Drive recorder

Abstract

A drive recorder (1) that is to be installed on a windshield (40) of a vehicle comprises an imaging unit (30) and a body unit (20). The imaging unit (30) includes a first image capturer (32) that captures images in the forward direction of the vehicle and a second image capturer (33) that captures images of at least one of the inside of the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle. The body unit (20) includes a display (23) on which the images captured by the first image capturer (32) are displayed. The imaging unit (30) is installed on the body unit (20) and can rotate with respect to the body unit (20).

Description

Drive recorder

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive recorder.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for improving the detection accuracy of suspicious persons and the crime prevention performance of a vehicle crime prevention device.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to a drive recorder that is suitable for capturing a wide desired range.

[0004] JP 2020-149088 A JP 2021-56746 A

[0005] In order for a drive recorder to properly record images of the surroundings of a vehicle, it is necessary to properly set the shooting direction of the drive recorder's camera.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve, for example, by appropriately setting the shooting direction of a drive recorder. Other examples of problems that become apparent from the description, drawings, claims, etc. can be extracted.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a drive recorder attached to the windshield of a vehicle, comprising: an imaging unit including a first imaging section that captures images in the forward direction of the vehicle and a second imaging section that captures images of at least one of the interior of the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle; and a main unit that includes a display section that displays images captured by the first imaging section, wherein the imaging unit is attached to the main unit and is rotatable relative to the main unit.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a side view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which a main unit according to the first embodiment is removed from a fixed unit; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixed unit after the main unit according to the first embodiment has been removed; FIG. 5 is a view showing an internal state of the fixed unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main unit after it has been removed from the fixed unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit; FIG. 8 is a side view of a drive recorder according to a second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view of an imaging unit according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a view of an imaging unit according to a third embodiment as seen from the display surface side; and FIG. 11 is a view showing the irradiation direction of a detection unit according to a third embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0010] <First embodiment> (Drive recorder 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 is provided inside a vehicle. In the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 is brought in from outside the vehicle and attached to a windshield 40 of the vehicle. In the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 includes a fixed unit 10, a main unit 20, and an imaging unit 30.

[0011] (Fixing unit 10) The fixing unit 10 includes a fixing portion 11 and a vibrating portion 12 (not shown). The fixing portion 11 is a portion that fixes the drive recorder 1 to the windshield 40 of the vehicle. When the drive recorder 1 is fixed (adhered) to the windshield 40, the fixing portion 11 and the windshield 40 are in contact with each other. Double-sided tape is provided on the base surface of the fixing portion 11 on the windshield 40 side, and the fixing unit 10 is adhered to the windshield 40 by the double-sided tape.

[0012] The vibration unit 12 (not shown) is built into the fixed unit 10. The fixing portion 11 is fixed to the windshield 40, and the vibration unit 12 is installed so as to come into contact with the windshield 40. In this case, the vibration unit 12 directly applies vibration to the windshield 40. Alternatively, the vibration unit 12 may be installed on the windshield 40 in a manner that the fixing portion 11 is fixed to the windshield 40, and the vibration unit 12 does not come into contact with the windshield 40, but rather sandwiches a part of the fixing portion 11. In this case, the vibration unit 12 applies vibration to the windshield 40 via the fixing portion 11.

[0013] (Main unit 20) The main unit 20 is the main body of the drive recorder 1. The main unit 20 is a unit attached to the fixed unit 10. The main unit 20 is attached to the windshield 40 via the fixed unit 10. The main unit 20 includes a display unit 23. The display unit 23 is a display, and can display an image captured by a first imaging unit 32, which will be described later.

[0014] (Imaging unit 30) The imaging unit 30 is a unit attached to the main unit 20. The imaging unit 30 includes a detection unit 31 (not shown), a first imaging unit 32, and a second imaging unit 33. The detection unit 31 is built into the imaging unit 30. The detection unit 31 detects moving objects (such as people) around or inside the vehicle while the vehicle is parked or stopped.

