JP7730232B2 - Video recording device and video recording program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a video recording device and a video recording program.

Technology is known that uses cameras mounted on the vehicle body to capture and record images of the inside and outside of a vehicle. In this case, multiple cameras are required to capture images of the inside and outside of the vehicle, which increases the cost of the entire system.

JP 2016-005234 A

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a video recording device and video recording program that can inexpensively record video images of the interior and exterior of a vehicle.

The video recording device of the present disclosure comprises a first receiving unit that receives a first video from a first imaging device that images the rear of a vehicle and generates a first video, a second receiving unit that receives the second video from a mobile terminal that images at least one of the front of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle and generates a second video, and a recording unit that records the first video and the second video in an overwrite folder that is overwritten when the recorded video reaches a predetermined capacity or in a storage folder where the video is not overwritten , wherein the second receiving unit receives setting information regarding the display method of a display device installed in the vehicle from the mobile terminal, and the recording unit records the setting information .

The video recording device and video recording program disclosed herein make it possible to inexpensively record video of the interior and exterior of a vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle equipped with a drive recorder unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the video recording system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a display unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a video recording process performed by the drive recorder unit and the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a video recording process performed by the drive recorder unit according to the embodiment using the navigation function of the mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a setting process performed by the drive recorder unit according to the embodiment using an authentication function of the mobile terminal.

Embodiments of a video recording device and a video recording program according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Example of vehicle configuration)
1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 5 equipped with a drive recorder unit 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 5 according to the embodiment includes, for example, the drive recorder unit 10, a rear camera 32, a display device 25, a display 45, and a terminal holder 59.

The rear camera 32 is mounted, for example, on the rear window of the vehicle 5. The rear camera 32 captures an image of the area behind the vehicle 5 and generates a rear image. The rear image is an example of a first image. The rear camera 32 is an example of a first imaging device.

The drive recorder unit 10 is stored, for example, in a console box of the vehicle 5. The drive recorder unit 10 records video captured by a mobile device (described below) and rearward video captured by the rear camera 32. The drive recorder unit 10 is an example of a video recording device.

Display device 25 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays the rear of the vehicle, and is, for example, a mirror-type electronic mirror that resembles a mirror for checking the rear of the vehicle. Display device 25 displays a rear image that has undergone predetermined processing by, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) formed integrally with display device 25. Display device 25 is an example of a display device. An electronic mirror is an example of a mirror-type display device.

Note that the display device 25 in FIG. 1 is configured as an electronic mirror in the shape of a rearview mirror, but when the display device 25 is configured as an electronic mirror, it may also have the shape of another mirror for checking behind, such as a door mirror or fender mirror.

The display 45 is, for example, a panel-type liquid crystal display fitted into an instrument panel or the like. The display 45 displays images processed by the drive recorder unit 10. The display 45 may also display an omnidirectional overhead image created by combining images from multiple cameras capturing images of the outside of the vehicle, including the rear camera 32.

The terminal holder 59 is provided, for example, on the instrument panel and is configured to hold a mobile terminal owned by a user, such as the driver of the vehicle 5.

The drive recorder unit 10, rear camera 32, display device 25, and display 45 described above are part of a video recording system, which will be described later. The video recording system may also include a terminal holder 59.

(Example of video recording system configuration)
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video recording system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the video recording system 1 according to the embodiment includes a drive recorder unit 10, a display unit 20, a rear camera 32, and a display unit 40, and is configured to be mountable in, for example, the vehicle 5. The video recording system 1 also includes a mobile terminal 50 owned by a user.

The mobile terminal 50 is a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by a user such as the driver or passenger of the vehicle 5. While the vehicle 5 is traveling, the mobile terminal 50 is held in the terminal holder 59 and captures images of the area around the vehicle 5 using a built-in camera. The detailed configuration of the mobile terminal 50 will be described later.

The drive recorder unit 10 includes a main microcomputer 11, a sub-microcomputer 12, a serializer 13p, a serializer 13m, a deserializer 14m, a recording device 15, a G sensor 16, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) IC module 17, and an antenna 18.

The main microcomputer 11 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The main microcomputer 11 is configured as a SoC (System on Chip) equipped with, for example, an image processing processor 11p that processes images captured by the mobile terminal 50 and the rear camera 32.

