System and program and the like

Abstract

To provide a system that can simply and appropriately perform settings.SOLUTION: A system has a notification function for a user, and a setting function to set items related to notification made with the notification function. As shown in figure (a), the system has a function that, when a touch operation is performed on a standby screen displayed during the normal time, displays a first menu screen having immediacy (refer to figure (b)), and when a predetermined item on the first menu screen is selected, displays a second menu screen for settings not having immediacy (refer to figure (c)). The first menu screen includes a volume increasing button 41a, a volume reduction button 41b, and a setting button 41c advancing to the second menu screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology in paragraph

[0078] : "In the radar detector 1 of this example, various settings can be made using a settings list screen 1A that is switched in response to touch operations on the standby screen, as shown in FIG. 17. This settings list screen 1A has setting buttons arranged corresponding to (1) standby settings, (2) mode settings, (3) alarm settings, (4) display / LED settings, (5) audio settings, (6) posting settings, (7) reminder settings, (8) system settings, (9) custom settings, and (10) OBD settings. The contents and operations of each setting are explained below. However, (6) posting settings will be explained in detail in "10. Posting." From paragraph

[0079] onwards, each setting is made by transitioning between screens, as shown in FIG. 18 onwards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2014-129075 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a large number of setting items, and users must switch screens as needed to find the desired setting item and change the setting content. This process is cumbersome, and there is a problem that settings cannot be made smoothly.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to achieve the effects achieved by the components disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, the specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" is read as "the problem is...." Each problem is described as an independent entity, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for the configurations that solve this problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to claim part of the components described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications. Problems that combine these independent problems are also disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A system equipped with a notification function for the user and a setting function for setting items related to notifications by the notification function, in which when an operation is performed on the screen normally displayed, a first menu screen that is immediate is displayed, and when a predetermined item on the first menu screen is selected, a second menu screen for the setting that is not immediate is displayed, and the first menu screen is equipped with items that can be set immediately and items that lead to the second menu screen.

[0007] By operating the screen that is normally displayed, a first menu screen that is immediate is displayed, so the user can immediately select the item that they want to implement at that time. When a predetermined item is selected from the first menu screen, a second menu screen is displayed, so the user can set items related to the desired notification while operating the second menu screen.

[0008] The system may be, for example, in-vehicle, and if in-vehicle, the notification should provide useful information for driving and traveling. The system may be composed of multiple devices and equipment, but it is preferable to compose it with one device. The screen displayed under normal circumstances may be, for example, a screen displayed during operation.

[0009] (2) It is preferable that the first menu screen be displayed for a certain period of time, then return to the original screen, and that the second menu screen be displayed for a certain period of time, then not return to the original screen. By looking at the first menu screen, the user can immediately determine whether there are any items that need immediate processing, and if there are no items, the screen will automatically return to the standby screen if left as is. On the second menu screen, the user may consider how to set the items while looking at the contents displayed on the display unit, and there may be cases where no operation is performed for more than a certain period of time. If the screen were to return to the original screen in such a case, it would be necessary to perform an operation to transition to the processing screen again, which would be cumbersome. Therefore, by not automatically returning to the screen, the user can take their time to consider and perform the operation reliably, which is preferable.

[0010] (3) The first menu screen, which is for immediate settings, should display all selectable items on one screen, and the second menu screen, which is for non-immediate settings, should limit the number of items displayed on one screen to a standard value or less.

[0011] The immediate first menu screen displays a list of selectable items on the first menu screen, allowing the user to quickly select the desired item and perform the desired process. The second menu screen has a limited number of display items per screen, making the setting items displayed on the second menu screen easy to see, making it easy to find the desired item to set, and allowing the user to reliably select the desired item. Although limiting the number of display items increases the number of second menu screens, the lack of immediacy allows users to take their time searching. In particular, when setting items are selected by touching the display screen, limiting the number of display items allows, for example, the area for each setting item to be made larger or the distance between adjacent setting items to be increased, preventing the user from accidentally touching the wrong item or pressing multiple adjacent setting items simultaneously, thereby improving operability.

[0012] (4) The second menu screen for non-immediate settings may have a function of arranging a predetermined number of setting items vertically and displaying the title and current setting of each setting item in the display area of each setting item. The second menu screen displays selectable setting items, and the current setting of each setting item can be seen along with the title of the setting item. This is preferable as it improves operability because the user does not need to enter the hierarchy for setting the setting value of each setting item in order to check the current setting.

[0013] (5) The second menu screen for non-immediate settings may include a function for vertically arranging a predetermined number of setting items, displaying the title and current setting of each setting item in a display area for each setting item, a function for displaying a setting menu screen for changing the setting of each setting item when an operation is performed on the display area, and a function for switching the current setting without displaying the setting menu screen when an operation is performed on the area of the second menu screen displaying the current setting. This allows the setting of a setting item to be set without transitioning to a setting menu screen at a lower level. The function for switching the current setting without displaying the setting menu screen may be applied when there are few setting options, and may be disabled when there are many options. The small number of options may be two to three, preferably two.

[0014] (6) The second menu screen for non-immediate settings has a menu screen with a setting item display area that displays the title of the setting item and the current setting content, and a setting menu screen separate from the menu screen for changing the setting content of the setting item, and the display wording of the setting content displayed on the menu screen and the display wording of the setting content displayed as a selection candidate on the setting menu screen are stored as separate data, and it is preferable that the display wording meaning the same content be expressed more simply on the menu screen.

[0015] On the menu screen, the current settings can be displayed in the display area for the setting items, allowing the user to understand the contents at a glance. When the user transitions to the actual setting menu screen, the settings are displayed correctly as selection candidates, allowing the user to correctly understand the contents. Simple expressions can be used, for example, as marks or symbols, but it is better to use terms with a small number of characters, and if fewer characters are required, it is best to use abbreviations.

[0016] (7) It is preferable that the second menu screen has a function for performing processing for setting a setting item when a first operation is performed on the setting item displayed on the second menu screen, and a function for displaying an explanation screen for the setting item when a second operation different from the first operation is performed.

[0017] By performing the first operation, the user can change the content of the setting item, and by performing the second operation, the user can display an explanation screen and learn the content of the setting item. For example, while operating the device, the user can smoothly and timely learn the content of the setting item without having to refer to the instruction manual, and can immediately determine whether the item is necessary for the user, allowing them to efficiently set the notification content appropriate for the user.

[0018] The first operation may be, for example, a short press, and the second operation may be, for example, a long press. The function for performing setting processing may be, for example, displaying a setting menu screen for changing the setting of the selected setting item, or changing the setting content of the setting item while remaining on the menu screen. The explanation screen may be, for example, an explanation pop-up screen.

[0019] (8) The device is provided with a function for performing processing for the setting of a setting item displayed on the second menu screen when a first operation is performed on the setting item, and a function for displaying an explanatory screen for the setting item when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, and it is preferable that the explanatory screen is not displayed even when the second operation is performed on the first menu screen, when the screen is normally displayed.

[0020] Since the screen displayed under normal circumstances is always displayed, an explanation using an explanatory screen is unnecessary. For example, if a user unintentionally performs a second operation different from the first operation, it would be cumbersome if an explanatory screen were to be displayed. By not displaying the explanatory screen, such complication is eliminated. Since the first menu screen is a screen for selecting an immediacy process, the content of each process is easy to understand, and an explanation using an explanatory screen is unnecessary. For example, if a user unintentionally performs a second operation different from the first operation, it would be cumbersome if an explanatory screen were to be displayed. By not displaying the explanatory screen, such complication is eliminated. In particular, if the first operation is a short press on the screen and the second operation is a long press on the screen, the first menu screen is a screen for performing an immediacy process. For example, a user may be in a hurry and continue pressing the screen. Therefore, if an explanatory screen is displayed due to the long press, it would be cumbersome and would hinder the immediacy process, so it is preferable to set it not to display the explanatory screen.

[0021] (9) The alarm function may have a first alarm using moving CG and a second alarm using an image corresponding to a scene including the object of the alarm, and may have a function to display the second alarm after displaying the first alarm at a predetermined timing.

[0022] After alerting the user with dynamic CG, an image corresponding to the scenery including the target of the second alarm is displayed, which is advantageous because it makes it easier for the user to recognize the content of the alarm. It is preferable that the second alarm, which is issued after the first alarm, be issued consecutively. By issuing the alarm consecutively, the continuity between the CG of the first alarm and the image of the second alarm is strengthened, and the consecutive image playback effectively attracts attention and helps the user recognize the content of the alarm. It is preferable that the area displaying the CG of the first alarm and the area displaying the image of the second alarm are in the same location. Displaying the first and second alarms in the same location strengthens the sense of integration and continuity between the two, which is advantageous. It is preferable that the CG of the first alarm be related to the type of alarm. It is preferable that the image of the second alarm be an image seen from the driver's seat, and preferably a real-life image. The target of the alarm should be a specific device or equipment. If there is no such device, a specific location can be used, but a specific device or equipment is preferable because it is easier to understand.

[0023] (10) The alarm function has a first alarm using moving CG and a second alarm using an image corresponding to a scene including the object of the alarm, and has a function to display the first alarm at a predetermined timing and then display the second alarm, and the first alarm may be configured to play the movement multiple times repeatedly.

[0024] If the image of the second alarm is continuously displayed after the first alarm, it is difficult to attract attention, but by displaying the moving CG of the first alarm for a certain period of time and repeating the series of movements multiple times, it becomes easier to attract attention. Since the movements are played multiple times, the first alarm using CG is also noteworthy. For example, if the CG is related to the type of object of the alarm, the first alarm can help the viewer recognize the type of object of the alarm, and then displaying an image corresponding to the scenery including the object of the alarm is preferable because it allows the viewer to understand the actual situation.

[0025] (11) The alarm function has a first alarm using moving CG and a second alarm using an image corresponding to a scene including the object of the alarm, and has a function of displaying the first alarm at a predetermined timing and then displaying the second alarm, and after displaying the first alarm, the process of displaying the second alarm may be repeated multiple times.

[0026] For example, if a second alarm is continuously displayed after a first alarm, the display time of the second alarm becomes longer, reducing the attention paid to the first alarm that was initially displayed, but by displaying a first alarm consisting of moving CG after the first alarm, attention is drawn to the first alarm as well, which is advantageous. In particular, if the image displayed in the second alarm is a still image, it is difficult to attract attention if a still image is continuously displayed, but by appropriately displaying a first alarm consisting of moving CG, movement is created in the user's peripheral vision, making the user aware that there is a target to watch out for, which is advantageous.

[0027] The first alarm may be displayed for, for example, a few seconds, allowing the user to recognize the movement and, when the user looks at the screen after recognizing the movement, wait at most a few seconds for the second alarm image, such as a live-action image, to be displayed, allowing the user to confirm the content of the second alarm without having to stare at the screen for a long time.

[0028] Furthermore, if the first alarm uses CG according to the type of object to be warned about, displaying an image of the actual scenery followed by a CG according to the type is advantageous because it draws attention to the CG and deepens understanding of the type of object to be warned about in the second alarm. In particular, if the warning screen continues to be displayed even when no sound is being heard when an object approaches, for example, by appropriately incorporating moving CG, movement occurs in the user's peripheral vision, making the user aware that there is an object to be warned about. Accordingly, if the user looks at the screen, the second alarm image can be seen after waiting at most a few seconds, which is advantageous.

[0029] The number of repetitions does not necessarily have to be an integer, and may be, for example, 2.5 times, ending at the first alarm, or may stop midway through the first or second alarm, but it is preferable to use an integer.

[0030] (12) The notification function may have a first alarm using moving CG and a second alarm using an image corresponding to a scene including the target of the alarm, and may have a function of displaying the first alarm and then the second alarm at a predetermined timing, and the CG may have a movement of zooming in on the target of the alarm, and the image of the second alarm may be displayed after the zoomed-in image. The first alarm can make the user aware of the target of the alarm, and the second alarm can then be issued to notify the user of the presence of the target of the alarm that the user has recognized.

[0031] (13) The notification function may include a function for displaying a traffic enforcement information screen, and may indicate the type of traffic enforcement information being notified on the traffic enforcement information screen using a predetermined color. Since the traffic enforcement information is displayed on the traffic enforcement information screen and the type of traffic enforcement information is indicated by color, the user can easily understand at a glance what traffic enforcement information is being notified by looking at the color. Traffic enforcement information includes, for example, public traffic enforcement information and information related to speed enforcement guidelines, and these types are distinguished by color. For example, the type of traffic enforcement information is difficult to find if it is displayed in text, but distinguishing it by color makes it easy to understand at a glance. The predetermined color may be displayed in a predetermined position on the traffic enforcement information screen, as in the embodiment. Furthermore, the predetermined color may be displayed on the LED light-emitting unit of the embodiment, but displaying it on the traffic enforcement information screen makes it easy to understand the relationship with the displayed traffic enforcement information.

[0032] (14) The notification function may include a function to display a predetermined screen after displaying the traffic enforcement information screen for a predetermined time, and a function to display the traffic enforcement information screen when a predetermined location on the predetermined screen is operated. Even if the traffic enforcement information screen disappears and the content is missed, it can be redisplayed with a simple operation and the content can be confirmed. The predetermined screen may be the original screen before the traffic enforcement information screen was displayed, for example, a standby screen displaying a map.

[0033] (15) The notification function has a function to display a traffic enforcement information screen for a predetermined time, and then a function to display the traffic enforcement information screen when a predetermined location on the predetermined screen is operated, and if there is no traffic enforcement information on the road currently being driven, the traffic enforcement information screen should not be displayed even if the predetermined location is operated. If the road currently being driven is not related to traffic enforcement information, the traffic enforcement information screen will not be displayed, so by operating the predetermined location, it is possible to easily know whether there is traffic enforcement information or not.

[0034] (16) It is preferable that warning targets of the same type that require careful driving be designated as specific warning targets, and that the notification function relax the conditions for the specific warning targets to become warning targets. Even for warning targets of the same type, the conditions for becoming a warning target are relaxed for specific warning targets, making them more likely to be notified and the notification is made at a relatively distant location from the warning target. Therefore, it is possible to understand from a distance that the driver needs to proceed with caution or take a detour, enabling safe and smooth driving. It is preferable that warning targets of the same type have names that include the same parts, such as "railroad crossing" and "railroad crossing requiring caution." Relaxing the conditions for becoming a warning target may, for example, increase the distance from the target or widen the angle included in the warning target. It is preferable that the notification of specific warning targets be made in a more noticeable manner than notifications of normal warning targets.

[0035] (17) The notification function preferably displays a message window displaying information about the target of the warning, superimposed on the map screen, at a location that is unlikely to be the vehicle's destination. Since the message window is displayed superimposed on the map screen, it is preferable that the same map screen can be used, for example, regardless of whether the message window is displayed. It is preferable that a standby screen such as a map screen can be displayed full screen. The map information that is hidden by the message window is located in a location that is unlikely to be the vehicle's destination, which is preferable, as this causes minimal problems. It is preferable that the display position of the message window is fixed. The location that is unlikely to be the destination is preferably the right edge of the screen. It is preferable that the message window is not displayed all the time, but is displayed when necessary. For example, when two windows are displayed with the vehicle at its current location in between, it is preferable that the windows do not overlap and display information about the same target of the warning.