[0015] The first imaging unit 32 is a camera that captures images in the forward direction DR1 of the vehicle. The second imaging unit 33 is a camera that captures images of at least one of the interior of the vehicle and the surroundings of the vehicle. The second imaging unit 33 is, for example, a fisheye lens camera that can capture images in all directions of 360 degrees. The first imaging unit 32 and the second imaging unit 33 are cameras that record images while the vehicle is traveling and images of the surroundings or interior of the vehicle while the vehicle is parked or stopped.

[0016] (Controller 21) The main unit 20 further includes a controller 21. When the movement of the moving object detected by the detector 31 satisfies a predetermined condition, the controller 21 controls the vibrator 12 to vibrate the windshield 40. By the vibrator 12 vibrating the windshield 40, the windshield 40 can function as a diaphragm of a speaker, so to speak, and can emit sounds such as warning sounds to the outside.

[0017] The predetermined condition is, for example, when a moving object is detected continuously for a first predetermined time period (e.g., 60 seconds) or more within a predetermined distance from the detection unit 31. As another example, the predetermined condition is when a moving object is detected continuously for a second predetermined time period (e.g., 10 seconds) or more near a vehicle door.

[0018] 3 is a diagram showing how the main unit 20 according to the first embodiment is removed from the fixed unit 10. The main unit 20 (and the imaging unit 30) can be removed from the fixed unit 10. In the first embodiment, the main unit 20 can be removed from the fixed unit 10 by sliding it in one direction DR2 that is horizontal with respect to the fixed unit 10. The one direction DR2 is the width direction of the vehicle, which is a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fixed unit 10 after the main unit 20 according to the first embodiment has been removed. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the internal state of the fixed unit 10 according to the first embodiment. The fixed unit 10 further includes a first electrical contact 13, a housing portion 14, and a recess 15. The first electrical contact 13 is an electrical conductor and is electrically connected to the vibration portion 12. When the main unit 20 is removed from the fixed unit 10, the first electrical contact 13 is exposed.

[0020] The housing 14 is a box-shaped housing. The housing 14 is attached to the fixing portion 11 so as to house the vibration portion 12. In the first embodiment, the vibration portion 12 has a vibration speaker. The vibration speaker is housed in the housing 14.

[0021] A plurality of screw holes 16 are formed in the housing 14. In the first embodiment, four screw holes 16 are formed in the housing 14. The screw holes 16 are provided on the side corresponding to the main unit 20. The housing 14 is screwed to the fixing portion 11 from the main unit 20 side through the screw holes 16.

[0022] The housing 14 can be removed from the fixing portion 11 fixed to the windshield 40 when the main unit 20 is removed from the fixing unit 10. In other words, even if the fixing portion 11 remains attached to the windshield 40, the housing 14 can be removed from the fixing portion 11 by unscrewing the screws attached to the housing 14.

[0023] The recess 15 has a groove shape and is a portion that fits into a protrusion 24, which will be described later. The recess 15 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction DR2.

[0024] 6 is a perspective view of the main unit 20 after being detached from the fixing unit 10 according to the first embodiment. The main unit 20 further includes a second electrical contact 22 and a protrusion 24. The second electrical contact 22 is an electrical conductor and is electrically connected to a control unit 21 (not shown) built into the main unit 20. When the main unit 20 is detached from the fixing unit 10, the second electrical contact 22 is exposed.

[0025] The protrusion 24 protrudes from the surface of the main unit 20 facing the fixed unit 10. The protrusion 24 is a portion that fits into the recess 15. The main unit 20 is attached (fixed) to the fixed unit 10 by fitting the protrusion 24 into the recess 15. When the main unit 20 is attached to the fixed unit 10, the first electrical contact 13 and the second electrical contact 22 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. In this way, the control unit 21 and the vibration unit 12 are electrically connected.

[0026] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0027] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0028] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0029] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0030] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a removable medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. This recording medium stores program modules that realize each function of the control unit 21. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module.

[0031] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the control unit 21 with various input / output devices. For example, the control unit 130 communicates with the vibration unit 12, the display unit 23, the first imaging unit 32, the second imaging unit 33, and the detection unit 31 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0032] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the control unit 21 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may be connected to the network wirelessly or by wire.

