Dashcam Event Playback Using Line-of-Sight Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of dashboard cameras often struggle with operating the devices during events like accidents, leading to difficulties in reproducing stored video data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A recording/reproducing device equipped with a captured data acquisition unit, event detection unit, recording control unit, line-of-sight detection unit, and reproduction control unit that automatically stores event data upon detection and reproduces it when the user's line of sight is directed towards the display within a predetermined time post-event.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dashboard camera stores event recording data with manual operation required, then the device can record and store video data effectively, but the user cannot instantly reproduce the video when an event occurs due to complicated operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent recording reliabilityVSAvoidvideo reproduction operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring line-of-sight direction and preparing event recording data for automatic playback. When an event is detected, the system has already positioned the display and prepared the playback mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operation at the critical moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dashboard camera performs self-service by automatically detecting when the user looks at the display and initiating playback without requiring manual button presses or complex operations. The system monitors line-of-sight and autonomously controls the playback sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the dashboard camera requires user awareness and manual operation for video reproduction, then operation control is maintained, but immediate access to event recordings is prevented when users are unaware or unable to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtime to reproduce video
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors line-of-sight direction in advance, so when an event occurs and the user looks at the display, playback can immediately begin without delay for manual operation. The preliminary monitoring eliminates the time loss between event detection and video reproduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the system automatically reproduces video without line-of-sight detection, then immediate playback is achieved, but power consumption increases and unnecessary playback may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo reproduction timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses line-of-sight detection as feedback to determine when automatic playback should be activated. This feedback mechanism ensures playback only occurs when the user is actually looking at the display, preventing unnecessary playback events and reducing power consumption while maintaining quick response when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the dashboard camera uses complex operation procedures for video reproduction, then operation control is precise, but users cannot appropriately reproduce video during events like accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo reproduction reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dashboard camera performs self-service by automatically detecting line-of-sight direction and initiating playback without requiring manual operation. This eliminates complex operation procedures while ensuring reliable video reproduction during critical events, as the system autonomously controls the playback process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3933789B1Recording/reproducing device, recording/reproducing method, and program
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • EP3933789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3933789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A recording/reproducing device (10) includes a captured data acquisition unit (120) that acquires captured data, an event detection unit that detects occurrence of an event on a movable object, a recording control unit (123), a display unit (141) that displays a video contained in event recording data, a line-of-sight detection unit (130), and a reproduction control unit (124). The recording control unit (123) stores, as event recording data, the captured data for a predetermined period from at least part of the captured data on the basis of detection of an event. The line-of-sight detection unit (130) detects that a user's line of sight is pointing towards the display unit (141). The reproduction control unit (124) starts reproduction of the event recording data when it is detected that the user's line of sight is pointing towards the display unit within a predetermined period after detection of the event.