System, receiving apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a system that does not hinder a vehicle occupant from visually recognizing information and acquiring information and that does not hinder a driver from driving a vehicle to a place for performing an inspection, replacement and the like of a tire.SOLUTION: A system performs control for making a display 5 capable of being visually recognized by a vehicle occupant to display information. The system includes a control part 18 that performs control for providing display for making the vehicle occupant visually recognize an abnormality in a tire provided in a vehicle, in such a manner as not to hinder visual recognition of other pieces of information required by the vehicle occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a receiving device, a program, and the like for notifying a vehicle occupant of, for example, a tire abnormality. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems have been proposed that notify vehicle occupants of tire abnormalities. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that automatically measures tire air pressure and issues an alarm to the driver if the air pressure drops below a specified value. Patent Document 1 also proposes a system that can monitor the air pressure of a spare tire while it is stored and in use. This system notifies the driver of a tire abnormality by displaying a text explaining the tire abnormality on the entire screen of a display device mounted on the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-228787 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In general, a display device mounted on a vehicle is rarely used for a single purpose, but is used to display a wide variety of information. For example, if an in-vehicle electronic device has a function as a navigation device, the display device displays a map screen.

[0005] For example, if the in-vehicle electronic device has a function as a radar detector, when a target warning is issued, a warning screen is displayed, and when there is no warning, various information useful for driving is displayed, such as a map, a clock, and a speed.

[0006] However, when a tire abnormality is detected, displaying a text explaining the tire abnormality on the entire screen, prioritizing all other displays, would prevent the vehicle occupants from viewing and obtaining other information. In particular, for the driver, this would prevent the driver from obtaining information necessary while driving, and could interfere with driving to a location for tire inspection, replacement, etc.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a system that does not prevent vehicle occupants from viewing and acquiring information, and does not prevent the driver from driving to a location where they can inspect, replace, etc. tires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is characterized in that (1) a system that controls the display of information on a display means visible to an occupant, the system having a control means that controls the display means to display a display that allows an occupant of a vehicle to visually recognize an abnormality in a tire equipped on the vehicle in a manner that does not interfere with the visibility of other information required by the occupant of the vehicle.

[0009] In this way, the vehicle occupants can be encouraged to stop at a safe place, inspect the tires, and change the tires. Moreover, the display that allows the vehicle occupants to visually check the tire abnormality does not prevent the vehicle occupants from visually checking other information that they need, so it does not hinder the vehicle occupants from obtaining information. The vehicle occupants can continuously obtain the information they need without being hindered, so they do not feel offended. Furthermore, for the driver, who is one of the vehicle occupants, since the driver can continuously obtain the information he or she needs while driving, it is not hindered from driving, and the driver can maintain safe driving to the location where the tire inspection, replacement, etc. is performed.

[0010] The display means may be, for example, a means capable of displaying information that can be visually recognized by a vehicle occupant. For example, the display means may be a display screen or may be a plurality of light-emitting members. In this way, the display means may be applicable to various devices.

[0011] An abnormality in a tire may be, for example, a deviation of the air pressure or temperature from a set standard. In this way, a tire whose air pressure or temperature is significantly different from that in normal conditions can be determined to be an abnormal tire. Furthermore, for example, the standard for whether or not a tire is abnormal may be different depending on the type of tire, the vehicle model, or the mounting position. In this way, an accurate abnormality determination can be made because the air pressure or temperature that should be determined to be abnormal varies depending on the type of tire, the vehicle model, or the mounting position.

[0012] The indication for visually notifying the vehicle occupant of the tire abnormality may be, for example, an indication that can inform the vehicle occupant of the occurrence of a tire abnormality.Furthermore, for example, the indication for visually notifying the vehicle occupant of the tire abnormality may be a graphic indication.In this way, the vehicle occupant may be able to immediately and intuitively recognize the tire abnormality by visually notifying the vehicle occupant of the tire abnormality.

[0013] The other information required by the vehicle occupant may be information that the vehicle occupant does not want to be prevented from obtaining, for example, depending on the vehicle occupant's preferences, the purpose of the trip, or the date and time. Furthermore, the other information required by the vehicle occupant may be, for example, a figure or color that allows the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the vehicle's position, guide route, destination, and notification target in the map display, an item name, numerical value, unit, etc., for visually recognizing the speed, fuel efficiency, tire air pressure, or temperature indicating the vehicle status, or a figure that allows the driver to recognize a specific object by its shape. In this way, the driver will not be prevented from visually recognizing other information while driving, which will affect his or her driving.

[0014] The mode of not interfering with the visibility of other information required by the vehicle occupant may be, for example, a mode in which the display does not overlap with other information required by the vehicle occupant, or a mode in which the display overlaps with the other information but is transparent so that the other information can be seen. In this way, the vehicle occupant is not hindered from acquiring information. In addition, for example, a mode in which a tire abnormality is displayed in an area that does not form a specific meaning by using only a background color may be used. In this way, the tire abnormality can be more clearly notified without interfering with the visibility of not only other information required by the vehicle occupant but also other information.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, when the display means is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements, the presence or absence of illumination of some of the plurality of light-emitting elements may be used to display an abnormality in the tire, and the presence or absence of illumination of the remaining light-emitting elements may be used to display other information required by the vehicle occupants. The control means may be provided entirely within the vehicle, entirely outside the vehicle, or part of it may be provided inside the vehicle and the remaining part may be provided outside the vehicle. Also, the control means may be realized, for example, by one control unit or by multiple control units.

[0016] (2) Other information required by the vehicle occupants may be displayed in an area recognized as a specific group, and a manner in which the visibility of the other information is not hindered may be a manner in which an abnormality in the tire is visually recognized in an area outside the area recognized as the specific group.

[0017] In this way, the information displayed in areas recognized as a specific group is often information that is highly necessary for vehicle occupants, and since the display that visually identifies tire abnormalities does not interfere with the viewing of the information in such areas, the vehicle occupants can continue to obtain the information that they need.

[0018] The area recognized as a specific group may be, for example, an area recognized as a common or related element in appearance or concept. For example, it may be an area surrounded by the outer edge of a mark representing the vehicle's position, destination, notification target, etc. in the map display, an area in which the guide route and the driving route are colored, an area in which item names, numbers, and units for visually recognizing the speed, fuel consumption, tire air pressure, and temperature indicating the vehicle status are surrounded by lines or colors, or a figure area for recognizing a specific object by its shape. The area outside the area recognized as a specific group may be, for example, an area of ​​streets other than the vehicle's position, destination, guide route, and driving route, an area outside the area surrounded by lines or colors, or an area outside the figure. In this way, the display for visually recognizing tire abnormalities is more noticeable and easier to see.

[0019] The area recognized as a specific unit may be, in particular, an area recognized as a specific object. The specific object may be, for example, an object related to driving a car, and in particular, an object similar to an object constituting a vehicle, or an object that is visually recognized as the car travels. The object constituting a vehicle may be, for example, a meter, an engine, a vehicle body, etc. The object that is visually recognized as the car travels may be, for example, a road sign, a logo of a signboard, etc., or the shape of a building, etc.

[0020] (3) The other information required by the vehicle occupants may be information whose display content changes.

[0021] Information whose display content changes is often information that vehicle occupants need and want to see continuously, and since the display that visually identifies tire abnormalities does not interfere with the viewing of such information, vehicle occupants looking at the display means do not become uncomfortable. The information whose display contents change may be, for example, information whose characters, numbers, shape, color, or size change over time.

[0022] (4) The information whose display content changes may be information that changes in accordance with changes in the state of the vehicle.

[0023] In this way, since information that changes with the vehicle's condition is information that the driver of the vehicle wants to be aware of at all times, the driver is not prevented from obtaining such information, and the driver can maintain a safe drive to the location where the tire inspection or replacement is performed.

[0024] The information that changes with changes in the vehicle condition may be, for example, information obtained based on signals input from outside while the vehicle is traveling, such as the vehicle's position, vehicle speed, fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and temperature.

[0025] (5) The display position of the indication for visually notifying the tire abnormality may be in an area where the display content does not change.

[0026] In this way, the display for visually notifying tire abnormalities can be made to stand out by displaying the display in an area where the display content does not change, and the tire abnormalities can be reliably notified to vehicle occupants.

[0027] The area where the display content does not change may be, for example, an area where the letters, numbers, shape, color, or size do not change over time. Also, for example, in the case of a figure that is recognized as a certain unity, such as a figure that allows a specific object to be recognized by its appearance, where the color or shape of part of the figure changes, the area where the display content does not change may be an area other than the entire figure. In this way, the display for visually notifying the tire abnormality can be made even more noticeable.

[0028] (6) It is preferable that there are a plurality of display areas for the information whose display contents change.

[0029] In this way, even if information with changing display content is displayed in multiple areas, tire abnormalities are displayed in a manner that does not impede visibility, so that vehicle occupants can clearly recognize tire abnormalities along with a large amount of information and do not become confused.

[0030] (7) The display position of the indication for visually notifying the tire abnormality may be set to the periphery of the display area for the information whose display content changes.

