JP7728569B2 - Electronic devices, programs, etc. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices, programs, etc. that capture images of the situation in a vehicle.

Conventionally, there are known drive recorders that are attached to the inside of the windshield (Patent Document 1) and drive recorders that are integrated into the rearview mirror.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-321423

A drive recorder that is attached to the windshield, as in Patent Document 1, has problems such as difficulty in finding an installation location and obstructing visibility.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that is superior to conventional electronic devices.

The purpose of the invention of this application is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by parts of the configuration disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" is read as "the problem is...". Each problem is described as an independent problem, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that solve each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configuration described in this specification within the scope of the patent claim through amendments or divisional applications. Furthermore, configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems have also been disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for them.

1. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means superimposed on at least a portion of a mirror surface, the display means having a function for displaying an image captured by a camera, and an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce the positional discrepancy between an image reflected on the mirror surface and a portion of the image captured by the camera that is displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

In this way, the user can view an image with reduced misalignment between the image viewed as reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. For example, the misalignment between the image viewed as reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, where they overlap, can be made less noticeable than before. For example, it is possible to reduce the misalignment between the image viewed as reflected on the mirror surface and the image displayed on the display means, which can make viewing difficult. For example, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt when two images (hereinafter simply referred to as "two images") overlap, namely the image viewed as reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. For example, if the two images show completely different areas, the image viewed would be a jumble of the two images, but this can be reduced.

The two images may be configured so that they overlap entirely, but it is preferable to configure them so that they only partially overlap. For this partial overlap configuration, a display means with a display screen for the camera image is provided within the entire area of the mirror surface. This not only reduces the sense of incongruity in the area where the two images overlap, but also reduces the discrepancy in the continuity of the images at the boundary between the area where the two images do not overlap and the area where they overlap, thereby alleviating the sense of incongruity at this boundary.

As a configuration in which the image is displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, for example, the mirror surface may be a half mirror, and the display screen of the display means may be placed behind the half mirror. The area of the display screen of the display means behind the half mirror may be smaller than the area of the half mirror.

The positional deviation may be, for example, a deviation in the top, bottom, left, or right positions of the two images, or a combination of these positional deviations. The positional deviation may also be a deviation in the size of the two images. The positional deviation may also be a deviation due to distortion of at least one of the two images. A combination of these deviations may also be used.

Adjustments to reduce positional deviations can be made, for example, by providing a function to change the display range of the camera image displayed on the display means, superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. This display range change function can be provided by a function to move the display position. The display position change function can be provided by a function to translate or rotate. For example, even if the two images, the image reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means, superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, are displayed the same size, if the coordinates are misaligned by a few millimeters, the user will see a composite image as two overlapping images. A further misalignment of around 10 mm can make both images difficult to see, potentially destroying the mirror's functionality. This can be alleviated. Furthermore, a display range change function can be provided by a function to zoom in and out. The display can be enlarged or reduced while maintaining the aspect ratio of the camera image, but it is also preferable to have a function that enlarges at least a portion of the camera image without maintaining the aspect ratio, either in addition to or without these functions. Camera images usually have greater distortion at the periphery, but for example, if the image from the camera is enlarged and displayed near the periphery, the degree of distortion may differ between the top, bottom, left, and right, which can cause issues such as when two images overlap in parts, and other parts do not. Having a function to make such adjustments can alleviate this issue.

The mirror may be a flat mirror or a curved mirror, for example, a concave mirror, but particularly preferably a convex mirror. The mirror surface may be flat or a curved mirror, for example, a concave mirror, but particularly preferably a convex mirror. Based on the curvature of the mirror or a correction function determined in advance from the actual reflected image, automatic adjustments may be made to the input camera image to reduce the positional deviation. Furthermore, it is preferable to display an image after automatic adjustment on a display means, adjusted based on a manually set correction function, etc.

The electronic device may be installed in, for example, a facility, a store, a home, etc., but is particularly suitable for installation in a vehicle, particularly for allowing the driver of the vehicle to check the situation behind, and particularly suitable for functioning as a rearview mirror installed inside the vehicle. In particular, the electronic device having the mirror surface is suitable as an aftermarket rearview mirror that can be fitted over the mirror surface of the rearview mirror already installed in the vehicle and function as a new rearview mirror.

2. The adjustment function may include a function of inputting an image output from the camera, automatically adjusting the image input from the camera to reduce the positional deviation, and then applying a manually set adjustment to reduce the positional deviation.
This reduces the time and effort required for the user to manually adjust the positional deviation.

3. The adjustment function may include a function for making adjustments based on parameters for making adjustments to reduce the positional deviation, a function for setting a plurality of parameters in advance, allowing the user to select which of the plurality of set parameters to apply to the adjustments with fewer user operations than are required for the setting, and a function for making adjustments to reduce the positional deviation to which the selected parameter is applied.

In this way, the user can set parameters in advance to make adjustments to reduce the positional deviation, and can select which parameters to apply to the adjustments with fewer user operations than are required to set the parameters, allowing the user to view two images adjusted with the selected parameters applied.

A configuration that allows a user to select which of the multiple set parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than the number of user operations required for the setting may be, for example, a configuration in which the setting is performed using a setting menu and the selection is made with a single touch. A configuration that allows a user to select which of the multiple set parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than the number of user operations required for the setting may be a configuration in which the setting is performed using a touch panel and the selection is made by switching the parameters in a predetermined order when a physical button is pressed. For example, a configuration in which pressing this button once displays a screen in which the camera image has been adjusted based on a preset parameter 1, pressing this button again displays a screen in which the camera image has been adjusted based on a preset parameter 2, and so on, and a configuration in which pressing this button once n times displays a screen in which the camera image has been adjusted based on a preset parameter n.
The parameters may be those that indicate the coordinates of the display range in the camera image, or may be coefficients that add adjustments to the coordinate transformation.

For example, "multiple settings" may be for daytime, nighttime, etc. For example, the parameters to be set multiple times may be parameters for daytime, parameters for nighttime, etc. For example, it may be desirable to have a function that notifies the user to set daytime and nighttime settings.

4. The adjustment function may include a function for detecting contact of the user's finger with a portion displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, and, based on the finger contact, performing an adjustment to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected and viewed on the mirror surface and the camera image of the portion displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

In this way, the user can use their finger to make adjustments to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

For example, detection of contact of the user's finger with the portion displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface may be performed by a detection means such as a touch panel superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

For example, when it is detected that a single finger of the user has been moved while remaining in contact with the portion displayed on the display means, overlapping at least a portion of the mirror surface, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means may be moved in the direction of the movement of the single finger. For example, when it is detected that a single finger has been moved to the right while remaining in contact, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means may be moved to the right. For example, when it is detected that a single finger has been moved to the left while remaining in contact, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means may be moved to the left. For example, when it is detected that a single finger has been moved upward while remaining in contact, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means may be moved upward. For example, when it is detected that a single finger has been moved downward while remaining in contact, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means may be moved downward.

For example, when it is detected that two fingers of the user have moved without changing the spacing between them while remaining in contact with the portion displayed on the display means that is superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means can be rotated in the direction of movement of the two fingers. In this case, the center of rotation can be, for example, the center position of the displayed area, but it is preferable to use the center position of the camera image. When it is detected that one finger of the other hand is touching the display means and it is detected that two fingers have moved without changing the spacing between them while remaining in contact, it is preferable to have a function to rotate the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means in the direction of movement of the two fingers, with the point where one finger of the other hand is touching as the center of rotation.

5. It is preferable to have a function to detect when the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed, and to have a function to notify at least one of the following: that the change in orientation of the mirror surface may have caused a misalignment, and that the misalignment needs to be readjusted, or that the orientation of the mirror surface needs to be returned to its original state.

In this way, the user can easily realize that the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface may be due to a change in the orientation of the mirror surface. For example, the positional discrepancy can be easily resolved by readjusting the positional discrepancy or returning the orientation of the mirror surface to its original state.

A function for detecting a possible change in the orientation of the mirror surface could, for example, be provided in the electronic device with a function for detecting the movement and acceleration of the electronic device, for example by detecting the movement of the electronic device using a GPS or the like, and detecting the direction of gravitational acceleration using an acceleration sensor or the like, and determining that the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed when, for example, the displacement in the direction of gravitational acceleration when the speed is 0 exceeds a predetermined reference value.

As a function for detecting whether the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed, for example, the electronic device may be equipped with a second camera separate from the camera mentioned above, and may have a function that determines whether the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed if a change in the second camera's imaging range is detected through image recognition. The second camera may be a camera equipped on a side of the electronic device that is different from the mirror surface. For example, the electronic device may function as the above-mentioned rearview mirror, and the second camera may be a camera that captures the front side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the electronic device may function as the above-mentioned rearview mirror, and the second camera may be a camera that captures the same side as the mirror surface (for example, an area including the rear side). These two cameras may be equipped in the electronic device, and whether the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed may be determined based on the images from both cameras.

6. The adjustment means may have a function of detecting a displacement in the direction of the mirror surface and adjusting the position to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

This reduces the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface when the mirror surface is displaced. For example, the electronic device may be equipped with a second camera separate from the first camera, and when displacement of the second camera's imaging range is detected by image recognition, the electronic device may be equipped with an adjustment function that corrects the positional discrepancy according to the amount of displacement between the positional ranges of the image before and after the displacement.

7. The electronic device may include a second camera (e.g., a front-facing camera) whose captured range changes in response to a change in the orientation of the electronic device, and the adjustment means may have a function for adjusting the positional deviation in response to a change in the image captured by the second camera.

In this way, the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface when the orientation of the electronic device is changed is automatically reduced.

For example, the electronic device may be provided with a second camera separate from the camera mentioned above, and when a displacement in the second camera's imaging range is detected by image recognition, the device may be provided with a function to adjust the positional deviation in accordance with the displacement of the image from the second camera. The second camera may be provided on a surface of the electronic device that is different from the mirror surface. For example, the electronic device may function as the above-mentioned rearview mirror, and the second camera may be a camera that captures the front side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the electronic device may function as the above-mentioned rearview mirror, and the second camera may be a camera that captures the same surface as the mirror surface (for example, an area including the rear side). These two cameras may be provided in the electronic device, and it may be determined whether the direction of the mirror surface has changed based on the images from both cameras.

8. It is preferable to have a function to detect when the direction of the camera may have changed, and a function to notify at least one of the following: that the change in the direction of the camera may have caused a positional deviation, and that the positional deviation needs to be readjusted or the camera needs to be returned to its original direction.

In this way, the user can easily realize that the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface may be due to a change in the camera's orientation. For example, the positional discrepancy can be easily resolved by readjusting the positional discrepancy or returning the camera to its original orientation.

A function for detecting a possible change in camera direction could, for example, be provided on the camera to detect camera movement and acceleration, for example by detecting camera movement using GPS or the like, and detecting the direction of gravitational acceleration using an acceleration sensor or the like, and determining that the camera direction may have changed when, for example, the displacement in the direction of gravitational acceleration when the speed is 0 exceeds a predetermined reference value.

As a function to detect whether the camera's direction may have changed, it would be good to have a function that indicates that the camera's direction may have changed when a change in the camera's shooting range is detected through image recognition, for example.

9. It is preferable to have a function for detecting displacement in the direction of the camera and adjusting it to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface.