[0033] As described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment includes the fixing unit 11, the vibration unit 12, the detection unit 31, and the control unit 21. A drive recorder that emits a warning sound when it detects a suspicious person inside or around the vehicle requires a speaker for emitting the warning sound. The drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as an integrated unit with the vibration unit 12 (vibration speaker), and by vibrating the windshield 40 to act as a speaker, it is not necessary to provide a separate speaker in the vehicle apart from the drive recorder 1. This reduces the labor required to install a separate speaker in the vehicle and also reduces manufacturing costs. This allows for easy installation of a drive recorder with a speaker.

[0034] Furthermore, the main unit 20 according to the first embodiment is detachable from the fixed unit 10. The fixed unit is attached to the windshield with strong double-sided tape and is difficult to remove. Therefore, if the main unit were to malfunction, it would be difficult to remove the main unit along with the fixed unit from the windshield. However, because the main unit 20 according to the first embodiment is detachable from the fixed unit 10, even if the main unit 20 malfunctions, the main unit 20 can be easily separated from the fixed unit 10. In other words, the maintainability of the drive recorder 1 can be improved.

[0035] Furthermore, the main unit 20 according to the first embodiment can be removed from the fixed unit 10 by sliding it in one direction DR2 that is horizontal relative to the fixed unit 10. This prevents the main unit 20 from hitting the windshield 40 and making it difficult to remove when removing the main unit 20 from the fixed unit 10. Furthermore, it prevents the main unit 20 from falling under its own weight.

[0036] <Second embodiment> Figure 8 is a side view of a drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment. An imaging unit 30 according to the second embodiment is attached to the main unit 20 and is rotatable relative to the main unit 20. The imaging unit 30 according to the second embodiment is configured to be rotatable about a certain axis point C of the main unit 20 in a plane perpendicular to one direction DR2 shown in Figure 3 (the depth direction of the paper in Figure 8).

[0037] The display surface 25 of the display unit 23 according to the second embodiment is substantially parallel to the extending surface 41 along which the windshield 40 extends. The case where the display surface 25 is substantially parallel to the extending surface 41 refers to the case where, in a plane perpendicular to the one direction DR2, the angle formed between the direction DR3 along which the display surface 25 extends and the direction DR4 along which the extending surface 41 extends is between −15° and 15°.

[0038] 9 is a side view of the imaging unit 30 according to the second embodiment. DR5 is the imaging center direction of the first imaging section 32. The imaging center direction DR5 is the imaging direction of the first imaging section 32 and is a direction passing through the center of the lens of the first imaging section 32. DR6 is the imaging center direction of the second imaging section 33. The imaging center direction DR6 is the imaging direction of the second imaging section 33 and is a direction passing through the center of the lens of the second imaging section 33.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the imaging center direction DR6 of the second imaging unit 33 is substantially perpendicular to the imaging center direction DR5 of the first imaging unit 32. The imaging center direction DR6 is substantially perpendicular to the imaging center direction DR5 when the angle θ between the imaging center direction DR6 and the imaging center direction DR5 is, for example, 75° or more and 105° or less. Note that by setting the angle θ with the imaging center direction DR5 to, for example, 90° or more and 105° or less, the interior of the vehicle can be captured more effectively when the imaging center direction DR6 of the second imaging unit 33 is tilted toward the rear of the vehicle rather than the front of the vehicle.

[0040] As described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment includes the imaging unit 30 including the first imaging section 32 and the second imaging section 33, and the main unit 20 including the display section 23. The imaging unit 30 is attached to the main unit 20 and is rotatable relative to the main unit 20. As a result, an image captured by the first imaging section 32 can be displayed on the display section 23, and the angle of the imaging unit 30 can be adjusted while viewing the display section 23 so that the first imaging section 32 captures an image of the front (the forward direction DR1 of the vehicle) (so that the imaging center direction DR5 of the first imaging section 32 faces the forward direction DR1 of the vehicle). This allows the imaging direction of the drive recorder 1 to be appropriately set.