[0036] (18) The program according to the present invention may be a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of (1) to (17).

[0037] The inventions (1) to (17) above can be combined in any way. For example, it is possible to combine all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one invention from (2) onwards. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention shown in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one invention from (2) onwards. The applicant intends to obtain patent rights, design rights, etc. for those including these configurations by filing amendments, divisional applications, or applications for conversion to design registration applications, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to the present invention, settings can be easily and appropriately performed, and the content of the warning can be easily recognized by the user, so that the warning can be issued appropriately.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to these, and the effects achieved by the components disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the components that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, a phrase such as "can..." clearly states the effect achieved, and there are parts that demonstrate the effect even without the phrase "can...". Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such a phrase. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing one form of a radar detector which is an example of a system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the radar detector. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a standby function. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an alarm function. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a standby screen, a first menu screen, and a second menu screen for explaining setting functions. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a volume adjustment function. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a standby change and location registration function. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting items of the system for explaining setting functions. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting items of functions for explaining setting functions. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a setting function. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a setting function. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a setting function. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a setting function (explanatory popup). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting function (car type change). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the alarm function (CG + live action). [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a moving CG image. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of moving CG and live action images. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the alarm function (CG + live action). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the alarm function (CG + live action). [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an alarm function (message window). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an alarm function (message window). [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the alarm function (enforcement information display function). [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the type of each target, the target icon, and the timing of issuing an alarm in the GPS alarm function. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the type of each target, the target icon, and the timing of issuing an alarm in the GPS alarm function. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a history display function. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a history display function. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a history display function. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the standby screen. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the standby screen. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the standby screen. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a warning function based on captured image data. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configurations and shapes of the devices described are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. Various changes, modifications, and improvements may be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] [Basic system configuration] 1 and 2 show the configuration of a radar detector, a form of vehicle-mountable equipment that is a suitable embodiment of a system that constitutes the system of the present invention. The radar detector 1 has a thin, rectangular case 2, and is fixed, for example, by attaching it to the dashboard of the vehicle using a bracket 3 attached to the lower back side of the case 2.

[0043] The front of the case 2 is equipped with a display unit 4. The display unit 4 is composed of a color LCD display. For example, a 3.5-inch color LCD display is used. The display unit 4 is equipped with a touch panel 5 that detects which part of the display unit 4 is touched. An LED light-emitting unit 6 and an illuminance sensor 7 are also located on the left side of the front of the case 2. The LED light-emitting unit 6 has a vertically extending rod-shaped light-emitting area and emits various colors. It is preferable to use a full-color LED, for example. The LED light-emitting unit 6 emits various colors depending on the type and urgency of the alarm, public enforcement information, and other notifications to warn users. The illuminance sensor 7 is located above the LED light-emitting unit 6 and detects the ambient brightness. Based on the ambient brightness detection result output by the illuminance sensor 7, the control unit 18 adjusts the brightness of the display unit 4.

[0044] The right side of the case 2 is provided with a card insertion slot 9 for inserting a memory card 11 as a removable recording medium, and a card reader 10 is built into the card insertion slot 9 inside the case 2. By inserting the memory card 11 into this card insertion slot 9, the memory card 11 is attached to the card reader 10. The card reader 10 takes in the data stored in the inserted memory card 11. The data stored in the memory card 11 includes updated information such as information on new alarm targets (location information such as latitude and longitude, type information, etc.). This updated information is stored or downloaded into a database 19 built into the device via, for example, a control unit 18, and the data is updated.

[0045] The database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, a NAND flash memory) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. The memory card 11 itself may be configured as part or all of the database 19. 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 later is updated as described above.

[0046] A GPS receiver 13 is located inside the upper rear of case 2, with a microwave receiver 14 and a radio receiver 15 located next to it. The GPS receiver 13 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites in orbit, determines the current latitude and longitude, and outputs the resulting current location information. In addition to a positioning function based on the radio waves from the satellites, the GPS receiver 13 may also be equipped with other functions, such as receiving signals from the quasi-zenith satellite "Michibiki" for more accurate positioning, calculating the current position on Earth using Russian satellites such as GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), correcting errors in the current position determined by receiving radio waves from satellites in orbit by receiving signals from the multi-purpose transport satellite "Himawari" to improve positioning accuracy, supporting India's geostationary satellite-based augmentation system such as GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation), and supporting the European Union's global navigation satellite system such as GALILEO (Global Navigation Satellite System). The microwave receiver 14 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the speed measurement device. The wireless receiver 15 receives VHF and UHF band radio waves used for traffic enforcement communications. A speaker 16 is built into the case 2 at a predetermined position.

[0047] A DC jack 12 is located below the rear side of the case 2. This DC jack 12 is used to supply power to the radar detector 1. For example, a cigarette lighter plug cord connector 22 can be connected to the DC jack 12, and the cigarette lighter plug cord can then be connected to a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power. Instead of the cigarette lighter plug cord, an OBDII adapter 21 that can be connected to the vehicle's OBDII connector can be used. The OBDII connector, also known as a diagnostic connector, is connected to the vehicle's ECU and periodically outputs various vehicle information. By connecting the OBDII adapter 21 to the OBDII connector on the vehicle body and connecting a connector 23 attached to the end of the OBDII adapter 21's connection cord to the DC jack 12, power is supplied to the radar detector 1, and the control unit 18 periodically acquires various vehicle information.

[0048] This vehicle information includes the vehicle's mileage, vehicle speed, injection time, intake air volume, remaining fuel, etc. The remaining fuel is the amount of fuel currently remaining in the fuel tank, and is output with a resolution of 0.5 liters. Therefore, by periodically acquiring the remaining fuel and recording the timing of any change between the previous remaining fuel and the current remaining fuel, it can be said that the fuel consumed from the previous change to the current change is 0.5 liters. Some devices also periodically output information regarding fuel efficiency (such as lifetime fuel efficiency, current fuel efficiency, and instantaneous fuel efficiency). The control unit 18 displays the acquired vehicle information on the standby screen and acquires speed information even in places where satellite information cannot be received, such as inside tunnels, to provide more accurate warnings.

[0049] Case 2 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 25, a gyro sensor 26, and an air pressure sensor 27. The acceleration sensor 25 detects the acceleration of the vehicle and determines the acceleration in two directions: the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle. The gyro sensor 26 integrates the angular velocity, allowing the control unit 18 to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle on a map. The air pressure sensor 27 is used to measure changes in altitude due to changes in air pressure.

[0050] The control unit 18 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, I / O, etc., and is connected to the above-mentioned units as shown in Fig. 2. The control unit 18 creates information to be notified to the driver based on information input from the above-mentioned various input devices (touch panel 5, GPS receiver 13, microwave receiver 14, wireless receiver 15, acceleration sensor 25, gyro sensor 26, atmospheric pressure sensor 27, etc.), and outputs the information using output devices (display unit 4, LED light-emitting unit 6, speaker 16, etc.).

[0051] The functions of the radar detector 1 of this embodiment are realized by storing firmware in the NAND flash memory of the control unit 18 to be executed by the CPU of the control unit 18, and by executing this firmware by the CPU of the control unit 18. The firmware stored in the NAND flash memory can be updated with new firmware stored in the memory card 11.

[0052] "Basic functions of notifications and alarms using display unit 4, etc." The main information output from the output device of the radar detector 1 is warning information to encourage the driver to drive safely. Warning information is output, for example, in the following cases: The control unit 18 calculates the distance between the location (latitude and longitude) of the warning target stored as map information in the database 19 and the current location (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 13, and outputs warning information from the output device when the calculated distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (GPS warning function). For example, the control unit 18 outputs warning information from the output device when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in a frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device (radar wave warning function). For example, the control unit 18 outputs warning information from the output device when the wireless receiver 15 receives a predetermined wireless radio wave (wireless warning function). By outputting warning information, the radar detector 1 makes the driver aware of dangerous areas where traffic accidents are likely to occur. This allows the radar detector 1 to encourage the driver to drive safely. Note that the warning information described above is merely an example, and various other warning information is actually output to the driver. The alarm information may be, for example, visual information consisting of predetermined images, videos, characters, etc. output to the display unit 4, or sound or voice information output to the speaker 16. Specific alarm contents will be described later.

[0053] *Standby screen display When a predetermined event occurs, the control unit 18 outputs warning information to prompt the driver to ensure safety. On the other hand, when no such event occurs, the control unit 18 displays a predetermined standby screen, such as the example shown in FIG. 3 (standby screen display function). This standby screen display function displays various information useful for driving, such as GPS-based information such as the vehicle's speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude detected by the GPS receiver 13, in numerical, graph, animation, or other formats; the presence of GPS satellites detected by the GPS receiver 13, in numerical, animation, or other formats; and predetermined OBD information and vehicle information acquired by the OBDII adapter 21, in numerical, graph, animation, or other formats. The standby screen display function also has a MAP display function that accesses the database 19 based on the current location detected by the GPS receiver 13 and reads and displays map data stored therein.

[0054] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a display screen output to the display unit 4 by the map display function. The control unit 18 reads out map information about the surrounding area based on the current position of the vehicle from the database 19 and displays it in the main display area R1 of the entire display screen of the display unit 4. An arrow-shaped vehicle icon 31 is displayed at the position of the vehicle on the map. The display position of this vehicle icon 31 is a predetermined position in the main display area R1, and the map information is displayed, for example, in a fixed heading-up position (displayed so that the direction of travel is always facing up) based on the display position of the vehicle icon 31. The display position of this vehicle icon 31 is, for example, near the center of the lower side of the main display area R1.

[0055] The control unit 18 has a function to display a first window W1 superimposed on the upper left corner of the main display area R1 and a function to display a second window W2 superimposed on the upper right corner of the main display area R1. The first window W1 has a layout, for example, with a driving speed display unit disposed above it and a clock display unit disposed below it. The driving speed display unit displays the current vehicle speed. The control unit 18 calculates the vehicle speed from the displacement and history of the current position and the elapsed time based on, for example, received GPS radio waves, or obtains vehicle speed information from the vehicle via the OBDII adapter 21 and outputs the obtained vehicle speed to the driving speed display unit. The clock display unit displays the current time; the control unit 18 obtains the current time from, for example, an internal clock or GPS information and outputs it to the clock display unit. The second window W2 displays the place name and road name of the current location.

[0056] FIG. 3(b) shows an example of an acceleration standby screen, with a layout in which a large acceleration meter 32a is placed on the left half of the main display area R1, two small meters 32b and 32c are placed above and below the left half, and a character meter 32d is placed on the lower right. The control unit 18 displays a schematic diagram of the vehicle within the acceleration meter 32a, along with a diagram or animation showing the acceleration status around it, so that the direction and strength of the acceleration acting on the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor 25 can be seen. Also, in the initial settings shown in the figure, an analog clock is displayed in the upper small meter 32b, a compass is displayed in the lower small meter 32c, and the character meter 32d displays the vehicle's speed. The information displayed in the small meters 32b and 32c can be changed by settings.

[0057] 3(c) shows an example of a tilt standby screen, and from the left side of the main display area R1, there are arranged a front-rear tilt display section 33a indicating the front-rear tilt of the vehicle, a compass display section 33b, and a left-right tilt display section 33c indicating the left-right tilt of the vehicle. The control unit 18 calculates the front-rear and left-right tilt angles of the vehicle based on the output of the acceleration sensor 25, and displays the state of the tilt angle in the front-rear tilt display section 33a and the left-right tilt display section 33c by the orientation and posture of a schematic diagram of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the tilt angle is 0, so the vehicle is displayed horizontally.

[0058] FIG. 3(d) shows a hybrid vehicle standby screen, an example of a standby screen based on OBD information and vehicle information acquired via an OBDII adapter. This standby screen has a layout in which two mini-meters 34a and 34b are arranged in the upper part of the main display area R1, with hybrid information displayed in the area below. In this example, the control unit 18 displays engine speed in the left mini-meter 34a and engine water temperature in the right mini-meter 34b. The hybrid information includes engine speed 34c, engine water temperature 34d, HV air conditioning power consumption 34e, engine operating status (green: engine brake, red: engine drive) 34f, current engine driving ratio / instantaneous fuel consumption 34g, generator power generation status 34h, front motor operating status (green: regeneration, yellow: drive) 34i, remaining battery charge 34j, and linear motor status (green: regeneration, yellow: drive) 34k, etc., displayed in appropriate positions.

[0059] *Alarm output based on event occurrence The control unit 18 executes processes to realize various functions, such as a GPS warning function, a radar wave warning function, and a radio warning function, in response to an event that has occurred. Each warning function issues a warning by switching the display on the display unit 4 from various standby screens to a map screen displaying a map of the area surrounding the vehicle's location. The standby screen may be a screen displaying a map as shown in FIG. 3(a) or a screen displaying information other than a map as shown in FIGS. 3(b) to 3(d). The warning screen for visually issuing a warning has a layout, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, in which a map screen showing a map of the area surrounding the vehicle's location is displayed in the main display area R1 of the entire screen of the display unit 4, and a message window is displayed superimposed at a predetermined position on the map screen. In this embodiment, the message window includes a warning image display window W3 located at the lower left edge and a message window W4 located at the lower right edge. Details of the warning function using the message window will be described later.

[0060] The radar wave warning function is an alarm function that, when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in a frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device (such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as "radar")), switches the display unit 4 from the standby screen to an alarm screen (see Figure 4(a)) and outputs an alarm sound from the speaker 16.

[0061] For example, when the microwave receiver 14 detects microwaves in the frequency band of those emitted by radar, the control unit 18 reads out a schematic diagram, CG or photograph of the radar stored in the database 19, displays it in the warning image display window W3, and displays information about the warning in the message window W4. In addition to displaying the warning screen, the control unit 18 reads out the audio data stored in the database 19 and outputs from the speaker 16 a voice message saying, "This is radar. Watch your speed."

[0062] The radio alarm function is a function that issues an alarm when radio waves emitted by an emergency vehicle or the like are received by the radio receiver 15 to prevent interference with the vehicle's travel. The radio alarm function scans frequencies for 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, and security radio. When a radio signal is received at a scanned frequency, an alarm screen is displayed on the display unit 4, for example, in the alarm image display window W3, showing a schematic diagram (CG) indicating that a radio signal corresponding to the frequency stored for each radio type in the database 19 has been received. Additionally, audio data stored for each radio type in the database 19 is read, and an audio alarm indicating the radio signal type is output from the speaker 16. For example, when a police radio signal is received, an audio signal such as "This is a police radio. Watch your speed" is output.

[0063] The GPS alarm function is a process that is executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 200 ms) in response to an event from a timer in the control unit 18 while the standby screen display function is being executed, and determines whether or not an alarm condition (for example, a predetermined proximity relationship) is met using the current position detected by the GPS receiver 13 and the alarm target information stored in the database 19, and issues an alarm if the condition is met.

[0064] First, examples of types of warning targets include locations of drowsy driving accidents, vehicle speed measurement devices (radar type / H system / loop coil / LH system), mobile vehicle speed measurement areas, speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, no-parking monitoring areas, N system, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, red light ignorance prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, vehicle theft-prone areas, sharp / continuous curves (expressways), branch / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), PA / SA gas stations (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural border notices, roadside stations, view point parking, Zone 30 areas, railroad crossings, etc. It is preferable to not display a warning screen for all of these diverse types of warning targets, but to issue a warning for targets selected by the user through settings.

