JP7528672B2 - Vehicle recording control device, vehicle recording device, and vehicle recording control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a recording control device for a vehicle, a recording device for a vehicle, and a recording control method for a vehicle.

When a vehicle accident occurs, a technology is known that uses a small number of imaging means installed in the vehicle to change the imaging range between inside and outside the vehicle and record vehicle driving information before and after the accident and accident damage information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, when an accident occurs and an impact detection signal is input to a single-axis CCD camera that rotates horizontally, the CCD camera instantly reverses to face inward toward the vehicle, and a set number of images toward the inside of the vehicle are captured and recorded.

JP 2002-293271 A

In recent years, two rotating cameras have been installed at the front and rear of vehicles. It is desirable to use these two rotating cameras so that when one camera rotates, the other camera can record the blind spot of the other camera.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to be able to properly record the situation in the blind spot of one camera when the other camera is rotating.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the vehicle recording control device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a video data acquisition unit that acquires video data captured by a first camera and a second camera that can capture different directions of a vehicle; a camera rotation detection unit that detects a rotation operation of the first camera; a recording control unit that records camera rotation record data that causes the second camera to capture video in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera when the camera rotation detection unit detects the rotation operation of the first camera, and stops recording the camera rotation record data when the rotation operation of the first camera ends and returns to a state of capturing the original direction; and a rotation operation control unit that automatically rotates the second camera to a complementary direction outside the angle of view of the first camera when the camera rotation detection unit detects the rotation operation of the first camera, and automatically returns the second camera to a state of capturing the original direction when the rotation operation of the first camera ends and returns to a state of capturing the original direction.

The vehicle recording device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises the above-mentioned vehicle recording control device, a first camera that captures images in front of the vehicle, a second camera that captures images in the rear of the vehicle, and at least one of a recording unit that records recording data when the cameras are rotated, and a rotation unit that rotates each of the first camera or the second camera on a plane that intersects with the vertical direction.

The vehicle recording control method according to the present invention includes the steps of detecting a rotational movement of a first camera, recording camera rotation record data for causing the second camera to capture an image in a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera when the rotational movement of the first camera is detected, automatically rotating the second camera in a complementary direction in a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera when the rotational movement of the first camera is detected, stopping the recording of the camera rotation record data when the rotational movement of the first camera ends and returns to a state in which the original direction is captured, and automatically returning the second camera to a state in which the original direction is captured when the rotational movement of the first camera ends and returns to a state in which the original direction is captured.

The present invention has the effect of being able to properly record the situation in the blind spot of one camera when the other camera is rotating.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle-mounted recording device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the vehicle recording control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the control during asymmetric normal driving by the rotational motion control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the angles of view overlap each other within a predetermined range in symmetric control by the rotational motion control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an automatic complementary rotation state of the second camera in the target control of the rotation operation control section according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the vehicle recording control device according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the angles of view approach each other within a predetermined range in symmetric control by the rotational operation control unit according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an automatic complementary rotation state of the second camera in the target control of the rotation operation control section according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of a vehicle recording control device, a vehicle recording device, a vehicle recording control method, and a program according to the present invention are described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[First embodiment]
<Configuration of Vehicle Recording Device 10>
1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle recording device 10 according to a first embodiment. When the vehicle recording device 10 detects rotation of the first camera 200, the vehicle recording device 10 rotates the second camera 210 in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200, and records recording data at the time of camera rotation based on the video data of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210.

The vehicle recording device 10 is a so-called drive recorder. In addition to being installed in the vehicle, the vehicle recording device 10 may be a portable device that can be used in the vehicle. The vehicle recording device 10 includes a first camera 200, a second camera 210, a microphone 220, a recording unit 230, an operation unit 240, a display unit 250, a speaker 260, an acceleration sensor 270, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 280, a rotation unit 290, and a vehicle recording control device 100.

The first camera 200 is a camera that captures the view in front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first camera 200 is described using a single camera facing one direction in front of the vehicle, but a group of multiple cameras may be used. The first camera 200 is arranged, for example, at a position in the front of the vehicle interior where it can capture the view in front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first camera 200 captures video continuously while the accessory power of the vehicle is ON. When the accessory power is OFF, in other words, while the vehicle is parked, the first camera 200 may have a parking monitoring mode in which an event for the vehicle is detected by an arbitrary sensor and video capture is started upon detection, or the first camera 200 may capture video continuously as long as there is a margin in the operating power supply. The first camera 200 outputs the captured video data to the video data acquisition unit 120 of the vehicle recording control device 100. The video data is, for example, a moving image composed of images of 30 frames per second.