The CPU of the main microcomputer 11 loads a video recording program stored in ROM or the like into RAM and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the drive recorder unit 10 as a video recording device, as described below.

The main microcomputer 11 receives the rearward video generated by the rear camera 32 as a video signal SGvr from the deserializer 14m. The main microcomputer 11 also receives the video generated by the mobile terminal 50 as a video signal SGvs from the Wi-Fi-IC module 17 via the antenna 18.

The image processor 11p processes the video received from the mobile terminal 50 and the rearward video received from the rear camera 32. The video processing by the image processor 11p includes, for example, adjusting the color and contrast to make the video suitable for video recording and display on the display 45.

The main microcontroller 11 also controls the Wi-Fi-IC module 17 and the serializer 13p by sending a control signal SGc to the Wi-Fi-IC module 17 and the serializer 13p.

For example, when video is transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the drive recorder unit 10, the main microcomputer 11 causes the Wi-Fi-IC module 17 to receive the video signal SGvs from the mobile terminal 50 via the antenna 18.

For example, after processing the images from the mobile terminal 50 and the rear camera 32, the main microcomputer 11 causes the serializer 13p to transmit the processed images to the display unit 40.

In addition, the video processed by the main microcomputer 11 is also stored as recorded video in the recording device 15 (described below) via the sub-microcomputer 12.

The main microcomputer 11 also notifies the sub-microcomputer 12 of various statuses by sending a status signal SGs to the sub-microcomputer 12. The various statuses include the status of the main microcomputer 11 itself, as well as information on whether or not a fault has occurred in devices under the control of the main microcomputer 11, such as the serializer 13p and the display unit 40.

When the serializer 13p receives the control signal SGc from the main microcomputer 11, it transmits the processed video received from the main microcomputer 11 to the display unit 40. At this time, the serializer 13p converts the parallelized video into serial data and transmits it to the display unit 40 as video signals SGvs and SGvr, respectively.

The Wi-Fi-IC module 17 is configured to enable the transmission and reception of information via Wi-Fi communication between the drive recorder unit 10 and the mobile terminal 50. The Wi-Fi-IC module 17 transmits and receives information between the drive recorder unit 10 and the mobile terminal 50 in the form of Wi-Fi radio waves via the antenna 18. The Wi-Fi-IC module 17 and antenna 18 are an example of a second receiving unit.

The sub-microcomputer 12 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is configured as, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

The sub-microcomputer 12 controls the serializer 13m and the deserializer 14m by sending a control signal SGc to the serializer 13m and the deserializer 14m.

For example, when rearward video is transmitted from the rear camera 32 to the drive recorder unit 10, the sub-microcomputer 12 causes the deserializer 14m to receive the rearward video from the rear camera 32.

For example, when the deserializer 14m receives rearward video, the sub-microcomputer 12 causes the serializer 13m to transmit the unprocessed rearward video to the display unit 20.

The sub-microcomputer 12 also notifies the main microcomputer 11 of various statuses by sending a status signal SGs to the main microcomputer 11. The various statuses include the status of the sub-microcomputer 12 itself, as well as information on whether or not a fault has occurred in devices under the control of the sub-microcomputer 12, such as the serializer 13m, deserializer 14m, G sensor 16, rear camera 32, and display unit 20.

The sub-microcomputer 12 also stores images from the mobile terminal 50 received from the main microcomputer 11, rearward images from the rear camera 32, and the like in the recording device 15 in overwrite mode or storage mode. In overwrite mode, when the amount of images recorded in the recording device 15 reaches a certain amount, the images are stored by sequentially overwriting old images with new images. In storage mode, recorded images are stored without being overwritten by new images.

When recording video to the recording device 15, the sub-microcomputer 12 switches between overwrite mode and save mode according to the instructions input by the user or based on the detection results of the G sensor 16.

When the deserializer 14m receives the control signal SGc from the sub-microcomputer 12, it receives the rearward video transmitted from the rear camera 32. At this time, the deserializer 14m converts the rearward video transmitted as the serialized video signal SGvr into parallel data. The deserializer 14m also transmits the parallelized rearward video in the form of the video signal SGvr to the main microcomputer 11 and the serializer 13m. The deserializer 14m is an example of a first receiving unit.