[0041] Furthermore, the display surface 25 of the display unit 23 is substantially parallel to the extending surface 41 of the windshield 40. By tilting the display surface 25 of the display unit 23 so as to follow the tilt of the windshield 40, the driver's forward visibility is less likely to be impaired compared to, for example, a case in which the same display surface 25 is disposed vertically.

[0042] Furthermore, the imaging center direction DR6 of the second imaging unit 33 is approximately perpendicular to the imaging center direction DR5 of the first imaging unit 32. As a result, when the first imaging unit 32 is adjusted to face the forward direction DR1 of the vehicle, the second imaging unit 33 automatically faces downward (approximately vertically). Therefore, adjusting the angle of the first imaging unit 32 eliminates the need to adjust the angle of the second imaging unit 33. Therefore, even if there are two imaging units, the first imaging unit 32 and the second imaging unit 33, the angle adjustment of the imaging unit 30 can be performed appropriately and effectively.

[0043] <Third Embodiment> Fig. 10 is a diagram of an imaging unit 30 according to a third embodiment as viewed from the display surface 25 side. Fig. 10 shows the imaging unit 30 as viewed from the direction opposite to the first imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 30 according to the third embodiment further includes a detection unit 31 that detects moving objects around or inside the vehicle. The detection unit 31 is provided on the imaging unit 30 on the opposite side from the first imaging unit 32. The detection unit 31 is built into the imaging unit 30.

[0044] The detection unit 31 according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors. Each of the plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors detects a moving object by emitting electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic wave sensors emit electromagnetic waves toward at least the vehicle doors. In the third embodiment, the detection unit 31 includes two electromagnetic wave sensors (31 a, 31 b), which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the imaging center direction DR6.

[0045] 11 is a diagram showing the direction of electromagnetic wave irradiation of the detection unit 31 according to the third embodiment. The central directions (DR7a, DR7b) of the electromagnetic wave irradiation of the multiple electromagnetic wave sensors (detection units 31) are inclined in the horizontal plane (a plane perpendicular to the height direction of the vehicle 2) with respect to a direction DR8 opposite to the imaging center direction DR5 of the first imaging unit 32. The central directions of the electromagnetic wave irradiation of the electromagnetic wave sensors are inclined in the horizontal plane toward the rear of the vehicle 2 with respect to the vehicle width direction (one direction DR2).

[0046] DR7a is the central direction of irradiation of the electromagnetic wave sensor 31a. The electromagnetic wave sensor 31a irradiates electromagnetic waves in a predetermined range α1 centered on the central direction DR7a. DR7b is the central direction of irradiation of the electromagnetic wave sensor 31b. The electromagnetic wave sensor 31b irradiates electromagnetic waves in a predetermined range α2 centered on the central direction DR7b.

[0047] In the third embodiment, the second imaging section 33 may be omitted, and the imaging unit 30 may include the first imaging section 32 and the detection section 31 .

[0048] As described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the third embodiment includes the imaging unit 30 including the first imaging section 32 and the detection section 31, and the main unit 20 including the display section 23. The imaging unit 30 is attached to the main unit 20 and is rotatable relative to the main unit 20. The detection section 31 includes a plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors that each detect a moving object by emitting electromagnetic waves.

[0049] As a result, by adjusting the angle of the imaging unit 30 so that the first imaging unit 32 captures an image of the front (the forward direction DR1 of the vehicle) while viewing the image captured by the first imaging unit 32, the direction of irradiation of the electromagnetic waves is automatically determined to be appropriate without adjusting the angle of the detection unit 31 (electromagnetic wave sensor).As a result, moving objects can be detected appropriately.

[0050] 2, 4, and 6, a drive recorder 1 according to a fourth embodiment includes a fixed unit 10 that is fixed to the windshield of a vehicle, and a main unit 20 that is detachable from the fixed unit 10. The fixed unit 10 according to the fourth embodiment includes a fixing portion 11, a vibrating portion 12, and a first electrical contact 13. The main unit 20 according to the fourth embodiment includes a detection portion 31, a control portion 21, and a second electrical contact 22. In the fourth embodiment, the first electrical contact 13 and the second electrical contact 22 are in contact with each other when the main unit 20 is attached to the fixed unit 10.