The second camera 210 is a camera that captures the rear of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the second camera 210 is described using a single camera facing one direction toward the rear of the vehicle, but a group of multiple cameras may be used. The second camera 210 is arranged, for example, at a position in the rear of the vehicle interior where it can capture the rear of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the second camera 210 captures video continuously while the accessory power of the vehicle is ON. When the accessory power is OFF, in other words, while the vehicle is parked, the second camera 210 may have a parking monitoring mode in which an event for the vehicle is detected by an arbitrary sensor and video capture is started upon detection, or the camera may capture video continuously while there is a margin in the operating power supply. A detailed description of the parking monitoring mode will be omitted, but the parking monitoring mode may be one in which an arbitrary sensor, the first camera 200, and the second camera 210 operate in cooperation with each other. The second camera 210 outputs the captured video data to the video data acquisition unit 120 of the vehicle recording control device 100. The video data is, for example, a moving image consisting of 30 frames per second.

The microphone 220 picks up audio data of the sound inside the vehicle cabin. For example, the microphone 220 is disposed inside a housing constituting the vehicle recording device 10. The microphone 220 may also be disposed near a display unit (not shown) of another in-vehicle navigation system. The microphone 220 outputs the picked-up audio data from inside the vehicle cabin to the audio data acquisition unit 121.

Here, the vehicle recording device 10 may be equipped with a second microphone (not shown) that acquires audio data of audio outside the vehicle cabin. A plurality of second microphones may be arranged. For example, the second microphone may be arranged near the driver's door mirror, near the driver's door, on the front bumper of the vehicle, or on the front grille of the vehicle. The second microphone may output the collected outside-vehicle audio data to the audio data acquisition unit 121.

The recording unit 230 is used for temporary storage of data in the vehicle recording device 10. The recording unit 230 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a memory card. The recording unit 230 may also be an external recording unit that is wirelessly connected via a communication device (not shown). The recording unit 230 records event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data based on a control signal output from the recording control unit 124 of the vehicle recording control device 100.

The operation unit 240 can accept various operations on the vehicle recording device 10. For example, the operation unit 240 can accept an operation to manually record the captured video data in the recording unit 230. For example, the operation unit 240 can accept an operation to play the event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation time recording data recorded in the recording unit 230. For example, the operation unit 240 can accept an operation to erase the event recording data or camera rotation time recording data recorded in the recording unit 230. For example, the operation unit 240 can accept an operation to end loop recording. The operation unit 240 outputs operation information to the operation control unit 126 of the vehicle recording control device 100.

The display unit 250 is, for example, a display device specific to the vehicle recording device 10, or a display device shared with other systems including a navigation system. The display unit 250 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 250 displays an image based on a video signal output from the display control unit 127 of the vehicle recording control device 100. The display unit 250 displays an image captured by the first camera 200, an image captured by the second camera 210, or an image recorded in the recording unit 230.

The speaker 260 is, for example, an audio output device specific to the vehicle recording device 10, or an audio output device shared with other systems including a navigation system. The speaker 260 outputs audio based on an audio signal output from the audio output control unit 128 of the vehicle recording control device 100. The speaker 260 outputs audio from within the vehicle cabin acquired using the microphone 220, or audio from outside the vehicle cabin acquired using a second microphone.

The acceleration sensor 270 is a sensor that detects acceleration applied to the vehicle. The acceleration sensor 270 outputs the detection result to the event detection unit 129 of the vehicle recording control device 100. The acceleration sensor 270 is a sensor that detects acceleration in, for example, three axial directions. The three axial directions are the forward/backward, left/right, and up/down directions of the vehicle. Impacts on the vehicle can be detected by the acceleration in the three axial directions.

The GPS receiver 280 receives radio waves from GPS satellites (not shown). The GPS receiver 280 outputs the received radio wave signal to the location information acquisition unit 130 of the vehicle recording control device 100.

The rotation unit 290 receives a rotation signal from the rotation operation control unit 132 and automatically rotates the first camera 200 or the second camera 210. Here, the rotation unit 290 automatically rotates the first camera 200 or the second camera 210 in the left-right direction, which is the horizontal direction. However, this is not limited to this. The rotation unit 290 may rotate the first camera 200 or the second camera 210 in the up-down direction. In particular, the rotation unit 290 may rotate the first camera 200 or the second camera 210 on a plane that intersects with the vertical direction. The first camera 200 or the second camera 210 may be rotatable by manual operation, regardless of the rotation signal from the rotation operation control unit 132.

