Video record system and method for operating thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image recording device and a method of operation thereof, comprising at least one camera and a control unit connected to the at least one camera, wherein the control unit records images of the surroundings of a vehicle using the at least one camera, records location information of the vehicle during image recording, and provides a list of recorded images according to the driving conditions of the vehicle.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] A built-in drive video record system is a device that records and stores video of the vehicle's surroundings using a built-in cam, such as a front camera and a rear camera, while driving or parked. The built-in video record system allows recorded video to be viewed or deleted within the vehicle using a display mounted inside the vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the built-in video record system displays a list of recorded videos arranged in chronological order on the display and allows a user to select and play any one of the videos from the list based on drag input. Therefore, conventionally, since the user must find the desired video by inferring it based only on thumbnails and time information, it is difficult to find the desired video when the file size is large or when the video is not found immediately after it is recorded. Prior art literature

[0003] (Patent Document 0001) KR 1020160018097 A The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a video recording device and a method of operation thereof that provide a list of recorded videos and the playback progress based on location information so that a desired video among the videos recorded by a built-in cam mounted on a vehicle can be found quickly and easily. means of solving the problem

[0005] An image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention comprises at least one camera and a control unit connected to the at least one camera, wherein the control unit records images of the surroundings of a vehicle using the at least one camera, records location information of the vehicle during image recording, and provides a list of recorded images according to the driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0006] The above control unit is characterized by operating the at least one camera when power is supplied to the vehicle, and storing the video captured by the at least one camera according to a preset recording method.

[0007] The above control unit is characterized by acquiring location information of the vehicle using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and recording the location information of the vehicle by matching it with a file of the recorded video.

[0008] The above control unit is characterized by determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle and determining the method of providing the image list based on whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle.

[0009] The above control unit is characterized by determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle or whether the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph within a predetermined unit time, and determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle.

[0010] The control unit is characterized by displaying a video list based on the time information of the recorded video when there is no change in the position of the vehicle for more than the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed is maintained at 0 kph.

[0011] The control unit is characterized by displaying a video list based on the location information of the recorded video when there is a change in the position of the vehicle within the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph.

[0012] The control unit is characterized by displaying the vehicle's movement path on map data based on the location information of the recorded video.

[0013] The above control unit is characterized by playing and outputting a recorded video that matches the location information of the selected point when a point on the movement path is selected.

[0014] A method of operation of an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: recording an image of the surroundings of a vehicle using at least one camera; recording location information of the vehicle during the image recording; and providing a list of recorded images according to the driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0015] The step of recording the above video is characterized by including the step of operating the at least one camera when the vehicle power is supplied, and the step of storing the video captured by the at least one camera according to a preset recording method.

[0016] The step of recording the above location information is characterized by including the step of acquiring the above location information using GPS, and the step of recording the above location information by matching it with the file of the recorded video.

[0017] The step of providing a list of the recorded videos is characterized by including a step of determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle, and a step of determining a method of providing the video list based on whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle.

[0018] The step of determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle is characterized by including a step of determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle or whether the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph within a predetermined unit time.

[0019] The step of determining the method for providing the above video list is characterized by including the step of displaying the video list based on the time information of the recorded video when there is no change in the position of the vehicle for more than the above-determined unit time or when the vehicle speed is maintained at 0 kph.

[0020] The step of determining the method of providing the above video list is characterized by including the step of displaying the video list based on the location information of the recorded video when there is a change in the location of the vehicle within the above-determined unit time or when the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph.

[0021] The step of determining the method for providing the above-mentioned video list further includes the step of displaying the vehicle's movement path on map data based on the location information of the above-mentioned recorded video.

[0022] The step of determining the method for providing the above-mentioned video list is characterized by further including the step of playing and outputting a video that matches the location information of the selected point when a point on the above-mentioned movement path is selected. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, a list of videos recorded by a built-in cam mounted on a vehicle and the playback progress are provided based on location information, so that the user can quickly and easily find the desired video. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of a conventional video recording device displaying a list of recorded videos. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of providing an image list according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram showing another example of providing an image list according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a computing system that executes a method of operating an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0026] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] The video recording device (100) is built into the vehicle and can store surrounding video while driving or parked by recording continuously, recording events, or recording manually. Referring to FIG. 1, the video recording device (100) may include a first camera (110), a second camera (120), a user input unit (130), a storage unit (140), an output unit (150), an interface unit (160), a navigation unit (170), and a control unit (180), etc.