[0031] In this way, since the information whose display content changes is a location that is likely to attract the attention of vehicle occupants, by displaying a display that allows occupants to visually check tire abnormalities in the surrounding area, it is possible to make the occupants more likely to notice tire abnormalities while avoiding interference with the visibility of the changing information.

[0032] The peripheral portion may be, for example, a portion outside the display area of ​​the information whose display content changes, and may be a position adjacent to the display area or a position in the vicinity of the display area but not adjacent to it.

[0033] (8) The display area of ​​the information whose display content changes may be an area that the driver of the vehicle focuses on, and the display position of the display that visually identifies abnormalities in the tire may be a part other than the area that the driver of the vehicle focuses on.

[0034] In this way, the driver of the vehicle can see the area of ​​interest without being obstructed, and the driver can maintain safe driving to the location for tire inspection or replacement without becoming confused.

[0035] The area that the driver of the vehicle pays attention to may be, for example, information that the driver needs to check constantly while driving. In particular, the area that the driver of the vehicle pays attention to may be, for example, the vehicle position, the guide route, or the speed while driving.

[0036] (9) It is preferable that a display for visually notifying the tire abnormality is displayed superimposed on a display portion having only one color.

[0037] In this way, since the display for visually notifying tire abnormalities is superimposed on an area of ​​only one color, there is no confusing display behind the display for visually notifying tire abnormalities, and vehicle occupants will not become confused. For example, if a display for visually notifying tire abnormalities is superimposed on an area where a figure representing a specific object is displayed with a line of a different color from the background, it will be difficult for vehicle occupants to see, but if it is displayed on an area of ​​only one color, it will be easy for vehicle occupants to see.

[0038] (10) The other information required by the vehicle occupant may be information input from an external source regarding the condition of the tires.

[0039] In this way, even if it is difficult for a vehicle occupant to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the tire based on information only on the tire condition, the abnormality can be reliably made aware of by displaying a separate visual indication of the tire abnormality.

[0040] The information regarding the condition of the tire may be, for example, the tire pressure or temperature. The input from the outside may be, for example, a wired input or may be received wirelessly.

[0041] (11) It is preferable that the display device further comprises a switching instruction input means for inputting an externally inputted instruction to the control means to switch to displaying information relating to the condition of the tire while the display for visually notifying the abnormality in the tire is being displayed.

[0042] In this way, when a tire abnormality is visually indicated and the vehicle occupant performs an operation to input a switching command using the switching command input means, information regarding the tire condition is displayed, allowing the occupant to know detailed information regarding the tire abnormality.

[0043] The switching instruction input means may be, for example, an input means such as a touch panel or a switch. For example, it is more preferable to use a display area for displaying tire abnormalities as the switching instruction input means as a touch panel. This is preferable because it makes it easier for a vehicle occupant to operate.

[0044] (12) The information on the tire condition may be at least one of the air pressure of each tire, the temperature of each tire, and the average tire temperature.

[0045] In this way, the vehicle occupant can easily determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on, for example, the average tire temperature. Also, the vehicle occupant can identify the tire in which an abnormality has occurred based on, for example, the air pressure and temperature of each tire.

[0046] (13) The control means may include a stop command input means for inputting a stop command to stop the display for visually notifying abnormalities in tires.

[0047] In this way, a vehicle occupant who becomes aware of a tire abnormality through a visual display of the tire abnormality can use the stop command input means to stop the display, thereby avoiding the annoyance of having the display constantly displayed.

[0048] The stop command input means may be, for example, a touch panel, a switch, or other input means. For example, it is more preferable to use the display area for displaying tire abnormalities as the stop command input means as a touch panel. This is preferable because it makes it easier for passengers in the vehicle to operate.

[0049] (14) The indication for visually notifying the abnormality of the tire may be set in different colors according to the degree of the abnormality.

[0050] In this way, the different colors can allow the vehicle occupants to intuitively recognize the degree of danger.

[0051] (15) It is preferable that the tire abnormality detecting device has an output means for outputting a sound in addition to a visual indication of the tire abnormality.

[0052] In this way, by outputting a sound, even vehicle occupants who are not looking at the display screen of the display means can be reliably notified of a tire abnormality.

[0053] (16) The vehicle may further include a notification means for notifying occurrence of a plurality of types of events, and a priority setting means for setting priorities for a display for visually notifying the tire abnormality and for notifying the plurality of types of events.

[0054] In this way, by displaying a visual indication of a tire abnormality in preference to any one of a plurality of types of event notifications, it is possible to more reliably notify the driver of a tire abnormality.

[0055] The event notification may be, for example, information that is notified based on information input from outside. For example, the presence of a specific installation on a road, the presence of external wireless communication, arrival at a destination, passing through a stopover, etc. may be the event to be notified.

[0056] The notification may be, for example, by a display on a display means, a sound from a sound output means, or both, to inform the occupants of the vehicle of the event.

[0057] (17) The other information required by the vehicle occupant may be at least one of information related to time, information related to vehicle speed, information related to acceleration, and information related to fuel economy.

[0058] In this way, the display of information necessary for vehicle occupants is not obstructed by a display that visually indicates tire abnormalities, so vehicle occupants, particularly the driver, do not feel uncomfortable and can continue driving safely.

[0059] (18) The control means may determine whether a tire is abnormal based on information regarding the condition of the tire input from an external source.

[0060] In this way, the control means determines whether a tire is abnormal, and therefore the passenger of the vehicle does not have to take the time to make the determination. The determination of an abnormality may be performed, for example, periodically, but it is more preferable to make the determination immediately based on information regarding the tire condition.

[0061] (19) The control means may determine a tire abnormality based on the information on the tire condition input from the outside and cause the display means to display a display allowing the tire abnormality to be visually recognized. After that, if no information on the condition of the tire determined to be abnormal is input for a predetermined period of time or if there is no change in the input information on the tire condition, the control means may stop the display allowing the tire abnormality to be visually recognized.

[0062] In this way, if the tire determined to be abnormal is replaced with a normal tire after a display that allows the tire to be visually recognized as abnormal has been displayed, if the abnormal tire is removed and outside the vehicle, information regarding the tire's condition will not be received, and if the abnormal tire is mounted inside the vehicle, the information regarding the tire's condition will not change. Therefore, in such a case, the display that allows the tire to be visually recognized as abnormal can be stopped as the tire has been replaced, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of the tire continuing to be displayed.

[0063] (20) The information regarding the tire condition input from the outside may be information contained in a signal transmitted from a sensor installed in the tire and received intermittently.

[0064] In this way, it is possible to prevent the intermittent reception of signals from the sensors installed in the tires from interfering with the reception of other signals in the system.

[0065] Receiving intermittently means, for example, not receiving continuously all the time, and may be receiving at regular intervals or at a specific timing.

[0066] (21) Any of the systems (1) to (20) may be configured as an in-vehicle electronic device, and a receiving device having a receiving means for receiving information regarding the condition of the tire transmitted from a sensor installed in the tire, and an output means for outputting the information regarding the condition of the tire received by the receiving means to the system, may be provided so as to be connectable to the in-vehicle electronic device.

[0067] In this way, by connecting to an existing system configured as an on-board electronic device, a function for visually displaying tire abnormalities can be easily added. Vehicle owners can reduce expenses by purchasing a simple and inexpensive receiving device instead of a new system.

[0068] (22) Based on the configuration of (21), it is preferable that the receiving means intermittently receives a signal including information regarding the condition of the tire, the signal being transmitted from a sensor installed in the tire.

[0069] In this way, it is possible to prevent the intermittent reception of signals from the sensors installed in the tires from interfering with the reception of other signals in the system.

[0070] (23) Based on the configuration of (21) or (23), it is preferable that the vehicle has a signal input means to which vehicle self-diagnosis information is input from a signal line installed in the vehicle, and the output means outputs the vehicle self-diagnosis information together with information regarding the condition of the tire.

[0071] In this manner, the vehicle occupant can check information regarding the tire condition together with the vehicle's self-diagnosis information. The vehicle's self-diagnosis information may be, for example, OBD information. For example, the control means of the system may display information regarding the tire condition on a screen interface common to the screen interface displaying the vehicle's self-diagnosis information. In this manner, the display may be natural to the vehicle occupant compared to existing screen displays. Furthermore, the information regarding the tire condition may be displayed on a part of a customizable screen interface. In this manner, it may be possible to meet the preferences of the vehicle occupant.

[0072] (24) Based on the configuration of (23), the receiving means, the output means and the signal input means may be configured within a housing, one side of the housing may be provided with a plurality of types of connection terminals that are connected to the signal input means and that are alternatively selected for connection to a signal line inside the vehicle, and a side of the housing opposite to the one side may be provided with a plurality of types of connection terminals that are connected to the output means and that are alternatively selected for connection to the system.

[0073] In this way, the input and output terminals are separated on the opposing sides of the case, making it easy for the person connecting the wiring to understand. The output side is located roughly on the extension of the input side, making it easy to install the wiring without putting undue strain on the connection parts.