The rotation unit 290 transmits a rotation operation signal of each of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 to the camera rotation detection unit 131. Here, the first camera 200 receives a rotation signal from the rotation operation control unit 132 and rotates automatically by the rotation unit 290. However, this is not limited to this. The first camera 200 may be rotated manually by the driver using the rotation unit 290. Note that in the embodiment, the second camera 210 is described as being automatically rotatable using the rotation unit 290 and is not manually rotated by the driver.

<Configuration of the vehicle recording control device 100>
The vehicle record control device 100 is an arithmetic processing device (control device) constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The vehicle record control device 100 loads a stored program into memory and executes instructions contained in the program. The vehicle record control device 100 includes an internal memory (not shown) that is used for temporary storage of data in the vehicle record control device 100.

The vehicle recording control device 100 has a video data acquisition unit 120, an audio data acquisition unit 121, a buffer memory 122, a video data processing unit 123, a recording control unit 124, a playback control unit 125, an operation control unit 126, a display control unit 127, an audio output control unit 128, an event detection unit 129, a position information acquisition unit 130, a camera rotation detection unit 131, and a rotation operation control unit 132, all of which are connected to the bus 110.

The video data acquisition unit 120 acquires video data captured around the vehicle. More specifically, the video data acquisition unit 120 acquires the video data output by the first camera 200 and the second camera 210, and outputs the data to the buffer memory 122.

The voice data acquisition unit 121 acquires voice data, which is voice within the vehicle cabin. The voice data acquisition unit 121 acquires outside-vehicle voice data, which is voice outside the vehicle cabin. More specifically, the voice data acquisition unit 121 acquires inside-vehicle voice data and outside-vehicle voice data from the microphone 220 and the second microphone, and outputs them to the buffer memory 122.

The buffer memory 122 is an internal memory provided in the vehicle recording control device 100, and is a memory that temporarily stores a certain amount of video data acquired by the video data acquisition unit 120 while updating the data. The buffer memory 122 is a memory that temporarily stores a certain amount of audio data acquired by the audio data acquisition unit 121 while updating the data.

The video data processing unit 123 converts the video data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 122 into an arbitrary file format, such as MP4 format, encoded with an arbitrary codec, such as H.264 or MPEG-4 (Moving Picture Experts Group). The video data processing unit 123 generates video data as a file for a certain period of time from the video data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 122. As a specific example, the video data processing unit 123 generates 60 seconds of video data as one file in the order of recording from the video data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 122. The video data processing unit 123 outputs the generated video data to the recording control unit 124. The video data processing unit 123 also outputs the generated video data to the display control unit 127. The period of the video data generated as a file is set to 60 seconds as an example, but is not limited to this. The video data referred to here may be data that includes not only the video captured by the first camera 200, but also the video captured by the second camera 210 and the audio picked up by the microphone 220.

The recording control unit 124 controls the recording unit 230 to record the video data filed by the video data processing unit 123. During the period when loop recording processing is being performed, such as when the vehicle's accessory power is ON, the recording control unit 124 records the video data filed by the video data processing unit 123 in the recording unit 230 as overwritable loop recording data. More specifically, during the period when loop recording processing is being performed, the recording control unit 124 continues to record the video data generated by the video data processing unit 123 in the recording unit 230, and when the capacity of the recording unit 230 becomes full, it overwrites the oldest video data with new video data and records it.

When the event detection unit 129 detects an event for the vehicle, the recording control unit 124 records non-overwritable event recording data based on the video data and the audio data inside the vehicle cabin in the recording unit 230. Note that the recording control unit 124 may record non-overwritable event recording data based on the audio data outside the vehicle cabin in addition to the video data and the audio data inside the vehicle cabin.

Furthermore, when the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation of the first camera 200, the recording control unit 124 records camera rotation record data based on the video data. The camera rotation record data is generated by having the second camera 210 capture video in a blind spot outside the field of view of the first camera 200. The camera rotation record data also includes video captured by the first camera 200. Note that the recording control unit 124 may record camera rotation record data based on outside cabin audio data in addition to the video data.

The playback control unit 125 plays the selected event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data. The playback control unit 125 controls the playback of the event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data recorded in the recording unit 230 based on the control signals of the selection operation and playback operation output from the operation control unit 126.

