JP7658433B2 - Imaging device, imaging system, and vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging system, and a vehicle.

In recent years, there have been many cases of small children being left behind in private automobiles and other vehicles, and systems to prevent accidents caused by children being left behind unintentionally in cars are being introduced. For example, a living body detection system has been disclosed that detects living bodies within a moving body by transmitting and receiving detection waves inside the moving body (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-168379 A

The above-mentioned conventional technologies incorporate a transmitter and receiver for detecting waves into the body of a moving object such as a vehicle, making it difficult to introduce them into existing vehicles. In addition, the layout of the transmitter and receiver and the live body detection device may be subject to restrictions on the design and design of the vehicle, or may place restrictions on the design and design of the vehicle, resulting in increased costs for the vehicle.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an imaging device, imaging system, and vehicle that can provide a function to prevent young children from being left behind in the vehicle.

An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a lens provided in the housing, an imaging element that captures an image formed by the lens, and a biometric detection unit that detects a living organism and captures biometric information about the living organism, the biometric detection unit comprising an antenna that transmits and receives detection waves for detecting a living organism, and a detection processing unit that performs an extraction process for the biometric information based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna, and the directivity of the antenna is oriented in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens.

A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is equipped with the above-mentioned imaging device.

An imaging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the imaging devices, each of which includes a communication unit that communicates with each other, the plurality of imaging devices including a first imaging device and a second imaging device, and the communication unit of the first imaging device transmits biometric information acquired by at least the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device and the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device to an external terminal device.

A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is equipped with the above-mentioned imaging system.

An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a lens separating the inside and outside of the housing, an imaging element provided inside the housing for acquiring an image formed by the lens, and a biometric detection unit for detecting a living organism outside the housing and acquiring biometric information of the living organism, the biometric detection unit comprising an antenna for transmitting and receiving a detection wave for detecting a living organism, and a detection processing unit provided inside the housing for performing an extraction process of the biometric information based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna, the lens being provided at a position that is visible from a first direction and is not visible from a second direction different from the first direction, and the antenna being provided on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction and is not visible from the first direction.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device, an imaging system, and a vehicle equipped with a function to prevent children from being left behind in the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of an imaging device according to a first embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the imaging device according to the first embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication mode of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a biometric information acquisition process of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of the imaging system according to the second embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the imaging system according to the second embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a second imaging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view of the second imaging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the second imaging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of a second imaging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication mode of the imaging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a biological information acquisition process of the imaging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a top view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the imaging system according to the third embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a first imaging device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view of a first imaging device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a rear view of the first imaging device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front view of a display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of a first imaging device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of a display device according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication mode of the imaging system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a biological information acquisition process of the imaging system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a biometric information acquisition process of the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a front view of an imaging device according to the fifth embodiment.

Below, an imaging device, an imaging system, and a vehicle according to the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Each embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of configurations shown in different embodiments is possible.

(Embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of an imaging device according to embodiment 1 in a vehicle. Fig. 2 is a top view showing an example of the arrangement of an imaging device according to embodiment 1 in a vehicle. In the present disclosure, the imaging device 6 is, for example, a drive recorder mounted on the vehicle 1 or a camera used for automatic driving.

The imaging device 6 can be attached, for example, to the front window 2 of the vehicle 1 and is installed so as not to interfere with the field of vision or driving operations of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4a, and has the function of capturing images of the area in front of the vehicle 1 F.

Figure 3 is an oblique view showing the appearance of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a front view of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a rear view of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a view of the imaging device 6 as viewed from the direction of the solid arrow A shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a view of the imaging device 6 as viewed from the direction of the dashed arrow B shown in Figure 3. Note that the aspects of the imaging device 6 according to embodiment 1 shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

3, 4, and 5, the imaging device 6 has a display unit 66 on one side of the housing 60 that is visible to the driver seated in the driver's seat 4a, and a lens 611 for imaging the front F of the vehicle 1 is provided on the back side of the side of the housing 60 on which the display unit 66 is provided. In other words, the lens 611 is provided to separate the inside and outside of the housing 60, and is provided at a position that is visible in a first direction (the direction of the solid arrow A shown in FIG. 3) as seen by the driver, but is not visible from a second direction (the direction of the dashed arrow B shown in FIG. 3) different from the first direction. The display unit 66 is provided on a surface of the housing 60 that is visible from the second direction, but is not visible from the first direction.

The display unit 66 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel. The display unit 66 displays an image of the front F of the vehicle 1 captured by the lens 611. The image of the front F of the vehicle 1 displayed on the display unit 66 includes images captured in real time by the lens 611 as well as images stored in a storage unit (described later) composed of a memory card such as an SD card. The display unit 66 also has a function of displaying a setting screen for setting the directional pattern of the antenna 610 described later and the seats to be detected as living bodies. Note that instead of the display unit 66, an optical mirror that reflects the rear of the vehicle 1 may be provided. This allows the imaging device 6 to be mounted on the vehicle 1 instead of the room mirror (back mirror) of the vehicle 1. The imaging device 6 may also be in the form of a so-called digital room mirror that displays an image of the rear of the vehicle 1 on the display unit 66. In this case, the configuration may be such that it is possible to switch between an image of the front F of vehicle 1 captured by lens 611 and an image of the rear of vehicle 1, or the configuration may be such that an image of the front F of vehicle 1 captured by lens 611 is displayed in a portion of the display area of display unit 66, and an image of the rear of vehicle 1 is displayed in the remaining area of the display area of display unit 66.

The imaging device 6 is also provided with a memory card slot 631 into which a memory card such as an SD card is inserted. The memory card slot 631 is provided, for example, on the side of the housing 60 on which the display unit 66 is provided and on which the lens 611 is provided.

In this embodiment, the imaging device 6 has an antenna 682 for detecting a living body in the peripheral area of the display unit 66 on the surface of the housing 60 on which the display unit 66 is provided. In other words, the antenna 682 is provided on the back surface of the housing 60 on which the lens 611 is provided. In FIGS. 3 and 4, an example in which the antenna 682 is provided around the entire periphery of the display unit 66 is shown, but the antenna 682 may be provided along any side of the display unit 66, or may be provided along multiple sides of the display unit 66. In addition, the antenna 682 may be provided in the display area of the display unit 66, not limited to the peripheral area of the display unit 66.

In the present disclosure, antenna 682 is, for example, an array antenna in which multiple patch antennas (antenna elements) are arranged.

The antenna 682 can obtain a desired directional pattern by electrically changing the directivity. The directivity of the antenna 682 is directed in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens 611. Specifically, for example, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each of the front seats 4 (driver's seat 4a, passenger seat 4b) and the rear seats 5 (5a, 5b) can be used as a target for live body detection. In this disclosure, the rear seats 5 are separate seats, but they may be bench seats. Similarly, the front seats 4 may be bench seats. Furthermore, the number of rear seats 5 is not limited to one row, and two or more rows of rear seats 5 may be provided behind the front seats 4. The present disclosure is not limited by the number of seats to be used for live body detection.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the block configuration of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 6, the imaging device 6 includes, in addition to the lens 611, display unit 66, and antenna 682 described above, an imaging element 61, a position information acquisition unit 62, a memory unit 63, a vehicle state detection unit 64, a communication unit 65, a control unit 67, and a detection processing unit 681. The detection processing unit 681 and the antenna 682 constitute a living body detection unit 68. The imaging element 61, the position information acquisition unit 62, the memory unit 63, the vehicle state detection unit 64, the communication unit 65, the control unit 67, and the detection processing unit 681 are provided inside the housing 60.