[0074] (25) On the premise of any one of the configurations (21) to (24), the present invention is characterized in that it has a light emitting means for notifying the reception state of the receiving means by emitting light.

[0075] In this way, the person installing the receiving device can check the reception status of the signal from the tire sensor by the light emitted by the light emitting means, so that the receiving device can be installed in a location with good reception.

[0076] (26) The functions of the control means in the systems (1) to (20) can be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions.

[0077] (27) The functions of the receiving device in (21) to (25) can be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions. Effect of the Invention

[0078] According to the present invention, a system can be provided that does not prevent vehicle occupants from viewing and acquiring information, and does not prevent the driver from driving to a location to inspect, replace, etc. tires. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radar detector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a radar detector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a standby screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tire condition display screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a map screen displaying icons that warn about tire conditions. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of a triple meter including an object of tire air pressure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tire pressure object. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object of an average tire temperature. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object displaying the temperature of each tire. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a TPMS setting screen. [Figure 12]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a TPMS adapter. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between a TPMS adapter and a connector. [Figure 14] FIG. 2A is a side view showing an input terminal of a TPMS adapter case, and FIG. 2B is a side view showing an output terminal of the TPMS adapter case. [Figure 15] FIG. 2A is a side view of the TPMS adapter case with a power lamp, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the TPMS adapter case with a status lamp. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an installation mode of a TPMS adapter. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tire condition display screen on which icons for warning about tire conditions are displayed. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the triple meter displaying icons for warning about the condition of tires. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0080] [1. Configuration of electronic devices] Figures 1 and 2 show a radar detector 1 which is a suitable embodiment of an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the front side (the side facing the rear of the vehicle (the driver's side)) of the radar detector 1, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the rear side. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the radar detector 1.

[0081] The radar detector 1 comprises a thin rectangular case body 2, and is attached and fixed to the dashboard of a vehicle or the like using a bracket 3 attached to the lower rear side of the case body 2.

[0082] A display 5 is provided on the front surface of the case body 2 (the surface facing the rear of the vehicle (the driver's side)). The display 5 is configured as a 3.2-inch color TFT LCD display. A touch panel 6 is provided on this display 5 for detecting which part of the display 5 has been touched. In addition, a volume adjustment button 7 is provided on the right side of the front surface of the case body 2, and various operation buttons 8 are provided on the left side.

[0083] The right side of the case body 2 is provided with a card insertion slot 9 for inserting a memory card 11 as a removable recording medium, and a memory card reader 10 is built into the card insertion slot 9 inside the case body 2. By inserting the memory card 11 into the card insertion slot 9, the memory card 11 is attached to the memory card reader 10. The memory card reader 10 takes in the data stored in the attached memory card 11. More specifically, the data stored in the memory card 11 includes update information such as information on a new alarm target (location information such as longitude and latitude, type information, etc.), and the update information is stored (downloaded) in a database 19 built into the device under the control of the control unit 18, thereby updating the data.

[0084] The database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. Note that map data and information on certain alarm targets are registered in the database 19 at the time of shipment, and data on alarm targets added thereafter is updated as described above.

[0085] A GPS receiver 13 is placed inside the upper center of the back side of the case body 2, and a microwave receiver 14 and a radio receiver 15 are placed next to it. The GPS receiver 13 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs current position (longitude and latitude) information. The microwave receiver 14 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the speed measurement device. The radio receiver 15 receives incoming radio waves of a predetermined frequency. A speaker 16 is also built into the bottom inside the case body 2. The speaker port is provided on the bottom surface of the case body 2.

[0086] A DC jack 12 is disposed on the lower side of the side surface of the case body 2. This DC jack 12 is for connecting a cigarette plug cord (not shown) and is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle via the cigarette plug cord to receive power supply.

[0087] In addition to the above-mentioned display 5, a lamp 31, a remote control receiver 32, and an infrared communication device 34 are arranged on the front of the case body 2 (omitted from FIG. 1). The lamp 31 warns by shining in various colors according to the type and urgency of the alarm. The remote control receiver 32 communicates data with a remote control (portable device: child device) 33 via infrared rays, and performs various settings for this device. The infrared communication device 34 transmits and receives data to and from a communication device with a built-in infrared communication device, such as a mobile phone 35.

[0088] The case body 2 is provided with a geomagnetic sensor 36 and an acceleration sensor 37. The geomagnetic sensor 36 is a sensor that detects geomagnetism to determine which direction north is relative to the traveling direction. The acceleration sensor 37 is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions.

[0089] The radar detector 1 of this embodiment also includes a connection cable 22 that connects to an OBD-II (II is the Roman numeral "2", and hereinafter "OBD-II" will be abbreviated as "OBD2") connector installed in the vehicle. A connector terminal 23 that can be detachably attached to the OBD2 connector of the vehicle is attached to the end of this connection cable 22. The OBD2 connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector, and is connected to the vehicle's ECU to output various vehicle information.

[0090] A connector terminal 25 is provided at the other end of the connection cable 22 for connection to a socket 24 provided on the side of the case body 2 of the radar detector 1, allowing the connection cable 22 to be attached and detached to the radar detector 1. Of course, the connection cable 22 may also be connected directly to the radar detector 1.

[0091] By connecting the connector terminal 23 attached to the connection cable 22 with the OBD2 connector on the vehicle body side, the control unit 18 acquires various vehicle information every 0.5 seconds. Examples of this vehicle information include vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load factor, throttle degree, ignition timing, remaining fuel ratio, intake manifold pressure, intake air flow rate (MAF), injection open time, engine coolant temperature (coolant temperature), air temperature taken into the engine (intake air temperature), outside air temperature (outside air temperature), amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON / OFF)), brake opening, steering wheel rotation angle information, etc.

[0092] The control unit 18 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, I / O, etc., and is connected to each of the above-mentioned units, executes a predetermined process based on information input from various input devices (touch panel 6, GPS receiver 13, microwave receiver 14, wireless receiver 15, etc.), and outputs a predetermined warning message using output devices (display 5, speaker 16, etc.). These basic configurations can basically be the same as those of the past. For example, for audio output, audio PCM data is stored in an EEPROM, which is a non-volatile memory, and the control unit 18 reproduces this PCM data and outputs the audio from the speaker 16.

[0093] [2. Basic functions of electronic devices] The functions of the radar detector 1 of this embodiment are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs executed by the computer that is the control unit 18, and are realized by the computer executing these programs. Functions realized by the computer through the programs stored in the control unit 18 include a GPS log function, a standby screen display function, a map display function, a GPS warning function, a radar wave warning function, and a wireless warning function.

[0094] The GPS log function is a function in which the control unit 18 associates the current position detected by the GPS receiver 13 every second with the detection time and speed (vehicle speed) and stores the result in a non-volatile memory as a position history. This position history is recorded in, for example, the NMEA format.

[0095] The standby screen display function is a function for displaying a predetermined standby screen on the display 5. Fig. 3(a) shows an example of the standby screen, which shows the speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 13.

[0096] The map display function, as shown in Fig. 3(b), is a function that accesses the database 19 based on the current position detected by the GPS receiver 13, and reads and displays the map data stored therein. The map display function also has a function that searches for objects to be warned about around the current position based on the position information stored in the database 19, and if an object to be warned about is present in the vicinity, displays information indicating the object to be warned about (such as a target icon 112) superimposed on the corresponding position on the map. Specific display modes are as follows:

[0097] The control unit 18 displays the map so that the vehicle's traveling direction always faces upward in the main display area R1 that occupies almost the entire surface of the display 5. The control unit 18 displays the map so that the current vehicle position is located at the center of the lower side of the main display area R1, and displays the vehicle icon 111 at that position.

[0098] The control unit 18 displays status information in a status area R2 set above the main display area R1. The status information displayed in the status area R2 includes, from the left, a current time 121 (in the figure, "15:10"), a GPS radio wave reception level display icon 122 (in the figure, three straight lines of different lengths standing parallel to each other, indicating the maximum reception level), a no-parking area icon 123 (displayed when the vehicle is in a most important parking area or a most important parking area), a reception sensitivity mode display icon 124 indicating the reception sensitivity of the radar (in the figure, "SE" for the highest sensitivity), a vehicle speed 125 (in the figure, "30 km / h"), and a compass 126. The status area R2 is a transparent area, and is arranged using a layer above the layer of the main display area R1. This allows the map located below to be seen in the status area R2 in places where no status information is displayed.

[0099] The control unit 18 displays the current scale information (reduction scale) in a scale display area R3 set on the left side of the main display area R1. The scale is set to 0 m for the vehicle position, and displays the distance from the vehicle position to the vertical center position of the main area R1 ("500" in the figure) and the distance to the upper position ("1000" in the figure). The unit is "m". When the control unit 18 detects that the main display area R1 is touched twice consecutively, it displays a map scale change button (not shown) at a predetermined position (position along the scale display area R3) in the main display area R1, and changes the map scale in response to the touch on the map scale change button. In other words, the control unit 18 changes the scale of the map displayed in the main display area R1 to match the scale of the changed map scale, and also changes the scale information displayed in the scale display area R3.

