Vehicle image capturing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle image capturing system comprising: an auxiliary brake lamp for emitting light in order to notify of braking of a vehicle; an image capturing unit mounted to photograph the vicinity of the vehicle; and a light guide device which is provided between the auxiliary brake lamp and the image capturing unit, and which emits, to the outside, the light incident from the auxiliary brake lamp such that the image capturing unit can capture same.

Description

Vehicle video recording system

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle video recording system comprising means for guiding light emitted to indicate the braking status of the vehicle to be captured together with a dash cam.

[0002] Sudden acceleration accidents are a phenomenon in which a vehicle accelerates rapidly regardless of the driver's intention, and they are a subject of significant social interest and concern as they can lead to major traffic accidents. Accordingly, there is a growing need for technology capable of clearly proving whether the driver operated the pedals in the event of a sudden acceleration accident.

[0003] Conventionally, pedal dash cams have been proposed in addition to front and rear dash cams. A pedal dash cam records the driver's operation of the accelerator and brake pedals via video or sensors, allowing verification of pedal operation in the event of an accident. This offers the advantage of being useful in determining the driver's legal liability in the event of sudden acceleration accidents.

[0004] However, conventional pedal dash cams have several limitations. First, since pedal dash cams require the installation of a separate recording device, they can obstruct the driver's view or impair driving convenience, and there is also a risk that the heavy camera may easily detach due to vehicle vibrations. Additionally, simple video recording methods require analysis by external experts, making it difficult to verify data quickly, and there is a problem in determining whether the pedal was operated accurately depending on the video angle or image quality.

[0005] Furthermore, some pedal dash cams are susceptible to malfunctions caused by impact or pressure, and in certain situations, there is a risk of recording false information unrelated to sudden acceleration accidents. Additionally, currently available pedal dash cams require separate installation from existing dash cams, which places a significant financial burden, and limited mounting space makes them difficult for actual drivers to utilize widely.

[0006] As such, existing pedal dash cam technology has limitations in clearly and quickly proving whether the driver operated the pedals in the event of an accident. Therefore, there is a need for improved technology that can prevent unnecessary legal liability for drivers and respond more effectively to emergency situations such as sudden acceleration accidents.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle video recording system that directly and clearly records whether the vehicle's brake pedal is operated, thereby enabling the rapid and accurate identification of the cause of the accident and the location of responsibility in the event of various traffic accidents as well as sudden acceleration accidents.

[0008] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vehicle video recording system that is simpler and more cost-effective than existing dash cams and can be operated stably without interference from separate electronic devices or driver distraction factors.

[0009] In addition, it aims to provide a recording means that can secure legal evidentiary value and reliability while minimizing the risk of device detachment or malfunction caused by driver negligence or impact.

[0010] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vehicle video recording system capable of providing objective data usable by the police, insurance companies, and judicial agencies by establishing a recording system linked with auxiliary braking sensors to enable a comprehensive review of the accident scene situation along with video recordings and EDR information.

[0011] A light guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light receiving part into which light emitted from a light source is incident; a light emitting part that emits light incident on the light receiving part so that an image capturing part can capture it; and a light path part that forms a path through which light incident on the light receiving part can be transmitted to the light emitting part, wherein the light receiving part, the light emitting part, and the light path part are integrally formed as a single body.

[0012] In addition, the light receiving part is characterized in that the surface on which the light is incident is formed as an inclined surface inclined by an angle set with respect to the path on which the light is incident.

[0013] In addition, it is characterized by further including a light-blocking means provided on the side of the light path portion to prevent the light from leaking laterally.

[0014] In addition, the light-emitting part is characterized by being formed as a plane orthogonal to the light path part or as an inclined surface inclined by a set angle.

[0015] In addition, the light path portion is formed in a shape set in a part area of ​​either the upper or lower surface and is characterized by further including an auxiliary light-emitting portion that causes a portion of the light moving to the light-emitting portion to be emitted to the outside.

[0016] A vehicle image capturing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an auxiliary brake light that emits light to indicate braking of the vehicle; an image capturing unit mounted to capture the surroundings of the vehicle; and a light guide device provided between the auxiliary brake light and the image capturing unit, which emits light incident from the auxiliary brake light to the outside so that the image capturing unit can capture.

