Power control devices, electronic devices, and programs, etc.

Abstract

To provide a technology with an improved function than before, for example, to improve the function of a power supply control device that is connected to an electronic device that operates by receiving power from an external source, or of an electronic device that can be connected to the power supply control device.SOLUTION: A power supply control device 700 connected to an imaging device 100 that operates by receiving power from a vehicle-side power source which is external power includes a control unit that executes a function of supplying power to the imaging device 100 on the basis of an external or internal power source, and a function that executes a predetermined function on the basis of data on the imaging device 100 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control device, an imaging device, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in-vehicle recording devices, so-called drive recorders, which are mounted on vehicles, image the surrounding video of the vehicle, and record the surrounding video, vehicle speed, etc. when an impact is applied to the vehicle due to events such as sudden braking, sudden steering, or collision, have become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] (1) A power control device is provided which connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, and which has a control unit that performs a predetermined function based on data from the electronic device.

[0007] In this way, in addition to supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, the power control device can also perform predetermined functions based on data from the electronic device, thereby extending the functionality of a power control device connected to an electronic device that operates on an external power supply.

[0008] The electronic devices and power control devices should, in particular, be devices that are installed and used in vehicles (i.e., on-board devices). When the electronic devices and power control devices are used in a vehicle, external power sources include the vehicle's own power supply, exemplified by the constant power supply and the accessory power supply. Furthermore, the electronic devices and power control devices should, in particular, be devices that are used in locations other than vehicles, such as the user's home or office (e.g., a conference room), or commercial facilities.

[0009] Data on the electronic device side can be defined as data that exists on the electronic device side from the perspective of the power control device. Typically, this is data possessed by the electronic device itself, but it may also be data acquired by the electronic device from external devices, equipment, or other entities. Data on the electronic device side includes data generated by the electronic device, data stored in the electronic device, etc. If the electronic device is an imaging device such as a drive recorder, this includes images captured by the imaging unit of the imaging device, and data measured by the sensor unit of the imaging device, etc. Note that there are instances where the expressions "perform a function," "realize a function," and "have a function" are used, and these may be interpreted interchangeably as appropriate.

[0010] (2) The control unit may perform the function of storing the data output by the electronic device in an internal or external storage area as one of the predetermined functions.

[0011] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can also function as a device that stores data from the electronic device in an internal or external storage area. For example, this can be done for backup purposes to prevent the loss of data stored on the electronic device.

[0012] (3) The device has a mounting section to which a storage medium having the storage area can be attached and detached, and the control unit may store the data from the electronic device attached to the mounting section in the storage medium.

[0013] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can also function as a device (e.g., a reader / writer) that allows a storage medium to be detachably attached and stores data from the electronic device onto the attached storage medium. The power control device has at least the function of storing data on the storage medium, but it is even better if it also performs the function of reading the data.

[0014] (4) The control unit may perform the function of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device and making it possible to access the data on the electronic device as a predetermined function.

[0015] In this way, a power control unit that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can access data stored on the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device to which power is supplied functions as a mass storage device, the power control unit can perform a function to recognize this electronic device as an external storage device. The electronic device can function as, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) mass storage device.

[0016] (5) In the process of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device, the control unit may stop supplying power to the electronic device and then perform control over a predetermined signal line connected to the electronic device.

[0017] In this way, the process of recognizing an electronic device as an external storage device can be carried out by simple control methods such as stopping the power supply and controlling the signal lines connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device to which the power is supplied can function as a mass storage device, and the power control device can perform the function of recognizing this electronic device as an external storage device. The electronic device can function as, for example, a USB mass storage device.

[0018] (6) The control unit may, as a predetermined function, refer to the data stored on the electronic device and store the referred data in the storage area.

[0019] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can also function as a device that extracts data stored on the referenced electronic device and stores it in an internal or external memory area. For example, such extraction is useful for backup purposes to prevent the loss of data stored on the electronic device.

[0020] (7) The control unit determines whether a predetermined condition for referring to the data stored on the electronic device side is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it may refer to the data stored on the electronic device side.

[0021] In this way, a power supply control device that supplies power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source can determine by itself the condition for referring to the data stored on the electronic device side and perform the operation of referring to that data. For example, when referring to the data stored on the electronic device side, an explicit instruction from the user can be made unnecessary. The condition may be set in advance by the user, but may also be set without user settings before or after the product shipment stage of the electronic device or the power supply control device.

[0022] (8) The control unit may use the condition that the electronic device is present at a predetermined position.

[0023] In this way, a power supply control device that supplies power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source can refer to the data stored on the electronic device side when the electronic device is present at a predetermined position. For example, as the predetermined position, if it is a position where the electronic device is not being used or is likely not to be used, such as the user's home or workplace, etc., the data stored on the electronic device side can be referred to without interfering with the user's use of the electronic device. In particular, as the predetermined position, it is preferably the position of the vehicle in which the electronic device and the power supply control device are mounted.

[0024] (9) The control unit may use the condition that the electronic device or the power supply control device is connected to a predetermined communication line by wireless communication.

[0025] In this way, when a power supply control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power supply, or the electronic device, is connected to a predetermined communication line for communication, it can refer to the data stored on the electronic device side. For example, if the predetermined communication line is a communication line constructed at the user's home, workplace, etc., it can be inferred that the electronic device is at a location where the electronic device is not being used or is likely not to be used based on the connection to the communication line, and the data stored on the electronic device side can be referred to without interfering with the use of the user's electronic device. In particular, when the electronic device and the power supply control device are mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable to be able to infer that the vehicle is not being used or is likely not to be used based on the fact that either of these devices is connected to the communication line by wireless communication.

[0026] (10) It is preferable that the control unit sets as the condition that the external power supply is turned off.

[0027] In this way, when a power supply control device that supplies power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power supply, it can refer to the data stored on the electronic device side when the vehicle's power supply is turned off. In this way, in a situation where the vehicle is not being used or is likely not to be used, the data stored on the electronic device side can be referred to without interfering with the use of the user's electronic device. In particular, when the electronic device and the power supply control device are mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable to be able to infer that the vehicle is not being used or is likely not to be used based on the fact that the external power supply that supplies power to the power supply control device is turned off.

[0028] (11) It is preferable that the control unit converts the referred data into data in a predetermined format and stores the converted data in the storage area.

[0029] In this way, on the power supply control device side that supplies power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power supply, it can convert the data into a predetermined data format different from the data stored in the electronic device and store the data in the storage area.

[0030] (12) The referenced data is stored in a first format that does not record FAT (File Allocation Tables), and the data in the predetermined format is stored in a second format that records FAT.

[0031] In this way, even if data is stored in an electronic device in a first format that does not record FAT, the data can be stored in the storage area in a second format that records FAT, which is more versatile.

[0032] (13) If the control unit detects a power or signal failure between itself and the electronic device, it may terminate the storage of data output by the electronic device in the storage area.

[0033] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source will terminate the storage of data from the electronic device if it detects a power or signal interruption between itself and the electronic device. This reduces the possibility of data being lost on the electronic device side due to accidents or other incidents.

[0034] (14) The control unit may have a communication unit that communicates with an external system, and as a predetermined function, it may perform the function of transmitting data output by the electronic device to another system using the communication unit.

[0035] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can have its functionality extended to include transmitting data output by the electronic device to other systems. For example, this can reduce the possibility of data being lost from the electronic device due to accidents or other incidents.

[0036] (15) The control unit may perform the function of receiving software applicable to the electronic device from an external system using the communication unit, as a predetermined function, and outputting the received software to the electronic device.

[0037] In this way, a power control device that supplies power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source can supply software applicable to the electronic device to that electronic device. For example, the electronic device can incorporate software even if it does not have a communication unit to receive software directly from a communication line, or even if it has such a communication unit, it can do so without using it.

[0038] (16) A power cable having a first terminal connected to the electronic device, a second terminal connected to the external power supply, a power line connected to the first terminal and the second terminal for supplying power to the electronic device, and a signal line for transmitting and receiving signals with the electronic device.

[0039] In this way, the power control device, which functions as a power cable supplying power to an electronic device based on an external or internal power source, performs predetermined functions based on data from the electronic device, thereby improving the functionality of the power control device connected to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source.

[0040] (17) It is preferable to provide an electronic device that can be connected to any of the above-mentioned power control devices and operates by receiving power from the power control device, the electronic device having an imaging unit, a terminal unit for transmitting and receiving data with the power control device, and a control unit that sets the operation of the power control device for processing using the image captured by the imaging unit via the terminal unit.

[0041] In this way, the electronic device can configure the operation settings of the power control unit related to processing using the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0042] (18) The control unit of the electronic device may perform processing using the image captured by the imaging unit based on the software received from the power control device via the terminal unit.

[0043] In this way, the electronic device can receive and execute software from a power control device that supplies power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source. The electronic device does not need to have a communication unit to receive software directly from a communication line, or even if it has such a communication unit, it can be made so that it does not need to be used.

[0044] (19) The control unit of the electronic device may perform a first process based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a first software stored in advance, and a second process based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a second software acquired in place of the first software.

[0045] In this way, an electronic device that performs a first processing based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a first software pre-stored in advance can be changed (for example, swapped out) to an electronic device that performs a second processing based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a second software. This allows the electronic device to be repurposed for other uses and reduces the likelihood of discarding an unnecessary electronic device. An electronic device that operates based on the first software may be used, for example, as an imaging device mounted in a vehicle, especially for use as a drive recorder. An electronic device that operates based on the second software may be used, for example, for use in web conferencing (which may also be called video conferencing) or security camera applications.

[0046] (20) The control unit of the electronic device may, as the second process, perform the process of outputting the image captured by the imaging unit to the power control unit.

[0047] In this way, the electronic device, when repurposed for other uses, can perform the process of outputting the image captured by the imaging unit to the power control unit, thereby expanding the functionality of the electronic device.

[0048] (21) The control unit of the electronic device may determine whether to have the power control device overwrite the image captured by the imaging unit when performing the first processing or the second processing.

[0049] In this way, depending on the application of the electronic device, the settings for whether or not to overwrite the images captured by the imaging unit in the power control unit can be appropriately configured. For example, in applications where the recording time of images captured by the imaging unit is expected to be relatively short, overwriting can be disabled to prevent the loss of images captured by the imaging unit. One such application is web conferencing. On the other hand, in applications where the recording time of images captured by the imaging unit is expected to be long, it is advisable to allow overwriting. One such application is security cameras.

[0050] (22) The control unit of the electronic device is equipped with a sensor unit, and it is preferable that the control unit of the electronic device differs in whether or not to store the data measured by the sensor unit in association with the image captured by the imaging unit in the power control unit when performing the first processing and when performing the second processing.

