WO2007063849A1

WO2007063849A1 - Information recording apparatus, information recording method, information recording program, and computer readable recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2007063849A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/323714
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Shibasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2006-11-28
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

An information recording apparatus (100) comprises a detection unit (101), a control unit (102), a recording unit (103), a first recording area (104), a second recording area (105), and a recording medium (106). The detection unit (101) detects a dangerous behavior of a movable body. The control unit (102) controls the recording unit (103) to overwrite and store a sequence of video data imaged from the movable body into the first recording area (104). When the detection unit (101) detects a dangerous behavior, the control unit (102) controls the recording unit (103) to change the recording area into which the video data is to be overwritten and stored, from the first recording area (104) to the second recording area (105) different from the first recording area (104).

Description

Specification

Information recording apparatus, information recording method, information recording program, and computer-readable recording medium

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus for recording information, an information recording method, an information recording program, and a computer-readable recording medium. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described information recording apparatus, information recording method, information recording program, and computer-readable recording medium.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, a drive recorder that records the surrounding situation of a running vehicle is known, similar to a flight recorder mounted on an airplane. Such a drive recorder has, for example, a front camera for photographing the front of the vehicle, a rear camera for photographing the rear, and a function of writing the front and rear images in a predetermined area of the image memory in synchronization with a reference signal. In addition, recording information obtained by adding vehicle position information and time information to image memory information is regularly recorded in the buffer memory. When the impact detection sensor force detects an impact of a predetermined value or more, the recording information for a predetermined time from the detection time is switched to overwriting recording force in the nota memory and storage in the storage memory. In this way, when encountering an incident such as a escaping incident, it is possible to identify the escaping vehicle by checking the image memory information stored in the storage memory (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). O)

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-224105

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the recording destination of the recorded information is switched to the storage memory from when the impact is detected until a predetermined time elapses, and the storage process is performed after the predetermined time elapses. Until it is finished, overwriting is not performed in the nota memory. Therefore, if you encounter running accidents after running accidents or hitting the ball by the end of the saving process after a predetermined time, you cannot save the image memory related to the accident. The problem is given as an example.

[0005] On the other hand, if the predetermined time is sufficiently long to save the image memory of consecutive accidents, the recorded information stored in the storage memory is irrelevant to the accident if the accident is actually encountered. One example is the problem that information is included and the storage memory capacity is overwhelmed and overflows.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information recording apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes detection means for detecting a dangerous behavior of a moving body, and a series of images captured from the moving body. Recording means for overwriting and recording the video data in the first recording area, and a recording area for overwriting the video data when the detecting means detects a dangerous behavior by controlling the recording means. Control means for switching from the first recording area to a second recording area different from the first recording area.

[0007] Further, the information recording method according to the invention of claim 3 is the information recording method for recording a series of image data picked up from the moving body in the first recording area. A detection process for detecting dangerous behavior and a recording area for overwriting recording of the video data when the dangerous behavior is detected by the detection process are different from the first recording area to the first recording area. And a step of switching to the second recording area.

[0008] An information recording program according to the invention of claim 4 causes a computer to execute the information recording method of claim 3.

[0009] A computer-readable recording medium according to the invention of claim 5 records the information recording program according to claim 4.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of the vicinity of a dashboard of a vehicle in which a navigation device that is effective in the present embodiment is installed. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus that is effective in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a recording medium that works well with the present embodiment.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the navigation apparatus which is effective in this embodiment.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing in the case of detecting the end of storage in the navigation device that works in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0011] 100 information recording apparatus

101 detector

102 Control unit

103 Recording section

104 First recording area

105 Second recording area

106 Recording media

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an information recording apparatus, an information recording method, an information recording program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] (Embodiment)

(Functional configuration of information recording device)

With reference to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the information recording apparatus that is useful in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an information recording apparatus 100 includes a detection unit 101, a control unit 102, a recording unit 103, a first recording area 104, a second recording area 105, and a recording medium 106. It is composed.

[0015] The detection unit 101 detects a dangerous behavior of the moving object. The dangerous behavior of moving objects is For example, the detection may be based on the output of various sensors mounted on the moving body, such as the operation and operation of the moving body. The various sensors are, for example, vibration sensors, G sensors, contact sensors for moving objects, and sensors that can output information related to operations such as steering wheel operation, direction indication signal input operation, accelerator pedal operation, and brake pedal operation. .

