JP2006270175A - System for recording vehicle mounted image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record a useful image efficiently by controlling the image quality in a image recording system being mounted on a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: When an automobile begins to travel, a camera photographs an image while the zoom ratio is adjusted to Z<SB>1</SB>and a photography image is stored in a memory (ring buffer). When the automobile reaches a reference speed of V<SB>1</SB>and that speed V<SB>1</SB>sustains for a predetermined time (T<SB>1</SB>) or longer, zoom ratio of the camera is adjusted to Z<SB>2</SB>. Images for the predetermined time are thereby stored in a memory while adjusting the zoom ratio depending on the speed. Upon recognizing abnormal state, a control section preserves the photography image stored in the memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording system that is mounted on an automobile and photographs the outside of the vehicle.

  There is a drive recorder that mounts a camera on a car to take a picture of the scenery outside the vehicle while driving or in-house, and records the shot image in a memory. Then, after the occurrence of an abnormality such as an accident, the photographed image recorded in the memory is analyzed to investigate the cause of the abnormality including the cause of the accident so that it can be used for safe driving guidance.

  The driving status recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a device in which a camera, a GPS device, or the like is mounted on an automobile and records images taken during traveling, GPS information, and the like. In this apparatus, when the accident detection unit detects an accident, the recording operation by the camera is stopped and the recorded image is immediately transmitted to the operation center.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-298753

  By using the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to confirm a photographed image before the occurrence of the accident, which can be used for investigation of the cause of the accident. In addition, it is possible to make use of it for quick accident processing by quickly sending a photographed image to the operation center.

  However, conventional drive recorders including Patent Document 1 have not been sufficiently studied for the quality of captured images. If there is no restriction on the memory capacity to record, a method of always recording a high-quality image (high resolution, high frame rate) can be considered, but it is always possible to obtain an image with the highest image quality in terms of cost and processing load. The method of continuing to record is not realistic. On the other hand, by reducing the image quality, it is possible to save the memory capacity and reduce the processing load. However, the method of always accumulating images with low image quality may cause problems in analyzing the cause of an accident.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle image recording system capable of efficiently recording a useful image while considering a limitation of memory capacity.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a system that is mounted on an automobile and records a photographed image, and is outputted from the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the photographing means. Storage means for storing the image, speed detection means for detecting the speed of the automobile, abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and control means, the control means comprising the speed detection means Acquiring the speed of the vehicle from the vehicle, and changing the zoom rate of the photographing unit according to the speed of the vehicle, and storing the latest predetermined time image among the images output from the photographing unit in the storage unit. And a means for storing the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the first aspect, the control means increases the zoom rate of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for recording a photographed image mounted on a vehicle, wherein the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means. Speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the automobile, abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and control means, wherein the control means obtains the speed of the automobile from the speed detecting means. And a means for changing the resolution of the photographing means according to the speed of the automobile, and an image for the latest predetermined time among the images outputted from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and the abnormality detecting means Means for storing images for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means when an abnormality is detected.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the third aspect, the control means increases the resolution of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system that is mounted on an automobile and records a photographed image, the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means. Speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the automobile, abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and control means, wherein the control means obtains the speed of the automobile from the speed detecting means. And means for changing a frame rate of the photographing means according to the speed of the automobile, and recording an image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means in the storage means, and the abnormality detecting means Means for storing images for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means when an abnormality is detected.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the fifth aspect, the control means increases the frame rate of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a system that is mounted on an automobile and records a photographed image, the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the storage means for storing the image output from the photographing means. And a brake operation detecting means for detecting a brake operation, an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and a control means, wherein the control means detects the brake operation by the brake operation detecting means. In this case, the means for changing the zoom rate of the photographing means, and the image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means are recorded in the storage means, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, Means for storing images for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the seventh aspect, the control means reduces the zoom ratio of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. It is characterized by making it.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a system that is mounted on an automobile and records a photographed image, the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means. And a brake operation detecting means for detecting a brake operation, an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and a control means, wherein the control means detects the brake operation by the brake operation detecting means. In this case, the means for changing the resolution of the photographing means, and the image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, Means for storing the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the ninth aspect, the control means increases the resolution of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. And