In the present disclosure, the biological detection unit 68 is, for example, a millimeter wave vital sensor that transmits a detection wave in the millimeter wave band to a biological detection target, receives the detection wave reflected from the biological detection target, and acquires biological information of the biological detection target.

The antenna 682 includes an antenna for transmitting detection waves for detecting living organisms and an antenna for receiving reflected waves. The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be switchable depending on the target for detecting living organisms and the directional pattern.

The detection processing unit 681 includes, for example, a signal processing circuit (RFIC: Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) that performs high-frequency signal processing for biological detection, a wireless front-end circuit (FEM: Front End Module), etc. The wireless front-end circuit includes, for example, a power amplifier (PA: Power Amp) that amplifies the detection wave transmitted from the transmitting antenna, and a low noise amplifier (LNA: Low Noise Amp) that amplifies the detection wave received by the receiving antenna.

Furthermore, the detection processing unit 681 performs an extraction process of bioinformation of the target of biodetection based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 682. The bioinformation of the target of biodetection includes, for example, the heart rate, breathing, body movement, etc. of the target. The present disclosure is not limited by the bioinformation to be detected or the extraction process of the bioinformation.

The imaging element 61 is provided on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 611. Specifically, the imaging element 61 is exemplified by an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor. The imaging element 61 acquires an image formed on the surface of the element.

The location information acquisition unit 62 acquires the location of the vehicle 1 on which the imaging device 6 is mounted, and outputs the acquired location information. Specifically, the location information acquisition unit 62 is exemplified by a GPS sensor, for example.

The vehicle state detection unit 64 detects events occurring in the vehicle 1 equipped with the imaging device 6. Specifically, the vehicle state detection unit 64 is exemplified by an acceleration sensor, for example. When the acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle state detection unit 64 detects, as events occurring in the vehicle 1 equipped with the imaging device 6, that the driver has suddenly steered the vehicle 1 or that the vehicle 1 has received an impact due to an accident or the like. The vehicle state detection unit 64 is not limited to an acceleration sensor, and may be, for example, a speed sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, etc. Also, a configuration including a plurality of these sensors may be used.

The storage unit 63 is an external storage medium constituted by a memory card such as the SD card described above. The storage unit 63 may be an external storage medium that includes a non-volatile storage element built into the imaging device 6 in addition to a memory card such as an SD card.

The memory unit 63 stores event information that associates the image captured by the imaging element 61 with the event detected by the vehicle state detection unit 64. The event information includes the date and time of the event occurrence, and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 62 when the event occurred.

In the present disclosure, the event information stored in the memory unit 63 includes biometric information acquired by the biometric detection unit 68. Information associated with the biometric information includes, for example, the date and time when an abnormality occurred in the driver's heart rate or respiratory rate, location information, etc.

In addition, in this disclosure, in addition to the above-mentioned state where the heart rate and respiration rate deviate from the normal value, for example, a state where the driver is not seated in the driver's seat 4a is defined as an "abnormality" occurring in the driver's biometric information. Furthermore, as an index for determining the absence of the driver or an abnormality in the biometric information, the biometric information such as the heart rate and respiration rate that is continuously and stably acquired in a situation where it is confirmed that the driver is seated in the driver's seat 4a, such as while the vehicle is traveling, may be stored as normal values in a storage device such as the storage unit 63.

The communication unit 65 transmits and receives high-frequency signals for communication modulated according to a predetermined communication method. The communication standards of the high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the communication unit 65 include, for example, 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system), 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system), LTE (Long Term Evolution)-FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), LTE-TDD (Time Division Duplex), LTE-Advanced, or LTE-Advanced Pro, and the frequency is, for example, about several hundred MHz to several tens of GHz. Note that the communication standards and frequencies of the high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the communication unit 65 are not limited to these.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a communication mode of an imaging device relating to embodiment 1.

The imaging device 6 transmits event information including biometric information to a pre-registered terminal device (external terminal device) 300 via the network 200. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a mobile terminal device owned by the driver or a mobile terminal device owned by the driver's family. In the present disclosure, the terminal device 300 to which the event information is to be transmitted is pre-registered in the storage unit 63. FIG. 7 shows an example in which multiple terminal devices 300-1, ..., 300-m (m is a natural number) are registered in the storage unit 63. The information of the terminal device 300 stored in the storage unit 63 includes, for example, the telephone number and email address of the owner of the terminal device 300. The present disclosure is not limited by the type of terminal information stored in the storage unit 63.

The control unit 67 is a control circuit that controls the image sensor 61, the position information acquisition unit 62, the memory unit 63, the vehicle state detection unit 64, the communication unit 65, the display unit 66, and the living body detection unit 68. The control unit 67 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The control unit 67 executes each process in the image capture device 6 according to a control program. The control program of the control unit 67 is stored, for example, in the memory unit 63 built into the image capture device 6.

In the present disclosure, the imaging device 6 is supplied with an accessory power source (hereinafter also referred to as "ACC power source") that supplies power to an in-vehicle device (e.g., a navigation system, etc.) mounted on the vehicle 1. In the present disclosure, the ACC power source is a power source that supplies power from the battery of the vehicle 1 to the in-vehicle device when the engine of the vehicle 1 is not started. In addition to the ACC power source, the imaging device 6 is supplied with a power source that can be constantly powered. The power source that can be constantly powered may be, for example, a power source that is supplied from a battery mounted on the vehicle 1. In addition to the battery mounted on the vehicle 1, an external battery for constantly powering may be provided, or a battery may be built into the housing 60 of the imaging device 6. The imaging device 6 may be supplied with power from the ACC power source when the ACC power source is being supplied, and may be supplied with power from a power source that can be constantly powered when the ACC power source is not being supplied, or may be supplied with power from a power source that can be constantly powered regardless of whether the ACC power source is being supplied.

Hereinafter, the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging device 6 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging device according to the embodiment 1. Note that, here, processes other than the biometric information acquisition process (for example, processes based on an event detected by the vehicle state detection unit 64, etc.) will be omitted. In addition, in the following description, each of the front seat 4 (driver's seat 4a, passenger seat 4b) and rear seat 5 (5a, 5b) shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is assumed to be a biometric detection target and to be stored in advance in the storage unit 63. In addition, here, it is assumed that the email address of the terminal device 300 owned by the driver or passenger of the vehicle 1 is registered in advance in the storage unit 63 as a transmission target of event information.

When the control unit 67 starts the biometric information acquisition process (step S101), it determines whether or not ACC power is being supplied (step S102). If ACC power is not being supplied (step S102; No), the control unit 67 determines whether or not a timer that counts a predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is running (step S102a). If the timer that counts a predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is not running (step S102a; No), it starts the timer that counts a predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process (step S102b). In this embodiment, if ACC power is not being supplied (step S102; No), it is determined that the vehicle 1 is stopped.

When the ACC power is supplied (step S102; Yes), when the timer for counting the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is activated (step S102a; Yes), or after activating the timer for counting the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process (step S102b), the control unit 67 starts the driver's biometric information acquisition process (step S103). At this time, the control unit 67 controls the biometric detection unit 68 to set the driver's seat 4a as the target for biometric detection. Specifically, the control unit 67 controls the directivity of the antenna 682 so as to transmit and receive detection waves to the driver's seat 4a. When the ACC power is supplied (step S102; Yes), the imaging device 6 acquires biometric information of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4a and functions as a so-called driver monitoring system that determines, for example, the driver's health condition and abnormalities such as drowsy driving.