This reduces the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface when the camera direction is displaced. For example, if a displacement of the camera's shooting range is detected by image recognition, it is advisable to provide an adjustment function that corrects the positional discrepancy according to the amount of deviation in the positional range between the image before the displacement and the image after the displacement.

10. The adjustment means may have a function to automatically adjust the range of the image of the camera displayed on the display means, superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, in accordance with the set positional relationship between the electronic device and the camera.

In this way, the user only needs to set the positional relationship between the electronic device and the camera, and the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface is automatically reduced.
The positional relationship may be, for example, the distance between the electronic device and the camera.

11. The adjustment means may have a function to adjust the positional deviation between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, in accordance with the detected position of the driver's head.

In this way, even if the user moves the position of his or her head, the user can view an image in which the positional deviation between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the part of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a part of the mirror surface has been adjusted.
12. The device has a function of detecting the range in which an object exists in the image of the camera, and a function of drawing an object representing the detected object,
It is preferable to have a function of changing the drawing manner of an object representing the detected object depending on the distance to the detected object.
In this way, the user can ascertain the distance to the detected object by looking at the rendering style of the object representing the detected object.

For example, if there are multiple ranges in which objects exist within the range displayed on the display means, the closest object may be taken as the detected object, and an object representing the detected object may be drawn in a drawing style that corresponds to the distance to that object. In particular, it is preferable to draw an object representing the detected object for each of multiple objects in a drawing style that corresponds to the distance to that object.

It is also possible to limit the area in which object detection processing is performed to the range displayed on the display means, and not perform object detection processing on areas of the input camera image that are not displayed on the display means.

13. The object representing the detected object may be drawn by drawing a frame surrounding the detected object, with the frame colored in a color that is pre-associated with the distance to the detected object.

By doing this, the object is surrounded by a frame, which helps the driver recognize it more quickly, and the driver can recognize objects that are close to the vehicle simply by looking at the color of the frame. The distance to the framed object can also be intuitively grasped. Furthermore, by changing the color of the frame depending on the distance, the driver's sense of distance can be more quickly grasped.

The frame surrounding the object may be a frame that surrounds the entire object, but it is preferable that it surround at least a portion of the object. The color of the frame should change from cooler to warmer colors as the distance becomes shorter.

For example, objects that are farther than the first reference distance for which a frame is to be displayed should not be framed, while objects that are closer than the first reference distance and farther than the second reference distance (objects that are relatively close) should be framed in blue. Furthermore, objects that are closer than the second reference distance (objects that are close to the vehicle) should be displayed in a red frame.

14. When the speed of the detected object is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, the object representing the detected object may be drawn in a manner different from the manner in which the object is drawn based on distance.

In this way, the user can easily identify objects approaching at a speed greater than a predetermined speed (e.g., high speed). For example, objects approaching at high speed despite being at a certain distance can be circled in orange. For example, even if an object is farther away than the first reference distance, if it is detected to be approaching at a speed greater than a predetermined speed, it can be displayed in a different display mode than 12.

15. The system may include a function to detect the range in which an object exists in the image captured by the camera, and a function to draw an object representing the detected object, and may include a function to draw an object representing the detected object if it is determined that the detected object is not stationary, and not to draw an object representing the detected object if it is determined that the detected object is stationary.

This will prevent attention from being drawn to stationary objects. It's especially useful to equip devices with object detection capabilities for video footage of the rear of a vehicle.

The electronic device described in any one of 16.1 to 15. may be an electronic device that includes a second electronic device that is a separate electronic device and has a display unit, and the second electronic device may have a function to display an image based on the image input from the camera, and may have a function to not display an image based on the image input from the camera on the second electronic device when the image from the camera is being displayed on the second electronic device.

In this way, when the image from the camera is displayed on the second electronic device, the image based on the image input from the camera on the first electronic device can be prevented from being displayed, allowing the mirror surface of the electronic device to be used as a normal mirror. It is particularly recommended that the display screen of the electronic device be turned off at this time.

In particular, it is advisable to link the electronic device and the second electronic device so that when the second electronic device changes to a state where it is displaying camera images, or when this state is transmitted to the electronic device or detected by the electronic device, the electronic device will be controlled not to display images based on the image input from the camera.

For example, the second electronic device could be a PND (portable navigation device), and the electronic device could function as a drive recorder, linking the two to form a broader electronic device (which could also be called a system), with the rear camera image displayed on the PND screen and used as a sub-rearview mirror. Because it can be used in conjunction with a conventional rearview mirror, it can compensate for the disadvantages of both and contribute to safer driving.

The advantage of mirrors is that they are mirror images, so you can instantly grasp the sense of distance and the situation just like with the naked eye. There is little change in the focus of the eyes, so it is easy to focus. On the other hand, the disadvantages of mirrors are that blind spots can be created by passengers, luggage, and pillars. They also have a narrower field of view than cameras. They can be difficult to see with the naked eye in bad weather or at night.

In contrast, the advantages of electronic devices and secondary electronic devices are that they are not affected by the interior of the vehicle, so there are no blind spots and a wider field of view than mirrors. By using various cameras such as STARVIS or infrared cameras, it is possible to display clear images even in bad weather or at night. Disadvantages include the fact that it is a screen, making it difficult to grasp distances. There is also a large difference in focus between the naked eye and the mirror, making it difficult to focus.
This function can compensate for the disadvantages of both.
17. For example, the functions of the electronic device described in any one of 1. to 16. may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions.

(a) An electronic device having a camera, the electronic device comprising: an attachment portion for attachment to a vehicle accessory that is installed so that the facing angle toward the driver's seat can be changed; and a protruding portion that protrudes beyond a predetermined side position of the vehicle accessory when attached, the protruding portion having a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction different from the protruding direction of the protruding portion; and the protruding portion comprising the camera and a means for changing the shooting direction of the camera.
In this way, it is possible to provide an electronic device or the like that can capture images in an appropriate direction without obstructing the field of view and without requiring installation work by a professional.

Since these vehicle accessories are installed as necessary items, even if the protruding portion of the vehicle accessory extends beyond the designated side position when attached to the vehicle accessory, it is unlikely to significantly obstruct the field of view. Furthermore, because the angle can be changed relative to the driver's seat, the angle of the electronic device attached to the vehicle accessory also changes as the angle of the vehicle accessory is adjusted, but the camera's imaging direction can be aimed in the desired direction. In particular, because the camera and the means for changing the camera's imaging direction are provided on a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction different from the protruding direction, it is unlikely to significantly obstruct the field of view even if the camera or the means for changing the camera's imaging direction are large.

The camera should preferably be one that captures the situation inside the vehicle, particularly the situation inside the vehicle cabin, such as the driver's situation, or one that captures the situation outside the vehicle cabin, such as the surrounding area outside the vehicle, and in particular a camera that captures the area in front of the vehicle.

The vehicle equipment may be, for example, an item that is installed inside the vehicle cabin. It may also be, for example, an item that is pre-installed on the vehicle itself. In particular, it may be an item that is pre-installed on the vehicle itself and installed inside the vehicle cabin. For example, a rearview mirror may be used.

The specified edge position should be an edge of the vehicle accessory that is least likely to interfere with driving the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle accessory is a rearview mirror, it should be the top, left, or right edge of the rearview mirror. In the case of a rearview mirror, for example, edges that extend beyond the bottom edge toward the top, left, or right edge are preferred as they are least likely to interfere with driving the vehicle. Furthermore, the specified edge position should be an edge that is least likely to interfere with the view in the direction of imaging by the camera. For example, in the case of a rearview mirror, the top edge may have a tinted area at the top of the windshield that can easily interfere with the view in the direction of imaging by the camera, so it is best to select an edge other than the top edge.

The mounting unit should be configured to be mountable to the same type of vehicle equipment installed in multiple different vehicle models. In particular, it should be configured so that the mounting position can be adjusted to accommodate vehicle equipment of the same type, from the largest compatible size to the smallest compatible size. The compatible size should be determined to be one that can accommodate vehicle equipment of as many vehicle models as possible.

The protruding direction of the protruding part should preferably be a direction that does not include a component in the protruding direction of the protruding part. This will particularly prevent it from interfering with driving. For example, it should preferably be a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding part. This will particularly prevent it from interfering with driving and will also prevent the protruding part from hitting electronic devices.

(b) The mounting portion is configured to be mounted by covering at least a portion of one side of the vehicle accessory, and the protruding portion protrudes to a position beyond the surface of the vehicle accessory on the opposite side from the one side, and at least a portion of the means for changing the shooting direction of the camera is preferably provided at the protruding position.

This makes it less likely that the means for changing the camera's shooting direction will come into contact with vehicle equipment. In particular, if all of the means for changing the camera's shooting direction are located in the above-mentioned position, the means for changing the camera's shooting direction will not come into contact with vehicle equipment, for example.

In particular, (c) when the protrusion includes an arm connecting the portion having the means for changing the camera's shooting direction with the portion that leads to the protruding portion, and at least a portion of the means for changing the camera's shooting direction has a portion that protrudes beyond the arm in the direction opposite to the protruding direction, the means for changing the camera's shooting direction is less likely to hit vehicle equipment. For example, the protrusion may be configured to include a spherical portion having the camera and the means for changing the camera's shooting direction, and an arm that supports the spherical portion with a width smaller than the diameter of the spherical portion, and the sphere may be configured to partially protrude beyond the arm in the direction opposite to the protruding direction.

(d) The means for changing the camera's shooting direction may be configured to have a semi-fixed structure that can change the camera's direction in the up, down, left, and right directions and can fix the camera's direction when the camera is shooting.
In this way, when the angle at which the vehicle equipment faces the driver's seat is changed, the orientation of the camera can be easily readjusted.

(e) It has a portion that covers one side of the vehicle accessory, and the mounting unit is configured to mount the covering portion to the vehicle accessory, and the outer surface of the covering portion has a function equivalent to that of the covered portion of the vehicle accessory, and it is preferable that the inside of the covering portion, on the protruding side of the center of the covering portion, is provided with a circuit for processing the video signal from the camera.

This allows the electronic device to achieve a function equivalent to that of the covered part of the vehicle accessory, while also preventing degradation of the camera's video signal, for example. It is particularly advantageous to have a circuit for processing the camera's video signal only on the side of the protruding part from the center of the covered part. For example, if the vehicle accessory is a rearview mirror, the equivalent function could be a mirror function.

In particular, (f) the circuit may be configured to include a control board that includes at least two of a processing unit that processes the camera's video signal, a display unit that displays the camera's video signal, a recording unit that records the camera's video signal, and an input unit that inputs control instructions for the camera's video signal.

In particular, it is preferable to provide a control board that includes a processing unit that processes the camera's video signal, a display unit that displays the camera's video signal, a recording unit that records the camera's video signal, and an input unit that inputs control instructions for the camera's video signal, inside the covering portion, only on the protruding side of the center of the covering portion.

(g) The means for changing the camera's shooting direction may be configured to change the camera's shooting direction in a direction that corrects any deviation from the vehicle's traveling direction that occurs due to the angle between the vehicle's traveling direction and the position of a vehicle accessory installed so that its facing angle to the driver's seat can be changed.