  The invention according to claim 11 is a system mounted on an automobile and recording a photographed image, the photographing means for photographing the outside of the vehicle while the automobile is running, and the storage means for accumulating the image output from the photographing means. And a brake operation detecting means for detecting a brake operation, an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile, and a control means, wherein the control means detects the brake operation by the brake operation detecting means. In this case, when the means for changing the frame rate of the photographing means and the image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means are recorded in the storage means, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, Means for storing images for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle image recording system according to the eleventh aspect, the control means increases the frame rate of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. Features.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the in-vehicle image recording system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the predetermined process after a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality detection unit detected an abnormality. It is characterized by storing images for a time.

  The in-vehicle image recording system of the present invention captures the outside of the vehicle while adjusting the zoom rate of the imaging device in accordance with the vehicle speed, and stores the captured image in a memory for a predetermined time. When an abnormality is detected, the image stored in the memory is saved. For this reason, the image immediately before the abnormality is detected is an image in which the zoom rate is adjusted according to the speed, and is useful information.

  In addition, the in-vehicle image recording system of the present invention captures the outside of the vehicle while adjusting the resolution of the imaging device according to the vehicle speed, and stores the captured image in the memory for a predetermined time. When an abnormality is detected, the image stored in the memory is saved. For this reason, the image immediately before the abnormality is detected is an image whose resolution is adjusted according to the speed, and is useful information.

  Further, the in-vehicle image recording system of the present invention captures the outside of the vehicle while adjusting the frame rate of the imaging device according to the vehicle speed, and stores the captured image in a memory for a predetermined time. When an abnormality is detected, the image stored in the memory is saved. For this reason, the image immediately before the abnormality is detected is an image in which the frame rate is adjusted according to the speed, and is useful information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle image recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the in-vehicle image recording system is mounted on an automobile 10. The in-vehicle image recording system includes a camera 1, an image processing unit 2, a control unit 3, a memory 4, an impact sensor 5, a brake sensor 6, and a speed sensor 7.

  The camera 1 is attached to, for example, an upper part of a dashboard of the automobile 10 or a ceiling part inside the windshield, and can photograph the outside of the automobile 10 on the front side. The image processing unit 2 is a processing unit that performs various types of image processing such as compression processing on the image signal output from the camera 1. The control unit 3 performs shooting control on the camera 1, control on the image processing unit 2, and image signal writing control on the memory 4, and inputs detection information from each of the sensors 5 to 7 and executes processing according to the detection information. To do. Specifically, the control for the camera 1 includes control of the camera 1 such as start and end of shooting, control of the zoom ratio of the camera 1, control of the shooting resolution, control of the frame rate, and the like.

  The impact sensor 5 is means for detecting an abnormality that has occurred in the automobile 10. Here, the abnormality occurring in the automobile 10 includes an accident such as a collision and a rollover and a sudden braking operation. For example, an acceleration sensor can be used as the impact sensor 5. In addition, as a means for detecting an abnormality of the automobile 10, a vibration sensor, a rollover sensor, or the like can be used. The control unit 3 inputs detection information from the impact sensor 5 and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the automobile 10 based on the detection information.

  The brake sensor 6 is a sensor that detects that the driver is performing a brake operation. The brake sensor 6 may output, for example, detection information indicating that the driver's foot is placed on the brake pedal 11, or output a stepping operation amount with respect to the brake pedal 11 as detection information. There may be. The speed sensor 7 is a sensor that detects the speed of the automobile 10.