The detection processing unit 681 performs an extraction process of the biometric information of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4a based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna 682. The control unit 67 performs an abnormality detection based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric detection unit 68 (step S104). Specifically, for example, it detects whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the driver's heart rate or respiratory rate.

If there is no abnormality in the driver's biometric information (step S104; No), the process returns to step S102. If an abnormality occurs in the driver's biometric information (step S104; Yes), the control unit 67 records event information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the driver's biometric information in the storage unit 63 together with the date and time of the event and location information, etc. (step S105), starts a timer that counts a predetermined time T2 until the passenger biometric information acquisition process is started (step S106), and determines whether the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S107). If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (step S107; No), the control unit 67 repeatedly executes the process of step S107 until the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S107; Yes). In this disclosure, when an abnormality occurs in the driver's biometric information (step S104; Yes), it includes a state in which the driver is not seated in the driver's seat 4a. If a living body is detected in the passenger seat 4b or the rear seat 5 (5a, 5b) when the driver is not seated in the driver's seat 4a (step S110 described below; Yes), it is possible that a child has been unintentionally left in the vehicle or theft such as baggage pickpocketing has occurred.

When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S107; Yes), the control unit 67 starts the process of acquiring the passenger's biometric information (step S108). Specifically, the control unit 67 first controls the biometric detection unit 68 to detect the passenger seat 4b as a target for biometric detection. More specifically, the control unit 67 changes the directivity of the antenna 682 so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the passenger seat 4b (step S109).

In the present disclosure, the passenger biometric information acquisition process detects whether or not a living body is present in the seat that is the target of biometric detection.

The detection processing unit 681 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the passenger seat 4b based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna 682. The control unit 67 detects the presence or absence of a living body in the passenger seat 4b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 68 (step S110).

If a living body is detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S110; Yes), the control unit 67 records event information indicating that a living body was detected in the passenger seat 4b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of occurrence of the event, location information, etc. (step S111), and determines whether or not the acquisition process of biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S112). If a living body is not detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S110; No), the control unit 67 proceeds to the process of step S112 and determines whether or not the acquisition process of biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63.

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S112; No), the process returns to step S109, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67 controls the biometric detection unit 68 to set the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 682 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5a (step S109).

The detection processing unit 681 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5a based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 682. The control unit 67 detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5a based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 68 (step S110).

If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5a (step S110; Yes), the control unit 67 records event information indicating that a living body was detected in the rear seat 5a in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of the event, location information, etc. (step S111), and determines whether the acquisition process of biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S112). If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5a (step S110; No), the control unit 67 proceeds to the process of step S112 and determines whether the acquisition process of biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63.

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S112; No), the process returns to step S109, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67 controls the biometric detection unit 68 to set the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 682 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5b (step S109).

The detection processing unit 681 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5b based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 682. The control unit 67 detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 68 (step S110).

If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5b (step S110; Yes), the control unit 67 records event information indicating that a living body was detected in the rear seat 5b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of the event, location information, etc. (step S111), and determines whether or not the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63 (step S112). If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5b (step S110; No), the control unit 67 proceeds to the process of step S112 and determines whether or not the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63.

When the biometric information acquisition process is completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 in step S112 (step S112; Yes), the control unit 67 determines whether event information has been recorded in the memory unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process from step 108 onwards (step S113).

If the event information is not recorded in the memory unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 108 (step S113; No), the process returns to step S102. If the event information is recorded in the memory unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 108 (step S113; Yes), the communication unit 65 sends the event information to the email address of the terminal device 300 registered in advance in the memory unit 63 (step S114), and the control unit 67 determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S115). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (step S115; No), the process returns to step S102 and repeats the processes after step S102. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S115; Yes), the biometric information acquisition process ends.

In the above-mentioned biometric information acquisition process, for example, if a passenger remains in the rear seat 5a when the vehicle 1 is parked, the rear seat 5a can be excluded from the biometric detection target.

On the other hand, for example, if a passenger unintentionally remains in the rear seat 5a when the vehicle 1 is parked, a living body is detected in the rear seat 5a (step S110; Yes), and an email is sent to the driver's terminal device 300, for example, to inform the driver that a living body has been detected in the rear seat 5a (step S114). This makes it possible to prevent accidents caused by an infant being left unintentionally in the vehicle. In addition, the biological information acquisition process for each living body detection target is performed multiple times during the specified time T1, and, for example, if a living body is detected in the rear seat 5b in the first step S110 (step S110; Yes) and a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5b in the second step S110 (step S110; No), it is presumed that the infant has left the vehicle, and an email is sent to the driver's terminal device 300, for example, to inform the driver that the infant has moved to a place other than the vehicle.

In addition, for example, if a living body is detected inside the vehicle 1 when no one is left there while the vehicle 1 is parked (step S110; Yes), it is possible that theft such as pickpocketing has occurred. In this case, an email is sent to the driver's terminal device 300, for example, to inform the driver that a living body has been detected inside the vehicle (step S114). This makes it possible to notify the driver that a theft such as pickpocketing may have occurred.

(Embodiment 2)
Fig. 9 is a side view showing an example of an arrangement in a vehicle of an imaging system according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is a top view showing an example of an arrangement in a vehicle of an imaging system according to embodiment 2. In the present disclosure, the imaging system 100 is an in-vehicle system mounted on a vehicle 1.

9 and 10, the first imaging device 6a corresponds to the imaging device 6 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an imaging system 100 including a second imaging device 7 that can be attached to the rear window 3 of the vehicle 1 and has a function of imaging the rear B of the vehicle 1 in addition to the first imaging device 6a will be described. Note that the first imaging device 6a may have an optical mirror that reflects the rear B of the vehicle 1 instead of the display unit 66, as in the imaging device 6 in the first embodiment. This allows the first imaging device 6a to be mounted on the vehicle 1 instead of the room mirror (back mirror) of the vehicle 1. The first imaging device 6a may also have a so-called digital room mirror that displays an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1 on the display unit 66. In this case, the first imaging device 6a may be configured to be able to switch between an image of the front F of the vehicle 1 and an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1, or may be configured to display an image of the front F of the vehicle 1 in a portion of the display area of the display unit 66, and to display an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1 in the remaining area of the display area of the display unit 66.

Figure 11 is an oblique view showing the appearance of the second imaging device according to embodiment 2. Figure 12 is a front view of the second imaging device according to embodiment 2. Figure 13 is a rear view of the second imaging device according to embodiment 2. Figure 12 is a view of the second imaging device 7 as viewed from the direction A indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a view of the second imaging device 7 as viewed from the direction B indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 11. Note that the aspects of the second imaging device 7 according to embodiment 2 shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

As shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, the second imaging device 7 is provided with a lens 711 for imaging the rear B of the vehicle 1.

In this embodiment, the second imaging device 7 has an antenna 782 for detecting a living body on the back surface of the surface on which the lens 711 of the housing 70 is provided. In other words, the lens 711 visible from a first direction (the direction of the solid arrow A shown in FIG. 11 ) is provided to separate the inside and outside of the housing 70, and is provided at a position that is not visible from a second direction (the direction of the dashed arrow B shown in FIG. 11 ) different from the first direction.

In the present disclosure, antenna 782 is, for example, an array antenna in which multiple patch antennas (antenna elements) are arranged, similar to antenna 682 provided in first imaging device 6a.