[0100] When the control unit 18 detects a single touch on the display unit 5 while the standby screen display function is being executed as shown in Fig. 3(a), the control unit 18 displays a menu screen. When the control unit 18 detects that a screen switching button provided in the menu screen has been touched, the control unit 18 switches to the map display function as shown in Fig. 3(b). Similarly, when the control unit 18 detects a single touch on the display unit 5 while the map display function is being executed, the control unit 18 displays a menu screen. When the control unit 18 detects that a screen switching button provided in the menu screen has been touched, the control unit 18 performs processing to switch to the standby screen display function.

[0101] The control unit 18 executes processing to realize each function such as a GPS warning function, a radar wave warning function, a wireless warning function, etc., in response to an event that occurs while executing the standby screen display function and the map display function (hereinafter, these functions are collectively referred to as the standby function), and returns to processing of the original standby function when the processing of the corresponding function ends. The priority of each function is set in the order of highest priority: radar wave warning function, wireless warning function, and GPS warning function.

[0102] The GPS warning function is a process executed at a predetermined time interval (1 second intervals) in response to an event from a timer in the control unit 18, and calculates the distance between the object to be warned stored in the database 19 and the object to be warned based on the latitude and longitude of the object to be warned stored in the database 19 and the latitude and longitude of the object to be warned detected by the GPS receiver 13. When the calculated distance reaches a predetermined approach distance, the display unit 5 displays a GPS warning display 130 (showing a schematic diagram of the object to be warned, remaining distance, etc.) as shown in FIG. 4(a), and outputs an approach warning sound from the speaker 16 to indicate the same.

[0103] The targets of such warnings include locations of drowsy driving accidents, speed measuring devices (radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photocell type, mobile type, etc.), speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoints, parking ban monitoring areas, N system, traffic monitoring system, intersection monitoring points, signal ignoring prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas with high incidence of vehicle thefts, sharp / continuous curves (expressways), branching / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations in PAs / SAs (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio receiving areas (expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside stations, view point parking, etc., and information on the types of these targets, latitude and longitude information indicating their positions, schematic diagram or photograph data to be displayed on the display 5, and audio data are associated with each other and stored in the database 19.

[0104] FIG. 4(a) shows a display example of the radar wave warning function. This radar wave warning function is a warning function that displays a GPS warning display 131 as a warning screen on the display 5 and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 16 when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in a frequency band emitted by a speed measurement device (such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as "radar")). For example, when the microwave receiver 14 detects microwaves in a frequency band of microwaves emitted by a radar, as shown in FIG. 4(b), a schematic diagram or photo of a radar stored in the database 19 is displayed as a warning screen on the display 5, and the voice data stored in the database 19 is read out and a voice saying "This is a radar. Watch your speed" is output from the speaker 16. The distance to be displayed may be, for example, a distance estimated from the electric field strength.

[0105] The radio warning function is a function that issues a warning when the radio receiver 15 receives radio waves emitted by an emergency vehicle or the like, so as not to interfere with the vehicle's travel, etc. In the radio warning function, the frequencies of police radio, car location radio, digital radio, special small radio, police station radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter radio, fire helicopter radio, fire radio, emergency radio, highway radio, security radio, etc. are scanned, and when a radio signal is received at the scanned frequency, a schematic diagram indicating that a radio signal corresponding to the frequency stored in the database 19 for each radio type is received is displayed on the display 5 as a warning screen, and audio data stored in the database 19 for each radio type is read out, and an alarm sound indicating the type of radio signal is output from the speaker 16. For example, when a police radio signal is received, a sound such as "This is a police radio. Watch your speed." is output.

[0106] [3. Tire sensor] In this embodiment, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) function is realized by the control unit 18 executing a program. To realize the TPMS function, the control unit 18 uses a signal transmitted from a tire sensor 38.

[0107] The tire sensor 38 will be described below. The tire sensor 38 is attached to the valve of each tire of a four-wheeled vehicle. Each tire sensor 38 includes a memory that stores an ID for identifying each tire, an air pressure detector that detects the air pressure of the tire, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the tire, and a transmitter that transmits the ID and the detected air pressure and temperature by radio wave (e.g., 315 MHz).

[0108] The wireless receiver 33 of the radar detector 1 receives radio waves (e.g., 315 MHz) transmitted from tire sensors 38 installed on each tire. The wireless receiver 33 intermittently receives the radio waves from the tire sensors 38. In other words, the wireless receiver 33 receives radio waves periodically transmitted from the tire sensors 38. The control unit 18 uses a radio wave determination program to determine whether the radio waves received by the wireless receiver 33 are from the tire sensors 38.

[0109] [4. TPMS function] The following describes TPMS functions that the control unit 18 realizes in addition to the above basic functions. The TPMS functions include a tire information extraction function, a tire information display function, an abnormality determination function, an abnormality display function, an abnormality voice output function, a TPMS setting function, and a sensor ID setting function.

[0110] The tire information extraction function is a function that extracts information about the tire state (ID, air pressure, temperature) from the radio waves of the tire sensor 38 determined by the control unit 18 using the radio wave determination program, using a tire information extraction program.

[0111] The tire condition display function is a function in which the control unit 18 causes the display 5 to display information on the tire condition extracted by the tire information extraction program, on the tire condition display program. In this embodiment, the control unit 18 causes the tire condition display screen and the preset screen to display information on the tire condition.

[0112] The abnormality determination function is a function in which the control unit 18 determines whether the information on the tire condition extracted by the tire information extraction program is abnormal or not by the abnormality determination program. The control unit 18 determines an abnormality when the air pressure or temperature is above or below a value set in the database 19, or when the value is far from the set value by a predetermined value or more.

[0113] The abnormality display function is a function that causes the abnormality display program to display an icon, which is a predetermined figure, on the display 5 when the control unit 18 determines that the condition of a tire is abnormal using the abnormality determination program. As will be described later, the display mode of the predetermined icon is a mode that does not interfere with the visibility of other information required by the vehicle occupants.

[0114] The abnormality sound output function is a function for outputting a sound notifying the user of a tire abnormality from the speaker 16 when the control unit 18 determines that the tire condition is abnormal using the abnormality determination program. The data for this sound is stored in the database 19 in advance.

[0115] The TPMS setting function is a function in which the control unit 18 uses a TPMS setting program to set values ​​(air pressure, temperature) and the like for determining that a tire condition is abnormal. The control unit 18 displays a setting screen on the display unit 5, and stores values ​​entered via the touch panel 6 or remote control 33 in the database 19. Values ​​previously stored in the database 19 may be used as defaults. Values ​​indicating how far a value must deviate from the set value before it is determined to be abnormal are also previously stored in the database 19 as defaults.

[0116] The sensor ID setting function is a function in which the control unit 18 uses a sensor ID setting program to set which tire sensor 38 is attached to which tire by using the ID assigned to the tire sensor 38. The control unit 18 causes the display unit 5 to display a setting screen, and stores in the database 19 the ID received from the tire sensor 38 or the ID input from the touch panel 6 or the remote control 33 in association with each tire.

[0117] The tire rotation function is a function in which the control unit 18 exchanges the association between the sensor ID of the tire sensor 38 and the tire by a tire rotation program in response to tire replacement due to tire rotation. The control unit 18 exchanges the sensor ID of the tire sensor 38 by displaying a setting screen on the display unit 5 and selecting the target tire from the touch panel 6 or remote control 33.

[0118] [5. TPMS processing] An example of the process in which the control unit 18 executes the TPMS function as described above will be described below. [Tire condition display] The control unit 18 uses the tire condition display function to display information about the tire conditions (air pressure, temperature) extracted by the tire information extraction function from the signal received from the tire sensor 38 on the display 5. Since the tire sensor 38 is capable of measuring the tire pressure and temperature for each tire, the control unit 18 displays that information for each tire on the screen display.

[0119] Fig. 5 is an example of a tire information display screen. This display screen shows the air pressure and temperature of each tire, as well as the units of each tire, in an independent framed area adjacent to each tire on the vehicle graphic C.

[0120] The control unit 18 uses the abnormality determination function to determine that an abnormality has occurred when the information indicating the tire condition is a value that is far from a preset value by a predetermined value or more. The control unit 18 then notifies the user of the value determined to be abnormal by displaying it in a color different from the others. For example, if the air pressure of the right front tire is abnormal, the number indicating the air pressure of that tire is displayed in red.

[0121] [Sound indicating abnormality] When the control unit 18 determines that the tire condition is abnormal as described above, it causes the speaker 16 to output a sound notifying the driver of the tire abnormality using the abnormal sound output function. For example, a sound such as "There is an abnormality in the tire. Please drive with care" is output. Note that, in consideration of the possibility that the vehicle occupants may miss the sound when it is output once, the sound is output, for example, every five minutes to notify the driver of the tire abnormality.

[0122] [Alarm sound] The control unit 18 also issues an alarm to inform the user of the abnormality in more detail. First, when the tire air pressure exceeds a preset value by 10%, the control unit 18 outputs an audio warning from the speaker 16 saying, "The tire air pressure exceeds the preset value. Driving operation will be affected."