[0016] Dangerous behavior is detected by the detection unit 101 when, for example, the output value of various sensors such as a vibration sensor and a G sensor is greater than a specified value or approximates to a predetermined pattern indicating abnormality, or a contact sensor. A case may be detected as a dangerous behavior. Further, based on the information related to the operation of the moving body, it may be determined that the operation has a dangerous behavior when the operation is dangerous. More specifically, for example, when there is an operation of making a sudden handle more than a predetermined angle, a handle operation without a direction indication, or unnecessary acceleration and deceleration information output, It may be configured to detect an operation that causes dangerous behavior.

The control unit 102 controls the recording unit 103. For example, when the detection unit 101 detects a dangerous behavior of the moving object, the recording unit 103 controls the recording area in which a series of video data captured from the moving object is overwritten as the first recording area 104. The second recording area 105 is switched to the second recording area 105 different from the first recording area 104.

[0018] The control of the recording unit 103 by the control unit 102 is, for example, video data that is overwritten and recorded in the first recording area 104 by the recording unit 103 when a dangerous behavior is detected by the detecting unit 101. The recording destination is switched to the recording medium 106, and after the recording to the recording medium 106 is completed, the recording area for overwriting the video data is switched from the second recording area 105 to the first recording area 104. Also good.

The recording unit 103 records a series of image data imaged from the moving body in the first recording area 104, the second recording area 105, and the recording medium 106 according to the control of the control unit 102. More specifically, the recording unit 103 overwrites and records a series of video data in which the moving physical strength is also imaged in the first recording area 104 and the second recording area 105. The recording unit 103 records the image data in the recording medium 106 in a nonvolatile manner so that the image data is not lost even when the information recording apparatus 100 is turned off. The first recording area 104 and the second recording area 105 temporarily hold the video data that has been overwritten by the recording unit 103. In other words, the video data overwritten and recorded in the first recording area 104 and the second recording area 105 is stored in a predetermined capacity and is overwritten sequentially. The recording medium 106 holds the image data recorded by the recording unit 103 in a nonvolatile manner so that the image data is not lost even when the information recording apparatus 100 is turned off. In the present embodiment, the first recording area 104, the second recording area 105, and the recording medium 106 for recording image data are described separately. A plurality of recording areas for overwriting image data and a recording area for recording image data in a nonvolatile manner may be provided. Further, it may be configured to include a plurality of recording media for overwriting and recording image data and a recording medium for recording image data in a nonvolatile manner.

[0021] (Contents of processing of information recording apparatus)

Next, the contents of processing of the information recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, the information recording apparatus 100 determines whether or not an input unit (not shown) has received an input of a series of video data that has been picked up by moving physical strength (step S201).

[0022] In step S201, after waiting for an input of video data to be received (step S201: Yes), the recording unit 103 also captures the moving physical strength according to the control of the control unit 102. The series of recorded video data is overwritten and recorded in the first recording area 104 (step S202). In the overwrite recording, for example, the video data may be temporarily stored in the first recording area 104, in other words, the input video data may be stored in a predetermined capacity and sequentially rewritten.

[0023] Subsequently, the detection unit 101 determines whether or not a dangerous behavior of the moving object has been detected (step S203). For example, the dangerous behavior of the moving body may be detected based on the output of various sensors mounted on the moving body, such as the operation and operation of the moving body. Dangerous behavior detection is dangerous when, for example, the output value of various sensors such as vibration sensors and G sensors exceeds a specified value, approximates to a predetermined pattern indicating an abnormality, or when a contact sensor is activated. May be detected as a special behavior. Also, based on information related to the operation of moving objects. Therefore, if it is a dangerous operation, it should be judged as an operation that causes a dangerous behavior.

If no dangerous behavior is detected in step S203 (step S203: No), the process returns to step S201 to repeat the process.

[0025] When a dangerous behavior is detected in step S203 (step S203: Yes), the control unit 102 controls the recording unit 103 to overwrite a series of video data captured from the moving body. The recording area to be recorded is switched (step S204), and the series of processing ends. For example, the recording area is switched from the first recording area 104 to the second recording area that is different from the first recording area 104 by overwriting and recording a series of video data that has also been picked up by moving physical strength. The configuration may be switched to 105.