The antenna 782, like the antenna 682 provided in the first imaging device 6a, can electrically change its directivity to obtain a desired directivity pattern. The directivity of the antenna 782 is directed in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens 711. Specifically, for example, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figures 9 and 10, each of the front seats 4 (driver's seat 4a, passenger seat 4b) and rear seats 5 (5a, 5b) can be used as a living body detection target. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the number of seats that are used as a living body detection target.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a second imaging device according to embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 14, the second imaging device 7 includes an imaging element 71, a communication unit 75, a control unit 77, and a detection processing unit 781 in addition to the lens 711 and antenna 782 described above. The detection processing unit 781 and antenna 782 constitute a biological detection unit 78. The imaging element 71, the communication unit 75, the control unit 77, and the detection processing unit 781 are provided inside the housing 70.

In the present disclosure, the biological detection unit 78, similar to the biological detection unit 68 provided in the first imaging device 6a, is, for example, a millimeter wave vital sensor that transmits a detection wave in the millimeter wave band to a biological detection target, receives the detection wave reflected from the biological detection target, and acquires biological information of the biological detection target.

The antenna 782 includes an antenna for transmitting a detection wave for detecting a living body and an antenna for receiving a reflected wave, similar to the antenna 682 provided in the first imaging device 6a. The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be switchable depending on the target for detecting a living body and the directional pattern.

The detection processing unit 781, like the detection processing unit 681 provided in the first imaging device 6a, includes, for example, a signal processing circuit (RFIC) that performs high-frequency signal processing for biological detection, a wireless front-end circuit (FEM), etc. The wireless front-end circuit includes, for example, a power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the detection wave transmitted from the transmitting antenna, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) that amplifies the detection wave received by the receiving antenna, etc.

Furthermore, the detection processing unit 781 performs an extraction process of bioinformation of the target of biodetection based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782. The bioinformation of the target of biodetection includes, for example, the heart rate, breathing, body movement, etc. of the target. The present disclosure is not limited by the bioinformation to be detected or the extraction process of the bioinformation.

The imaging element 71 is provided on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 711. Specifically, the imaging element 71 is, for example, an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor, similar to the imaging element 61 provided in the first imaging device 6a. The imaging element 71 acquires an image formed on the element surface.

In the first imaging device 6a according to this embodiment, the memory unit 63 stores event information that associates images captured by the imaging element 61 and the imaging element 71 with an event detected by the vehicle state detection unit 64. The event information includes the date and time of the event occurrence, and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 62 when the event occurred.

The event information stored in the memory unit 63 includes biometric information acquired by the biometric detection unit 68 and the biometric detection unit 78. Information associated with the biometric information includes, for example, the date and time when an abnormality occurred in the driver's heart rate or respiratory rate, location information, etc.

Furthermore, in the first imaging device 6a according to this embodiment, the communication unit 65 communicates with the communication unit 75 of the second imaging device 7. The communication between the communication unit 65 and the communication unit 75 may be wireless communication or wired communication via a harness provided between the first imaging device 6a and the second imaging device 7.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a communication mode of an imaging system relating to embodiment 2.

The imaging system 100 according to the second embodiment transmits event information including biometric information to a pre-registered terminal device 300 via the network 200. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a mobile terminal device owned by the driver and a mobile terminal device owned by the driver's family. In the present disclosure, the terminal device 300 to which the event information is to be transmitted is registered in advance in a memory unit 63 provided in the first imaging device 6a.

The control unit 77 of the second imaging device 7 is a control circuit that controls the imaging element 71, the communication unit 75, and the biological detection unit 78. The control unit 77 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The control unit 77 executes each process in the second imaging device 7 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control unit 67a provided in the first imaging device 6a. The control program of the control unit 77 is stored, for example, in the memory unit 63 built into the first imaging device 6a.

In the present disclosure, the second imaging device 7 is supplied with power, for example, via a harness provided between the second imaging device 7 and the first imaging device 6a. The second imaging device 7 may be supplied with power from the ACC power source when the ACC power source is being supplied, and may be supplied with power from a power source that can always supply power when the ACC power source is not being supplied, or may be supplied with power from a power source that can always supply power regardless of whether the ACC power source is being supplied. The power source that can always supply power may be, for example, a battery mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, in addition to the battery mounted on the vehicle 1, an external battery for always supplying power may be provided, or a battery may be built into the housing 60 of the first imaging device 6a.

Hereinafter, the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging system 100 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging system according to embodiment 2. In the following explanation, the process in the first imaging device 6a will be explained as being different from that in embodiment 1, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In step S212, when the process of acquiring biometric information in the first imaging device 6a is completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the storage unit 63 (step S212; Yes), the control unit 67a of the first imaging device 6a starts the process of acquiring biometric information of the passenger in the second imaging device 7 (step S213). Specifically, the control unit 67a first controls the biometric detection unit 78 to set the passenger seat 4b as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the control unit 67a changes the directivity of the antenna 782 so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the passenger seat 4b (step S214).

The detection processing unit 781 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the passenger seat 4b based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna 782. The control unit 67a detects the presence or absence of a living body in the passenger seat 4b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 78 (step S215).

If a living body is detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S215; Yes), the control unit 67a records event information indicating that a living body was detected in the passenger seat 4b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of the event, location information, etc. (step S216), and determines whether the acquisition process of the biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S217). If a living body is not detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S215; No), the control unit 67a proceeds to the process of step S217 and determines whether the acquisition process of the biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63.

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S217; No), the process returns to step S214, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67a controls the biometric detection unit 78 to set the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 782 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5a (step S214).

The detection processing unit 781 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5a based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782. The control unit 67a detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5a based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 78 (step S215).

If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5a (step S215; No), the process returns to step S214. If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5a (step S215; Yes), the control unit 67a records event information indicating that a living body has been detected in the rear seat 5a in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of occurrence of the event, location information, etc. (step S216), and determines whether the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63 (step S217).

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S217; No), the process returns to step S214, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67a controls the biometric detection unit 78 to set the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 782 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5b (step S214).

The detection processing unit 781 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5b based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782. The control unit 67a detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 78 (step S215).

If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5b (step S215; No), the process returns to step S214. If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5b (step S215; Yes), the control unit 67a records event information indicating that a living body has been detected in the rear seat 5b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of occurrence of the event, location information, etc. (step S216), and determines whether the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63 (step S217).

When the biometric information acquisition process is completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 in step S217 (step S217; Yes), the control unit 67a determines whether event information has been recorded in the memory unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process from step 208 onwards (step S218).

If the event information is not recorded in the storage unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 208 (step S218; No), the process returns to step S202. If the event information is recorded in the storage unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 208 (step S218; Yes), the communication unit 65 of the first imaging device 6a sends the event information to the email address of the terminal device 300 registered in advance in the storage unit 63 (step S219), and the control unit 67a determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S220). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (step S220; No), the process returns to step S202 and repeats the processes after step S202. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S220; Yes), the biometric information acquisition process ends.

In the imaging system 100 according to the second embodiment, the passenger's biometric information acquisition process is performed by both the first imaging device 6a provided in front of the vehicle 1 and the second imaging device 7 provided in the rear of the vehicle 1. As a result, even if, for example, the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 682 of the first imaging device 6a with the rear seat 5 as the target for biometric detection is blocked by the seat back of the front seat 4, the biometric information of the rear seat 5 can be acquired by the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782 of the second imaging device 7. Also, for example, even if the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782 of the second imaging device 7 with the front seat 4 as the target for biometric detection is blocked by the seat back of the front seat 4, the biometric information of the front seat 4 can be acquired by the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 682 of the first imaging device 6a. That is, the biometric detection accuracy can be improved compared to the first embodiment.