When the serializer 13m receives the control signal SGc from the sub-microcomputer 12, it transmits the unprocessed rearward video received from the deserializer 14m to the display unit 20. At this time, the serializer 13m converts the parallel rearward video into serial data and transmits it to the display unit 20 as a video signal SGvr. The serializer 13m is an example of a transmitter.

The recording device 15 records video captured by the mobile terminal 50 and rearward video captured by the rear camera 32. The recording device 15 has an overwrite area, such as an overwrite folder, and a storage area, such as a storage folder. In the overwrite area, the video is saved by sequentially overwriting old video with new video using the overwrite mode described above when the amount of recorded video exceeds a certain amount. In the storage area, the recorded video is saved without being overwritten by new video using the storage mode described above. The recording device 15 is an example of a recording unit.

The G sensor 16 is an acceleration sensor or the like that detects the acceleration applied to the vehicle 5. The G sensor 16 transmits the detection results to the sub-microcomputer 12, for example, at predetermined intervals.

The control signal SGc is transmitted from the main microcomputer 11 to the serializer 13p and the Wi-Fi-IC module 17, and from the sub-microcomputer 12 to the serializer 13m and the deserializer 14m, for example, in the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) format.

In addition, the transmission and reception of the video signal SGvs and the video signal SGvr between the main microcontroller 11 and the serializer 13p, and the transmission of the video signal SGvr from the deserializer 14m to the main microcontroller 11 and the serializer 13m are performed in, for example, MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) format.

Furthermore, transmission and reception of video signals SGvs and SGvr between serializer 13p, serializer 13m, and deserializer 14m and the rear camera 32, display unit 20, and display unit 40 is performed, for example, in FPD-Link III (Flat Panel Display-Link III) format.

In addition, these video transmissions can be carried out using, for example, coaxial cables or Wi-Fi.

In addition, the status signal SGs is transmitted and received between the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 12 in, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) format.

The display unit 40 includes, for example, a panel-type display 45 and is configured as part of, for example, an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system.

The processed video received by the display unit 40 from the drive recorder unit 10 is passed to the display 45 and displayed on the display 45. The video displayed on the display 45 is used for purposes such as displaying the outside situation in parking assistance, displaying parking spaces, and displaying parking routes.

The display unit 20 includes an ECU 21 and a display device 25.

The ECU 21 receives unprocessed rearward video from the drive recorder unit 10 and processes it. The rearward video processed by the ECU 21 is passed to the display device 25 and displayed on the display device 25, and is used, for example, to check the rear of the vehicle 5.

The display unit 20 can also receive rearward images directly from the rear camera 32. In other words, the function of receiving rearward images from the drive recorder unit 10 can also be used to receive rearward images from the rear camera 32.

In this case, the drive recorder unit 10 may receive rearward-facing images processed by the display unit 20 from the display unit 20, rather than receiving rearward-facing images directly from the rear camera 32. In other words, in this case, the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 does not need to process the rearward-facing images. Furthermore, the sub-microcomputer 12 stores the processed rearward-facing images received from the display unit 20 in the recording device 15.

Here, the main microcomputer 11, serializer 13p, Wi-Fi-IC module 17, antenna 18, and display unit 40 constitute the main control block 2. In the main control block 2, the serializer 13p, Wi-Fi-IC module 17, antenna 18, and display unit 40 are under the control of the main microcomputer 11. The main microcomputer 11 notifies the sub-microcomputer 12 of its status as appropriate, such as whether any faults or other problems have occurred in the main control block 2, including itself.

The sub-microcomputer 12, serializer 13m, deserializer 14m, recording device 15, G-sensor 16, rear camera 32, and display unit 20 constitute the sub-control block 3. In the sub-control block 3, the serializer 13m, deserializer 14m, recording device 15, G-sensor 16, rear camera 32, and display unit 20 are under the control of the sub-microcomputer 12. The sub-microcomputer 12 notifies the main microcomputer 11 of its status as appropriate, such as whether any faults or other problems have occurred in the sub-control block 3, including itself.