(h) The mounting unit is configured to be attachable to the same type of vehicle equipment installed in a plurality of different vehicle models, and the mounting unit has two clamping sections that clamp the vehicle equipment from above and below, and the length from the center of the two clamping sections in the left-right direction to the left edge of the electronic device is approximately the same as the length from the center of the two clamping sections in the left-right direction to the right edge of the electronic device. When mounted on the vehicle equipment, the center of the two clamping sections is at the center of the vehicle equipment in the left-right direction, and when mounted on the largest compatible vehicle equipment of the same type, the protruding section is positioned in close proximity to the vehicle equipment.

This makes it easy to secure the same type of vehicle equipment installed on multiple different vehicle models at the center of the vehicle equipment without hitting the largest compatible vehicle equipment size. This prevents the electronic device from being attached unevenly to the vehicle equipment during installation, which can cause discomfort.

The protruding portion should extend as far as possible from the specified end position of the largest compatible vehicle accessory of the same type, and should be as wide as necessary to support the camera and the means for changing the camera's shooting direction. This prevents the electronic device from hitting the vehicle accessory and is particularly unlikely to interfere with driving.

For example, the configuration shown in Figure 16 may be used. Figure 16 shows a device that can be attached to the same type of rearview mirror installed in multiple different vehicle models. The attachment section has two clamping sections that clamp the rearview mirror from above and below. The length from the center of the two clamping sections in the lateral direction to the left edge of the electronic device and the length from the center of the two clamping sections in the lateral direction to the right edge of the electronic device are approximately the same, 142.5 mm. The device is attached to the rearview mirror so that the center of the two clamping sections is the center of the rearview mirror in the lateral direction. This device is attached to a rearview mirror of the same type, which has a lateral width of 24 cm, the largest compatible size. In this case, a 22.5 mm protrusion is formed on the right side of the rearview mirror, and the protrusion that protrudes from this protrusion toward the back of the main unit is positioned close to the rearview mirror as shown. In this case, the protrusion should be long enough to support the camera at the position where it meets the rear of the rearview mirror, and in some cases, a recess may be provided on the outer surface of the inside of the camera to avoid interference. Of course, a sufficient space may be provided between the rearview mirror and the protrusion so that it is not wasted.
(i) More specifically, the following configuration may be used: Of course, what is referred to as the driver's seat in the following example may also be referred to as the passenger's seat.

The drive recorder of the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, is a drive recorder that is attached to a vehicle accessory that is installed so that the facing angle toward the driver's seat can be changed, and is characterized by comprising: a main body that can be attached to the vehicle accessory and has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the driver's seat when attached; and a lens holder that rotatably holds a lens body on the back side of the protruding portion, and is configured so that the lens body and the lens holder can be engaged and disengaged at multiple rotational positions within a predetermined range by means of matable concave and convex portions.
An example of a vehicle accessory that is installed so that the angle of view of the driver's seat can be changed is a rearview mirror.

More specifically, a drive recorder can be provided that includes a lens body mounted on the rear side of a main body attached to a rearview mirror so as to face the front of the vehicle, and that (1) the main body includes a protruding portion that protrudes toward the driver's seat side of the rearview mirror, (2) a lens holder that rotatably holds the lens body is provided on the rear side of the protruding portion, and (3) the lens body and the lens holder are configured to be engageable with and disengaged from each other at multiple rotational positions within a predetermined range by means of concave and convex portions that can be mated between them.

In addition to the rearview mirror, other vehicle equipment that can change the angle of view facing the driver's seat include, for example, a car navigation device that is mounted on the front grille and a car television that is suspended from the ceiling. Since the dashcam is attached to these vehicle equipment, it can be installed later. Therefore, there is no need to ask a professional to install the dashcam.

Since these vehicle accessories are installed as necessary items, even if they extend contiguously onto the driver's seat, it does not significantly obstruct the field of view. However, as the angle of the device can be adjusted relative to the driver's seat as described above, the angle of the device attached to the vehicle also changes as the angle of the vehicle accessory is adjusted, and the imaging direction of the lens body changes accordingly.

However, according to the present invention, the lens body can be rotated relative to the lens holder attached to the back of the protruding portion to change the imaging direction, allowing the imaging direction to be adjusted to the optimal direction. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the lens body and lens holder are configured to be engageable and disengageable at multiple rotational positions within a predetermined range, so the angle of the lens body can be adjusted after adjusting the angle of the vehicle accessories, and the lens body can be fixed in a state facing the optimal direction. Once fixed, the lens body cannot be rotated without releasing the engagement of the concave and convex portions, preventing unintentional changes to the imaging direction. Furthermore, because the lens body is located behind the protruding portion located on the driver's seat side, the above-mentioned rotation operation can be easily performed by reaching out from the driver's seat.

Here, if the object to be attached is a rearview mirror, it is also preferable to adopt the following configuration: (4) the main body has an area that covers the front of the rearview mirror, is equipped with a half mirror on the front, and houses an emissive display device on the back of the half mirror that emits light to display an image captured by the lens body.

By accommodating an emissive display device on the rear of the half mirror, when adjusting the angle of the lens body after adjusting the angle of the rearview mirror, an image can be displayed on the emissive display device, and the lens body can be rotated to view the changing image, allowing the optimum position to be selected. Furthermore, if the emissive display device is turned off, the entire half mirror can be used for rearview confirmation.
In this case, it is particularly preferable to employ the following configuration: (5) the light-emitting display device is accommodated in front of the protruding portion.

By positioning the lens body and emissive display device on the driver's side of the rearview mirror, the image becomes easier to see when rotating the lens body. Another advantage is that electronic circuits and other components can be housed together in the protruding portion, allowing for a compact design.

A drive recorder equipped with a half mirror and attached to a rearview mirror may further adopt the following configuration: (6) the main body is equipped with clamp members that clamp the rearview mirror from above and below.

By clamping the rearview mirror from above and below with the clamp members, the weight of the dashcam is supported by the rearview mirror. Furthermore, because the top and bottom edges of the rearview mirror are long enough, it is possible to install multiple clamp members spaced apart on the left and right, ensuring a stable installation.

Furthermore, these drive recorders of the present invention may also employ the following configuration: (7) the lens holder and the lens body are configured so that their spherical surfaces face each other and the lens body can rotate along the spherical surface.

This is because the operation of rotating from one mating position to another follows the spherical surface, allowing for smooth operation. Furthermore, by allowing mating and disengagement at multiple positions, the present invention allows for smooth movement while also allowing for the imaging direction to be adjusted by selecting from multiple angular positions, allowing for swift positioning.

In this case, (8) it is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which one of the lens holder and the lens body is provided with a rotation axis that rotates the lens body along the spherical surface, and the other is provided with an axis holding groove that supports the rotation axis in a state where it can move in a predetermined direction.

By moving the rotation axis along the axis holding groove, the angle can be changed within a restricted range. By changing the angle within this restricted range, it is clear which direction the image will point depending on the rotation during adjustment, making it easier to adjust the imaging direction.

In this case, it is preferable that the concave and convex portions are formed so as to support the rotation shaft at any one of a plurality of positions within the shaft holding groove.
By providing such a configuration, positioning in a direction along the shaft holding groove can be determined in multiple stages, and angle adjustment in that direction can be completed quickly.

If the rotating shafts are supported by shaft-holding grooves, it is also preferable to further adopt the following configuration: (10) the concave and convex portions are formed so as to fit into a position where the spherical cover body is rotated a predetermined angle around the rotating shaft, with the rotating shaft supported at a predetermined position within the shaft-holding groove.

By incorporating this configuration, multi-stage positioning can be established in directions intersecting the shaft holding groove, allowing for quick angle adjustment in that direction. Furthermore, when (9) and (10) are incorporated, multi-stage positioning in orthogonal directions becomes possible, resulting in more angle adjustment positions. For example, multiple stages can be established in the left-right direction and multiple stages can be established in the up-down direction, allowing the lens body to be quickly rotated to the upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right, etc.

More specifically, these drive recorders of the present invention may also have the following configuration: (11) the lens holder includes a spherical holding portion whose inner surface is approximately spherical; (12) the lens body includes a spherical cover body whose outer surface is approximately spherical; and (13) at least one of the uneven portions on the inner surface of the spherical holding portion and the uneven portions on the outer surface of the spherical cover body is configured to perform a clicking action due to elastic deformation, thereby changing the fitting positions of the two.

By adopting this configuration, the lens body fits securely into the lens holder, preventing it from falling out during angle adjustment. Furthermore, because the lens is engaged and disengaged with a click action, even if the lens body is engaged in the lens holder, you can easily tell when positioning is complete by the click you feel in your hand.

In this case, (13) the spherical holding portion may also have a window opening on the front side of the vehicle that corresponds to the outlines of the multiple engagement and disengagement positions within the specified range.

By providing window openings that correspond to the outlines of multiple engagement and disengagement positions within a specified range, the lens body can be rotated without creating dead zones where photography is not possible, even when the lens body is fitted into the lens holder.

In a drive recorder in which these lens bodies are fitted into a lens holder, (14) it is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which the spherical cover body has a rotation axis that protrudes outward on the center line of the sphere that constitutes the spherical surface, and the spherical holding portion has an axis holding groove that allows the rotation axis to slide along a predetermined direction.

More specifically, in a drive recorder in which these lens bodies are fitted into a lens holder, it is also preferable to further adopt the following configuration: (14) the spherical cover body has a rotation axis that protrudes outward on the center line of the sphere that constitutes the spherical surface, and the spherical holding portion has an axis holding groove that allows the rotation axis to slide along a predetermined direction.

This configuration simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to make the spherical cover thicker, to create a split assembly shape, or to use a split mold as a core when manufacturing the spherical cover by injection molding.

In this case, (15) it is also preferable that the spherical cover body has a lever portion that forms part of the spherical surface and has an elastic lever portion formed with an uneven portion on the lens body side.

Because the spherical cover is located on the inside, the lever portion elastically deforms inward to disengage the concave and convex portions, and then elastically returns to the outside, allowing the concave and convex portions to engage, thereby utilizing the elastic deformation of the lever portion to engage and disengage with a click action.

In a drive recorder in which these lens bodies are fitted into a lens holder, more specifically, (16) the spherical holding portion may also be provided with a plurality of holder-side concave and convex portions that can fit into the lens body-side concave and convex portions at a plurality of sliding positions of the rotation axis within the axis holding groove.
By adopting such a configuration, the lens body can be rotated along the shaft holding groove for positioning.

In a drive recorder in which these lens bodies are fitted into a lens holder, more specifically, (17) the spherical holding portion may also be configured to have a plurality of holder-side concave and convex portions that can engage with the lens body-side concave and convex portions for a plurality of rotation angles when the lens body cover is rotated around the rotation axis at a predetermined position within the axis holding groove.
By adopting this configuration, the lens body can be rotated in a direction intersecting the shaft holding groove for positioning.

These drive recorders of the present invention may also employ the following configuration: (18) the main body is provided with an operation switch on the front side of the protruding portion. This is because the operation switch is also located on the driver's seat side, making it easy to operate the drive recorder from the driver's seat.

These drive recorders of the present invention may further employ the following configuration: (19) the main body is provided with a storage medium mounting section on the driver's seat side of the protruding section. This is because the storage medium can be easily attached and detached from the driver's seat.

These drive recorders of the present invention may also employ the following configuration: (20) the main body is provided with a power connector on the rear side of the protruding portion. This is because the power connector can be easily attached and detached from the driver's seat.

These drive recorders of the present invention may also employ the following configuration: (21) the main body is equipped with a microphone on the underside of the main body. This is because audio can also be recorded.