[0051] As described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the fourth embodiment may be configured such that the main unit 20 includes the detection unit 31 .

[0052] In the fourth embodiment, even if the main unit 20 breaks down, it is possible to easily separate the main unit 20 from the fixed unit 10 without peeling the fixing portion 11 from the windshield 40, thereby improving the maintainability of the drive recorder 1.

[0053] 2, 4, and 5, a drive recorder 1 according to a fifth embodiment includes a fixed unit 10 including a fixing portion 11, a vibration portion 12, and a housing portion 14, and a main unit 20 including a detection portion 31 and a control portion 21 and detachable from the fixed unit 10. The housing portion 14 is detachable from the fixing portion 11 fixed to the windshield 40 when the main unit 20 is detached from the fixed unit 10.

[0054] In the drive recorder 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the main unit 20 may also be configured to include the detection unit 31 .

[0055] In the fifth embodiment, even if the main unit 20 breaks down, the main unit 20 can be easily separated from the fixed unit 10 without peeling the fixing portion 11 off the windshield 40. Furthermore, because the housing 14 can be removed while the fixing portion 11 remains fixed to the windshield 40, even if the vibration portion 12 (vibration speaker) breaks down, the vibration portion 12 inside the fixed unit 10 can be easily removed. In other words, the maintainability of the drive recorder 1 can be improved.

[0056] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the main unit 20 may include the detection unit 31, the first imaging unit 32, and the second imaging unit 33. In other words, the main unit 20 may be configured to include the imaging unit 30.

[0058] Examples of reference forms are given below. 1. A drive recorder attached to the windshield of a vehicle, comprising: an imaging unit including a first imaging section that images a direction ahead of the vehicle and a second imaging section that images at least one of the interior of the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle; and a main unit including a display section that displays images captured by the first imaging section, the imaging unit being attached to the main unit and rotatable relative to the main unit. 2. The drive recorder described in 1., wherein the display surface of the display section is approximately parallel to an extension plane along which the windshield extends. 3. The drive recorder described in 1. or 2., wherein the imaging center direction of the second imaging section is approximately perpendicular to the imaging center direction of the first imaging section. 4. 1. to 3. In the drive recorder described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the imaging unit further includes a detection unit that detects moving objects around the vehicle or inside the vehicle, the detection unit includes a plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors that each detects the moving objects by emitting electromagnetic waves, and the central direction of the electromagnetic wave irradiation of each of the plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors is inclined in a direction opposite to the central direction of imaging of the first imaging unit on a horizontal plane.

[0059] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Drive recorder 10 Fixed unit 11 Fixing portion 12 Vibration portion 13 First electrical contact 14 Housing portion 15 Recessed portion 16 Screw hole 20 Main unit 21 Control portion 22 Second electrical contact 23 Display portion 24 Convex portion 25 Display surface 30 Imaging unit 31 Detection portion 32 First imaging portion 33 Second imaging portion 40 Windshield 41 Extension surface

Claims

1. A drive recorder attached to the front glass of a vehicle, comprising: an imaging unit including a first imaging unit that images the front direction of the vehicle and a second imaging unit that images at least one of the interior of the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle; and a main body unit including a display unit on which an image captured by the first imaging unit is displayed, wherein the imaging unit is attached to the main body unit and is rotatable with respect to the main body unit.

2. The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein a display surface of the display unit is substantially parallel to an extending surface on which the front glass extends.

3. The drive recorder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shooting center direction of the second imaging unit is substantially perpendicular to a shooting center direction of the first imaging unit.

4. The drive recorder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging unit further includes a detection unit that detects a moving object in the periphery of the vehicle or in the vehicle, the detection unit includes a plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors that detect the moving object by irradiating electromagnetic waves, and each of the central directions of the electromagnetic wave irradiations of the plurality of electromagnetic wave sensors is inclined with respect to the opposite direction of the shooting center direction of the first imaging unit in a horizontal plane.

Images