[0017] In addition, the light guide device comprises: a light receiving unit into which light is incident from the auxiliary brake light; a light emitting unit that emits light incident on the light receiving unit so that the image capturing unit can capture it; and a light path unit that forms a path through which the light incident on the light receiving unit can be transmitted to the light emitting unit.

[0018] Additionally, the device further includes a lighting housing for fixing the auxiliary brake light to the vehicle, and the light guide device is characterized by being fitted and coupled between the lighting housing and the glass window of the vehicle such that the light receiving portion faces the inside of the lighting housing.

[0019] In addition, the lighting housing has a hole formed corresponding to the light receiving part, and the light guide device is characterized by being inserted and coupled into the hole so that the light receiving part faces the inside of the lighting housing.

[0020] In addition, it is characterized by further including an auxiliary light guide device provided between the auxiliary brake light and the light guide device, which receives light emitted from the auxiliary brake light and transmits it to a light receiving part of the light guide device.

[0021] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0022] The vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention has the following effects.

[0023] First, since it can directly record whether the driver operates the brake pedal, it has the effect of clearly identifying the cause of the accident and the responsibility in the event of various traffic accidents, including sudden acceleration accidents.

[0024] Second, it can resolve the problem of relying on EDRs or external CCTV footage because conventional dash cams or built-in systems fail to provide records of braking, and it has the effect of securing legal evidentiary value in a simpler and more cost-effective manner.

[0025] Third, it has the effect of minimizing the problem of the device detaching or malfunctioning due to driver inattention or impact, while providing legally valid data through signal recording linked to braking.

[0026] Fourth, in the event of an accident, video recordings, EDR information, and signal recordings such as braking lights can be comprehensively reviewed, which has the effect of being used as objective and reliable evidence by the police, insurance companies, and judicial authorities.

[0027] Fifth, it has the effect of providing a new vehicle video recording system that can intuitively and reliably verify whether the driver is operating the brakes, while overcoming the complexity and limitations of conventional technology.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the basic configuration of a light guide device provided in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating various embodiments of a light-blocking means of a light guide device according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating various embodiments of a light receiving part and a light emitting part in a light guide device according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment in which the light path portion of a light guide device according to the present invention is formed as a curved surface.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment of the light receiving part and the light emitting part of the light guide device according to the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an auxiliary light-emitting part formed in a light-emitting part or a light path part of a light guide device according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a light guide device is installed in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment in which a light guide device is installed in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention that includes an auxiliary light guide device.

[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment in which an auxiliary light guide device and a light guide device are installed in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates a light guide device of another embodiment in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates the state in which a light emission image of an auxiliary brake light, captured through a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention, is output to a display.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement it. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0042] The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale; they are exaggerated or reduced for clarity and convenience. The same reference numerals are used for the same structural elements or parts appearing in two or more drawings.

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention specifically illustrate ideal embodiments and are not limited to specific forms, but also include variations in form resulting from manufacturing.

[0044]

[0045] FIGS. 1 to 13 illustrate a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the vehicle image capturing system and the light guide device used therein according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0046] A vehicle image capturing system (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to allow the light of an auxiliary brake light, which emits light together with a main brake light when a driver applies the brake, to be seen on a dash cam, and may include an auxiliary brake light (20, 30), an image capturing unit (40), and a light guide device (100).

[0047] The auxiliary brake light (20, 30) is a means of emitting light together with the main brake light so that other vehicles approaching from behind can know when the vehicle (10) is braking. The auxiliary brake light (20, 30) is generally provided in the rear interior of the vehicle (10).

[0048] However, it is not limited to this, and it may be provided on the exterior of the rear side of the vehicle (10), and the location of provision may be varied during the production of the vehicle (10).

[0049] Additionally, one or more auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) may be provided. This embodiment will be described as an example in which two auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) are provided in the rear interior of the vehicle (10), with one each at the top and bottom facing the rear glass (the rear window of the vehicle).

[0050] The auxiliary brake light (20, 30) includes a lighting housing (21, 31) and a light source (22, 32). Thus, the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) has the light source (22, 32) mounted inside the vehicle (10) through the lighting housing (21, 31).

[0051] The lighting housing (21, 31) may be formed in a 'C' shape with one side open. The auxiliary brake light (20, 30) is formed in a structure in which a light source (22, 32) and a lighting housing (21, 31) are combined so that light emitted from the light source (22, 32) can be emitted through the open side of the lighting housing (21, 31).