[0065] The warning target information stored in the database 19 is information about each warning target, and includes location information including longitude and latitude for specifying the location of the warning target, and information for specifying the warning target that helps the driver identify the warning target. In this embodiment, the location information is absolute location information using longitude and latitude. This is preferable because it makes it easy to determine the relative location relationship with the current location detected by the GPS receiver 13.

[0066] The information for identifying the alarm target includes type information indicating the type of the alarm target, text information indicating the location of the alarm target, audio information indicating the alarm target, image information indicating the alarm target, etc. When the audio information, image information, etc. indicating the alarm target corresponds to the type information of the alarm target, it can be stored in a predetermined storage area as separate common information rather than being stored as alarm target information for each individual alarm target. When issuing an alarm, the control unit 18 reads the type information stored as alarm target information, obtains the corresponding image information, audio information, etc. from the type target, and outputs the alarm.

[0067] Common image information includes image data such as schematic diagrams that allow the type of alarm target to be easily understood. The schematic diagrams are also marks that allow the type of alarm target to be intuitively understood visually. For example, there are 3D images of vehicle speedometers, police cars, and police officers. These schematic diagrams are drawn and output on the display unit 4 when an alarm is issued, allowing the driver to intuitively understand the type and content of the alarm target currently being issued. Then, a host vehicle icon 31 is drawn at the location of the host vehicle on the display area of the display unit 4, and a target icon 35 consisting of the schematic diagram is drawn at the location of the alarm target (see FIG. 4(b), etc.). Displaying the host vehicle icon 31 and the target icon 35 is preferable because it allows the driver to intuitively understand where the alarm target is located.

[0068] The voice information is data for outputting, as voice information from the speaker 16, the relative positional relationship such as "Turn left, 1 km ahead, expressway, H system" or "Just ahead, general road, N system", the type of the object to be warned, etc. In the above example, voice data indicating the relative positional relationship between the current position of the vehicle and the object to be warned, such as "turn left", "1 km ahead", or "just ahead", and voice data specifying the type and content of the object to be warned, such as "general road, N system" or "expressway, H system", are managed and stored separately, and when making a warning, the control unit 18 combines and outputs the respective voice data.

[0069] By managing fixed audio information (audio data) etc. separately according to the type of alarm target, it is not necessary to register information with the same content as alarm target information for each alarm target, thereby reducing memory space consumption.

[0070] For example, the control unit 18 periodically accesses the database 19 based on the current position, and when the distance between the loop coil that is the target of the warning and the vehicle reaches one of the proximity warning distances stored in the database 19, which are 2 km, 1 km, or 500 m, the control unit 18 reads out from the database 19 a schematic diagram, CG, or photographic data of the loop coil that is the target of the warning, and displays it in the warning image display window W3, and displays information about the warning in the message window W4. The control unit 18 issues an approach warning by reading out audio data stored in the database 19 and outputting an audio warning from the speaker 16. For example, when the vehicle approaches within 500 m, the control unit 18 reads out audio data from the database 19 saying, "There is a loop coil 500 m ahead, watch your speed," and outputs it from the speaker 16.

[0071] Furthermore, the database 19 stores map data including road network information. This road network information is data necessary when searching for recommended routes in car navigation systems, etc., and includes information on road networks (road layouts) and traffic regulations such as one-way streets. Furthermore, this road network information stores the location information (latitude and longitude) of nodes, with intersections between roads or inflection points of roads as nodes, as well as information indicating the connections between each node and other nodes. In this way, based on the information indicating the connections between each node, adjacent nodes are connected to each other, and the connected nodes form road links. Note that, since this does not provide guidance to a destination like a car navigation system, it does not contain detailed data such as display data for facilities, houses, etc., but rather simple data.

[0072] [Settings] As described above, the radar detector 1 of this embodiment has a notification function for the user, such as an alarm function that issues an alarm or the like when an event occurs. Furthermore, the radar detector 1 has a setting function for setting items related to the notification. Items related to the notification include, for example, settings related to the entire system, such as screen brightness and base color, settings related to individual notification conditions and functions, such as whether to issue an alarm for a number of prepared alarm targets, how the alarm is issued, and sound effects, as well as settings for optional items connected to the radar detector 1, such as an OBDII adapter. In this embodiment, the following various functions are provided to enable easy and smooth configuration using the setting function.

[0073] (First menu screen with immediacy and second menu screen without immediacy) The control unit 18 has a function of displaying a first menu screen, which is instantaneous, when a predetermined operation is performed on the standby screen that is normally displayed, and displaying a second menu screen, which is not instantaneous, when a predetermined item on the first menu screen is selected. The predetermined operation is, for example, touching the standby screen. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the control unit 18 displays a predetermined standby screen in the main display area R1 of the entire display screen of the display unit 4. When the touch panel 5 detects contact within the main display area R1, the control unit 18 switches the display on the display unit 4 from the standby screen to the first menu screen shown in FIG. 5(b), and displays the first menu screen on the entire display screen of the display unit 4.

[0074] The first menu screen has an increase volume button 41a and a decrease volume button 41b as examples of item buttons that can be set immediately. The first menu screen also has a setting button 41c for transitioning to the second menu screen. The first menu screen also has a change standby button 41d, a change item button 41e, a register button 41f, and a top button 41g. Each button is appropriately arranged vertically and horizontally.

[0075] The volume increase button 41a and the volume decrease button 41b are buttons for adjusting the volume. As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the touch panel detects that each button area has been touched, the control unit 18 changes the volume setting by one level, increasing or decreasing it. The control unit 18 outputs a confirmation beep at the new volume level and displays a level notification window W5 indicating the current volume superimposed near the center of the first menu screen. The user hears this confirmation beep and determines whether the volume is appropriate. If necessary, the user can adjust the volume by further touching the volume increase button 41a or the volume decrease button 41b. The volume can be adjusted in eight levels, from 0 to 7, with the default setting being 5. When the volume level is set to 0, no audio warning is issued. Furthermore, when the volume increase button 41a is touched when the current volume level is at the maximum level of 7, the control unit 18 outputs a warning beep without changing the volume level. In this way, since the volume increase button 41a and the volume decrease button 41b are arranged on the first menu screen, the user can change or set the volume level quickly by simply touching either button, allowing for immediate setting.

[0076] When it is detected that the standby change button 41d has been touched (see FIG. 7(a)), the control unit 18 displays the standby change screen shown in FIG. 7(b) on the display unit 4 instead of the first menu screen. When it is detected that the registration button 41f has been touched (see FIG. 7(c)), the control unit 18 displays the registration screen shown in FIG. 7(d) for registering any location on the display unit 4 instead of the first menu screen. In this way, the control unit 18 displays a screen for making a predetermined selection, registration, etc., in response to the touch of a button.

[0077] Furthermore, when the top button 41g is touched, the control unit 18 displays the standby screen, which is the top screen that is normally displayed. Furthermore, if no operation is performed for a predetermined time after the first menu screen is displayed, the control unit 18 performs processing to return to the standby screen display. The predetermined time is, for example, 3 seconds.

[0078] When the control unit 18 detects that the setting button 41c has been touched (see FIG. 5(b)), it displays a setting menu screen, which is the top screen of the second menu screen shown in FIG. 5(c), on the entire display screen of the display unit 4. In this embodiment, the setting items are divided into three groups, and specific settings are made from the setting menu screen provided for each group, allowing the user to easily and smoothly reach and set the desired item. The three groups are "System," "Function," and "Option." The "System" group refers to setting items related to the entire radar detector 1. For example, it is recommended to assign setting items that are often not changed once set as long as the radar detector is installed in the vehicle, or initial settings made when first using the radar detector. Setting items belonging to this system include, for example, brightness, base color, and car type. Specifically, there are nine items, as shown in the list in FIG. 8.

[0079] Functions are setting items for individual functions, such as changing the opening or mode, and should be assigned to items that are changed regularly during normal use. Setting items belonging to this function include, for example, a mode that specifies the target of the alarm to be notified, and an alarm pattern that sets the type of alarm display, and specifically, there are six items listed in Figure 9. Photo frame settings are display settings for the standby function that set the image to be displayed on the standby screen, and are settings for the display mode for the notification function, so both are considered setting items belonging to "functions."

[0080] Options are setting items when connecting optional items sold separately, such as an OBDII adapter. For example, they are divided into OBD settings, which are only displayed when an OBDII adapter is installed, and WLAN settings, which are only displayed when an SD card with wireless LAN functionality is installed. There are multiple setting items for both OBD settings and WLAN settings.

[0081] The settings menu screen has a layout in which three buttons, the system button 42a, the function button 42b, and the option button 42c, are arranged horizontally in accordance with the three groups, with a small top button 42d arranged on the lower left and a title display section 42e arranged on the upper left. The title display section 42e displays "Settings," indicating that this is the settings menu screen. When the control unit 18 detects that the top button 42d has been touched, it switches to the top standby screen display (see FIG. 5(a), etc.).

[0082] When the area of the system button 42a is pressed briefly on the setting menu screen (see FIG. 10(a)), the control unit 18 displays a system setting screen as shown in FIG. 10(b) on the entire display screen of the display unit 4. As will be described later, the system setting screen is made up of three pages, and the first page is displayed. This system setting screen has a title display section 43a at the top, and using much of the area below the title display section 43a, a predetermined number of multiple setting item display areas 43b are arranged vertically, cursor buttons 43c are arranged above and below the right edge, a page display section 43d is arranged in the center of the right edge, and a back button 43e and a top button 43f are arranged below the left edge.

[0083] When the back button 43e is touched, the control unit 18 performs a process to return the screen display to the screen one level above, and in this case, displays the setting menu screen. When the top button 43f is touched, the control unit 18 switches to displaying the standby screen. The title display unit 43a displays "System Settings," indicating that this is the system setting screen.

[0084] The setting item display area 43b is formed horizontally, with a title display section 43b' on the left side that displays the title of the setting item, and a setting content display section 43b" on the right side that displays the current setting content. A predetermined number of setting item display areas 43b with this configuration are arranged vertically. In this embodiment, the predetermined number is four. In the system setting screen of the illustrated page, the topmost setting item display area 43b displays "Brightness" as the title and "Normal" as the setting content. As shown in Figure 8, the setting item "Brightness" can have three setting values: "Dark," "Normal," and "Bright," and here the current setting content is shown to be "Normal," as the initial value.

[0085] In this embodiment, a setting content display section 43b" is provided at the right end of the setting item display area 43b on the system setting screen, so that the current setting content can be known without switching screens and entering a lower-level screen, for example a setting change screen. The user can easily see whether or not the setting content for a setting item should be changed, and there is no need to switch screens to confirm. The user can check the current setting content displayed, and if they want to change it, they can simply enter a lower-level setting menu screen, for example, which is preferable because it allows the user to quickly set the required setting items. Furthermore, the title and setting content are displayed in pairs on a single line, so that the relationship between them can be seen at a glance.

[0086] The predetermined number is set to a maximum of four. In this way, the setting item display area 43b is characterized by displaying four lines per screen. By displaying four lines in this way, the visibility of the information displayed in the title display area 43b' and the setting content display area 43b'' is ensured, while increasing the number of items that can be displayed per screen and reducing the number of screens required to display the setting items belonging to one group. In this embodiment, as a general rule, the settings are kept to three screens or less. For example, since there are nine setting items belonging to the system, the system setting screen can be made up of three screens (see Figure 11(a)). Switching to each screen is done by touching the cursor button 43c.

[0087] In this example, because it is composed of three screens, it is possible to check the whole screen and find the desired selection item with a few touches. Therefore, from the setting menu screen, you can enter the next lower system setting screen, immediately check the contents, make settings as necessary, and then return to the upper screen by touching the back button 43e or top button 43f.

[0088] As will be described later, the setting value candidate display section 44b also serves as a button for transitioning to a lower-level setting change screen. The button is selected by touching it with a finger or the like, but by limiting the display to four lines, it is possible to accurately touch the desired setting value candidate display section 44b without accidentally pressing multiple setting value candidate display sections 44b adjacent to each other at the same time. Furthermore, while a 3.5-inch display was used for the display section 4 in this embodiment, the adoption of a four-line display can ensure visibility and operability without accidental touches even with a 2.8-inch display, for example.

[0089] When a setting item display area 43b other than the setting content display area 43b" is touched, the control unit 18 displays a setting change screen for the touched setting item. For example, when the setting item display area 43b for "brightness" is touched in FIG. 10(b), the control unit 18 displays a setting change screen for brightness as shown in FIG. 10(c). The layout of this setting change screen is the same as the system setting screen, with a title display area 44a at the top, a predetermined number of multiple setting value candidate display areas 44b arranged vertically using much of the area below the title display area 44a, cursor buttons 44c arranged above and below the right edge, a page display area 44d at the center of the right edge, and a back button 44e and a top button 44f arranged below the left edge. The title display area 43a displays "Brightness Selection", indicating that the setting item is "brightness".

[0090] The maximum number of setting value candidate display sections 44b that can be arranged on one screen is four. By limiting the number to four, each setting value candidate display section 44b can be given vertical length, ensuring good visibility and good operability, such as being able to touch the desired setting value candidate display section 44b. Since the setting item "brightness" has three setting value candidates: "dark," "normal," and "bright," the fourth line is blank and fits on one screen. If there are five or more setting candidate values, multiple screens are prepared, and the screens can be switched by touching the cursor button 44c.

[0091] In this embodiment, the number of candidate setting values to be set is limited to four or less, so that they fit on one screen. This allows the user to see at a glance the list of selectable setting value candidates for the setting item being set on one screen, and select and set the desired one. For example, if five or more candidates are provided, the user can set the setting more to their liking, but the user must spend a lot of time switching between screens to check the candidate setting values, making the setting process cumbersome. As a result, users often use the default values without setting them. However, in this embodiment, by narrowing down and reducing the number of selectable setting value candidates and the number of setting items, the desired setting value can be found more easily and set with fewer processing steps.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, for example, five setting value candidates are prepared for the setting items "base color" and "car type." Therefore, when such a setting item is selected, two setting change screens are displayed. For these setting items as well, it is preferable to have four or fewer setting value candidates, so that they can be displayed on one screen.

[0093] Setting of a setting value for a setting item is performed with the desired setting value candidate displayed. This setting is performed by touching the setting value candidate display section 44b. As shown in FIG. 10(c), the control unit 18 displays a line 44h below the frame that defines the area of the setting value candidate display section 44b corresponding to the current setting content. In the figure, since "normal" is selected, the line 44h is displayed in the central setting value candidate display section 44b corresponding to "normal". In this state, for example, if the upper setting value candidate display section 44b for "dark" is touched, the control unit 18 changes the setting content for the selected item "brightness" to "dark" and performs processing to display a line in the "setting value candidate display section 44b" above it.

[0094] When it is detected that the function button 42b has been touched on the setting menu screen shown in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 18 displays the function setting screen (1 / 2) shown on the left side of FIG. 11(b). As shown in the figure, the function setting screen has the same layout as the system setting screen and is titled "Function Settings." In response to a touch operation of the cursor button 44c, the control unit 18 switches between displaying the function setting screen (1 / 2) and the function setting screen (2 / 2). As shown in the figure, the four-line setting item display area 43b on the first function setting screen displays [Mode], [Alarm Pattern], [Opening], and [Photo Frame Settings] from top to bottom. The right end of the [Mode] setting item displays [Normal] as the default value.