The main control block 2 and the sub-control block 3 can operate independently of each other. Therefore, even if a fault occurs in the main control block 2, the sub-control block 3 can continue to operate. By continuing to operate the sub-control block 3, it is possible to continue displaying a rear view image on the display device 25, for example.

Furthermore, the main microcomputer 11 and the sub-microcomputer 12 can operate independently of each other. Therefore, even if a fault occurs in the main microcomputer 11, the sub-microcomputer 12 continues to operate, and the rear view image, for example, continues to be displayed on the display device 25.

The following describes the configuration of the display unit 20 in more detail using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display unit 20 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 20 includes an ECU 21, an operation unit 22, a recording unit 23, a deserializer 24, and a display device 25.

The ECU 21 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The ECU 21 also includes an image processor 21p that processes images captured by the rear camera 32, for example.

The image processor 21p processes the rearward image from the rear camera 32. Image processing by the image processor 21p includes, for example, adjusting color and contrast to make the image suitable for display on the display device 25.

The operation unit 22 is a user interface. That is, the operation unit 22 accepts settings from the user regarding the display method of the display device 25, such as brightness, image quality, and camera angle. The operation unit 22 also presents various information to the user, such as the status of the display unit 20.

The recording unit 23 stores, for example, user settings such as the display method, as well as various parameters related to the operation of the display unit 20.

The deserializer 24 receives rearward video transmitted from the drive recorder unit 10 or the rear camera 32. At this time, the deserializer 24 converts the rearward video transmitted as a serialized video signal SGvr into parallel data. The deserializer 24 also transmits the parallelized rearward video to the ECU 21 in the form of a video signal SGvr.

As described above, the display device 25 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays the view behind the vehicle, and is, for example, a mirror-type electronic mirror that resembles a mirror for checking the view behind the vehicle. The display device 25 has the shape of a rearview mirror, such as a room mirror, door mirror, or fender mirror.

The detailed configuration of the mobile terminal 50 described above will be explained below using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 50 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 50 includes a control unit 51, an in-camera 52in, an out-camera 52ot, a speaker 53, an operation switch 54s, a display unit 54m, an external memory 55, an acceleration sensor 56a, a gyro sensor 56b, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 56c, a Wi-Fi-IC module 57, and an antenna 58.

The control unit 51 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and has installed therein a DVR application 510 that works in conjunction with the drive recorder unit 10 to realize various functions.

As a result, the control unit 51 transmits, for example, images of the interior of the vehicle 5 captured by the in-camera 52in and images of the front of the vehicle 5 captured by the out-camera 52ot to the drive recorder unit 10 via the Wi-Fi-IC module 57 and antenna 58.

The in-camera 52in is provided on the front side of the mobile terminal 50, i.e., on the display screen side of the display unit 54m. The in-camera 52in generates an image captured of the interior of the vehicle, which is the side of the screen of the display unit 54m of the mobile terminal 50 held in the terminal holder 59, i.e., the side toward which the display unit 54m faces. The in-camera 52in is an example of a second imaging device. The image of the interior of the vehicle 5 is an example of a second image.

The outer camera 52ot is provided on the back side of the mobile terminal 50. The outer camera 52ot generates a forward image captured from the front of the back side of the mobile terminal 50 held in the terminal holder 59, that is, the front of the vehicle 5, which is the side to which the back of the mobile terminal 50 faces. The outer camera 52ot is an example of a third imaging device. The forward image of the vehicle 5 is an example of a second image.

The speaker 53 outputs audio in response to the audio signal input from the control unit 51.

The operation switches 54s include various switches, such as mechanical switches located around the periphery of the display unit 54m and touch switches located on top of the front of the display unit 54m, and output signals to the control unit 51 in response to switch operations by the user.

The display unit 54m is a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays images based on the video signal input from the control unit 51.

External memory 55 is a recording medium such as an SD card.

The acceleration sensor 56a detects acceleration applied to the mobile terminal 50 and outputs an acceleration signal to the control unit 51. The gyro sensor 56b detects the angular velocity of the mobile terminal 50 in each of the three axial directions (x, y, and z axes) and outputs an angular velocity signal to the control unit 51. The GPS receiver 56c receives a positioning signal from a satellite positioning system and outputs location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 50 to the control unit 51.