  The in-vehicle image recording system having the above configuration is mounted on the automobile 10 as shown in FIG. Usually, the camera 1 always captures the scenery outside the running vehicle. Then, various image processing including compression processing is performed on the image signal output from the camera 1 in the image processing unit 2. Then, the control unit 3 stores the image signal after the image processing is performed in the memory 4.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a method of recording a captured image in the memory 4 by the control unit 3. The control unit 3 manages the memory 4 by dividing it into a plurality of block areas A1, A2,. Each block Ak is used as a ring buffer in which a plurality of frame images B1, B2,... Bm are stored as shown in the figure.

  When storing the captured image in the block area Ak, the control unit 3 sequentially stores the frame images output from the camera 1 in the block area Ak as frame images B1, B2,..., And stores the frame image Bm. When the free space in the block area Ak runs out, the frame images are overwritten again in the order of the frame images B1, B2,. In this way, by using the block area Ak as a ring buffer, the latest captured images for a predetermined time are always recorded in the block area Ak. In other words, video from a time that is a predetermined time backward from the present is always stored in the block area Ak. For example, in the block area Ak, videos from one minute before to the present are always updated and recorded.

  When the control unit 3 receives the detection information from the impact sensor 5 and determines that the state is abnormal, the control unit 3 continues to record the frame image on the block area Ak for a predetermined time. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the recording of the captured image in the block area Ak is stopped, and then the recording of the captured image in the block area A (k + 1) is started. The captured image recording process for the block area A (k + 1) is performed using the block area A (k + 1) as a ring buffer in the same manner as for the block area Ak. That is, when the control unit 3 recognizes the abnormal state of the automobile 10, the video before and after the occurrence of the abnormal state is fixed as a saved image (overwriting process is stopped), and the process proceeds to the writing process to the next block area. is there. For example, in the block area Ak, a video for 45 seconds before the occurrence of an abnormality and a video for 15 seconds after the occurrence of the abnormality are recorded.

  As described above, the control unit 3 records the captured image using each block area Ak as a ring buffer, and saves the video recorded in the block area Ak when it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred. It locks as an image, and sequentially records the captured image for the next block area A (k + 1). Then, after the final block area An is locked as a stored image, the captured image is recorded again in the block area A1. That is, the control unit 3 uses each block area Ak as a ring buffer and uses all the blocks A1 to An as ring buffers.

{Embodiment 1}
Next, a first embodiment for recording a photographed image using the in-vehicle image recording system having the above configuration will be described. The in-vehicle image recording system of the first embodiment adjusts the zoom rate of the camera 1 according to the vehicle speed while photographing the situation outside the vehicle while traveling.

  As described above, when traveling, the camera 1 always captures the situation outside the vehicle. During this photographing operation, the control unit 3 inputs the current speed of the automobile 10 detected by the speed sensor 7 and controls the zoom rate of the camera 1 according to the speed. Table 1 shows an example of a rule in which the control unit 3 changes the zoom rate according to the speed. In this example, the zoom rate is adjusted to 50% at a speed of 30 km / h to less than 60 km, the zoom rate is adjusted to 100% at a speed of 60 km / h to less than 90 km, the zoom rate is set to 150% at a speed of 90 km / h to less than 120 km, and 120 km / h or more. The zoom ratio is adjusted to 200%.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the zoom rate is increased as the speed increases. In other words, the shooting field angle of the camera 1 is narrowed as the speed increases, and the shooting field angle is controlled to the wide angle side as the speed decreases. This corresponds to the fact that the driver's line of sight becomes farther as the speed increases during driving of the automobile. Further, when the speed is low, the driver is based on a tendency to observe a wide-angle area around the automobile. In this way, by adjusting the zoom rate (angle of view) according to the driver's line of sight, it is possible to record the video corresponding to the driver's line of sight with high quality immediately before an abnormal state occurs. It is possible to record the situation that caused the occurrence of the abnormal state or the situation that affected the driver as a clear image.