[0095] 5(c), when it is detected that the option button 42c has been touched, the control unit 18 displays an option setting screen. Although not shown, the option setting screen has the same layout as the "system setting screen" and "function setting screen," with the title "option setting," and a layout in which [OBD] and [WLAN] are displayed in the top two areas of a four-line display area.

[0096] When the control unit 18 detects that the [OBD] button has been touched on the option setting screen, the control unit 18 displays the OBD setting screen (1 / 2) shown on the left side of Fig. 11(c). When the control unit 18 detects that the [WLAN] button has been touched, the control unit 18 displays the WLAN setting screen (1 / 3) shown on the left side of Fig. 11(d). The control unit 18 switches the screen to be displayed in response to a touch operation of the cursor button 44c on each setting screen.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the first menu screen, which is for immediate settings, displays all selectable item buttons on one screen, while the second menu screen, which is for non-immediate settings, limits the number of setting items displayed on one screen to a reference value or less. In this way, the first menu screen, which is for immediate settings, displays a list of operation buttons selectable on the first menu screen, allowing the user to quickly select the desired operation button and perform the desired process. Furthermore, the second menu screen employs a four-row layout in which elongated button areas are arranged vertically. However, the first menu screen displays a list of six buttons (seven if the back button is included) rather than the basic vertical layout of the second menu screen. Arranging six or seven buttons vertically would require two pages and would not be possible to display in a list. Therefore, it would be difficult to display them in a series and quickly press them without scrolling. However, by appropriately arranging them vertically and horizontally and displaying them on a single screen, as in this embodiment, the effects of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0098] Since the number of setting items displayed on one second menu screen is limited, the setting items displayed on the second menu screen are easy to see, the desired setting item to be set is easy to find, and the desired setting item can be reliably selected. In particular, if the display number exceeds the limit, it is preferable to provide multiple menus and a switching function. In this embodiment, the switching function is realized by a cursor button. By limiting the number of menus displayed, the number of second menu screens increases, but since the number of menus displayed is not immediate, it is possible to take your time searching. In particular, if the setting items are selected by touching the display screen, the limited number of menus displayed makes it possible, for example, to enlarge the area for each setting item or to increase the distance between adjacent setting items. This prevents accidentally touching different setting items or pressing multiple adjacent setting items simultaneously, thereby improving operability.

[0099] (Automatic return to standby screen function, etc.) As described above, when the standby screen is touched (see FIG. 5(a) etc.), the control unit 18 displays the first menu screen (see FIG. 5(b) etc.), but if there is no screen operation for a certain period of time, the control unit 18 has a function to return to the original standby screen display. The certain period of time may be, for example, 3 seconds.

[0100] The first menu screen, which is immediate, displays a list of selectable operation buttons, for example, so that the user can immediately determine whether there is an immediate item they want to process by looking at the first menu screen, and if there is no item, they can leave it as is and the screen will automatically return to the standby screen.Since the first menu screen has buttons for performing immediate processing, a user who wants to perform various processing or settings will likely press the button for the next operation within a certain period of time, such as three seconds, so the screen may automatically return to the standby screen.

[0101] Furthermore, after the setting button 41c is pressed on the first menu screen and the system setting screen is displayed, it is preferable to prevent the screen from transitioning back to the original screen even if no screen operations are performed for a certain period of time. Since the second menu screen is a screen for non-immediate settings, the user may look at the displayed screen and think about how to configure the settings, and there may be a period of time when no screen operations are performed. If the screen were to return to the original screen in such a case, it would be necessary to perform operations to transition to the processing screen again, which would be cumbersome. Therefore, by not automatically returning to the original screen, it is possible to carefully consider the settings and perform operations reliably, which is advantageous.

[0102] The device also has a radar cancel function that stops the alarm when the screen is touched during a radar wave reception alarm. For example, if the device transitions to the first menu screen when the screen is touched for the radar cancel function, the display of the first menu screen is an inconvenient action for someone who touched the screen to stop the alarm, and they would like to immediately return to the original standby screen. Therefore, it is advisable to set the screen to return after a relatively short fixed time, for example, three seconds. And, if someone wants to make settings after that, they can press the button for the next operation within three seconds, so it is fine not to automatically return.

[0103] Also, if you touch the screen during a radar warning, the warning will stop and the radar will be canceled, but it is recommended that the first menu screen not be displayed.Touching during a warning is an operation to cancel the warning, and by not transitioning to another screen, the standby screen can continue to be displayed, which is good.

[0104] (Function for changing setting values using the setting content display section 43b″) In the above-described embodiment, on each setting screen, a predetermined number of setting item display areas 43b are arranged vertically, and each horizontally long setting item display area 43b is configured to have a title display section 43b′ that displays the title of the setting item and a setting content display section 43b″ that displays the current setting content, so that the current setting content can be checked without changing the setting screen. In order to change the setting value of a setting item, it is necessary to touch a predetermined position on the setting item display area 43b to switch to the display of the setting change screen.

[0105] Each setting screen having a setting item display area 43b may also be provided with a function for changing and setting the item values of the setting items. For example, as a function for changing and setting the setting values, a function may be provided in which, when an operation is performed on the setting content display section 43b" that displays the current setting content, the current setting content is switched without displaying the setting change screen. An operation on the setting content display section 43b" may be performed, for example, by touching the relevant area.

[0106] This function is preferably used when there are only two or three setting value candidates, and particularly when there are two. For example, when there are two setting value candidates, upon detecting that the setting content display section 43b″ has been touched, the control unit 18 sets a different setting value from the current setting content as the current setting content and switches the display of the setting content display section 43b″. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, there are two setting values for the alarm pattern: a “CG live-action alarm” and a “telop alarm.” Therefore, for example, when the setting content display section 43b″ is touched while the “CG live-action alarm” is displayed as the initial value, the setting value is set to “telop alarm” and “telop alarm” is displayed in the setting content display section 43b″. When the setting content display section 43b″ is further touched in this state, the setting value is set to “CG live-action alarm” and “CG live-action alarm” is displayed in the setting content display section 43b″. This function is also suitable for setting a certain function to be turned on / off.

[0107] Furthermore, when there are three or more setting values, it is preferable to use a toggle system in which the setting values are changed one by one in a predetermined order each time the setting content display section 43b" is touched. When there are three or more setting values, for example, it is preferable to make the number of setting value candidates to be toggled when the setting content display section 43b" is touched fewer than the number of selectable setting value candidates displayed on the lower-level setting change screen, which is advantageous in that the number of touch operations required to go around once can be reduced, thereby eliminating the hassle, but it is also preferable to make them the same. When the number of toggle operations is reduced, it is preferable to set it so that representative ones are displayed. With this configuration, the setting contents of the setting items can be set by operating the setting content display section 43b" without transitioning to the lower-level setting change screen, so there is no need to repeatedly transition between the lower-level setting change screen and the setting screen displaying four lines of setting items. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation is simple because it is only necessary to touch a predetermined position on the setting screen once, which is preferable as it improves operability.

[0108] Furthermore, when the number of setting value candidates is equal to or greater than a reference value, it is preferable that the setting contents not be changed even if an operation is performed on the setting content display section 43b''. In many cases, users do not know how many setting value candidates there are, and if there are a large number of candidates, even if they try to touch the setting contents and change them, they may not easily get the setting contents they want. Therefore, when the number of setting value candidates is equal to or greater than a reference value, it is preferable that the setting contents not be changed even if a predetermined operation, such as touching the setting content display section 43b'' is performed, thereby preventing such a situation from occurring. Furthermore, it is more preferable that when such a change in the setting contents is not performed, the screen transitions to a lower-level setting change screen.

[0109] (Display on the setting content display section 43b) The display information for specifying the setting value to be displayed in the setting content display section 43b" and the display information for specifying the setting value to be displayed in the setting value candidate display section 44b of the lower-level setting change screen may be the same, but it is preferable to have the display information for the setting content display section of the setting menu screen and the display information for the setting value candidate display section of the setting change screen each have a different data structure, and the display information for the setting content display section, which means the same content, has a simpler expression. The simple expression may be, for example, a mark or symbol, but a term with a small number of characters is also good, and if fewer characters are needed, an abbreviation is preferable.

[0110] In particular, the setting content display section 43b" is provided in a portion of the setting item display area 43b, and is narrower than the display area of the setting value candidate display section 44b, and is particularly short in the horizontal direction. Therefore, for example, if the number of characters in the setting content is long, it may not fit within the display area, and the meaning may become difficult to understand. Therefore, by taking into consideration the short horizontal length of the display area and displaying information that can be understood in short content, the setting content displayed in the setting content display section 43b" can be easily understood and it becomes possible to determine whether or not a setting change is necessary. On the other hand, since the setting value candidate display section 44b is long in the horizontal direction, the display information is long enough that the content can be easily understood when the setting change screen is displayed, and the user can understand the content of the setting value and then make the setting to their liking.

[0111] When displaying the current setting contents as text, it is preferable that the setting contents display section 43b'' display a single picture rather than a font. Since the display area of the setting contents display section 43b'' is small, using a font can make it difficult to see, but by displaying each setting content as a single picture, the text becomes neater and easier to see, which is preferable.

[0112] On the settings menu screen, the current settings can be displayed in the display area for the setting items, allowing the user to understand the contents at least roughly. Then, when the actual settings menu screen is displayed, the settings as selection candidates are correctly displayed, allowing the user to correctly understand the contents.

[0113] (Mode setting function) Similarly, on this function setting screen, when it detects that the setting item display area 43b has been touched, a setting change screen for the touched setting item is displayed. Although not shown in the figure, touching [Mode] displays a setting screen for the mode (displaying selection options of Normal, All On, and Manual from the top). As shown in Figure 12, which shows the correlation between some setting items and setting values, "Normal Mode" and "All On Mode" are fixed settings, and the user cannot individually set each setting item to ON / OFF. On the other hand, when [Manual Mode] is selected, it is configured so that the setting values for all setting items can be individually changed. Although not shown in the specific figure, the setting items are divided into three groups: [Radar / Radio], [GPS], and [Other], and setting items are selected and set by group.

[0114] In order to realize such a configuration, when the manual mode is selected, the control unit 18 first displays a screen with three selection buttons: [Radar / Radio], [GPS], and [Other]. When any of the buttons is touched, a setting menu screen is displayed in which setting items belonging to that group are arranged vertically in groups of four. When one of the setting items displayed in the four rows is touched, the control unit 18 has the function of, for example, displaying a setting change screen for the touched setting item, or changing the setting content based on a touch on the setting content display unit 43b''.

[0115] There are many setting items whose settings can be changed in manual mode. As mentioned above, even if they are divided into three groups—[Radar / Radio], [GPS], and [Other]—the GPS setting menu screen exceeds four pages because many of the items are subject to location-based alerts. In this embodiment, to adhere to the three-page rule, the number of setting menu screens is made an exception and exceeds the standard number of three pages, rather than dividing them into groups like [GPS1], [GPS2], and [GPS3]. If the location-based alert items were divided into multiple GPS groups to fit on three setting menu screens, the user would not know which items belong to which GPS group, and would have to browse each group in order to find the group they belong to, which would actually make the system less user-friendly. Therefore, GPS is grouped together in one group.

[0116] Furthermore, the default settings for "manual mode" are set to minimum mode settings, which turn on the minimum necessary setting items. Therefore, selecting manual mode and using it with the default settings results in the fewest alarms and the least noisy operation settings. If users want to customize settings to their liking, they can select manual mode and set each selection item individually to set their preferred alarm conditions and alarm types. Settings are saved once they are set; for example, if you select a different mode and then select manual mode again, the ON / OFF settings of each setting item will remain as they were immediately before they were saved. In this configuration, manual mode serves as both a mode for manual settings and a minimum mode that generates the minimum necessary alarms.

[0117] (Explanation pop-up display function) It has a function of performing processing for setting a setting item displayed on the second menu screen when a first operation is performed on the setting item, and a function of displaying an explanatory pop-up screen that explains the content of the setting item when a second operation different from the first operation is performed. The first operation is preferably a short press, and the second operation is preferably a long press. The function of performing processing for setting may, for example, be a function of displaying another screen or changing the setting content based on a touch on the setting content display section 43b'' described above.

[0118] The explanation pop-up screen has a function to display, for example, an explanation of the selected setting item, such as a general commentary or explanation about the pressed and held item, or an explanation of the setting content, such as "When you set XX, it will behave like this" or "When you turn it ON, it will sound this alarm." In this way, for example, if a user does not understand the content displayed on the display screen of the display unit 4, they can press and hold the item. When the control unit 18 detects the press and hold, it displays the corresponding explanation pop-up screen. Thus, the user can confirm the content displayed on the explanation pop-up screen and instantly learn the desired content without having to retrieve an instruction manual or other reference material to find the relevant page. When a "setting item" is actually displayed, pressing and holding the "setting item" displays an explanation of that "setting item." This allows the user to understand what setting will be performed when the "setting item" is operated, easily determine whether the setting is necessary for the user, and, if necessary, immediately change the setting.

[0119] For example, as shown in Fig. 13(a), when a system setting screen, which is an example of a second menu screen, is displayed, if it is detected that setting item display area 43b displaying a predetermined setting item ("Brightness" in the illustrated example) has been pressed and held, control unit 18 displays an explanatory pop-up screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 13(b), on display unit 4. Furthermore, if it is detected that setting item display area 43b for "Base Color" has been pressed and held on the system setting screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 13(a), control unit 18 displays an explanatory pop-up screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 13(c), on display unit 4.

[0120] The explanation pop-up screen has a layout including a content description display section 45a arranged in the main display area R1 of the entire display screen of the display unit 4, and a close button 45b arranged in the lower right corner of the content description display section 45a. This explanation pop-up screen is displayed across the entire display unit 4, and this display makes the previously displayed screen (here, the system setting screen) invisible. The invisible state can be achieved, for example, by displaying the explanation pop-up screen on top of the previously displayed screen while still displaying it, but it is preferable to display the explanation pop-up screen without displaying the screen before the screen display change. As shown in the figure, the content of the explanation displayed in the content description display section 45a displays a general explanation and does not indicate specific configurable setting values, etc.

[0121] This explanatory pop-up screen is prepared for each item arranged on each screen for all second menu screens, including the settings menu screen, which is the top screen of the second menu screen shown in FIG. 5(c), and is stored in the radar detector 1. The control unit 18 calls up the explanatory pop-up screen for the item that is pressed and held down, and switches and displays it on the display unit 4. For example, on the settings menu screen, when the system button 42a is pressed and held down, the control unit 18 switches and displays the explanatory pop-up screen explaining the system shown in FIG. 13(d). When the function button 42b is pressed and held down, the control unit 18 switches and displays the explanatory pop-up screen explaining the function shown in FIG. 13(e). When the option button 42c is pressed and held down, the control unit 18 switches and displays the explanatory pop-up screen explaining the option shown in FIG. 13(f). Each figure shows specific examples of explanatory text displayed in the content description display unit 45a, but only general explanations are displayed, and the specific setting items and the like are not shown.

[0122] When it is detected that the close button 45b is touched while the explanation pop-up screen is being displayed, the control unit 18 erases the display of the explanation pop-up screen and displays the screen that was displayed immediately before.

[0123] As described above, the second menu screen generally provides an explanation pop-up screen for all items and has a function for displaying the corresponding explanation pop-up screen upon a long press on the screen. However, the second menu screen is characterized by the fact that no explanation pop-up screen is provided for the back button and top button. Users who operate these buttons to return to the top screen or the previous screen tend to press and hold the buttons even during normal operations, for example, holding them down until the screen changes. If an explanation pop-up screen is displayed as a result of such a long press, it is an unexpected process for the user and can be rather cumbersome. Furthermore, the contents of the back button and top button are usually easy to understand, so explanations via an explanation pop-up screen are unnecessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, no explanation pop-up screen is provided for the back button and top button, and an explanation pop-up screen is not displayed even when the button is pressed and held.

[0124] While an explanation pop-up screen may also be provided on the standby screen or the first menu screen, in this embodiment, the explanation pop-up screen is not displayed on those screens even when pressed and held. Because the items selected on the first menu screen are buttons for selecting and instructing what to do immediately, users often have a strong desire to perform such immediate actions, and may press and hold the buttons even during normal operation. For example, the volume increase button 41a and the volume decrease button 41b are buttons for immediate settings such as increasing or decreasing the current volume. The setting button 41c is a button for immediately transitioning to the second menu screen to make some settings, and the registration button 41f is a button for immediately transitioning to the menu screen for registering the current location. In both cases, it is easy to keep pressing the respective buttons until transitioning to the screen for performing the respective processing. Because the display of the explanation pop-up screen in such cases would be inconvenient, the explanation pop-up screen is not displayed on the first menu screen. Furthermore, like the back button and top button mentioned above, these buttons are items whose contents are easy to understand and there is little need to explain them in an explanatory pop-up screen, so in this embodiment, the explanatory pop-up screen is set not to be displayed.

[0125] On the other hand, for example, after touching the setting button 41c and the screen display transitioning to the second menu screen, there are many cases where there is ample time, for example while the vehicle is parked, and in order to provide the user with an explanation on the explanation pop-up screen as described above and allow them to make appropriate settings, explanation pop-ups are provided for all setting items except for the screen transition buttons such as the back button and top button.

[0126] Also, on the standby screen, for example, when touching the screen to cancel radar, users tend to keep pressing until it is canceled. It would be annoying if such an event were interpreted as a long press and an explanatory pop-up screen were displayed. Therefore, just like the first menu screen, the standby screen is set not to display an explanatory pop-up screen when a long press is performed.

[0127] (Car type setting function) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, five types of "car type" settings are provided in the setting item display area 43b, which is the second setting item from the top on the system setting screen shown in FIG. 10(b) or FIG. 13(a). These settings are "compact car," "sedan 1," "sedan 2," "SUV," and "minivan." When this setting item display area 43b is touched, the control unit 18 displays a setting change screen for the car type, and the car type is set by touching the screen. By setting the car type, the shape of the vehicle's schematic diagram 50 and the display mode of the wheel 51 displayed on the standby screen are adapted to the set car type, as shown in FIG. 14. This makes the user feel as if their own vehicle is being displayed, which is a pleasant experience. FIG. 14(a) shows the standby screen for "compact car," FIG. 14(b) shows the standby screen for "sedan 1," FIG. 14(c) shows the standby screen for "sedan 2," FIG. 14(d) shows the standby screen for "SUV," and FIG. 14(e) shows the standby screen for "minivan." Although not specifically shown, the shape of the vehicle displayed on the accelerometer also changes in accordance with the car type setting.

[0128] [CG & Live Action Warning] Fig. 15(a) shows an example of the operation timing of an alarm by the GPS alarm function. As described above, the control unit 18 displays the standby screen that is normally displayed on the display unit while the host vehicle 62 is traveling, etc. Then, the control unit 18 periodically accesses the database 19 based on the current location, and when the distance between the alarm target 61 and the host vehicle 62 reaches the approach warning start distance stored in the database 19, the control unit 18 switches to a map screen and starts the alarm. Then, depending on the distance between the host vehicle 62 and the alarm target 61, the control unit 18 reads out CG or photo data of the alarm target 61 from the database 19, displays it in the alarm image display window W3, and displays information about the alarm in the message window W4 (see Fig. 15(b), etc.).

[0129] In this embodiment, a first alarm (see FIG. 15(c) etc.) displays moving CG stored in database 19, and a second alarm (see FIG. 15(d) etc.) displays a real-life image obtained by photographing an image corresponding to a scene including the target of the alarm, and the second alarm is output after the first alarm is output in the alarm image display window W3. After alerting the user with moving CG in the first alarm, an image corresponding to a scene including the target of the alarm is displayed in the second alarm, which is advantageous because it makes it easier for the user to recognize the content of the alarm.

[0130] The control unit 18 controls the LED light emitting unit 6 to flash in a predetermined color when the warning start distance is reached. The predetermined color is one of red, yellow, green, and blue depending on the type of warning target, and as will be described later, is the same color as the background display color of the message window W4 and the base color of the target icon 35 drawn at the location on the map of the warning target. The same color is preferably a color of the same color family, and it is even better if the colors are the same. Once the control unit 18 starts flashing the LED light emitting unit 6, it may continue flashing until a warning condition is met, such as when the distance between the vehicle 62 and the warning target 61 is zero or the distance exceeds a predetermined distance.

[0131] The moving CG should be appropriate for the type of object to be warned about. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the image starts with a bird's-eye view of a streetscape or other scenery including the object 55 from afar (FIG. 16(a)), then gradually expands and zooms in so that the area occupied by the object 55 on the screen increases, and the object approaches (FIGS. 16(b) through 16(h)), ultimately moving so that the object 55 is in the center of the screen. This type of movement is advantageous because it makes it easier for the user to understand what type of object 55 is being warned about. Furthermore, rather than simply recreating the object approaching a road, it is advantageous to create a moving image that makes the object 55 stand out, such as by gradually descending and approaching from an aerial view, then circling around and zooming in from the front. An indicator icon 56 indicating the location of the object 55 in the CG image may be superimposed on the image. In the illustrated example, the indicator icon 56 is initially a rectangular frame, which gradually changes to a circular shape and becomes thicker and more conspicuous as it approaches the object and expands. By drawing the instruction icon 56 in this way, it becomes easier to focus on the alarm target 55 on the screen, and it is therefore easier to recognize its type, which is advantageous.

[0132] Furthermore, in the moving CG, the entire window except for the alarm target 55 is covered in a translucent color that is the same as the color emitted by the LED light-emitting unit 6, and the opacity of the color that covers the entire window except for the alarm target 55 gradually increases. This is preferable because the alarm target gradually stands out, and by unifying the background colors of the CG, LED light-emitting unit 6, and message window W4, the level of urgency can be conveyed without being too tedious. In the example shown, the alarm target is the LH system, so they are unified in red.

[0133] The live-action image displayed following the playback of the dynamic CG image may be an image of the scenery seen from the driver's seat of a moving vehicle. In this embodiment, a live-action image is used, which is composed of image data captured at the location where the warning target is actually located, so that the warning target is reflected in the image. The image is not limited to this live-action image; for example, a view seen from the driver's seat of a moving vehicle may be created using image data such as CG. However, using a live-action image, as in this embodiment, increases realism. As shown in FIG. 15(d), an indicator icon consisting of an arrow 57 indicating the warning target may be drawn in the live-action image, allowing the user to see at a glance where the warning target is located in the live-action image. By viewing the live-action image displayed in the warning image display window W3 and confirming the scenery and the location of the warning target within it, the user can more easily find the warning target in the scenery actually seen ahead while driving.

[0134] The CG shown in Figure 16 above is an example of an LH system where actual devices and equipment are identified, and some types of alarm targets do not specify specific devices and equipment, such as enforcement areas. Figures 17(a) to (i) show some of the frames that make up the CG of an example of an enforcement area where the specific devices and equipment and their installation locations and conditions are not uniquely identified, and Figure 17(j) shows a real-life image.

[0135] As shown in Figures 17(a) to (i), the basic concept is that the alarm target 55 starts out almost invisible and gradually zooms in, eventually changing to a state where the alarm target 55, which resembles a mobile speed measurement device and the police officer operating it, fills the entire screen.The instruction icon 58 is a ring-shaped body with a gradually changing diameter, and the screen is covered in a translucent yellow to maintain a uniform yellow color.

[0136] In cases where enforcement is not permanent, such as in a traffic control area, the actual image may be image data of the location where enforcement is taking place, as shown in Fig. 17(j), and if the state of enforcement is not photographed, arrows 57 and the like indicating specific locations and equipment are not drawn. If there are no arrows, and the view ahead seen through the windshield while driving comes to the same location as the actual image, the user will recognize that this is an area where enforcement is often carried out and traffic accidents are frequent, so they should drive with caution.

[0137] It is preferable that the CG with movement in response to the first alarm be played back in a series of movements multiple times. Since the movement is played back multiple times, the first alarm generated by the CG also attracts attention. For example, if the CG is related to the type of object of the alarm, the first alarm can help the viewer recognize the type of object of the alarm, and then by displaying an image corresponding to the scenery including the object of the alarm, the actual situation can be understood.

[0138] As described above, the control unit 18 controls the alarm image display window W3 to output a live-action image for the second alarm following the playback of a CG image for the first alarm. Preferably, the output of the CG image for the first alarm and the live-action image for the second alarm are performed consecutively without a time lag. By displaying the live-action image directly after the CG playback, the correlation between the CG notification of the type of alarm target and the live-action notification of the actual situation can be strengthened. Furthermore, the CG image zooms in on the alarm target at the end, which effectively emphasizes the type of alarm target and allows the user to understand the actual situation while still recognizing that type.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 18(a), the control unit 18 may perform control so that the first alarm image and the second alarm image are both displayed overlapping in the alarm image display window W3 for a certain period of time. During the overlapping display period, the ratio of the opacity of the CG image to the opacity of the real-life image may be gradually changed so that the appearance of the two images displayed in the alarm image display window W3 transitions smoothly from the first image to the next image. In this way, by displaying both images for a certain period of time and gradually changing the opacity of each image, the connection and continuity between the first and second alarms is strengthened, which is advantageous.

[0140] Examples of such control are shown in Figures 18 and 19. For example, Figure 18(b) shows a state in which only a CG image of the first alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3, Figure 18(c) shows a state in which a CG image of the first alarm and a real-life image of the second alarm are superimposed on each other in the alarm image display window W3, and Figure 18(d) shows a state in which only a real-life image of the second alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3. Also, Figure 19(a) shows a state in which only a CG image of the first alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3, Figure 19(b) shows a state in which a CG image of the first alarm and a real-life image of the second alarm are superimposed on each other in the alarm image display window W3, and Figure 19(c) shows a state in which only a real-life image of the second alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3.

[0141] The control unit 18 may repeat the process of displaying the first alarm and then the second alarm multiple times. For example, as shown in Fig. 18(a), after CG is played back in response to the first alarm, a live-action image is output in response to the second alarm, and then CG is played back again in response to the first alarm, and then a live-action image is output in response to the second alarm.

[0142] For example, if a second alarm is continuously displayed after a first alarm, the display time for the second alarm may be extended if the second alarm is not repeated, potentially reducing the attention paid to the first alarm that was initially displayed. Displaying a first alarm consisting of CG corresponding to the type of alarm target after the second alarm is advantageous because it draws attention to the first alarm as well. For example, even if a user initially misses the first alarm, they can subsequently view the first alarm and recognize the type of alarm target. In particular, if the second alarm is a still image, the continuous display of a motionless image is less likely to attract attention. While driving, it is particularly difficult to focus on the display screen of the display unit 4 of the radar detector 1. Therefore, appropriately displaying a first alarm consisting of moving CG creates movement in the user's peripheral vision, thereby making the user aware of the presence of an alarm target that requires their attention.

[0143] The display time for the first alarm should preferably be a few seconds, for example, 2 to 3 seconds. This length of time allows movement to be recognized, and when the user looks at the screen after recognizing it, they can wait at most 2 to 3 seconds for the second alarm, such as a live-action image, to be displayed, allowing the user to confirm the content of the second alarm without having to stare at the screen for a long time. Furthermore, by displaying an image of an actual scene as the live-action image of the second alarm and then notifying the user with CG corresponding to the type of object of the first alarm, attention is drawn to the CG, which allows the user to better understand the type of object of the second alarm.

[0144] In this way, when the first and second alarms are issued repeatedly, it is advisable to strengthen the sense of connection and continuity from the second alarm to the first alarm by drawing both images for a certain section and gradually changing the opacity of each image, even when switching from the second alarm to the first alarm, as shown in Fig. 18(a). One example of this control is to transition from a state in which only a real-life image of the second alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3 as shown in Fig. 19(c), to a state in which a CG image of the first alarm and a real-life image of the second alarm are superimposed and displayed in the alarm image display window W3 as shown in Fig. 19(d), and then to a state in which only a CG image of the first alarm is displayed in the alarm image display window W3 as shown in Fig. 19(a).

[0145] Furthermore, it is preferable that the time for issuing the first warning and the time for issuing the second warning be the same. Furthermore, as described above, for example, if an audio warning is issued at approach warning distances of 2 km, 1 km, and 500 m, then, for the first and second warnings, the CG playback for the first warning and the live image output for the second warning are repeated a predetermined number of times, and then the warning using the warning image display window W3 is stopped and the warning image display window W3 is hidden. When the approach warning distance reaches the nearest distance, such as 500 m, the warning using the warning image display window W3 is continued. The warning may be continued, for example, until the vehicle has passed the target of the warning, or, even if it has not passed, until the warning conditions are no longer met due to a change in course, etc. In this case, the warning image display window W3 is hidden.

[0146] In the above-described embodiment, the actual image displayed in response to the second warning is a still image, but a video may also be used. In the case of a video, it is preferable to play the video so that it approaches regardless of the vehicle speed or faster than the vehicle speed. Furthermore, since the moving CG image displayed in response to the first warning also increases in size as the actual vehicle approaches the warning target, it is preferable to play the video at a speed similar to the speed of the approaching movement in the CG. Doing so is advantageous because it increases the sense of continuity and unity between the first and second warnings.

[0147] 20 and 21 show an example of an alarm / information display using a message window W4. This message window W4 is a window for displaying various alarms when an alarm or notification is issued, and is displayed superimposed on a map, similar to the alarm image display window W3. The display of this message window does not shift the map display position or reduce the map display area. The user can check the necessary information by looking at this message window W4. Since the map display position and map display area are not shifted or reduced, the map on the display unit 4 and the host vehicle's position on the map do not change, making it easy to view. When the host vehicle icon 31 is displayed in the lower center of the display unit 4 in a heading-up display, the display positions of the alarm image display window W3 and the message window W4 are on the left or right side of the host vehicle, and are further positioned a predetermined distance from the host vehicle's position. Therefore, the map information hidden by these windows is not of immediate importance because it is not a location where the currently traveling host vehicle will immediately be heading. Furthermore, regardless of whether the alarm image display window W3 and the message window W4 are displayed or not, the display area of the map screen is the entire screen of the display unit 4, which is advantageous because a large area can be secured.