The Wi-Fi-IC module 57 is configured to enable the sending and receiving of information via Wi-Fi communication between the drive recorder unit 10 and the mobile terminal 50. The Wi-Fi-IC module 57 sends and receives information between the drive recorder unit 10 and the mobile terminal 50 in the form of Wi-Fi radio waves via the antenna 58.

(Processing example 1 of the drive recorder unit)
Next, an example of a video recording process performed by the drive recorder unit 10 and the portable terminal 50 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a video recording process performed by the drive recorder unit 10 and the portable terminal 50 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a user such as a driver launches the DVR application 510 on the mobile terminal 50 and selects a video of the front of the vehicle 5 or the interior of the vehicle, the DVR application 510 sends a video selection notification by the user to the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 (step S11).

While holding the mobile device 50 in the device holder 59, the user can select the interior image of the vehicle 5 captured by the mobile device's 50 in-camera 52in, the front image of the vehicle 5 captured by the out-camera 52ot, or both the interior image and the front image.

The DVR application 510 also starts transmitting video from the selected camera (step S12), triggered, for example, by a video selection by the user. A video selection that triggers this is, for example, the user pressing a selection completion button.

The user operates the mobile device 50 using the above-mentioned operation switch 54s provided on the mobile device 50. Alternatively, the user may operate the mobile device 50 using gesture detection, voice instructions, or the like. This allows the transmission of video from the camera of the mobile device 50 to begin even in situations where the user is unable to operate the operation switch 54s on the mobile device 50, such as when the user is driving the vehicle 5.

Gesture detection is a function in which, when a user makes a pre-set gesture toward the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 detects it as an instruction input instructing a specific operation. Voice instructions are realized by the voice recognition function of the mobile terminal 50, which detects voice instructions from the user.

The main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 receives the video from the mobile terminal 50, performs predetermined processing on the received video, and causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to record the video in the overwrite folder of the recording device 15 (step S13).

At this time, the main microcomputer 11 may display the image that has undergone predetermined processing on the display 45 of the display unit 40 in response to instructions from the user.

In parallel with the above processing, rearward video captured by the rear camera 32 is also recorded as appropriate in the recording device 15 of the drive recorder unit 10. In response to instructions from the user, the main microcomputer 11 may display the rearward video, which has undergone predetermined processing, on the display 45 of the display unit 40. In addition, the display unit 20 may display the rearward video captured by the rear camera 32 on the display device 25.

Here, under certain conditions, the video received from the mobile terminal 50 and the rearward video received from the rear camera 32 are switched from recording in overwrite mode to recording in non-overwritten storage mode.

One example is when a specific event recording request is made from the DVR application 510 of the mobile terminal 50 (step S14). When the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 receives the event recording request from the mobile terminal 50, it causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to switch recording to the recording device 15 from overwrite mode to save mode, and records the video in the save folder of the recording device 15 (step S15). Specific examples of event recording requests will be described later.

Another example of switching from overwrite mode to save mode is when the G-sensor 16 detects acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the sub-microcomputer 12 receives the detection result from the G-sensor 16 and determines that the detection result indicates acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S114), the main microcomputer 11 causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to switch recording to the recording device 15 from overwrite mode to save mode, and records the video in the save folder of the recording device 15 (step S115).

When the G-sensor 16 detects acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, this can be rephrased as when the G-sensor 16 detects an impact on the vehicle 5. When the G-sensor 16 detects an impact on the vehicle 5, there is a possibility that the vehicle 5 has been involved in some kind of trouble, such as an accident or aggressive driving. In this case, the main microcomputer 11 switches from overwrite mode to storage mode and causes the recording device 15 to record the video.

However, in the processing of step S114 described above, the G-sensor 16 may be configured to transmit the detection result to the sub-microcomputer 12 only if it detects acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value that corresponds to an impact on the vehicle 5. In this case, when the sub-microcomputer 12 receives the detection result from the G-sensor 16, the main microcomputer 11 switches from overwrite mode to save mode and records the video in the save folder of the recording device 15.

In addition to detecting acceleration above a predetermined value by the G sensor 16, if an event that could be considered an emergency, such as airbag deployment, hazard lights being turned on, a sudden stop, or a sudden acceleration, is detected, the main microcomputer 11 may switch from overwrite mode to save mode and record video on the recording device 15.

Events such as airbag deployment, hazard lamp illumination, sudden stops, and sudden starts can be detected from various parts of the vehicle 5 by connecting the drive recorder unit 10 to the vehicle 5's CAN (Controller Area Network).

(Processing example 2 of the drive recorder unit)
Next, an example of a video recording process using the navigation function of the portable terminal 50 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a video recording process performed by the drive recorder unit 10 according to the embodiment using the navigation function of the portable terminal 50.

As shown in FIG. 6, when a user such as a driver launches the DVR application 510 on the mobile terminal 50 and selects to start the navigation function, the DVR application 510 sends a notification of the user's navigation start to the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 (step S21).

The DVR application 510 also starts transmitting video from the selected camera (step S22), triggered, for example, by the user starting the navigation function. The navigation function may be triggered, for example, by the user pressing a start button.

These user operations of the mobile device 50 are performed using the above-mentioned operation switch 54s provided on the mobile device 50. Alternatively, the user operations may be performed by gesture detection, voice instructions, etc.

The DVR application 510 also begins transmitting the current time and the location information received by the GPS receiver 56c of the mobile terminal 50 (step S23). This time information and location information may be transmitted to the drive recorder unit 10 at intervals longer than the above-mentioned video, such as once per minute.

The main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 receives the location information and video from the mobile terminal 50, performs predetermined processing on the received video, and causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to record the video, linked to the current time information and location information, in the recording device 15 (step S24).

At this time, the sub-microcomputer 12 records the video, time information, and location information in a storage folder in the recording device 15. This is because if the user adds time information and location information and then instructs the recording of the video, it is assumed that the user intends to save the video as some kind of record.

In addition, the main microcomputer 11 may display an image that has undergone predetermined processing on the display 45 of the display unit 40 in response to instructions from the user.

In parallel with the above processing, the recording device 15 of the drive recorder unit 10 also appropriately records rearward images captured by the rear camera 32 in storage mode. In response to instructions from the user, the main microcomputer 11 may display the rearward images that have been subjected to predetermined processing on the display 45 of the display unit 40. In addition, the display unit 20 may display the rearward images captured by the rear camera 32 on the display device 25.

When the user selects to end the navigation function from the DVR application 510, the DVR application 510 sends a notification of the user's end of navigation to the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 (step S25).

When the main microcomputer 11 receives a navigation end notification from the DVR application 510, it ends recording of video from the mobile device 50 (step S26). Alternatively, the main microcomputer 11 may end recording of video from the mobile device 50 upon arrival at the navigation destination.

In addition, when the video linked to the time and location information is read from the recording device 15 and played back on the display unit 40 or a dedicated viewer such as a personal computer owned by the user, the video can be viewed with the route on the map linked to it.

The timestamp function also allows users to retrieve footage from a desired time using the time information attached to the footage. Users can also retrieve footage from a desired location by selecting a specific location on the map.

(Processing example 3 of the drive recorder unit)
Next, an example of a setting process using the authentication function of the mobile terminal 50 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a setting process performed by the drive recorder unit 10 according to the embodiment using the authentication function of the mobile terminal 50.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a user, such as a driver, starts the DVR application 510 on the mobile terminal 50 and turns on the setting function of the display unit 20 (step S31), the DVR application 510 sends a notification that the user has turned on the setting function to the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 (step S31).

When the DVR application 510 is launched, the user inputs, for example, a user ID that uniquely identifies the user and/or an authentication code, and is authenticated by the DVR application 510 using the authentication function provided in the mobile terminal 50.

Authentication using the authentication function of the mobile terminal 50 may involve inputting an authentication code, or biometric authentication such as facial authentication or fingerprint authentication of the user.

When the main microcomputer 11 receives a setting function on notification from the user for the first time, it acquires from the display unit 20 items that the user can set regarding the display method of the display device 25, such as brightness, image quality, and camera angle. When the user inputs these setting values, the main microcomputer 11 causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to record these setting values in the recording device 15, linking them to the user's user ID.

Note that the recording device 15 may be capable of storing setting values corresponding to multiple users, linked to individual user IDs.