  However, the rule shown in Table 1 showing the relationship between the speed and the zoom ratio is an example, and the rule may be adjusted as appropriate according to the purpose of analyzing the captured image. Contrary to what is shown in Table 1, it may be controlled at a wide angle at high speed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 3 changes the zoom rate according to the rules in Table 1 only when a speed equal to or higher than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time. In the illustrated example, the zoom ratio Z ₁ with respect to less than the speed V ₁ is shows a case where the zoom ratio Z ₂ is associated with respect to the speed V ₁ or more. First, although the vehicle speed starts from 0, when the speed is less than V ₁ , the zoom ratio Z ₁ is maintained. Even when the speed reaches V ₁ , the zoom ratio Z ₁ is maintained, and the zoom ratio is adjusted to Z ₂ from the time when the speed V ₁ continues for T ₁ time. Alternatively, the zoom rate is adjusted to Z ₂ from the time when the state where the speed is V ₁ or more continues for T ₁ time.

  Describing in correspondence with the rules in Table 1, it is assumed that the speed of the automobile 10 increases and reaches 60 km / h while traveling at a speed of 30 km / h or more and less than 60 km and the zoom rate is set to 50%. Then, when the state of 60 km / h or more continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds or more), the zoom rate is adjusted to 100%. As described above, only when the speed equal to or higher than the reference speed has continued for a predetermined time, the zoom ratio is adjusted so that the zoom ratio is not changed in small increments according to the small change in speed. That is, if the zoom rate is changed in small increments according to small changes in speed, the zoom rate of the captured image changes in small increments, so that the reference is deteriorated when viewing the image. Further, in order to change the zoom rate of the camera 1 in small increments, mechanical control is prevented from frequently occurring. The same applies to deceleration. When the vehicle 10 decelerates, the zoom rate is not reduced immediately, but the zoom rate may be controlled to decrease when a speed equal to or lower than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the camera 1 captures an image while changing the zoom rate according to the speed, and the captured image is stored in the memory 4. Thereby, when the control unit 3 recognizes the abnormal state and the captured image is locked as the stored image, a useful captured image is stored. For example, the driver's line of sight is facing away when driving at high speed, but the image that is ahead of the driver's line of sight when driving at high speed is clearly recorded because the zoom ratio of the camera 1 is adjusted to be high. It is possible. In addition, when driving at low speed, the driver's line of sight is directed to an area relatively close to the automobile, so that the wide-angle area around the automobile can be recorded as an image by adjusting the camera 1 to the wide-angle side. is there.

{Embodiment 2}
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the resolution of the camera 1 is adjusted according to the vehicle speed. As described above, when traveling, the camera 1 always captures the situation outside the vehicle. During this photographing operation, the control unit 3 inputs the current speed of the automobile 10 detected by the speed sensor 7 and controls the resolution of the camera 1 according to the speed. Table 2 shows an example of a rule for the control unit 3 to change the zoom rate according to the speed. In this example, the resolution is adjusted to 320 dots × 240 dots at a speed of less than 60 km / h, and the resolution is adjusted to 640 dots × 480 dots at a speed of 60 km / h or more.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the resolution is increased as the speed increases. This is because it is difficult to recognize obstacles or distant objects that cause accidents or cause abnormal states in low-resolution images because the speed at which the surrounding objects pass during high-speed driving increases. Because it becomes. In this way, by adjusting the resolution according to the speed, even when the vehicle is traveling at high speed immediately before the occurrence of an abnormal state, a high-resolution image is recorded, which can be used to investigate the cause of the abnormality. Is possible. On the other hand, when traveling at low speed, a captured image with a relatively low resolution is sufficient, and memory capacity can be saved.