The operation control unit 126 acquires operation information of the operation accepted by the operation unit 240. For example, the operation control unit 126 acquires save operation information indicating a manual save operation of video data, selection operation information indicating a selection operation of video data, playback operation information indicating a playback operation of video data, or delete operation information indicating a delete operation of video data, and outputs a control signal. For example, the operation control unit 126 acquires end operation information indicating an operation to end loop recording, and outputs a control signal.

The display control unit 127 controls the display of video data on the display unit 250 based on a control signal from the playback control unit 125. The display control unit 127 outputs a video signal that causes the video data to be output to the display unit 250. More specifically, the display control unit 127 causes the display unit 250 to display the video captured by the first camera 200, the video captured by the second camera 210, or the event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data recorded in the recording unit 230 that is played back by the playback control unit 125.

The audio output control unit 128 outputs an audio signal that causes audio data corresponding to the selected event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data to be output from the speaker 260. Based on the control signal of the selection operation and the playback operation output from the operation control unit 126, the audio output control unit 128 outputs an audio signal that causes audio data corresponding to the event recording data, loop recording data, or camera rotation recording data recorded in the recording unit 230 to be output from the speaker 260.

The event detection unit 129 detects an event for the vehicle. The method by which the event detection unit 129 detects an event for the vehicle is arbitrary, but for example, an event detected by an arbitrary sensor. As an example, the event detection unit 129 detects an event based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 270. In this case, the event detection unit 129 detects an event when acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is detected by the acceleration sensor 270. The acceleration detected by the event detection unit 129 as an event is set to a threshold value that allows detection of an impact on the vehicle, such as a collision accident.

The position information acquisition unit 130 calculates the current position information of the vehicle using a known method based on the radio waves received by the GPS receiving unit 280. When the event detection unit 129 detects an event, the position information calculated by the position information acquisition unit 130 is recorded together with the event recording data. When the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation of the first camera 200, the position information calculated by the position information acquisition unit 130 is recorded together with the camera rotation recording data.

The camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation state of each of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210. The method by which the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation state of each of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 is arbitrary, but as an example, the rotation state of each of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 is detected based on detecting the relative rotational position between the first camera 200 or the second camera 210 and the main body of the vehicle recording device 10 using an encoder built into the rotation unit 290.

The rotation operation control unit 132 controls the rotation unit 290 that rotates the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 of the vehicle recording device 10. In this embodiment, the rotation operation control unit 132 outputs a rotation signal to the rotation unit 290 of the first camera 200 or the second camera 210, and rotates the rotation unit 290.

Specifically, when the driver instructs the first camera 200 to rotate, the rotation operation control unit 132 rotates the first camera 200 to the side of the driver or toward the rear of the vehicle. When the driver's operation to instruct the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is completed, the rotation operation control unit 132 rotates the first camera 200 back toward the front.

When the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects a rotation operation of the first camera 200, the rotation operation control unit 132 automatically rotates the second camera 210 to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. When the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the rotation operation of the first camera has ended and the camera has returned to its original state of photographing the front, the rotation operation control unit 132 rotates the second camera 210 to automatically return to its original state of photographing the rear of the vehicle.

Here, the rotation operation control unit 132 rotates the second camera 210 in the same phase direction relative to the first camera 200. The rotation operation control unit 132 outputs a rotation signal to the rotation unit 290 of the first camera 200 or the second camera 210, and rotates each of the first camera 200 or the second camera 210 on a plane intersecting with the vertical direction. Note that the plane intersecting with the vertical direction is mainly a horizontal plane, but may also be an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

<Information processing in the vehicle recording control device 100>
Next, the process flow in the vehicle record control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the process flow in the vehicle record control device 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, the case of performing loop recording process for detecting first camera rotation will be described. Detection of other events during the loop recording process is a well-known technique, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle record control device 100 starts the first camera rotation detection and loop recording (step S101). The vehicle record control device 100 generates loop record data for each video of a predetermined period from the video data stored in the buffer memory 122 by the video data processing unit 123. The vehicle record control device 100 causes the recording control unit 124 to record the loop record data in the recording unit 230. The vehicle record control device 100 proceeds to step S102. The data to be loop recorded is the video data captured by the first camera 200 and the second camera 210. In addition to the video data, audio data may also be included. In addition to the video data, outside vehicle audio data captured by the second microphone is included, but the audio data inside the vehicle cabin captured by the microphone 220 may not be included in the loop recording from the viewpoint of privacy.

The vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation of the first camera 200 (step S102). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 detects the rotation of the first camera by the camera rotation detection unit 131, when the driver issues a command to rotate the first camera 200 to the rotation control unit 132 and the rotation unit 290 rotates the first camera 200. If the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation of the first camera 200 (Yes in step S102), the vehicle record control device 100 proceeds to step S103. If the camera rotation detection unit 131 does not detect the rotation of the first camera 200 (No in step S102), the vehicle record control device 100 proceeds to step S108.

When the rotation of the first camera 200 is detected (Yes in step S102), the vehicle record control device 100 records the camera rotation record data based on the video data captured by the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 (step S103). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 generates the video data for the period from the detection of the rotation of the first camera 200 to the end of the rotation of the first camera 200 as the camera rotation record data from the loop recorded video data recorded in the recording unit 230 by the video data processing unit 123. Here, the process of step S103 starts when the result of step S102 becomes Yes, and is executed until the end of the process of step S107. In other words, the camera rotation record data is image data when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 are rotated. The vehicle record control device 100 records the camera rotation record data in the recording unit 230 by the recording control unit 124. The vehicle recording control device 100 proceeds to step S104.

The vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range (step S104). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 first detects, by the camera rotation detection unit 131, a first camera rotation state in which the driver issues a rotation instruction to the rotation operation control unit 132 to rotate the first camera 200 and the rotation unit 290 rotates the first camera 200. Next, the vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the first camera 200 rotated based on the driver's rotation instruction and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range. If the camera rotation detection unit 131 of the vehicle record control device 100 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range (Yes in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. If the camera rotation detection unit 131 of the vehicle record control device 100 does not detect that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range (No in step S104), the process proceeds to step S106.

Here, the control during normal driving that is not related to the rotational operation of the rotational operation control unit 132 and the camera rotation detection unit 131 will be described below. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the control during normal driving that is not related to the rotational operation of the rotational operation control unit 132 and the camera rotation detection unit 131 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the first camera 200 is placed in a position in the front of the cabin of the vehicle A where it can capture an image of the front of the vehicle A, and has a viewing angle W1 facing the front of the vehicle A. The second camera 210 is placed in a position in the rear of the cabin of the vehicle A where it can capture an image of the rear of the vehicle A, and has a viewing angle W2 facing the rear of the vehicle A.

Next, a state in which the angles of view of the rotation control unit 132 and the camera rotation detection unit 131 overlap within a predetermined range in the control related to the rotation operation of the rotation control unit 132 and the camera rotation detection unit 131 according to the first embodiment are overlapped within a predetermined range. As shown in FIG. 4, when a person P1 approaches the vehicle A, the driver instructs the rotation control unit 132 to rotate the first camera 200. Then, when the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected, the vehicle recording control device 100 instructs the rotation unit 290 to rotate a rotation signal by the rotation control unit 132, and rotates the first camera 200 clockwise as viewed from above on a horizontal plane toward the side where the person P1 is present as shown by the arrow in the figure. The first camera 200 faces the side of the vehicle A and has a viewing angle W3 for photographing the person P1 facing the side of the vehicle A. At this time, the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range θ (≧θ0).

When it is detected that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range (Yes in step S104), the vehicle record control device 100 automatically rotates the second camera 210 to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200 by the rotation operation control unit 132 (step S105). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 issues a rotation signal to the rotation unit 290 by the rotation operation control unit 132, and automatically rotates the second camera 210 to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200 on a horizontal plane.

Next, the automatic complementary rotation state of the second camera 210 in the target control of the rotation operation control unit 132 will be described below. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the automatic complementary rotation state of the second camera 210 in the target control of the rotation operation control unit 132 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, when it is detected that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range θ (≧θ0), the vehicle recording control device 100 commands a rotation signal to the rotation unit 290 by the rotation operation control unit 132, and automatically rotates the second camera 210 clockwise as viewed from above on a horizontal plane as shown by the arrow in the figure toward a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. The second camera 210 has a viewing angle W4 that faces the side opposite to the side to which the first camera 200 of the vehicle A faces and faces the left side of the vehicle A to capture a person P2. At this time, the camera rotation recording data can include images captured by the first camera 200 and images captured by the second camera 210 in a blind spot outside the field of view of the first camera 200.

The vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the end of the rotation operation of the first camera 200 has been detected by the camera rotation detection unit 131 (step S106). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 detects the end of the rotation operation of the first camera 200 based on the end of the operation of the driver to instruct the rotation operation of the first camera 200 by the camera rotation detection unit 131. Here, the end of the operation to instruct the rotation operation of the first camera 200 by the driver does not include a temporary stop state of the rotation operation while the first camera 200 is facing in any direction, but means that all rotation operations are completed and the camera is returned to its original state. When the end of the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected by the camera rotation detection unit 131 (Yes in step S106), the vehicle record control device 100 proceeds to step S107. If the camera rotation detection unit 131 does not detect the end of the rotation operation of the first camera 200 (No in step S106), the vehicle recording control device 100 proceeds to step S104.

When the end of the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected (Yes in step S106), the vehicle record control device 100 returns to the first camera rotation detection and loop recording (step S107). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 commands the rotation unit 290 to rotate the first camera 200 on a horizontal plane toward the original forward direction by the rotation operation control unit 132. The vehicle record control device 100 commands the rotation unit 290 to rotate the second camera 210 on a horizontal plane toward the original backward direction in the same phase direction as the first camera 200. Then, the vehicle record control device 100 stops recording of the camera rotation record data by the recording control unit 124 when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 return to the original direction of shooting after the end of the rotation operation. As a result, the camera rotation recording data also records image data when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 return to their original rotation. The vehicle recording control device 100 then returns to recording the loop recording data in the recording unit 230 by the recording control unit 124. The vehicle recording control device 100 then proceeds to step S108.

If no rotation of the first camera 200 is detected (No in step S102) and if the first camera rotation detection and loop recording are resumed (after the processing of step S107), the vehicle recording control device 100 determines whether to end the first camera rotation detection and loop recording (step S108). More specifically, when the operation control unit 126 outputs end operation information, the vehicle recording control device 100 determines to end the first camera rotation detection and loop recording (Yes in step S108) and ends the processing. If the operation control unit 126 does not output end operation information, the vehicle recording control device 100 determines not to end the first camera rotation detection and loop recording (No in step S108) and executes the processing of step S102 again.

＜Effects＞
In this way, when a rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected, camera rotation time record data based on the video data of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 is recorded.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected, the rotation state of the first camera 200 and the camera rotation record data captured in a state in which the second camera 210 is automatically rotated to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200 can be recorded. For this reason, when it is detected that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range, the second camera 210 can be automatically rotated to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. In addition, when the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is completed, the second camera 210 can be rotated back toward the original position.

When the first camera 200 rotates, a large blind spot may occur on the opposite side of the vehicle to which the first camera 200 is not facing, and other events may occur. According to this embodiment, when a rotational operation of the first camera 200 is detected, the first camera 200 is rotated and the second camera 210 is automatically rotated in a direction that is a blind spot outside the field of view of the first camera 200, and the camera rotation record data based on the video data of the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 can be recorded in a state where there are very few blind spots around the vehicle. According to this embodiment, for example, another event on the opposite side of the vehicle to which the first camera 200 is not facing can be recorded by the second camera 210. In addition, since image data can be captured by a total of two cameras, the first camera 200 and the second camera 210, high-quality image data with little distortion can be recorded with the minimum number of cameras required. Furthermore, in the case of a camera configuration that does not use a fisheye lens, image data with little distortion can be recorded without special image processing, so that the image data can be viewed normally without a special viewer application. In addition, the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 are rotated via the rotating unit 290, so by visually checking the movement of each camera and the direction of the lens, it is possible to clearly determine whether or not a picture is being taken, providing a sense of security to passengers and people being photographed.

In this embodiment, the camera rotation detection unit 131 can detect that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range. When the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 overlap within a predetermined range, the rotation operation control unit 132 can automatically rotate the second camera 210 to a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. According to this embodiment, the data recorded when the camera is rotated can record image data with extremely little blind spots around the vehicle even when rotating.

In this embodiment, the rotation operation control unit 132 can rotate the second camera 210 in the same phase direction relative to the first camera 200. According to this embodiment, when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 rotate, the blind spot of the first camera 200 can be captured with image data from the second camera 210. As a result, the parking recording data can record image data with extremely little blind spot around the vehicle even when rotating.

In this embodiment, the rotation control unit 132 can rotate the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 on a plane that intersects with the vertical direction. According to this embodiment, the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 can be rotated appropriately on a plane that intersects with the vertical direction.

In this embodiment, when the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects the rotation operation of the first camera 200, the recording control unit 124 includes the video captured by the second camera 210 in the camera rotation recording data. According to this embodiment, the evidentiary value of the recorded video data can be improved when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 are rotated.