[0029] The first camera (110) and the second camera (120) may be built-in cameras embedded in the vehicle. The first camera (110) and the second camera (120) may be mounted at different locations to capture video of the surroundings of the vehicle. For example, the first camera (110) may be installed at the front of the vehicle to capture a frontal image, and the second camera (120) may be installed at the rear of the vehicle to capture a rearal image. Although FIG. 2 discloses that two cameras (110 and 120) are installed in the vehicle, it is not limited thereto, and three or more cameras may be installed at different locations. For example, cameras may be installed at the front, rear, and side of the vehicle, respectively.

[0030] The user input unit (130) may be a human interface device (HID) that generates data (signals, information) according to user operation. For example, the user input unit (130) may output a recording start command or a recording stop command, etc., depending on the operation of the recording switch. The user input unit (130) may be implemented as a keyboard, keypad, button, switch, touchpad and / or touch screen, etc. The user input unit (130) may be placed on a steering wheel, dashboard, center fascia and / or door trim, etc.

[0031] The storage unit (140) can store images captured by the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120). The storage unit (140) may include a non-volatile medium such as flash memory, a hard disk, a Solid State Disk (SSD), a Secure Digital Card (SD), an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), and / or universal flash storage (UFS).

[0032] The output unit (150) can output visual information and auditory information, etc. The output unit (150) can play and output video. The output unit (150) can be implemented as an AVN (Audio Video Navigation) or infotainment system terminal, etc.

[0033] The interface section (160) can serve as a channel through which data, such as recorded video, is transmitted from the video recording device (100) to the external device, or various command signals input from the external device are transmitted to the video recording device (100) when the video recording device (100) is connected to an external device. Here, the external device may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a smartphone, etc. The interface section (160) can exchange data with the external device via a cable or a Wi-Fi dongle, etc. The interface section (160) may be a wired / wireless data port and / or a memory card port, etc.

[0034] The navigation unit (170) can search for and provide a driving route to a pre-set destination. The navigation unit (170) can measure the current location of the vehicle and provide it to the control unit (180). Although not shown in the drawing, the navigation unit (170) may include a memory for storing map data, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver for measuring the vehicle's location, a communication circuit for receiving traffic information from the outside, an output device for outputting route guidance (e.g., a display and a speaker, etc.), and / or a processor for searching for and providing a driving route.

[0035] The control unit (180) can record images captured by the first camera (110) and the second camera (120) at all times while driving or parked, record when an event occurs, or record (record) according to the user's manual command, depending on user settings. The control unit (180) may include a sensor (181), a memory (182), and a processor (183), etc. The control unit (180) may be implemented in the form of a System on Chip (SoC).

[0036] The sensor (181) can detect an impact occurring on the vehicle. The sensor (181) can measure an impact value (or impact amount) when an impact occurs on the vehicle. The sensor (181) can transmit the measured impact value (sensing value) to the processor (183). The sensor (181) can be implemented as an acceleration sensor (G sensor) that measures acceleration caused by impact and / or vibration, etc.

[0037] The memory (182) can store setting information such as a recording method, video playback method, and / or playlist display method that is pre-set by a user (e.g., driver). The recording method can be classified into continuous recording while driving, event recording while driving, continuous recording while parked, and / or event recording while parked. Event recording while driving and event recording while parked are methods of recording video when an event occurs, such as impact detection. Additionally, the memory (182) may store video captured (acquired) by the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120). The memory (182) may be a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions executed by the processor (183). The memory (182) can be implemented as at least one of a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and a register.

[0038] The processor (183) can control the overall operation of the control unit (180). The processor (183) may be implemented as at least one of processing devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a PLD (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), microcontrollers, and / or microprocessors.

[0039] When vehicle power is supplied, the processor (183) can start video recording using the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) based on a preset recording method. For example, if continuous recording is set, the processor (183) can operate the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) to record video of the vehicle's surroundings when accessory power is supplied. If event recording is set, the processor (183) can record video of the vehicle's surroundings using the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) when an impact is detected via the sensor (181) while driving or parked.

[0040] The processor (183) can record (store) images captured through the camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) in a storage medium (140 and / or 182). That is, the processor (183) can record images of the vehicle's surroundings using the camera (110) and / or the second camera (120). The processor (183) can store images acquired by the camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) in the storage unit (140) based on a predetermined format. The image file (image format) stored in the storage unit (140) may include information such as the recording date and time, the change date and time, the time scale, the playback time, the refresh rate, the playback volume, and / or the horizontal and vertical resolution.

[0041] Additionally, the processor (183) can store (record) the vehicle's location information together with the video storage (recording). The processor (183) can receive the vehicle's location information from the navigation unit (170) during video recording and record it in the recorded video. In other words, the processor (183) can add the vehicle's location information at the time of video recording to the video file. In this embodiment, the vehicle's location information is obtained through the navigation unit (170) as an example, but it is not limited thereto and may be implemented to obtain the vehicle's location information using a separate GPS receiver.