[0052] The video recording unit (40) is configured to be mounted so as to be able to film the surroundings of the vehicle (10).

[0053] In this embodiment, the image capturing unit (40) is described using a camera as an example. The vehicle image capturing system (1000) may include one or more image capturing units. For example, if two image capturing units are provided, one image capturing unit captures the driving situation in front of the vehicle (10), and the other image capturing unit (40) captures the driving situation in the rear of the vehicle.

[0054] The image capturing unit (40) of the present embodiment captures the rear driving situation of the vehicle, and the image captured by the image capturing unit (40) is transmitted to the receiving unit of the vehicle image capturing system (1000) and output through an output means such as a display (401) so that the driver can visually check it.

[0055] The light guide device (100) is provided between the auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) and the image capturing unit (40). The light guide device (100) is configured to receive light emitted from the auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) and transmit it to the image capturing unit (40). Accordingly, one side of the light guide device (100) may be mounted to face the auxiliary brake lights (20, 30), and the other side may be mounted to face the image capturing unit (40).

[0056] The light guide device (100) includes a light receiving part (110), a light emitting part (120), and a light path part (130). The light guide device (100) is integrally formed so that the light receiving part (110), the light emitting part (120), and the light path part (130) form a single body. The structural features of the light guide device (100) will be described in more detail while describing each component.

[0057] The light receiving part (110) is a surface into which light from the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) is incident in the light guide device (100), and the light receiving part (110) is formed as an inclined surface inclined by an angle set with respect to the path into which the light is incident.

[0058] However, the fact that the light receiving part (110) is formed as an inclined surface is limited to this embodiment. The light receiving part (110) is not limited to an inclined surface and can be formed in various shapes. Other embodiments of the light receiving part (110) will be described in more detail later.

[0059] The light-emitting unit (120) is configured to emit light received by the light-receiving unit (110) so that the light can be captured by the image capturing unit (40). The light-emitting unit (120) is spaced apart from the light-receiving unit (110) by a predetermined distance and is formed facing the light-receiving unit (110).

[0060] The light path section (130) is formed by connecting the light receiving section (110) and the light emitting section (120). The light path section (130) forms a path that can transmit the light of the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) received by the light receiving section (110) to the light emitting section (130).

[0061] The light path section (130) is specifically composed of an upper surface (131) connecting the upper side of the light receiving section (110) and the upper side of the light emitting section (120), a lower surface (132) connecting the lower side of the light receiving section (120) and the lower side of the light emitting section (120), a left side (133) connecting the left side of the light receiving section (120) and the left side of the light emitting section (120), and a right side (134) connecting the right side of the light receiving section (120) and the right side of the light emitting section (120).

[0062] The light from the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) received by the light receiving unit (110) is reflected on the upper surface (131) and lower surface (132) of the light path unit (130) and moves toward the light emitting unit (120).

[0063] The light-emitting part (120) and the light path part (130) are formed in directions that intersect each other, and in this embodiment, the light-emitting part (120) is formed in a direction orthogonal to the light path part (130). However, the form in which the light-emitting part (120) is formed is not limited thereto, and various embodiments of the light-emitting part (120) will be described in detail later.

[0064] The light guide device (100) may further include a light-blocking means (140). The light-blocking means (140) is configured to be provided on the sides of the light path section (130), namely the left side (133) and the right side (134), to prevent light moving toward the light-emitting section (120) from leaking laterally.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, various embodiments of the light-blocking means (140) are illustrated. First, referring to FIG. 3(a), the light-blocking means (140a) is formed by coating the left and right sides of the light path section (130) with a coating material such as an edge coat. Also, referring to FIG. 3(b), the light-blocking means (140b) can be formed in the form of a film and attached to the left side (133) and right side (134) of the light path section (130).

[0066] As described above, the light guide device (100) is provided such that, as shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving part (110) faces the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) and the light emitting part (120) faces the image capturing part (40).

[0067] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate other embodiments of the light guide device.

[0068] First, referring to FIG. 4, the light guide device (100a) illustrated in FIG. 4 (a) is shown in an embodiment in which the light receiving part (110a) and the light emitting part (120a) are formed in a direction orthogonal to the light path part (130a). That is, the light guide device (100a) illustrated in FIG. 4 (a) may have the light receiving part (110a) aligned parallel to the path through which light emitted through the auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) is incident.