[0026] Further, the switching of the recording area is performed, for example, when the dangerous behavior is detected in step S203 (step S203: Yes), and the video data that is overwritten and recorded in the first recording area 104 in step S202. The recording destination is switched to the recording medium 106, and after the recording to the recording medium 106 is finished, the recording area in which the video data is overwritten is switched from the second recording area 105 to the first recording area 104. Also good.

[0027] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a dangerous behavior of a moving body is detected, the recording area for overwriting and recording a series of video data captured from the moving body can be switched. Therefore, even if the process of recording the video data in a recording medium in a nonvolatile manner is performed, the overwrite recording process is not interrupted. Therefore, even if continuous accidents are encountered, the cause of the accident can be determined accurately by properly recording video data and using it as verification data at the time of the accident.

Example

[0028] Examples of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, an example in which the information recording apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a navigation apparatus mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle) will be described.

[0029] (Peripheral device configuration of navigation device)

First, the configuration of peripheral devices of the navigation device that is useful in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 shows the duck of a vehicle in which a navigation device that is useful in this embodiment is installed. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example near Shboard.

In FIG. 3, the navigation device 300 is installed on the dashboard of the vehicle. The navigation device 300 includes a main body M and a display unit (display) D. The display unit D displays the current location of the vehicle, map information, current time, and the like.

[0031] In addition, the navigation device 300 is connected to an in-vehicle camera 311 installed on the dashboard and an in-vehicle microphone 312 installed in the sun noise generator. The in-vehicle camera 311 may be configured so that the direction of the lens can be changed and images inside and outside the vehicle can be taken. The in-vehicle microphone 312 is used for operations such as voice input of the navigation device 300 or recording the state in the vehicle. The in-vehicle camera 311 may be, for example, a fixed camera that is fixed to the back surface of a knock mirror and captures images outside the vehicle.

[0032] Although not shown, the in-vehicle camera 311 may be attached to the rear portion of the vehicle. When the vehicle-mounted camera 311 is attached to the rear part of the vehicle, it is possible to check the safety behind the vehicle and to record the situation at the time of rear-end collision when other vehicle forces are also rear-end. In addition, the in-vehicle camera 311 may be an infrared camera that records in a dark place. Further, a plurality of in-vehicle cameras 311 and in-vehicle microphones 312 may be installed in the vehicle, or may be a movable camera instead of a fixed type.

[0033] The navigation device 300 has a drive recorder function of recording the traveling state of the vehicle, as well as searching for a route to the destination point and recording information. The drive recorder function is a function of the video and audio obtained with the in-vehicle camera 311 and the in-vehicle microphone 312 and the current position information and traveling speed of the vehicle obtained with the GPS 415 and various sensors 416 described later. Changes and the like are recorded on a recording medium (a magnetic disk 405 and an optical disk 407 described later) of the navigation device 300.

[0034] By using such a drive recorder function to constantly record the running state, it is used to investigate the facts when the vehicle is involved in an accident or when an accident occurs around the vehicle. You can get materials. Information to be recorded using the drive recorder function may be accumulated as long as the recording capacity of the recording medium is not exceeded, or may be erased sequentially with a predetermined time remaining. The recording medium always overwrites and records the running state. It may have a recording area for writing and a recording area for saving the running state in case of being involved in an accident, or a structure including a plurality of recording media for overwriting recording and a plurality of recording media for saving. Tomo ヽ.

[0035] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 300)

Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 300 that is useful in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus that works on the present embodiment.

In FIG. 4, a navigation device 300 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a magnetic disk drive 404, a magnetic disk 405, and an optical disk drive 406. , Optical disc 407, audio IZF (interface) 408, microphone 409, speaker 410, input device 411, video IZF412, display 413, communication IZF414, GPS unit 415, various sensors 416, camera 417. Each component 401 to 417 is connected by a node 420.

First, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 402 stores programs such as a boot program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a voice generation program, a map information display program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401.

[0038] Here, the route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map information or the like recorded on the optical disc 407 to be described later. Here, the optimal route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. The guidance route searched by executing the route search program is output to the audio IZF 408 and the video IZF 412 via the CPU 401.

[0039] Further, the route guidance program includes the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the current location information of the navigation device 300 acquired by the communication IZF 414, and the map information read from the optical disc 407. Based on this, real-time route guidance information is generated. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to audio IZF408 and video IZF412 via CPU401. It is.

[0040] The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern.

. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated, and output to the voice IZF 408 via the CPU 401.

In addition, the map information display program determines the display format of the map information displayed on the display 413 by the video IZF 412 and displays the map information on the display 413 according to the determined display format.

[0042] Further, the CPU 401 may be configured to switch the recording destination of the traveling state of the vehicle that has been constantly recorded when a trigger is detected by various sensors 416 described later. The driving state recording destination may have, for example, an overwriting recording area where the driving state is always overwritten and a storage area where the driving state is saved when involved in an accident. A recording medium for storage and a storage medium for storage may be provided. Further, there may be a plurality of overwriting recording areas and overwriting recording media. Details of the switching of the recording destination will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The magnetic disk drive 404 controls reading and writing of data to the magnetic disk 405 according to the control of the CPU 401. The magnetic disk 405 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 404. As the magnetic disk 405, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

In addition, the optical disk drive 406 controls data reading / writing to the optical disk 407 according to the control of the CPU 401. The optical disc 407 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 406. The optical disk 407 can also use a writable recording medium. The removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 407, a memory card, or the like.

[0045] As an example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407, images and sounds inside and outside the vehicle obtained by the in-vehicle camera 311 and the in-vehicle microphone 312 shown in FIG. Information on the current position of the detected vehicle, output values from various sensors 416 described later, and the like can be given. The details are also detected from the output of various force sensors 416, which will be described later. The trigger information generated based on the trigger may be accumulated. This information

It is recorded by the drive recorder function of the navigation device 300, and is used as verification material when a traffic accident occurs.

Other examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407 include map information used for route search and route guidance. The map information includes background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. The original drawing. When the navigation device 300 is guiding a route, the map information and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 415 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

[0047] The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, the presence / absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the presence / absence of highway doorways and junctions, the length (distance) of each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (high speed). Road, toll road, general road, etc.).

[0048] In addition, the traffic condition data stores past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information on the basis of, for example, the season / day of the 'large consecutive holidays' time. The navigation device 300 obtains information on traffic jams currently occurring based on road traffic information received by communication IZF414, which will be described later, but it is possible to predict traffic jam conditions at specified times based on past traffic jam information. .

In this embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information may be provided outside the navigation device 300, not the information recorded only in the one integrated with the navigation device 300 hardware. In that case, the navigation device 300 acquires the map information via the network through the communication IZF 414, for example. The acquired map information is stored in the RAM 403 or the like.

Further, the audio IZF 408 is connected to an audio input microphone 409 (for example, the in-vehicle microphone 312 in FIG. 3) and an audio output speaker 410. Audio received by the microphone 409 is AZD converted in the audio IZF408. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 410. Note that the sound input from the microphone 409 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 as sound data.

[0051] Further, examples of the input device 411 include a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel that are provided with a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like.

[0052] In addition, video IZF 412 is connected to display 413 and camera 417 (for example, in-vehicle camera 311 in FIG. 3). Specifically, the video IZF412 is, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 413, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and an output from the graphic controller. It is configured by a control IC that controls display of the display 413 based on the image data to be displayed.

The display 413 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 413, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. The display 41 3 is installed, for example, in a manner like the display unit D in FIG. A plurality of displays 413 may be provided in the vehicle, for example, for the driver and for a passenger seated in the rear seat.

[0054] The camera 417 captures an image inside or outside the vehicle. The image can be either a still image or a moving image.For example, a camera 417 captures the behavior of a passenger inside the vehicle, and the captured image is recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 405 or an optical disk 407 via a video I / F 412. Output to. The camera 417 captures the situation outside the vehicle, and outputs the captured image to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 via the video IZF 412. The video output to the recording medium is overwritten and recorded as a drive recorder image.

Further, the communication IZF 414 is connected to a network via radio and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 401. The communication IZF 414 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via radio, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 401.

[0056] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. In particular, Communication IZF414 is composed of, for example, FM tuners, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon Resino, wireless navigation devices, and other navigation devices. Get traffic information. VICS is a registered trademark.

[0057] Further, the GPS unit 415 uses a received wave from a GPS satellite and output values from various sensors 416 (for example, an angular velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a tire rotation number, etc.) described later, Information indicating the current location of the location piggy-on device 300 is calculated. The information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map information, such as latitude'longitude and altitude. Further, the GPS unit 415 outputs an odometer, a speed change amount, and an azimuth change amount using output values from various sensors 416. This makes it possible to analyze dynamics such as sudden braking and sudden handling.

[0058] Here, a method of specifying the current location using the GPS unit 415 will be described. First, in GPS, a total of 24 GPS satellites are arranged, 4 each in 6 orbital planes around the earth. These satellites are always orbited so that the same satellites are located at the same time every day, and are always 5 from any point on the earth (but need to have a good view)! I can see the satellite.

[0059] The GPS satellites are equipped with cesium (Cs) atomic clocks (oscillators) that keep accurate time in sync with the time of each satellite. In addition, each satellite is equipped with two cesium oscillator power units and two rubidium (Rb) oscillators. This is because accurate time is indispensable for GPS position measurement.

[0060] GPS satellite force and others are transmitting radio waves with two frequencies of 1575.42MHz (Ll) and 1227.60MHz (L2) (hereinafter referred to as GPS signals). This radio wave is modulated by a random number code called pseudo random code (Pseudo Random Noise Code). When it is received by GPS 415, etc., the signal content is decoded by referring to the code corresponding to the random number table. To do.

[0061] The GPS unit 415 measures the time difference between the GPS satellite power and the time when the GPS signal is emitted and the time when the device receives the GPS signal, using the decoded code and the clock in the device. Then, multiply the time difference by the propagation speed of the radio wave, and from the GPS satellite to your device. Calculate the distance at (distance = speed x time). This time is synchronized to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

[0062] Since accurate information on the orbit is sent from the GPS satellite, the current position of the GPS satellite can be accurately known. Therefore, if the distance of the GPS satellite force is known, the current location of the device will be one of the points on the sphere centered on the GPS satellite and having the calculated distance as the radius. The GPS signal code string is repeatedly sent at intervals of about lms. Since the propagation speed of the GPS signal is 400, OOOkmZ seconds, the maximum measurement distance is 400, OOO X O. 0 01 = 400km. Therefore, it is necessary to know the current location of the device in advance for accuracy of about 100km.

[0063] As described above, if the distances from three of the GPS satellites are calculated, the current location of the device is either one of the two points where the three spherical surfaces intersect. Also, one of the two points is also far away from the predicted point force, so in principle one point is determined. In reality, however, the current candidate point calculated (the intersection of the three faces) is not two. This is mainly because the accuracy of the clock mounted on the GPS unit 415 is lower than that of the atomic clock mounted on the GPS satellite, resulting in an error in the calculation results.

[0064] For this reason, the GPS unit 415 receives GPS signals from a total of four GPS satellites.

This can be considered to be obtained by introducing new information (formula) with the error of the clock on the GPS unit 415 side as another unknown. In this way, the GPS unit 415 can obtain a substantially accurate current point that converges to one point by receiving GPS signals from four GPS satellites.

[0065] Various sensors 416 are a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a G sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc., and their output values are used for calculation of the current position by the GPS unit 415, measurement of changes in speed and direction, etc. It is done. The various sensors 416 include sensors that detect each operation of the vehicle by the driver. The detection of each operation of the vehicle may be configured to detect, for example, steering wheel operation, turn signal input, accelerator pedal depression, or brake pedal depression. Also, the output values of the various sensors 416 can be data recorded by the drive recorder function.

[0066] In addition, in the various sensors 416, the drive recorder image is saved. It is also possible to set a trigger at the time and save the drive recorder image when the trigger is detected. The trigger is, for example, a trigger for storing the drive recorder image, and may be configured such that the output of various sensors 416 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or output that approximates a predetermined pattern. More specifically, for example, the triggers in the various sensors 416 may be set when vibrations exceeding a specified level or a predetermined vibration pattern are detected by the vibration sensor. The predetermined vibration pattern may be a vibration pattern that shows an abnormality such as a sudden rise. In addition, the trigger may be set when, for example, the G sensor detects a G exceeding the specified value or a pattern of how to force a predetermined G. The predetermined G force may be any pattern that shows an abnormality, such as a sudden rise. Alternatively, a configuration in which the presence / absence of contact with others, the operation of an air bag, or the stop of the vehicle is triggered by a vehicle body contact sensor may be used. Furthermore, as long as there is one or more of the above-mentioned triggers, a combination of multiple triggers may be used.

Of the functional configuration of the information recording apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the detection unit 101 is based on various sensors 416, the control unit 102 is based on the CPU 401, and the recording unit 103 is based on the magnetic disk drive 404 or the optical disk drive. With the function 406, the first recording area 104, the second recording area 105, and the recording medium 106 realize their functions with the magnetic disk 405 and the optical disk 407, respectively.

Here, an outline of a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 that is useful in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a recording medium that is useful in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, a recording medium 500 includes an overwrite recording area 501 and a storage recording area 502. The overwriting recording area 501 has a plurality of overwriting areas 503 (overwriting area (1) and overwriting area (2)).

[0069] In the overwriting recording area 501, the driving state is always overwritten and recorded by the drive recorder function. More specifically, the running state is overwritten and recorded in the overwrite area (1) 503 in accordance with the control of the CPU 401. Then, when a trigger is detected, the CPU 401 changes the recording destination for overwriting the running state from the overwrite area (1) 503 to the overwrite area (2) 503, and always overwrites and records the running state of the vehicle. Further, the CPU 401 switches the recording destination of the running state to the storage area for storage 502 and performs the storage process. CPU401 is When the saving process to the save recording area 502 is completed, the running state is overwritten and recorded. The recording destination is changed from the overwrite area (2) 503 to the overwrite area (1) 503.

[0070] In the description of this figure, the recording medium 500 has an overwriting recording area 501 that always overwrites and records the traveling state, and a storage recording area 502 that stores the traveling state when involved in an accident. Although it is configured, a plurality of recording media 500 may be configured to have respective functions for overwriting recording and storage.

[0071] (Contents of processing of navigation device 300)

Next, the contents of the processing of the navigation device 300, which is useful for the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the navigation device that is useful in this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the navigation apparatus 300 first determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling (step S601). For example, the determination regarding the traveling of the vehicle may be made with reference to the outputs of the various sensors 416.

[0072] In step S601, after waiting for the vehicle to travel, if the vehicle has traveled (step S601: Yes), camera 417 starts capturing images for the drive recorder (step 601). S602). The drive recorder image may be, for example, a moving image at a certain time such as an image around the vehicle. Note that the drive recorder image can be recorded and saved as described later, which may be continued until the processing in this figure is completed.

Then, CPU 401 overwrites and records the drive recorder image captured in step S602 in overwrite recording area 501 (step S603). More specifically, for example, the overwrite recording in the overwrite area (1) 503 in the overwrite recording area 501 may be performed sequentially, for example, in order not to exceed the recording capacity for moving images at a certain time. A configuration of overwriting and recording may be used.

Next, CPU 401 determines whether or not an accident is detected (step S604). For example, the accident may be detected by detecting a predetermined trigger by various sensors 416. The trigger is, for example, a trigger for saving an image for a drive recorder by the output of various sensors 416. For example, a fixed vibration pattern may be detected. The predetermined vibration pattern may be a vibration pattern that shows an abnormality, such as a sudden rising vibration. The trigger may be, for example, when the G sensor detects a G exceeding the specified value or a pattern of how to apply a predetermined G force. The predetermined G force can be any pattern that shows an abnormality, such as a sudden rising G. Alternatively, it may be configured to trigger on the operation of an air bag, such as the presence or absence of contact with the other, by the contact sensor of the vehicle body.

Further, the CPU 401 may be configured to detect a trigger by detecting a driving operation of a driver that causes dangerous behavior of the vehicle based on outputs of various sensors 416. More specifically, it is possible to trigger unusual handle operations such as a handle operation more than the specified angle without giving a sudden handle or blinker exceeding the specified angular velocity or a handle operation peculiar to sleepiness. It is good. Also, normal acceleration or deceleration beyond the specified acceleration, deceleration at the intersection where there is no signal, deceleration at the red signal (yellow signal), or pedal operation peculiar to sleepiness. It can also be configured with a pedal operation that is different from the trigger. In the case of abnormal steering operation or pedal operation, a configuration may be used in which a force motion pattern is registered and compared with the registered motion pattern. Further, intersections without signals and other points that need to be stopped may be acquired based on map information recorded on the recording medium 500. The color of the signal may be determined based on the image captured by the camera 417.

[0076] If no accident is detected in step S604 (step S604: No), the process returns to step S603 to repeat overwriting recording of the drive recorder image. If an accident is detected in step S604 (step S604: Yes), the CPU 401 changes the overwrite recording area 501 (step S605). The overwriting recording area 501 may be changed, for example, in a configuration in which the drive recorder image is overwritten and recorded in step S603, and the overwriting area (1) 503 is changed to the overwriting area (2) 503.

[0077] Further, CPU 401 changes the recording area for overwriting the drive recorder image in step S605, and also changes the recording destination of the drive recorder image to storage area 502 to save the recording area for storage. The drive recorder image is stored in 502 (step S606). For example, if the overwrite recording area is changed at the time of detection of an accident in step S604, the drive recorder image is saved for a predetermined time immediately before detection. The image for the recorder is left without being erased in the overwrite area (1) 503, and after the recording destination is set to the storage area for storage 502, the storage process may be performed together. Alternatively, after a predetermined time has elapsed after trigger detection, the overwrite recording area is changed, and the drive recorder images stored in the overwrite recording area (1) 5 03 are saved at the time of detection and for a certain period of time before and after the detection. It is good. The configuration can be set by the passenger for a certain period of time. If the trigger is detected again within a certain period of time from the time of detection, it can be configured to extend the storage time.

[0078] Then, navigation device 300 determines whether or not the vehicle has finished traveling (step S607). For example, the determination regarding the traveling of the vehicle may be made with reference to the outputs of the various sensors 416. More specifically, it may be determined that the vehicle has finished traveling when the output of the various sensors 416 stops.

[0079] In step S607, if the vehicle does not finish running (step S607: No), the process returns to step S603 and repeats overwriting recording of the drive recorder image. In step S607, when the vehicle finishes running (step S607: Yes), the series of processing ends.

[0080] In the description of this figure, in step S602, an image around the vehicle is captured and overwritten as a drive recorder image, but other information related to the running state such as the output of various sensors 416 is also included. A configuration for overwriting recording may be adopted. In that case, in step S604, at the stage where an accident is detected, the detected detection time and the output at a certain time before and after the detection may be stored. Further, in the explanation of this figure, a configuration may be adopted in which an attempted stage of a power accident is detected in which the accident is detected and the drive recorder image is stored. In that case, it is possible to change the trigger setting so that it can be detected including accident attempts.

Next, the contents of the process of returning the overwrite recording area after the storage process in the navigation device 300 that is useful in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing when the end of storage is detected in the navigation device according to this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, the navigation device 300 determines whether or not the vehicle is driving (step S701). Vehicle driving This determination may be made with reference to the outputs of the various sensors 416, for example.

[0082] In step S701, the camera 417 waits for the vehicle to be running, and if the vehicle is running (step S701: Yes), the camera 417 starts shooting the drive recorder image (step S701: Step S701). S 702). The drive recorder image may be, for example, a moving image at a certain time such as an image around the vehicle. Note that the drive recorder image can be recorded and saved as described later, which may be continued until the processing in this figure is completed.

Then, CPU 401 overwrites and records the drive recorder image taken in step S702 in overwrite recording area 501 (step S703). More specifically, for example, the overwrite recording in the overwrite area (1) 503 in the overwrite recording area 501 may be performed sequentially, for example, in order not to exceed the recording capacity for moving images at a certain time. A configuration of overwriting and recording may be used.

Next, CPU 401 determines whether or not an accident has been detected (step S704). For example, an accident may be detected by detecting a predetermined trigger using various sensors 416.

If no accident is detected in step S704 (step S704: No), the process returns to step S703 to repeat overwriting recording of the drive recorder image. If an accident is detected at step S704 (step S704: Yes), the CPU 401 changes the overwrite recording area 501 (step S705). The overwriting recording area 501 may be changed, for example, in a configuration in which the drive recorder image is overwritten and recorded in step S703 and the overwriting area (1) 503 is changed to the overwriting area (2) 503.