These drive recorders of the present invention may also employ a configuration in which (22) the lens holder has a curved arm that shifts the lens body toward the driver's seat relative to its base. This is because it is possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the main body from the object to which it is attached.

In this case, it is also advisable to adopt a configuration in which (23) a power connector is provided near the base of the bent arm, located on the opposite side of the base from the driver's seat. This is because the base of the arm acts as a guard, making it less likely that the power connector will be accidentally touched and the power cord will be disconnected when changing the angle of the attachment object or the orientation of the lens body.

The inventions described in 1. through 17., (a) through (i), and (1) through (23) above can be combined in any manner. For example, a configuration may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in 2. and subsequent paragraphs to all or a portion of the configuration of the invention described in 1. In particular, an invention may be created by adding at least a portion of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in 2. and subsequent paragraphs to the invention described in 1. In addition, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions described in 1. through (23) and combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if a description is made of "in the case of..." or "when...," it is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that are not in these cases or times. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

The present invention makes it possible to provide electronic devices and the like that are superior to conventional devices.

The effects of the invention of this application are not limited to these; the effects achieved by the components disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and it is the intention to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can..." clearly state the effects that are achieved, and there are also parts that demonstrate the effects even without the statement "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the components even without such statements.

1A and 1B show a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a front view, (B) is a perspective view from the front, (C) is a perspective view from the rear, (D) is a front view of the camera unit with the shooting direction facing forward, and (E) is a perspective view showing how the orientation of the lens body is changed. 1A and 1B are six-view diagrams of a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1A and 1B show a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating the mounting state of upper and lower clampers. 1A shows a camera unit of a drive recorder according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the mounting portion side, FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of a lens body. 1A to 1C are six-view diagrams of a lens cover of a drive recorder according to an embodiment, with the state viewed from the front side of the vehicle being the front side. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams showing the rotation range of the lens body of the drive recorder according to the embodiment and the movement during rotation. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a mounting procedure of a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention; 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams showing the data recording and data reading procedures of the drive recorder of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation procedure in a video recording mode in the drive recorder of the embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing operation procedures for changing settings in a video recording mode in the drive recorder of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation procedure for changing system settings in the drive recorder of the embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation procedure of a still image recording mode in the drive recorder of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation procedure of a playback mode in the drive recorder of the embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for changing the playback mode setting in the drive recorder of the embodiment and for formatting an SD card. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an adjustment range of the angle of incidence of light on the lens in the drive recorder of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the state of the drive recorder mounted on the rearview mirror of the largest compatible size among the same type of rearview mirrors installed in a plurality of different vehicle models. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image reflected in a rearview mirror. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a digital rearview mirror. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear camera. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of display when a display screen is provided over the entire half mirror. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another electronic device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display screen of another electronic device. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating advantages of another electronic device.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention, taking as an example a drive recorder that is attached to a rearview mirror.

This embodiment is a drive recorder suitable for use by attaching it to the rearview mirror of a right-hand drive vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the drive recorder 1 has a half mirror 11 covering almost the entire front surface as seen from inside the vehicle cabin, and a capacitive touch panel is laminated over the entire front surface of the half mirror 11. The capacitive touch panel is connected to a microcomputer (described below). The drive recorder also has an operation button 12 on the right edge of the front surface, and a main body case 20 housing a 2.5-inch full-color TFT LCD display 13 on the back of the half mirror, just to the left of the operation button 12. The top 12a of the operation button 12 is a power button, and green and red LEDs are installed on the back; the green LED is illuminated when the power is on, and the red LED is illuminated when recording.

A camera unit 30 is attached to the rear of the main body case 20, at the left end on the driver's seat side, with its lens facing forward of the vehicle. A speaker sound output hole 41 is provided directly below the camera unit 30, and a DC jack 42 is provided below and inside that. A microphone sound input hole 43 is also provided at the center bottom of the main body case 20, and upper clampers 51, 51 and lower clampers 52, 52 are provided facing each other at the top and bottom of the rear, positioned approximately symmetrically left and right about the center in the width direction. Furthermore, a microSD card slot 45 is provided on the driver's seat side of the main body case 20.

As shown in Figure 3, the main body case 20 is composed of a bottom case 21 located on the rear side and a top case 22 that is fixed to the front of the bottom case 21 with screws from the back side. A printed wiring board 14 is housed between the bottom case 21 and the top case 22. The aforementioned operation buttons 12 and 2.5-inch full-color TFT LCD display 13 are located on the front side of this printed wiring board 14, and an SD card slot 16, speaker 17, etc. are located on the rear side and are connected to the microcomputer circuitry.

The rear side of the printed wiring board 14 is equipped with a control circuit such as a microcomputer, as well as a wireless communication circuit that communicates via WiFi with a rear camera (as shown in FIG. 19 ) that captures images of the rear of the vehicle through the rear glass of the rear window from inside the passenger compartment, located at the top center of the rear window in the vehicle width direction, and receives the images captured by the rear camera. The microcomputer executes various processes in this embodiment based on programs stored therein to realize each function. For example, it records the rear camera image along with the time on an SD card inserted in the SD card slot 16, and displays the rear camera image on the LCD display 13. The microcomputer circuit functions as a processing unit that processes the camera's image signal, the LCD display 13 as a display unit that displays the camera's image signal, the SD slot 16 as a recording unit for the camera's image signal, and the operation button 12 as an input unit that inputs control instructions for the camera's image signal. In this embodiment, these "processing unit," "display unit," "recording unit," and "input unit" are provided on the printed wiring board 14.

The right end of the top case 22 is provided with an opening that exposes the operation buttons 12 and is fitted with a button cover 23. The functions of each operation button are printed on the front of this button cover 23, and a display film 18 with a transparent section that allows LED light to pass through is attached to the front of the button cover 23. A half mirror 11 is attached to the front side of the area of the top case 22 to the left of the button cover 23. A display window 22a is provided in the top case 22, at the right end of the area where the half mirror 11 is attached, in front of the LCD display 13.

An opening 21a is formed at the right end (driver's seat side) of the bottom case 21 for passing the cable connecting the printed wiring board 14 and the camera unit 30, and a protrusion 21b that forms the aforementioned SD card insertion port 45 is formed on the right side of the opening 21a. Additionally, an air vent 21c is provided on the left side of the rear cover 21.

A lower back projection 21d that projects rearward is formed on the lower back surface of the bottom case 21 at a position approximately one-quarter of the way from the left to the right, and an inverted L-shaped metal fitting 24 is attached from the front side so that a protruding portion 24a projects toward the upper part of the back surface above the lower back projection 21d. This inverted L-shaped metal fitting 24 is connected to a hook 21e formed on the lower front surface of the bottom cover 21 by a coil spring 25, and is attached in a downwardly biased state. Rubber bodies that constitute the above-mentioned upper clamper 51 and lower clamper 52 are attached to the protruding portion 24a of the inverted L-shaped metal fitting 24 and the lower back projection 21d of the bottom case 21, respectively.
In addition to the above, cushion members 26 and 27 are housed inside the main body case 20, and a microphone 18 is also housed in the center of the bottom.
As shown in FIG. 4, the camera unit 30 is composed of a lens body 60 and a lens holder 70 that holds the lens body 60 rotatably.

The lens body 60 is an assembly in which the camera body 62 is housed inside the hemispherical lens cover 61, and a printed wiring board 63 is attached so as to cover the opening side of the lens cover 61.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lens cover 61 has protruding pivot shafts 64L, 64R that pass through the center of the sphere. Beneath each of the left and right pivot shafts 64L, 64R are lever portions 65L, 65R, formed by two cuts extending forward from the opening side of the hemisphere. The outer surfaces of the left and right lever portions 65L, 65R are provided with hemispherical convex portions 66L, 66R. The lens cover 61 is manufactured as an injection-molded synthetic resin, and the lever portions 65L, 65R elastically deform when pressed. A circular ring-shaped lens frame 67 protrudes forward from the front end of the lens cover 61.

As shown in Figure 4, the lens holder 70 is configured so that when the halves of the left member 71 and right member 72 are assembled, a spherical holding portion 73 is formed on the front side of the vehicle and an attachment arm portion 74 is formed on the main body case 20 side. When the left member 71 and right member 72 are assembled, the arm portion 74 is a curved arm that supports the holding portion 73 in a position offset toward the driver's seat relative to the base side.

Slide grooves 75L, 75R are formed in the vertical center of the inner surface of the holding portions 73L, 73R of the left and right members 71, 72, over a specified range, protruding outward to a specified depth. Additionally, six hemispherical recesses 76L, 76R are formed in the inner surface below the slide grooves 75L, 75R, protruding outward. These six hemispherical recesses 76L, 76R are arranged in a zigzag pattern, with the distance from the slide grooves 75L, 75R slightly varying. The left and right members 71, 72 are also manufactured by synthetic resin injection molding.

In addition, notches 77L, 77R are provided at the front ends of the holding portions 73L, 73R of the left member 71 and the right member 72 so as to form a horizontally elongated rectangular lens window 77 with rounded corners as shown in Figure 1(D) when assembled. Furthermore, notches 78L, 78R are provided at the base sides of the arm portions 74L, 74R of the left member 71 and the right member 72 so as to form an insertion opening 78 through which a cable connected to the connector block 68 on the lens body 60 side can be inserted when assembled. Furthermore, a circular recess 79 recessed inward is formed near the base of the holding portion of the left member 71. This recess 79 helps to avoid interference with the rearview mirror when attached.

Here, the cable connecting the printed wiring board 14 and camera unit 30 is inserted into the camera body 30 through the insertion port 78 and connected to the connector block 68 on the printed wiring board 63 on the camera body 62 side. By locating the printed wiring board 14 on the mounting position side of the camera unit 30, noise can be suppressed.

The outer diameter of the lens cover 61 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hold portion 73 of the lens holder 70, allowing the lens cover 61 to rotate inside the hold portion 73 when assembled. The lens cover 61 is assembled so that its rotation shafts 64L, 64R fit into the slide grooves 75L, 75R of the hold portion 73. The lens frame 67 of the lens cover 61 also fits into the lens window 77 of the hold portion 73. The convex portions 66L, 66R on the outer surfaces of the lever portions 65L, 65R fit into one of six recesses 76L, 76R on the inner surface of the hold portion 73. The initial assembly position is when the lens frame 67 is positioned in the center of the lens window 77, as shown in FIG. 1(D). At this time, the rotation shafts 64L, 64R are positioned at the longitudinal center of the slide grooves 75L, 75R. Additionally, the convex portions 66L, 66R on the lens cover 61 mate with the third from the front of the six concave portions 76L, 76R.

By rotating the lens cover 61 left and right, the rotation shafts 64L and 64R move from one end to the other of the slide grooves 75L and 75R. The lens cover 61 also rotates up and down around the rotation shafts 64L and 64R. These movements, in this embodiment, allow the lens frame 67 to be fixed in one of six positions P1 to P6 shown in Figure 1(E).

Figure 6 shows how the lens cover 61 rotates when it is fixed in these six positions P1 to P6. When the convex portions 66L, 66R on the lens cover 61 are fitted into the third from the front end of the six recesses 76L, 76R on the holding portion 73, the P1 position is achieved, with the lens frame 67 positioned above the center of the lens window 77.