[0069] The light guide device (100b) illustrated in FIG. 4(b) is shown in an embodiment in which the light receiving part (110b) and the light emitting part (110b) are formed in a shape inclined by a set angle with respect to the light path part (130b). At this time, the light receiving part (110b) and the light emitting part (110b) may be formed inclined in mutually symmetrical directions or inclined in parallel directions.

[0070] When the light receiving part and the light emitting part are formed in a shape that is orthogonal or inclined with respect to the light path part, the light incident from the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) can be efficiently transmitted when there is a large amount of light, and even when there is little light incident, sufficient light can be secured through the light emitting part, so it can be selectively applied to various situations.

[0071] The light guide device (100c) illustrated in FIG. 5 is shown as an embodiment in which the light path section (130c) is formed in a curved shape. When the light path section (130c) is formed in a curved shape, scattering or reflection loss is minimized when light received from the light receiving section (110c) moves to be transmitted to the light emitting section (120c), thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0072] In addition, the uniformity of the output light can be improved by evenly dispersing the light or concentrating it into a specific area. If the light path section (110c) is formed in a curved shape, it can also have the advantage of guiding the light in a desired direction when there are constraints on the space where the light guide device (100c) must be mounted.

[0073] The light guide device (100d) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 (a) is formed such that the light receiving part (110d) is formed in a curved shape facing the light emitting part (120d), and the light emitting part (120d) is formed convexly in a direction opposite to the light receiving part (110d).

[0074] If the light receiving portion (110d) is formed concavely, the light from the auxiliary brake lights (20, 30) can be concentrated and transmitted to the light path portion (130d), thereby increasing the light receiving efficiency. In addition, the concave shape of the light receiving portion (110d) guides the light inward, so losses due to external reflection or scattering can be reduced.

[0075] If the light-emitting part (120d) is formed convexly, the light transmitted from the light-receiving part (110d) can be evenly diffused over a wide range, which has the advantage of allowing more light to be captured by the image capturing part (40).

[0076] In the light guide device (100e) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6(b), the light receiving part (110e) may be formed as an inclined surface in only a part, and the light emitting part (120e) may be formed as an angled or 'V' shaped groove.

[0077] The partially inclined light receiving part (110e) has the advantage of being able to effectively capture light of various incident angles. Additionally, the light emitting part (120e) in the form of an angled groove or a 'V' groove can control the light transmitted from the light receiving part (110e) to be concentrated or diffused in a specific direction as it is reflected and refracted from the surface of the groove. That is, by adjusting the position of the groove of the light emitting part (120e), it has the advantage of being able to control the light to be concentrated or diffused in a direction toward the image capturing part (40).

[0078] The light guide device (100f) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 may further include an auxiliary light-emitting part (150) by forming an imprint of a specific shape on the light-emitting part (120f) or forming an imprint on either the upper surface (131f) or the lower surface (132f) of the light path part (130f).

[0079] When the auxiliary light-emitting part (150) is formed in a shape that is imprinted on the light-emitting part (130f), light can be emitted not only from the entire light-emitting part (130f) but also diffusely reflected from the auxiliary light-emitting part (150) to emit light in the imprinted shape. In particular, the shape of the imprint forming the auxiliary light-emitting part (150) can be implemented in various ways, such as letters, numbers, shapes, logos, trademarks, phrases, etc., and as the auxiliary light-emitting part (150) emits light, the imprinted shape can be expressed as a light that is emphasized.

[0080] When the auxiliary light-emitting part (150) is formed in an engraved shape, various designs can be produced to suit the product appearance or user requirements, and the degree of light diffusion, transmission intensity, and light emission shape can be adjusted according to the depth or pattern density of the engraving, thereby allowing for fine control of optical performance.

[0081] In the following FIGS. 8 to 12, various embodiments according to the mounting method of the light guide device in a vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention will be described.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8(a), the vehicle image capturing system (1000) according to the present invention has a light guide device (100) positioned between the lighting housing (21) of the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and the rear glass (11), and between the lighting housing (31) of the lower auxiliary brake light (30) and the rear glass (11).