[0051] In this way, depending on the application of the electronic device, it is possible to appropriately set whether or not to store data measured by the sensor unit in association with the image captured by the imaging unit in the power control device. For example, in applications where the importance of data measured by the sensor unit is low, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of unnecessary data by not storing it. One such application is web conferencing. On the other hand, in applications where the importance of data measured by the sensor unit is high, it is good to store the data measured by the sensor unit. One such application is security cameras.

[0052] (23) The electronic device is a drive recorder mounted in a vehicle that performs at least one of the following functions based on the first software: a continuous recording function, an event recording function, and a parking surveillance function, and the control unit of the electronic device may change the operation of at least a part of at least one of the continuous recording function, the event recording function, and the parking surveillance function depending on whether it is performing the first processing or the second processing.

[0053] In this way, one of the dashcam's features—the continuous recording function, the event recording function, and the parking surveillance function—based on images captured by the imaging unit, can be used for other purposes. For example, the continuous recording function can be used for web conferencing, while the event recording function and parking surveillance function can be used for security camera applications.

[0054] (24) The imaging unit may be equipped with a wide-angle lens.

[0055] In this way, even when using electronic devices for multiple purposes, the necessary range can be imaged, increasing convenience.

[0056] (25) It would be preferable to provide a program that causes a computer to function as the control unit of any of the above-mentioned power control devices.

[0057] (26) It would be preferable to provide a program that causes a computer to function as a control unit for any of the above-mentioned electronic devices.

[0058] The inventions described in (1) to (26) above can be combined in any way. For example, one could combine all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. In particular, one could combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. Alternatively, one could extract any configuration from the inventions described in (1) to (26) and combine the extracted configurations. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", these are not meant to indicate that the configuration is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that do not fall under these cases or times. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, the order is not limited to that sequence. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them as well. [Effects of the Invention]

[0059] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide technology with improved functionality compared to conventional methods, for example, to improve the functionality of a power control device connected to an electronic device that operates by receiving power from an external source, or an electronic device that can be connected thereto.

[0060] The effects of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the effects produced by the components of the structure disclosed in this specification and drawings are also disclosed. The present invention intends to obtain rights to the components that produce such effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, the phrases "can do..." in this specification are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects produced, and there are components that produce effects even without such descriptions. Furthermore, there are effects that can be grasped by the component even without such descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the overall configuration of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This figure shows an example of the external configuration of the imaging device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the bracket configuration of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the external configuration of the imaging device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device and power control device of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the internal structure and basic storage format of a storage medium on which video files of the same embodiment are recorded. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the functions of a power control device and an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the functions of a power control device and an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the functions of a power control device and an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the functions of a power control device and an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0062] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referenced in these embodiments, the same parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals (simply a number followed by A, B, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in the drawings referenced in the following description, the scale may be different from that of the actual parts in order to make each component, each area, etc., recognizable.

[0063] [1. First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle-side system in this embodiment. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle 400 as viewed from the side. The vehicle 400 is, for example, an internal combustion engine vehicle with an engine as the drive source, a hybrid vehicle with an engine and a drive motor as the drive sources, an electric vehicle with a drive motor as the drive source, etc. The vehicle 400 is, for example, a four-wheeled automobile, but any vehicle capable of mounting the imaging device 100 and imaging device 200 is acceptable. The vehicle may be, for example, a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels such as an automobile, bus, or truck, or a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle, a forklift, or other vehicle. The vehicle may also be, for example, a vehicle of a transportation system such as a train, monorail, or maglev train.

[0064] The imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 are devices (also called aftermarket products) that are retrofitted to the vehicle 400, such as by being purchased separately by the user. However, at least one of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 may be a device that is pre-installed in the vehicle 400 (i.e., is standard equipment). The imaging device 100 is a front camera located on the front side of the vehicle 400. The imaging device 100 is, for example, mounted at a predetermined position on the front side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400 and captures images in front of the vehicle 400 through the windshield. The imaging device 100 is a drive recorder. Specifically, the imaging device 100 has the function of capturing images, the function of recording image data showing the captured images, and the function of recording image data acquired from the imaging device 200.

[0065] The imaging device 200 is a rear camera positioned on the rear side of the vehicle 400. The imaging device 200 is, for example, mounted at a predetermined position on the rear side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 400 and captures images of the rear of the vehicle through the rear window. The imaging device 200 has the function of capturing images and the function of outputting image data showing the captured images to the imaging device 100.

[0066] The imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 are connected via a cable 300. The cable 300 is a wired communication path connecting the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200. The cable 300 includes, for example, a power line that supplies power for operation from the imaging device 100 to the imaging device 200, and a signal line for transmitting various signals between the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200. The imaging device 200 operates by receiving power from the imaging device 100 via the cable 300. The imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 may be connected by a wireless communication path such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or other standards, instead of a wired communication path. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 may be used without being connected to the imaging device 200 by communication.

[0067] The imaging device 100 is connected to the vehicle-side power supply mounted on the vehicle 400 via the power control device 700. The imaging device 100 operates by receiving power from the power control device 700.

[0068] [2. External configuration of the imaging device 100] Figure 2 shows an example of the external configuration of the imaging device 100. Figure 2(A) is a view of the imaging device 100 from the front, diagonally upward to the right. Figure 2(B) is a view of the imaging device 100 from the rear, diagonally upward to the right. The front side of the imaging device 100 faces the front of the vehicle 400, and the rear side of the imaging device 100 faces the rear of the vehicle 400. The imaging device 100 has a housing 101. The housing 101 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and has a relatively small thickness. The housing 101 has an upper surface 1011 that faces upward when attached to the vehicle 400, a first side surface 1012, a second side surface 1013, a third side surface 1014 that is opposite the second side surface 1013, and a fourth side surface 1015 that is opposite the first side surface 1012.

[0069] The upper surface 1011 is provided with a joint rail 102 and a camera jack 191. The joint rail 102 is detachable from a bracket (for example, a bracket 600 described later) for attaching the imaging device 100 to a predetermined mounting location on the vehicle 400. The mounting location may be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle 400 (for example, near the upper edge of the windshield), or the rearview mirror or the ceiling inside the vehicle 400. When the imaging device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 400, the first side surface 1012 faces the front of the vehicle 400. At this time, the second side surface 1013 faces to the right when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The third side surface 1014 faces to the left when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 400. The fourth side surface 1015 faces the rear of the vehicle 400.

[0070] The camera jack 191 is a terminal to which one end of the cable 300 is connected. The camera jack 191 may, for example, be compatible with the USB Type-C standard and may also serve as a terminal for the imaging device 100 to communicate with the imaging device 200 using the Ethernet standard.

[0071] The first side surface 1012 is provided with an imaging lens 151, a sound emission hole 103, and a microphone hole 104. The imaging lens 151 is a light-gathering lens of the imaging unit (imaging unit 15, described later) of the imaging device 100. The sound emission hole 103 is located above the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that allows sound output by the audio output unit (audio output unit 14, described later) of the imaging device 100 to pass through from the inside to the outside of the housing 101. The microphone hole 104 is located below the imaging lens 151 and is a hole that allows sound from the outside to pass through from the outside to the inside of the housing 101. The sound that has passed through to the inside of the housing 101 is input to the microphone (microphone 121, described later) of the imaging device 100.

[0072] An event recording button 122 is provided on the second side 1013. The event recording button 122 is an operating means for instructing the start or end of recording (video recording) of images captured by the imaging unit 15. When event recording is not being performed, if the user operates the event recording button 122, the imaging device 100 starts event recording. More details about event recording will be described later. The event recording button 122 is provided on the second side 1013 facing the driver's seat so that it can be easily operated by the driver of a right-hand drive vehicle 400.

[0073] The third side surface 1014 is provided with a terminal 192 and a storage medium insertion slot 181. Terminal 192 is a terminal for receiving power from an external device. Terminal 192 is, for example, a DC jack. One end of a power cord (for example, a cigarette lighter plug cord) is connected to terminal 192. The other end of the power cord is connected to a power supply terminal (for example, a cigarette lighter socket) provided on the vehicle 400 side. In this embodiment, terminal 192 is connected to a power control device 700.

[0074] Terminal 192 may be connected to an OBDII adapter that can be connected to the OBDII connector (where "II" is the Roman numeral for "2") of the vehicle 400. The OBDII connector, also called a fault diagnosis connector, is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) and is a terminal that outputs various vehicle information at predetermined intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds). By connecting terminal 192 to the OBDII connector using an OBDII adapter, the imaging device 100 can receive power for operation and acquire vehicle information.

[0075] Vehicle information refers to information about the status of vehicle 400. Vehicle information should include at least one of the following: vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load percentage, throttle position, ignition timing, percentage of remaining fuel, intake manifold pressure, intake air volume (MAF), injection opening time, engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, ambient temperature, fuel tank volume, fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator pedal position, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON / OFF)), brake position, steering wheel rotation angle, gear position, and door open / closed status.

[0076] The storage medium insertion slot 181 is an insertion slot for inserting a storage medium 500, which serves as an external storage means, into the imaging device 100. The storage medium 500 is a storage medium on which images captured by the imaging device 100 or imaging device 200 are recorded, and is, for example, an SD card. The SD card includes any of the following forms, such as an SD memory card, a miniSD card, and a microSD card. The storage medium 500 may also store a program for a viewer (for example, a dedicated viewer) for playing back the stored images on an information display terminal such as a personal computer.

[0077] The fourth side 1015 is provided with an operating section 123, a display surface 131, and a light-emitting section 21. The operating section 123 has a first button 1231, a second button 1232, a third button 1233, and a fourth button 1234. The first button 1231, the second button 1232, the third button 1233, and the fourth button 1234 are arranged vertically along the right edge of the display surface 131. The functions that can be assigned to each of these buttons include, for example, the following:

[0078] The first button 1231 functions as a button to switch images when pressed and held, and as a button to instruct the formatting of the storage medium 500 when pressed briefly. The image displayed on the display surface 131 is, for example, one or both of the image currently being captured by the imaging device 100 and the image currently being captured by the imaging device 200. Formatting the storage medium 500 is understood as initializing the storage medium 500, and is understood as at least one of the following: erasing data such as images stored in the storage medium 500, writing setting information indicating the contents of the operation settings to the storage medium 500 in order to make the imaging device 100 able to use the storage medium 500 (for example, to make it possible to record and read images), and putting the storage medium 500 into a specific file state.