When the lens cover 61 is rotated from the initial position P1 toward the driver's seat, the left-side convex portion 66L of the lens cover 61 fits into the front-most of the six recesses 76L of the left member 71, and the right-side convex portion 66R of the lens cover 61 fits into the second-from-the-rear of the six recesses 76R of the right member 72, achieving position P2, with the lens frame 67 positioned above and to the left of the lens window 77.

When the lens cover 61 is rotated from the initial position P1 in a direction away from the driver's seat, the left-side convex portion 66L of the lens cover 61 fits into the second-from-the-rear of the six recesses 76L of the left member 71, and the right-side convex portion 66R of the lens cover 61 fits into the front-most of the six recesses 76R of the right member 72, achieving position P3, where the lens frame 67 is located to the upper right of the lens window 77.

When the lens cover 61 is rotated downward from the initial position P1, the convex portions 66L, 66R on the lens cover 61 engage with the fourth of the six recesses 76L, 76R from the front end, achieving position P4, with the lens frame 67 positioned below the center of the lens window 77.

When the lens cover 61 is rotated downward from the upper left position P2, the left convex portion 66L of the lens cover 61 fits into the second-from-the-front of the six recessed portions 76L of the left member 71, and the right convex portion 66R of the lens cover 61 fits into the rearmost of the six recessed portions 76R of the right member 72, achieving position P5, with the lens frame 67 positioned at the upper left of the lens window 77.

When the lens cover 61 is rotated downward from the upper right position P3, the left convex portion 66L of the lens cover 61 fits into the rearmost of the six recessed portions 76L of the left member 71, and the right convex portion 66R of the lens cover 61 fits into the second from the front of the six recessed portions 76R of the right member 72, achieving position P6, where the lens frame 67 is located at the upper left of the lens window 77.

Next, the installation procedure for the drive recorder 1 of Example 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. First, place the upper clamper 51 against the upper edge of the rearview mirror 81 and rotate the device forward while slightly pulling it downward. At this time, the coil spring 25 biasing the upper clamper 51 downward expands, allowing the lower clamper 52 to easily position itself below the rearview mirror 81. Then, by releasing the force that was pulling the device downward, the coil spring 25 contracts, and the drive recorder 1 is installed with the upper clamper 51 and lower clamper 52 clamping the rearview mirror 81 from above and below. Note that because the upper and lower clampers 51, 52 are made of rubber, the elastic deformation of the rubber also comes into play, firmly yet softly clamping the rearview mirror 81 from above and below.

When installing the drive recorder 1, the center of the main body should be aligned with the center of the rearview mirror 81. The width of the drive recorder 1 is longer than the width of the rearview mirror 81, and the camera unit 25 is positioned to protrude from the rearview mirror 81 on the driver's seat side. The amount of protrusion on the opposite side of the driver's seat is also the same, and the air vent 21c is also positioned in the protruding part of the rearview mirror 81 on the opposite side of the driver's seat.

As a result, the front of the rearview mirror 81 is covered and hidden, but since the front of the drive recorder 1 is made up of the half mirror 11, this half mirror 11 functions as a mirror for checking the rear, which is the role of the rearview mirror 81. Therefore, the orientation of the drive recorder 1 is adjusted so that rearward checking through this half mirror 11 is appropriate. This orientation adjustment is performed by utilizing the fact that the rearview mirror 81 has a mechanism that allows it to adjust its orientation.
The power supply is secured by connecting one end of a power cord 83 to the cigarette lighter socket 82 and the other end to the DC jack 42 .

Once power is secured, the drive recorder 1 enters recording mode and begins recording images from the camera and rear camera onto the SD card. Images captured by the camera are displayed on the LCD display 13 housed behind the half mirror 11, and can be viewed from the driver's seat through the half mirror 11. If the image seen at this time is not from the direction that should be recorded by the drive recorder 1, the lens cover 61 can be rotated left/right and up/down as described above to adjust the camera orientation to the most appropriate position among P1 to P6. In this way, the drive recorder 1 can be installed with the camera facing the optimal recording direction without obstructing the driver's field of vision.

As shown in Figure 8 (A), when a micro SD card 84 is inserted into the SD card slot 45, the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment records data captured by the camera and rear camera on the micro SD card 84. The data recorded in this manner can be read by the computer 85 by removing the micro SD card 84 and inserting it into a reader/writer 86 connected to the computer 85.

The drive recorder 1 of this embodiment is configured to continuously record video onto the micro SD card 84 while power is supplied, i.e., for example, from engine start to engine stop. As shown in Figure 8(B), the recording method is configured so that, depending on the settings, the video is divided into files with a maximum length of 15 minutes per file, and if the recording time exceeds the card capacity, the oldest files are overwritten on a file-by-file basis. The same applies to video from the rear camera.

As shown in Figure 8 (C), the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment is also configured to perform "one-touch recording," which moves the video from the camera and rear camera in set file units to the "SWEVT" folder on the microSD card as overwrite-protected files when a short press of the "REC" button is detected during continuous recording.

As shown in Figure 8 (C), when the drive recorder 1 of this embodiment detects a long press of the "REC" button during continuous recording, if the currently displayed image is from the camera (front camera), it switches to the image from the rear camera, and if the currently displayed image is from the rear camera, it switches to the image from the camera (front camera). In this way, the user can switch between the images from the front and rear cameras and view them through the half mirror.

The drive recorder 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to continuously record video like a video camera by selecting "video recording mode." When video footage from the front camera is displayed and in video recording mode, the LCD display 13 displays the following (see circled numbers in the figure): [1] video recording mode icon, [2] file division time, [3] viewfinder, [4] zoom magnification, [5] date, [6] time, [7] recording time/remaining recording time, [8] resolution, [9] file protect icon, [10] microSD icon, and [11] recording mark, as shown in Figure 9(A). When video footage from the rear camera is displayed, the rear camera image is simply displayed on the LCD display without any superimposed text or icons.

Here, [7] Recording time/remaining recording time displays the current video recording time when recording, and displays the remaining recording time with the current settings when recording is stopped. Also, [9] File protect icon is displayed on the one-touch recorded file mentioned above. [10] Micro SD icon indicates that a Micro SD card is inserted, and [11] Record mark flashes while video is being recorded.

To record video in this video recording mode, first make sure the power is on, then press the "MODE OK" button to change to video recording mode, as shown in Figure 9 (B), and press the "REC" button to start video recording. It is also possible to hide the viewfinder during video recording; in that case, press the "MODE OK" button while the viewfinder is displayed during video recording.

Next, we will explain how to change settings in video recording mode. As shown in Figure 10 (A), press the "MENU" button to stop video recording, press the "MODE OK" button to select video recording mode, and then press the "MENU" button to display the video recording mode settings menu. The settings menu will be the screen shown in Figure 10 (B).

When "Resolution" is selected, a selection menu screen for "Front Camera" and "Rear Camera" will be displayed. When "Front Camera" is selected, you can select the recording resolution for the front camera from 1080P (1920 x 1082), 1080P (1440 x 1080), 720P (1280 x 720), VGA (640 x 480), and QVGA (320 x 240). The default setting is 720P.

On the other hand, when "Rear Camera" is selected, a selection menu screen for "Resolution" and "Display Adjustment" is displayed. When "Resolution" is selected, the recording resolution of the front camera can be selected from 1080P (1920 x 1082), 1080P (1440 x 1080), 720P (1280 x 720), VGA (640 x 480), and QVGA (320 x 240). The default setting is 720P.

On the other hand, when "Display Adjustment" is selected, the device enters a state in which adjustments are made to reduce the misalignment between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the partial rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. When this state is reached, the LCD display 13 displays the entire image input from the rear camera. Also, superimposed on the entire rear camera image is a message that reads, "Please align the mirror image with the displayed image. To adjust the image position, trace one finger on the mirror surface to move, trace two fingers to rotate, trace two fingers apart to zoom in, trace two fingers together to zoom out, spread three or more fingers apart to zoom in, and bring three or more fingers together to zoom out." When contact movement of a single finger on the half mirror 11 is detected, the position of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 is adjusted according to the direction and magnitude of the movement. When contact movement of two fingers while maintaining a distance between them is detected on the half mirror 11, the rear camera image is rotated and displayed around the center of the image liquid crystal display 13 as the rotation center according to the direction and magnitude of the movement. When spreading two fingers across the half mirror 11 is detected, the rear camera image is enlarged and displayed while maintaining the aspect ratio of the rear camera image according to the amount of expansion of the distance between the two fingers. When narrowing two fingers across the half mirror 11 is detected, the rear camera image is reduced and displayed while maintaining the aspect ratio of the rear camera image according to the amount of reduction of the distance between the two fingers. When contact of three or more fingers is detected on the half mirror 11, the image within a polygon whose vertices are the contact positions is enlarged or reduced in the range enclosed by the vertices according to the amount of movement of each finger, and the image outside the vertices is reduced or expanded according to the amount of movement of each finger. At this time, the image is deformed with a gradient so that the parts closer to the vertices are enlarged or reduced more than the parts farther away. As a result, the parts closer to the fingers are enlarged or reduced more. In this way, the image can be transformed without maintaining its aspect ratio. For example, distortion can be easily corrected in lenses.

When the "MODE OK" button is detected as being pressed, the image from the rear camera that has been adjusted using the corrections made so far is displayed on the LCD display 13, and the details of the corrections applied are stored. The next time the power is turned on, the setting screen is switched to the rear camera image, or the display state is switched from the front camera image to the rear camera image, the LCD display 13 displays the adjusted rear camera image based on the stored details of the corrections. The details of the corrections are stored by storing the details and amount of the operation, as well as by calculating and storing a function (e.g., an affine transformation) and its parameters (e.g., a transformation matrix, e.g., a transformation matrix for multiple corrections) for obtaining the corrected image from the uncorrected image. The rear camera image is then adjusted by performing a transformation process on the rear camera image based on these. Adjustments to the rear camera image are preferably performed in real time.

For example, let's assume that the image shown in Figure 12(A) is an image output by a rear camera. Without adjustment, the LCD display shown in Figure 1 displays a raw image without rendering, such as images 1, 3, and 5 in the figure. In this case, for example, the image behind the vehicle is viewed as a reflected image on the half mirror 11, which is the central area of the area divided into three equal parts horizontally and vertically in Figure 12. Since the LCD display 13 is located near the right edge as shown in Figure 1, the image of the truck near the right edge of Figure 12 is displayed as a reflected image on the half mirror 11, superimposed on the image on the LCD display 13's display screen in Figure 12. This adjustment function allows the image displayed on the display screen to be enlarged with a finger until it matches the reflected image of the part of the half mirror 11 where the display 13 is located, and then moves the display range to the right, adjusting the image so that the same truck image appears on the display screen of the display 13. This allows the reflected image on the half mirror 11 and the displayed image on the LCD display 13 to roughly match, reducing the sense of incongruity. In particular, the larger the size of the LCD display, the more likely it is that this problem will be reduced. For example, this is particularly effective in a configuration where the display covers almost the entire rear surface of the half mirror, as shown in Figure 20.

In "Recording File Structure" in Figure 10 (B), you can select the length of time to split and store the video file from 5-minute, 10-minute, or 15-minute increments. The default setting is 5 minutes.

"Audio Recording" can be switched off or on. The default setting is on. "Continuous Recording Overwrite" can also be switched off or on. If the overwrite setting is on and there is insufficient space on the microSD card, old files will be deleted one by one and new files will be saved, as described above. The default setting is on.