[0148] The notification information using the message window W4 is set appropriately according to the level of urgency of the target, and four background colors are available: red, yellow, blue, and green (high to low levels). Although the background color will be explained later, the LED light-emitting element 6's illumination color and the target icon 35's base color are also the same. For "high caution" targets, such as loop coils, which have the highest level of urgency, the warning is issued against a red background, and the name of the target and the level of radio wave reception are displayed. For example, Figure 20(a) shows an example of a display layout when the target is "police radar waves." The layout includes a warning target type display section 60a (displaying the type of police radar waves), a reception level display section 60b (1 (low) to 5 (high)), and a current speed display section 60c). The background color is red. Figure 20(b) is an example of a display layout when the warning target is a "GPS target," and has a layout in which the warning target type display section 60a (displays the type of GPS target), speed limit display section 60d (displays the speed limit at the location of a speed measurement device, etc.), current speed display section 60e, warning target direction display section 60f (displays the direction of the GPS target with an arrow), and remaining distance display section 60g are arranged in appropriate positions. The speed limit and current speed are arranged side by side in one window, making them easy to understand. The background color is red. Figure 21(a) shows an example of a warning for a small speed camera.

[0149] "Caution" targets with the second highest level of urgency, such as enforcement areas, are displayed with a yellow background, and the target name and distance to the target are displayed as a countdown. For example, Figure 20(c) is an example of a display layout when the warning target is "digital radio," and includes a warning target type display section 60a (displaying the type of radio) and a current speed display section 60c. The background color is yellow. Figure 21(b) shows an example of a warning for a railroad crossing that is not opening.

[0150] A "slight caution" target, such as a continuous curve, which has the third highest urgency level ratio, is announced with a blue background, and the target name and current speed are displayed. Figure 21(c) shows an example of a police call announcement.

[0151] "Information for safe driving," which has the lowest level of urgency, such as ETC lanes, is displayed on a green background and displays the target name and current speed. Figure 21(d) shows an example of the new emergency radio.

[0152] It is advisable to prepare a layout using such a message window W4 for each warning target. The message window W4 on the right side is displayed in large letters, and by looking at the warning screen, you can get an idea of the situation, which is good because it gives you peace of mind while driving and allows you to concentrate on driving.

[0153] [Display function for public enforcement information, etc.] Figure 24 illustrates the display function of public traffic enforcement information. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and prefectural police stations periodically publish public traffic enforcement information, such as the dates, times, and locations of traffic enforcement activities. Speed management guidelines, compiled by police headquarters, outline speed limits and traffic enforcement policies for each prefecture based on traffic conditions, such as traffic accident occurrences, and the need for speed control. Speed enforcement guidelines, based on the speed management guidelines, clearly indicate routes and time periods for priority speed enforcement on public roads and expressways within each police station's jurisdiction, based on an analysis of traffic accident occurrences and requests from local residents. These guidelines are compiled by police station. This information is stored in a storage device, such as a memory card, and can be updated to the latest version. It is also recommended to store traffic-related information not directly related to traffic enforcement, such as Traffic Safety Week, along with other information.

[0154] The control unit 18 accesses the storage means at startup or while driving, and searches for public enforcement information, speed enforcement guidelines, and other traffic information in the vicinity or along the road being driven based on the current location. For example, when the control unit 18 displays a map screen on the standby screen, as shown in Figure 22(a), enforcement routes 70 with public enforcement information are displayed with a flashing red background, and enforcement routes 71 with speed enforcement guidelines are displayed with a flashing blue background.

[0155] For example, when the control unit 18 enters a route for which traffic enforcement information is available, the control unit 18 displays the traffic enforcement information screen shown in FIG. 22(b) on the display unit 4 for a predetermined time and then returns to the original screen. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. FIG. 22(b) shows a traffic enforcement information screen that displays public traffic enforcement information, which is referred to as the public traffic enforcement information screen. The traffic enforcement information screen has a date information display section 72b at the top left, a current time display section 72c at the top right, and a traffic enforcement type notification section 72d at the bottom, with information display sections 72a in most other areas. The acquired traffic enforcement information is displayed on the information display section 72a. This information display section 72a displays information without scrolling. A scrolling display requires constant viewing to see the full picture, and if the user misses the first part, they must wait for the display to complete, which is cumbersome. However, in this embodiment, the display is displayed all at once without scrolling, allowing the user to efficiently find the information they want to know.

[0156] If the information to be displayed does not fit on one page, the control unit 18 displays the first page for a predetermined time without scrolling, then switches the display to page 2, which is displayed for a predetermined time, and after displaying the last page for a predetermined time, erases the traffic enforcement information screen and switches back to the original screen. Furthermore, when the control unit 18 detects that the screen is touched while the traffic enforcement information screen is displayed, it erases the display of the traffic enforcement information screen and returns to the standby screen. By providing a function to return to the standby screen by touching the screen in this way, it is advantageous because the traffic enforcement information screen can be erased without waiting for a predetermined time.

[0157] Furthermore, when a predetermined portion of the standby screen is touched (see Figure 22(c)), the control unit 18 displays the enforcement information screen for a predetermined time (see Figure 22(d)). The predetermined portion is located in the upper left corner of the standby screen. Even if the public enforcement information screen disappears and you miss it, you can redisplay it with a simple operation and check the contents.

[0158] The control unit 18 may be configured not to display the public traffic enforcement information screen if there is no traffic enforcement information on the route being driven, even when a predetermined portion of the standby screen is touched. This allows the driver to know that the road being driven is not affected and thus allows them to drive with peace of mind.

[0159] The control unit 18 causes the enforcement type notification unit 72d to emit red or blue light corresponding to the type of enforcement, so that the information can be identified from the color. The emitted color is the same as the background color of the road, with red for public enforcement information and blue for speed enforcement guidelines. When displaying the enforcement type in text, if the display is a scrolling display, it is difficult to notice if you miss the first one, and it is difficult to find even if it is displayed in text on the information display unit 72a, but the color displayed in the enforcement type notification unit 72d makes it intuitively understandable. In particular, since the emitted color is the same as the background color of the road, the user can more intuitively understand the type, which is advantageous.

[0160] [Function to issue different warnings for the same type of warning target] Even if there are similar types of warning targets, those that require caution when passing through can be designated as specific warning targets, and the conditions for these specific warning targets can be relaxed to make them more likely to be warned. For example, warning targets of the same type can be those that contain the same parts in their names, and a warning can be issued to distinguish between a "railroad crossing" and a "railroad crossing requiring caution" that is similar to the warning target "railroad crossing" and requires caution when passing through. Examples of crossings requiring caution include "railroad crossings that do not open," "railroad crossings with frequent accidents," "vehicle bottlenecks," "pedestrian bottlenecks," "narrow areas," and "school routes." For these crossings requiring caution, it is advisable to use information on "railroad crossings requiring improvement" designated by the national government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, for example.

[0161] The crossings to be warned are grouped into normal crossings and crossings requiring caution, and these are stored separately. For example, it is advisable to make the distance at which a warning is issued from a caution crossing longer than the distance at which a warning is issued from a normal crossing so that the warning is issued from a farther away location. Furthermore, for example, if the target for a warning is a normal crossing within a predetermined angle θ1 from the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a caution crossing is set at θ2 (θ2 > θ1), then crossings located at a more oblique angle will also satisfy the warning conditions for a caution crossing, and a warning will be issued.

[0162] For example, if a "railroad crossing that will never open" is announced when the driver is approaching the road, for example, 200 meters away, the driver will have no escape route and will only feel stressed. Therefore, this system alerts the driver earlier than usual, allowing the driver to take a detour. Target icons for crossings requiring caution, such as crossings that are never open, are displayed on the map on the standby screen. The user can determine whether to continue on the current road or whether to turn right or left based on the vehicle's position, and then proceed to the appropriate path. Furthermore, voice messages including directions, such as "There is a crossing requiring caution XX meters ahead to the left" or "There is a crossing requiring caution XX meters ahead," are also useful, as they allow the driver to determine whether to proceed straight ahead.

[0163] It is advisable to use a conspicuous alarm mode for specific warning targets. Conspicuous alarm modes can be achieved, for example, by changing the color or the content of the audio alert. For audio alerts, for example, two types of alerts, "This is a level crossing that will not open, please be careful" and "This is a level crossing where accidents frequently occur, ...", are prepared separately, and the others are combined into a "This is a level crossing that requires caution, ...", so that the number of alert types is reduced compared to the types of crossings that require caution. By providing separate audio messages for "level crossings that will not open" and "level crossings where accidents frequently occur", which require particular caution, it is possible to know what type of crossing requires caution just by listening to the audio, which is advantageous.

[0164] Additionally, it is advisable to use one common target icon 35 displayed on the map for all six types of caution level crossings, and to prepare six different types of moving CG to display in the warning image display window W3. The display area of the target icon 35 is small, so it is difficult to distinguish the differences at a glance, so we decided to use just one type. The warning image display window W3 has a certain amount of display area, so using different CG is a good way to clearly communicate the content of each level crossing.

[0165] Furthermore, among "level crossings requiring caution," it would be a good idea to relax the notification conditions, especially for "level crossings that do not open," and issue warnings earlier and more widely. For example, for "level crossings with many accidents," "narrow areas," "bottlenecks," and "school routes," stronger warnings should be issued than for normal level crossings, but drivers should proceed with caution. However, for level crossings that do not open, drivers may be unable to pass or may take a long time to pass, so it is best to notify drivers earlier. Also, for school routes, it would be a good idea to change the warning conditions and content according to the school commute time and day of the week.

[0166] [Variations] 22 and 23 show examples of the types of targets to be alerted, target icons, and timing of alerts and notifications in a GPS alert function that issues alerts based on location information. Instead of text, or together with text, the explanation displayed on the above-mentioned explanation pop-up screen may be displayed with a diagram explaining the timing of issuing an alert, as shown in the figure.

[0167] Users are not particularly aware of when an alarm will sound, but illustrations are good because they allow them to intuitively understand and feel more convinced. These illustrations are sometimes included in instruction manuals, but they often do not link well with the actual operation of the radar detector 1, and the instruction manual is often not read. However, displaying them on the display of the radar detector 1 is good because it makes it easier for users to understand the alarm timing.

[0168] Although the above-described embodiments are based on a single device, namely, the radar detector 1, the display of the explanatory pop-up screen may be realized by a different device, such as a smartphone or a communication robot.

[0169] A smartphone could be an AR app. For example, it could take a picture of the radar detector 1, perform recognition processing based on the acquired image to identify the model, and then display an explanation for that model. It could also use AI to provide voice notifications. For example, if the smartphone has a voice recognition function and recognizes a question containing terms that correspond to a setting item, such as "What is the LH system?", it could respond by voice with the content to be notified in an explanation pop-up, for example. In either case, it would be nice to have an explanation of the content immediately when you want to know it.

[0170] [History display function] For example, when passing an object that triggers a warning from a speedometer such as an Orvis, a driver may become concerned, wondering, "Did I go a little too fast?" While conventional radar detectors have a display function that displays the vehicle's speed from XX meters before the Orvis until it passes, they have the problem of not being able to check the vehicle's speed after passing the object. For example, a driver can check the passing speed by looking at the vehicle's speed displayed on the display 4 of the radar detector 1 as the object passes by, but since drivers typically look ahead while driving, it is difficult for them to focus on the display 4 when passing. Even if a driver were to look at the vehicle's speed displayed on the display 4, it would only confirm the vehicle's speed at the pinpoint location at the time of viewing, making it difficult to understand trends in driving behavior, such as changes in driving conditions and speed.

[0171] The radar detector 1 has a function of recording information about the vehicle's speed when passing through a predetermined alarm target, and a history display function of displaying the recorded vehicle speed history information on the display unit 4. The predetermined alarm target may be, for example, a speed measurement device that measures the vehicle's speed, and in particular, a fixedly installed vehicle speed measurement device.

[0172] For example, locations and areas where vehicle speeds are measured, including not only locations where speed measuring devices such as Orbis are fixed, but also locations where mobile speed enforcement is conducted, such as enforcement zones, are often dangerous locations where speeding is likely or traffic accidents are likely to occur, and safe driving without exceeding the speed limit is often necessary. Limiting the targets for recording vehicle speed history information to these alarm targets among those for which GPS alerts are issued allows for efficient confirmation of one's own driving behavior in locations and areas where safe driving is particularly important when reviewing the recorded history information later. In particular, locations where speed measuring devices such as Orbis are fixed are locations where driving speeds require even greater attention than enforcement zones, so it is advantageous to have a function that records and notifies history information only for the targets of the Orbis alert.

[0173] The "passing the warning target" for recording the vehicle speed may be, for example, when passing the warning target and within a predetermined section from Xm before the warning target to Ym after passing the target. In this embodiment, information about the vehicle speed is recorded, so that the vehicle speed at the time of passing the predetermined warning target can be confirmed after passing the target. Since the vehicle speed within the predetermined section from Xm before the warning target to Ym after passing the target is recorded, it is possible to notify the vehicle's speed during the passing of the target and its surroundings. During this predetermined section, the control unit 18 acquires and records the vehicle speed calculated based on GPS information and the "vehicle speed" included in the OBD information at appropriate timing, and displays them as a list on the display unit 4 at predetermined timing.

[0174] A function for recording and displaying multiple vehicle speed histories from just before the target to the target is advantageous in identifying driving tendencies. For example, if the target is a speed measurement device such as an Orvis, driving behavior such as slowing down to below the speed limit just before the target is undesirable and dangerous. For example, if only the vehicle's speed at the time of passing is reported, both cases where the vehicle slows down just before passing and is below the speed limit when passing, and cases where the vehicle is traveling below the speed limit from a relatively distant point before the target, will result in a normal result of "passing at below the speed limit," and the dangerous driving behavior just before the target cannot be detected. In contrast, this embodiment records and displays the speed history from a predetermined distance before the target, thereby detecting unsafe driving behavior such as slowing down just before the target and providing a warning.

[0175] For example, when a driver sees the displayed vehicle speed for a specified section, the driver can understand his or her own driving tendencies, such as "always driving safely at or below the legal speed limit from the front," "slowing down as the driver approaches from a speeding state, such as immediately before the warning target," "slowing down after receiving a warning and keeping the speed below the legal speed limit," or "not slowing down even after receiving a warning," which is advantageous in terms of caution when driving thereafter. Furthermore, providing a function for recording and displaying the speed history for a certain period of time even after passing the warning target allows the driver to understand driving tendencies after passing. Recording and displaying the vehicle's speed for the section up to Ym after passing the target, in addition to when passing the target, allows the driver to understand driving tendencies, such as "driving safely at or below the legal speed limit even after passing the target," or "immediately accelerating and exceeding the speed limit after passing the target," which is advantageous in terms of objectively making the driver aware that such driving is not good.

[0176] Xm and Ym can be the same, or it is better to make Xm longer. If the target of the warning is a fixed speed measurement device such as an Orvis, the installation location is often chosen to be a dangerous location where safe driving is required, such as a place where speeding is likely or where traffic accidents are likely to occur. Therefore, simply reducing the driving speed below the legal speed when passing or just before the speed measurement device that is the target of the warning is not desirable for safe driving; it is necessary to reduce the speed much earlier. Therefore, it is better to set X to a relatively long distance, and record and notify from a relatively distant location.