[0079] The second button 1232 is for displaying a selection screen for selecting the image to be played back by the imaging device 100. The third button 1233 is for displaying a menu related to the settings of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200. The fourth button 1234 is for instructing the start and stop of image recording. For example, if the fourth button 1234 is briefly pressed while recording is being performed using the continuous recording function described later, the recording will be paused. If the fourth button 1234 is briefly pressed during this pause, image recording using the continuous recording function will resume. If the fourth button 1234 is long-pressed, the frame rate when recording images can be changed.

[0080] The display surface 131 is the area where the image displayed by the display unit (display unit 13, described later) of the imaging device 100 is displayed. The display surface 131 is, for example, a rectangular or square area. A touch sensor 124 for detecting user touch operations is provided superimposed on the display surface 131.

[0081] The light-emitting unit 21 is located above the first button 1231 and emits light in a predetermined color.

[0082] Furthermore, the imaging device 200 may also function as a drive recorder, and may have a configuration similar to that of the imaging device 100. In addition, one or more imaging devices that capture images in other directions may be used as imaging devices connected to the imaging device 100 by communication, instead of or in addition to the imaging device 200. Other directions include the right rear, left rear, and width of the vehicle (side) of the vehicle 400.

[0083] [3. Bracket Configuration] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the bracket 600. Figure 3(A) is a view of the bracket 600 from the front, looking diagonally upward to the right. Figure 3(B) is a view of the bracket 600 from the side. Figure 3(C) is a view of the bracket 600 from the front, looking diagonally downward to the right. The bracket 600 is an example of a mounting member for attaching the imaging device 100 to the vehicle 400.

[0084] The bracket 600 is a mounting member that uses a ball joint mechanism. In the bracket 600, the flat base portion 610 has a mounting surface 611 that is attached to the windshield of the vehicle 400. The base portion 610 is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the support column of the ball stud 620. An adhesive member such as double-sided tape is attached to the mounting surface 611, and the bracket is attached to the windshield of the vehicle 400 via the adhesive member.

[0085] The ball stud 620 is the portion of the base portion 610 that rises from the side opposite to the mounting surface 611. The ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 is mounted on the socket portion 630. The nut 640 is detachably attached around the socket portion 630. A screw groove is formed on the outer circumference of the socket portion 630. The nut 640, which fits into the screw groove, is mounted on the outer circumference of the socket portion 630. With the ball portion 621 of the ball stud 620 mounted inside the socket portion 630, before the nut 640 is tightened, the socket portion 630 can rotate along the circumferential surface of the ball portion 621 in the desired direction, thereby changing the orientation of the base portion 650. Once the nut 640 is tightened, the orientation of the base portion 650 is fixed.

[0086] The base portion 650 is formed in conjunction with the socket portion 630 and is the part for mounting to the imaging device 100. The base portion 650 has a pair of guide rails 651 on its underside. The pair of guide rails 651 are configured to slide along the joint rail 102 of the imaging device 100. The tip of the base portion 650 is provided with a claw-shaped tip portion 652. The bracket 600 is attached to the imaging device 100 by hooking the tip portion 652 onto the end of the joint rail 102 near the front side of the imaging device 100.

[0087] [4. Electrical configuration of the imaging device 100] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device 100. The control unit 11 controls each part of the imaging device 100. The control unit 11 is a computer that includes, for example, a processor 111 and a memory 112. The processor 111 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memory 112 is a main memory that has, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The processor 111 temporarily stores the program read from the ROM of the memory 112 in the RAM. The RAM of the memory 112 provides the processor 111 with a workspace. The processor 111 performs various controls by performing calculations while temporarily storing data generated during program execution in the RAM. The control unit 11 further includes a timekeeping unit 113 for measuring time. The timekeeping unit 113 is, for example, a real-time clock. The timing unit 113 may be mounted on the motherboard of the processor 111, or it may be externally connected to the processor 111.

[0088] The input unit 12 receives information input from the user. The input unit 12 includes, for example, the microphone 121, event recording button 122, operation unit 123, and touch sensor 124. The microphone 121 converts sound incident through the microphone hole 104, etc., into an electrical signal. The microphone 121 is, for example, a condenser microphone. The touch sensor 124 detects the position touched by the user on the display surface 131. The touch sensor 124 is, for example, a capacitive type.

[0089] The display unit 13 displays an image on the display surface 131. The display unit 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0090] The audio output unit 14 outputs sound. This sound may include, for example, notification sounds, background music, or voice messages. The audio output unit 14 includes, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

[0091] The imaging unit 15 captures images and generates image data obtained from the imaging. The imaging unit 15 includes, for example, an imaging lens 151 and an image sensor that captures the light focused by the imaging lens 151. The image sensor is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary MOS) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 15 generates a color (multicolor) image consisting of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components.

[0092] The communication unit 16 communicates with external devices. The communication unit 16 has a communication circuit for wireless communication with external devices, for example, by Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, other wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, LPWA, or short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 16 may also have a communication circuit for performing communication compliant with standards for mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, etc.

[0093] The sensor unit 17 has various sensors. The sensor unit 17 has, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor (e.g., a G sensor), a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the tilt of the imaging device 100. The acceleration sensor and gyro sensor may be used, for example, to estimate the position of the vehicle 400 by autonomous navigation when signals from GNSS satellites cannot be received. The barometric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure. The barometric pressure sensor is used, for example, to detect differences in elevation and determine whether it is a highway or a regular road. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects the illuminance indicating the brightness inside the vehicle interior, which is the area around the imaging device 100. The illuminance sensor is used, for example, to adjust the brightness of the display on the display unit 13.

[0094] The reader / writer 18 functions as a media holder that holds the storage medium 500 inserted into the imaging device 100 through the storage medium insertion slot 181. The reader / writer 18 writes data to the storage medium 500 and reads data from the storage medium 500. The reader / writer 18 may hold only one storage medium 500, but it may also be configured to hold two or more storage mediums 500 simultaneously.

[0095] The terminal section 19 has terminals for electrically connecting to external devices. The terminal section 19 has the camera jack 191 and terminal 192 described above. As a device connected to the terminal section 19, an external battery may be used so that the imaging device 100 and imaging device 200 can operate even without power supply from the vehicle 400. The device connected to the terminal section 19 may be, for example, a device that has a function to support the user's safe driving. Such devices include, for example, a device that has a function to image the driver (e.g., face) and detect and notify the driver's state, such as distracted driving and drowsy driving, or a device that has a function to detect and notify obstacles around the vehicle 400 (for example, a device used for vehicle detection for a Forward Vehicle Collision Warning System (FCWS)). Other devices connected to the terminal section 19 may be in-vehicle devices such as a radar detector, laser detector, car navigation system, or display device.

[0096] The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information indicating the position of the imaging device 100 (more specifically, its current position). The position of the imaging device 100 can be considered equivalent to the position of the vehicle 400 on which the imaging device 100 is located, the position of the imaging device 200 located on the vehicle 400, and the positions of the driver and other people riding in the vehicle 400. The position information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the imaging device 100 based on signals from GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The position information acquisition unit 20 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System).

[0097] The light-emitting unit 21 emits light in a predetermined color. The light-emitting unit 21 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0098] The power control unit 22 controls the supply of power to each part of the imaging device 100 and to the imaging device 200. The power control unit 22 includes, for example, a power switch and a power control circuit. The power control unit 22 supplies power supplied from the vehicle 400 side via the terminal section 19 to each part of the imaging device 100 and to the imaging device 200. The power supply on the vehicle 400 side will be referred to as the vehicle-side power supply below, and may be, for example, at least one of a constant power supply and an accessory power supply. However, it is desirable for the imaging device 100 to function when the vehicle 400 is not being used by the user, such as when the vehicle is parked, if it is connected to a constant power supply. The power control unit 22 may further include a secondary battery, a button battery, or an electric double-layer capacitor (also called a supercapacitor) as a means of power storage.

[0099] The imaging device 100 may further have an auxiliary storage device as an internal storage means, such as flash memory (e.g., eMMC, SSD). Various storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media, can be used as the auxiliary storage device.

[0100] In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 also functions as a mass storage device. This mass storage device recognizes and controls the imaging device 100 as an external storage device. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 may be a USB-connected storage device, for example, a device that functions as a USB mass storage device. This allows the imaging device 100 to access data stored in the storage medium 500 from an external device under predetermined conditions. This will be described later.

[0101] [5. Image recording function of imaging device 100] The control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 has one or more of the following functions as an image recording function. The image recording function is a function that records the images captured by the imaging device 100 as image data in a predetermined file format. The image data is often in a video format, such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4), but also AVI, MOV, WMV, etc.

[0102] <5-1. Continuous Recording Function> The continuous recording function (also called the continuous video recording function) is a function that continuously (i.e., continuously) records images captured by either or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 while the imaging device 100 is in operation. When the continuous recording function is running, the control unit 11 stores images (image data, or video data) captured from the start to the stop of the vehicle 400's engine, or stores images captured from the time the vehicle 400's power supply (e.g., accessory power) is turned on until it is turned off.

[0103] <5-2. Event Recording Function> The event recording function is a function that records images taken by either or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 in response to the occurrence of a specific event. An event is an occurrence for which an image taken by the imaging device 100 or the imaging device 200 should be recorded, such as when the user performs sudden steering or braking operations while the vehicle 400 is in motion, or when the vehicle 400 collides with another object. The control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, for example, based on the measurement value from the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred when the measurement value from the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold or shows a predetermined temporal change. Such an event is called a "G-sensor event," and the event recording performed when a G-sensor event occurs is sometimes called "G-sensor event recording." The control unit 11 also determines that an event has occurred when the event recording button 122 is operated. An event that occurs as a result of operating the event recording button 122 is called a "manual event," and the event recording performed when a manual event occurs is sometimes called a "manual recording." The conditions for determining the occurrence of an event are not limited to these. The control unit 11 may determine that an event has occurred based on vehicle information, for example, when the state of the vehicle 400, such as vehicle speed or steering state, meets predetermined conditions. The control unit 11 may also determine that an event has occurred by analyzing images captured by the imaging unit 15 or imaging device 200 and detecting dangerous driving by the vehicle 400 or another vehicle (for example, aggressive driving, approaching, or dangerously close approach).

[0104] When the control unit 11 determines that an event has occurred, it records images captured during a predetermined period before and after the event (hereinafter referred to as the "event recording period") onto the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 may, for example, temporarily store images captured by the imaging unit 15 and the imaging device 200 in the memory 112 (e.g., RAM), and when it determines that an event has occurred, it may read the images from the memory 112 for the event recording period and record them onto the storage medium 500. For example, the control unit 11 may create a single file containing images from 20 seconds before the event and 20 seconds after the event, for a total of 40 seconds. The length of the event recording period is just an example and may vary depending on the type of event, and may also be changeable by the user. The control unit 11 may record images consisting of multiple files onto the storage medium 500 for each event. The control unit 11 may also record values ​​measured by the sensor unit 17 during the event recording period (e.g., acceleration in each of the three axes) and position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 20, in association with the images, onto the storage medium 500.

[0105] <5-3. Parking Surveillance Function> The parking surveillance function is a function that records images captured by either or both of the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200 while the vehicle 400 is parked. The parking surveillance function is a function for monitoring the interior of the parked vehicle 400 or the exterior surrounding the vehicle 400. When the engine of the vehicle 400 is off, the control unit 11 receives power from an external battery and records images to the storage medium 500. The control unit 11 determines whether or not the vehicle 400 is parked based on one or more of the following: for example, the accessory power is turned off, the drive source is stopped, power supply from the external battery is started, the vehicle speed is 0 km / h or below a predetermined speed, and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 is predetermined location information (for example, location information of home, workplace, or parking lot).

[0106] The parking surveillance function may include a time-lapse mode and a motion detection mode. Specifically, when the time-lapse mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 records images at a lower frame rate than other image recording functions such as the continuous recording function and the event recording function. For example, while the frame rate of other image recording functions is 20 to 30 frames / second, the frame rate of the time-lapse mode is 1 frame / second. The motion detection mode is a mode that records images in response to the detection of a moving object. Specifically, when the motion detection mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 detects a moving object from changes in images captured by the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 200, and records the images captured during a predetermined period before and after the detection to the storage medium 500. The frame rate may be the same as that of the continuous recording function and the event recording function.

[0107] [6. Other forms of imaging devices] The imaging devices 100 and 200 may be imaging devices that capture celestial spherical images, such as a full sphere or a hemisphere. A celestial spherical image is an example of a circular image. It is desirable that the imaging unit 15 of imaging device 100 has a wide-angle lens so that it can generate an image with a wide field of view. Furthermore, imaging device 100 may be an imaging device that does not have some components such as a display unit 13 or a communication unit 16. Furthermore, imaging device 200 may be an imaging device that has various sensors and a display unit. Furthermore, the housing of imaging device 100 does not have to be rectangular parallelepiped, and may be, for example, cylindrical. Furthermore, the housing of imaging device 200 does not have to be cylindrical, and may be, for example, rectangular parallelepiped.

[0108] Figure 5 shows another example of the external configuration of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 is an example of a wide-angle camera having a wide-angle lens. Figure 5(A) shows the imaging device 100 viewed from the rear side as well as from the upper right. Figure 5(B) shows the imaging device 100 viewed from the rear side as well as from the upper right. The imaging device 100 is mounted to a predetermined mounting location on the vehicle using a bracket 600. On the side of the imaging device 100 (more specifically, the right side), there is an operation unit 123 with operation buttons arranged in a vertical row for user operation. On the back of the imaging device 100, there is a display surface 131 and a touch sensor 124. The imaging device 100 has an imaging lens 151 as a wide-angle lens on the lower side of its outer surface. When the imaging device 100 is mounted to a mounting location such as the windshield of the vehicle 400, the optical axis of the imaging lens 151 is tilted by a predetermined angle θ toward the rear side where the mounting location of the vehicle 400 is located, relative to the vertically downward direction. The relationship between the direction the imaging lens 151 of the imaging device 100 faces and the field of view is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-56746.

[0109] [7. Power supply control device 700] <7-1> Overview of the Power Control Device 700 In this embodiment, the power control device 700 is connected between the imaging device 100 and the vehicle-side power supply. The power control device 700 is connected to the imaging device 100, which operates by receiving power from an external source. In this embodiment, the external power is supplied from the vehicle-side power supply, which is an external power source. The power control device 700 is a device that can supply power to the imaging device 100 even when the drive source of the vehicle 400 is turned off or the power to the vehicle 400 is turned off. The power control device 700 is a device that can be understood as an external power supply unit, external power supply unit, adapter, etc., in the sense that it is attached externally to the imaging device 100.

[0110] The power control device 700 may be understood as a power cable connecting the imaging device 100 and the vehicle's power supply. In addition to supplying power to the imaging device 100, the power control device 700 performs predetermined functions based on data from the imaging device 100. In this way, the power control device 700 extends the function of a power control device that only supplies power to the imaging device 100 by also functioning as a device that performs predetermined functions based on data from the imaging device 100. The data on the imaging device 100 side is generally considered to be data that exists on the imaging device 100 side from the perspective of the power control device 700, and is typically data possessed by the imaging device 100 itself, but may also be data acquired by the imaging device 100 from external devices, equipment, or other entities. The data on the imaging device 100 side described below includes data generated by the imaging device 100, data stored in the imaging device 100, etc. Specific examples include images captured by the imaging unit 15 (captured images) and data measured by the sensor unit 17.

[0111] <7-2> Configuration of the power supply control device 700, etc. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 100 and the power control device 700. The configuration of the imaging device 100 has already been explained, so the explanation will be omitted here.

[0112] The power control device 700 includes a converter 71, a battery unit 72, a first terminal 73, a control unit 74, a position information acquisition unit 75, a reader / writer 76, a communication unit 77, and a second terminal 78.

[0113] The converter 71 is a DC / DC converter that converts 12V DC power from the vehicle's power supply (e.g., constant power or accessory power) or the battery unit 72 to 5V DC. The converter 71 can also be called a voltage conversion unit.

[0114] The battery unit 72 has a battery (e.g., a battery pack) that stores energy internally, powered by the power supply control device 700. The battery unit 72 is preferably charged based on the power supplied from the vehicle's power supply under the control of the control unit 74.

[0115] The first terminal 73 is a terminal to which a cable for connecting to terminal 192 of the imaging device 100 is connected. The second terminal 78 is a terminal to which a cable for connecting to the vehicle's power supply is connected. The first terminal 73 and the second terminal 78 may each have at least a pin for connecting to a power line for power supply. The first terminal 73 and the second terminal 78 may further have a signal line for signal transmission. The specifications of terminal 192 and the first terminal 73 are not particularly limited, but for example, they should correspond to the 10-pin miniUSB standard. The second terminal 78 may be, for example, a fault diagnosis connector or a cigarette lighter plug.

[0116] The control unit 74 is an example of a control unit that controls various parts of the power control device 700. The control unit 74 may have, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 74 may have the same configuration as the control unit 11. The control unit 74 performs, for example, control of power supply to the imaging device 100 and data transmission and reception with the imaging device 100. During periods when power is supplied from the vehicle-side power supply (for example, during periods when the vehicle 400 is powered ON), the control unit 74 supplies power to the imaging device 100 based on the vehicle-side power supply. During periods when power supply from the vehicle-side power supply is stopped (for example, during periods when the vehicle 400 is powered OFF), the control unit 74 uses power from the battery unit 52 to supply power to the imaging device 100 via the first terminal 53.

[0117] The position information acquisition unit 75 acquires position information indicating the position of the power control device 700 (more specifically, its current position). The position of the power control device 700 can be considered equivalent to the position of the vehicle 400 on which the power control device 700 is located, the position of the imaging device 200 located in the vehicle 400, and the positions of the driver and other people riding in the vehicle 400. The position information acquisition unit 75 acquires the position information (latitude information and longitude information) of the power control device 700 based on signals from GPS, which is one of the GNSS systems. The position information acquisition unit 20 may also use Michibiki as QZSS. The position information acquisition unit 75 may be configured to acquire the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 20 of the imaging device 100 via the first terminal 73.

[0118] The reader / writer 76 functions as a media holder that holds a storage medium 800 inserted into the device through a storage medium insertion slot (not shown). The reader / writer 76 is an example of a mounting unit that allows for the attachment and detachment of an external storage medium 800. The reader / writer 76 writes data to the storage medium 800 and reads data from the storage medium 800. The reader / writer 76 may hold only one storage medium 800, or it may be configured to hold two or more storage mediums 800 simultaneously. The storage medium 800 is a storage medium having a storage area for storing data internally, such as an SD card. An SD card includes any of the following forms, such as an SD memory card, miniSD card, and microSD card. The storage medium 800 may be a storage medium with different specifications or storage methods from the storage medium 500, such as an SSD or USB memory, and it is particularly desirable that it has a larger storage capacity than the storage medium 500. Here, the reader / writer 76 is configured to have a removable storage medium 800 that provides an external storage area. However, this may also be realized by a storage unit that provides an internal (built-in) storage area within the power control device 700, such as a flash memory, HDD, or SSD. In this case, it is desirable that a means for retrieving data stored in the internal storage area be provided separately.

[0119] The communication unit 77 communicates with external devices. While wireless communication is preferable for the communication unit 77, wired communication is also acceptable. The following describes the case where wireless communication is performed. The communication unit 77 may, for example, use Wi-Fi®, other wireless LAN communication, or LPWA. The communication unit 77 may also have a communication circuit for wireless communication with external devices using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or NFC. The communication unit 77 may also have a communication circuit for communication compliant with standards for mobile communication systems such as LTE, 4G, or 5G.

[0120] <7-3> Functions of the power control device 700 and the imaging device 100 Under the above configuration, the control unit 74 of the power control device 700 performs a function to refer to data on the imaging device 100. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 is assumed to be an imaging device that can be switched to mass storage, and the control unit 74 refers to the data on the imaging device 100 and performs a function to extract (in other words, retrieve) it when the imaging device 100 is powered off. Generally, when a device such as a digital camera is connected to a PC, it is known that the device automatically switches to USB mass storage mode, allowing the PC to access the device's files. The following describes a function that performs extraction based on this function.

[0121] The control unit 74 may perform a function to determine whether the conditions for executing data extraction control have been met. These execution conditions may be predetermined conditions, for example, the following conditions (A) to (C) are examples.

[0122] (A) As a condition for executing the extraction control, for example, it is preferable that the imaging device 100 (in other words, the vehicle 400 on which the imaging device 100 is mounted) be in a predetermined location. In this case, the control unit 74 may determine whether the imaging device 100 is in the predetermined location based on the location information detected by the location information acquisition unit 75. The predetermined location is preferably a location where the imaging device 100 or vehicle 400 is not being used or is highly likely to be used, such as the user's home or workplace. The control unit 74 may register the predetermined location in advance based on the location information detected by the location information acquisition unit 75 when it receives a registration instruction from the user. For example, the control unit 74 may register a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 50m) from the location indicated by the location information when the registration instruction was received as the predetermined location. It is particularly preferable that the imaging device 100 is configured so that the size of this predetermined range can also be set by the user.