[0123] Furthermore, if the tire air pressure falls 10% below a preset value, the control unit 18 causes the speaker 16 to output an audio warning saying, "The air pressure is below the set value. This will affect fuel economy." Furthermore, if the tire air pressure falls below 1.5 kgf / cm2, the control unit 18 causes the speaker 16 to output an audio warning saying, "Danger! There is a risk of a flat tire."

[0124] [Tire rotation] When performing tire rotation, the user uses the touch panel 6 or the remote control 33 to select the tire rotation button displayed on the display 5 by the control unit 18, and then selects two tires to be rotated on the vehicle graphic.

[0125] Then, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 5 to display an option "Do you want to rotate tires?" and selection buttons for YES and NO. When the user selects YES using the touch panel or remote control, the control unit 18 exchanges the registered sensor IDs for the two selected tires.

[0126] Selection operations on the touch panel 6 are performed by touching the buttons or tire figures displayed on the display 5. Selection operations on the remote control 33 are performed in the same manner as the touch panel operations, by moving the cursor with the cursor button and pressing a decision button (for example, a ● button).

[0127] [If a tire abnormality occurs while another screen is displayed] When the control unit 18 is displaying a map on the display device 5 using the map display function and has determined that there is a tire abnormality using the abnormality determination function, the control unit 18 displays an icon that indicates the tire abnormality in a part of the screen to warn of danger. Since tire abnormalities are very dangerous, the control unit 18 displays the icon prominently by flashing it.

[0128] FIG. 6 shows an icon M in the lower right corner of the screen. This icon M is a graphic shape with an exclamation mark displayed inside a cross-sectional view of a tire. The control unit 18 displays the icon M in a manner that does not interfere with the display of other information required by the vehicle occupants. The display position of the icon M is also an area outside the area recognized as a specific group. In other words, the icon M is displayed in an area other than the area surrounded by the outer edge of the vehicle icon 111 indicating the vehicle position, the area in which the guide route and the driving route are colored, and the area of ​​letters, numbers, etc.

[0129] In Fig. 6, icon M is displayed in the area of ​​the street other than the guide route and the driving route. This area is also a part other than the area that the driver of the vehicle focuses on. In this way, the control unit 18 displays tire abnormalities with icon M even on a screen separate from the tire condition display.

[0130] While such icon M is displayed, the user inputs a switching command by selecting icon M via the touch panel 6 or remote control 33. Then, the control unit 18 switches the screen of the display 5 to a screen displaying the above tire conditions using the tire condition display function.

[0131] [Preset screen] The control unit 18 can also display information indicating the tire condition on the display 5 as one of the objects of the preset screen on the standby screen by using the tire condition display function. Image data for generating the preset screen is assumed to be stored in advance in the database 19 as a part of the screen interface.

[0132] Fig. 7 shows a preset screen including objects B1 to B3 that display three types of information from among a large amount of information, in response to a selection made by the user through input by the control unit 18 using the touch panel 6 or remote control 33. Object B1 on the left in Fig. 7 displays a clock, object B2 in the center displays tire air pressure, and object B3 on the right displays speed.

[0133] Each of the objects B1 to B3 displays various information related to the vehicle inside a circular ring frame 41 as its outer periphery. In the actual image, the ring frame 41 is decorated with metallic reflective parts as if it were made of metal. The objects B1 to B3 can be displayed individually, or multiple objects can be displayed side by side.

[0134] The central object B2 displays numbers indicating tire pressure in units of kPa. The position of the numbers corresponds to the position of the tires when the front of the car is facing up on the display screen. That is, the upper right shows the air pressure of the right front wheel, the lower right shows the air pressure of the right rear wheel, the upper left shows the air pressure of the left front wheel, and the lower left shows the air pressure of the left rear wheel. Below these numbers, separated by a horizontal line, are displayed the units (kPa).

[0135] The control unit 18 displays the tire pressure determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination function in a manner that distinguishes it from the pressures of the other tires. In Fig. 7, the tire pressure of the right front wheel is low, so the number is displayed in a different color. For example, if the air pressure of the right front wheel is abnormal, the number indicating the tire pressure is displayed in red.

[0136] The international unit of tire pressure is kPa. However, the unit of tire pressure for Japanese cars is sometimes kgf / cm2 (1kgf / cm2=98.0665kPa). Although many tire manufacturers nowadays use kPa, it is preferable to be able to display kgf / cm2 as well. For this reason, the control unit 18 can display an object in which the unit of the displayed numbers is changed according to the user's selection.

[0137] Figure 8 is an object that displays tire air pressure in the unit kgf / cm2 used in Japanese cars. The display position of each number and the settings for color-coded display when an abnormality is detected are the same as those in Figure 7. As the commonly used units of air pressure differ from country to country, it is possible to select an object with a different unit of numbers to be displayed.

[0138] 9 is an object that displays, on a meter, the average temperature of four tires that the control unit 18 has determined based on the temperature of each tire. In the upper half of this object within the ring frame 41, there is a meter needle that swings between the low temperature side (C) and the high temperature side (H) according to the average temperature of the tires. In addition, this object has an arc-shaped scale as the background of the meter needle, with the low temperature side being a cool color and the higher the temperature, the warmer the color. Furthermore, in the lower half of the ring frame 41, there is a display of a number indicating the average temperature in °C. In the figure, the unit °C is displayed to the right below the number, and the tier indicating that it is a tire is displayed to the left.

[0139] FIG. 10 shows numbers indicating the temperature of each tire in °C. The position of the numbers corresponds to the position of the tire when the front of the car is facing up on the display screen. That is, the upper right indicates the temperature of the right front wheel, the lower right indicates the temperature of the right rear wheel, the upper left indicates the temperature of the left front wheel, and the lower left indicates the temperature of the left rear wheel. Below these numbers, separated by a horizontal line, are displayed the unit of temperature (°C). As with the tire pressure object, the control unit 18 can display the temperature of a tire determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination function in red to distinguish it from the temperatures of other tires.

[0140] In addition to the object indicating the tire condition, the default objects include a clock, satellite information, tide information, vehicle speed, eco-driving, acceleration, inclination, a compass indicating a direction, etc. Also, when the socket 24 of the radar detector 1 is connected to the OBD2 connector on the vehicle body side by the connection cable 22, it is also possible to display objects based on information acquired from the OBD2. These objects include instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, general road average fuel consumption, high-speed moving average fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, moving average fuel consumption, fuel flow rate, engine water temperature, intake air temperature, outside air temperature, throttle opening, engine load, intake manifold gauge, boost gauge, tachometer, etc. The control unit 18 can display these objects on the display 5 alone or in combination according to the user's selection.

[0141] [TPMS Settings] The optimal tire pressure varies depending on the vehicle model and the type of tire. Therefore, the control unit 18 needs to set the tire pressure in advance to realize the above-mentioned TPMS function. The user sets the tire pressure by inputting the tire pressure suitable for the vehicle model.

[0142] FIG. 11 shows the TPMS setting screen. This TPMS setting screen has a numeric keypad and input fields for the front and rear wheel air pressures. The air pressure suitable for a vehicle model is described as the designated air pressure in the instruction manual or on a label attached to the part where the driver's door fits. The user inputs this designated air pressure by selecting the input field with the touch panel 6 or remote control 33 and selecting a number on the numeric keypad. Depending on the vehicle model, the designated air pressures for the front and rear wheels may differ, so the respective designated air pressures are input in the input field for the front wheels and the input field for the rear wheels. If the designated air pressures for the front and rear wheels are the same, the same number is input in the input field for the front wheels and the input field for the rear wheels.

[0143] A simpler operation method is easier for users to use, so instead of setting upper and lower limits for the air pressure, it is sufficient to simply set the designated air pressure for each vehicle model. Also, the optimal temperature is set by default, so there is no need for users to set the temperature.

[0144] [6. Effects of the embodiment] The present embodiment as described above provides the following effects. (A) Icon M, which is an indication that allows the driver to visually recognize a tire abnormality, can inform the vehicle occupant of a tire abnormality, thereby encouraging the vehicle occupant to stop at a safe place, inspect the tire, and change the tire. Moreover, icon M does not impede the vehicle occupant's ability to view other information that the vehicle occupant needs, and therefore does not impede the vehicle occupant's acquisition of information. The vehicle occupant can continuously obtain the information he or she needs without being impeded, and therefore does not feel offended. Furthermore, for the driver, who is one of the vehicle occupants, the driver can continuously obtain the information he or she needs while driving, and therefore can maintain a safe drive to a location where the tire can be inspected, changed, etc., without being impeded by the driving.

[0145] (B) By providing vehicle occupants with information about the condition of tires, driving can be made safer and it can also contribute to eco-driving. For example, if the tire pressure is low, the driver can be notified of this information and prompted to take appropriate action, which has the following advantages: - Prevents deterioration of fuel efficiency due to increased grip. - Prevents a reduction in tire lifespan due to increased contact area with the road. - Prevents bursts caused by standing wave phenomenon. - Prevents deterioration of maneuverability (cornering performance, etc.).

[0146] In addition, for example, when the tire pressure becomes excessive, the driver is notified of this information and prompted to take appropriate measures, which has the following advantages. - Tires are less likely to bounce, preventing a decrease in ride comfort. -Prevents the deterioration of braking and driving force caused by a smaller contact area with the road.

[0147] (C) The icon M is displayed in an area outside of areas that are recognized as a specific unit, such as the area surrounded by the outer edges of the vehicle icon 111 and the target icon 112, and the guide route 113, so that the display stands out and is easy to see. The same is true if the icon M is displayed in an area other than the driving route or the destination. Also, since the icon M is displayed in an area other than the areas that the vehicle driver focuses on, such as the vehicle icon 111, the target icon 112, the guide route 113, the driving route, and the destination, the visibility of the areas that the vehicle driver focuses on is not obstructed. This allows the driver to maintain safe driving to the location where tire inspection or replacement is performed without becoming confused.

[0148] (D) The occurrence of an abnormality can be easily determined by the air pressure of each tire, the temperature of each tire, and the average temperature of the tires, which are included in the tire status display. In addition, the tire in which an abnormality has occurred can be identified by the air pressure and temperature of each tire.

[0149] (E) The air pressure and temperature of a tire in which an abnormality has occurred are displayed in different colors, allowing vehicle occupants to intuitively recognize which tire has an abnormality and the degree of danger associated with it.

[0150] (E) While icon M is displayed, the user can switch to a screen related to the tire condition by inputting a switching command using the touch panel 6 or the remote control 33. This allows the user to know detailed information about tire abnormalities, such as whether the air pressure is abnormal, whether the temperature is abnormal, or which tire is abnormal.

[0151] (G) When a tire abnormality occurs, the abnormality is notified by voice, so that even vehicle occupants who are not looking at the display screen of the display device 5 can be reliably notified of the tire abnormality.

[0152] (H) The control unit 18 determines whether a tire is abnormal based on information about the tire condition received from the tire sensor 38, so that the vehicle occupants do not have to take the time to make a determination. Since an abnormality can be determined immediately based on information about the tire condition, the vehicle occupants can be immediately notified of any tire danger that is of high urgency.

[0153] (I) The wireless receiver 15 can receive signals from the tire sensors 38 intermittently, thereby preventing interference with the reception of other signals.

[0154] 7. Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following aspects can also be configured. [TPMS adapter] Some countries are moving towards making the installation of TPMS mandatory, and in Japan, too, discussions on making it a legal requirement have begun. Meanwhile, radar detectors, navigation devices, drive recorders, etc. are becoming more and more widespread, and many users already have these devices installed in their cars. In this situation, it is time-consuming and costly for users to purchase a new TPMS display device and install it in their car.

[0155] Therefore, a TPMS adapter is configured so that the TPMS function can be added to existing devices such as radar detectors, navigation devices, drive recorders, etc. This TPMS adapter is a receiving device that receives information about the tire condition transmitted from a tire sensor, and can output the received information to the radar detector, navigation device, drive recorder, etc.

[0156] 12 to 16 show an example of a TPMS adapter 100. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 12, the TPMS adapter 100 includes a control unit 102, a receiving unit 103, and a power supply circuit 104 in a case 101, which is a rectangular parallelepiped housing. The control unit 102 is a processing unit having functions as an input means for inputting information from the outside and an output means for outputting the input information to an in-vehicle electronic device. The receiving unit 103 is a processing unit for receiving information from the tire sensor 38. This reception is performed intermittently, as in the above embodiment.

[0157] The power supply circuit 104 is a circuit that controls the supply of power to the control unit 102 and the receiving unit 103. Although not shown, an antenna line is connected to the receiving unit 103. The antenna line may be bundled along a cable described later, or may be a lead wire configured independently of the cable.

[0158] As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the case 101 has various connection terminals for inputting and outputting information to and from the control unit 102. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14(a), one side of the case 101 has three input connection terminals 101A, 101B, and 101C. Of these, the two input connection terminals 101A and 101B are connected to the control unit 102 and the power supply circuit 104, and are connection terminals that are alternatively selected for connection to the OBD2 connector on the vehicle body side. The input connection terminal 101A is an 8-pin Mini USB terminal. The input connection terminal 101A is a 10-pin Mini USB terminal.

[0159] The input connection terminal 101A is connected to an 8-pin Mini USB connector terminal 25 provided at one end of a connection cable 22. A connector terminal 23 provided at the other end of the connection cable 22 is connected to the OBD2 connector of the vehicle. This connects the TPMS adapter 1 to the ECU and battery of the vehicle via the connection cable 22. The two connection cables 22 in FIG. 13 have USB terminals facing in different directions. Similarly, the input connection terminal 101B is connected to the ECU and battery of the vehicle via a connection cable 22 whose connector terminal 25 is a 10-pin Mini USB.

[0160] The other input connection terminal 101C is a DC jack that is connected to the power supply circuit 104 and to which the DC plug 26a of the cigarette plug cord 26 is connected. The cigarette plug 26b of the cigarette plug cord 26 is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle. Thus, the input connection terminal 101C is connected to the battery of the vehicle via the cigarette plug cord 26.

[0161] As shown in Figures 13 and 14(b), the side surface of the case 101 opposite to the one side surface has two output connection terminals 101a and 101b. The output connection terminals 101a and 101b are connected to the control unit 102 and the power supply circuit 104, and are connection terminals that are alternatively selected for connection to the socket 24 of the radar detector 1. The output connection terminal 101a is an 8-pin Mini USB terminal. The output connection terminal 101b is a 10-pin Mini USB terminal.

[0162] The output connection terminal 101a is provided on an extension of the input connection terminal 101A or in the vicinity thereof. The output connection terminal 101b is provided on an extension of the input connection terminal 101B or in the vicinity thereof. This extension is a straight line perpendicular to the side surface on which the input connection terminals 101A and 101B are provided and the side surface on which the output connection terminals 101a and 101b are provided.

[0163] An 8-pin Mini USB connector terminal 27a provided at one end of a connection cable 27 is connected to the output connection terminal 101a. A connector terminal 27b provided at the other end of the connection cable 27 is connected to the socket 24 of the radar detector 1. The two connection cables 27 in Fig. 13 have USB terminals facing in different directions. Similarly, the output connection terminal 101b is connected to the socket 24 of the radar detector 1 via a connection cable 27 whose connector terminal 27a is a 10-pin Mini USB.

[0164] 15(a), one side of the case 101 other than the two opposing side sides on which the connection terminals are provided has a power lamp 105. And, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the side opposite the power lamp 105 has a status lamp 106.

[0165] The power lamp 105 is connected to the control unit 102 and is an LED that lights up to indicate that the power is on and goes out to indicate that the power is off. The status lamp 106 is connected to the control unit 102 and is a three-color LED that indicates the reception status of the radio waves from the tire sensor 38 at the receiving unit 103 with three colors.

[0166] The case 100 of the TPMS adapter 1 as described above is attached and fixed to the right side of the center console with adhesive tape, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like, as shown in FIG. 16. Then, it is connected to the radar detector 1 via the above-mentioned connection cable 27, and to the vehicle's ECU via the connection cable 22. The installation position is not limited to a specific position. However, if the input connection terminals 101A to 101B are connected to a power source, the control unit 102 causes the status lamp 106 to emit light in a color corresponding to the level of the reception state of the receiving unit 103. Therefore, the user can install it in an optimal position by adjusting the position of the case 101 so that the emission color of the status lamp 106 is a color indicating a good reception state.

[0167] After such installation, the receiving unit 103 receives signals relating to the tire condition from the tire sensors 38 and inputs the signals to the control unit 102. OBD2 information is also input to the control unit 102 from the vehicle's ECU. The control unit 102 outputs the tire condition information together with the OBD2 information to the radar detector 1. In the radar detector 1, similar to the above embodiment, a TPMS function similar to that described above can be realized based on the tire condition information and the OBD2 information.

[0168] In this way, by connecting to an existing system such as the radar detector 1, a function for visually displaying tire abnormalities can be easily added. Vehicle owners can reduce expenses by purchasing the TPMS adapter 100 as a simple and inexpensive receiving device instead of a new system. For example, TPMS compatibility can be achieved simply by updating the software on the radar detector 1 side.

[0169] In addition, the control unit 18 can display information about the tire condition on a display screen for existing OBD2 information, such as a preset screen, etc. This allows the display to be natural to passengers in the vehicle, as compared to existing screen displays.

[0170] The input and output terminals are separated on opposite sides of the case 101, making it easy for the person connecting the wiring to understand. In particular, the output side is located on an extension of the input side or in its vicinity, making it easy to wire without placing undue strain on the connection parts. The information from the tire sensor 38 and the OBD2 information are mixed by the control unit 102 and output to the radar detector 1, eliminating the need to provide separate connection terminals for TPMS and OBD2 on the radar detector 1, and also simplifying the cords and connectors.