[0177] On the other hand, for example, driving that accelerates and exceeds the speed limit immediately after passing a speed measurement device is undesirable from the perspective of safe driving, and such driving behavior appears at a relatively short distance compared to Xm before the speed measurement device or other warning target, so Y can adequately grasp driving behavior at a short distance compared to X. While Y=X or Y>X may be set, doing so requires a large memory capacity for recording speed history information. Therefore, setting X>Y as in this embodiment is preferable because it allows driving behavior in the sections before and after the warning target to be appropriately recorded and notified with a necessary and sufficient memory capacity.

[0178] X may be a relatively long distance, for example, a distance corresponding to a predetermined distance in front of the target for which a voice alert is issued. The corresponding distance may be a certain distance before and after the target for which a voice alert is issued, including the predetermined distance in front of the target, and the certain distance may be a short distance such as immediately before or after the target, and in particular may be the same distance. This makes it possible to determine the driving condition after the voice alert, such as whether the driver has slowed down to an appropriate driving speed based on the voice alert, or whether the driver has continued driving at high speed without slowing down despite receiving the voice alert, and thus makes it possible to determine whether the voice alert is effectively alerting the driver.

[0179] The predetermined distance for the audio alert can be, for example, 500 m, 1 km, or 2 km, but 500 m is preferred. When multiple alerts are issued, the most recent alert is the most important, and this is preferable because it allows the driver to understand the effect of the most recent audio alert. Furthermore, if the location where an alert target such as a speed measurement device is installed is a dangerous section, the predetermined section close to the location where the alert target is installed is the section where drivers should pay particular attention to safe driving, rather than the entire long section, such as 1 km or 2 km before the alert target, which is likely to be a place where speeding or traffic accidents are likely to occur. In light of this, it is preferable to set Xm to 500 m, as in this embodiment. If the distance to the alert target were to be 1 km or 2 km, the data volume would be large if the section up to the alert target were to be recorded periodically, which would be undesirable in terms of the memory capacity of a memory card, for example. However, a setting of 500 m has the advantage of requiring less memory capacity.

[0180] In this embodiment, the control unit 18, which has a function for displaying the history of the vehicle speed, etc., acquires and records the vehicle speed at predetermined distances during the recording section of the vehicle speed from Xm before the predetermined warning target to Ym after passing the target. The predetermined distance may be, for example, 100 m. In this embodiment, for example, X = 500, Y = 100, so the vehicle speed is acquired at 100-m intervals for the section from 500 m before passing the warning target to 100 m after passing the target, and stored in a single file. The control unit 18 may also acquire information related to driving and traveling, record it in association with the vehicle speed, and notify the driver. The relevant information may include, for example, the date and time of travel, the GPS signal reception status, information identifying the road being traveled, a photo of the actual warning, the speed limit, the type of warning target, etc. Recording the relevant information and displaying it together with the acquired vehicle speed when displaying the speed history allows for a more detailed and appropriate determination of whether the vehicle was driving appropriately based on the vehicle speed history. For example, if the vehicle speed is calculated based on GPS signals, recording the reception status of the GPS signals is advantageous because it provides an indicator of the reliability of the calculated vehicle speed. For example, if the reception status of the GPS signals is good, the reliability of the recorded vehicle speed will be high, and if the reception status is poor, the reliability will be low. Also, for example, by recording the speed limit and simultaneously displaying the speed limit and the vehicle speed, it is advantageous because it allows the driver to intuitively understand whether the vehicle is traveling below the speed limit and how much deviation there is from the speed limit.

[0181] The control unit 18 displays on the display unit 4, at a predetermined timing, the vehicle's speed history recorded during the recorded section when passing a predetermined warning target. In this embodiment, the vehicle's speed from 500 meters before passing through to 100 meters after passing through is displayed in a list, allowing a user such as a driver to see at a glance whether or not they are speeding. For example, a driver can see trends such as whether their speed increased or decreased from this point, or their speed relative to the speed limit, which can be used to encourage safe driving and alert drivers to prevent traffic accidents. For example, if a driver speeds and passes an Orbis camera, they will receive a notification from the police station at a later date, but this notification may take several months. A driver who notices the Orbis camera after passing through can use the history display function to check their driving history to determine whether or not they committed a speeding violation, thereby reducing the stress they feel during the several months it takes to determine whether or not they will actually receive a notification.

[0182] The recorded history information, such as the vehicle speed, may be displayed, for example, using the second menu screen, which does not require real-time display. As described above, when the control unit 18 detects that the standby screen has been touched, the control unit 18 switches the display on the display unit 4 from the standby screen to the first menu screen shown in FIG. 5(b) and displays the first menu screen on the entire display screen of the display unit 4. When the control unit 18 detects that the setting button 41c on the first menu screen has been touched (see FIG. 5(b)), the control unit 18 displays the setting menu screen, which is the top screen of the second menu screen shown in FIG. 5(c), on the entire display screen of the display unit 4. When the function button 42b on this setting menu screen is touched, the control unit 18 displays the first page of the function setting screen shown on the left side of FIG. 11(b). In the above-described embodiment, the four setting item display area 43b on the second page of this function setting screen uses two items, "Sound Custom" and "Screen Inversion," and the bottom two are left blank. However, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the function setting screen on the second page is laid out with setting items for history display. In this illustrated example, the title display section 43b' of the third setting item display area 43b from the top displays "speed camera passing history," and the setting content display section 43b" at the right end of the third setting item display area 43b is left blank.In this embodiment, the object of the alarm that records the passing history of the vehicle's speed, etc. is a fixedly installed speed measurement device such as a speed camera, so the wording "speed camera passing history" is used to make the object of the alarm clear.

[0183] When it detects that the "Orbis Passage History" setting item display area 43b has been touched, the control unit 18 displays an Orbis Passage History list screen as shown in Figure 25(b). The layout of the Orbis Passage History list screen is similar to that of a function setting screen, with a title display section 46a at the top, and a predetermined number of multiple passage history list display sections 46b arranged vertically using much of the area below the title display section 46a, cursor buttons 46c at the top and bottom of the right edge, a page display section 46d in the center of the right edge, and a back button 46e and a top button 46f at the bottom of the left edge. The title display section 46a displays "Orbis Passage History," indicating that this is a passage history list.

[0184] As described above, the passage history list display section 46b has a layout with four items arranged vertically. The control section 18 acquires the passage date and time information of the recorded passage history and displays the date and time information in the passage history list display section 46b in order from the most recent one. If there are five or more recorded passage histories, the control section 18 creates multiple speed camera passage history list screens and displays the first one. In addition, the control section 18 switches the screen when the cursor button 46c is touched.

[0185] The passage history list display section 46b displays the passage date and time, information identifying the type of alert target, and information indicating the speed limit at the location where the alert target is installed, arranged in a horizontal row. It is recommended that the passage date and time be accompanied by the day of the week information, as shown in the figure. Adding the day of the week information is advantageous because it makes it easier for users to remember when and which speed cameras or other devices they passed. Information identifying the type of alert target is displayed using a target icon drawn on the map screen at a location corresponding to the location of the alert target. Using this target icon allows users to understand the type of alert target at a glance. In the illustrated example, from top to bottom, the following marks are displayed: "LC in white letters in a red circle" indicating a loop coil; "LH in white letters in a red circle" indicating an LH system; and "RD in white letters in a red circle" indicating a radar system, including small speed cameras. Speed limit information for the location where the alert target is installed is displayed using a mark corresponding to the speed limit traffic sign. In the illustrated example, speed limits of 110 km / h, 100 km / h, and 80 km / h are displayed, respectively.

[0186] When displaying the list of each passage history in the passage history list display unit 46b, the control unit 18 may display the list in a different manner from normal when an undesirable driving behavior, such as exceeding the speed limit, has occurred. The different manner may be a conspicuous manner. A conspicuous manner is preferable because it allows undesirable driving behavior, such as exceeding the speed limit, in terms of safe driving, to be recognized without overlooking it. The conspicuous manner may be, for example, a conspicuous color, such as displaying date and time information in red. In the illustrated example, the date, day of the week, and time for "Friday, December 22, 2017," the second from the top, are displayed in red. For example, different manners may include partially displaying the date, day of the week, and time in red, displaying the outer frame of the passage history list display unit 46b with a red line, or displaying a line under the date and time information, such as line 44h in FIG. 10(c). However, as in this embodiment, displaying the text in red makes the date and time stand out, and it is particularly preferable to display the entire date, day of the week, and time in red for greater visibility.

[0187] When the control unit 18 detects that the passage history list display unit 46b has been touched, the control unit 18 reads out information related to the touched passage history and displays the detailed information display screen shown in Figures 25(c), (d), etc. The control unit 18 reads out and displays, on the detailed information display screen, the vehicle speed at each point and the driving / travel-related information stored in association with it. The display layout of the detailed information display screen is such that, from top to bottom, the left side of the screen has a date and time information display unit 47a, a road specification information display unit 47b, and a vehicle speed information display unit 47c, while the right side of the screen has, from top to bottom, a GPS radio wave reception status display unit 47d, a movement direction display unit 47e, an actual image display unit 47f that displays an actual image of the passed object to be warned, an alarm object type information display unit 47g that displays the type of the object to be warned, and a speed limit information display unit 47h that displays the speed limit information of the point to be warned. An SD output button 47i is provided below the warning object type information display section 47g and the speed limit information display section 47h, and a two-dimensional code 47j such as a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed to the left of the warning object type information display section 47g and the SD output button 47i.

[0188] The date and time information display unit 47a displays the date and time information displayed in the passage history list display unit 46b. The road identification information display unit 47b displays road identification information that identifies the roads traveled, for example, by simultaneously outputting the address and road name above and below. Some drivers have good memory for road names, so outputting the address and road name simultaneously is advantageous because it makes it easier for the driver to recognize where the displayed speed camera passage history was installed and which road the information was recorded on while traveling. Being able to identify and recognize specific locations is advantageous because, for example, if the driver has exceeded the speed limit, they can be made aware of the need to be careful not to speed when traveling on the same road or location in the future.

[0189] The vehicle speed information display unit 47c displays the vehicle's speed information at each point, for example, from 500 m before to 100 m after passing, and displays the recorded vehicle speeds, for example, arranged from top to bottom in order of the furthest position in front of the target of the warning. Since the vehicle speeds are arranged top to bottom in the order of vehicle movement, the user can easily understand the situation of speed changes as the vehicle approaches the target of the warning, or whether there was any speed change after passing.

[0190] If the recorded vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit by a predetermined amount, it is preferable to display it in a different display mode from the others. The different display mode is preferable to be a conspicuous mode. For example, a conspicuous mode can be displayed in a conspicuous color, which can be achieved with a simple configuration. For example, a conspicuous color can be red. The color of the part to be changed may be the entire speed and unit portion, such as "XX km / h", but as in this embodiment, it is preferable to change the display color of only the speed number portion, and leave the unit portion, such as km / h, unchanged. By changing the color of only the speed number portion, the number becomes more conspicuous, which is preferable because it makes it clear that the speed is exceeded and the actual speed.

[0191] The predetermined speed may be, for example, 0 km / h, with the display changing when the speed is above the speed limit, or 1 km / h, with the display changing when the speed is above the speed limit but not changing when the speed is exactly at the speed limit. However, it is preferable to set the speed to a constant speed with a predetermined margin. The constant speed with a predetermined margin may be, for example, a speed that becomes dangerous when speeding. By displaying only speeds that are particularly dangerous in a conspicuous color such as red, it is possible to immediately identify driving that significantly exceeds the speed limit and to alert drivers to safe driving in the future. The constant speed with a predetermined margin may be, for example, 20 km / h. Speeding by 20 km / h is extremely dangerous and is not a phenomenon that occurs, for example, when accidentally pressing the accelerator a little too hard or speeding up slightly on a downhill slope. Therefore, it is preferable to change the color when the speed is above that speed to alert drivers.

[0192] Although exceeding the speed limit is undesirable from the perspective of safe driving, it is difficult to say that exceeding the speed limit by a small amount, such as 1 km / h, suddenly becomes dangerous compared to driving at the speed limit. For example, when driving steadily near the speed limit, the driver's accelerator pedal depression or road conditions, such as a downhill slope, may cause the vehicle to momentarily exceed the speed limit by a small amount, and the vehicle's speed at such a small excess may be recorded. In such cases, if the speed limit is displayed in a conspicuous color, it may be difficult to tell at a glance whether the driving was extremely dangerous at or above the 20 km / h described above or only slightly above the speed limit. This may prevent efficient notification of dangerous driving, and in some cases, the history of dangerous driving may be buried under other history of slightly exceeding the speed limit. In this embodiment, only dangerous driving at extremely high speeds, such as 20 km / h or above, is displayed in a different color, such as red, which is advantageous because it allows the user to reliably recognize the history of dangerous driving. The predetermined speed may be set to a larger margin, for example, 30 km / h, but if it is set too high, dangerous driving that does not meet the speed limit will be easily overlooked, so it is better to set it to 20 km / h as in this embodiment.

[0193] The reception status of the GPS signal is displayed on the reception status display unit 47d simultaneously with other information. Therefore, when the driving speed is calculated based on the GPS signal, for example, if the reception is good, the displayed driving speed history information is reliable and easy to understand. For example, if the reception is good and all displayed driving speeds are below the speed limit, the user can understand that the vehicle was driving safely without speeding in the section for which the driving history was calculated, and if the speed is above the speed limit, the user can understand that a speeding violation occurred. When the reception is poor, the reliability of the recorded and displayed vehicle speed is low, making it difficult to claim that the vehicle was not speeding, even if the displayed vehicle speed is below the speed limit. For example, if a speeding violation is recorded by an Orbis camera with the driving history, the user is likely to give up.

[0194] The image data displayed in the actual image display section 47f may be the actual image displayed in the warning image display window W in front of the passed warning target. By displaying the actual image, the user can more intuitively recognize that the historical data represents the time when the speed camera or other warning target was passed.

[0195] When it is detected that the SD output button 47i has been touched, the control unit 18 creates a text file recording the displayed detailed information and outputs the file to the memory card 11. The file name of the text file may include, for example, date and time information.

[0196] The two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark), may be a two-dimensional code containing information identifying the target of the warning displayed on the detailed information display screen. The information identifying the target of the warning may be, for example, location information or a speed limit. For example, when a two-dimensional code 47j is photographed using a mobile device, such as a smartphone, that has an app for reading two-dimensional codes, the app displays the information recorded in the two-dimensional code 47j on the display of the mobile device. By viewing the content displayed on the display of the mobile device, the user can learn about the target of the warning, such as speed cameras, related to the driving history displayed on their device. Typically, the display screen of a mobile device, such as a smartphone, is larger than the display 4 of the radar detector 1, making it easier to view and confirm the content. In particular, the information identifying the target of the warning may be a two-dimensional code containing information identifying the location where the target of the warning is located and information for accessing a map site on the Internet. The information identifying the location may be, for example, longitude and latitude information. For example, by using a mobile device such as a smartphone equipped with an app that reads two-dimensional codes and photographing two-dimensional code 47j, a map site can be accessed and the location of the warning target on the map can be displayed on the display of the mobile device. This allows the user to more accurately recognize the location of the warning target, and is a good warning to drive carefully when driving on roads where the warning target is installed.