To select a setting item, use the "∧ VOL+" and "∨ VOL-" buttons. These buttons are also used to increase and decrease values. To confirm a setting item, press the "MODE OK" button. Pressing the "MENU" button will exit the setting screen and return to the previous mode on the setting screen (for example, video recording mode).

Next, we will explain how to change the system settings. As shown in Figure 11 (A), press the "MENU" button to stop video recording, press the "MODE OK" button to select video recording mode, press the "MENU" button to display the video recording mode settings menu, and press the "MODE OK" button again to display the system settings menu. The system settings menu will be the screen shown in Figure 11 (B).

The system settings menu includes "Date/Time," "Operation Sound," "Flickerless Function," "Default Settings," and "Version." Just as when changing video recording mode settings, you can use the "∧ VOL+," "∨ VOL-" and "MODE OK" buttons to select the desired item and change the setting. Note that "Operation Sound" is on by default and can be switched off. The flickerless function is used to match the commercial frequency of the region in which it is used, and can be set to 50Hz in Eastern Japan or 60Hz in Western Japan. The default setting is 60Hz.

When setting the "Date/Time," use the "∧ VOL+," "∨ VOL-" and "MODE OK" buttons on the screen shown in Figure 11 (C) to change the item you want to change and increase or decrease the value.

The drive recorder 1 of the embodiment is configured to allow selection of a "still image recording mode" in addition to the aforementioned "video recording mode." By selecting the "still image recording mode," still images can be captured in the same way as with a digital camera.

In still image recording mode, as shown in Figure 12 (A), the following are displayed on the LCD display 13: [1] still image recording mode icon, [2] viewfinder, [3] zoom magnification, [4] number of shots remaining, and [5] microSD icon (see circled numbers in the figure).

Here, [4] Number of shots remaining indicates the number of still images that can be compressed using the remaining capacity of the microSD card. [3] The zoom magnification ranges from 1.0x to 4.0x and can be increased or decreased using the "∧ VOL+" and "∨ VOL-" buttons. Note that the magnification will return to 1.0x when the power is turned off or when switching to another mode.

To record a still image in this still image recording mode, first make sure the power is on, then, as shown in Figure 12 (B), if video recording is in progress, press the "MENU" button to stop video recording, press the "MODE OK" button to switch to still image recording mode, and press the "REC" button to start still image recording. In this example, the resolution of still images is fixed at 2592 x 1944.

Next, we will explain how to play back recorded files. As shown in Figure 13 (A), press the "MENU" button to stop video recording, and then press the "MODE OK" button to change to playback mode. Then, use the "∧ VOL+" and "∨ VOL-" buttons to select a recording file, and press the "REC" button to play it. The video playback screen will be the screen shown in Figure 13 (B). The still image playback screen will be the screen shown in Figure 13 (C).

As shown in Figure 13 (B), the video playback screen displays the following on the LCD display 13: [1] video icon, [2] recorded video, [3] video playback operation icon, [4] file number, [5] file resolution, [6] recording date, [7] recording time, and [8] file protection icon (see circled numbers in the figure).

As shown in Figure 13(C), the still image playback screen displays the following on the LCD display 13: [1] still image icon, [2] recorded image, [3] operation icon, [4] file number, [5] file resolution, [6] recording date, [7] recording time, and [9] recording date and time (see circled numbers in the figure). Note that [9] recording date and time is the recording date and time written to the recording file.

Next, we will explain how to change the playback mode settings. As shown in Figure 14 (A), press the "MENU" button to stop video recording, then press the "MODE OK" button to select playback mode. Press the "MENU" button again to display the playback mode settings menu. The playback mode settings menu will be the screen shown in Figure 14 (B).

The settings available in playback mode are "Volume," "Erase," and "Format." "Volume" sets the playback volume of recorded files, as well as the operation and startup sounds, and can be set to Off or 1-8. The default setting is 6. "Erase" deletes recorded files, and you can choose to delete the current file or all files. Note that overwrite-protected files cannot be erased. "Format" initializes the microSD card. Performing "Format" will also erase overwrite-protected files.

To initialize a microSD card, use the "∧ VOL+" and "∨ VOL-" buttons to select "Format" as shown in Figure 14 (C), then press the "MODE OK" button. This will switch to the format screen as shown in Figure 14 (D). On this screen, select "SD card" and press the "MODE OK" button, and the screen will switch to a confirmation message screen as shown in Figure 14 (E). Formatting will only begin once you use the "∨ VOL-" button to select "Confirm" and press the "MODE OK" button.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, the angle of light incident on the camera lens can be changed by 20° to the left, 20° to the right, and 10° downward, as shown in Figure 15. This allows you to set the optimal shooting direction by attaching the camera to the rearview mirror, adjusting the angle of the rearview mirror, and then changing the orientation of the camera lens.

What's more, this operation can be performed from the driver's seat, allowing the driver to easily perform it after adjusting the rearview mirror. And because the angle is adjusted by selecting from P1 to P6 rather than changing it arbitrarily, the angle adjustment can be performed quickly and easily. At this point, the driver can easily tell that the lens body has been firmly fixed by feeling a clicking action.

In addition, the lens orientation can be adjusted while the image is displayed on the LCD display behind the half mirror, allowing for reliable work, and since the LCD display is located on the driver's side, the screen can be viewed while looking at what is in front of you.

In this embodiment, the LCD display 13 is located in a portion of the half mirror 11 on the right side, but it may also be a large, horizontally elongated LCD (e.g., approximately 9 to 12 inches diagonally) located approximately in the center of the half mirror 11, with all four sides located near the edges of the half mirror 11. In this case, the entire left-right image from the rear camera may be displayed in the left-right direction, which is the length of the LCD display 13, and only a portion of the image from the rear camera in the up-down direction, which is the width, may be displayed by default, such as near the center. It is recommended that the above-mentioned adjustments be made from this state. This makes it easier to align the contact position of the finger with the display position, allowing for more intuitive adjustments.

The drive recorder 1 is capable of displaying content on the liquid crystal display 13 by superimposing it on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. The liquid crystal display 13 of the drive recorder 1 has a function for displaying images captured by a rear camera, and has an adjustment function for adjusting the position of the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and visible, and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 by superimposing it on at least a portion of the half mirror 11.

By doing this, the user can view the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, with a reduced misalignment. Furthermore, the misalignment between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, which overlap, can be made less noticeable than before. This also reduces the difficulty in viewing due to misalignment between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the image displayed on the LCD display 13. For example, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt when two images (hereinafter simply referred to as "two images") overlap: the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, which overlaps at least a portion of the half mirror 11. For example, if two images show completely different areas, the image perceived will be a jumbled mixture of the two images, but this can be alleviated.

The two images may be configured to overlap entirely, but as in this embodiment, it is preferable to configure them so that only a portion of them overlaps. For this configuration, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide an LCD display 13 with a display screen for the image from the rear camera within the entire area of the half mirror 11. This can reduce the sense of incongruity in the area where the two images overlap, and also reduce the discrepancy in the continuity of the images at the boundary between the area where the two images do not overlap and the area where they overlap, thereby alleviating the sense of incongruity at this boundary.

In this embodiment, the display screen of the LCD display 13 is placed behind the half mirror 11 so that the image is displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. The area of the display screen of the LCD display 13 behind the half mirror is smaller than the area of the half mirror.

The positional deviation may be, for example, a deviation in the top, bottom, left, or right positions of the two images, or a combination of these positional deviations. The positional deviation may also be a deviation in the size of the two images. The positional deviation may also be a deviation due to distortion of at least one of the two images. A combination of these deviations may also occur.

In this embodiment, therefore, an adjustment to reduce positional deviation is provided by changing the display range of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. This display range change function is provided with a display position movement function. The display position movement function includes a translation function and a rotation function.

For example, even if the two images - the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 - are displayed at the same size, if the coordinates are misaligned by a few millimeters, the user will see a composite image as two overlapping images. A further misalignment of around 10 mm will make it difficult to see either image, and the mirror will no longer function as intended. However, the configuration of this embodiment can mitigate these issues.

The display also has a zoom function to change the display range. This function allows for zooming in and out of the rear camera image while maintaining its aspect ratio, as well as a function to zoom in on at least a portion of the rear camera image without maintaining its aspect ratio. Rear camera images typically have greater distortion in the peripheral areas, but for example, if the image from the rear camera is zoomed in and displayed near the periphery, the degree of distortion may differ between the top, bottom, left, and right. This can lead to issues where portions of the two images overlap, but other portions do not. Having a function to make such adjustments can alleviate these issues.

In this embodiment, the mirror is a flat mirror, but applying the present invention to a curved mirror will produce even better results. For example, a concave mirror may be used, but a convex mirror is particularly preferred. The half mirror 11 may be flat as in this embodiment, but it may also be curved. For example, it may be concave, but a convex mirror is particularly preferred. It is preferable to make automatic adjustments to reduce positional deviations in the input rear camera image based on a correction function, etc., calculated in advance from the curvature of the half mirror or the actual reflected image. Furthermore, it is preferable to display the automatically adjusted image on the LCD display 13, adjusted based on the correction function, etc., manually set as described above.

In this embodiment, the electronic device is a drive recorder 1, but it can also be a mirror that displays various camera images or other electronic devices. For example, it can be installed in a facility, store, home, etc., but is particularly suitable for installation in a vehicle as in this embodiment, and is particularly suitable for allowing the driver of the vehicle to check the situation behind the vehicle. It is particularly suitable for functioning as a rearview mirror installed inside the vehicle as in this embodiment. It can also function as a rearview mirror that is pre-installed in the vehicle, but is particularly suitable for functioning as an aftermarket rearview mirror that covers the mirror surface of the rearview mirror already installed in the vehicle and functions as a new rearview mirror as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the user manually adjusts the positional misalignment, but the adjustment function could also be equipped with a function that inputs the image output from the rear camera, automatically adjusts the input rear camera image to reduce the positional misalignment, and then applies the manually set adjustments. This reduces the effort required for the user to manually adjust the positional misalignment.

As for automatic adjustment, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when the image in FIG. 12(A) is described as an image output by a rear camera, without adjustment, a raw image without rendering, such as images 1, 3, and 5 in the figure, would be displayed on the LCD display 13 shown in FIG. 1. However, even without adjustment, the range expected to be reflected at the position of the LCD display 13 in the half mirror 11 may be pre-stored, and the user may begin adjustment from a state in which the image within that range is displayed on the LCD display 13. For example, if the image behind the vehicle is viewed as a reflected image in the half mirror 11 in the central area obtained by dividing the entire left-right direction and the top-bottom direction into three equal parts in FIG. 12, since the LCD display 13 is located near the right edge as shown in FIG. 1, the image of the truck near the right edge of FIG. 12 will be superimposed on the position of the image on the LCD display 13's display screen in FIG. 12 as a reflected image of the half mirror 11. Therefore, the magnification ratio and the amount of movement of the display range to the right side at which this reflected image and the image displayed on the display 13 are the same can be stored, and the image from the rear camera with this applied can be displayed as an automatically adjusted image without any adjustments by the user, and user adjustments can be started from this state.