[0123] (B) As a condition for executing the extraction control, for example, it may be that the power control device 70 is connected to a predetermined communication line (for example, an access point) via communication. The control unit 74 may determine whether it is connected to the predetermined communication line via wireless communication based on the communication unit 77. The predetermined communication line may be a communication line in which, when there is a connection to that communication line, it can be inferred that the imaging device 100 or vehicle 400 is in a location where the vehicle 400 is not in use or is highly likely to be in use, for example, a communication line installed at the user's home or workplace. The predetermined communication line may be a predetermined wireless LAN. The wireless LAN standard is not particularly limited, but Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used.

[0124] The control unit 74 may also obtain information from the imaging device 100 via the first terminal 73 to determine whether the communication unit 16 is connected to a predetermined communication line via wireless communication, and make a determination based on this information. In this case, the control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 may output data indicating the communication status of the communication unit 16 to the power control device 70 via terminal 192 sequentially, or when the communication status changes (for example, when it connects to or disconnects from the communication line via wireless communication).

[0125] (C) As a condition for executing the extraction control, for example, it is preferable that the power to the vehicle 400 is turned off. This is because in such a state, it can be inferred that the vehicle 400 is not in use or is highly likely to be in use. The control unit 74 may determine that this execution condition is met when there is no power supply from the vehicle's power source.

[0126] (D) The conditions for executing the extraction control are not limited to these. The conditions for executing the extraction control may be set in advance by the user, but they may also be set before or after the product shipment stage of the electronic device or power control device without user setting. However, the effective conditions for the extraction control are particularly desirable when the vehicle 400 is not in use or is highly likely to be in use, as this allows the user to refer to the data of the imaging device 100 without interfering with the use of the imaging device 100.

[0127] The control unit 74 may determine whether at least one of the execution conditions for data extraction control is met, and if it determines that the condition is met, it may perform data extraction control. Data extraction control is a control that makes the data on the imaging device 100 accessible and extracts the accessed data. As part of the data extraction control, the control unit 74 may perform a control that makes the data (e.g., video files, etc.) on the storage medium 500 (e.g., recording media such as SD) of the imaging device 100 accessible from the control unit provided on the power control device 700. In this embodiment, this control unit is the control unit 74, but it may be another control unit (e.g., a microcomputer).

[0128] The control unit 74 may perform the following control when making the data on the imaging device 100 accessible. The control unit 74 stops supplying power to the imaging device 100 (i.e., temporarily cuts off the power supply) and then performs control on a predetermined signal line to switch the imaging device 100 to mass storage mode. The control unit 74 then turns on the imaging device 100 and then supplies power to the imaging device 100. As control on the signal line, the control unit 74 switches the imaging device 100 to mass storage mode by grounding a predetermined terminal (pin) of the first terminal 53 (i.e., connecting it to GND). This is a function also used in USB mass storage. When this signal line control is being performed, the control unit 74 supplies power to the imaging device 100 and turns on the power to the imaging device 100, causing the imaging device 100 to function as mass storage.

[0129] The control unit 74 then makes it possible to access the data stored on the storage medium 500 (in this case, the files stored on the storage medium 500) via the signal line of the first terminal 53. Here, the control unit 74 may access the files stored on the storage medium 500 via the USB signal line using the USB protocol. The control unit 74 may perform control to extract the data accessed from the storage medium 500 and write it to the storage medium 500 mounted on the reader / writer 76. Alternatively, if the power control device 700 has an internal storage area, the control unit 74 may perform control to write the data extracted from the storage medium 500 to such a storage area. In this way, the data stored on the storage medium 500 can be saved to the power control device 700. Such data extraction may be performed, for example, for the purpose of backup to prevent the loss of data stored on the imaging device 100.

[0130] When the control unit 74 executes data extraction control, it is preferable to refrain from performing data extraction control until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or until a predetermined timing arrives, such as until the data on the imaging device 100 side (for example, the data in the storage medium 500) changes. This reduces the opportunity to extract duplicate data or to perform control that makes the data on the imaging device 100 side accessible.

[0131] <7-4> Application examples of the functions of the power control device 700 and the imaging device 100 Examples of applications for the functions of the power control device 700 and the imaging device 100 include the following:

[0132] <7-4-1> Data Format Conversion The control unit 74 may store the data extracted from the imaging device 100 in the storage medium 800 in its original format, or it may convert it to another predetermined format before storing it. For example, the data stored on the storage medium 500 and extracted from the storage medium 500 may be in a first format in which FAT (File Allocation Tables) is not recorded. The first format is one in which a management table is not created for specific sectors, and is the format described in Figure 7 below. The control unit 74 may convert the data extracted from the storage medium 500 to a second format in which FAT is recorded, and then store the converted data in the storage medium 800. The second format is one in which a management table is created for specific sectors. Examples of FAT creation methods include FAT32 and FAT64. In this way, the extracted data can be stored in a format that records FAT, which is more versatile. The first format and the second format are just examples, and other formats may be used, and the configuration may allow the user to set the format.

[0133] The first format is described below, for example. The processing performed by the control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 that handles video files of the first format is also described below.

[0134] Figure 7 illustrates the internal structure and basic storage format of the storage medium 500 on which the video file 900 extracted by the extraction control is recorded. The storage medium 500 is divided into a file system area 910 and an image storage area 920. The file system area 910 is a file system that can be read and written to by an OS (e.g., Windows®) that is standardly installed on information processing devices such as personal computers. The file system area 910 stores a dedicated browser program, which is a dedicated browser program. When an information processing device plays back the contents of the video file 900 (in other words, recorded video and audio), if the dedicated browser program is not installed on the information processing device, it is advisable to install the dedicated browser program from the file system area 910. The installed dedicated browser program is an example of a viewer program.

[0135] The imaging memory area 920 is a partition in a proprietary format that cannot be read or written to by the OS that is standardly installed on the information processing device. The imaging memory area 920 is divided into a constant memory area 930, a G-sensor memory area 940, and a memory area 950. The image data recorded in each of these areas is labeled as "imaging image" in Figure 7. The imaging image shown in Figure 7 is an image of each section obtained by dividing the captured video image into predetermined units on the time axis, or more specifically, an image of each section divided into predetermined units of frames. In the imaging memory area 920, the images of each frame of multiple frames are stored in chronological order in the constant memory area 930, the G-sensor memory area 940, and the memory area 950.

[0136] The always-on storage area 930 comprises a management area 930A and a storage area 930B. The management area 930A is an area where various setting information is recorded by a dedicated browser program in the information processing device, and when continuous recording is being performed, no data is recorded in the management area 930A. In this way, even if the power is cut off during imaging, the setting data in the management area 930A is not lost. The management area 930A records the overwrite count master value MUC, the format count master value MFC, and the overwrite upper limit value UL. The overwrite count master value MUC indicates the maximum number of overwrites performed on each storage unit of the always-on storage area 930. When the dedicated browser program records setting information in the management area 930A of the storage medium 500, the overwrite count master value MUC is updated to the same value as the maximum overwrite count value UC in the storage area 930B. The format count master value MFC indicates the number of times the always-on storage area 930 has been formatted. The overwrite upper limit value UL indicates the number of overwrites that will cause a failure of the storage medium 500. The overwrite limit value UL can be used as a guideline for determining the lifespan (i.e., approximately how many more times it can be overwritten). The overwrite limit value UL varies depending on the type of storage medium 500. When the information processing device formats the storage medium 500 using a dedicated browser, the overwrite limit value UL is recorded in the management area 930A by specifying the model number of the storage medium 500 to be used, or by directly entering the value.

[0137] The memory area 930B is the area for storing captured image data. The control unit 11 provides a header and a footer associated with one frame of image data, and records information associated with the image data of that frame (hereinafter referred to as "associated information") in this header and footer. Since the combined recording size of the image data and associated information is greater than 1 byte, which is the addressing unit of the storage medium 500, the image data and associated information for one frame are recorded in multiple consecutive addresses. In the example shown in Figure 7, 32,768 bytes (32 kilobytes) are recorded per frame. Associated information can also be called "additional information" in the sense that it is information added to the image data.

[0138] The relevant information recorded in the header and footer of each frame includes the image acquisition time CT of the frame's image data, the format count value FC, the overwrite count value UC (which is "1" for the first write), and the trigger flag TF, which indicates that the image was captured at the time the event occurred. The format count value FC indicates the number of times the storage medium 500 has been formatted. The overwrite count value UC indicates the number of times data has been written to that address. The format count value FC and the overwrite count value UC are used for life management and recording control of the storage medium 500. The relevant information recorded in the header and footer may not overlap, or it may be completely identical, but it is particularly good to overlap only a part, as shown in the example in Figure 7. By overlapping only a part of the header and footer content, the difficulty of tampering with the data, including the relevant information, can be increased.

[0139] The control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 sequentially stores the image data continuously captured by the imaging unit 15 in the memory area 930B in the order in which the images were captured, at consecutive addresses in chronological order. Specifically, when the control unit 11 records an image in the memory area 930B for the first time, it starts recording sequentially from the first address of the memory area 930B. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 11 records the images in the order they were captured using consecutive addresses in the memory area 930B, such as addresses "0" to "32767" for the first frame, and addresses "32768" to "65535" for the second frame. When the control unit 11 reaches the last address of the memory area 930B, it returns to the first address of the memory area 930B and continues recording while overwriting the data that has already been written. For recording from the second cycle onward, the control unit 11 records a value that increases the overwrite count value UC by 1 from its current value.

[0140] The G-sensor storage area 940, which is used for recording G-sensor events, one of the event recording functions, also includes a management area 940A and a storage area 940B, similar to the constant storage area 930. The management area 940A stores the format count master value MFC, the overwrite count master value MUC, and the overwrite upper limit value UL, among other things. The storage area 940B stores image data captured around the time when the detection value of the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 meets predetermined conditions, along with related information. The management area 940A and the storage area 940B store the same information as the management area 930A and the storage area 930B, respectively. The related information recorded is the same as the related information stored in the storage area 930B of the constant storage area 930.

[0141] When the control unit 11 determines that the detection value of the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 17 satisfies a predetermined condition, it sequentially stores the image data captured by the imaging unit 15 during the event recording period, including the time before and after when the condition was met, in the storage area 940B at consecutive addresses, using the same method as for recording to the storage area 930B.

[0142] The memory area 950, used for manual recording, one of the event recording functions, also includes a management area 950A and a memory area 145B, similar to the constant memory area 930. The management area 950A stores the format count master value MFC, the overwrite count master value MUC, and the overwrite upper limit value UL, among other information. The memory area 950B stores image data captured around the time of the event, along with related information. The management area 950A and the memory area 950B store the same information as the management area 930A and the memory area 930B, respectively. The related information stored here is the same as the related information stored in the memory area 930B of the constant memory area 930.