In this embodiment, the vehicle recording device 10 includes a vehicle recording control device 100, a first camera 200 that captures images in front of the vehicle, a second camera 210 that captures images behind the vehicle, and a recording unit 230 that records recording data when the camera is rotated. According to this embodiment, the situation when the rotation operation of the first camera 200 is detected can be appropriately recorded.

In this embodiment, the vehicle recording device 10 is provided with a rotation unit 290 that rotates the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 on a plane intersecting the vertical direction. According to this embodiment, audio data within the vehicle cabin when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 rotate can also be recorded as image data when the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 rotate. In addition, the vehicle mainly generates vibrations in the vertical direction. In contrast, if a rotation unit that rotates the first camera 200 and the second camera 210 on a plane intersecting the vertical direction is provided, the rotation unit 290 of the vehicle recording device 10 is less susceptible to the vertical vibrations of the vehicle. As a result, the rotation unit 290 is less likely to be damaged, and the durability of the vehicle recording device 10 can be expected.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the situation from the time when the rotational movement of the first camera 200 is detected can be appropriately recorded.

[First Modification]
The vehicle recording device 10 according to the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the vehicle recording control device 100 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the angles of view of the two cameras approach each other within a predetermined range in the target control of the rotation operation control unit 132 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an automatic complementary rotation state of the second camera 210 in the target control of the rotation operation control unit 132 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The basic configuration of the vehicle recording device 10 according to the first modification is similar to that of the vehicle recording device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the same or corresponding reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the vehicle recording device 10, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The vehicle recording device 10 according to the first modification is different from the vehicle recording device 10 according to the first embodiment in the rotation operation control unit 132. More specifically, in the vehicle recording device 10 of the first modified example, the process in the vehicle recording control device 100 is replaced with a process of step S204 which is different from step S104 in the vehicle recording device 10 of the first embodiment.

<Information processing in the vehicle recording control device 100>
Following step S103, the vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 are approaching each other within a predetermined range (step S204). More specifically, the vehicle record control device 100 first detects, by the camera rotation detection unit 131, a first camera rotation state in which the driver issues a rotation instruction to the rotation operation control unit 132 to rotate the first camera 200 and the rotation unit 290 rotates the first camera 200. Next, the vehicle record control device 100 determines whether the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the first camera 200 rotated based on the driver's rotation instruction and the angle of view of the second camera 210 are approaching each other within a predetermined range. In the vehicle record control device 100, if the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range (Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S105. In the vehicle record control device 100, if the camera rotation detection unit 131 does not detect that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range (No in step S204), the process proceeds to step S106.

<Details of the rotation operation control unit 132>
7, when the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range, the rotation control unit 132 automatically and complementary rotates the second camera 210 in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. In FIG. 7, when the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the first camera 200 rotated clockwise as viewed from above and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range (θ1 and θ2 are approximately the same value), the second camera 210 is automatically and complementary rotated in the same phase direction so as to escape outside the angle of view of the first camera 200, in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200, in a clockwise direction as viewed from above.

8, when it is detected that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within the predetermined range shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle recording control device 100 uses the rotation operation control unit 132 to command a rotation signal to the rotation unit 290, and automatically rotates the second camera 210 clockwise as viewed from above on a horizontal plane toward a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200 as shown by the arrow in the figure. In particular, when the rotation operation control unit 132 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range, it is preferable that the rotation operation control unit 132 automatically rotates the second camera 210 in the same phase direction so as to escape outside the angle of view of the first camera 200, and in the direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. Here, the amount of rotation by which the second camera 210 automatically rotates to complement each other may be an amount of rotation that maintains a state in which the angles of view are close to each other by a predetermined range, and may be an amount of rotation that maintains the angle of view θ1 ≒ θ2 between the opposite side of the first camera 200 and the opposite side of the second camera 210. The second camera 210 faces the side opposite to the side facing the first camera 200 of vehicle A, and has a viewing angle W4 that captures images toward the left side of vehicle A. In this case, the camera rotation recording data can record images captured by the first camera 200 and images captured by the second camera 210 in a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200 as wide-ranging image data of the surroundings of the vehicle.

＜Effects＞
In this embodiment, the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range. When the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range, the rotation operation control unit 132 can automatically perform a complementary rotation of the second camera 210 in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. In particular, when the camera rotation detection unit 131 detects that the angle of view of the rotated first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 approach each other within a predetermined range, the rotation operation control unit 132 can automatically perform a complementary rotation of the second camera 210 in the same phase direction so as to escape outside the angle of view of the first camera 200, in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. According to this embodiment, when the angle of view of the first camera 200 and the angle of view of the second camera 210 become close, the second camera 210 can rotate to supplement the image data, and the image data captured by the second camera 210 can be clearly recorded by appropriately supplementing the image data in the blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera 200. This improves the evidentiary value of the data recorded when the camera is rotated.