The adjustment function of this embodiment is equipped with a function for making adjustments based on parameters (e.g., a transformation matrix) for making adjustments to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image displayed on the rear camera's LCD display 13 and the image reflected by the half mirror 11 in that portion. In this embodiment, the user can make only one adjustment pattern and set one parameter, but multiple patterns may also be set. For example, it is preferable to have a function for setting multiple parameters in advance. It is also preferable to have a function for allowing the user to select which of the multiple set parameters to apply to the adjustment, with fewer user operations than required for the setting, and for the adjustment to reduce the positional discrepancy when the selected parameter is applied.

In this way, the user can set parameters in advance to make adjustments to reduce this positional deviation, and can select which parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than required for the setting, allowing them to view two images with the adjustments applied using the selected parameters. A configuration that allows the user to select which of the multiple set parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than required for the setting can be, for example, configured so that setting is performed using a setting menu and selection is performed with a single touch. A configuration that allows the user to select which of the multiple set parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than required for the setting can be configured so that setting is performed using a button, as in this embodiment, and selection is performed using a touch panel. It is particularly advantageous to configure setting and selection using physically separate input means in this way. For example, the "Display Adjustment" item in this embodiment may be configured as multiple preset items, such as "Display Adjustment Preset 1," "Display Adjustment Preset 2," ... "Display Adjustment Preset n," and parameters may be switched in a predetermined order when the touch panel is touched. For example, touching the touch panel once may display a screen in which the rear camera image has been adjusted based on parameter 1 adjusted within the preset Display Adjustment Preset 1 item; touching the touch panel again may display a screen in which the rear camera image has been adjusted based on parameter 2 adjusted within the preset Display Adjustment Preset 1 item; ... Touching the touch panel n times may display a screen in which the rear camera image has been adjusted based on the preset parameters. Conversely, settings may be made using the touch panel and selections may be made using physical buttons. Parameters may indicate the coordinates of the display range in the rear camera image, coefficients for adjusting coordinate transformation, or a combination of these.

For example, "multiple settings" may be configured to be set for different time periods, such as daytime and nighttime. For example, the parameters to be set multiple times may be parameters for daytime and parameters for nighttime. In particular, it may be desirable to have a function that notifies the user to set daytime and nighttime settings. For example, the item names may be "Display adjustment preset for daytime" and "Display adjustment preset for nighttime."

In this embodiment, adjustments are made using the settings menu, but it would be better to further include a real-time adjustment function that performs adjustments in real time when the above-mentioned operations are performed on the touch panel without entering the settings menu. In this way, when you want to temporarily view a specific location or area of the rear camera image, you can enlarge or move to that location and view it. It would be even better to include a function that returns the display to what was previously set in the settings menu when a specific operation is detected, such as a two-finger touch in this state.

In this embodiment, adjustments can be made using a touch panel provided on the half mirror 11 at a position that does not overlap the LCD display 13. However, the adjustment function may also include a function that detects contact of the user's finger with a portion of the LCD display 13 that is superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 and, based on the finger contact, performs an adjustment to reduce the misalignment between the image reflected and viewed on the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 that is superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. In this way, the user can adjust the display by operating their finger on the display to reduce the misalignment between the image reflected and viewed on the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 that is superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. For example, detection of contact of the user's finger with the portion of the LCD display 13 that is superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 may be detected by a detection means such as a touch panel provided on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, and a touch panel may not be provided in the area outside the LCD display 13.

It is also desirable to have a function to detect when the orientation of the half mirror 11 may have changed, and to provide a function to notify at least one of the following: that because the orientation of the half mirror 11 has changed, there may be a positional misalignment between the image displayed on the LCD display 13 and the image reflected on the half mirror 11; and that this positional misalignment needs to be readjusted; or that the orientation of the half mirror 11, i.e., the orientation of the drive recorder 1, for example, needs to be returned to its original position.

In this way, the user can easily realize that the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, may be due to a change in the orientation of the half mirror 11. For example, the positional discrepancy can be easily resolved by readjusting the positional discrepancy or returning the half mirror 11 to its original orientation.

To detect a possible change in the orientation of the half mirror 11, the drive recorder 1 may be equipped with a function to detect the movement and acceleration of the drive recorder 1. For example, the drive recorder 1 may be equipped with a GPS and an acceleration sensor connected to a microcomputer, which uses the GPS to detect the movement of the vehicle equipped with the drive recorder 1 and the acceleration sensor to detect the direction of gravitational acceleration. For example, if the displacement in the direction of gravitational acceleration when the speed is 0 exceeds a predetermined reference value, it may be determined that the orientation of the half mirror 11 has changed.

In addition, a function for detecting whether the orientation of the half mirror 11 may have changed may be provided, for example, by detecting a change in the imaging range of the front camera of the drive recorder 1 through image recognition, thereby determining that the orientation of the half mirror 11 may have changed.

The drive recorder 1 may also be equipped with a third camera (a camera facing the interior of the vehicle) that captures the same side as the half mirror 11 (for example, an area including the rear side). For example, this camera may be located at the top end of the center of the half mirror 11 in the left-right direction, on the rear side of the half mirror 11. The drive recorder 1 may also be equipped with two cameras, a front camera and a third camera, and use the images from both cameras to determine whether the direction of the half mirror 11 may have changed.

It is also desirable to have a function that detects directional displacement of the half mirror 11 (e.g., displacement in the direction of the drive recorder 1) and performs an adjustment to reduce the positional deviation between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. This reduces the positional deviation between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 when the half mirror 11 is displaced. For example, when a displacement in the shooting range of the drive recorder 1 camera is detected by image recognition, it is desirable to have an adjustment function that corrects the positional deviation according to the amount of deviation in the positional range between the image before the displacement and the image after the displacement.

The drive recorder 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a camera (for example, a forward-facing camera (front camera)) whose captured range changes depending on the orientation of the drive recorder 1. It is preferable to have a function to adjust the positional deviation according to the displacement of the image captured by this camera.

In this way, the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and viewed when the orientation of the drive recorder 1 changes and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 is automatically reduced.

For example, if a change in the shooting range of the camera of the drive recorder 1 is detected by image recognition, it is desirable to have a function to adjust the positional deviation in accordance with the change in the camera image. This camera may be a camera (a front camera) provided on a side of the drive recorder 1 different from the half mirror 11. Alternatively, this camera may be a camera that captures the same side as the half mirror 11 (for example, an area including the rear side). These two cameras may be provided in the drive recorder 1, and it may be possible to determine whether the direction of the half mirror 11 has changed based on the images from both cameras.

It is also desirable to have a function to detect when the orientation of the rear camera may have changed, and a function to notify at least one of the following: that the change in orientation of the rear camera may have caused a positional deviation, and that the positional deviation needs to be readjusted or the orientation of the rear camera needs to be returned to its original position. This allows the user to easily realize that the positional deviation between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 is due to a possible change in the orientation of the rear camera. For example, the positional deviation can be easily resolved by readjusting the positional deviation or returning the orientation of the rear camera to its original position.

A function for detecting that the rear camera direction may have changed could, for example, be provided that detects the movement and acceleration of the vehicle, for example by detecting the movement of the rear camera using GPS or the like, and detecting the direction of gravitational acceleration using an acceleration sensor or the like, and determining that the rear camera direction may have changed when, for example, the displacement in the direction of gravitational acceleration when the speed is 0 exceeds a predetermined reference value.A function for detecting that the rear camera direction may have changed could, for example, be provided that detects a displacement in the rear camera's shooting range using image recognition, and determines that the rear camera direction may have changed.

It is also desirable to have a function that detects displacement in the direction of the rear camera and adjusts it to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11.

This reduces the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, when the rear camera is displaced. For example, if displacement of the rear camera's imaging range is detected by image recognition, it is advisable to provide an adjustment function that corrects the positional discrepancy according to the amount of deviation in the positional range between the image before the displacement and the image after the displacement.

It is also desirable to provide a function that automatically adjusts the range of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, based on the set relative position between the drive recorder 1 and the rear camera. In this way, the user simply sets the relative position between the drive recorder 1 and the rear camera, automatically reducing the positional discrepancy between the image reflected by the half mirror 11 and the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13, superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11. The relative position may be, for example, the set distance between the drive recorder 1 and the rear camera. When the aforementioned "Rear Camera" is selected in the settings menu, a selection menu screen for "Resolution," "Display Adjustment," and "Rear Camera Distance" is displayed. When "Rear Camera Distance" is selected, the distance may be adjusted up or down in 10 cm increments by detecting the press of the "∧ VOL+" or "∨ VOL-" button, and adjustments may be made accordingly. For example, the image reflected on a half mirror tends to become larger the closer the distance, so it is a good idea to perform automatic adjustments that reflect this tendency.

Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a function for adjusting the positional deviation between the image visually perceived as reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11, depending on the detected driver's head position. In this way, even if the user moves their head position, they can view an image in which the positional deviation between the image visually perceived as reflected by the half mirror 11 and the portion of the rear camera image displayed on the LCD display 13 superimposed on at least a portion of the half mirror 11 has been adjusted. For example, the correction setting according to the present embodiment is performed by user operation at a reference position where the driver's head normally looks at the rearview mirror 11. The drive recorder 1 is equipped with an in-vehicle camera, or an image from a camera that captures the driver's head, such as a DMS (Driver Monitoring System), is input to detect the driver's head position, and the three-dimensional displacement of the driver's head position from the reference position is calculated. The rear camera image is then moved by an amount corresponding to the displacement of the head position from the position corrected by the user operation and displayed. For example, if the user's head moves to the right from the reference position, the rear camera image should also be moved to the right (to a position where the left side is more visible). In this way, the rear camera image should be moved in the same direction as the head movement, so that the rear camera image shows more of the direction opposite to the head movement.
The drive recorder 1 of this embodiment can also function as a digital rearview mirror.
Digital rearview mirrors, which display images from a rear camera on the rearview mirror, pose two major challenges in terms of safe driving.
Issue 1) Understanding distance

As shown in Figure 17, the image reflected in a conventional rearview mirror is a virtual image that uses reflection, and what is reflected there reflects the distance between the driver and objects or people, just as if they were seen directly with the naked eye. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 18, a digital mirror is an image captured by a camera, so what the driver sees is simply a screen. Therefore, in order to get a sense of distance on the screen, it is necessary to recognize the presence of vehicles or pedestrians behind and to recognize whether they are far or close based on their relative size (large or small), which requires one more process than viewing a virtual image.
Task 2) Eye focus

In a rearview mirror, real and virtual images are displayed at equal distances, so if an object is 80 meters away, you only need to focus on it 80 meters ahead. This means that there is no discomfort when you look at the mirror immediately after looking ahead. However, since a digital mirror is a screen, you must focus your eyes on the mirror itself (about 50 cm away).
Immediately after looking at something 80m away, you need to instantly focus on a distance of 50cm, which can be difficult if you have presbyopia.

For example, it would be good to provide a function that detects the range in which an object exists in the image captured by the rear camera, a function that draws an object representing the detected object, and a function that changes the drawing style of the object representing the detected object depending on the distance to the detected object. In this way, the user can grasp the distance to the detected object by looking at the drawing style of the object representing the detected object.

For example, as shown in Figure 20, if there are multiple ranges in which objects exist within the range displayed on the LCD display (in this figure, the LCD display covers almost the entire rear side of the half-mirror surface), the closest object may be regarded as the detected object, and an object representing the detected object may be drawn in a drawing style that corresponds to the distance to that object. In particular, it is preferable to draw an object representing the detected object for each of the multiple objects in a drawing style that corresponds to the distance to that object.