[0086] Further, in step S705, CPU 401 changes the recording area for overwriting the drive recorder image, changes the recording destination of the drive recorder image to storage area 502, and saves the recording area for storage. The drive recorder image is stored in 502 (step S706). The drive recorder image may be stored, for example, by storing images at the time of detection of the accident in step S704 and images at a fixed time before and after the detection. Also, a configuration that can be set by the passenger for a certain period of time can be used. If the trigger is detected again within a certain period of time, it can be configured to extend the storage time. Then, CPU 401 determines whether or not the power of storing the drive recorder image in storage recording area 502 in step S706 has ended (step S707). Here, when the saving of the drive recorder image is completed and the saving is completed (step S 707: Yes), the CPU 401 returns the overwrite recording area 501 changed in step S 706 ( Step S708). More specifically, when the recording destination of the drive recorder image is changed from the overwrite area (1) 503 to the storage recording area 502 in step S706 and the storage in the storage recording area 502 is finished, the overwrite is performed. The recording destination may be returned to the area (1) 503. In the overwrite recording area 501, for example, in step S706, the recording destination of the overwrite recording of the drive recorder image changed from the overwrite area (1) 503 to the overwrite area (2) 503 is set to the overwrite area (1 It is also possible to return to 503.

[0088] Then, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the vehicle has finished traveling (step S709). For example, the determination regarding the traveling of the vehicle may be made with reference to the outputs of the various sensors 416. More specifically, it may be determined that the vehicle has finished traveling when the output of the various sensors 416 stops.

In step S709, if the vehicle does not finish traveling (step S709: No), the process returns to step S703 and repeats overwriting recording of the drive recorder image. In step S709, when the vehicle finishes running (step S709: Yes), the series of processing ends.

[0090] In the description of this figure, in step S702, an image around the vehicle is captured and overwritten as a drive recorder image. The overwriting may be performed. In this case, in step S704, when an accident is detected, the detected time point and the output at a certain time before and after the detected time point may be saved. Further, in the explanation of this figure, a configuration may be adopted in which an attempted stage of a power accident is detected in which the accident is detected and the drive recorder image is stored. In that case, it is possible to change the trigger setting so that it can be detected including accident attempts.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an accident is detected, the recording area for overwriting the drive recorder image is switched, and the drive recorder image is being saved. Overwrite recording can be continued. Therefore, even if there are continuous accidents such as running after a crash accident or hitting a ball, it is possible to obtain a drive recorder image without interruption of overwriting due to the storage process.

[0092] Further, according to the present embodiment, after the storage process is completed without continuing to store the drive recorder image in the storage recording area after the accident is detected, the recording destination is appropriately switched to the overwriting recording area. It is possible to effectively use the recording capacity without overflowing the storage recording area.

[0093] Further, according to the present embodiment, when a trigger at the time of an attempted accident is detected in addition to the time when an accident is encountered, the image for the drive recorder is saved, so that the saved drive is saved. Recorder images can be widely used for safe driving.

Note that the information recording method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed when the recording medium force is also read by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed through a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Detection means for detecting the dangerous behavior of moving objects,

Recording means for overwriting and recording a series of captured video data in the first recording area;

When the recording means is controlled and a dangerous behavior is detected by the detection means, a recording area in which the video data is overwritten and recorded is changed from the first recording area to the second recording area. Control means for switching to the recording area of

An information recording apparatus comprising:

[2] The control means includes

If a dangerous behavior is detected by the detecting means, the recording means

The recording destination of the video data that has been overwritten and recorded in the first recording area is switched to the recording medium, and after the recording to the recording medium is completed, the recording area in which the series of video data is overwritten and recorded is the first recording area. 2. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein switching from two recording areas to the first recording area is performed.

[3] Mobile strength In an information recording method that records a series of imaged video data in the first recording area,

A detection step for detecting dangerous behavior of the moving body;

When a dangerous behavior is detected by the detection step, a step of switching the recording area to which the video data is overwritten from the first recording area to a second recording area different from the first recording area; ,

An information recording method comprising:

[4] An information recording program causing a computer to execute the information recording method according to claim 3.

[5] A computer-readable recording medium on which the information recording program according to claim 4 is recorded.