  However, the rule shown in Table 2 showing the relationship between the speed and the resolution is an example, and the rule may be appropriately adjusted according to the purpose of analyzing the captured image. Depending on the purpose, contrary to that shown in Table 2, it may be controlled to the high resolution side at a low speed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 3 changes the zoom rate according to the rules in Table 2 only when a speed equal to or higher than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time. In the illustrated example, the resolution R ₁ is less than the speed V ₂ is the resolution R ₂ is associated at a speed V ₂ or more. However, the resolution R ₁ is maintained even when the speed reaches V ₂ , and the resolution is adjusted to R ₂ from the time when the speed V ₂ continues for T ₂ hours. Alternatively, the resolution is adjusted to R ₂ from the time point when the state where the speed is V ₂ or more continues for T ₂ hours. Explaining in correspondence with the rules in Table 2, it is assumed that the speed of the automobile 10 increases and reaches 60 km / h while traveling under the condition that the speed is less than 60 km / h and the resolution is set to 320 dots × 240 dots. Even in this case, the resolution is not adjusted immediately, and the resolution is adjusted to 640 dots × 480 dots when the state of 60 km / h or more continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds or more).

  As described above, only when the speed equal to or higher than the reference speed is continued for a predetermined time, the resolution is adjusted so that the control is not performed to change the resolution in small increments according to the fine change in the speed. In other words, if the resolution is changed in small increments according to the small change in speed, the resolution of the captured image changes in small increments, so that the image reference becomes worse. The same applies to deceleration. When the automobile 10 decelerates, the resolution is not immediately reduced, but may be controlled so that the resolution is reduced when a speed equal to or lower than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the camera 1 captures an image while changing the resolution according to the speed, and the captured image is stored in the memory 4. Thereby, when the control unit 3 recognizes the abnormal state and the captured image is locked as the stored image, a useful captured image is stored. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the resolution of the camera 1 is adjusted to be high, so that even when traveling at high speed, a clear image of the surrounding situation is recorded and detailed analysis is possible. Further, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, it is possible to save memory by adjusting the resolution to be low.

{Third embodiment}
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the frame rate of the camera 1 is adjusted according to the vehicle speed. As described above, when traveling, the camera 1 always captures the situation outside the vehicle. During the photographing operation, the control unit 3 inputs the current speed of the automobile 10 detected by the speed sensor 7 and controls the frame rate of the camera 1 according to the speed. Table 3 shows an example of a rule in which the control unit 3 changes the frame rate according to the speed. In this example, the frame rate is adjusted to 10 fps (frame per second) at a speed of 30 km / h to less than 60 km, adjusted to 20 fps at a speed of 60 km / h to less than 90 km, and adjusted to 30 fps at a speed of 90 km / h or more.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the frame rate is increased as the speed increases. This is because it is difficult to recognize obstacles or distant objects that cause accidents or cause abnormal states in low-frame-rate images because the speed at which surrounding objects pass during high-speed driving increases. Because it becomes. In this way, by adjusting the frame rate according to the speed, even when the vehicle is traveling at high speed immediately before the occurrence of an abnormal state, an image with a high frame rate is recorded, which is useful for investigating the cause of the abnormality. It is possible. On the contrary, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, a captured image with a relatively low frame rate is sufficient, and it is possible to save memory capacity.

  For example, since 30 km / h is about 8 m / s, when the frame rate is 10 fps, an image is recorded every time the automobile 10 moves 0.8 m. If an image is recorded at 10 fps even at 90 km / h, the image is recorded every time the car moves 2.4 m, the time interval of the image becomes very wide, and the quality of the information obtained decreases. . Therefore, by controlling the frame rate as shown in Table 3, a useful image is recorded even at high speed.

  However, the rule shown in Table 3 showing the relationship between the speed and the frame rate is an example, and the rule may be appropriately adjusted according to the purpose of analyzing the captured image. Depending on the purpose, the frame rate may be controlled to be higher at low speeds, contrary to the one shown in Table 3.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 3 changes the frame rate according to the rules in Table 3 only when a speed equal to or higher than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time. In the illustrated example, the frame rate F ₁ is relative lower than the speed V _3, the frame rate F ₂ is associated at the speed V ₃ or greater. However, even when the speed reaches V ₃ , the frame rate is not adjusted immediately, and the frame rate is adjusted to F ₂ from the time when the speed V ₃ continues for T ₃ time. Alternatively, the frame rate is adjusted to F ₂ from the time when the state where the speed is V ₃ or more continues for T ₃ hours. Explaining in correspondence with the rules in Table 3, it is assumed that the speed of the automobile 10 increases and reaches 60 km / h while traveling at a frame rate of 10 fps at 30 km / h or more and less than 60 km / h. Even in this case, the frame rate is not adjusted immediately, and the frame rate is adjusted to 20 fps when the state of 60 km / h or more continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds or more).