[0171] In addition, the person installing the TPMS adapter 100 can check the reception status of the signal from the tire sensor 38 by the illumination of the status lamp 106, so the adapter can be installed in a location with good reception. Also, by receiving the signal from the tire sensor 38 intermittently, it is possible to prevent the signal from interfering with the reception of other signals by the radar detector 1.

[0172] It should be noted that the radar detector 1 connected to the TPMS adapter 100 does not necessarily need to have a tire condition display function, but only needs to have at least an abnormality determination function and an abnormality display function or an abnormality voice output function.

[0173] [Other aspects] Furthermore, the following aspects can also be configured. For example, when the control unit 18 is displaying a screen displaying the tire condition and determines an abnormality using the abnormality determination function, the control unit 18 can also display an icon that allows the tire abnormality to be visually confirmed in a part of the screen using the abnormality display function. Fig. 17 is an example in which the control unit 18 displays the icon M in a part of the tire condition display screen. Fig. 18 is also an example in which the control unit 18 displays the icon M in a part of the preset screen.

[0174] In this case, the icon M is displayed in a manner that does not interfere with the display of other information required by the vehicle occupants. In other words, the display position of the icon M is one of the following: -Tire pressure, temperature, vehicle graphics, and positions that do not overlap with objects - Areas enclosed by lines to indicate tire pressure and temperature, areas of shapes to identify cars, areas outside the outline of objects Areas where the display content does not change - Display area with only one color - Information periphery where the displayed content changes

[0175] Information displayed in areas that can be recognized as specific groups, such as tire pressure, tire temperature, vehicle figures, and areas in which item names, values, and units for visualizing tire pressure and tire temperature are enclosed by lines, is often highly necessary information for vehicle occupants. In this embodiment, the icon M does not prevent the visibility of information in such areas. Therefore, vehicle occupants can continuously obtain the highly necessary information.

[0176] Information whose display content changes, such as tire pressure, temperature, time, vehicle speed, acceleration, fuel economy, etc., is often information that vehicle occupants need and want to see continuously. In this embodiment, the icon M does not obstruct the visibility of such information, so vehicle occupants looking at the display screen do not feel uncomfortable.

[0177] Tire pressure, temperature, time, vehicle speed, acceleration, fuel economy, etc. are information that changes depending on the state of the vehicle and are information that the driver of the vehicle wants to know at all times. In this embodiment, the icon M does not prevent the driver from obtaining such information, and the driver can maintain a safe drive to the place where the tire inspection or replacement is performed.

[0178] Since the icon M does not obstruct the display of information necessary for vehicle occupants, such as information on time, vehicle speed, acceleration, and fuel economy, the vehicle occupants, especially the driver, do not feel uncomfortable and can continue driving safely.

[0179] The display position of icon M is set in an area where the display content does not change, so that icon M can be made to stand out and the vehicle occupants can be reliably informed of a tire abnormality.

[0180] Even if information whose display contents change, such as tire condition display and preset screen display, is displayed in multiple areas, icon M is displayed in a manner that does not impede visibility, so that vehicle occupants can clearly recognize tire abnormalities along with a large amount of information and do not become confused.

[0181] Since information whose display content changes is likely to attract the attention of vehicle occupants, by displaying icons around the area, it is possible to make occupants more aware of tire abnormalities without interfering with the visibility of the changing information.

[0182] The display area of ​​the icon M is set to be outside the area that the driver of the vehicle focuses on, such as the vehicle speed, so the driver can see the area that the driver of the vehicle focuses on without being obstructed. This allows the driver to drive safely to the location where the tire inspection or replacement is performed without becoming confused.

[0183] Since icon M is displayed over an area that is only one color, there is no confusing display behind the display that visually identifies tire abnormalities, and vehicle occupants will not become confused. For example, if icon M is displayed over an area where a figure representing a specific object is displayed in a colored line from the background, it will be difficult for vehicle occupants to see, but if it is displayed in an area that is only one color, it will be easier for vehicle occupants to see.

[0184] Since an icon M that visually indicates an abnormality is displayed separately from information regarding the tire condition, the abnormality can be reliably detected even in cases where it is difficult to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the tire based only on information regarding the tire condition.

[0185] When a number indicating an abnormality is displayed in a different color on the preset screen or when an icon M indicating an abnormality is displayed, the control unit 18 can switch the screen according to a user's selection or automatically.

[0186] For example, the temperature of each tire changes drastically because the temperature of the tire on the sunlit side differs from that of the tire on the shaded side. If such a value that changes drastically were to be constantly displayed, it would be difficult for the vehicle occupants to grasp the condition, which could cause anxiety. Therefore, to avoid causing anxiety to the vehicle occupants, the average temperature is usually displayed.

[0187] Then, by switching to a screen displaying an object showing the temperature of each tire or the condition of the tires according to the user's selection, the user can know the details. The user makes a selection by, for example, selecting an icon or a switching button indicating an abnormality via the touch panel 6 or the remote control 33. Also, when the control unit 18 determines an abnormality by the abnormality determination function, the above screen switching can be performed.

[0188] A vehicle occupant who has become aware of a tire abnormality through icon M or output sound can input a stop command to stop the display of icon M or the output of sound. This makes it possible to avoid the annoyance of constant display and sound output. The stop command is input, for example, by the user selecting icon M indicating an abnormality or a stop button via the touch panel 6 or remote control 33. The input of the stop command may temporarily stop the display and sound output, and may be set to resume after a predetermined time set in the database 19 has elapsed.

[0189] Furthermore, after the control unit 18 determines a tire abnormality using the abnormality determination function and displays icon M to visually indicate the tire abnormality using the abnormality display function, if no information regarding the condition of the tire determined to be abnormal is input for a period of time previously set in the database 19 or if there is no change in the information regarding the tire condition that is input, the display of icon M and audio output can be stopped.

[0190] For example, if the tire determined to be abnormal is replaced with a normal tire after the icon display or voice output, if the abnormal tire is removed and outside the vehicle, information regarding the tire's condition is not received, and if the abnormal tire is installed inside the vehicle, the information regarding the tire's condition does not change. In other words, the measured air pressure and temperature values ​​remain constant. In such a case, the control unit 18 stops the icon display and voice output, assuming that the tire has been replaced, thereby avoiding the annoyance of the display and voice output continuing.

[0191] If the tire with the abnormality is replaced with a spare tire and left in the vehicle, the tire sensor 38 of the tire with the abnormality will sense that the tire is still deflated, even if the vehicle runs normally. However, since the removed tire is not used for driving, the temperature and air pressure will not change. The control unit 18 can also stop the icon display and sound output when the temperature and pressure are constant. Note that the control unit 18 may also stop the icon display and sound output when the tire sensor 38 is broken and the temperature and pressure are constant. When the tire sensor 38 runs out of battery, the tire sensor 38 will notify the control unit 18 beforehand, and when this notification is received, the control unit 18 may stop the icon display and sound output.

[0192] When an abnormality occurs, the color-coded display of the icon or number may be set to a different color depending on the level of the abnormality. In this way, the different colors allow the vehicle occupants to intuitively recognize the level of danger. For example, the display color may be switched from yellow to red depending on the level of the abnormality. Initially, only yellow may be displayed, and as the level of the abnormality increases, red may be displayed and an audio alert may be issued.

[0193] The priorities of notifications of the occurrence of a plurality of types of events, such as notifications from a radar detector or navigation device, and icon display and audio output may be preset in database 19 as a priority setting means. In this way, notifications of tire abnormalities by icon display and audio output are given priority over notifications of event occurrences, so that tire abnormalities can be more reliably notified.

[0194] The notification of an event may be, for example, information that is notified based on information input from outside. For example, the presence of a specific installation on the road, the presence of external wireless communication, arrival at a destination, passing through a waypoint, etc. are events that are notified to the vehicle occupants by display on the display 5, sound from the sound output means, or both. The display and notification of tire abnormalities may be given the same priority as a warning for the remaining battery level.

[0195] The display 5 as a display means may be any display that can be visually recognized by the vehicle occupant, and may be a display screen such as liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence, or may be a display means composed of a plurality of light-emitting members. In this way, it can be applied to various devices that do not have a display screen. When the display means is composed of a plurality of light-emitting members, a display that allows the tire abnormality to be visually recognized may be performed depending on the presence or absence of light emission of some of the plurality of light-emitting members, and other information required by the vehicle occupant may be displayed depending on the presence or absence of light emission of the remaining light-emitting members. Furthermore, the control unit 102 of the above-mentioned TPMS adapter 100 may be provided with an abnormality determination function based on an abnormality determination program, and an LED lamp as a display means may be connected to this. When the control unit 102 determines that a tire abnormality exists based on an input signal, it can light up or blink the LED lamp to notify the abnormality.

[0196] The "display for visually notifying the vehicle occupant of the occurrence of a tire abnormality" may be a display that can inform the vehicle occupant that a tire abnormality has occurred. For this reason, a graphic for visually notifying the vehicle occupant of the tire abnormality other than the above-mentioned icon M may be used, and any mode that allows the vehicle occupant to immediately and intuitively recognize the tire abnormality visually may be used. In the above-mentioned mode, the display is notified by audio output as well as by display, but the display or audio output may be used alone.