It is also possible to limit the area in which object detection processing is performed to the range displayed on the LCD display, and not perform object detection processing on areas of the input rear camera image that are not displayed on the LCD display.

In this case, the object representing the detected object should be drawn by drawing a frame around the detected object, with the color of the frame being pre-assigned to the distance to the detected object. In this way, the object is surrounded by a frame, which helps the driver recognize the object more quickly, and the driver can recognize objects close to their vehicle simply by looking at the color of the frame. The distance to the object surrounded by the frame can also be intuitively grasped. Changing the color of the frame depending on the distance also helps the driver to quickly grasp the sense of distance.

The frame surrounding the object may be a frame that surrounds the entire object, but it is preferable that it surround at least a portion of the object. The color of the frame should change from cooler to warmer colors as the distance becomes shorter. For example, objects farther than the first reference distance for which a frame is to be displayed should not be framed, while objects closer than the first reference distance and farther than the second reference distance (objects that are relatively close) should be framed in blue. Furthermore, objects closer than the second reference distance (objects that are close to the vehicle) should be displayed in a red frame.

Furthermore, when the speed of a detected object is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, the object representing the detected object may be drawn in a different manner than the object's drawing manner based on distance. This allows the user to easily identify objects approaching at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed (e.g., high speed). For example, an object approaching at high speed despite being at a certain distance may be circled in orange. For example, even if an object is farther away than the first reference distance, an object detected as approaching at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed may be displayed in a different manner than 12.

It is desirable to have a function to detect the range in which an object exists in the image captured by the rear camera, and a function to draw an object representing the detected object. If it is determined that the detected object is not stationary, an object representing the detected object is drawn, and if it is determined that the detected object is stationary, an object representing the detected object is not drawn. This can prevent attention from being drawn to stationary objects. It is particularly desirable to have this function in a device with a function to detect objects, especially in images captured behind the vehicle.

Furthermore, the system may include a second electronic device separate from the drive recorder 1 and equipped with a display unit. The second electronic device may have a function for displaying images based on images input from a rear camera, and may have a function for not displaying images based on images input from the rear camera of the drive recorder 1 when images from the rear camera are displayed on the second electronic device. In this way, when images from the rear camera are displayed on the second electronic device, images based on images input from the rear camera of the drive recorder 1 can be prevented from being displayed, allowing the half mirror 11 of the drive recorder 1 to be used as a normal mirror. In particular, it is preferable to turn off the display screen of the drive recorder 1 at this time. The second electronic device may be a navigation device equipped with navigation functions, map display functions, etc., as shown in Figures 21 and 22.

In particular, it is preferable to link the drive recorder 1 and the second electronic device, and when the second electronic device changes to a state where it displays video from the rear camera, or when this state is transmitted to the drive recorder 1 or detected by the drive recorder 1, control is performed so that the video based on the video input from the rear camera on the drive recorder 1 is not displayed. This linking is preferably performed via wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

For example, the second electronic device could be a PND (portable navigation device), with the drive recorder 1 as the first electronic device, and the two could be linked together as a broad electronic device (which could also be called a system), with the rearview camera image displayed on the PND screen and used as a sub-room mirror. Because it can be used in conjunction with a conventional rearview mirror, it can compensate for the disadvantages of both, contributing to safer driving. Furthermore, it is desirable to configure the PND's functions so that they are realized by programs executed by a computer inside the PND.

As shown in Figure 23, the advantage of mirrors is that they provide a mirrored image, allowing you to instantly grasp the sense of distance and the situation in the same way as with the naked eye. There is little change in focus of the eyes, making it easy to focus. On the other hand, the disadvantages of mirrors are that blind spots can be created by passengers, luggage, and pillars. They also have a narrower field of view than a rear camera. They can be difficult to see with the naked eye in bad weather or at night.

In contrast, the advantages of the Drive Recorder 1 and the second Drive Recorder 1 are that they are not affected by the interior of the vehicle, so there are no blind spots and a wider field of view than mirrors. By using various rear cameras such as STARVIS or an infrared rear camera, it is possible to capture clear images even in bad weather or at night. Disadvantages include the fact that it is a screen, making it difficult to grasp a sense of distance. For example, there is a large difference in focus between the naked eye and the mirror, making it difficult to focus.
This function can compensate for the disadvantages of both.

In this embodiment, the setting items on the setting screen are displayed as text, and the user can select them by looking at the text and pressing a button. However, for example, the drive recorder 1 may be equipped with a microphone connected to a microcomputer, and the setting item names may be recognized by voice and operated. For example, if the voice "Display adjustment preset 1" is recognized, the rear camera image may be adjusted to the adjustment content set as "Display adjustment preset 1" and displayed.

Each section of the touch panel may be assigned to operate a different operation object. For example, the left and right directions may be divided into n equal parts so that n operation objects can be operated. For example, the left one-third of the area may be used as an operation area for switching between the front camera image and the rear camera image, the central one-third of the area may be used as an operation area for adjusting the brightness of the LCD display, and the right one-third of the area may be used as an area for adjusting the display range on the LCD display.

The real-time adjustment function may be configured to move the rear camera display range vertically but not horizontally, and to assign a different function to left-right dragging (flicking). For example, the system may be configured to switch between the rear camera and front camera images when a single finger touch on the touch panel is detected, move the rear camera display range up or down when a dragging (e.g., flicking) is detected, and change the screen brightness according to the direction and amount of movement when a left-right movement is detected. For example, the system may be configured to increase the brightness when dragging to the right and decrease the brightness when dragging to the left.
In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display is used, but various other displays such as an organic EL display can also be used.

The device may have a built-in battery, and if power is lost from the cigarette lighter socket, it may be equipped with a function that operates on power from the charged battery when power is supplied from the cigarette lighter socket. This allows recording to be performed while the vehicle is parked. In this case, it is recommended that the above-mentioned adjustment function not be performed while recording is being performed while the vehicle is parked.

By the way, each function of the drive recorder 1 described above can be configured as a program to be implemented by a computer, and the computer can be built into the microcomputer described above.

The above describes examples of how the invention can be implemented, but the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, but also encompasses combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the configurations of the invention sought to be patented are specified in the accompanying claims, it is the intention of the present inventors to claim configurations disclosed herein that are not currently specified in the claims.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. It is our intention to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications. Even if there is a statement such as "in the case of..." or "when...," this does not mean that the configuration is limited to that case or time. Configurations that are not limited to those cases or times are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them. Furthermore, any descriptions that specify an order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them.

I also intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by converting the drawing to a design application. While the drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, they also encompass partial designs claimed for portions of the device. For example, not only can a portion of the device be a partial design, but the drawings also encompass partial designs for portions of the device regardless of the component. A portion of the device could be a component of the device, or a part of that component. I intend to obtain rights not only to the overall design, but also to partial designs in which any portion of the solid-line portion of the drawing is shown as a dashed part. Furthermore, all of the modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing, as shown in the drawings, are subject to independent commerce, and I similarly intend to obtain rights to them by converting the drawing to a design application.

The present invention can be used, for example, as in-vehicle equipment for recording vehicle accidents, etc.

1: Drive recorder, 11: Half mirror, 12: Operation buttons, 13: LCD display, 17: Speaker, 18: Microphone, 20: Main body case, 21: Bottom case, 21d: Lower back protrusion, 22: Top case, 22a: Display window, 24: Inverted L-shaped bracket, 24a: Protrusion, 25: Coil spring, 30: Camera unit, 42: DC jack, 45: SD card slot, 51: Upper clamper, 52: Lower clamper, 60: Lens body, 61: Lens cover, 62: Camera body , 63...Printed circuit board, 64L, 64R...Pivoting shaft, 65L, 65R...Lever portion, 66L, 66R...Semispherical convex portion, 67...Lens frame, 70...Lens holder, 71...Left member, 72...Right member, 73...Holding portion, 74...Mounting arm portion, 75L, 75R...Slide groove, 76L, 76R...Semispherical recess portion, 77...Lens window, 81...Rearview mirror, 82...Cigarette lighter socket, 83...Power cord, 84...Micro SD card, 85...Computer, 86...Reader/writer.

Claims (13)

An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The adjustment function of the electronic device is characterized by having a function of making adjustments based on parameters for making adjustments to reduce the positional deviation, setting a plurality of the parameters in advance, allowing the user to select which of the plurality of set parameters to apply to the adjustment with fewer user operations than the number of times required for the setting, and making adjustments to reduce the positional deviation to which the selected parameter is applied. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The electronic device is characterized in that the adjustment function detects contact of a user's finger with a portion displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, and, based on the finger contact, performs adjustment to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected and viewed on the mirror surface and the image of the camera of the portion displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
An electronic device characterized by having a function of detecting that the orientation of the mirror surface may have changed, and a function of notifying at least one of the following: that the orientation of the mirror surface has changed and therefore the positional deviation may have occurred, and that the positional deviation needs to be readjusted, or that the orientation of the mirror surface needs to be returned to its original state. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The adjustment means has a function of detecting a displacement in the direction of the mirror surface and adjusting to reduce a positional discrepancy between an image reflected on the mirror surface and viewed, and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The electronic device is provided with a second camera (for example, a front-facing camera) whose photographed range changes in accordance with a change in the orientation of the electronic device;
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means has a function of adjusting the positional deviation in accordance with a displacement of the image captured by the second camera. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
An electronic device comprising a function to detect that the direction of the camera may have changed, and a function to notify at least one of the following: that the change in the direction of the camera may have caused a deviation in the position; and that the deviation needs to be readjusted or the direction of the camera needs to be returned to its original state. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
An electronic device characterized by having a function of detecting a displacement in the direction of the camera and adjusting the position to reduce the positional discrepancy between the image reflected on the mirror surface and the portion of the camera image displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The adjustment means has a function of automatically adjusting the range of the image of the camera that is displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a part of the mirror surface, in accordance with the set positional relationship between the electronic device and the camera. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The adjustment means has a function of adjusting the positional deviation between the image reflected and viewed on the mirror surface and the portion of the image from the camera displayed on the display means superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface, in accordance with the detected position of the driver's head. An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The system has a function of detecting an area in which an object exists in the image of the camera, and a function of drawing an object representing the detected object,
a function of changing a drawing mode of an object representing the detected object according to a distance to the detected object ;
An electronic device characterized by having a function of drawing an object representing the detected object in a manner different from a manner of drawing an object depending on distance when the speed of the detected object is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed . An electronic device capable of displaying content displayed by a display means in a manner superimposed on at least a part of a mirror surface,
The display means has a function of displaying an image captured by a camera,
an adjustment function for adjusting to reduce a positional difference between an image reflected by the mirror surface and a portion of the image of the camera displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on at least a portion of the mirror surface ;
The system has a function of detecting an area in which an object exists in the image of the camera, and a function of drawing an object representing the detected object,
When it is determined that the detected object is not a stationary object, an object representing the detected object is drawn;
An electronic device comprising a function of not drawing an object representing the detected object when the detected object is determined to be a stationary object. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is an electronic device including a second electronic device that is another electronic device and includes a display unit,
The second electronic device has a function of displaying an image based on the image input from the camera, and has a function of not displaying an image based on the image input from the camera on the second electronic device when the image from the camera is being displayed on the second electronic device. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .