform a predetermined writing process mainly with respect to a storage medium mounted in at least one of the plurality of media storage units, and secondary with respect to a storage medium mounted in any of the other media storage units.

[0014] (2) The control means can execute a control mode that records a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time using the storage medium by deleting the captured images in order from the oldest captured images and sequentially storing new captured images in the free space of the storage medium while securing free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium. It is preferable to have a configuration in which at least two of the aforementioned media storage units are provided.

[0015] An image recording device comprising: an imaging means for acquiring image information; a media storage unit for inserting and removing a storage medium; and a control means capable of performing control for recording an image captured by the imaging means on the storage medium stored in the media storage unit, The control means can execute a control mode that records a series of captured images over a predetermined period of time using the storage medium by sequentially deleting the oldest captured images and reserving free space in the storage area of ​​the storage medium while storing new captured images in the free space. The image recording device is preferably provided with at least two of the aforementioned media storage units.

[0016] As described above, image recording devices such as drive recorders that continuously record captured images differ significantly from cameras and video cameras in terms of how the storage area is used. That is, as long as an image recording device such as a drive recorder is in an energized state, for example, it repeatedly and indefinitely erases old captured images and records new captured images. In the case of cameras and video cameras, old captured images are not automatically erased by overwriting new captured images. For example, the captured images are erased after being read out to a terminal device such as a personal computer.

[0017] In an image recording device such as a drive recorder that repeatedly and indefinitely erases and writes in order to continuously record captured images, there is a possibility that data write errors, erase errors, etc. may occur while the recording and erasing of captured images are repeated, and there is a problem that defects may occur in the recorded data in the storage area.

[0018] On the other hand, since the image recording device has at least two media storage units, it is possible to mount a plurality of storage media. By using a plurality of storage media, the number of execution times of data rewriting, erasing, etc. of each storage media can be reduced compared to the case where there is only one storage media, and the burden can be reduced. As a result, the probability of occurrence of troubles such as write errors and erase errors when recording the captured images can be reduced, and the operation reliability can be improved.

[0019] As described above, the image recording device is a device for continuously recording captured images, and is a useful device for improving the stability of the recording operation of captured images.

[0020] The number of media storage units provided in the image recording device may be two, but it is particularly good to have a plurality of three or more. The imaging means is preferably an imaging camera equipped with an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS, or imaging means using an area sensor such as a lidar, a millimeter wave sensor, or an infrared sensor. The image recording device is useful in applications such as drive recorders and monitoring devices. As a series of captured images, for example, like so-called event recording, it may be a predetermined period including the time point of event occurrence (for example, a predetermined period consisting of a first predetermined period before the event occurrence and a second predetermined period after the event occurrence), but in particular, it is preferably recorded regardless of the event, and in particular, it is preferably a so-called always-on recording.

[0021] The control means deletes the captured images in order from the oldest captured timing, and sequentially stores new captured images in the empty area of the storage area of the storage medium while securing the empty area of the storage area of the storage medium, thereby recording the captured images using the storage medium. It is possible to execute a control mode and a control mode in which the captured image is not erased, and it is preferable to use an image recording apparatus provided with at least two medium storage units.

[0022] (3) The control means uses each storage medium housed in any two or more medium storage units to record the series of captured images, and while a new captured image is being recorded in any one of the storage media, It is preferable to be able to execute a control mode for initializing the storage area of any other storage medium. The control means uses each storage medium housed in any two or more medium storage units to record the captured images, and while a new captured image is being recorded in any one of the storage media, It is preferable to use an image recording apparatus that can execute a control mode for initializing the storage area of any other storage medium.

[0023] If it is done as in (3) above, when starting to record a captured image on any storage medium, recording can always be started from the initialized state. If recording is started from the initialized state, the probability of occurrence of a write error or the like can be made extremely low. During the initialization operation of any storage medium, it is only necessary to record the captured image on the other storage medium, so there is no need to interrupt the recording operation of the captured image for the initialization operation, and the processing efficiency of the recording operation is not impaired. Furthermore, it is also advisable to write the same data to two or more storage media. By recording the same data on physically independent storage media, if a problem occurs with one storage medium, the data can still be read from the other storage medium, thus improving reliability.

[0024] (4) In an image recording device, if there are two storage media used to record the series of captured images, it is preferable to enable a control mode in which the two storage media are used alternately to record the series of captured images, and the storage area of ​​the other storage media is initialized while a new captured image is being recorded on one of the storage media. When there are two storage media used to record captured images, it is preferable to have an image recording device that can execute a control mode in which the two storage media are used alternately to record captured images, and the storage area of ​​the other storage media is initialized while a new captured image is being recorded on one of the storage media. As described in (4) above, by initializing the two storage media alternately, it is possible to always start recording from an initialized state when recording an image onto either storage medium.

[0025] (5) In an image recording device, if there are three or more storage media used to record the series of captured images, it is preferable to enable a control mode that allows the device to sequentially swap two selected storage media from among the storage media, and to initialize the storage area of ​​one of the other storage media while a new captured image is being recorded on one of the two selected storage media. When there are three or more storage media used to record captured images, it is preferable to have an image recording device that can execute a control mode in which two selected storage media are swapped sequentially, and while a new captured image is being recorded on one of the two selected storage media, the storage area of ​​one of the other storage media is initialized.

[0026] For example, when there are first to third storage media in an initialized state, first, the captured images are recorded sequentially on the first and second storage media. Then, when recording a new captured image on the third storage media, the first and third storage media are selected, and the first storage media is initialized while the captured image is being recorded on the third storage media. After the captured image is recorded on the third storage media, the first and second storage media are selected, and the second storage media is initialized while the captured image is being recorded on the first storage media. After the captured image is recorded on the first storage media, the second and third storage media are selected, and the third storage media is initialized while the captured image is being recorded on the second storage media. By sequentially switching the two selected storage media in this way, it becomes possible to record captured images over a long period of time using three or more storage media.

[0027] (6) The storage medium has file management information recorded on it for managing the location of data within the storage area, When initializing one of the storage media while a new image is being recorded to the other storage media, it is preferable to configure the system so that, in conjunction with the recording of the new image, the images already recorded on the other storage media are erased starting from the oldest at the time of recording, and after all images have been erased, the file management information is erased to complete the initialization.

[0028] The aforementioned file management information is information that manages which data is recorded at which location within the storage area of ​​the storage medium, and is preferably management information necessary when reading recorded data such as captured images. For example, after such file management information is erased, even the data before erasure becomes unreadable. If the file management information is erased at the start of the initialization process, it becomes difficult to read the captured images recorded on the storage medium at the same time as the initialization process begins. On the other hand, if the file management information is erased at the end of the initialization process, it becomes possible to read recorded captured images even after the initialization process has started.

[0029] One way in which images on one storage medium are erased in conjunction with the recording of images on one storage medium is to make the time duration of the newly recorded images on one storage medium approximately the same as the time duration of the images erased from the other storage medium. In this case, the degree to which the time duration of images that can be read from the storage medium fluctuates according to the progress of the initialization work can be suppressed. If the file management information is erased at the same time as the start of the initialization work, the images recorded on that storage medium become instantly unreadable, and the time duration of images that can be read from the storage medium becomes drastically shorter at the same time as the start of the initialization work.

[0030] (7) The control means is capable of executing multiple types of control modes for recording data in the storage medium, At least one of the storage media contains setting information corresponding to one of the multiple control modes described above. The control means is preferably configured to execute a control corresponding to the setting information read from the storage medium when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is stored in the storage medium storage unit.

[0031] In this case, by housing the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded in the storage medium, control according to that setting information can be started immediately. It is very convenient because the operation of the image recording device can be changed by rewriting the setting information recorded on the storage medium. If the control mode of the image recording device can be changed by the setting information recorded on the storage medium, it becomes unnecessary to provide, for example, an operating means for changing the control mode on the image recording device itself. In this case, the hardware configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced, and troubles with operating means that are prone to failure can be prevented, thereby improving operational reliability. Furthermore, if it is difficult for the user to change the setting information, the risk of drivers hired by, for example, a transportation company or taxi company arbitrarily changing the setting information can be prevented. Such a configuration is advantageous for employers such as transportation companies and taxi companies in managing the driving of their employee drivers.

[0032] (8) The image recording device includes a change operation means that accepts an operation to change the setting information recorded on the storage medium, It is preferable to have a configuration that includes a warning means that, when an operation to change the setting information is received via the change operation means, warns that the data recorded on the storage medium may be erased as a result of changing the setting information. In this case, the risk of recorded images being accidentally erased due to carelessness or other reasons can be prevented by changing the settings. The risk of important images being erased is reduced, making it an easy-to-use image recording device.

[0033] (9) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various types of data, The control means is preferably configured such that when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is placed in the storage unit, it reads the setting information from the storage medium and stores it in the storage means. In this case, even if the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is removed, control according to that setting information can still be achieved. For example, when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is removed, the setting information of the storage means can be recorded on another storage medium. In this case, since the location where the setting information is recorded will be two physically independent locations, security can be improved. As the storage means, a means utilizing an electronic device such as non-volatile memory such as flash ROM can be considered.

[0034] (10) When initializing the storage area of ​​the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded, the control means is configured to record the setting information to be stored by the storage means again on the storage medium after initialization is complete. In this case, it becomes possible to initialize the storage medium on which the configuration information is recorded, by erasing the entire memory area. After the initialization process is complete, the configuration information can be recorded again to restore the original state on which the configuration information was recorded.

[0035] (11) The control means records the series of captured images in some of the storage media among the storage media housed in any two or more media storage units, The remaining storage medium should be configured to execute a control mode that records a specific image, which is either an image captured during a specific time interval or an image containing a specific time interval, from the series of captured images.

[0036] If the aforementioned series of captured images and a specific image are recorded on separate storage media, the captured images and the specific image can be recorded efficiently. The specific time interval can be set to, for example, the time interval during which saving becomes necessary. Since the series of captured images recorded on one of the storage media need to be updated as needed, it is not appropriate to prohibit overwriting, but it is also possible to record the captured images on the other storage media in overwrite-prohibition mode. In this case, the captured images recorded on the other storage media can be saved with high reliability.

[0037] Generally, when recording to a storage medium, the series of captured images are often managed on a file basis. In such a configuration, it can be difficult to create a file for only a specific time period. In this case, it is advisable to copy or move the file containing the captured images for that specific time period. The control means may be an image recording device capable of executing a control mode in which a series of captured images over a predetermined period in the past is recorded on some of the storage media among the two or more storage media housed in any two or more media storage units, while a specific image, which is an captured image of a specific time interval or an captured image that includes a specific time interval, is recorded on one of the remaining storage media.

[0038] (12) The specific image may be a copy of a part of the series of captured images recorded on the storage medium, or a part of which has been moved. When duplicating a portion of the aforementioned series of captured images, the corresponding portion of the series of captured images may be deleted or left as is. For example, if a portion is duplicated after recording the series of captured images, a specific image can be recorded through post-processing after recording the series of captured images. This eliminates the need to record both the series of captured images and the captured images for the specific time interval simultaneously and in parallel, thus distributing the processing load over time and preventing the occurrence of excessive load.

[0039] (13) The image recording device is an image recording device mounted on a vehicle and includes data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data that reflects the status of the vehicle. The control means records the series of captured images in some of the storage media among the storage media housed in any two or more media storage units, The remaining storage medium should be configured to execute a control mode that records the vehicle data acquired by the data acquisition means.

[0040] In this case, the storage medium for recording captured images and the storage medium for recording vehicle data are physically separated, allowing for efficient recording of both images and vehicle data. For example, recording vehicle data in overwrite-protection mode is also a good option. In this case, the risk of important vehicle data being unintentionally erased can be prevented.

[0041] Furthermore, it is also advisable to record a signal for synchronizing the timing between the series of captured images and the vehicle data. If such a signal is recorded, it becomes possible to play back the captured images and the vehicle data in a timely synchronized manner. The aforementioned vehicle data includes, for example, information flowing through the in-vehicle network that transmits vehicle control information, and information obtained based on that information. For example, speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, ambient temperature, maximum ambient temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on general roads, average fuel consumption on highways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, distance traveled, lifetime distance traveled, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h shortest acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h Vehicle data is available, including: shortest acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / h average acceleration, 0-60km / h shortest acceleration, 0-80km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, 0-80km / h shortest acceleration, 0-20km / h driving time, 20-40km / h driving time, 40-60km / h driving time, 60-80km / h driving time, driving time above 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, lifetime engine mileage ratio, etc.

[0042] (14) The control means may be configured to record the specific image when a predetermined event occurs. For example, the series of captured images are recorded and updated as needed, regardless of the occurrence of an event. The specific image may be configured to be recorded when the predetermined event occurs. Alternatively, the storage medium on which the specific image is recorded may be made overwrite-protected. In this case, the recording state of the specific image, which is the captured image at the time the predetermined event occurred, can be reliably maintained, and the captured image can be reliably referenced afterward.

[0043] (15) The control means may be configured to record the vehicle data when a predetermined event occurs. For example, the series of captured images may be configured to be recorded while being updated as needed, regardless of the occurrence of an event. Alternatively, the storage medium on which the vehicle data is recorded may be made overwrite-protected. In this case, the vehicle data at the time of the predetermined event can be saved with high reliability, and that vehicle data can be reliably accessed afterward.

[0044] (16) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various types of data, The control means may be configured to execute a control mode in which, when a predetermined event occurs, a specific image, which is an image captured during a specific time interval from the series of captured images, is recorded in the storage area of ​​the storage means.

[0045] (17) An image recording device mounted on a vehicle, which includes data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data that reflects the status of the vehicle, and also incorporates storage means for storing various types of data, The control means may be configured to execute a control mode in which, when a predetermined event occurs, the vehicle data is recorded in the storage area of ​​the storage means.

[0046] In these cases, the specific image or vehicle data at the time the predetermined event occurs can be recorded in the storage means. Unlike a storage medium, the storage means is built-in, so even if no storage medium is stored in the medium storage compartment, it is possible to record the specific image or vehicle data.

[0047] (18) The specific image or vehicle data recorded in response to the occurrence of the predetermined event may be an image or vehicle data captured during a specific time interval that includes the time before and after the moment the predetermined event occurred. In this case, it is possible to record captured images or vehicle data for a specific time interval that includes the moment the predetermined event occurs, but starts from a point in time prior to that moment. Captured images, etc., from a point in time prior to the moment the predetermined event occurred can be useful materials for retrospectively analyzing the cause and progression of the event. For example, if the event is a traffic accident, it can be useful in identifying the cause of the accident. For example, if the event is that specific vehicle data indicates a specific situation, it can be useful in identifying the vehicle's behavior at that time and the actions of the vehicle that led to that situation.

[0048] (19) The system is equipped with a storage operation means that accepts an operation to request the recording of the specific image or vehicle data, and the predetermined event may include at least an operation of the storage operation means. In this case, the user's operation triggers the recording of images captured over a specific time period. When a scene that the user of the image recording device wants to record appears, they can operate the saving operation means to record the captured image of that scene.

[0049] The saving operation means may be a real-time operation when recording the captured image, or an operation performed while the series of captured images are being played back later. For example, in order to record the captured image by an operation during playback, it is advisable to provide a display means such as a liquid crystal display for playing back and displaying the series of captured images.

[0050] (20) The image recording device is equipped with data acquisition means for acquiring measured values ​​of a predetermined physical quantity, and the predetermined event should preferably include at least the fact that the measured value of the predetermined physical quantity indicates a predetermined state. In this case, the system can record captured images or vehicle data when the measured values ​​indicate a predetermined state. The recorded captured images, etc., are useful for retrospectively analyzing the cause and progression of the state.

[0051] The measured values ​​may indicate a predetermined state in various ways, such as exceeding a predetermined threshold, showing a predetermined change, or satisfying a predetermined combination of conditions or patterns. Examples of measured values ​​include acceleration and velocity in three axes. Furthermore, it is also possible to set the predetermined event to include detection of approach to a pre-stored location. Approach to a specific location can be detected, for example, using GPS location information.

[0052] (21) The image recording device is an image recording device mounted on a vehicle and includes data acquisition means for acquiring vehicle data that reflects the status of the vehicle. The predetermined physical quantity may be the physical quantity acquired as vehicle data. In this case, the captured image or vehicle data can be recorded when the vehicle data shows a predetermined state. The cause and circumstances of that state can then be identified using the captured image or vehicle data.

[0053] (22) In the image recording device, it is preferable to provide a display unit corresponding to the media storage unit that indicates whether data recorded in the storage area of ​​the storage medium is being read or data is being written to the storage area. In this case, the storage medium being accessed can be clearly identified, thereby reducing the risk of the storage medium being inadvertently removed during data access. Regarding the configuration in which the display unit is provided in relation to the media storage unit, for example, a separate display unit may be provided for each of the multiple media storage units, but it is particularly preferable to provide a display unit that is shared by multiple media storage units.

[0054] (23) The image recording device has built-in storage means for storing various types of data, It is preferable to have a configuration that allows for the execution of a control mode in which the storage area of ​​a storage medium housed in one of the media storage units and the storage area of ​​the storage means are alternately used to record the series of captured images, and the other storage area is initialized while the captured images are being recorded in one of the storage areas. The image recording device is capable of executing a control mode in which the storage area of ​​a storage medium housed in one of the media storage units and the storage area of ​​the storage means are alternately used to record an captured image, and the other storage area is initialized while the captured image is being recorded in one of the storage areas. In this case, even if only one storage medium is installed, the control can be executed in which the captured image is recorded in the other while one is being initialized by alternately utilizing the storage medium and the storage means.

[0055] (24) The control means is preferably capable of executing two or more control modes in parallel. In this case, it becomes possible to record data from multiple sources in parallel, enhancing its data logger functionality. Each control mode may be configured as a unique mode that distinguishes it from other modes, or it may be configured to have functions such as taking such a state, performing such processing, or having such a function.

[0056] (25) In an image recording device, it is preferable that at least one of the media storage units is configured such that the operation for inserting and removing the storage medium is different from that of the other media storage units. In this case, the storage medium stored in the media storage compartment that is easier to operate can be configured to be removed preferentially. For example, a storage medium containing setting information may be stored in the media storage compartment that is more difficult to operate. In this case, the accidental removal of the storage medium containing the setting information can be prevented.

[0057] (26) The control means may also have the function of individually performing data writing, reading, erasing, and initialization controls for each storage medium installed in each of the multiple media storage units. If data writing, reading, erasure, and initialization can be controlled individually for each storage medium, the number of recording operations that can be performed in parallel in an image recording device increases. This diversifies the functionality of the image recording device and improves its convenience. For example, it becomes possible to record captured images on a specific storage medium while simultaneously recording vehicle data such as engine speed and vehicle speed on other storage media. Also, for example, when recording captured images using two or more storage media, it is advisable to initialize the storage area of ​​other storage media containing older captured images while the latest image is being recorded. In this case, when the storage area of ​​the storage medium recording the latest image becomes full, the recording of subsequent images can be continued using the other initialized storage media. Using initialized storage media allows for efficient recording of captured images with less risk of write errors.

[0058] (27) The control means controls a storage medium installed in any of the media storage units as a first storage medium for recording a new image by overwriting a previously recorded image, It would be beneficial to have a function that controls any storage medium installed in any other storage unit as a second storage medium, preventing the recording of already captured images from being erased by overwriting protection. In this way, if the first storage medium is used as a storage medium for overwriting, and overwriting is prohibited for the second storage medium, then, for example, the first storage medium can be used for continuous recording to record captured images, while the second storage medium can be used to record captured images that one particularly wants to save. The control means is characterized by having a function to control a storage medium installed in either of the media storage units as a first storage medium for recording new captured images by overwriting already recorded captured images, while controlling a storage medium installed in any of the other media storage units as a second storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased by overwriting prohibition. For example, a configuration can be used to store data that is not protected from overwriting on a second storage medium. For instance, in event recording, if a G-sensor detects a predetermined impact, recording is performed before and after the impact. If the impact detection is an accident, it is better to protect the data from overwriting. However, in reality, road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's actions can also be detected as impacts, and if overwriting is protected, unnecessary data that is protected from overwriting will accumulate. To prevent this, it is advisable to set a predetermined capacity and configure the system to include a function that overwrites data within that limit.

[0059] In particular, it would be beneficial to have a configuration that allows for the insertion of multiple storage media (e.g., memory cards), with one designated as the primary storage medium and the others as secondary, and that includes a function to compensate for the primary storage medium's absence or the aforementioned problems or malfunctions if the primary storage medium is removed. This allows the dashcam to function more continuously than before. In particular, the primary storage medium should be configured to store images that you want to save, such as accident records or scenic locations, in a way that prevents overwriting or reduces the probability of them being erased. The secondary storage medium should record continuously while driving, and should ideally include a function to retrieve images that could not be recorded on the primary storage medium for some reason, or a function to move or copy them to the primary storage medium. While continuous recording increases the likelihood of damage or malfunction of memory cards and other storage media, as mentioned above, this method ensures that images you particularly want to save are stored on the primary device, minimizing damage even if the secondary device is damaged or malfunctions. For example, the first storage medium in (27) to (38) may be considered a secondary storage medium, and the second storage medium may be considered a primary storage medium. The primary storage medium should not be fixed; instead, multiple storage media should be used sequentially as primary and secondary storage media, and a function should be included to initialize the secondary storage media while recording is being performed on the primary storage medium. This would reduce the probability of damage or malfunctions occurring. In this case, it would be beneficial to have a function that allows both continuous overwrite recording and event recording with overwrite protection to be recorded to the same primary storage medium. In particular, it is advisable to store the recording data that is essential for a dashcam on the primary storage medium, and data that is not essential for a dashcam on a secondary storage medium, thus separating them. This configuration helps prevent slow processing speeds or the occurrence of parts that cannot be processed, especially in multi-functional dashcams. Furthermore, by separating the storage media, the frequency of use of each individual storage medium is reduced, thereby lowering the probability of damage or malfunction of the storage media.

[0060] (28) The control means may be provided with a function to perform continuous recording, in which new images are recorded by overwriting older images from the first storage medium that were captured at the time of capture. Continuous recording of captured images enables continuous recording, allowing for the recording of images within a predetermined time range based on the current time. For example, it becomes possible to record images at the moment an accident occurs, securing evidence useful in investigating the cause of the accident.

[0061] Furthermore, the second storage medium, which prohibits overwriting, is suitable for recording images other than continuous recording, such as images captured by event recording when some event occurs, images captured by manual operation recording in response to manual operation, and still images. If there are few installed storage media and it is not possible to distribute them to the first and second storage media, it is also possible to treat the installed storage media as the first storage media and perform continuous recording by continuously recording the captured images.

[0062] (29) The control means may include a function to record the captured image on the second storage medium when a specific recording condition is met. In this case, captured images obtained when specific recording conditions are met can be reliably saved with overwriting disabled. In particular, if captured images obtained when specific recording conditions are met are recorded on a second storage medium different from the first storage medium used for continuous recording, there is less risk of problems such as unreadability occurring even if some trouble occurs during the continuous recording process of captured images on the first storage medium. The specific recording conditions should be set to include events, manual operations by the driver, etc. Events could include accidents that cause airbags to deploy, sudden braking or steering, or large accelerations.

[0063] (30) The control means may include a function to set an overwriteable storage area in a portion of the free area of ​​the storage area of ​​the second storage medium when the first storage medium is removed while the first and second storage mediums are installed and the state changes to one in which only the second storage medium is installed. In this case, even after the first storage medium is removed and only the second storage medium remains, continuous recording of captured images becomes possible, thus suppressing a decline in the functionality or convenience of the image recording device.

[0064] In a configuration that includes a function to control the second storage medium as having an area where recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device that has a function to set an overwriteable storage area in a part of the free area of ​​the storage area of ​​the second storage medium for storing data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium when the first storage medium is removed while the first and second storage mediums are installed and the state changes to one in which only the second storage medium is installed.

[0065] (31) The control means may also have a function to control the single storage medium as a third storage medium, provided that the storage area of ​​the single storage medium is overwritable and the storage area is not overwritable, when only one storage medium is installed. Even with only one storage medium, it becomes possible to record data such as overwrite-protected images in addition to continuously recorded images. Overwrite-protected images can include images captured by event recording, images captured by manual operation recording, and images captured by still image recording. Subsequently, when a new storage medium that can be used as a first or second storage medium is installed, it is also possible to treat that storage medium as the first or second storage medium. If it is treated as the first storage medium, all or part of the continuously recorded images that are recorded in an overwriteable format can be transferred and recorded on the first storage medium. If it is treated as the second storage medium, all or part of the data such as overwrite-protected images recorded on the third storage medium can be transferred and recorded on the second storage medium.

[0066] In a configuration that includes a function to control a second storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device that includes a function to control the single storage medium as a third storage medium having a combined storage area for data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium and the second storage medium, when only one storage medium is installed.

[0067] (32) The control means may also have a function to control the storage medium as the second storage medium when a new storage medium is installed while only one storage medium is installed. If a newly installed storage medium is treated as a second storage medium, data such as captured images can be reliably saved by recording to the second storage medium, which prohibits overwriting. When there is a large amount of data to be saved, such as captured images, the convenience of installing a second storage medium becomes possible. Furthermore, when transferring saved data to an external computer, only the second storage medium needs to be removed. Furthermore, if there is no storage medium controlled as a second storage medium, and only a storage medium controlled as a first storage medium, a portion of the storage area of ​​this first storage medium may be treated as an area where overwriting is prohibited. Subsequently, when a storage medium controlled as a second storage medium is newly installed, all or part of the data recorded on the first storage medium with overwriting prohibited may be transferred to the second storage medium for recording.

[0068] (33) The control means may also have a function to control the newly installed storage medium as the second storage medium when only one storage medium is installed, and to record the data recorded in the storage area of ​​the third storage medium that is protected from overwriting onto the second storage medium. In this case, the data recorded in the overwrite-protected storage area of ​​the third storage medium can be transferred to the second storage medium and recorded there, thereby ensuring reliable storage of that data.

[0069] Furthermore, even if multiple storage media are installed and it is possible to allocate data between the first and second storage media, it is also advisable to provide a mode that controls all storage media as the first storage media. In this case, the storage area of ​​the first storage media becomes larger, allowing for longer recording times when continuously recording captured images. When there are multiple first storage media in this way, it is advisable to switch the storage media targeted for continuous recording of captured images to another first storage media when the amount of data recorded on one of the storage media becomes full. In this case, it becomes possible to efficiently continuously record captured images by alternately using any of the multiple first storage media. It is also advisable to configure the storage media so that the recorded data can be erased or initialized individually.

[0070] In a configuration that includes a function to control a second storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be configured to control the newly installed storage medium as the second storage medium when only one storage medium is installed, and to record the recorded data from the storage area of ​​the third storage medium that corresponds to the storage of the second storage medium onto the second storage medium.

[0071] (34) The image recording device may also include a display means for displaying a reconstructed image of an image recorded on a storage medium, and a storage operation means for receiving an operation to record at least a portion of the image that was the source of the reconstructed image on the second storage medium, with overwriting prohibited. In this case, the image recording device can check the played-back image to determine whether or not it should be saved, and then record the original captured image of the played-back image that it has decided to save, while preventing overwriting. If it can be confirmed by the played-back image, the captured image that you want to save can be recorded with high reliability while preventing overwriting. For example, it is also possible to play back an image recorded on the first storage medium by continuous recording and transfer a part of that image to the second storage medium for recording. Alternatively, it is also possible to transfer and record images from before and after a marked location in time to the second storage medium during playback.

[0072] (35) The control means may also have a function to record the portion of the corresponding captured image that corresponds to the time interval of the operation, with respect to the time of the operation, on a storage medium while the save operation means is operated during the display of the playback image, in a state where overwriting is prohibited. In this case, by operating the save operation means when the playback image to be saved is displayed, the original captured image can be reliably recorded in a state where it is not overwritten. By operating while the playback image is displayed, there is less risk of accidentally recording something other than the captured image that you want to save. The time interval for the captured image to be recorded in a state where it is not overwritten should be a time interval that goes back a predetermined time before the time of operation, a time interval that goes until a predetermined time has passed from the time of operation, or a time interval that spans both before and after the time of operation.

[0073] It is also good to equip the image recording device with sensors such as G-sensors for detecting impacts and external input functions. When controlling one of the multiple installed storage media as the first storage medium and the other as the second storage medium, it is also good to record images captured during a time interval up to a predetermined time before the time when the trigger signal was received, images captured during a time interval up to the predetermined time after that time, or both of these images, on the second storage medium in a state where overwriting is prohibited.

[0074] In a configuration that includes a function to control a second storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased due to the aforementioned overwrite protection, the control means is an image recording device that has a function to record the portion of the corresponding captured image corresponding to the time of operation, or the portion including the time of operation, on the storage medium in an overwrite-protected state when the save operation means is operated while the playback image is being displayed. Data movement and copying are often performed on a file basis, and files often include not only the "portion corresponding to the time of operation" but also other parts.

[0075] (36) The second storage medium may also have a communication function for transmitting data to an external device in addition to the function of storing data, and the control means may also have a function for transmitting the captured image recorded on the second storage medium to an external device. In this case, the captured images recorded on the second storage medium with overwriting disabled can be transmitted externally, allowing the recipient to view the images. This configuration is particularly effective in the event of an accident. For example, if a driving situation such as drowsy driving occurs in a taxi, immediately transmitting the captured images to the taxi company allows the administrator to understand the dangerous situation before an accident occurs. Furthermore, if an accident does occur later, immediately transmitting the captured images allows the administrator to quickly understand the situation and take prompt action.

[0076] When a storage medium with communication capabilities and a storage medium without communication capabilities are installed, it is preferable to control the storage medium with communication capabilities as the second storage medium and the storage medium without communication capabilities as the first storage medium. Then, it is preferable to transmit all or part of the data recorded on the second storage medium with priority. Here, priority transmission should be automatic.

[0077] (37) The image recording device and, The image recording system should include a terminal device equipped with a setting change means for changing setting information recorded on a storage medium, and a change operation means for receiving operations to change the setting information.

[0078] (38) The terminal device constituting the image recording system should be configured to include a warning means that warns that the recorded data on the storage medium may be erased when it receives an operation to change the setting information via the change operation means. In this case, the risk of recording data stored on the storage medium being erased due to careless operation can be prevented. Depending on the relationship between the original setting information and the modified setting information, it may be possible to avoid erasing the recorded data stored on the storage medium. It is also advisable to provide a means to determine the risk of recording data being erased by comparing the original setting information and the modified setting information, and to decide whether or not to issue a warning depending on that possibility.

[0079] (A) It is preferable to swap the descriptions of the "first storage medium" and the "second storage medium" in (27) to (38) above, so that the first storage medium is the primary storage medium and the second storage medium is secondary. For example, it is preferable to do as shown in (B) to (E) below. For (27), it is particularly preferable to have a configuration like (B) below. (B) The control means controls a storage medium mounted in any of the media storage units as the primary first storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased by overwriting protection, while controlling a storage medium mounted in any of the other media storage units as the secondary second storage medium for recording new captured images by overwriting recorded captured images. It is advisable to configure the first storage medium to also store data that is not protected from overwriting. It is advisable to use the first storage medium as the primary medium and the second storage medium as the secondary medium. For example, in event recording, if a G-sensor detects a predetermined impact and records the time before and after the impact, it is better to protect the recording of overwrites if the impact detection is an accident. However, in reality, road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's actions can also be detected as impacts, and if overwriting is protected, unnecessary data that is protected from overwriting will accumulate. To prevent this, it is better to set a predetermined capacity and overwrite the data within that range. For example, (30) is particularly well configured as shown in (C) below. (C) The control means is an image recording device that, when the second storage medium is removed while the first and second storage mediums are installed and the device transitions to a state where only the first storage medium is installed, sets up an overwritable storage area in a part of the empty storage area of ​​the first storage medium for storing data corresponding to the storage of the second storage medium. For example, (31) is particularly well configured as shown in (D) below. (D) The control means may be an image recording device that, when only one storage medium is installed, controls that single storage medium as a third storage medium having a combined storage area for data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium and the second storage medium. For example, (32) is particularly well configured as shown in (E) below. (E) The control means is an image recording device that, when a new storage medium is installed while only one storage medium is installed, controls the new storage medium as the first storage medium and also has a function to record the data from the storage area of ​​the third storage medium that corresponds to the storage of the first storage medium onto the first storage medium. For example, (35) is particularly well configured as shown in (F) below. The control means may be an image recording device that, when the save operation means is operated while the playback image is being displayed, records the portion of the corresponding captured image corresponding to the time interval of the operation, or the portion including the time interval, to a storage medium in a state where overwriting is prohibited. Data movement and copying are often done on a file-by-file basis, and files often contain not only the portion corresponding to the time interval based on the time the operation was performed, but also other parts. (39) It is preferable to provide a program that enables a computer to perform the function of the image recording device.

[0080] (a) The image recording device is provided with multiple media storage units for which storage media are attached to record recording data, which is the data of the captured images to be recorded, and each media storage unit records in a different way, distinguishing between recording methods and types of recorded data. When differentiating recording methods and data types for each media storage unit, it is desirable to be able to give each media storage unit different functions. When inserting storage media, users can simply select the media storage unit according to the data to be recorded, making it easier to use. For example, it becomes easier for users to understand the different recording methods for each media storage unit, which helps to prevent mistakes such as removing a storage unit while it is being written to. For example, one media storage unit could have overwrite permission, while the other does not. Alternatively, one media storage unit could record continuously, while the other records events, resulting in different recording data.

[0081] (b) The image recording device is provided with multiple media storage units for which storage media for recording video data are attached, and the probability of the recorded data being erased in each media storage unit is controlled to be different. For example, one media storage unit should have a high probability of being erased by overwriting, while the other unit should be overwrite-protected or have a low probability of being erased by overwriting, with sufficient storage capacity relative to the amount of recorded data. Alternatively, even if both are overwrite-enabled, one unit should record large amounts of data, such as continuous recording data, while the other unit should store small amounts of data, such as event recordings, so that the probabilities of the recorded data being erased differ.

[0082] (c) The image recording device should not have multiple media storage compartments arranged side by side vertically or horizontally, or should have compartments that are easily visible, or should have compartments that are arranged in a way that makes their order clear. In this case, the ease of access for each media storage compartment can be differentiated from the user's perspective. For example, storage media / compartments that are frequently inserted and removed should be placed in an easily accessible location, while those that are less frequently inserted and removed should be placed in a less easily accessible location. Storage media / compartments that are frequently inserted and removed can be easily identified by outlining the edges of the compartments or coloring them. Those that are less frequently inserted and removed can be covered to make them less easily accessible. Alternatively, the storage media compartments can be marked or engraved with numbers such as 1, 2, etc., or A, B, etc., to indicate their order, making it less likely for users to mistakenly remove the wrong storage media from the frequently inserted and removed storage media / compartments, such as 1 or A.

[0083] (d) At least one of the multiple storage media may be an image recording device that has a different shape or size from the others. In this case, the effect of preventing mix-ups of multiple storage media can be obtained. For example, by using different types of SD cards, such as a standard type storage medium (e.g., an SD card) for frequently inserted and removed storage media / media storage compartments, and a microSD card (e.g., a microSD card) for less frequently inserted and removed storage media, it is possible to make it less likely to mistakenly remove the wrong storage medium.

[0084] (e) The image recording device is provided with multiple media storage units for which storage media for recording recorded data are attached, and in the control of initializing other storage media while recording is in progress on one storage medium, the initialization is controlled to be performed automatically or semi-automatically under predetermined conditions. Performing initialization automatically or semi-automatically can prevent problems such as data being unreadable from the storage medium, and it can also maintain high data recording efficiency on the storage medium, thereby maximizing the amount of data that can be recorded. It is desirable to initialize the storage medium periodically. Ideally, initialization should be performed semi-automatically, either automatically when a predetermined number of rewrites have occurred since the last initialization, when a predetermined amount of overwriting has occurred for a predetermined period of time, or when a predetermined amount of overwriting has occurred, or semi-automatically when the time for initialization is indicated by a display, alarm, or sound, and a confirmation operation is performed to start the initialization.

[0085] (f) In a control system that includes multiple media storage units for storing storage media for recording video data, and automatically initializes other storage media while recording is in progress on one storage medium, it is preferable to have an image recording device in which at least one storage medium stored in a media storage unit is not automatically initialized. By setting the media storage unit to not automatically initialize, you can reliably retain data that you want to save for a long period of time. For example, it is a good idea to prevent the storage medium that stores event recordings from automatically initializing. Event recordings are thought to be overwritten less frequently than continuous recordings, and there is a high possibility that event recordings will be saved for a relatively long time, so it is preferable to set the storage medium that stores event recordings not to automatically initialize.

[0086] (g) The image recording device is equipped with two media storage units for which storage media for recording video data are attached, and is set to record continuously on one storage medium and event recording on the other. In this case, while the storage medium for continuous recording is being initialized, the device should be configured to temporarily store the continuous recording data in a portion of the capacity of the storage medium for event recording. In this case, the storage medium used for continuous recording can also be initialized, which helps to suppress problems related to that storage medium. For example, if there are multiple storage media used for continuous recording, they can be initialized sequentially. However, if there are two storage media, and one is used for event recording, and automatic initialization is prohibited as described above, it is advisable to control the system to record to the event recording medium at least while the storage medium used for continuous recording is being initialized.

[0087] (h) The image recording device is provided with multiple media storage units for which storage media for recording video data are attached, and is set to store event recordings on at least one storage medium and continuous recordings on the other storage media. In this case, if the remaining capacity of the storage medium for storing event recordings falls below a predetermined level, the device should perform control to store the event recordings on the storage medium for continuous recordings. In this case, for example, if event recordings are set to not be overwritten, it is possible to prevent a situation where recordings cannot be saved once the storage medium is full. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to implement a system that notifies the user, for example, through an alarm, sound, or display, when the remaining capacity of the storage medium falls below a predetermined level, or when event recording is being performed on the storage medium intended for continuous recording.

[0088] (i) The image recording device is provided with multiple media storage units for storing storage media for recording video data, and stores at least continuous recordings stored by overwriting and event recordings stored with overwriting disabled on one main storage medium, and controls the storage of other storage media to store data on storage media other than the main storage medium when the capacity of data stored with overwriting disabled on the main storage medium exceeds a predetermined amount, or when there are no storage media in the main media storage unit.

[0089] When removing a storage medium and viewing recorded data on an external device such as a PC, it is more convenient to be able to see all the data stored, including both continuous recordings and event recordings. Also, in the event of an accident, it may be necessary to remove and store the storage medium containing the images from the time of the accident. In such cases, it is better to have all the data, including both continuous recordings and event recordings, on a single storage medium. However, with only one storage medium, it will not function as an image recording device if it is full due to overwrite protection or if no storage medium is installed. If multiple storage media are installed, it will function even in such cases. The main storage medium can have a large capacity, while the others can have smaller capacities. When some or all of the data recorded on the main storage medium is erased to free up capacity, or when a new storage medium is installed, some or all of the data stored on the other storage media can be moved to the main storage medium.

[0090] (j) The media storage section for the main storage medium described above should be predetermined, and a lamp should be placed near that media storage section. The image recording device should blink or light up when the capacity is full due to the overwrite protection, or when no storage medium is installed. In this case, the media storage unit that cannot record data can be clearly indicated, allowing the user to recognize this fact. For example, if data is stored on a storage medium other than the main storage medium, the lamp on the media storage unit where the main storage medium is installed could be made to blink for clarity. Alternatively, the system could be configured to notify the user through a display, alarm, or sound simultaneously with the blinking or lit lamp.

[0091] (k) The image recording device may also be configured to have multiple media storage units for which storage media for recording video data are attached, and to store at least continuous recording which is stored by overwriting and event recording which is stored with overwriting protection on one main storage medium, and when initializing the main storage medium, the main storage medium is configured to be initialized after copying or moving at least the data stored in the main storage medium that is withheld from overwriting to another storage medium. With this configuration, it becomes possible to initialize storage media that contain data that cannot be overwritten, for example.

[0092] (l) The image recording device has a media storage unit for which a storage medium for recording recorded data is attached, and a non-recursive memory for recording recorded data, and is configured to always store recorded data on the storage medium. The internal memory is used to store data when the amount of data stored on the storage medium exceeds a predetermined amount with overwriting protection enabled, or when there is no storage medium in the main media storage unit, or when the storage medium is initialized. When some or all of the data recorded on the storage medium is erased and there is free space, or when a new storage medium is attached, some or all of the data that was stored in the internal memory is transferred to the storage medium. In this case, only one media storage unit is needed, which reduces product costs.

[0093] (m) When initializing the above storage medium, it is preferable to use an image recording device that first switches storage from the storage medium to be initialized to another storage medium, and then initializes the storage medium after storage for a predetermined time or storage of a predetermined capacity has been performed on the other storage medium. To avoid erasing new data, it's best to initialize the storage medium only after data has been saved to other storage devices. Ideally, you should initialize the device only after data has been saved to full capacity on other devices and overwriting has begun.

[0094] (n) Multiple media storage compartments may be provided, one of which may be a dummy image recording device. By including a dummy media storage compartment, you can utilize it as a place to store spare storage media. You can install spare storage media in the dummy compartment, and when you remove the main storage media, you can replace it with the spare media in the dummy compartment.

[0095] (o) The device should be equipped with a car navigation function and have multiple media storage compartments within the same enclosure, with at least one of them dedicated to recorded data and related information and data. Car navigation systems, commonly known as PNDs, often feature memory card slots or other media storage compartments for map and software updates, music and video sources, TV recording, and route saving. When combining car navigation and dashcam functions, it's possible to use a single media storage compartment for both functions. However, if the dashcam function includes continuous recording of images while driving, image data must be constantly stored on the storage medium while driving. If data related to the car navigation function is also stored on the storage medium, processing problems may occur. Therefore, it is better to provide multiple media storage compartments, with at least one dedicated to the dashcam function.

[0096] (p) The device should be equipped with a radar detection function and have multiple media storage compartments within the same housing, with at least one of them dedicated to recorded data and related information and data. Radar detectors often use memory cards to store data such as the location of alarm occurrences. For the same reasons as above (o), it is best to provide multiple media storage compartments and dedicate at least one to the dashcam function.

[0097] (q) In particular, in (o)(p) above, one of the multiple media storage units should be the main media storage unit to which (c) and (d) above apply, and to which (i), (j), and (k) above apply. In particular, it is good to apply this to a memory card dedicated to recording data and information and data associated with the recording. The above configurations can be combined in any way that does not create structural inconsistencies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0098] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the drive recorder in Example 1 ((a) is the rear side, (b) is the front side). [Figure 2] A perspective view of the holder equipped with an acceleration sensor in Example 1. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the imaging unit housed inside in Example 1 ((a) is the rear side, (b) is the front side). [Figure 4] A block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the drive recorder in Example 1. [Figure 5] A graph illustrating the correlation between acceleration and time when sudden braking occurs at 100 km / h. [Figure 6] A graph illustrating the correlation between acceleration and time when sudden braking occurs at 80 km / h. [Figure 7] A graph illustrating the concept of a threshold set by the magnitude of acceleration and time. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating sequential recording in Example 1. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the event occurrence determination routine in Example 1. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram illustrating the transfer of an SD card between the dashcam and a personal computer in Example 1. [Figure 11] A block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the personal computer in Example 1. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen displayed by a personal computer in Example 1. [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating the event file sequence in Example 1. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram of the dialog box displayed on the computer monitor in Example 1. [Figure 15] Diagram illustrating other sequential recording methods in Example 1. [Figure 16] Diagram illustrating dual recording in Example 2. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating mirror recording in Example 3. [Figure 18] A perspective view of the front side of the drive recorder in Example 5. [Figure 19] A perspective view of the rear side of the drive recorder in Example 5. [Figure 20] A diagram illustrating the mounting state of the drive recorder in Example 5. [Figure 21]A perspective view of the rear side of another drive recorder in Example 5. [Figure 22] A perspective view of the rear side of another drive recorder in Example 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. (Example 1) The drive recorder 1 shown in Figure 1 of this example, as an example of an image recording device, comprises a roughly cylindrical main body case 2 that houses an imaging unit and the like. The main body case 2 can be attached to, for example, the windshield of a vehicle via a mounting bracket 3.

[0100] Bracket 3 comprises a retaining ring that is fitted onto a roughly cylindrical main body case 2, and a roughly flat mounting plate 5 that is circumstantial to the retaining ring. The end of the main body case 2, which is fitted into the retaining ring of bracket 3, is configured so that a roughly donut-shaped cap 4 can be screwed on. By screwing on the cap 4 while adjusting the rotation angle of the main body case 2, the main body case 2 can be fixed to bracket 3. By adjusting the rotation angle of the main body case 2 relative to bracket 3, the downward angle of the drive recorder 1 can be changed, and the shooting range can be adjusted. The drive recorder 1 can be mounted on, for example, the front windshield via a mounting plate 5, so that the lens 14 of the CCD camera 13 faces a predetermined direction (generally forward).

[0101] The side end face of the main body case 2, which is nearly flush with the end of the screwed-in cap 4, has a hole 171 for accessing the DC jack 16 and a USB port 172 for connecting a USB cable extended from a PC or the like. The opposite side end face of the main body case 2 has slots 181 and 182 for inserting SD cards. In particular, the drive recorder 1 in this example has two slots. LEDs (display units) 181A and 182A are positioned on both sides of the slots 181 and 182. LED 181A lights up when data is being accessed from an SD card, which is an example of a memory card inserted into slot 181. LED 182A lights up when data is being accessed from an SD card inserted into slot 182.

[0102] The main case 2 is a hollow case combining a camera cover 2b and a rear cover 2a, which are roughly cylindrical parts divided vertically into two sections. The surface of the rear cover 2a is equipped with a holder 7 (Figure 2) that rotatably holds the holder body 7a, first and second push buttons 8 and 9 that serve as operating means, and first and second illumination blocks 10 and 11 for pilot lamps. The lens 14 of the CCD camera 13 is exposed on the surface of the camera cover 2b.

[0103] The holder body 7a in Figure 2 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 15 as a data acquisition means. The holder 7 allows the acceleration sensor 15 to be positioned horizontally in a reference position according to the rotation of the holder body 7a. The acceleration sensor 15 measures acceleration, which is a measured value of a physical quantity that reflects the condition of the vehicle.

[0104] The imaging unit 21 is housed inside the main case 2. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the imaging unit 21 is a unit having a circuit board structure in which a main board 22 and a sub-board 25 are stacked. The main board 22 is equipped with a CCD camera 13, a GPS receiver 24, a DC jack 16, a power supply circuit (not shown), and the like.

[0105] Sub-board 25 is equipped with switches 27 and 28 corresponding to the first and second push buttons 8 and 9, and LEDs 291 and 292 corresponding to the first and second pilot lamp illumination blocks 10 and 11. Furthermore, sub-board 25 is provided with a connector (not shown) for connecting signal lines extending from the acceleration sensor 15. SD card readers 311 and 312, which are examples of media storage sections for reading and writing data to and from an SD card, are mounted on the front and back surfaces of sub-board 25. Of the two SD card readers 311 and 312, SD card reader 311 is the master and SD card reader 312 is the slave. In the following description, the SD card loaded into the master SD card reader 311 will be referred to as the master, and the SD card loaded into the slave SD card reader 312 will be referred to as the slave.

[0106] As shown in Figure 4, the drive recorder 1 is electrically configured around a control controller 30, which is an example of a control means. The control controller 30 is connected to a CCD camera 13, an acceleration sensor 15, a GPS receiver 24, SD card readers 311 and 312, and a database 32. The control controller 30 is comprised of a CPU (not shown), a main memory such as flash ROM, ROM, or RAM (an example of a storage means), a timer, and the like.

[0107] The ROM of the control controller 30 stores various programs, including a GPS information processing program that processes GPS information received by the GPS receiver 24, an image processing program that saves images captured by the CCD camera 13 to the main memory or an SD card, an acceleration change calculation program that records acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 15 over time and calculates an acceleration change pattern, a correlation function program that determines the correlation between the calculated acceleration change pattern and an existing acceleration change pattern and determines whether the calculated acceleration change pattern exceeds a threshold based on the result, and the OS (Operation System).

[0108] The GPS receiver 24 is a receiver that detects the vehicle's current position information according to the instructions of the control controller 30. In this example, the detection timing by the GPS receiver 24 is set to every second. The position information to be detected includes the vehicle's position, speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude. The GPS receiver 24 inputs the detected position information to the control controller 30. The CCD camera 13 is an imaging means that captures the forward scenery through the lens 14 and acquires imaging data. The CCD camera 13 inputs the imaging data to the control controller 30 via an interface unit 33 that can perform data compression and digital conversion. The acceleration sensor 15 is a three-axis type sensor that detects acceleration and tilt in each of the three axes (X, Y, and Z), and inputs the detected values ​​to the control controller 30. The SD card readers 311 and 312 read and write data to the SD card based on the control of the control controller 30.

[0109] The data recorded on the SD card under the control of the control controller 30 includes imaging data (images) from the CCD camera 13, position data and speed data from the GPS receiver 24, and acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 15. Each of these data is recorded with its recording time associated with it. This association allows for the acquisition of position data, speed data, and acceleration data at any given moment, synchronized with the playback of the imaging data. In the following explanation, recording of imaging data means recording imaging data in synchronization with speed data, position data, acceleration data, etc. Similarly, recording of event data (specific images) also means recording imaging data in synchronization with speed data, position data, acceleration data, etc.

[0110] The database 32 is a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM, located within or externally connected to the control controller 30. Multiple event occurrence determination function patterns are stored in the database 32 according to their speed. The event occurrence determination pattern is a combination of the event occurrence determination function pattern and the event occurrence determination threshold pattern. The event occurrence determination function pattern is a multidimensional function that is shown by the relationship between the magnitude of acceleration at the time of an event (impact, sudden acceleration / sudden braking, sudden steering) and the elapsed time, and can be graphed (curved) in two dimensions. Multiple event occurrence determination function patterns are available for each event, corresponding to a unique speed range.

[0111] In the drive recorder 1, which is equipped with an acceleration sensor 15 capable of detecting acceleration in three axes, the event occurrence determination function pattern is stored by associating three types of patterns as a set. An ideal pattern for the event occurrence determination function pattern would be the waveforms shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 illustrates the event occurrence determination function pattern in the X-axis direction (direction of vehicle travel) during sudden braking at a cruising speed of 100 km / h. Figure 6 illustrates the same pattern at a speed of 80 km / h. From these patterns, it can be seen that the acceleration converges faster at slower speeds.

[0112] In database 32, a threshold is associated with each event occurrence determination function pattern and stored as an event occurrence determination threshold pattern. The threshold is set according to the trend of each event occurrence determination function pattern, with acceleration magnitude, direction, and time as parameters. For example, in the case of the event occurrence determination function pattern for sudden braking shown in Figure 5, a large acceleration occurs in a relatively short time, followed by a sustained large acceleration, and then a large acceleration in the opposite direction occurs in a relatively short time. It is good to set the threshold to whether or not there is a deviation from this acceleration and time trend. For example, as shown in Figure 7, it is good to set the threshold to a sustained state A1 of positive acceleration of 0.3G that continues for time L1, and a negative acceleration A2 of 0.15G within time L2 (this does not need to be sustained). When such thresholds are set, if there is a sustained positive acceleration greater than 0.3G for time L1, and then a negative acceleration greater than 0.15G within time L2 (this does not need to be sustained), it is judged that the threshold for that event at that speed has been exceeded.

[0113] The number of thresholds may be the same as the number of event occurrence detection function patterns, and a common threshold can be used when representing similar event occurrence detection function patterns. For example, in the case of the same event, within a certain speed range, there is not much difference in the patterns, so it is possible to associate a common threshold.

[0114] The control controller 30 samples the values ​​detected by the acceleration sensor 15 at regular intervals based on the acceleration change calculation program, calculates a function of the acceleration change pattern defined by the magnitude of acceleration and time, and determines the correlation between the calculated function and the function of the existing acceleration change pattern based on the correlation function program. If it determines that there is a correlation similarity, it then determines whether the calculated acceleration change pattern exceeds a threshold.

[0115] In this example, when the event is an "impact," only the magnitude of the threshold acceleration is simply changed according to the level. For example, if the acceleration magnitude at level 3 is 100%, then level 4 is 120%, level 5 is 140%, and so on, increasing or decreasing the percentage from the default. On the other hand, when the event is a "sudden acceleration / sudden braking, sudden steering," in addition to changing the percentage of the acceleration magnitude, the duration of the acceleration is also changed.

[0116] Next, the operation of the drive recorder 1 with the above configuration will be explained in the following order: (1) recording of image data to the SD card, (2) event detection operation, and (3) recording of event data. When the vehicle ignition is switched ON, power is supplied to drive recorder 1. The setting information stored on the SD card is read and copied to the main memory (RAM), and operation according to that setting information begins. If no setting information is stored on the SD card, the default (initial setting) information stored in the main memory (ROM) is stored on the master SD card, and then copied to the main memory (RAM).

[0117] As will be explained in more detail later, the SD card configuration information can be generated using PC 35. The following explanation describes the operation of drive recorder 1 according to the default configuration information. The default setting is sequential recording (control mode), which uses master and slave SD cards to record a series of images over a long period of time. As will be explained later in Example 2, the drive recorder 1 has several operating modes, including sequential recording, dual recording, and mirror recording.

[0118] (1) Recording operation of image data (sequential recording) The recording of image data to the SD card is an operation that is continuously performed when the power is on and no events such as shocks are occurring. Under the control of the control controller 30, a series of image data is recorded using two SD cards as shown in Figure 8. The recorded image data includes, as described above, velocity data, position data (latitude and longitude), acceleration data, etc., which are recorded in a time-synchronized manner. The storage area of ​​each SD card is managed in blocks, such as sectors. The squares of each SD card in the figure schematically represent these blocks.

[0119] If both SD cards are in an initialized state, the control controller 30 starts recording (recording image data) from the master SD card as shown in Figure A. When the storage area of ​​the master SD card becomes full, it starts recording to the slave SD card as shown in Figure B. Subsequently, when the storage area of ​​the slave SD card also becomes full, it erases the storage area of ​​the master SD card to create free space as shown in the upper part of Figure C. The erasure order at this time is from oldest to newest (oldest image timing) among the recorded image data in the storage area of ​​the SD card, erasing the image data in the order of 1, 2, 3... as shown in the figure. While erasing old image data in this way, the control controller 30 records new image data as shown in the lower part of Figure C. Subsequently, when all the image data on the master SD card has been rewritten, as in the case of the master SD card explained with reference to Figure C, the control controller 30 erases the image data recorded on the slave SD card as shown in Figure D and records new image data.

[0120] For example, as shown in Figure E, if the vehicle ignition is switched off and the power supply is cut off while the image data has been recorded up to block 40 on the slave SD card, the control controller 30 will then continue recording the image data from block 41 on the slave SD card when the vehicle ignition is switched on.

[0121] (2) Event detection operation, (3) Event data recording operation The event determination operation is performed by the control controller 30 executing a predetermined event determination routine. The event data recording operation is performed within the event determination routine when the occurrence of an event such as an impact, sudden acceleration / sudden braking, or sudden steering is determined.

[0122] An example of an event occurrence detection routine will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9. In this example, the drive recorder 1 executes this routine at a cycle of approximately 10 milliseconds. Each time step S1 is executed, the control controller 30 samples the acceleration to obtain the acceleration pattern for the most recent second (the past second relative to the present moment), and at the same time corrects the event occurrence determination function pattern according to the vehicle's speed at that time (the present moment). For example, if the vehicle's speed is 75 km / h, the event occurrence determination function pattern also needs to be compared using the 75 km / h pattern. The control controller 30 calculates the 75 km / h event occurrence determination function pattern by weighting several pre-prepared event occurrence determination function patterns that are close to the vehicle's speed, such as the 80 km / h and 60 km / h event occurrence determination function patterns.

[0123] In step S2, the control controller 30 determines whether the acceleration pattern and the corrected event occurrence determination function pattern match, that is, the similarity between the patterns. Since both the acceleration pattern and the event occurrence determination function pattern are functions in the same dimension, the similarity between the two functions can be determined by a correlation function.

[0124] If it is determined that the acceleration pattern is not similar to any of the event occurrence determination function patterns (S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S1, as it is not an acceleration pattern that should be saved. On the other hand, if it is determined that the acceleration pattern is similar to an event occurrence determination function pattern (S2: YES), in step S3, it is determined whether the velocity exceeds the intrinsic threshold of that event occurrence determination threshold pattern. The threshold used here is the threshold that has already been corrected based on the threshold correction data.

[0125] The control controller 30 determines that an event should be saved if the threshold is exceeded in step S3 (S3:YES). The control controller 30 specifies a specific time interval from 10 seconds before to 5 seconds after the time the event occurred, and copies the image data (specific image) for that time interval from a series of image data recorded on the SD card to the main memory (flash ROM). The image data copied to the main memory (flash ROM) is treated as event data for 15 seconds including the time the event occurred (information about the occurrence of the event, consisting of position data, velocity data, and acceleration data synchronized with the image data). When an event occurs, the acquisition operation of the acceleration pattern is canceled for 5 seconds and the routine ends (S4). This cancellation of the acquisition operation is a process to prevent the acquisition of duplicate event data. On the other hand, if the threshold is not exceeded and it is determined that no event has occurred (S3:NO), the system proceeds to step S1, as the threshold for saving has not been exceeded.

[0126] Next, we will explain, in this order, the following using a personal computer 35, which is a terminal device with an application program compatible with drive recorder 1 installed: (1) viewing image data, (2) viewing event data, (3) setting thresholds for event determination, and (4) setting the operating mode. (1) Viewing the image data Image data recorded on the SD card can be imported into the personal computer 35 and viewed, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the general electrical configuration of the personal computer 35. The personal computer 35 is equipped with an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 37, which is a control device. The personal computer 35 is equipped with data input means such as a keyboard 42 and a mouse 43, and a user interface such as a printer 44 and a monitor 45, which are data output means (or display means).

[0127] The MPU 37 is connected to ROM 38 and RAM 39, as well as SD card reader / writers 361 and 362 as data interface means, and a hard disk drive 40. The hard disk drive 40 stores general programs and data for the personal computer 35, along with a viewer program that displays images of acceleration patterns on the monitor 45. This personal computer 35, in combination with the drive recorder 1, constitutes a drive recorder system (image recording system).

[0128] When a predetermined operation is performed using data input means such as the keyboard 42, the personal computer 35 launches a viewer program to prompt the insertion of an SD card and displays the viewer screen on the monitor 45. Figure 12 is an example of the viewer screen 51 displayed on the monitor 45. A menu bar 52 for performing various operations is located at the top of the viewer screen 51. The area below the menu bar 52 is divided into left and right sections by a vertical line positioned slightly to the right. In the left section, which occupies about two-thirds of the screen width, the following are arranged from top to bottom: an image display area 53 for displaying image data, a display switching button 54, a driving speed display area 55, an acceleration display area 56, a latitude / longitude display area 57, an image drive / stop button 58, and an acceleration history display area 59. In the right section, which occupies about one-third of the screen width, the following are arranged from top to bottom: a playlist 60 and a map area 61.

[0129] When two SD cards containing a series of image data are inserted, playlist 60 displays the file numbers of the series of image data in focus. The file numbers are a sequence of numbers representing the date, start time, and end time of the images.

[0130] The PC 35 displays images based on the image acquisition data in response to the operation of the image drive / stop button 58 on the viewer screen 51. While an image is being displayed, the displays of the driving speed display area 55, acceleration display area 56, latitude / longitude display area 57, acceleration history display area 59, and map area 61 change according to the displayed image. Various operations are possible on the image, such as reverse playback and pausing. In addition, by operating the display switching button 54, it is possible to select between a pattern that displays one screen across the entire image display area 53, and a pattern that displays a series of frames (for example, 16 frames).

[0131] (2) Viewing event data Event data recorded in the main memory (flash ROM) of the drive recorder 1 can be written to a computer 35 connected via a USB cable using a predetermined write operation using the operation buttons on the drive recorder 1. Alternatively, the main case 2 can be removed from the bracket 3 and connected to the computer 35, or a portable laptop computer can be brought into the vehicle and connected to the drive recorder 1. When connected to the computer 35, the drive recorder 1 can operate even if the vehicle's ignition is off, as power is supplied via the USB cable.

[0132] It is also possible to write event data to an SD card or USB memory stick. In this case, the data recorded on the SD card will be overwritten as the event data is written. When using an SD card to write event data, it is recommended to remove the SD card containing the series of image data, insert another SD card, and then perform the specified write operation. When the specified write operation is performed, an audio warning will be played informing you that the data on the SD card will be overwritten before the event data is actually written.

[0133] The PC 35, which has read the event data via a USB cable or SD card, displays a list of file numbers for each event data (the file number is a sequence of numbers representing the year, month, day, and time of the event) in the playlist 60 on the viewer screen 51 (Figure 12). The playlist 60 is a list read from the event file sequence 63 in Figure 13. In the playlist 60, each event data is listed in chronological order. For each event data, the file name, the event name representing the type of event that triggered the event, and the event sensitivity level are displayed. For example, L3 means that the threshold for the data in that file is judged at level 3 (i.e., the default state).

[0134] When a file number is specified via the menu bar 52, the PC 35 displays the corresponding event data image in the image display area 53. The image displayed at this time is a still image taken at the moment the event was determined to have occurred. Along with the display of this image, the data corresponding to the image is displayed in the driving speed display area 55, acceleration display area 56, and latitude / longitude display area 57, respectively, and the surrounding map including the location where the image was taken is displayed in the map area 61. The acceleration history display area 59 displays the acceleration history over the time (total 15 seconds) for which the event data image was saved, and the acceleration position at the time displayed in the image display area 53 is plotted. Image operation using the image drive / stop button 58, etc., is the same as when viewing a series of image data.

[0135] (3) Setting thresholds for event determination This section describes how to set the sensitivity level of the threshold correction data that constitutes the setting information on a personal computer 35 equipped with a setting change mechanism. This operation is performed with the application program launched and the viewer screen 51 displayed, as described above. When the data input mechanism detects that the setting button 52G (the location of the gear icon) on the menu bar 52 has been pressed, the personal computer 35 displays the dialog box 65 shown in Figure 14 on the monitor 45.

[0136] The impact sensitivity setting area 66 of the dialog box 65 displays sliders 67a to 67c for impact, sudden acceleration / sudden braking, and sudden steering events. The user can set the desired sensitivity level for each item by operating these sliders 67a to 67c as appropriate using the data input means. By default, all sliders 67a to 67c and 68 are set to level 3, and this state is considered to be the setting of the threshold stored in the database 32 (i.e., the coefficient is "1"). When the OK button icon 69 is operated, threshold correction data (sensitivity level) representing the threshold set by each slider 67a to 67c is written to the SD card as setting information. When the SD card containing the setting information is inserted into the drive recorder 1, the thresholds for each event (impact, sudden acceleration / sudden braking, sudden steering) are changed based on the threshold correction data (sensitivity level) contained in that setting information.

[0137] (4) Setting the operating mode This section describes how to set the operating mode that constitutes the setting information on a personal computer 35 equipped with a function as a means for changing settings. This operation is performed on a mode selection screen (not shown) that is displayed in a switching manner from the viewer screen. This mode selection screen constitutes a means for changing the operating mode, and on this screen, in addition to selection buttons corresponding to each operating mode such as sequential recording, dual recording (described later in Example 2), and mirror recording (similarly), a confirmation button is arranged. By selecting one of the selection buttons and then operating the confirmation button, the desired operating mode can be selectively set. When the confirmation button is operated, the personal computer 35 displays a message (a function by a warning means) indicating that there is a risk that the image data recorded on the SD card may be erased by changing the operating mode, and switches to displaying a confirmation screen that asks the user whether it is OK to rewrite the setting information. When the user confirms that it is OK to change the setting on this confirmation screen, the new setting information is stored on the SD card.

[0138] In this example of a drive recorder 1 with the configuration described above, for example, in sequential recording mode, it is possible to record a series of images over a long period of time using two SD cards. After the storage capacity of both SD cards is full, the oldest images recorded on one of the SD cards are deleted in order, and new images are recorded in the freed space created by the deletion. By deleting old images and recording new ones in this way, it is possible to effectively utilize the storage capacity of both SD cards and record images over a long period of time. In addition, when recording a series of images on two SD cards, the frequency of data deletion and rewriting is reduced compared to recording on a single SD card, thus reducing the burden on the SD cards. Reducing the burden on the SD cards reduces the probability of problems such as write errors and delete errors when recording images, thereby improving operational reliability.

[0139] Furthermore, in this drive recorder 1, when an event such as an impact exceeding a threshold occurs, the captured data (specific images as event data) for a specific time interval (15 seconds in this example) before and after the moment the event occurred is copied from the SD card to the main memory (flash ROM) and recorded. When an event occurs, it is also possible to temporarily store information that identifies the timing of the event, and then copy the captured data for the specific time interval to the main memory (flash ROM) after there is sufficient processing load on the CPU. In this case, the CPU processing load can be distributed over time, thereby suppressing load concentration.

[0140] A drive recorder 1, which continuously records image data, differs significantly from cameras and video cameras in how it uses the storage area of ​​memory cards such as SD cards. Specifically, as long as the drive recorder 1 is powered on, it endlessly erases old image data and records new image data. In contrast, cameras and video cameras do not automatically erase old image data by overwriting it with new data; rather, the image data is erased only after it has been read by a terminal device such as a computer.

[0141] In image recording devices such as drive recorder 1, which endlessly repeat erasure and writing to continuously record image data, there is a possibility that data writing errors or erasure errors may occur as the recording and erasure of image data are repeated, potentially resulting in defects in the recorded data within the storage area. In contrast, drive recorder 1 in this example has two media storage units, allowing for the installation of multiple memory cards. By using multiple memory cards, the number of times data is rewritten or erased on each memory card is reduced compared to when only one memory card is installed, thereby reducing the burden. This reduces the probability of problems such as write errors and erasure errors occurring when recording image data, and improves operational reliability. Drive recorder 1 is a device with excellent characteristics, offering improved stability in the recording operation of image data.

[0142] Furthermore, the recording operation of the image data in this example, as explained with reference to Figure 8, can be modified as shown in Figure 15. The operation when recording to the master SD card starts in Figure 15A is the same as in Figure 8A. The difference lies in the control after the storage area of ​​the master SD card is full. As shown in Figure 15B, the image data recorded on the master SD card is erased in conjunction with the recording of image data to the slave SD card. Here, "in conjunction" means that the recording and erasing of image data proceed in parallel and synchronized while the amount of image data recorded on the slave SD card and the amount of image data erased from the master SD card are approximately the same or a certain difference is maintained.

[0143] Subsequently, when the storage area of ​​the slave SD card becomes full, all image data recorded on the master SD card is erased, as shown in the upper part of Figure 15C. It is preferable to retain the file management information that manages the data addresses (recording locations) of the data files stored in the storage area of ​​the SD card until all image data is erased. With this control, it becomes possible to read the image data that has not been erased until the SD card is initialized. It is best to erase the file management information by performing an initialization format of the storage area after erasing all image data. Then, as shown in the lower part of Figure C, the erasure of image data recorded on the slave SD card is performed in synchronization with the recording operation of image data to the master SD card. Also, when initializing an SD card that stores setting information, it is best to first copy the setting information stored in the main memory (RAM) after initialization to restore the state in which the setting information is stored.

[0144] When the master SD card's storage space becomes full again, the slave SD card will be initialized with all image data erased, as shown in Figure 15D, and will be ready to start recording image data. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure E, if the vehicle ignition is switched off while image data has been recorded up to block 40 of the slave SD card, and then turned back on, recording will resume using the slave SD card containing the most recent image data.

[0145] It is also advisable to install three or more SD card readers. For example, the three or more SD cards that are set can be divided into two groups, and the same recording operation as with the two SD cards in this example can be applied to the SD cards in each group. In this case, by recording the same imaging data on two or more SD cards belonging to the same group, it becomes possible to read the imaging data even if some recording error occurs on one of the SD cards.

[0146] In this example, two SD cards are used to enable the recording of a series of imaging data over a long period of time. Alternatively, a combination of one of the SD cards and the internal memory (flash ROM) can be used to record a series of imaging data. In this configuration, event data may be recorded on one of the SD cards, the remaining SD card, or the internal memory (flash ROM).

[0147] In this example, acceleration and other physical quantities that reflect the vehicle's state are used to determine the occurrence of an event. In addition to acceleration and other physical quantities, these may also include information flowing through the in-vehicle network that transmits vehicle control information, and information derived from that information. For example, speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, ambient temperature, maximum ambient temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on general roads, average fuel consumption on highways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, distance traveled, lifetime distance traveled, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h shortest acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h It is also possible to use any of the following vehicle data: shortest acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / h average acceleration, 0-60km / h shortest acceleration, 0-80km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, 0-80km / h shortest acceleration, 0-20km / h driving time, 20-40km / h driving time, 40-60km / h driving time, 60-80km / h driving time, driving time above 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, lifetime engine mileage ratio, etc. These vehicle data can be obtained, for example, via an OBD connector (fault diagnosis connector) provided on the vehicle in accordance with the OBD (On-board Diagnostics)-II (II is the Roman numeral "2"; hereinafter referred to as "OBD") standard, which is a vehicle inspection standard. In this case, the configuration for obtaining vehicle data from the OBD connector becomes the data acquisition means.

[0148] For example, it is a good idea to provide a record button (save operation means) that allows the user to manually record image data for a specific time interval. In this case, the operation of the record button becomes the event. By operating the record button, the image data before and after that operation can be recorded to the main memory (flash ROM) or SD card. For example, when the user passes a point of interest or encounters a traffic situation they want to record, they can retrospectively operate the record button to record image data including that point or traffic situation as event data. However, for events such as user operation, there is a high possibility of a time lag between the appearance of the object to be recorded and the actual occurrence of the event. Therefore, when recording event data in response to an event such as user operation, it is a good idea to set a long time interval corresponding to that event data. In particular, setting a long time interval on the past ensures that even if the operation of the record button is slightly delayed, the desired scenery can be reliably recorded as event data. For example, a dashcam equipped with an LCD display capable of playing back and displaying image data recorded on an SD card would also be acceptable. In this case, event data can be recorded by operating the record button while the image data is being played back by the dashcam.

[0149] In this example, the slot 181 for the master SD card reader 311 and the slot 182 for the slave SD card reader 312 are located parallel to each other on the side of the drive recorder 1. For example, the slot 181 for the master SD card could be covered, while the slot 182 for the slave SD card could be left uncovered. In this case, the procedure for removing the master SD card would be more complex and involve more steps than the procedure for removing the slave SD card, thereby encouraging the slave SD card to be removed preferentially. This reduces the risk of the master SD card, which contains important data such as configuration information, being removed, and prevents problems caused by the accidental removal of the master SD card.

[0150] It is also advisable to provide an operation button on drive recorder 1 that serves as a means of changing setting information (such as operating mode and threshold correction data). In this case, setting information can be changed using drive recorder 1 alone. It is also advisable to provide a function to display the set operating mode and the target operating mode, or to provide a text-to-speech function. Furthermore, if drive recorder 1 is configured to allow changes to the setting information, it is advisable to add a warning means that warns that changing the setting information may erase the recorded data on the SD card. A text-to-speech function or similar would be suitable as the warning means. In this case, there is no need to add a display screen such as an LCD display, and the cost increase due to setting up a warning means can be suppressed.

[0151] (Example 2) This example shows the operation of drive recorder 1 in an operating mode other than sequential recording as described in Example 1. This will be explained with reference to Figure 16. As described in Example 1, in addition to (1) sequential recording as described in Example 1, drive recorder 1 has the operating modes of (2) dual recording and (3) mirror recording. This example shows the operation under the operating mode of (2) dual recording.

[0152] (2) Dual recording Dual recording is an operating mode in which event data is recorded on the master SD card and a series of image data is recorded on the slave SD card, as shown in Figure 16. The slave SD card records a series of image data that are continuous in time, and when the memory area is full, the oldest image data is overwritten with new image data in order of acquisition timing. On the other hand, when an event such as an impact occurs, the master SD card records image data for a specific time interval including the moment the event occurred (10 seconds before the event and 5 seconds after the event) which is copied (data copied) from the slave SD card. As with Example 1, the recorded image data includes not only image data but also synchronously recorded velocity data, position data, acceleration data, etc.

[0153] In the case of Figure 16, as shown in the bottom row, after the master SD card's recording data (event data) is full, the old recording data is erased to make space for recording new event data. Alternatively, event data may be recorded with overwrite protection enabled. When the master SD card's storage space is full due to event data, it may be possible to provide a notification prompting the user to insert an SD card with available storage space. For example, an enable mode may be set for an SD card with overwrite protection enabled. In this case, after the storage space of the SD card with overwrite protection enabled is full, if an important scene that needs to be recorded appears, the enable mode can be set to record the image data of that important scene. Furthermore, the system may be configured so that, under normal circumstances, image data is recorded to a slave SD card, and when passing through a location where data needs to be saved, the image data is recorded to a master SD card that is overwrite-protected, with the ability to switch between these settings via a switch. This switch operation may be a toggle switch, or it may be a switch that maintains the switched state for a predetermined period of time after the operation and returns to the original state after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0154] When operating in dual recording mode, it is also advisable to record event data to the internal memory (flash ROM), similar to Example 1. In this case, recording event data to both the SD card and the internal memory (flash ROM) allows for data backup, preventing problems such as being unable to read data when an event occurs.

[0155] This example demonstrates dual recording using two SD cards. Alternatively, dual recording can be performed using either one SD card and the device's internal memory (flash ROM). Furthermore, dual recording can be performed using two or more SD cards and the device's internal memory (flash ROM). The other components and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0156] By recording a series of image data onto a secondary slave memory card and recording image data for a specific time interval corresponding to an event onto the primary master memory card, both the series of image data and the image data for the specific time interval can be recorded efficiently. The specific time interval can be set to, for example, the time interval at which saving becomes necessary. Since the series of image data recorded on the slave memory card needs to be updated periodically, prohibiting overwriting is not appropriate. On the other hand, it is also acceptable to record image data on the master memory card in overwrite-prohibition mode; in this case, image data for a specific time interval recorded in response to an event can be saved with high reliability.

[0157] Generally, when recording to a memory card, a series of image data is managed, for example, in file units. In such a configuration, it can be difficult to create a file containing only the image data for a specific time interval. In this case, it is best to perform data duplication or movement on a file-by-file basis that includes the image data for the specific time interval.

[0158] In dual recording mode, the control controller of drive recorder 1 controls the secondary slave memory card as the first storage medium that allows overwriting, while controlling the primary master memory card as the second storage medium that prohibits overwriting. Here, the numbers 1 and 2 for the storage mediums do not represent priority or master / slave status and are completely unrelated; the numbers can be swapped. If the secondary slave memory card is used as a storage medium for overwriting and the primary master memory card is prohibited from overwriting, then, as described above, it becomes possible to perform continuous recording on the slave memory card to record image data continuously, while using the master memory card to record image data that you particularly want to save.

[0159] In dual recording mode, the control controller of drive recorder 1 performs continuous recording, sequentially overwriting older image data recorded on the secondary slave memory card with newer image data. This enables continuous recording of image data, allowing for the recording of images within a predetermined time range based on the current time. For example, it becomes possible to record images at the moment an accident occurs, securing evidence useful in investigating the cause of the accident.

[0160] Furthermore, the primary master memory card, which should not be overwritten, is suitable for recording images other than continuous recording, such as event recording data when an event occurs, manual operation recording data corresponding to manual operation, and still images. If there are few memory cards installed in drive recorder 1 and it is not possible to assign them to master / slave, it is also acceptable to treat the installed memory cards as secondary slave memory cards and perform continuous recording by continuously recording image data.

[0161] In dual recording mode, when specific recording conditions are met, such as the acceleration detected by the G-sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold, image data is recorded to the master memory card with overwrite protection enabled. This ensures that image data is reliably saved in an overwrite-protected state when specific recording conditions are met. In particular, with drive recorder 1, image data corresponding to the fulfillment of specific recording conditions is recorded on a master memory card that is separate from the slave memory card used for continuous recording. Therefore, even if some trouble occurs during the continuous recording process of image data to the slave memory card, there is little risk of problems such as unreadability affecting the master memory card.

[0162] To record image data onto the master memory card with overwrite protection, specific recording conditions can be set, for example, by triggering an event or manual operation by the driver. Examples of events include accidents such as airbag deployment, sudden braking or steering, or large acceleration events.

[0163] Furthermore, when the amount of data recorded on a storage medium that is not overwriteable exceeds a predetermined amount, and it becomes necessary to initialize this storage medium, it is also possible to record captured images and other data into the drive recorder's internal memory. Subsequently, when there is free space on the storage medium due to data erasure, or when a new storage medium is installed, it is also possible to move some or all of the data stored in the internal memory to the storage medium. In this case, it may be possible to configure the media storage unit with a single unit, thus realizing a low-cost drive recorder. The other components and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0164] (Example 3) This example shows the operation of drive recorder 1 in an operating mode other than sequential recording as described in Example 1. This will be explained with reference to Figure 17. As described in Example 1, in addition to (1) sequential recording as described in Example 1, drive recorder 1 has the operating modes of (2) dual recording and (3) mirror recording. This example shows the operation under the operating mode of (3) mirror recording.

[0165] (3) Mirror recording Mirror recording is an operating mode in which the same imaging data is recorded on both the master and slave SD cards, as shown in Figure 17. Event data is recorded in the main memory (flash ROM), similar to the sequential recording operating mode in Example 1. By recording the same data on both the master and slave SD cards, even if a recording error occurs on one of the SD cards, the entire series of imaging data can be read from the other SD card, thus ensuring high reliability of the recording operation.

[0166] This example demonstrates mirror recording using two SD cards. Alternatively, mirror recording can be performed using either one SD card and the device's internal memory (flash ROM). Furthermore, mirror recording can be performed using two or more SD cards and the device's internal memory (flash ROM). The other components and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0167] The drive recorder 1 of Examples 1 to 3 is equipped with multiple media storage compartments that detachably hold memory cards such as SD cards. The control controller 30 of this drive recorder 1 can perform various processes in parallel, such as writing and initialization processes, for memory cards installed in other media storage compartments while recording imaging data to a memory card installed in at least one of the multiple media storage compartments.

[0168] For example, if another writing operation is performed on a memory card other than the one used to record the image data, even if the other writing operation is performed while the image data is being recorded, the risk of excessive data access, such as writing and reading, to both the memory card recording the image data and the other memory card being used for the other writing operation can be suppressed. Therefore, even if another writing operation is performed in parallel with the recording of the image data, the risk of problems occurring in the recording of the image data is reduced.

[0169] Drive recorder 1 can perform other processes that involve relatively frequent data access to the memory card, within a range that minimizes the impact on the recording operation of image data. If various writing processes can be performed while image data is being recorded, drive recorder 1 can be used not only for recording image data but also for recording various other types of data, thereby improving its convenience.

[0170] The control controller 30 of the drive recorder 1 has the function of individually executing data writing, reading, erasing, and initialization controls for each memory card installed in each of the multiple media storage compartments. Being able to individually execute data writing, reading, erasing, and initialization controls for each memory card has the advantage of increasing the number of recording operations that can be performed in parallel by the drive recorder 1. This diversifies the functions of the drive recorder 1 and improves its convenience. For example, it becomes possible to record image data on a specific memory card while simultaneously recording vehicle data such as engine speed and vehicle speed on other memory cards. Also, for example, when recording image data using two or more memory cards, it is advisable to initialize the storage area of ​​other memory cards containing older image data while the latest image data is being recorded. In this case, when the memory card recording the latest image data becomes full, recording of subsequent image data can be continued using the other initialized memory cards. Using initialized memory cards reduces the risk of write errors and allows for more reliable recording of image data.

[0171] (Example 4) This example is a dashcam that performs more advanced dual recording based on the dual recording of Example 2.

[0172] (1) An example configuration in which data that is not overwritten is recorded on the master memory card. For example, in event recording, if a G-sensor detects a predetermined impact and records the footage before and after the impact, it would be better to prevent overwriting if the impact detection is for an accident. However, in reality, road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's actions can also be detected as impacts, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that should not be overwritten will accumulate. To prevent an overflow of unnecessary data that should not be overwritten, it is best to set a predetermined capacity and configure the system to include a function that overwrites data within that limit.

[0173] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement control that prohibits overwriting in a portion of the storage area of ​​the master memory card, while allowing overwriting in part or all of the remaining portion. For example, in event recording, if the G-sensor detects a predetermined impact and records the time before and after the impact, it is better to prohibit overwriting if the impact detection is an accident detection. However, in reality, road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's driving actions can also be detected as impacts, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that should not be overwritten will accumulate. To prevent an overflow of unnecessary data that should not be overwritten, it is also possible to implement control that, when data that should not be overwritten is generated, is initially recorded in an area where overwriting is permitted, and then moves the data to the area that should not be overwritten when the possibility of an accident increases, for example, when the vehicle stops after an impact occurs.

[0174] (2) An example configuration that enables mutual backup of master / slave memory cards. Dashcams are designed to accommodate multiple memory cards, with one designated as the primary master and others as secondary slaves. It is also advisable to adopt a configuration that compensates for the missing memory card's function if either the master or slave card is removed or malfunctions occur. This configuration ensures that even if one of the master or slave memory cards is removed or malfunctions, the device maintains the same functionality as before the malfunction occurred.

[0175] In particular, the main master memory card should be configured to record images you want to save, such as accident records or scenic locations, in a way that prevents overwriting or reduces the probability of them being erased. The secondary slave memory card should record continuously while driving, and should ideally have a function to retrieve images that could not be recorded on the master memory card for some reason, or a function to move or copy them to the main storage medium. Generally, continuous recording increases the probability of damage or malfunction of the memory card or other storage medium. In the dual recording mode described above, images you particularly want to save are recorded on the master memory card, so even if the slave memory card is damaged or malfunctions, the damage will be minimal.

[0176] The control controller of drive recorder 1 may also configure a portion of the free space on the master memory card to be overwritable when the slave memory card, which allows overwriting, is removed while both master and slave memory cards are installed, leaving only the master memory card, which does not allow overwriting. With this configuration, even after the slave memory card is removed and only the master memory card remains, continuous recording of captured data is possible, thus mitigating the decrease in convenience that may occur due to the degradation of drive recorder 1's functionality.