[0042] The processor (183) can determine a method of displaying a list of recorded videos (playback list) according to the driving situation (change in location) of the vehicle, that is, a method of providing a video list. Here, the method of providing a video list can be classified into a time-based method of providing a video list and a location-based method of providing a video list. The processor (183) can output a list of recorded videos (recorded videos) on the display screen of the output unit (150) according to the determined method of providing a video list.

[0043] More specifically, the processor (183) can determine whether a change in the vehicle's position is detected. The processor (183) can determine that there is no change in the vehicle's position if the vehicle's position remains the same or the vehicle's speed remains at 0 kph during a basic unit time for recording continuous video. The processor (183) can obtain vehicle speed information through a vehicle speed sensor or another Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The basic unit time can be set in advance by the system designer.

[0044] If there is no change in the vehicle's location, the processor (183) may determine the method of providing the video list as a time-based method. If the vehicle's location remains the same or the vehicle's speed is 0 kph and it is in a stationary state during a basic unit of time, the processor (183) may provide a playlist by sorting the recorded videos in chronological order. When providing the playlist, the processor (183) may display the vehicle's location on a map and display thumbnails of the recorded videos. The processor (183) may display the vehicle's location, i.e., the video recording location, on a map at the time the selected video was recorded. Additionally, when any one of the videos in the playlist is selected, the processor (183) may play the corresponding video and output it to the output unit (150).

[0045] The processor (183) can determine the method of providing the video list as a location-based video list provision method when there is a change in the vehicle's location. The processor (183) can provide a playlist by sorting the recorded videos based on location information. The processor (183) can display the travel path of the vehicle on a map. The processor (183) can play and display a video corresponding to a specific point on the travel path.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of providing an image list according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] The control unit (180) may provide a list of video files based on the time information of the recorded video when the vehicle location remains the same or the vehicle speed is maintained at 0 kph for a basic unit time (e.g., 1 minute) for recording continuous video while the accessory power is supplied to the vehicle. The control unit (180) may perform continuous video recording while driving using at least one of the first camera (110) and the second camera (120) from the time the accessory power supply to the vehicle begins until the accessory power supply is stopped. When the vehicle's operation ends, the control unit (180) may display the travel path on the map data. The control unit (180) enables the user to view the recorded video along the travel path.

[0048] When the operation of the vehicle ends, the control unit (180) can divide the display screen of the output unit (150) into a plurality of areas (410, 420, and 430) as shown in FIG. 3. Map data can be displayed in the first area (410). When the vehicle ends operation, the control unit (180) can display the vehicle's movement path on the map data in the first area (410). At this time, the control unit (180) can display the vehicle's current location as a separate icon (411). When the corresponding icon (411) is clicked, the control unit (180) can display a list of video files (video list) based on time information in the second area (420). When displaying the list of video files, the control unit (180) can also display thumbnails of the recorded video. The control unit (180) can play the corresponding video file and output (display) it to the third area (430) when any item, i.e., a video file, among the video file list displayed in the second area (420) is selected. The control unit (180) can also display the vehicle location in the first area (410) at the time the video output to the third area (430) was captured. That is, the control unit (180) can display the video recording location on the map data of the first area (410) based on the location information recorded in the video being played.

[0049] FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram showing another example of providing an image list according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] The control unit (180) can display a driving path by matching it to map data based on the location information of the recorded video when the vehicle's position changes or the vehicle's speed exceeds 0 kph within a basic unit time (e.g., 1 minute) during which the accessory power is supplied to the vehicle.

[0051] When a user (e.g., a driver) selects a recording video confirmation menu, the control unit (180) can enter the selected recording video confirmation menu and display the entire file list as shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (180) can divide the display screen of the output unit (150) into a fourth area (510) and a fifth area (520). The control unit (180) can display the vehicle locations at the time the recording video was taken, that is, the movement path of the vehicle, on the map data displayed in the fourth area (510). When a point on the movement path is selected, the control unit (180) can play a recording video that matches the location information of the selected point and display it in the fifth area (520). The movement path line (511) displayed in the fourth area (510) can be used as a progress indicator to indicate the progress of playback. When the user touches and drags along the movement path line (511), the control unit (180) can play the recorded video at a location corresponding to the changing touch point and output it to the fifth area (520).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] The control unit (180) can recognize that power is supplied to the vehicle (S100). When power is supplied to the vehicle, the control unit (180) can operate the first camera (110) and the second camera (120).

[0054] The control unit (180) can record video using at least one of the first camera (110) and the second camera (120) (S110). The control unit (180) can start video recording according to a preset recording method. For example, if continuous recording is set, the control unit (180) can start video recording immediately when the first camera (110) and / or the second camera (120) are activated when vehicle power is supplied.