When a setting function on notification is received from a specific user for the second or subsequent time (steps S311, S312), the main microcomputer 11 causes the sub-microcomputer 12 to read setting value information corresponding to that user's user ID from the recording device 15 and transfer it to the display unit 20.

Based on the setting information received from the main microcomputer 11, the display unit 20 changes the display method settings of the display device 25, such as brightness, image quality, and camera angle, to settings corresponding to the user's user ID.

The user may also be able to change the settings of the display device 25 by directly operating the display device 25. When the user changes the display method setting value by operating the display device 25 (step S314), the display unit 20 transmits information about the changed setting value to the main microcomputer 11, which records it in the recording device 15 of the drive recorder unit 10 (step S315).

In this way, when logging in for the second time or later, each individual user can automatically set the display method of the display device 25 to their desired setting value. Furthermore, if the setting value of the display device 25 is changed, the display device 25 will be set to the changed setting value the next time it is used. This is useful for the user, as it eliminates the need for the user to set the display device 25 to their desired setting value every time they use it.

Information regarding the setting values between the main microcomputer 11 and the display unit 20, as described above, is transmitted from the main microcomputer 11 of the drive recorder unit 10 to the ECU 21 via the sub-microcomputer 12, serializer 13m, and deserializer 24 of the display unit 20, or from the ECU 21 to the main microcomputer 11 via the reverse route.

Note that the setting changes and the like that utilize the authentication function of the mobile terminal 50 as described above may also be applied to images displayed on the display unit 40 or other displays such as a meter display or a head-up display.

Furthermore, other processes using the authentication function of the mobile terminal 50 may be possible, such as operating various parts of the vehicle 5, such as turning on the engine. In other words, the engine can be configured to be turned on only when authentication has been completed for a specific user. This can help prevent theft of the vehicle 5. Such processes can be made possible, for example, by connecting the drive recorder unit 10 to the CAN of the vehicle 5.

(Comparative Example)
In a drive recorder unit that captures and records images of the inside and outside of a vehicle using cameras mounted on the vehicle body, multiple cameras must be installed in the vehicle. However, the high cost of cameras increases the cost of the entire system. Depending on the vehicle model, it may not be possible to install the desired number of cameras.

Furthermore, in order to add time and location information to the video recorded in the drive recorder unit, it was previously necessary to incorporate a GPS receiver into the drive recorder unit, further increasing costs. It is also possible to obtain this information from the navigation system installed in vehicle 5, but this requires coordination with the vehicle, such as connecting the drive recorder unit to the vehicle's CAN.

In addition, because display devices such as electronic mirrors typically do not have input/output devices, the user interface for operating the display device had to be substituted by the IVI screen installed in the vehicle. Therefore, when linking a drive recorder unit with a display device, linking with the IVI is also necessary.

The drive recorder unit 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a Wi-Fi IC module 17 and an antenna 18 that receive images from a mobile terminal 50 that captures images of at least one of the area in front of and inside the vehicle 5 and generates interior and front images.

This allows, for example, the front camera mounted on the vehicle body and the interior camera mounted inside the vehicle cabin to be eliminated and replaced with the in-camera 52in and out-camera 52ot on the mobile terminal 50. This allows for an inexpensive, high-value-added drive recorder unit 10 to be obtained that can capture and record images of the inside and outside of the vehicle 5 while reducing the number of cameras mounted on the vehicle 5.

In the drive recorder unit 10 of this embodiment, when the G-sensor 16 detects acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the recording device 15 switches the recording destination from the overwrite folder to the storage folder and records forward video, rearward video, video of the interior of the vehicle, etc. This allows the video to be recorded if the vehicle 5 gets into trouble.

In the drive recorder unit 10 of this embodiment, the Wi-Fi IC module 17 and antenna 18 receive location information from the mobile terminal 50, and the recording device 15 links the location information to the forward video, rearward video, and in-vehicle video, etc., and records these videos in a storage folder.

In this way, by using the navigation function of the mobile terminal 50, it is possible to record video linked to location information without having to incorporate a GPS receiver into the drive recorder unit 10. Furthermore, there is no need to link with the vehicle 5 via a CAN or the like. Therefore, an inexpensive, high-value-added drive recorder unit 10 can be obtained.

In the drive recorder unit 10 of this embodiment, the Wi-Fi-IC module 17 and antenna 18 receive setting information related to the display method of the display device 25 installed in the vehicle 5 from the mobile terminal 50, and the recording device 15 records the received setting information. As a result, even if the display unit 20 does not have an input/output device, it is possible to input display method setting values and the like without using the IVI screen installed in the vehicle 5 as a substitute, thereby realizing an inexpensive, high-value-added display unit 20.

In the drive recorder unit 10 of this embodiment, the recording device 15 records setting information in association with users, and when accessed by a specific user, the serializer 13m transmits the setting information corresponding to that specific user to the display device 25. This allows the display method on the display device 25 to be automatically changed to the setting values desired by each user.

While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1 Video recording system 2 Main control block 3 Sub control block 5 Vehicle 10 Drive recorder unit 11 Main microcomputer 12 Sub microcomputer 15 Recording device 16 G sensor 17 Wi-Fi-IC module 18 Antenna 20 Display unit 25 Display device 32 Rear camera 40 Display unit 45 Display 50 Mobile terminal 52 in In camera 52 ot Out camera 56 c GPS receiver 57 Wi-Fi-IC module 58 Antenna 59 Terminal holder 510 DVR application

Claims (11)

a first receiving unit that receives a first image from a first imaging device that captures an image of a rear area of the vehicle and generates the first image;
a second receiving unit that receives a second image from a mobile terminal that captures an image of at least one of a front of the vehicle and an interior of the vehicle and generates the second image;
a recording unit that records the first video and the second video in an overwrite folder that is overwritten when the recorded video reaches a predetermined capacity or in a storage folder that is not overwritten ;
The second receiving unit
receiving setting information relating to a display method of a display device installed in the vehicle from the mobile terminal;
The recording unit
Recording the setting information;
Video recording device. the mobile terminal has a display screen and a rear surface located on the opposite side to the display screen;
a second imaging device provided on the display screen side of the mobile terminal and configured to capture an image of the side toward which the display screen faces;
a third imaging device provided on the rear side of the mobile terminal for capturing an image of the side toward which the rear side faces,
2. The video recording device according to claim 1. further comprising an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration applied to the vehicle;
The recording unit
When the acceleration sensor detects the acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the recording destination is switched from the overwrite folder to the storage folder, and the first video and the second video are recorded therein.
3. The video recording device according to claim 1. the mobile terminal has a receiver that receives location information from a satellite positioning system;
The second receiving unit
receiving the location information from the mobile terminal;
The recording unit
linking the second video with the location information and recording the second video in the storage folder;
4. The video recording device according to claim 1. The recording unit
recording the second video in association with a route on a map according to the location information;
5. The video recording device according to claim 4. The recording unit
the second video is recorded so that, when the second video is played back, the second video can be played back at a predetermined position by selecting the predetermined position on the map;
6. The video recording device according to claim 5. the receiver of the mobile terminal receives time information together with the location information from the satellite positioning system;
The recording unit
linking the second video with the time information along with the location information, and recording the second video;
7. The video recording device according to claim 4. The recording unit
recording the second video so that, when the second video is played back, a predetermined time can be selected to play back the second video at the predetermined time;
8. The video recording device according to claim 7. a transmitter that transmits the setting information to the display device;
The second receiving unit
receiving the setting information from the mobile terminal;
The recording unit
The setting information is recorded in association with the user;
The transmission unit
When a predetermined user accesses the device, the setting information corresponding to the predetermined user is transmitted to the display device.
9. The video recording device according to claim 1 . The display device is a mirror-type display device modeled after a mirror for checking the rear of the vehicle.
10. The video recording device according to claim 9 . On the computer,
receiving a first image from a first imaging device that captures an image of a rear area of the vehicle and generates the first image;
receiving a second image from a mobile terminal that captures an image of at least one of a front of the vehicle and an interior of the vehicle and generates the second image;
recording the first image and the second image in an overwrite folder in which the image is overwritten when the image reaches a predetermined capacity or in a storage folder in which the image is not overwritten;
receiving setting information relating to a display method of a display device installed in the vehicle from the mobile terminal;
Recording the setting information;
Video recording program.