[0177] In a configuration that includes a function to control the second storage medium as having an area where recorded captured images are not erased due to the overwrite prohibition, the control means may be an image recording device that has a function to set an overwriteable storage area in a part of the free area of ​​the storage area of ​​the second storage medium for storing data corresponding to the storage of the first storage medium when the first storage medium is removed while the first and second storage mediums are installed and the state changes to one in which only the second storage medium is installed.

[0178] Furthermore, if only one memory card is installed, the control controller of the drive recorder 1 may also treat that memory card as a third storage medium and execute control to create a storage area that can be overwritten and a storage area that cannot be overwritten. In this case, even if only one memory card is installed, it will be possible to record data such as overwrite-protected image data in addition to the image data from continuous recording. The overwrite-protected image data may include images captured by event recording, images captured by manual operation recording, images captured by still recording, etc. Subsequently, if a new memory card that can be used as a master or slave is installed, it may also be treated as a master or slave memory card. If it is treated as an overwriteable slave memory card, it may also be possible to transfer all or part of the image data, such as continuous recording data, that was recorded in an overwriteable format on the original memory card controlled as the third storage medium to the new slave memory card and record it there. If the memory card is to be treated as a master memory card with overwrite protection, it is also acceptable to transfer all or part of the image data, etc., recorded with overwrite protection on the original memory card controlled as the third storage medium described above, to a new master memory card for recording.

[0179] Furthermore, even if multiple storage media are installed and it is possible to allocate data between the first and second storage media, it is also advisable to provide a mode that controls all storage media as the first storage media. In this case, the storage area of ​​the first storage media becomes larger, allowing for longer recording times when continuously recording captured images. When there are multiple first storage media in this way, it is advisable to switch the storage media targeted for continuous recording of captured images to another first storage media when the amount of data recorded on one of the storage media becomes full. In this case, it becomes possible to efficiently continuously record captured images by alternately using any of the multiple first storage media. It is also advisable to configure the storage media so that the recorded data can be erased or initialized individually.

[0180] In a configuration that includes a function to control a second storage medium having an area where recorded captured images are not erased by overwriting protection, the control means may, when a new storage medium is installed while only one storage medium is installed, control the new storage medium as the second storage medium, and also record the data recorded with overwriting protection in the storage area of ​​the third storage medium onto the newly installed storage medium.

[0181] (3) An example configuration that allows swapping of master / slave memory cards. This is an example of a configuration in which a primary memory card is not fixed as the master, but multiple storage media, including the drive recorder's internal memory, are used sequentially as primary and secondary storage media, and a function is provided to initialize the secondary storage media while recording is being made to the primary storage media. By adopting such a configuration, the load on each storage media can be made more uniform, reducing the probability of damage or malfunction. In this case, it would be beneficial to have a function that allows both continuous overwrite recording and event recording with overwrite protection to be recorded to the same primary storage medium.

[0182] In particular, it is advisable to record the basic recording data (image data) for a dashcam on the primary storage medium, and data that is not essential for a dashcam on the secondary storage medium, thereby separating the storage medium (storage area) according to the type of recorded data. This prevents slow processing speeds or the occurrence of parts that cannot be processed, especially in multi-functional dashcams. Furthermore, by separating the data as described above, the frequency of use of a single storage medium is reduced, further lowering the probability of damage or malfunction of the storage medium.

[0183] When a dashcam is recording to one storage medium, it is desirable to control the initialization of other storage media automatically or semi-automatically under predetermined conditions. Performing initialization automatically or semi-automatically can prevent problems such as data recorded on the storage medium becoming unreadable, and it is also possible to maintain high data recording efficiency on the storage medium and keep the amount of data that can be recorded as close to the maximum as possible. It is desirable to initialize the storage medium periodically, and it is desirable to perform initialization automatically or semi-automatically under predetermined conditions, such as when a predetermined number of rewrites have occurred since the last initialization, when a predetermined amount of overwriting has occurred, or when a predetermined amount of overwriting has occurred, or when a predetermined amount of overwriting has occurred. Alternatively, initialization can be initiated by displaying a message, alarm, or sound notification indicating that it is time to initialize, and by performing a confirmation operation to start initialization.

[0184] It is advisable to prevent automatic initialization of storage media that are overwrite-protected. By setting the storage media to not automatically initialize, you can reliably preserve data that you want to keep for a long period of time. For example, it is advisable to prevent automatic initialization of storage media that store event recordings. Event recordings are thought to be overwritten less frequently than continuous recordings, and there is a high possibility that event recordings will be kept for a relatively long time, so it is preferable to set storage media that store event recordings not to automatically initialize.

[0185] It is preferable to have an image recording device that controls the system to temporarily store continuous recordings in a portion of the capacity of an event recording storage medium while an overwritable continuous recording storage medium is being initialized. In this case, the storage medium used for continuous recording can also be initialized, which helps to suppress problems related to that storage medium. For example, if there are multiple storage media used for continuous recording, they can be initialized sequentially. However, if there are two storage media compartments, and one is used for event recording and automatic initialization is prohibited, it is advisable to control the system to record to the event recording medium at least while the storage medium used for continuous recording is being initialized.

[0186] Furthermore, it is advisable to implement a control mechanism that, when the remaining capacity of the overwrite-protected storage medium used for event recording falls below a predetermined level, stores the event recording on an overwrite-enabled storage medium used for continuous recording. In this case, for example, the risk of the overwrite-protected storage medium used for event recording becoming full and being unable to record images captured when an event occurs can be avoided. In addition, the system can notify the user, for example, through an alarm, sound, or display, that the remaining capacity of the storage medium has fallen below a predetermined level or that event recording is being performed on the storage medium used for continuous recording, prompting the user to copy the data to an external device such as a PC or replace the storage medium. The other components and effects are the same as in Example 2.

[0187] (Example 5) This example is a drive recorder 5 that, based on other embodiments, is equipped with a save operation means for recording some image data with overwriting protection. This will be explained with reference to Figures 18 to 20.

[0188] The drive recorder 5 shown in Figures 18 and 19 is an electronic device that houses an electronic circuit board (not shown) inside a roughly rectangular housing 50. The lens 611 of the camera unit 61 is located on the front of the housing 50, and on the back, there is a liquid crystal screen 630 of a liquid crystal display, which is an example of a display means, and various operation buttons 505. On the top surface of the housing 50, there is a record button 521 and a power button 523, which are examples of save operation means for starting and stopping recording, as well as screw holes 501 for attaching a bracket 7 (see Figure 20). On the side of the housing 50, there is a power terminal 57 for power supply and two card slots 55, which are examples of media storage sections for inserting a microSD card (an example of a memory card, which is an example of a storage medium), arranged in parallel.

[0189] The drive recorder 5 can be mounted on the windshield 80 of a vehicle, for example, as shown in Figure 20, via a mounting bracket 7. The bracket 7 includes an adhesive stay 73 that is attached to the windshield 80 via double-sided tape 700, a base 71 including screws 711 that correspond to the screw holes 501 of the drive recorder 5, and the like.

[0190] As shown in Figure 20, the adhesive stay 73 is a component in which a spherical sliding ball 435 is provided at the tip of a curved arm portion 433 extending from the back surface of a circular adhesive plate 730 that is attached to the glass surface of the windshield 80. The base 41 is a component in which an inner spherical recess 417 is provided on the opposite side of the base surface 410 on which a screw 411 is erected. An outer peripheral screw 415 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the recess 417 into which an outer peripheral nut 45 is screwed. By tightening the outer peripheral nut 45 with the sliding ball 435 housed in the recess 417, the sliding ball 435 can be tightened and fixed, thereby fixing the angle of the adhesive stay 43 relative to the base 41.

[0191] To install the drive recorder 5, for example, first, as shown in Figure 20, prepare a bracket 7 by lightly tightening the outer nut 75 to connect the adhesive stay 73 and the base 71, and then attach the adhesive plate 730 to the windshield 80 using double-sided tape 700. Next, hold the drive recorder 5 so that the screw 711 of the bracket 7 can be inserted into the screw hole 501, and screw in the screw 711 by rotating the drive recorder 5 itself. Screw in the screw 711 until the housing 50 is pressed against the base surface 710, thereby fixing the drive recorder 5 to the base 71 of the bracket 7. After adjusting the imaging range of the drive recorder 5 to the desired range, tighten the outer nut 75 to fix the sliding ball 435 of the adhesive stay 73. This fixes the mounting position of the drive recorder 2 and sets the imaging range to the predetermined range, thus completing the installation of the drive recorder 2.

[0192] Of the two card slots 55, the card slot located on the front side of the housing 50 is a media storage section for overwritable microSD cards, while the card slot on the back side is a media storage section for overwrite-protected microSD cards. By fixing the positions of the memory card for continuous recording and the overwrite-protected memory card in this way, the risk of users mixing up memory cards can be reduced. For example, it can prevent problems such as inserting a memory card that has already been recorded with overwrite protection into the card slot for continuous recording, resulting in the data that needed to be saved being overwritten and erased.

[0193] The drive recorder 5 plays back and displays captured images recorded on an overwritable microSD card on the LCD screen 630 by the appropriate operation of the operation button 505. When the record button 521 is operated while the playback image is being displayed on the LCD screen 630, the drive recorder 5 transfers and records captured images, including a predetermined period before and after the time of the operation, to an overwrite-protected microSD card. In order to suppress the concentration of processing load, it is also possible to configure the system to mark the time of the operation and perform the transfer recording later.

[0194] With Drive Recorder 5, you can check the playback image to decide whether or not to save it, and then record the original image of the playback image that you decided to save, while preventing overwriting. If you can confirm it with the playback image, you can reliably record the image you want to save while preventing overwriting. While playing back the image recorded on a microSD card that can be overwritten by continuous recording, you can transfer a portion of that image to a microSD card that cannot be overwritten and record it. By operating the record button 521 while displaying the playback image, there is less risk of accidentally recording something other than the image you want to save. The time interval for the image recorded in a state where overwriting is prohibited should be a time interval going back a predetermined time from the time of operation, a time interval until a predetermined time has passed from the time of operation, or a time interval that spans before and after the time of operation.

[0195] Furthermore, it is also good to provide the drive recorder 5 with sensors such as a G-sensor for detecting impacts and external input functions. When controlling one of the multiple installed storage media to be an overwriteable storage media and another to be an overwrite-protected storage media for continuous recording, it is also good to record images captured during a time interval up to a predetermined time before the time when the trigger signal input occurred, images captured during a time interval up to the predetermined time after that time, or both of these images, on the overwrite-protected storage media, triggered by a sensor or an external input signal.

[0196] When recording a portion of an image with overwrite protection enabled, data transfer and copying are generally performed on a file-by-file basis. Therefore, it is also possible to transfer or copy not only the portion corresponding to the time interval based on the time the record button 521 was operated, but also the file containing that portion. In this case, the portion other than the portion corresponding to the time interval will be included in the data being transferred. At this time, when playing back a portion of the image recorded with overwrite protection enabled, it is also possible to control the playback so that the portion other than the portion corresponding to the time interval is omitted.

[0197] In the Drive Recorder 5, the recording method and type of recorded data are distinguished for each card slot 55, which is an example of a media storage unit, and the functions differ accordingly. When inserting a memory card, which is an example of a storage medium, it is easy to use as you only need to select the card slot 55 according to the type of recorded data. For example, it becomes easier for the user to understand the different recording methods and timings for each card slot 55, which helps to prevent mistakes such as removing a memory card while it is being written to. As in this example, it is good to have different recording methods for one card slot 55, such as allowing overwriting and prohibiting overwriting. It is also good to have different recording data for one card slot 55, such as continuous recording and event recording for the other card slot 55.

[0198] Furthermore, it is also advisable to control the probability of recorded data being erased differently for each card slot 55 of the drive recorder 5. For example, one card slot 55 should have a higher probability of being erased by overwriting, while the other card slot 55 should have sufficient storage capacity relative to the amount of recorded data so that it has a lower probability of being erased by overwriting. Alternatively, even if both are set to overwrite, one slot can be used to record large amounts of data, such as continuous recording data, while the other can be used to store small amounts of data, such as event recordings, thus creating different probabilities of recorded data being erased.

[0199] In the drive recorder 5, two card slots 55 are arranged side by side. Alternatively, one media storage area could be placed on the side visible to the driver, and the other on the side not visible to the driver, thus varying the visibility of multiple media storage areas or making their priority clear. In this case, the ease of access from the user to each media storage area can be varied. For example, storage media / media storage areas that are frequently inserted and removed should be placed in an easily accessible location, while those that are less frequently inserted and removed should be placed in a less easily accessible location. For storage media / media storage areas that are frequently inserted and removed, the edges of the storage area can be surrounded by lines or colored, or internal lighting can be provided to make them easily accessible. For example, if the card slots 55 are arranged side by side as in the drive recorder 5, as shown in Figure 21, the less frequently inserted and removed area can be covered with an opening / closing cover 558, which is an example of a lid, to make it less easily accessible. Alternatively, it is preferable to print or engrave the ranks, such as 1, 2, etc., or A, B, etc., near the media storage area, and to make it less likely to mistakenly remove the wrong storage medium by labeling frequently used storage media / media storage areas as 1 or A.

[0200] It is advisable to have at least one of the multiple storage media be of a different shape or size from the others. Varying the sizes of the storage media helps to reduce the chance of mixing them up. For example, as shown in Figure 22, it is advisable to use different types of SD cards, such as a standard type SD card 555 for the media storage section 55 which is frequently inserted and removed, and a microSD card 555A for the media storage section 55A which is less frequently inserted and removed, to make it less likely to mistakenly remove the wrong storage media.

[0201] A dashcam with a car navigation function is also acceptable. Of the multiple media storage compartments in such a dashcam, at least one should be dedicated to recording data and related information and data. Car navigation systems, commonly known as PNDs, often have media storage compartments such as memory card slots for map and software updates, music and video source provision, TV recording, and driving route storage. When combining car navigation and dashcam functions, it is possible to use a single media storage compartment for both functions, but if the dashcam function has the ability to continuously record images while driving, it is necessary to constantly store image data on the storage medium while driving, and if data related to the car navigation function is also stored on the storage medium, processing problems may occur. Therefore, it is better to provide multiple media storage compartments, with at least one dedicated to the dashcam function.