[0143] When the event recording button 122 is operated, the control unit 11 sequentially stores the image data captured by the imaging unit 15 during the event recording period, including the period after the operation was performed, in the storage area 940C in the same manner as when recording to the storage area 930B, at consecutive recording addresses.

[0144] The control unit 11, using the recording method described above, sequentially writes each type of image data to the designated memory areas 930B, 940B, and 950B for consecutive addresses within those memory areas. As a result, the latest overwrite count value UC is recorded in the associated information of the most recently written frame, and a lesser overwrite count value UC is recorded in the associated information of the next frame. The control unit 11 finds the frame in which the overwrite count value UC changes for consecutive addresses within memory areas 930B, 940B, and 950B, and controls the next write from that frame. In this way, the oldest data can be overwritten in real time while recording is in progress. Moreover, by simply finding the frame in which the overwrite count value UC changes and controlling the next write from that frame, the oldest data can be overwritten in real time without requiring any other complex control. Furthermore, since the number of overwrites required to record the image data is recorded, if this can be checked using a dedicated browser program, the overwrite count value UC (and other related information) can be used to verify whether the data has been tampered with.

[0145] In this embodiment, areas for recording each image data are predetermined, and image data is recorded sequentially in a predetermined order within those areas. As a result, the captured and stored image data is arranged chronologically in memory. In other words, the cluster numbers and sector numbers on which the image data is recorded are arranged chronologically, and unlike FAT32, for example, data is not written sequentially to empty areas, i.e., empty clusters. Therefore, this recording format is less prone to fragmentation. Because the storage medium 500 is less prone to fragmentation, it can continue recording in a predetermined order by overwriting image data without formatting after initial use. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as "format-free" because formatting is unnecessary over long periods. This recording format does not record FAT on the storage medium 500. More specifically, it is a method that eliminates the need for information on which cluster the continuation is in when a single file spans multiple clusters.

[0146] Furthermore, the 930B, 940B, and 950B memory areas can be used evenly, preventing bottlenecks caused by areas with a high number of overwrites, which can shorten the lifespan of the memory card itself.

[0147] The first format described above is desirable in terms of minimizing damage in the event of tampering with or leakage of video files from the storage medium 500, and is therefore desirable in terms of ensuring security performance.

[0148] In contrast, the file format used for the second format should be a general-purpose format. For example, the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4) is one option, but using general-purpose video file formats such as AVI, MOV, or WMV is also good because it will be playable on many devices.

[0149] <7-4-2>Transmission of data from the imaging device 100 to other systems The control unit 74 may also have a function to transmit the data from the imaging device 100 that it has referenced to another system using the communication unit 77. The other system may be a system different from the power control device 700, for example, an external device to the power control device 700. Such systems may include, for example, a storage device (for example, a hard disk drive) installed at the user's home or workplace, an information terminal such as a smartphone used by the user, a server device on a network that provides a cloud computing environment, or other server devices. The server device may be, for example, a server device managed and operated by a business that manufactures or sells imaging devices 100 and 200. The server device may be, for example, a business that provides a certain service, for example, an insurance company that grasps the situation of a vehicle accident based on images captured by the imaging device and pays insurance claims, or a server device managed and operated by a public institution such as a security company or the police.

[0150] <7-4-3> Other configurations of the power control device 700 In this embodiment, the power control device 700 is an adapter that can supply power to in-vehicle equipment such as the imaging device 100 even when the vehicle 400 is turned off and power is not supplied from the vehicle's power supply. The power control device 700 may receive power from the vehicle 400's battery, or it may have a configuration in which a battery other than the vehicle 400's battery is built in or attached externally, and the location and configuration of the power supply are not particularly limited. Furthermore, if the power control device 700 does not implement some functions, it may not have the configuration necessary for those functions. For example, if it does not perform the function of transmitting data that has become accessible to another system, it may not have a communication unit 77. Also, if the power control device 700 transmits data that has become accessible to another system immediately, it may not have a reader / writer 76 or built-in storage.

[0151] <7-4-4> Output of data to power control device 700 In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 may output the data stored in the storage medium 500 to the power control device 700 without explicit instruction from the user (i.e., automatically), or it may output the data only when explicitly instructed by the user. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may stop recording in response to user operation while the vehicle 400 is stopped, and execute data output in response to user operation (i.e., manual execution). When the power to the vehicle 400 is turned OFF, the control unit 11 may simultaneously start and execute data output and recording using the parking memory function, but if simultaneous execution is difficult, it may start recording using the parking memory function after data output is completed.

[0152] <7-4-5> Output of data to power control device 700 The control unit 11 may output only some data, such as event record data, or it may output all of the data. The data to be targeted can be varied in various ways, and for example, it may be configured so that the user can set it. For example, the control unit 11 may output all the data and then format the storage medium 500 (i.e., erase the data from the storage medium 500), or it may leave the data duplicated on the storage medium 500 and the storage medium 800 without formatting.

[0153] According to the first embodiment described above, the power control device 700 also functions as a device for storing data from the imaging device 100 (for example, a writing device), thus extending and improving the functionality of the power control device.

[0154] [8. Second Implementation] The power control device 700A of this embodiment performs a data storage function when used with data handling equipment such as an imaging device 100 or a security camera. The storage function can be used, for example, as a data backup function for data handling equipment. The power control device 700A of this embodiment functions as a power cable equipped with a data storage function. In the first embodiment described above, the power control device 700 mainly determined the timing for extracting and storing data from the imaging device 100, but in this embodiment, it mainly determines the timing for data handling equipment such as the imaging device 100 or a security camera to output to the power control device 700A.

[0155] In the following description, the case in which the power control device 700A is connected to the imaging device 100 will be described as a representative example. The physical configuration of the power control device 700A is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In the following description, components of the power control device 700A that are common with the power control device 700 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0156] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the functions of the power control device 700A and the imaging device 100. In Figures 8 and 9, the reference numerals for the components of the power control device 700 that realize each of the functions of the power control device 700A are shown in parentheses.

[0157] As shown in Figure 8, the power control device 700A is connected to the imaging device 100. Although not shown in Figure 8, the imaging device 100 is preferably connected to the first terminal 73. It is connected to the power supply that provides power to the power control device 700A. In this embodiment, the second terminal 78 is connected to the vehicle's power supply. In Figure 8, a power plug is shown as the power port for the second terminal 78, but when connecting to the vehicle's power supply, a cigarette lighter plug or a fault diagnosis connector may be used. The control chip shown in Figure 8 controls the power control device 700A. The control chip may be implemented by, for example, the control unit 74. The storage function shown in Figure 8 is a function to save data, and the data may be saved to the storage medium 800 mounted on the reader / writer 76. The voltage converter shown in Figure 8 is implemented by the converter 71.

[0158] In an imaging device 100 connected to such a power control device 70A, the control unit 11 performs a function to configure the operation settings for the power control device 700A. The operation settings may be related to the operation of the power control device 700A, such as the data saving method and whether or not to overwrite data when storing it. For example, the control unit 11 displays a screen (e.g., a menu screen) for configuring the operation settings of the power control device 700A on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 determines the content of the operation settings in response to user input on this screen. The control unit 11 stores data indicating the content of the operation settings in memory 112 or the like, and configures the operation settings of the power control device 70A based on that data. Specifically, the control unit 11 may output data indicating the content of these operation settings to the power control device 700A via terminal 192. The control unit 74 stores data indicating the content of these operation settings in internal memory or the like, and configures its own device to operate based on this data.

[0159] Next, the functions of the imaging device 100 and the power control device 700A will be explained with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9(A), the imaging device 100 and power supply are connected to the power control device 700A. When the imaging device 100 is put into use, power is supplied to the imaging device 100 via the power control device 700A (see the arrow labeled "Power" in Figure 9(A)). Upon receiving this power supply, the imaging device 100 operates, and the power control device 700A (for example, the control unit 74) also operates.

[0160] In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11, based on data indicating the operation settings, outputs the recording data to be saved to the power control device 700A via terminal 192 if it determines that the saving function is turned on. The recording data may be, for example, data stored in the storage medium 500, and which data from the storage medium 500 to be saved may be determined by the operation settings. For example, it may be some or all of the video files in the image recording function of the imaging device 100.

[0161] In the power control device 700A, when recording data is input via the first terminal 73, the control unit 74 causes this recording data to be stored in the storage medium 800 attached to the reader / writer 76 (i.e., it is saved using the save function).

[0162] Now, as shown in Figure 9(B), suppose an accident or other incident occurs and the imaging device 100 is damaged (for example, data corruption within the target device). In this case, the power supply to the imaging device 100 and the supply of recorded data from the imaging device 100 are interrupted and stopped due to the damage. In the power control device 700A, when the control unit 74 detects the interruption of power or signal to the imaging device 100, it stores (saves) the last recorded data received from the imaging device 100 into the storage medium 800 and terminates the process of storing recorded data. This reduces the possibility of data loss on the electronic device side due to accidents or other incidents.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the imaging device 100 can treat the power control device 700A as an external storage device and save data to it. For example, even if the data on the storage medium 500 of the imaging device 100 is corrupted, the power control device 700A can back up the data, thus preventing data loss. Furthermore, even if the imaging device 100 is damaged in an accident involving the vehicle 400, and the storage medium 500 is lost or the data is lost, the backup provided by the power control device 700A reduces the possibility of data loss due to the accident, making it possible to review the footage from the time of the accident.

[0164] If a security camera is used as a data handling device other than the imaging device 100, even if the security camera is intentionally destroyed by the perpetrator, the power control device 700A has a backup, so the situation of destruction can be recorded as video. Similarly, if the data handling device is a camera for web conferencing, even if this camera malfunctions, the power control device 700A has a backup, so the web conferencing situation can be recorded as video. The devices that can be connected to the power control device 700A in this embodiment are not limited to these devices, and it is highly versatile. For example, not only the imaging device 100 and security cameras, but various devices that handle data and require power can be connected.

[0165] Examples of applications of the functions of this embodiment include the following:

[0166] <8-1> Method of outputting data to the external control device 700A In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 may output to the power control device 700A in parallel with recording to the storage medium 500 (an example of an internal storage means), or it may output during the period when the power connected to the second terminal 78 is turned off. Alternatively, when the control unit 11 records the captured image while the imaging unit 15 is capturing an image, it may output to the power control device 700A without recording the data to the storage medium 500.

[0167] <8-2> Operation settings related to overwrite recording The control unit 11 may be configured not to overwrite data if the storage capacity of the storage medium 800 is above a threshold. This is because it is often assumed that there is sufficient storage capacity without overwriting. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may be configured not to overwrite event recording data. This is to prevent the loss of important recording data.