[0083] In this embodiment, the gap between the lighting housing (21, 31) and the rear glass (11) is equal to the thickness of the light guide device (100), that is, the height between the upper surface (131) and the lower surface (132) of the light path section (130). Thus, the light guide device (100) can be fixed between the lighting housing (21, 31) and the rear glass (11) by a press fit.

[0084] At this time, the light receiving part (110) of the light guide device (100) is located inside the lighting housing (21, 31) so that light emitted from the light source (22, 23) of the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) can be incident on the light receiving part (110).

[0085] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8(b), an embodiment is shown in which the gap between the lighting housing (21, 31) and the rear glass (10) is greater than the thickness of the light guide device (100).

[0086] In this embodiment, the light guide device (100) cannot be fixed between the lighting housing (21, 31) and the rear glass (10) by a press fit. Therefore, the light guide device (100) can be fixed by applying an adhesive member (1) to the rear glass (10).

[0087] In this embodiment as well, the light guide device (100) has a light receiving part (110) located inside the lighting housing (21, 31) so that light emitted from the light source (22, 23) of the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) can be incident.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the light guide device (100) of the vehicle image capturing device (1000a) illustrated in FIG. 9 can be installed by inserting one side, on which a light receiving part (110) is formed, into a lighting housing (21).

[0089] As shown in the drawing, the lighting housing (21) may have a hole (21-1) formed on its lower side into which a light guide device (100) can be inserted. Accordingly, the light guide device (100) can be installed by inserting one side, where the light receiving part (110) is formed, through the hole (21-1) and positioned inside the lighting housing (21).

[0090] The hole (21-1) formed in the lighting housing (21) can be formed by considering the optimal angle of incidence to the light receiving part (110) of the auxiliary brake light (20) when the side on which the light receiving part (110) is formed is inserted.

[0091] The method of inserting the light guide device (100) into the hole (21-1) allows for semi-permanent installation in the lighting housing (20) and can be fixed without the need for a separate adhesive means, so it can be detached when necessary.

[0092] FIG. 9 illustrates only an example in which a light guide device (100) is mounted on an upper brake light (20), but a light guide device (100) can be mounted on a lower brake light (30) in the same way. At this time, a hole is formed on the upper side of the lighting housing (31) of the lower brake light (30).

[0093] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a vehicle image capturing system (1000b), wherein the vehicle image capturing system (1000b) in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 may further include an auxiliary light guide device (200).

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the vehicle image capturing system (1000) is equipped with only one auxiliary brake light, an upper auxiliary brake light (20), and the upper auxiliary brake light (20) is installed on the outer rear spoiler (12) of the vehicle. The auxiliary light guide device (200) connects the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and the light guide device (100a) mounted on the interior side of the rear glass (11) of the vehicle (10), and receives light emitted from the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and transmits it to the light guide device (100a).

[0095] The auxiliary light guide device (200) includes an auxiliary light receiving unit (210), an auxiliary light emitting unit (220), and an auxiliary light path unit (230). The auxiliary light receiving unit (210) and the auxiliary light emitting unit (220) can each be formed in the shape of a separate prism.

[0096] Accordingly, the auxiliary light receiving unit (210) is mounted on the exterior rear spoiler (12) of the vehicle (10) to receive light emitted from the upper auxiliary brake light (20). The auxiliary light emitting unit (220) may be provided in a form attached to the interior rear glass (11) of the vehicle (10). At this time, one surface of the auxiliary light emitting unit (220) may be in close contact with the light receiving unit (110a) of the light guide device (100a) installed on the interior rear glass (11) of the vehicle (10).

[0097] The auxiliary light path section (230) can be formed in the form of an optical fiber. Accordingly, one side of the auxiliary light path section (230) is connected to the auxiliary light receiving section (210), and the other side is connected to the auxiliary light emitting section (220).

[0098] The light from the upper auxiliary brake light (20) incident on the auxiliary light receiving unit (210) travels along the auxiliary light path unit (230) and is transmitted to the auxiliary light emitting unit (220). As described above, since one surface of the auxiliary light emitting unit (220) is in surface contact with the light receiving unit (110a) of the light guide device (100a), the light emitted from the auxiliary light emitting unit (220) is directly incident on the light receiving unit (110a) of the light guide device (100a).

[0099] Light incident on the light receiving unit (110a) travels along the light path unit (130a) to the light emitting unit (120a), and the light emitted from the light emitting unit (120a) is captured by the image capturing unit (40) so that the driver can visually check it through the display (401) which is an output means.