[0202] A dashcam with radar detection functionality is also acceptable. Of the multiple media storage compartments in such a dashcam, at least one should be dedicated to recording data and related information and data. Radar detectors also often use memory cards to store data such as the location of alarm occurrences. For the same reasons as with the dashcam with car navigation functionality mentioned above, it is advisable to provide multiple media storage compartments and dedicate at least one to the dashcam function. Furthermore, the other components and effects are the same as in the other embodiments.

[0203] (Example 6) This example demonstrates how to configure the main storage medium based on other embodiments. This will be explained below. The drive recorder in this example, like other embodiments, is equipped with multiple media storage units for which storage media are attached to record video data based on captured images. The drive recorder controls the storage media attached to the main media storage unit, which is one of the multiple media storage units, as the main storage media.

[0204] The main storage medium records both continuous recordings that can be overwritten and event recordings that are not overwritten. When the capacity of the overwrite-protected recordings on the main storage medium exceeds a predetermined level, or when there are no more storage media in the main storage compartment, the drive recorder executes a control to record the captured images to another storage medium.

[0205] When removing the main storage medium and viewing the recorded data on an external device such as a PC, it is very convenient to be able to view all the data stored, including both continuous recordings and event recordings. Also, in the event of an accident, you may need to remove and store the storage medium containing the images from the time of the accident. In such cases, it is better to have all the data, including both continuous recordings and event recordings, on a single storage medium.

[0206] For example, if only one storage medium can be installed, the dashcam will not function properly if it becomes full due to overwrite protection, or if no storage medium is installed. If other storage media are installed in addition to the main storage medium, as in the dashcam example, the dashcam can function even if the main storage medium is full or not installed. The main storage medium can have a large capacity, while the others can have small capacities. It is also possible to erase some or all of the data recorded on the main storage medium to free up capacity, or to install a new storage medium, and then transfer some or all of the data stored on the other storage media to the main storage medium.

[0207] It is a good idea to designate a media storage compartment for the main storage medium and place a lamp near it that blinks or lights up when the capacity is full with overwrite protection enabled, or when no storage medium is installed. In this case, the media storage compartment that cannot record data can be clearly indicated, and the user will be aware of this. For example, if data is being stored on a storage medium other than the main one, the lamp on the main media storage compartment can blink for clarity. Alternatively, the system could be configured to notify the user simultaneously with the blinking or lighting of the lamp, such as through a display, alarm, or sound.

[0208] When a dashcam initializes its main storage medium, it copies or moves any data stored on that medium that is protected from overwriting to another storage medium before performing the initialization. By performing this initialization control, even storage media containing data that is protected from overwriting can be safely initialized without damaging that data.

[0209] If there is no storage medium in the main storage compartment, or if the main storage medium needs to be initialized, it is also possible to record captured images and other data into the drive recorder's built-in memory. Subsequently, when the data on the main storage medium is erased and there is free space, or when a new storage medium is installed, it is also possible to move some or all of the data stored in the main memory to the main storage medium or other storage medium. In this case, only one storage compartment is needed, which can reduce product costs.

[0210] Furthermore, when initializing a storage medium, it is preferable to use an image recording device that first switches storage from the storage medium to be initialized to another storage medium, and then initializes the storage medium after a predetermined amount of storage or a predetermined capacity of storage has been performed on the other storage medium. To avoid erasing new data, it's best to initialize the storage medium only after data has been saved to other storage devices. Ideally, you should initialize the device only after data has been saved to full capacity on other devices and overwriting has begun.

[0211] Alternatively, one of the multiple media storage compartments could be designated as a dummy compartment. Providing a dummy compartment offers the advantage of being able to store spare storage media. By placing spare storage media in the dummy compartment, when the main storage media is removed, it can be conveniently replaced with the spare media in the dummy compartment, thus reducing the risk of losing spare storage media during storage. The other components and effects are the same as in the other embodiments.

[0212] (Example 7) This example is based on other embodiments and incorporates communication functionality into the storage medium. Memory cards controlled by overwrite protection have a communication function to transmit data externally, in addition to the function of storing data. Dashcams can perform control to transmit captured images recorded with overwrite protection to external devices.

[0213] The dashcam can now transmit recorded images from the memory card to an external location while preventing overwriting, allowing the recipient to view the images. This configuration is particularly effective in accident situations. For example, if a taxi driver falls asleep at the wheel, immediately transmitting the recorded images to the taxi company allows the administrator to identify the dangerous situation before an accident occurs. Furthermore, if an accident does occur later, immediately transmitting the recorded images allows the administrator to quickly understand the situation and take prompt action.

[0214] When a memory card with communication capabilities and a memory card without communication capabilities are installed in a dashcam, it is desirable to control the memory card with communication capabilities as an overwrite-protected memory card and the memory card without communication capabilities as an overwrite-enabled memory card. Furthermore, it is desirable to prioritize the transmission of all or part of the data recorded on the overwrite-protected memory card. Here, prioritizing transmission should be done automatically.

[0215] For example, when a G-sensor detects a predetermined impact, it is advisable to record images taken before and after the impact onto a memory card that is protected from overwriting. While it is also advisable to immediately transmit these images externally, in reality, impacts may also be detected due to road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's actions. To prevent the unnecessary transmission of images within the normal range, it is advisable to control the system so that, after recording images onto a memory card that is protected from overwriting in response to impact detection, the recorded images are transmitted externally only when the vehicle stops and remains stopped for a predetermined period of time, or when the vehicle stops and the hazard lights are activated.

[0216] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement control that prohibits overwriting in a portion of the storage area of ​​a memory card equipped with communication functions, while allowing overwriting in part or all of the remaining portion. For example, in event recording, if a G-sensor detects a predetermined impact and records the time before and after the impact, it is better to prohibit overwriting if the impact detection is an accident detection. However, in reality, road surface conditions such as bumps in the road or the driver's driving actions can also be detected as impacts, and if overwriting is prohibited, unnecessary data that should not be overwritten will accumulate. To prevent an overflow of unnecessary data that should not be overwritten, it is also possible to record the data that should not be overwritten in an area where overwriting is permitted when it is generated, and then move the data to the area that should not be overwritten when, for example, the vehicle stops after an impact occurs, or when the situation changes to one where there is a high probability of an accident, such as when the hazard lights are turned on. Furthermore, the other configurations and effects are the same as in the other embodiments.

[0217] Each embodiment of the drive recorder has multiple media storage compartments and can accommodate multiple memory cards. This drive recorder has advantages over a drive recorder with only one media storage compartment in the following respects. (a) For example, if the memory card is damaged or malfunctions, recording will not be possible. In particular, when continuous recording is performed, the probability of damage increases because recording is constantly overwritten (repeatedly erased and stored) while driving. Also, removing the memory card while it is in operation is highly likely to cause damage. Most drive recorders are turned on and off in conjunction with the engine key, but in some vehicles, voltage fluctuations, interruptions, and surges may occur, especially when starting the engine, and these may have a negative effect, causing abnormalities in the control of the memory card and resulting in damage or malfunction of the memory card. In contrast, the drive recorders in each embodiment can be fitted with multiple memory cards, so even if one memory card is damaged, it is possible to control it so that it is backed up by the other memory cards.Therefore, the drive recorders in each embodiment are less likely to encounter a situation where recording becomes completely impossible.

[0218] (b) The primary purpose of a dashcam is to record accidents, and these accident records must be saved in a way that prevents them from being erased. Accident detection is generally performed by detecting an impact exceeding a certain level using a G-sensor, and the images before and after the incident are saved with overwriting protection enabled. However, it is difficult to reliably detect only accidents, as impacts may also be detected by road surface irregularities, bumps, or the driver's driving style. In reality, there is a large amount of recording that does not involve accidents and does not need to be saved. Lowering the sensor sensitivity will prevent accident detection. In addition, recordings of dangerous driving or reckless driving, near-miss experiences, or scenic locations are often saved with overwriting protection enabled via manual operation, and some users record a lot of footage with overwriting protection enabled. When the memory card is full with such overwrite-protected recordings, it is naturally impossible to record any more. While it is necessary to replace the memory card, retrieve / delete images, or initialize it, there may be situations where these actions cannot be performed immediately, such as while driving or while traveling. In such cases, the dashcam will not be able to store any more data and will cease to function as a dashcam. In contrast, the dashcams in each embodiment can accommodate multiple memory cards. For example, when the capacity of a memory card with overwrite protection is full, it is possible to set an overwrite-protected area in the storage area of ​​a memory card for continuous recording (always-on recording) that allows overwriting, and temporarily store captured images that you want to save. By implementing such control, it is possible to prevent situations where the overwrite-protected storage area becomes full and you are unable to record captured images that you want to save. Naturally, storage media such as memory cards are cheaper the smaller the capacity, and more expensive the larger the capacity. There is a technical limit to capacity, and commercially available memory cards with capacities close to this limit tend to be very expensive. For example, the price of such a large-capacity memory card is not just twice the price of a memory card with half the capacity, but can be three, four, or even five times the price. If multiple memory cards can be installed as in each embodiment, then, for example, by installing two memory cards with reasonable capacities, it is possible to achieve the same result as installing a memory card with twice the capacity.Compared to dashcams that can only accommodate one memory card, the cost of purchasing memory cards to achieve the same storage capacity is significantly lower.

[0219] (c) In the case of a dashcam that can only accommodate one memory card, it is common to store both continuous recording and event recordings that are protected from overwriting on the same memory card. However, if no action is taken, the amount of recordings protected from overwriting will increase. While daily maintenance / actions would be ideal, this is often not done. In some cases, the memory card is divided into a continuous recording area and an overwrite-protected recording area, but more often, the overwrite-protected recordings are prioritized without area division, and the continuous recording area is reduced as the amount of overwritten recordings increases. In this case, the continuous recording area is reduced and the continuous recording time is shortened before the memory card capacity is full with overwrite-protected recordings, reducing the time available to review past footage. At the same time, the time it takes for one overwrite cycle to complete is shortened, increasing the frequency of deletion and recording, and further increasing the probability of memory card damage or malfunction. On the other hand, if the continuous recording area and the overwrite-protected recording area are separated, then naturally, when the overwrite-protected recording area is full, no further recording is possible. Compared to the above method where areas are not separated, the point at which recording to the overwrite-protected recording area becomes impossible is earlier. In contrast, the drive recorders in each embodiment can accommodate multiple memory cards, so for example, it is possible to separate the memory card for overwrite protection from the memory card for continuous recording. The capacity of the overwrite-protected recording area can be secured by installing multiple inexpensive memory cards without having to prepare expensive, high-capacity memory cards. Since images and other data that you want to save can be recorded with high reliability without having to purchase expensive, high-capacity memory cards, running costs are suppressed, making it economical.

[0220] (d) Sometimes, when viewing or retrieving recorded images using a PC viewer, the memory card may be removed from the dashcam and then forgotten. Or, the memory card may be removed for some reason. In such cases, if the dashcam can only accommodate one memory card, the driver would have to drive without a memory card, making it impossible to record or save data, rendering the dashcam non-functional. In contrast, the dashcams in each embodiment can accommodate multiple memory cards, so even if one memory card is removed, backup control is possible using other memory cards. For example, if a memory card that does not allow overwriting is removed, backup control can be implemented by creating an overwrite-protected area in a portion of the storage area of ​​an overwritable memory card. By implementing such backup control, even when driving with a specific memory card removed, the dashcam will not be unable to perform certain functions, and the degree to which the dashcam's functionality is impaired can be suppressed.

[0221] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as shown in the examples above, these examples only disclose an example of the technology covered by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively based on the configuration or numerical values ​​of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies obtained by various modifications, changes, or combinations of the above examples using prior art or the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0222] 1. Dashcam 2. Main unit case 8, 9 Push buttons 13 CCD cameras 15. Accelerometer 181, 182 Insertion slots 181A, 182A LED 24 GPS receivers 30 Control Controllers 311, 312 SD card reader 32 Databases 35 Personal computer 361, 362 SD card reader / writer 45 monitors

Claims

1. In an image recording device equipped with a control means that has a function of recording an image acquired by an imaging means onto a removable storage medium, It comprises at least one media housing section for detachably holding a storage medium, and incorporates storage means for storing various types of data. The control means can execute a control mode in which it alternately uses the storage area of ​​the storage medium mounted in the media storage unit and the storage area of ​​the storage means to record a series of captured images, and initializes the other storage area while the captured images are being recorded in one of the storage areas. An image recording device characterized by the following features.

2. In claim 1, the storage means and the storage medium record file management information for managing the recording location of data within the storage area. An image recording device that, when initializing one of the storage means and the storage medium while a new captured image is being recorded in the other, erases the captured images already recorded on the other storage medium in order from the oldest at the time of recording, in conjunction with the operation of recording the new captured image, and after erasing all captured images, erases the file management information to complete the initialization.

3. In claim 1 or 2, the control means is capable of executing a plurality of control modes for recording data in the storage medium, The storage medium records setting information corresponding to one of the multiple control modes. The control means executes a control corresponding to the setting information read from the storage medium when the storage medium on which the setting information is recorded is stored in the storage medium storage unit. A change operation means that accepts operations to change the setting information recorded on the storage medium, An image recording device comprising: a warning means that, when an operation to change setting information is received via the change operation means, warns that the data recorded on the storage medium may be erased as a result of the change in setting information.

4. The image recording device described in claim 3, The terminal device includes setting change means for changing the setting information recorded on the storage medium, and change operation means for receiving operations to change the setting information, The terminal device is an image recording system that includes a warning means for warning that when it receives an operation to change the setting information via the change operation means, the recorded data on the storage medium may be erased.

5. A program for a computer to implement the functions of an image recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images