[0168] [9. Third Embodiment] The power control device 700B of this embodiment performs functions to enable the imaging device 100 to be used for multiple purposes. The imaging device 100 is typically used as a dashcam, but it can be repurposed (applied) for everyday use such as a camera for web conferencing, in a room, or in a garage (e.g., a webcam), or for security camera applications. In the following, we will connect the imaging device 100 when it is the type shown in Figure 6. This type of imaging device 100 is a wide-angle camera with a wide imaging range, which is desirable because it allows for imaging of the necessary range even when the imaging device 100 is used for multiple purposes, thus increasing convenience.

[0169] The physical configuration of the power control device 700B is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In the following, components of the power control device 700B that are common to the power control device 700 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0170] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the functions of the power control device 700B and the imaging device 100. In Figures 10 and 11, the reference numerals for the components of the power control device 700 that realize each of the functions of the power control device 700B are shown in parentheses.

[0171] As shown in Figure 10, the power control device 700B is connected to the imaging device 100. Although not shown in Figure 10, the imaging device 100 is preferably connected to the first terminal 73. It is connected to a power supply that provides power to the power control device 700B. In this embodiment, the second terminal 78 is connected to the power supply. In Figure 10, a power plug is shown as the second terminal 78, but a cable suitable for the application may be selected, such as a cigarette lighter plug or a fault diagnosis connector. The storage function shown in Figure 10 is a function for saving data, and the data is preferably saved to a storage medium 800 mounted on the reader / writer 76. The voltage converter shown in Figure 10 is realized by the converter 71. The wireless LAN shown in Figure 10 is a function for communication via wireless LAN, and is preferably realized by the communication unit 77. Note that the communication method does not have to be wireless LAN; other communication methods may be used. Although not shown in Figure 10, the power control device 700B has a control unit 74 (for example, a control chip) that controls the power control device 700A.

[0172] Next, the functions of the imaging device 100 and the power control device 700B will be explained with reference to Figure 11. When the imaging device 100 is used for drive recorder or security camera applications, it is installed with the bracket 600 side facing upwards to capture images downwards, as shown in Figure 5. However, when used for web conferencing, it is reversed to position the bracket 600 side downwards to capture images upwards, as shown in Figures 11(A) and (B). This is because, when the imaging device 100 is placed on a table or the like, it is desirable to capture images upwards so that the faces of the attendees are visible.

[0173] As shown in Figure 11(A), the imaging device 100 and power supply are connected to the power control device 700B. When the imaging device 100 is put into use, power is supplied to the imaging device 100 via the power control device 700B (see the arrow labeled "Power" in Figure 11(A)). Upon receiving this power supply, the imaging device 100 operates, and the power control device 700B (for example, the control unit 74) also operates.

[0174] Under these circumstances, the imaging device 100 operates according to one of the multiple applications described above, based on its firmware. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 is configured to allow changes in its application by updating its firmware, thereby enabling it to operate according to one of the multiple applications. The imaging device 100 is assumed to have firmware (an example of the first software) for functioning as a drive recorder stored in it beforehand. The firmware storage area may be, for example, memory 112. Based on this firmware, the control unit 11 of the imaging device 100 performs processing according to the drive recorder application as the first processing based on the image captured by the imaging unit 15. When the firmware is rewritten and a different firmware (an example of the second software) is incorporated, the control unit 11 performs processing according to the other application based on the firmware for the other application, instead of the firmware for the drive recorder application. It is desirable that the firmware for the other application be incorporated by overwriting the previously stored firmware, as this can reduce the pressure on the storage area. The imaging device 100 performs a second processing operation based on the image captured by the imaging unit 15, using firmware (an example of second software) acquired later, and processing according to other applications. Other applications include web conferencing and security camera applications.

[0175] In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 may receive and incorporate the firmware via the functions of the communication unit 16 (i.e., update it), or it may receive and incorporate the firmware from the power control device 700B. For example, this may be done if the imaging device 100 does not have a communication unit 16, if the communication unit 16 does not support firmware reception, or if the communication charges for the imaging device 100 are to be reduced. The operation of the power control device 700B for receiving firmware from the power control device 700B will be described later.

[0176] To explain the operation of the power control device 700B, the control unit 74, upon receiving firmware using the communication unit 77, executes the function of outputting the received firmware to the imaging device 100 via the first terminal 73. For example, the control unit 74 uses the communication unit 77 to communicate wirelessly with an external information terminal 850 via wireless LAN. The information terminal 850 may be a smartphone or tablet computer, which can communicate with the communication unit 77 via wireless LAN and also perform communication connected to a public communication line. In other words, the control unit 74 receives firmware from an external source via the communication unit 77 and the information terminal 850. The control unit 74 may also save the received firmware using a save function before outputting it to the imaging device 100. In the imaging device 100, when the control unit 11 takes in the firmware input via terminal 192, it starts operating according to the purpose of this firmware.

[0177] Next, the operation of the imaging device 100 will be explained for each application. The operation of the imaging device 100 for use as a drive recorder was explained in the first embodiment, so the operation of the imaging device 100 for other applications will be explained.

[0178] <9-1. For web conferencing purposes> When operating for web conferencing purposes, the control unit 11 in the imaging device 100 configures the operation settings of itself and the power control device 700B based on the firmware. When operating for web conferencing purposes, the control unit 11 turns off overwrite recording, turns off the location information acquisition unit 20 (e.g., GNSS) and the sensors of the sensor unit 17 (e.g., acceleration sensors), turns on the continuous recording function to record images, and turns on data transmission (in this case, video transmission) from the power control device 700 via the communication unit 77.

[0179] When the imaging device 100 is operating for web conferencing, the control unit 11 outputs the recorded data to the power control device 700B via terminal 192. The control unit 11 prohibits overwriting the recorded data to the storage medium 800. Since web conferences typically last 1 to 2 hours, insufficient capacity of the storage medium 800 is unlikely, and overwriting prohibition also prevents the loss of necessary data. The recorded data output by the control unit 11 includes video and audio, but the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 and the data measured by the sensor unit 17 are not associated with this data. In web conferencing applications, the importance of the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 and the data measured by the sensor unit 17 is considered low, so by not storing them, the accumulation of unnecessary data can be suppressed. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may continuously output images captured by the imaging unit 15 from the time the power is turned on until it is turned off to the power control device 700B using the continuous recording function. Furthermore, by enabling the transmission of data (in this case, video transmission) from the power control device 700B via the communication unit 77, this data can be saved and viewed on an external device, but it may also be turned off.

[0180] For web conferencing purposes, the event recording function and parking monitoring function of the imaging device 100 should be turned off, and operations based on these functions should not be performed. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may temporarily stop recording in response to user input to the input unit 12.

[0181] In the imaging device 100, the control unit 11 may output the recorded data to the power control device 700B in parallel with recording the video and audio to the storage medium 500, but this output may also be performed at a later timing, for example, during a period when the power connected to the second terminal 78 is turned off, such as during nighttime hours. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may output the recorded data to the power control device 700B without recording the video and audio to the storage medium 500.

[0182] In the power control device 700B, when recording data is input via the first terminal 73, the control unit 74 causes the recording data to be stored in the storage medium 800 mounted on the reader / writer 76. This operation may be the same as the saving function in the second embodiment.

[0183] In the power control device 700B, when recording data is input via the first terminal 73, the control unit 74 may transmit the recording data to the information terminal 750 via the communication unit 77. The power control device 700B may perform this transmission in parallel with recording to the storage medium 800. The control unit 74 may transmit the data recorded on the storage medium 800 via the communication unit 77 at a predetermined timing, such as after the end of a meeting. The information terminal 750 may store the received recording data in its internal memory or transmit it to an external server device or the like for recording.

[0184] As shown in Figure 11(B), suppose an accident or other incident occurs and the imaging device 100 is damaged (for example, data corruption within the target device). In this case, the power supply to the imaging device 100 and the supply of recorded data from the imaging device 100 are interrupted and stopped due to the damage. In the power control device 700B, when the control unit 74 detects the interruption of power or signal to the imaging device 100, it stores (saves) the last recorded data received from the imaging device 100 into the storage medium 800 and terminates the process of storing recorded data. This reduces the possibility of data loss on the electronic device side due to accidents or other incidents.

[0185] <9-2. Security Camera Applications> When the imaging device 100 is operating as a security camera, the control unit 11 in the imaging device 100 sets the operating settings of itself and the power control device 700B based on the firmware. When operating as a security camera, the control unit 11 turns on overwrite recording, turns on the location information acquisition unit 20 (e.g., GNSS) and the sensor of the sensor unit 17 (e.g., acceleration sensor), turns on the time-lapse mode of the parking surveillance function to record images, and turns off data transmission (in this case, video transmission) from the power control device 700 by the communication unit 77.

[0186] Even when operating as a security camera, the control unit 11 outputs the recorded data to the power control device 700B via terminal 192. The control unit 11 allows overwriting of the recorded data on the storage medium 800. In the case of a security camera, it is expected that the recording time of video and audio will be long, so overwriting is allowed to avoid insufficient capacity of the storage medium 800. The recorded data output by the control unit 11 includes video and audio, and in addition, the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 and the data measured by the sensor unit 17 are associated with this data. In the case of a security camera, the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 20 and the data measured by the sensor unit 17 are considered to be of high importance, so they are stored so that they can be used for later verification. Furthermore, the control unit 11 should continuously record images taken from the time the power is turned on until it is turned off using the time-lapse mode function of the parking surveillance recording. The time-lapse mode is used to avoid insufficient capacity of the storage medium 800 even when recording for a long period of time. Furthermore, although the transmission of data (in this case, video transmission) from the power control device 700B by the communication unit 77 is turned off, it may be possible to turn it on so that this data can be saved and viewed by an external device.

[0187] For security camera applications, the continuous recording function and event recording function of the imaging device 100 should be turned off, and operations based on these functions should not occur. However, by turning on event recording, video and audio when an event occurs may be recorded. In addition, the control unit 11 may temporarily stop recording in response to user input to the input unit 12.

[0188] The operation of the other imaging device 100 and power control device 700B may be the same as for web conferencing, or it may be partially different.

[0189] If the data handling equipment is a security camera, even if the security camera is intentionally destroyed by the perpetrator, the power control unit 700B has a backup, so the situation of the destruction can be recorded as video.

[0190] According to this embodiment, the imaging device 100 can be used for multiple purposes. For example, it becomes possible to effectively utilize imaging devices 100 such as drive recorders that are no longer needed. In the drive recorder market, there are a certain number of people who replace their devices, so by effectively utilizing unwanted drive recorders and repurposing them for other purposes, the likelihood of them being discarded can be reduced.