[0197] The "other information required by the vehicle occupant" may be information that the vehicle occupant does not want to be prevented from obtaining, depending on the vehicle occupant's preferences, the purpose of the trip, or the date and time. For example, the information may be a figure or color that allows the vehicle's position, guide route, destination, or notification target to be visually recognized on a map display, or a letter or number such as an item name, numerical value, or unit for visually recognizing the speed, fuel efficiency, tire air pressure, or temperature indicating the vehicle status, or a figure that allows a specific object to be recognized by its shape. In this way, the driver will not be prevented from visually recognizing other information while driving, which will affect driving.

[0198] The "mode that does not impede the visibility of other information required by the vehicle occupant" may be a mode that does not overlap with other information required by the vehicle occupant, or may be a mode that allows the other information to be visible even if it overlaps with the other information. In this way, the vehicle occupant is not prevented from acquiring information. Also, for example, a mode in which a tire abnormality is displayed in an area that does not form a specific meaning by using only a background color may be used. In this way, the tire abnormality can be more clearly notified without impeding the visibility of not only other information required by the vehicle occupant but also other information.

[0199] The control means may be realized by one control unit or by multiple control units. The control unit may be entirely provided inside the vehicle, entirely provided outside the vehicle, or part of the control unit may be provided inside the vehicle and the remaining part may be provided outside the vehicle. A system may be provided in which at least part of the functions of the control unit are provided in a server, the server executes the functions, and the electronic device held by the user acquires the execution results. In addition, a part or all of the information to be registered in the database may be registered in the server. A radar detector or other electronic device or device may have a function of communicating with the server, and the control unit may access the server as necessary, acquire necessary information, and execute processing.

[0200] The "area recognized as a specific unit" may be, for example, an area recognized as a common or related element in appearance or concept. For example, it may be an area surrounded by the outer edge of a mark representing the vehicle's position, destination, notification target, etc. on a map display, an area in which a guide route and a driving route are color-coded, an area in which item names, values, and units for visually confirming the speed, fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and temperature indicating the vehicle status are surrounded by lines or colors, and a graphic area in which a specific object is recognized by its shape.

[0201] The area "outside the area recognized as a specific unit" may be, for example, the area of ​​streets other than the vehicle position, destination, guide route, and driving route, the area outside the area surrounded by lines or colors, or the area outside the figure. In this way, the display for visually notifying tire abnormalities is more noticeable and easier to see.

[0202] The "area recognized as a specific unit" may be, in particular, an area recognized as a specific object. The specific object may be, for example, an object related to driving a car, and in particular, an object similar to an object constituting a vehicle, or an object that is visually recognized as the car travels. The object constituting a vehicle may be, for example, a meter, an engine, a vehicle body, etc. The object that is visually recognized as the car travels may be, for example, a road sign, a logo of a signboard, etc., or the shape of a building, etc.

[0203] The "information whose display contents change" may be information whose characters, numbers, shape, color, or size change over time. The "information whose display contents change with changes in the vehicle state" may be information obtained based on signals input from outside while the vehicle is running, such as the vehicle's position, vehicle speed, fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and temperature. The "area whose display contents do not change" may be an area whose characters, numbers, shape, color, or size do not change over time.

[0204] The "periphery of the display area of ​​the information whose display content changes" may be outside the display area of ​​the information whose display content changes, and may be a position adjacent to the display area or a position in the vicinity thereof, but not adjacent to it.

[0205] The "area that the driver of the vehicle pays attention to" may be information that the driver needs to check at all times while driving. In particular, the area that the driver of the vehicle pays attention to may be, for example, the vehicle's own vehicle position, the guide route, or the vehicle speed while driving.

[0206] The "information on the tire condition" may be only one of the tire pressure and the tire temperature. The input from the tire sensor may be, for example, a wired input or a wireless input.

[0207] The "display for visually notifying the tire abnormality" may be set to a different color according to the degree of the abnormality. In this way, the different colors allow the vehicle occupants to intuitively recognize the degree of danger.

[0208] The sound output together with the visual indication of tire abnormality may be in a form other than that described above. It may be a sound that identifies a specific tire and notifies of an abnormality, such as "Air pressure in the right rear tire is low," or a sound that prompts inspection, such as "Please check the air pressure in the left front tire." If no abnormality is found, a sound such as "No abnormality" or "Good" may be output.

[0209] "Intermittent reception" means, for example, that the signal is not received continuously all the time, and may be received at regular intervals or at a specific timing. For example, immediately after starting up the radar detector 1, communication with the tire sensor 38 is performed, tire information is displayed on the screen, and if no particular abnormality is found, the screen returns to the normal standby screen. After that, signal may be received at regular intervals. Even while driving, if there is an abnormality in the tire, the screen switches to displaying tire information and notifying the abnormality.

[0210] When the wireless receiver 15 controlled by the control unit 18 receives a signal from a tire sensor while scanning enforcement radio waves, if information regarding the condition of the tire is received, the wireless receiver 15 can continue scanning, thereby enabling compatibility with the radar detector 1.

[0211] If the tire sensor 38 is configured to transmit for a fixed period of time when the measured pressure value exceeds a fixed pressure value or when the measured temperature value exceeds a fixed temperature value, the wireless receiver 15 will receive the signal at a timing corresponding to this. If the control unit 18 does not determine an abnormality, the reception frequency may be set low, and if an abnormality is determined, the reception frequency may be set high, thereby increasing the frequency of tire abnormality monitoring while ensuring compatibility with traffic control radio waves.

[0212] The strength and frequency of the radio waves from the tire sensor 38 may be any value that avoids interference with other radio waves in use. The detection frequency of the tire sensor is selected to be optimal, taking into account the balance between power consumption and abnormality detection accuracy. The display frequency of the display 5 is also selected to be optimal, taking into account the balance between the annoyance of screen changes and early abnormality detection.

[0213] In this way, by connecting to an existing system configured as an on-board electronic device, a function for visually displaying tire abnormalities can be easily added. Vehicle owners can reduce expenses by purchasing a simple and inexpensive receiving device instead of a new system.

[0214] The system to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the radar detector 1. The present invention can be applied to various types of in-vehicle electronic devices, such as car navigation systems and drive recorders. It is also possible to add a TPMS function by reducing the band for receiving a wireless receiver in the in-vehicle electronic device and using the resulting cost reduction.

[0215] In judging whether a value is greater than or less than a threshold value, or in judging whether a value matches or does not match a threshold value, it is free to judge whether the value is included as "greater than or equal to" or "less than" or to judge whether the value is not included as "greater than", "more than", "above", "exceeds", "does not exceed", "above", "below", "less than". Therefore, depending on the value setting, for example, "greater than or equal to" can be interpreted as "greater than", "more than", "above", "more than", "less than", "less than", with substantially the same results. Upper and lower limit values ​​may be set as threshold values ​​for air pressure and temperature for judging tire abnormalities, and an abnormality may be judged to exist when the upper limit value is exceeded or when the lower limit value is exceeded.

[0216] The functions of the system of the present invention are configured as a program to be implemented by a computer provided in the control unit 18, but the present invention is not limited to this and the program may be distributed among a number of computers for distributed processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1. Radar detector 2. Case body 3…Bracket 5...Indicator 6. Touch panel 7...Volume adjustment button 8…Operation buttons 10. Memory card reader 11. Memory card 12...DC jack 13…GPS receiver 14...Microwave receiver 15...Radio receiver 16…Speaker 18, 102...Control unit 19. Database 22, 27…Connection cable 23, 25...Connector terminal 24...Socket 26...Cigarette lighter plug cord 31…Lamp 32...Remote control receiver 33…Remote control 34...Infrared communication device 35...Mobile phone 36...Geomagnetic sensor 37...Accelerometer 38…Tire sensor 41…Ring frame 100…TPMS adapter 101…Case 101A, 101B, 101C...Input connection terminals 101a, 101b...Output connection terminals 104…Power circuit 106...Status lamp 111…Car icon 112…Target icon 121…Current time 122…GPS signal reception level icon 123...No parking area icon 124…Reception sensitivity mode display icon 125…Vehicle speed 126…Compass needle 130…GPS alarm display

Claims

1. A system having a function of outputting an audio warning based on the air pressure state of tires provided in a vehicle, A function of outputting a first warning sound when the tire pressure falls below a preset value by a predetermined percentage; When the tire air pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, a second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output. A system characterized by.

2. The first warning sound outputted when the tire pressure falls below a preset value by a predetermined percentage includes a sound informing the driver that fuel economy will be affected, The second warning sound, which is different from the first warning sound and is output when the tire air pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, includes a sound indicating that there is a risk of a flat tire. The system of claim 1 .

3. The vehicle is provided with a function for outputting a third warning sound, which is different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound, when the tire pressure exceeds a preset value by a predetermined percentage.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. The vehicle is provided with a function that temporarily stops the output of the voice in response to a stop command input from a vehicle occupant, and resumes the output of the voice after a predetermined time has elapsed.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The device is provided with a function to stop the output of the voice when there is no change in the information on the tire air pressure state.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein:

6. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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