  As described above, only when the speed equal to or higher than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time, the frame rate is adjusted so that the control of changing the frame rate in small increments according to the fine change of the speed is not performed. In other words, if the frame rate is changed in small increments according to the small change in speed, the frame rate of the captured image changes in small increments, so that the image reference becomes worse. The same applies to deceleration. When the vehicle 10 decelerates, the frame rate may not be immediately reduced, but may be controlled so as to decrease the frame rate when a speed equal to or lower than the reference speed continues for a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the camera 1 captures an image while changing the frame rate according to the speed, and the captured image is stored in the memory 4. Thereby, when the control unit 3 recognizes the abnormal state and the captured image is locked as the stored image, a useful captured image is stored. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the frame rate of the camera 1 is adjusted to be high, so that it is possible to analyze the detailed situation of the surrounding video even during traveling at high speed. Further, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, it is possible to save memory by adjusting the frame rate to be low.

{Fourth embodiment}
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the zoom rate, resolution, and frame rate are adjusted according to the brake operation. As described above, when traveling, the camera 1 always captures the situation outside the vehicle. During this photographing operation, the control unit 3 inputs information detected by the brake sensor 6 and recognizes that the brake operation has been performed, thereby changing the zoom rate, resolution, and frame rate.

  Specifically, when recognizing that the brake operation has been performed, the control unit 3 adjusts the zoom rate to the wide angle side, adjusts the resolution to the high resolution side, and adjusts the frame rate to the high frame rate side. When an abnormal state occurs, it is highly likely that the driver is operating the brake immediately before that. Therefore, when a brake operation is performed, control is performed so that the quality of the recorded image is increased by increasing the resolution or increasing the frame rate. Thereby, if the control unit 3 recognizes the abnormal state and uses the captured image as a stored image, a detailed image for investigating the cause of the abnormality is recorded. In addition, the driver's line of sight observing a distance when traveling tends to move closer to the distance side in accordance with the brake operation. Therefore, when a brake operation is performed, the zoom rate is reduced, that is, the image is matched to the driver's field of view by controlling to the wide angle side. As a result, if the controller 3 recognizes the abnormal state and uses the captured image as a stored image, the video immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is a wide-angle video that matches the driver's line of sight. Useful information to investigate.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the zoom rate controlled by the control unit 3 and the brake operation. While traveling at the speed V ₄ , the zoom factor is adjusted to Z ₃ . Then, to reduce the zoom ratio at the start of the braking operation, i.e., controls the wide-angle side, eventually zoom ratio is controlled to be Z _4. In this example, the zoom factor is adjusted to be smaller by one step from Z ₃ to Z _4. However, the zoom factor may be changed to be smaller through a plurality of steps while the brake operation is being performed. Good. Similarly, the resolution and the frame rate are adjusted with the start of the brake operation. However, the resolution and the frame rate are adjusted to the high resolution and the high frame rate, respectively, together with the brake operation.

  In this embodiment, the zoom ratio is decreased and the resolution and the frame rate are increased in accordance with the brake operation. However, this is an example, and the control method may be freely changed according to the purpose. For example, the zoom rate may be adjusted to be higher or the resolution and the frame rate may be reduced in accordance with the brake operation.

{Other embodiments}
According to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the control unit 3 stores the images before and after the occurrence of the abnormal state in the memory 4 after recognizing the abnormal state. Then, the cause of the abnormal state including the accident is analyzed by playing back the video stored in the memory 4 and displaying it on the display later.