[0055] The control unit (180) can obtain location information of the vehicle during video recording (S120). The control unit (180) can receive location information of the vehicle from the navigation unit (170).

[0056] The control unit (180) can record location information in the recorded video (S130). The control unit (180) can match the recorded video with the vehicle location information at the time the video was recorded and store it.

[0057] The control unit (180) can check whether there is no change in the vehicle's position (S140). The control unit (180) can determine whether there is no change in the vehicle's position or whether the vehicle's speed is 0 kph within a predetermined unit time (e.g., 1 minute).

[0058] The control unit (180) can provide a list of video files based on time information when there is no change in the vehicle position (S150). The control unit (180) can display a list of recorded video files sorted in the order of the time the videos were recorded.

[0059] The control unit (180) can provide a list of images based on location information when there is a change in the vehicle's location (S160). The control unit (180) can display a list of files in map format by utilizing the location information where the images were recorded.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a computing system that executes a method of operating an image recording device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the computing system (1000) may include at least one processor (1100), memory (1300), user interface input device (1400), user interface output device (1500), storage (1600), and network interface (1700) connected via a bus (1200).

[0062] The processor (1100) may be a semiconductor device that executes processing on instructions stored in a central processing unit (CPU) or in memory (1300) and / or storage (1600). The memory (1300) and storage (1600) may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory (1300) may include ROM (Read Only Memory) (1310) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (1320).

[0063] Accordingly, the steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly implemented in hardware, software modules, or a combination of both, executed by the processor (1100). The software modules may reside in a storage medium (i.e., memory (1300) and / or storage (1600)) such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, and CD-ROMs. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor (1100), and the processor (1100) can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral with the processor (1100). The processor (1100) and the storage medium may reside within an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside within a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor (1100) and the storage medium may reside as separate components within the user terminal.

[0064] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 An image recording device comprising at least one camera; and a control unit connected to the at least one camera, wherein the control unit records images of the surroundings of a vehicle using the at least one camera, records location information of the vehicle during image recording, determines whether there is a change in the location of the vehicle, determines one of different image list providing methods for displaying a list of recorded images according to whether there is a change in the location of the vehicle, and provides a list of recorded images according to the determined image list providing method. Claim 2 An image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the at least one camera when power is supplied to the vehicle and stores an image captured by the at least one camera according to a preset recording method. Claim 3 An image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires location information of the vehicle using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and records the location information of the vehicle by matching it with a file of the recorded image. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 An image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle or whether the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph within a predetermined unit time, and is characterized by determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle. Claim 6 An image recording device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit displays an image list based on time information of the recorded image when there is no change in the position of the vehicle for more than the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed is maintained at 0 kph. Claim 7 An image recording device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit displays an image list based on the location information of the recorded image when there is a change in the position of the vehicle within the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph. Claim 8 An image recording device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit displays the movement path of the vehicle on map data based on the location information of the recorded image. Claim 9 An image recording device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit plays and outputs a recorded image that matches the location information of the selected point when a point on the movement path is selected. Claim 10 A method of operating an image recording device characterized by comprising: a step of recording an image of the surroundings of a vehicle using at least one camera; a step of recording location information of the vehicle during the image recording; a step of determining whether there is a change in the location of the vehicle; a step of determining one of different image list providing methods for displaying a list of recorded images according to whether there is a change in the location of the vehicle; and a step of providing a list of recorded images according to the determined image list providing method. Claim 11 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 10, wherein the step of recording the image comprises: a step of operating the at least one camera when vehicle power is supplied; and a step of storing the image captured by the at least one camera according to a preset recording method. Claim 12 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 10, wherein the step of recording the location information comprises: a step of acquiring the location information using a Global Positioning System (GPS); and a step of recording the location information by matching it to a file of the recorded image. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 10, wherein the step of determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle includes the step of determining whether there is a change in the position of the vehicle or whether the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph within a predetermined unit time. Claim 15 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 14, wherein the step of determining the method of providing the image list includes the step of displaying the image list based on the time information of the recorded image when there is no change in the position of the vehicle for more than the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed is maintained at 0 kph. Claim 16 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 15, wherein the step of determining the method of providing the image list includes the step of displaying the image list based on the location information of the recorded image when there is a change in the position of the vehicle within the predetermined unit time or when the vehicle speed exceeds 0 kph. Claim 17 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 16, wherein the step of determining the method of providing the image list further includes the step of displaying the movement path of the vehicle on map data based on the location information of the recorded image. Claim 18 A method of operation of an image recording device according to claim 17, wherein the step of determining the method of providing the image list further includes the step of playing and outputting an image that matches the location information of the selected point when a point on the movement path is selected.

Images