In addition, in the imaging system 100 of embodiment 2, for example, the target for live body detection of the first imaging device 6a may be the front seat 4, and the target for live body detection of the second imaging device 7 may be the rear seat 5.

(Embodiment 3)
17 is a top view showing an example of an arrangement in a vehicle of an imaging system according to embodiment 3. In the present disclosure, the imaging system 100a is an in-vehicle system mounted on a vehicle 1.

17, the first imaging device 6b corresponds to the first imaging device 6a of embodiment 2. Also, in Fig. 17, the second imaging device 7a corresponds to the second imaging device 7 of embodiment 2. In addition to the first imaging device 6b and the second imaging device 7a, the imaging system 100a of embodiment 3 includes a display device 8 that can be attached to the front window 2 of the vehicle 1, for example, and is installed so as not to interfere with the field of view or driving operations of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4a.

The display device 8 is, for example, a rear guide monitor that displays an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1 formed on the surface of the imaging element 71 by the lens 711 of the second imaging device 7a.

Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first imaging device according to the third embodiment. Figure 19 is a front view of the first imaging device according to the third embodiment. Figure 20 is a rear view of the first imaging device according to the third embodiment. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the display device according to the third embodiment. Figure 22 is a front view of the display device according to the third embodiment. Note that the aspects of the first imaging device 6b according to the third embodiment shown in Figures 18, 19, and 20 are examples and are not limited thereto. Specifically, the first imaging device 6b according to the third embodiment may be provided with an optical mirror that reflects the rear B of the vehicle 1 instead of the display unit 66, as with the imaging device 6 according to the first embodiment. This allows the first imaging device 6b to be mounted on the vehicle 1 instead of the room mirror (back mirror) of the vehicle 1. The first imaging device 6b may also be a so-called digital room mirror that displays an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1 on the display unit 66. In this case, the first imaging device 6b may be configured to be switchable between an image of the front F of the vehicle 1 and an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1, or may be configured to display an image of the front F of the vehicle 1 in a part of the display area of the display unit 66 and display an image of the rear B of the vehicle 1 in the remaining area of the display area of the display unit 66. In addition, the configuration of the display device 8 according to the third embodiment shown in Figs. 21 and 22 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto.

As shown in Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, in the imaging system 100a of embodiment 3, in addition to the first imaging device 6b, an antenna 882 for biological detection is provided on the display device 8.

The display device 8 has an antenna 682 for detecting a living body provided in the peripheral region of the display unit 86 on the surface of the housing 80 on which the display unit 86 is provided. In Figs. 21 and 22, an example is shown in which the antenna 882 is provided around the entire periphery of the display unit 86, but the antenna 882 may be provided along any side of the display unit 86, or along multiple sides of the display unit 86. In addition, the antenna 882 may be provided in the display region of the display unit 86, not limited to the peripheral region of the display unit 86.

In the present disclosure, the antenna 882 can obtain a desired directivity pattern by electrically changing the directivity, similar to the antenna 782 provided in the second imaging device 7a. The directivity of the antenna 882 is directed in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens 611. Specifically, for example, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figures 1 and 2, each of the front seats 4 (driver's seat 4a, passenger seat 4b) and the rear seats 5 (5a, 5b) can be used as the target for biological detection.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a first imaging device according to embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 23, the first imaging device 6b includes a lens 611, an imaging element 61, a position information acquisition unit 62, a memory unit 63, a vehicle state detection unit 64, a communication unit 65, a display unit 66, and a control unit 67b. The imaging element 61, the position information acquisition unit 62, the memory unit 63, the vehicle state detection unit 64, the communication unit 65, the display unit 66, and the control unit 67b are provided inside the housing 60.

Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a display device relating to embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 24, the display device 8 includes, in addition to the display unit 86 and antenna 882 described above, a communication unit 85, a control unit 87, and a detection processing unit 881. The detection processing unit 881 and the antenna 882 constitute a biological detection unit 88. The communication unit 85, the control unit 87, and the detection processing unit 881 are provided inside the housing 80.

In the present disclosure, the biological detection unit 88, similar to the biological detection unit 78 provided in the second imaging device 7a, is, for example, a millimeter wave vital sensor that transmits a detection wave in the millimeter wave band to a biological detection target, receives the detection wave reflected from the biological detection target, and acquires biological information of the biological detection target.

The antenna 882 includes an antenna for transmitting a detection wave for detecting a living body and an antenna for receiving a reflected wave, similar to the antenna 782 provided in the second imaging device 7a. The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be switchable depending on the target for detecting a living body and the directional pattern.

The detection processing unit 881, like the detection processing unit 781 provided in the second imaging device 7a, includes, for example, a signal processing circuit (RFIC) that performs high-frequency signal processing for biological detection, a wireless front-end circuit (FEM), etc. The wireless front-end circuit includes, for example, a power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the detection wave transmitted from the transmitting antenna, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) that amplifies the detection wave received by the receiving antenna, etc.

Furthermore, the detection processing unit 881 performs an extraction process of bioinformation of the target of biodetection based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 882. The bioinformation of the target of biodetection includes, for example, the heart rate, breathing, body movement, etc. of the target. The present disclosure is not limited by the bioinformation to be detected or the extraction process of the bioinformation.

In the first imaging device 6b according to this embodiment, the communication unit 65 communicates with the communication unit 75 of the second imaging device 7a and the communication unit 85 of the display device 8. The communication between the communication units 65, 75, and 85 may be wireless communication or wired communication via harnesses provided between the first imaging device 6a and the second imaging device 7, and between the first imaging device 6a and the display device 8.

Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of a communication mode of an imaging system relating to embodiment 3.

The imaging system 100a according to the third embodiment transmits event information including biometric information to a pre-registered terminal device 300 via the network 200. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a mobile terminal device owned by the driver or a mobile terminal device owned by the driver's family. In the present disclosure, the terminal device 300 to which the event information is to be transmitted is registered in advance in a memory unit 63 provided in the first imaging device 6b.

The control unit 87 of the display device 8 is a control circuit that controls the communication unit 85, the display unit 86, and the biological detection unit 88. The control unit 87 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The control unit 87 executes each process in the display device 8 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control unit 67b provided in the first imaging device 6b. The control program of the control unit 87 is stored, for example, in the memory unit 63 built into the first imaging device 6b.

In the present disclosure, the display device 8 is supplied with power, for example, via a harness provided between the display device 8 and the first imaging device 6b. The display device 8 may be supplied with power from the ACC power source when the ACC power source is being supplied, and may be supplied with power from a power source that can always supply power when the ACC power source is not being supplied, or may be supplied with power from a power source that can always supply power regardless of whether the ACC power source is being supplied. The power source that can always supply power may be, for example, a battery mounted on the vehicle 1. Also, in addition to the battery mounted on the vehicle 1, an external battery for always supplying power may be provided, or a battery may be built into the housing 60 of the first imaging device 6b.

Hereinafter, the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging system 100a according to the above-mentioned embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the biometric information acquisition process of the imaging system according to embodiment 3. In the following explanation, the process in the second imaging device 7a will be explained as being different from that in embodiment 2, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In step S306, the control unit 67b of the first imaging device 6b starts a timer that counts the time T2 until the process of acquiring biometric information of the passenger is started (step S306), and determines whether the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S307). If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (step S307; No), the control unit 67b repeatedly executes the process of step S307 until the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S307; Yes).

When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S307; Yes), the control unit 67b starts the process of acquiring the passenger's biometric information (step S308). Specifically, the control unit 67b first controls the biometric detection unit 88 of the display device 8 to detect the passenger seat 4b as a target for biometric detection. More specifically, the control unit 67b changes the directivity of the antenna 882 so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the passenger seat 4b (step S309).