  When displaying a captured image on a display, as shown in the first embodiment, if the zoom rate (viewing angle) changes according to the speed, it is difficult to grasp the sense of speed from the video. is there. That is, even if the vehicle is actually traveling at high speed, it is difficult to obtain a sense of high speed from the video when the zoom ratio is high. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when displaying an image on the display, the distance index RL is displayed in an overlapping manner. FIG. 8 shows a case where the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, and shows that the index RL is displayed at a position of 20 m and a position of 40 m. FIG. 9 shows a case where the vehicle is traveling at high speed, and indicators RL are displayed at a position of 50 m and a position of 100 m. By displaying such an index RL, it is possible to give the observer a sense of speed that is difficult to grasp with only the video.

  In the fourth embodiment, the zoom rate and the like are adjusted according to the brake operation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, during the period in which the brake operation is performed, the symbol SD indicating that the brake is operated is displayed on the video to be reproduced. In FIG. 8, the letter “B” indicating the brake is displayed as the symbol SD. Thereby, when analyzing the video, it is possible to confirm whether or not the brake operation is performed, and it is possible to make use for investigation of the cause of the abnormal state.

  In order to display the index RL and the symbol SD, information on the speed linked to the recorded video and information on the brake operation are necessary. Therefore, in order to display the index RL, the control unit 3 records speed information in the memory 4 together with the captured image. In order to display the symbol SD, the control unit 3 records information related to the brake operation together with the captured image.

  In the first to third embodiments, the image recording system for adjusting the zoom rate, the image recording system for adjusting the resolution, and the image recording system for adjusting the frame rate are individually described. However, these elements may be controlled in combination. For example, as the speed increases, the zoom rate may be increased and adjusted to a higher resolution and a higher frame rate. Furthermore, you may make it combine operation linked with the brake operation shown in 4th Embodiment.

It is a block diagram of a vehicle-mounted image recording system. It is a block diagram of the vehicle-mounted image recording system mounted in the motor vehicle. It is a figure which shows notionally the recording system of the image with respect to memory. It is a figure which shows the relationship between speed and a zoom rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between speed and resolution. It is a figure which shows the relationship between speed and a frame rate. It is a figure which shows the relationship between brake operation and a zoom rate. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the picked-up image at the time of low speed driving | running | working. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the picked-up image at the time of high speed driving | running | working.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 2 Image processing part 3 Control part 4 Memory 5 Impact sensor 6 Brake sensor 7 Speed sensor

Claims (13)

A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the automobile;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for acquiring the speed of the vehicle from the speed detection means, and changing the zoom rate of the photographing means according to the speed of the car;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: The in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 1,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means increases the zoom rate of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases. A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the automobile;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for acquiring the speed of the vehicle from the speed detection means and changing the resolution of the photographing means in accordance with the speed of the car;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: The in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 3,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means increases the resolution of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases. A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the automobile;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for acquiring the speed of the vehicle from the speed detection means, and changing a frame rate of the photographing means according to the speed of the automobile;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: The in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 5,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means increases the frame rate of the photographing means as the speed of the automobile increases. A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Brake operation detecting means for detecting the brake operation;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for changing the zoom ratio of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: In the in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 7,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means reduces the zoom rate of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Brake operation detecting means for detecting the brake operation;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for changing the resolution of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: The in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 9,
The vehicle-mounted image recording system, wherein the control means increases the resolution of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. A system that is mounted on a car and records captured images,
Photographing means for photographing outside the vehicle while the vehicle is running;
Storage means for accumulating images output from the photographing means;
Brake operation detecting means for detecting the brake operation;
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the automobile;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
Means for changing a frame rate of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation;
The image for the latest predetermined time among the images output from the photographing means is recorded in the storage means, and when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the image for the predetermined time recorded in the storage means Means for storing
A vehicle-mounted image recording system comprising: The in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 11,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means increases the frame rate of the photographing means when the brake operation detecting means detects the brake operation. The in-vehicle image recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the control means stores the image for the predetermined time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality detection means detected the abnormality.

Images