[others]
Each component of the illustrated vehicle recording device 10 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the device may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage status of each device.

The configuration of the vehicle recording device 10 is realized, for example, as software, by a method for operating the vehicle recording device 10 within the vehicle recording device 10, or by a program that is loaded into memory and executed by a computer that operates the vehicle recording device 10. In the above embodiment, these functional blocks are described as being realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. In other words, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms using only hardware, only software, or a combination of both.

The components described above include those that a person skilled in the art would easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The above description is of an embodiment in which the first camera 200 installed at the front of the vehicle is the main camera and the second camera 210 installed at the rear is linked to it, but the same implementation is possible by switching the roles of the cameras and making the rear camera the main camera. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to cameras with the front-rear direction as the specified direction, but can also be applied to cameras facing left and right as the specified direction, or to a combination of three or more cameras.

In addition, while the embodiment has been described using an example of recording image data using a drive recorder, the present invention can also be applied to cameras used for photographing purposes that do not primarily aim to record data, such as rear view monitors and electronic mirrors.

In the above, the GPS receiver unit 280 receives position information from a positioning system using GPS satellites. However, the GPS receiver unit 280 may use a positioning system using other satellites or mobile radio networks, such as the Galileo system, the Beidou system, or the Michibiki system, or may use a combination of these.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Vehicle recording device 100 Vehicle recording control device 110 Bus 120 Video data acquisition unit 121 Audio data acquisition unit 122 Buffer memory 123 Video data processing unit 124 Recording control unit 125 Playback control unit 126 Operation control unit 127 Display control unit 128 Audio output control unit 129 Event detection unit 130 Position information acquisition unit 131 Camera rotation detection unit 132 Rotation operation control unit 200 First camera 210 Second camera 220 Microphone (microphone)
230 Recording unit 240 Operation unit 250 Display unit 260 Speaker 270 Acceleration sensor 280 GPS receiving unit 290 Rotating unit

Claims (5)

a video data acquisition unit that acquires video data captured by a first camera and a second camera that can capture images in different directions of a vehicle;
a camera rotation detector that detects a rotation operation of the first camera;
a recording control unit that, when the camera rotation detection unit detects a rotation operation of the first camera, records camera rotation record data that causes the second camera to capture an image in a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera, and stops recording the camera rotation record data when the rotation operation of the first camera is ended and the camera returns to a state of capturing an image in the original direction;
a rotation operation control unit that, when the camera rotation detection unit detects a rotation operation of the first camera, automatically rotates the second camera in a direction that is a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera, and, when the rotation operation of the first camera is ended and the camera returns to a state of shooting in the original direction, automatically returns the second camera to a state of shooting in the original direction;
A recording control device for a vehicle. the camera rotation detection unit detects that an angle of view of the first camera and an angle of view of the second camera overlap within a predetermined range after being rotated;
When the camera rotation detection unit detects that the angle of view of the first camera and the angle of view of the second camera overlap within a predetermined range, the rotation operation control unit automatically rotates the second camera in a direction that is outside the angle of view of the first camera and is a blind spot.
The recording control device for a vehicle according to claim 1. The rotation operation control unit rotates the second camera in the same phase direction relative to the first camera.
The recording control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2. A vehicle recording control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
At least one of a first camera that captures an image of a front view of the vehicle, a second camera that captures an image of a rear view of the vehicle, and a recording unit that records record data when the camera is rotated;
Equipped with
A recording device for a vehicle comprising a rotation unit that rotates each of the first camera and the second camera on a plane that intersects with a vertical direction. Detecting a rotational movement of a first camera;
When detecting a rotational movement of the first camera, recording camera rotation record data for capturing an image of a blind spot outside the angle of view of the first camera by a second camera;
When detecting a rotational motion of the first camera, automatically rotating the second camera in a direction that is outside the angle of view of the first camera and in a blind spot;
a step of stopping recording of the camera rotation record data when the rotation operation of the first camera is completed and the camera returns to a state of photographing the original direction;
When the rotation of the first camera is completed and the first camera returns to the original state, the second camera is automatically returned to the original state;
A vehicle recording control method executed by a vehicle recording control device, comprising:

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