The detection processing unit 881 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the passenger seat 4b based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna 882. The control unit 67b detects the presence or absence of a living body in the passenger seat 4b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 88 (step S310).

If a living body is detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S310; Yes), the control unit 67b records event information indicating that a living body was detected in the passenger seat 4b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of the event, location information, etc. (step S311), and determines whether the acquisition process of the biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S312). If a living body is not detected in the passenger seat 4b (step S310; No), the control unit 67b proceeds to the process of step S312 and determines whether the acquisition process of the biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63.

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S312; No), the process returns to step S309, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67b controls the biometric detection unit 88 to set the rear seat 5a as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 882 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5a (step S309).

The detection processing unit 881 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5a based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 882. The control unit 67b detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5a based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 88 (step S310).

If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5a (step S310; No), the process returns to step S309. If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5a (step S310; Yes), the control unit 67b records event information indicating that a living body has been detected in the rear seat 5a in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of occurrence of the event, location information, etc. (step S311), and determines whether the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63 (step S312).

If the biometric information acquisition process has not been completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 (step S312; No), the process returns to step S309, and then the biometric information acquisition process is performed with the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. Specifically, the control unit 67b controls the biometric detection unit 88 to set the rear seat 5b as the biometric detection target. More specifically, the directivity of the antenna 882 is changed so as to transmit and receive detection waves to and from the rear seat 5b (step S309).

The detection processing unit 881 performs an extraction process of biometric information in the rear seat 5b based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna 882. The control unit 67b detects the presence or absence of a living body in the rear seat 5b based on the biometric information acquired by the living body detection unit 88 (step S310).

If a living body is not detected in the rear seat 5b (step S310; No), the process returns to step S309. If a living body is detected in the rear seat 5b (step S310; Yes), the control unit 67b records event information indicating that a living body has been detected in the rear seat 5b in the memory unit 63 together with the date and time of occurrence of the event, location information, etc. (step S311), and determines whether the process of acquiring biological information has been completed for all living body detection targets previously stored in the memory unit 63 (step S312).

When the biometric information acquisition process is completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 in step S312 (step S312; Yes), the control unit 67b starts the biometric information acquisition process of the passenger in the second imaging device 7a (step S313).

When the biometric information acquisition process is completed for all biometric detection targets pre-stored in the memory unit 63 in step S317 (step S317; Yes), the control unit 67b determines whether event information has been recorded in the memory unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process from step 308 onwards (step S318).

If the event information is not recorded in the storage unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 308 (step S318; No), the process returns to step S302. If the event information is recorded in the storage unit 63 in the passenger biometric information acquisition process after step 308 (step S318; Yes), the communication unit 65 of the first imaging device 6b sends the event information to the email address of the terminal device 300 registered in advance in the storage unit 63 (step S319), and the control unit 67b determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S320). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (step S320; No), the process returns to step S302 and repeats the process after step S302. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S320; Yes), the biometric information acquisition process ends.

In the imaging system 100a according to the third embodiment, the passenger's biometric information acquisition process is performed by both the display device 8 provided in the front of the vehicle 1 and the second imaging device 7a provided in the rear of the vehicle 1. As a result, even if the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 882 of the display device 8 with the rear seat 5 as the target for biometric detection is blocked by the seat back of the front seat 4, the biometric information of the rear seat 5 can be acquired by the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782 of the second imaging device 7a. Also, even if the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 782 of the second imaging device 7a with the front seat 4 as the target for biometric detection is blocked by the seat back of the front seat 4, the biometric information of the front seat 4 can be acquired by the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna 882 of the display device 8. That is, the biometric detection accuracy can be improved compared to the first embodiment.

In addition, in the imaging system 100a according to the third embodiment, a living body detection unit 88 is provided in the display device 8. This makes it easy to apply the function to prevent an infant from being left behind in a vehicle equipped with an existing first imaging device 6b (drive recorder).

In addition, in the imaging system 100a of embodiment 3, for example, the target for live body detection of the display device 8 may be the front seat 4, and the target for live body detection of the second imaging device 7a may be the rear seat 5.

(Embodiment 4)
In the imaging device of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and the imaging system of the second and third embodiments, a configuration has been exemplified in which it is determined whether or not ACC power is being supplied (steps S102, S202, S302), and if ACC power is not being supplied (steps S102, S202, S302; No), it is determined that the vehicle 1 is stopped. However, in the present embodiment, a configuration will be described in which it is determined whether or not the vehicle 1 is stopped, instead of whether or not ACC power is being supplied (steps S102, S202, S302).

Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a biometric information acquisition process of an imaging device according to embodiment 4. Here, a process different from that shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 is described in the configuration of the imaging device 6 according to embodiment 1, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

When the control unit 67 starts the biometric information acquisition process (step S101), it determines whether the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state (step S102A).

An example of a case where the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state is, in addition to the case where the ACC power is not being supplied as described in the first embodiment, a case where the ignition is OFF. Another example of a case where the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state is, for example, a case where the amount of change (differential value) of the image captured by the imaging device 6 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

In addition, for example, the imaging device 6 may be equipped with a moving object detection function such as a motion sensor. In the case of a configuration equipped with a motion sensor, it is sufficient to determine that the vehicle is stopped when the detection value by the motion sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Examples of the motion sensor include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. Also, a configuration equipped with a plurality of these sensors may be used. Furthermore, for example, the imaging device 6 may be equipped with a moving object detection function such as a motion sensor. In the case of a configuration equipped with a motion sensor, it may be determined that the vehicle 1 is stopped when it detects that the key for the vehicle 1 is not inside the vehicle.

If the vehicle 1 is stopped (step S102A; Yes), the control unit 67 determines whether or not a timer that counts the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is activated (step S102a). If the timer that counts the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is not activated (step S102a; No), the control unit 67 activates the timer that counts the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process (step S102b).

If the vehicle 1 is not stopped (step S102A; No), if the timer that counts the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is activated (step S102a; Yes), or after the timer that counts the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process is activated (step S102b), the control unit 67 starts the driver's biometric information acquisition process (step S103). The processes before and after the above-mentioned process are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 in the configuration of the imaging system according to the second embodiment, or in the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 in the configuration of the imaging system according to the third embodiment, instead of the process of determining whether or not the ACC power is being supplied (steps S202, S302), it is also possible to perform a process of determining whether or not the vehicle is in a stopped state (corresponding to step S102A). Specifically, as an example of a case where the vehicle is in a stopped state, it may be a form in which it is determined whether or not the ignition is OFF, whether or not the amount of change (differential value) of the image captured by the first imaging device 6a (6b) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, whether or not the detection value by the motion sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value, etc. Also, for example, it may be a form in which it is determined that the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state by detecting that the key for the vehicle 1 is not inside the vehicle.

(Embodiment 5)
28 is a front view of an imaging device according to embodiment 5. In embodiment 5, an imaging device 6c that is an alternative to the imaging device 6 according to embodiment 1 will be described. Here, a configuration different from the configuration of the imaging device 6 according to embodiment 1 will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the imaging device 6 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, an antenna 682 for detecting a living body is provided in the peripheral area of the display unit 66 on the surface on which the display unit 66 is provided. However, the imaging device 6c according to embodiment 5 illustrates an example in which an antenna 682a made of a transparent electrode is provided in the display area of the display unit 66a.