[0100] The vehicle image capturing system (1000c) illustrated in FIG. 11 is an embodiment that includes an auxiliary light guide device (200a), similar to the vehicle image capturing system (1000b) illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0101] However, unlike the auxiliary light guide device (200) shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary light guide device (200a) shown in FIG. 11 has the auxiliary light receiving part (210a), the auxiliary light emitting part (220a), and the auxiliary light path part (230a) formed integrally. That is, it is formed in the same shape as the light guide device (100).

[0102] In such an auxiliary light guide device (200a), the auxiliary light-emitting part (220a) is connected to the light-receiving part (110a) of the light guide device (100a) in a surface contact manner.

[0103] Meanwhile, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the auxiliary light guide device (200a) and the light guide device (100a) are combined in such a way that they are inserted into the light guide mounting part (23) formed in the lighting housing (21) of the upper auxiliary brake light (20).

[0104] The light guide mounting portion (230) may be formed in a protruding shape on the lower side of the lighting housing (21). The light guide mounting portion (23) has a hollow (23a) that penetrates in the vertical direction, and after an auxiliary light guide device (200a) is inserted so that the auxiliary light receiving portion (210a) receives light emitted from the light source (22) of the upper auxiliary brake light (20) toward the interior of the lighting housing (21), a light guide device (100a) is inserted and mounted so that the light receiving portion (110a) makes surface contact with the auxiliary light emitting portion (220a).

[0105] The vehicle image capturing system (1000c) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is mounted in such a way that the auxiliary light guide device (200a) and the light guide device (100a) are inserted into the light guide mounting part (23), thereby maintaining airtightness to prevent light leakage, so that the light of the auxiliary brake light (20, 30) can be better transmitted to the image capturing part (40).

[0106] Meanwhile, although FIG. 11 only illustrates the method of mounting on the upper auxiliary brake light (20), the auxiliary light guide device (200a) and the light guide device (100a) can be mounted on the lower auxiliary brake light (30) in the same way, and at this time, a light guide mounting part can be formed on the upper side of the lighting housing (31) of the lower auxiliary brake light (30).

[0107] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a vehicle image capturing system (1000d), wherein in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the light guide device (100g) is formed in the same shape as the auxiliary light guide device (200) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0108] That is, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the light guide device (100g) has a light receiving part (110g), a light emitting part (120g), and a light path part (130g) formed separately. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the upper auxiliary brake light (20) is installed on the exterior rear spoiler (12) of the vehicle (10).

[0109] The light receiving unit (110g) is mounted on one side of the rear spoiler (12) at a position capable of receiving light from the upper auxiliary brake light (20). The light emitting unit (120g) is mounted on the interior rear glass (11) of the vehicle (10) at a position capable of transmitting light to the image capturing unit (40). The light path unit (130g) is formed in the form of an optical fiber, with one side connected to the light receiving unit (110g) and the other side connected to the light emitting unit (120g).

[0110] The light from the upper auxiliary brake light (20) is incident on the light receiving part (110g), travels through the optical fiber-shaped light path part (130g), and is transmitted to the light emitting part (120g). The light emitted from the light emitting part (120g) is captured by the image capturing part (40), allowing the driver to visually check it through the display (401), which is an output means.

[0111] FIG. 13 illustrates the image of the light of the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and the light of the lower auxiliary brake light (30) captured through the vehicle image capturing system (1000) according to the present invention being output through a display (401) which is an output means.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 13, the light from the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and the lower auxiliary brake light (30) is captured through the image capturing unit (40) via the light guide device (100), so that the driver can visually check it through the display (401).

[0113] In particular, the vehicle image shooting system (1000) according to the present invention can capture and record the light of the upper auxiliary brake light (20) and the light of the lower auxiliary brake light (30) transmitted through the light guide device (100) through the image shooting unit (40), thereby enabling the securing of evidence regarding the driver's brake operation in the event of a vehicle accident and the clear determination of the cause of the accident and the responsibility.

[0114]

[0115] In particular, the light guide device according to the present invention can be provided in a form that is integrally formed by being fixed to an image capturing unit mounted on the rear of a vehicle or to a mounting bracket that mounts the image capturing unit to the vehicle.