[0191] Furthermore, the functions of the imaging device 100, which is typically used as a dashcam, such as continuous recording, event recording, and parking surveillance, can be adapted for use in web conferencing and security camera applications. For example, features such as event recording using an acceleration sensor, night vision enhancement, motion detection, and time-lapse mode are also useful for security cameras, and it may be desirable to repurpose them. For instance, the night vision enhancement function works even in dark conference rooms during the day or when exposed to backlighting from fluorescent lights. Additionally, the power control device 700B performs a saving function, meeting the need to "save video" as minutes. Moreover, since dashcams are generally highly heat-resistant, they can be offered as more durable devices than general-purpose products.

[0192] <9-3>This embodiment may be modified as follows. <9-3-1> Display Reversal The imaging device 100 may have a function to adjust the orientation of the displayed or recorded image depending on how it is mounted. The control unit 11 may have a menu selection for forward / inverted recording and display of the image, allowing the user to choose which to do. For example, if a semicircle is selected, the recorded video and the display on the display unit 13 may also be inverted.

[0193] <9-3-2> Operation Settings Depending on the application of the imaging device 100, the operating settings such as overwrite recording, sensor, and image recording function on / off were predetermined by default. This is because the needs differ depending on the application, so settings tailored to each application are provided. Alternatively, the imaging device 100 may be configured so that the user can change these default operating settings, or there may be no default settings at all, allowing the user to configure them from scratch (of course, detailed settings may also be available).

[0194] <9-3-3> Differentiating between multiple uses The imaging device 100 may be used for purposes such as a dashcam one day and a web conferencing the next, through firmware updates, and is not limited to a usage pattern where the imaging device 100 is used for other purposes after its use as a dashcam is finished. For example, firmware necessary for switching back from web conferencing to dashcam use may be provided for a user. Also, it is not necessary to have one firmware for each purpose; multiple purposes may be realized by a single firmware. In this case, the firmware remains the same, and the operating purpose may be switched according to the mode switching set by the user. Alternatively, multiple firmwares may be stored simultaneously in the same memory area, and the purpose may be switched by selecting and executing one of the firmwares. Functions that were realized by firmware may also be realized by other programs such as application programs.

[0195] <9-3-3>Applications While the applications of the imaging device 100 have been described as dashcams, web conferencing, and security cameras, they are not limited to these and can be adapted to various other applications where the imaging device can be used. For example, it could be used for monitoring the elderly, children, or pets. Furthermore, at least some of the applications may not utilize the imaging function. For example, it could be used as an audio recorder that only records audio. Thus, electronic devices that can be used for multiple purposes are not limited to imaging devices but can be applied to various other electronic devices. Moreover, it is particularly desirable that such electronic devices be used in places other than vehicles, such as the user's home, office (e.g., conference room), commercial facilities, and various other locations.

[0196] [10. Variant] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0197] In the embodiment described above, the imaging device 100 was equipped with a communication unit 16 (for example, it was a communication-type drive recorder), but the imaging device 100 may not have a communication unit 16 and may be configured to have an external device with wireless communication capabilities attached externally. In this case, the external device connected to the imaging device 100 may be an external device sold separately from the imaging device 100 (for example, an optional device). The external device with wireless communication capabilities may be powered by the power supply of the vehicle 400.

[0198] The configuration described above, using the imaging device 100 as an example, may also be applied to electronic devices other than imaging devices mounted on a vehicle. Such electronic devices may include, for example, devices that have a data recording function, such as event recorders, navigation systems, and radar detectors. The configuration described above, using the imaging device 100 as an example, may also be applied to imaging devices other than imaging devices mounted on a vehicle. Such imaging devices may include digital cameras, smartphones with imaging units, tablet computers and other information terminals.

[0199] Some of the configurations and operations described in the embodiments described above may be omitted or modified. Also, the configuration that was set to transmit in the embodiments described above may be set to output. Output other than transmission is also possible, such as output by recording (storage) or printing. Furthermore, the functions of the control units 11 and 71 may be realized by one or more hardware resources, one or more software resources, or a combination thereof.

[0200] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, we intend to include configurations disclosed herein that are not currently specified in the claims in the future.

[0201] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. The present application intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments or divisional applications. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of..." or "when...", it is not meant to be a configuration that is limited to that case or time. Configurations that do not fall under these cases or times are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them.

[0202] Furthermore, by converting to a design registration application, we intend to acquire rights to the overall design or a partial design. The drawing depicts the entire device with solid lines, but it is a drawing that includes not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for parts of the device. For example, it is a drawing that includes not only a partial design for a part of the device's components, but also a partial design for a part of the device regardless of its components. A part of the device may be a component of the device, or a part of that component. We intend to acquire rights not only to the overall design, but also to any part of the drawing that is represented by dashed lines within the solid lines. In addition, all modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing that are shown in the drawing are independently tradable, and we intend to acquire rights to them by converting to a design registration application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0203] 11: Control Unit 12: Input section 13: Display section 14: Audio output section 15: Imaging Department 16: Communications Department 17: Sensor Unit 18: Reader / Writer 19:Terminal section 20: Location information acquisition section 21: Light-emitting part 22: Power supply control unit 40: Vehicles 50: External unit 52: Battery Unit 53: 1st terminal 71: Converter 72: Battery Unit 73: 1st terminal 74: Control Unit 75: Location information acquisition section 76: Reader / Writer 77: Communications Department 78: 2nd terminal 100: Imaging device 101: Cabinet 102: Joint Rail 103: Sound emission hole 104: Microphone hole 111: Processor 112: Memory 113: Timing section 121: Microphone 122: Event Record Button 123:Operation unit 124: Touch sensor 131:Display surface 145B: Storage area 151: Imaging lens 181: Storage media slot 191: Camera Jack 192: Terminal 200: Imaging device 300: Cable 400: Vehicle 500:Storage medium 600: Bracket 610: Base part 611: Mounting surface 620: Ball stud 621: Ball Department 630: Socket part 640: Nut 650: Base part 651: Guide rail 652:Tip 700: Power supply control device 700A: Power supply control device 700B: Power supply control device 750: Information terminal 800:Storage medium 850: Information terminal 900: Video file 910: File system area 920: Imaging memory area 930 :Storage area 930A: Management area 930B: Storage area 940: G-sensor memory area 940A: Management area 940B: Storage area 940C: Storage area 950 :Storage area 950A: Management area 950B: Storage area 1011:Top surface 1012: First Aspect 1013: The second aspect 1014: The third aspect 1015: The fourth aspect 1231: First button 1232: The second button 1233: The third button 1234: The fourth button

Claims

1. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. It has, The control unit performs the function of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device and making it possible to access the data on the electronic device, as a predetermined function. The control unit, in the process of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device, stops the power supply to the electronic device and then performs control over a predetermined signal line connected to the electronic device. Power supply control device.

2. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. It has, The control unit performs the function of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device and making it possible to access the data on the electronic device, as a predetermined function. The control unit determines whether predetermined conditions for referencing data stored on the electronic device are met, and if it determines that the conditions are met, it refers to the data stored on the electronic device. The control unit is configured to be connected to a predetermined communication line via wireless communication, as described above. Power supply control device.

3. The control unit performs the function of storing the data from the electronic device in an internal or external storage area as a predetermined function. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. It has, The control unit performs the function of storing the data from the electronic device in an internal or external storage area as a predetermined function. The control unit, as a predetermined function, refers to the data stored on the electronic device and stores the referred data in the storage area. The control unit determines whether predetermined conditions for referencing data stored on the electronic device are met, and if it determines that the conditions are met, it refers to the data stored on the electronic device. The control unit is configured to be connected to a predetermined communication line via wireless communication, as described above. Power supply control device.

5. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. It has, The control unit performs the function of storing the data from the electronic device in an internal or external storage area as a predetermined function. The control unit performs the function of recognizing the electronic device as an external storage device and making it possible to access the data on the electronic device, as a predetermined function. The control unit, The aforementioned referenced data is converted into data in a predetermined format, and the converted data is stored in the storage area. Power supply control device.

6. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. It has, The control unit performs the function of storing the data from the electronic device in an internal or external storage area as a predetermined function. The control unit, as a predetermined function, refers to the data stored on the electronic device and stores the referred data in the storage area. The control unit, The aforementioned referenced data is converted into data in a predetermined format, and the converted data is stored in the storage area. Power supply control device.

7. The aforementioned referenced data is stored in a first format that does not record FAT (File Allocation Tables), The data in the predetermined format is a second format stored by a method for recording FAT. The power control device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. A power control device that connects to an electronic device that operates on power supplied from an external source and performs the function of supplying power to the electronic device based on an external or internal power source, The control unit executes a predetermined function based on the data from the electronic device. An electronic device that is connectable to a power control device having said power control device and operates by receiving power from said power control device, Imaging unit, The power control device and a terminal section for transmitting and receiving data, A control unit that configures the operation of the power control device for processing using the image captured by the imaging unit via the terminal section, An electronic device having

9. An electronic device that is connectable to a power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and operates by receiving power from the power control device, Imaging unit, The power control device and a terminal section for transmitting and receiving data, A control unit that configures the operation of the power control device for processing using the image captured by the imaging unit via the terminal section, An electronic device having

10. The control unit of the electronic device performs processing using the image captured by the imaging unit based on the software received from the power control unit via the terminal unit. The electronic device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit of the electronic device performs a first process based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a first software that has been stored in advance, and performs a second process based on an image captured by the imaging unit based on a second software that has been acquired in place of the first software. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The control unit of the electronic device performs the second process of outputting the image captured by the imaging unit to the power control unit. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. The control unit of the electronic device determines whether to cause the power control device to overwrite the image captured by the imaging unit when performing the first process or the second process. The electronic device according to claim 12.

14. Equipped with a sensor unit, The control unit of the electronic device determines whether to store the data measured by the sensor unit in association with the image captured by the imaging unit in the power control unit, depending on whether the first processing is performed or the second processing is performed. The electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. The aforementioned electronic device is a drive recorder mounted in a vehicle, which, based on the first software, performs at least one of the following functions: continuous recording, event recording, and parking surveillance, based on images captured by the imaging unit. The control unit of the electronic device changes the operation of at least a part of at least one of the continuous recording function, the event recording function, and the parking monitoring function depending on whether the first process is being performed or the second process is being performed. The electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. The imaging unit is equipped with a wide-angle lens. The electronic device according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as the control unit of a power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit for an electronic device according to any one of claims 8 to 16.

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