The antenna 682a is formed on a film-like transparent dielectric substrate using a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

28 illustrates an example in which multiple dipole antennas are provided on the surface of the display unit 66a as the antenna 682a, but the antenna 682a is not limited to a dipole antenna. Specifically, the antenna 682a may be, for example, a patch antenna. Note that when the antenna 682a is configured as a patch antenna, a ground plane is required and at least two transparent electrode layers must be provided. However, when the antenna 682a is configured as a dipole antenna, a ground plane is not required and a single transparent electrode layer can be used.

In this manner, by providing an antenna 682a composed of a transparent electrode in the display area of the display unit 66a, the surrounding area in which the antenna 682 is provided in the imaging device 6 of embodiment 1 can be used as the display area of the display unit 66a.

It is also possible to configure the imaging system according to embodiment 2 so as to replace the first imaging device 6a with the imaging device 6c according to embodiment 5. It is also possible to configure the display device 8 according to embodiment 3 so that an antenna made of a transparent electrode is provided in the display area of the display unit 86. Even in this case, the antenna provided in the display area of the display unit 86 is not limited to a dipole antenna, and may be, for example, a patch antenna.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been given of a configuration in which event information is transmitted (steps S115, S219, S319), and the biometric information acquisition process is terminated after a predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process has elapsed (steps S116, S220, S320; Yes). However, the configuration may also be such that after the predetermined time T1 for performing the biometric information acquisition process has elapsed (steps S116, S220, S320; Yes), an intervention is made in the CDC (Cockpit Domain Controller) of vehicle 1 to output various command signals for maintaining the lives of passengers, such as unlocking the doors of vehicle 1, operating the air conditioner, opening the windows, etc.

In addition, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may have the following configurations as described above or alternatively to the above:

(1) An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a lens provided in the housing, an imaging element that captures an image formed by the lens, and a biometric detection unit that detects a living organism and captures biometric information of the living organism, the biometric detection unit comprising an antenna that transmits and receives detection waves for detecting a living organism, and a detection processing unit that performs an extraction process of the biometric information based on the detection waves transmitted and received by the antenna, the directivity of the antenna being oriented in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens.

(2) In the imaging device of (1) above, the lens is positioned at a position that is visible from a first direction but not visible from a second direction different from the first direction, and the antenna is positioned on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction but not visible from the first direction.

(3) In the imaging device of (2) above, a display unit is provided on the same surface of the housing on which the antenna is provided.

(4) In the imaging device of (3) above, the antenna is a transparent antenna and is provided in the display area of the display unit.

(5) In the imaging device of (2) above, an optical mirror is provided on the same surface of the housing on which the antenna is provided.

(6) In the imaging device of (1) to (5) above, a communication unit is provided that transmits at least the biometric information to an external terminal device.

(7) In the imaging device of (6) above, a location information acquisition unit is provided that acquires location information of a vehicle in which the imaging device is mounted, and the communication unit transmits to the external terminal device event information including the biometric information, date and time information when the biometric information was acquired, and the location information.

(8) In the imaging device of (7) above, a control unit is provided that controls at least the directivity of the antenna, and when an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat, the control unit controls the directivity of the antenna by setting seats other than the driver's seat as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit.

(9) In the imaging device of (8) above, a memory unit is provided for recording at least the event information, and the control unit acquires biometric information from a plurality of seats excluding the driver's seat as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit, and when event information indicating that a biometric has been detected in at least one seat is recorded in the memory unit, the communication unit transmits the event information to the external terminal device.

(10) A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is equipped with an imaging device as described above in (1) to (9).

(11) In the vehicle described above in (10), the imaging device is positioned at the front of the vehicle.

(12) An imaging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of imaging devices as described above in (1) to (5), each of the plurality of imaging devices including a communication unit for communicating with each other, the plurality of imaging devices including a first imaging device and a second imaging device, and the communication unit of the first imaging device transmits biometric information acquired by at least the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device and the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device to an external terminal device.

(13) In the imaging system of (12) above, the first imaging device is provided with a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a vehicle in which the imaging system is installed, and the communication unit provided in the first imaging device transmits to the external terminal device event information including biometric information acquired by the biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device and the biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device, as well as date and time information when the biometric information was acquired and the location information.

(14) In the imaging system of (13) above, the first imaging device is provided with a control unit that controls at least the directivity of the antenna provided in the first imaging device and the directivity of the antenna provided in the second imaging device, and when an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device, the control unit controls the directivity of the antenna provided in the first imaging device to set the seats other than the driver's seat as the target for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device, and when an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device, the control unit controls the directivity of the antenna provided in the second imaging device to set the seats other than the driver's seat as the target for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device.

(15) In the imaging system of (14) above, the first imaging device is provided with a memory unit that records at least the event information, the control unit acquires biometric information from a plurality of seats excluding the driver's seat as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit, and the communication unit provided in the first imaging device transmits the event information to the external terminal device when event information indicating that a biometric has been detected in at least one seat is recorded in the memory unit.

(16) A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is equipped with an imaging system as described above in (12) to (15).

(17) In the vehicle of (16) above, the first imaging device is positioned at the front of the vehicle and the second imaging device is positioned at the rear of the vehicle.

(18) An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a lens separating the inside and outside of the housing, an imaging element provided inside the housing for acquiring an image formed by the lens, and a biometric detection unit for detecting a living organism outside the housing and acquiring biometric information of the living organism, the biometric detection unit comprising an antenna for transmitting and receiving a detection wave for detecting a living organism, and a detection processing unit provided inside the housing for performing an extraction process of the biometric information based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna, the lens being provided at a position that is visible from a first direction and is not visible from a second direction different from the first direction, and the antenna being provided on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction and is not visible from the first direction.

(19) In the imaging device of (1) above, a control unit is provided that controls at least the directivity of the antenna, and when a vehicle in which the imaging device is mounted is stopped and an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat, the control unit controls the directivity of the antenna by setting the seats other than the driver's seat as the target for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit.

(20) In the imaging device of (19) above, when the control unit acquires biometric information from multiple seats excluding the driver's seat as biometric detection targets by the biometric detection unit, it transmits event information including the biometric information to an external terminal device.

(21) An imaging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of imaging devices as described above in (19), the plurality of imaging devices including a first imaging device and a second imaging device, and the first imaging device transmits event information including at least biometric information acquired by a biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device and a biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device to an external terminal device.

(22) In the imaging system of (21) above, when an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by a biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device, the first imaging device controls the directivity of the antenna provided in the first imaging device to set the seats other than the driver's seat as the target for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit provided in the first imaging device, and when an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by a biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device, the first imaging device controls the directivity of the antenna provided in the second imaging device to set the seats other than the driver's seat as the target for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit provided in the second imaging device.