[0116] In addition, the light guide device according to the present invention may be provided in a form that is detachably configured to be attached to an image capturing unit mounted on the rear of a vehicle or to a mounting bracket for mounting the image capturing unit on the vehicle.

[0117] In addition, the light guide device according to the present invention may be designed by an automobile manufacturer during the vehicle manufacturing stage by combining it with a dedicated mounting part, an optical cable connection part, etc.

[0118] This has the advantage of being able to be combined with an existing dash cam using only the light guide device, even without providing the entire vehicle video recording system according to the present invention.

[0119]

[0120] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms.

[0121] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0122]

[0123] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0124] 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c: Vehicle video recording system

[0125] 10: Vehicle

[0126] 11: Rear glass

[0127] 12: Rear Spoiler

[0128] 20: Upper auxiliary brake light

[0129] 30: Lower auxiliary brake light

[0130] 40: Video Recording Department

[0131] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g: Optical guide device

[0132] 110, 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g: Light receiving part

[0133] 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g: Light-emitting part

[0134] 130, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e, 130f, 130g: Optical guide section

[0135] 140, 140a, 140b: Shading means

[0136] 150: Auxiliary light source

[0137] 200, 200a: Auxiliary light guide device

[0138] 210, 210a: Auxiliary light receiver

[0139] 220, 220a: Auxiliary light-emitting part

[0140] 230, 230a: Auxiliary light guide section

[0141] The vehicle image capturing system according to the present invention can efficiently collect and transmit light from an auxiliary brake light through a light guide device and emit it in a desired direction, so it can be utilized to intuitively display whether the driver is operating the pedal or the vehicle status in automotive dash cams, driving assistance devices, and vehicle interior and exterior display devices.

[0142] In particular, the light guide device simultaneously satisfies optical efficiency and design applicability, making it highly promising for industrial use across the entire optical industry.

Claims

1. An auxiliary brake light that emits light to indicate braking of the vehicle; An image capturing unit mounted to capture the surroundings of the above vehicle; and A vehicle image capturing system characterized by including a light guide device provided between the auxiliary brake light and the image capturing unit, which emits light incident from the auxiliary brake light to the outside so that the image capturing unit can capture images.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above light guide device is, A light receiving part into which light is incident from the above auxiliary brake light; A light-emitting unit that emits light incident on the light-receiving unit so that the above-mentioned image capturing unit can capture it; and A vehicle image capturing system characterized by including a light path section that forms a path through which light incident on the light receiving section can be transmitted to the light emitting section.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above auxiliary brake light further includes a lighting housing for fixing the above auxiliary brake light to the vehicle, and The above light guide device is, A vehicle image capturing system characterized by the light receiving part being fitted and coupled between the lighting housing and the glass window of the vehicle so as to face the interior of the lighting housing.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above lighting housing has a hole formed corresponding to the light receiving part, and The above light guide device is, A vehicle image capturing system characterized by the light receiving part being inserted and coupled into the hole so as to face the interior of the lighting housing.

5. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle image capturing system characterized by further including an auxiliary light guide device provided between the auxiliary brake light and the light guide device, which receives light emitted from the auxiliary brake light and transmits it to a light receiving part of the light guide device.

6. A light receiving part into which light emitted from a light source is incident; A light-emitting unit that emits light incident on the light-receiving unit so that the image capturing unit can capture it; and It includes a light path portion that forms a path through which light incident on the light receiving portion can be transmitted to the light emitting portion, and A light guide device for a vehicle image capturing system, characterized in that the light receiving part, the light emitting part, and the light path part are integrally formed into a single body.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above light receiving unit is, A light guide device for a vehicle image capturing system, characterized in that the surface on which the light is incident is formed as an inclined surface inclined by an angle set with respect to the path on which the light is incident.

8. In Paragraph 6, A light guide device for a vehicle image capturing system, characterized by further including a light-blocking means provided on the side of the light path portion to prevent the light from leaking laterally.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned light-emitting part is, A light guide device for a vehicle image capturing system, characterized by being formed as a plane orthogonal to the above-mentioned light path or as an inclined plane inclined by a set angle.

10. In Paragraph 6, The above optical path section is, A light guide device for a vehicle image capturing system, characterized by further including an auxiliary light-emitting part formed in a shape set in a part area of ​​either the upper or lower surface and configured to emit a portion of light moving toward the light-emitting part to the outside.

Images