The present disclosure makes it possible to obtain an imaging device, imaging system, and vehicle that can provide a function to prevent young children from being left behind in the vehicle.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 vehicle 2 front window 3 rear window 4 front seat 4a driver's seat 4b passenger seat 5, 5a, 5b rear seat 6, 6c imaging device 6a, 6b first imaging device 7 second imaging device 8 display device 60 housing 61 imaging element 62 position information acquisition unit 63 storage unit 64 vehicle state detection unit 65 communication unit 66, 66a display unit 67, 67a, 67b control unit 68 live body detection unit 70 housing 71 imaging element 75 communication unit 77 control unit 78 live body detection unit 80 housing 85 communication unit 86 display unit 87 control unit 88 live body detection unit 100, 100a imaging system 200 network 300, 300-1, 300-m terminal device 611 lens 631 Memory card slot 681 Detection processing unit 682, 682a Antenna 711 Lens 781 Detection processing unit 782 Antenna 881 Detection processing unit 882 Antenna

Claims (25)

A housing and
A lens provided in the housing;
an image pickup element for acquiring an image formed by the lens;
a living body detection unit that detects a living body and acquires biological information of the living body;
Equipped with
The biological detection unit is
An antenna for transmitting and receiving detection waves for detecting a living body;
A detection processing unit that performs an extraction process of the biological information based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna;
Equipped with
The directivity of the antenna is controlled so as to sequentially transmit and receive detection waves to and from a plurality of living body detection targets provided in a direction different from the imaging direction of the lens ;
The lens is
The display device is provided at a position that is visible from a first direction and is not visible from a second direction different from the first direction,
The antenna is
a display unit provided on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction and not visible from the first direction;
a display unit is provided on the same surface of the housing as the antenna,
The antenna is a transparent antenna and is provided in a display area of the display unit.
Imaging device. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1 ,
an optical mirror is provided on the same surface of the housing on which the antenna is provided;
Imaging device. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1 ,
A communication unit that transmits at least the biometric information to an external terminal device.
Imaging device. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3 ,
a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of a vehicle on which the imaging device is mounted,
The communication unit is
transmitting event information to the external terminal device, the event information including the biometric information, and information on a date and time when the biometric information was acquired and the location information;
Imaging device. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4 ,
A control unit that controls at least the directivity of the antenna,
The control unit is
When an abnormality occurs in the biological information of the driver's seat, the directivity of the antenna is controlled so that the seats other than the driver's seat are set as biological detection targets by the biological detection unit.
Imaging device. 6. The imaging device according to claim 5 ,
A storage unit that records at least the event information,
The control unit is
Acquire biological information on a plurality of seats excluding the driver's seat as biological detection targets by the biological detection unit;
The communication unit is
transmitting, when event information indicating that a living body has been detected in at least one seat, the event information to the external terminal device;
Imaging device. A housing and
A lens provided in the housing;
an image pickup element for acquiring an image formed by the lens;
a living body detection unit that detects a living body and acquires biological information of the living body;
Equipped with
The biological detection unit is
An antenna for transmitting and receiving detection waves for detecting a living body;
A detection processing unit that performs an extraction process of the biological information based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna;
Equipped with
The directivity of the antenna is directed in a direction different from an imaging direction of the lens,
The lens is
The display device is provided at a position that is visible from a first direction and is not visible from a second direction different from the first direction,
The antenna is
a display unit provided on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction and not visible from the first direction;
a display unit is provided on the same surface of the housing as the antenna,
The antenna is a transparent antenna and is provided in a display area of the display unit.
Imaging device. 8. The imaging device according to claim 7 ,
an optical mirror is provided on the same surface of the housing on which the antenna is provided;
Imaging device. 9. The imaging device according to claim 7 ,
A communication unit that transmits at least the biometric information to an external terminal device.
Imaging device. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9 ,
a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of a vehicle on which the imaging device is mounted,
The communication unit is
transmitting event information to the external terminal device, the event information including the biometric information, and information on a date and time when the biometric information was acquired and the location information;
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 10 ,
A control unit that controls at least the directivity of the antenna,
The control unit is
When an abnormality occurs in the biological information of the driver's seat, the directivity of the antenna is controlled so that the seats other than the driver's seat are set as biological detection targets by the biological detection unit.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 11 ,
A storage unit that records at least the event information,
The control unit is
Acquire biological information on a plurality of seats excluding the driver's seat as biological detection targets by the biological detection unit;
The communication unit is
transmitting, when event information indicating that a living body has been detected in at least one seat, the event information to the external terminal device;
Imaging device. An imaging device comprising :
vehicle. 14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 13 ,
The imaging device is disposed in front of the vehicle.
vehicle. A plurality of imaging devices according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 and 8 are provided,
Each of the imaging devices includes a communication unit for communicating with each other,
the plurality of imaging devices include a first imaging device and a second imaging device,
The communication unit of the first imaging device is
Transmitting biometric information acquired by at least a biometric detection unit included in the first imaging device and a biometric detection unit included in the second imaging device to an external terminal device.
Imaging system. 16. The imaging system of claim 15 ,
The first imaging device includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of a vehicle in which the imaging system is mounted,
The communication unit of the first imaging device is
Transmitting event information including biometric information acquired by a biometric detection unit included in the first imaging device and a biometric detection unit included in the second imaging device, and date and time information and location information when the biometric information was acquired to the external terminal device.
Imaging system. 17. The imaging system of claim 16 ,
the first imaging device includes a control unit that controls at least a directivity of an antenna included in the first imaging device and a directivity of an antenna included in the second imaging device;
The control unit is
When an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device, the directivity of the antenna of the first imaging device is controlled so that the seats other than the driver's seat are targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device;
When an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device, the seats other than the driver's seat are set as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device, and the directivity of the antenna of the second imaging device is controlled.
Imaging system. 18. The imaging system of claim 17 ,
the first imaging device includes a storage unit that records at least the event information;
The control unit is
Acquire biological information on a plurality of seats excluding the driver's seat as biological detection targets by the biological detection unit;
The communication unit of the first imaging device is
transmitting, when event information indicating that a living body has been detected in at least one seat, the event information to the external terminal device;
Imaging system. An imaging system comprising :
vehicle. 20. A vehicle as claimed in claim 19 ,
the first imaging device is disposed at the front of the vehicle;
The second imaging device is disposed at the rear of the vehicle.
vehicle. A housing and
a lens provided to separate the inside and the outside of the housing;
an image pickup element provided inside the housing and configured to capture an image formed by the lens;
a biological detection unit that detects a biological body outside the housing and acquires biological information of the biological body;
Equipped with
The biological detection unit is
An antenna for transmitting and receiving detection waves for detecting a living body;
a detection processing unit that is provided inside the housing and performs an extraction process of the biological information based on the detection wave transmitted and received by the antenna;
Equipped with
The lens is
The display device is provided at a position that is visible from a first direction and is not visible from a second direction different from the first direction,
The antenna is
a display unit provided on a surface of the housing that is visible from the second direction and not visible from the first direction;
a display unit is provided on the same surface of the housing as the antenna,
The antenna is a transparent antenna and is provided in a display area of the display unit.
Imaging device. 8. The imaging device according to claim 1,
A control unit that controls at least the directivity of the antenna,
The control unit is
When the vehicle in which the imaging device is mounted is stopped and an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat, the seats other than the driver's seat are set as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit, and the directivity of the antenna is controlled.
Imaging device. 23. The imaging device according to claim 22 ,
The control unit is
when biometric information is acquired by the biometric detection unit with respect to a plurality of seats other than the driver's seat as biometric detection targets, transmitting event information including the biometric information to an external terminal device;
Imaging device. A plurality of the imaging devices according to claim 22 are provided,
the plurality of imaging devices include a first imaging device and a second imaging device,
The first imaging device is
Transmitting event information including biometric information acquired at least by a biometric detection unit included in the first imaging device and a biometric detection unit included in the second imaging device to an external terminal device.
Imaging system. 25. The imaging system of claim 24 ,
The first imaging device is
When an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device, the directivity of the antenna of the first imaging device is controlled so that the seats other than the driver's seat are targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit of the first imaging device;
When an abnormality occurs in the biometric information of the driver's seat and the biometric information is being acquired by the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device, the seats other than the driver's seat are set as targets for biometric detection by the biometric detection unit of the second imaging device, and the directivity of the antenna of the second imaging device is controlled.
Imaging system.

Images