[0197] [Modification of history information display function] In the above-described embodiment, historical information such as the vehicle's speed is created and recorded each time a specific warning target is passed, and the information is sorted by date and time and displayed as a list. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the control unit 18 records a series of information such as the vehicle's speed acquired in connection with a single passing of a warning target, it is preferable to associate and record information about the same warning target. For example, this association can be achieved by creating a folder for each warning target and recording the information in the folder for the passed warning target. If there is a warning target such as an automatic speed camera that is passed every time, the control unit 18 groups and stores the acquired information such as the vehicle's speed in the same folder. This allows for easy comparison of the same warning target, such as an automatic speed camera, with historical information acquired when the same warning target was passed in the past. The same warning target may be treated as a separate warning target if installed in different locations. For example, if the warning target is a speed measurement device such as an automatic speed camera, each individual speed measurement device may be distinguished as a single warning target. However, it is more preferable to treat multiple speed measurement devices installed on roads with the same road name as the same warning target. In particular, expressways and other motorway-only roads should be divided into certain areas, such as prefectures, and multiple warning targets installed in the same area on the same motorway should be registered in one group as the same warning target.

[0198] In this modified example, for example, when the setting item display area 43b for "speed camera passage history" is touched on the function setting screen shown in FIG. 25(a), a speed camera passage history list screen for each alert target is displayed. This speed camera passage history list for each alert target may have a layout similar to that of the speed camera passage history list screen shown in FIG. 25(b), and the content displayed in the passage history list display section 46b may be information identifying the alert target. Information identifying the alert target may be, for example, a road name or address, with road names being particularly easy to understand. Information identifying multiple alert targets arranged vertically may be arranged, for example, in order of the most recently passed alert target (see FIG. 26). When detecting that the display section displaying the information identifying the alert target has been touched, the control unit 18 may display the speed camera passage history list shown in FIG. 25(b), and may display date and time information, etc., of the passage history information belonging to the group of the touched alert target in each passage history list display section 46b.

[0199] [Variations in speed records] In the above-described embodiment and variants, speed history information associated with passing a predetermined warning target is created and recorded, and displayed at a predetermined timing. Rather than recording all information in this manner, it is preferable to save the vehicle's speed history only if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit by a predetermined amount, and not save it if the vehicle is traveling at a speed below the predetermined amount. The predetermined speed may be set to, for example, 0 km / h, for speeds above the speed limit, or 1 km / h, for speeds above the speed limit. However, it is particularly preferable to set a speed with a predetermined margin, such as 20 km / h or 30 km / h. This reduces the number of saved history entries, thereby resolving the annoyance of frequently passing speed cameras, for example, if they are recorded and stored in the history. In particular, drivers typically know the locations of frequently passing speed cameras and tend not to exceed the speed limit. If such non-speeding data were to remain in the history and be displayed in a list, it would be difficult to find the desired history entry. This embodiment prevents this from occurring. By saving only speeding exceeding a certain speed limit, dangerous driving can be effectively displayed as a history and used to warn drivers.

[0200] In addition, although it is possible to register points for which warnings are not to be saved in the history and not leave the registered points in the history, it is more preferable to save the information only when a predetermined speed is exceeded, as in the above-mentioned modified example. For example, even if you normally drive frequently and are aware of the existence of the warning points and drive while adhering to the speed limit, there is a risk that you may accidentally exceed the speed limit, and the above-mentioned modified example is preferable because it can save the history when you do exceed the speed limit.

[0201] [Modification of display timing] The timing for displaying the recorded history information is, for example, when the radar detector 1 is turned on or when the vehicle is a predetermined distance away from a predetermined warning target such as an Orvis, if there is a history of passing that warning target. In particular, displaying the detailed driving history screen when the vehicle is a predetermined distance away from the warning target is effective in efficiently and appropriately alerting the driver to safe driving. For example, if the displayed detailed information on the past passing history for the same location shows excessive speed, the driver may be at risk of exceeding the speed limit if they continue driving along the same road as they did in the past, and this can alert the driver to the need to slow down.

[0202] When there is multiple passing history information of an object to be displayed when the power is turned on or just before the object of an alarm, it is possible to display the most recent one, for example, but it is more preferable to display bad passing history with a large excess speed, as this will alert the driver to safe driving.

[0203] In this way, the display timing may be set to automatically display when the conditions are met, but as in the above-described embodiment, it is preferable to display based on a user operation such as touching the screen, etc. When displaying based on a user operation, the user (driver, etc.) is conscious of wanting to see and check detailed information on the passing history, so it is preferable that the user carefully looks at the displayed detailed information to check whether or not the speed has exceeded the limit, the driving trends such as speed changes near the target of the warning, etc., and can use this as an opportunity to drive safely thereafter.

[0204] [Alternative 1 of Reflection in Alerts] It is preferable to provide a function for providing different warning content before the target depending on the content of the passing history. For example, when issuing a warning at a predetermined distance before the target, the control unit 18 may issue a stronger warning than usual if the target has a passing history that is undesirable for safe driving, such as speeding. A stronger warning may be issued, for example, by issuing the warning from a greater distance than usual, by changing the warning content, or by changing the notification mode, or even by combining several of these. Changing the warning content may involve, for example, changing the audio notification issued at a predetermined distance before the target to a stronger message that calls attention, or by providing a warning in addition to the normal audio notification. Changing the notification mode may involve, for example, changing from a notification mode that uses only one of audio and display alerts to a notification mode that uses both.

[0205] The content of the passing history that serves as the basis for issuing a strong warning may be, for example, simply the case where a reference speed corresponding to the speed limit is exceeded. It is even better to provide multiple different reference speeds and vary the type of strong warning depending on which reference speed is exceeded. The reference speed corresponding to the speed limit does not necessarily have to be equal to or greater than the speed limit, and may be set to a predetermined speed below the speed limit. For example, if a vehicle is traveling at a speed close to the speed limit, even if it is below the speed limit, there is a risk that the vehicle will exceed the speed limit if it presses the accelerator a little harder, which could result in an accident in the future. Setting the reference speed to a predetermined speed slower than the speed limit is advantageous because it allows for an alert to be issued the next time the vehicle is traveling at a speed close to the speed limit, or an additional warning.

[0206] For example, if the standard speed is set to 90 km / h on a road with a speed limit of 100 km / h, and if a speed of 90 km / h or close to 100 km / h is recorded in the passing history, a special audio warning such as "You're just barely within the speed limit, drive carefully" can be issued to warn the driver to slow down. Since the locations where speed measuring devices such as Orvis are installed are likely to be places where speeds are high and accidents are likely to occur, this can be a good way to urge drivers not to exceed the speed limit the next time they pass through the same location, thereby preventing accidents from occurring.

[0207] Furthermore, when multiple reference speeds are set, the faster the reference speed, the more emphasized the warning that will be issued if the reference speed is exceeded, for example, by using a more emphasized phrase, thereby encouraging safe driving at or below the speed limit.When multiple reference speeds are set, it is recommended that at least one be set below the speed limit, and at least one be set above the speed limit.In this way, by issuing warnings tailored to drivers who are not currently exceeding the speed limit but are likely to do so in the future, and warnings to drivers who are actually exceeding the speed limit and driving dangerously, it is possible to appropriately alert drivers with each driving pattern to safe driving.

[0208] The content of the passing history that serves as the basis for issuing a strong warning can be determined from the trend of changes in the vehicle's speed recorded in multiple past passing histories. For example, if the vehicle's most recently recorded speed increases and the vehicle is on the road to exceed the speed limit, such as passing a place with a speed limit of 110 km / h at 100 km / h last time but passing at a speed close to 110 km / h this time, it is recommended to issue a warning to warn the driver the next time the vehicle travels on a road with the same warning target. For example, if a warning is received just before the warning target on a road that the driver is traveling on for the first time, the driver will slow down and pass at a speed well below the speed limit, but as the driver travels on the road several times, the driver will become accustomed to the speed limit and gradually approach it, and if the speed limit is exceeded, the driver may eventually exceed the speed limit. However, as described above, based on multiple past passing histories, if a trend is identified that this does not occur, a warning warning can be issued in advance.

[0209] For a strong warning, it is advisable to change the warning to an audio alert and display a "detailed screen for a specified passage history" followed by a normal warning. In particular, it is preferable to give a more prominent audio alert as well as an alert that displays the detailed screen, as this will result in a stronger warning.

[0210] [Alternative 2 of Reflection in Alerts] It would be good to have a function to issue different warnings depending on past driving conditions. Past driving conditions are not limited to the vehicle's speed history for specified warning targets such as speed cameras, as described above. For example, it would be good to record points where the vehicle exceeded a specified speed limit, and then issue a specified warning just before passing those points.

[0211] The driving condition may be, for example, aggressive driving. Aggressive driving includes, for example, sudden starts, sudden deceleration, and sharp turns, and may be determined based on the output of an acceleration sensor mounted in the radar detector 1. The control unit 18 records the location of the aggressive driving and issues an alert before the recorded location during subsequent driving. The radar detector 1 of the above-described embodiment has a GPS alert function that stores location information of specific targets for alert and issues an alert before the target based on GPS information, but it may also have a function to add dangerous location points based on the user's driving situation and issue an alert for the added dangerous location points.

[0212] [Modification of alarm setting function] It would be desirable to have a function that actively changes the warning given in front of a warning target in accordance with the user's driving habits. For example, in areas where the user always drives safely and below the speed limit, a less noticeable warning than usual would be good. Inconspicuous warnings should include those that do not give a warning at all, but a weaker warning would be good. If a warning is not given, there is a risk that the driver will mistake it for a malfunction or accidentally exceed the speed limit even when normally driving below the speed limit, so some kind of weaker warning is good to prevent such misunderstandings. In this way, even for the same type of warning target, it is possible to give a normal warning or a less noticeable warning depending on the user's driving habits, and it is good to be able to give the appropriate warning that the user needs.

[0213] For example, there are many types and numbers of targets for which GPS alarms are issued, and depending on the area in which the vehicle is traveling, alarms may be issued frequently, which may lead to the risk of the vehicle not noticing an important alarm. This problem becomes more pronounced when alarm points are added based on each user's driving history, as in the above-mentioned variations. To reduce the number of alarms, for example, users can select [Mode] in the setting item display area 43b of the function setting screen and switch the alarms on / off for each type of target by setting the mode. In particular, manual mode allows for individual on / off settings for each type of target. However, such mode settings are cumbersome, and many users end up using the default settings. As a result, the radar detector frequently issues alarms, which can be annoying, and users may become accustomed to the alarms and miss important alarms. However, this system can provide appropriate alarms according to the user's driving habits, thereby resolving this issue.

[0214] [Drive recorder linkage] The radar detector 1 and the drive recorder may be linked to provide a function for recording video data for a predetermined section when a predetermined warning target passes. The control unit 18 of the radar detector 1 transmits a trigger signal to the drive recorder when a predetermined warning target, such as an automatic speed camera, passes. Upon receiving the trigger, the drive recorder records video for a certain period of time before and after the passing of the warning target, such as an automatic speed camera. The certain period of time may be, for example, 15 seconds before the passing and 5 seconds after the passing, for a total of approximately 20 seconds. The drive recorder has a continuous recording function that continuously captures and records video, and an event recording function that records video for a predetermined period of time before and after a predetermined event occurs. In this embodiment, the reception of a trigger from the radar detector 1 is considered the occurrence of an event, and video for a predetermined period of time before and after the passing is acquired and recorded using an algorithm similar to that of the event recording function. It is difficult for a drive recorder to record video based on distance, such as from XX meters before the warning target, but using time as a reference, as in this embodiment, allows for easy recording.

[0215] The drive recorder has a folder for recording continuous footage and a folder for recording events, and stores the video data for each folder. In this embodiment, a folder called "Orbis" is created (see Figure 27(a) etc.), and when the vehicle passes an Orbis speed camera, a file of video data before and after passing the Orbis speed camera is created and stored in the Orbis speed camera folder.

[0216] Managing the passing history information with the captured video allows you to check the driving conditions, such as the weather and surrounding vehicle conditions, which is beneficial. For example, it makes it easier for drivers to understand the correlation between driving conditions and driving speed, improving the driver's understanding and creating an environment where they can be conscious of safe driving.

[0217] It is more preferable to create a folder for each speed camera as a lower-level folder. Video data created when passing through the same speed camera is grouped and stored in the same lower-level folder. By opening a specific speed camera folder, a user can check the video data for the same speed camera and easily compare it with past passing history information. For example, by comparing and checking multiple driving data and video data from passing through the same speed camera, for example, if a user has previously exceeded the speed limit or driven close to the speed limit, the user can see that this occurred in specific weather, such as on a sunny day, and that in other weather conditions the user drives with a margin above the speed limit. This can be useful in encouraging the user to drive especially safely on sunny days in the future.

[0218] The history information recorded when a specific alarm target passes is recorded on a memory card, for example, in the same way as other continuous records and event records. To view the history information, for example, the memory card can be removed and inserted into a personal computer, and the specific file can be read out and played back on the personal computer. In such a case, if the folders are divided by alarm target as described above, the user can easily find the history information when they passed the desired alarm target.

[0219] It is preferable to provide a function for displaying the playback of recorded video data, for example, on the display unit of the radar detector 1. Providing such a function allows for on-the-spot confirmation in the vehicle without having to set up a computer or the like, as described above. To play back video data, for example, a video data playback button area is set within the detailed information display screen shown in FIGS. 25(c) and (d). When touching the playback button area is detected, the control unit 18 acquires and plays back the video data of the traffic history displayed on the detailed information display screen from the drive recorder. The playback button area may be set as a separate special button area, such as an SD output button. However, rather than setting up such a separate special button area, it is particularly preferable to assign the playback button area to a processing area displaying other information, such as a live-action image 47f, and acquire and play back related video data when the live-action image 47f is touched. This dual use eliminates the need to reserve a separate area for the playback button area, which is preferable because it allows for a larger area to display information such as the vehicle's speed. In particular, as illustrated above, it is preferable to use the display area of the actual image 47f as the playback button area as well, since this makes it easier for the user to intuitively understand and recall the playback of the video.

[0220] As described above, instead of or in addition to the function of linking to and playing video data from the detailed information display screen for each vehicle's speed, a function for directly reading and playing video data separately from the vehicle's speed history may be provided. For example, when the control unit 18 touches the function button 42b in the setting menu screen, which is the top screen of the second menu screen shown in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 18 displays the first page of the function setting screen shown on the left side of FIG. 11(b). Touching the cursor button 43c may display the page of the function setting screen, which may have a layout such as that shown in FIG. 27(b). In the function setting screen shown in FIG. 27(b), a button area for playing video data, labeled "Speed Speed Camera Passage History (Video)," is set in the fourth setting item display area 43b. When the control unit 18 detects that this fourth setting item display area 43b has been touched, it displays a speed camera pass history list screen for the video data, such as that shown in FIG. 27(c). This example shows an example of recording data grouped by road name. If no grouping is performed, the control unit 18 may display a passage history list similar to that shown in FIG. 5(b), for example.

[0221] [A function to record video data on the radar detector] In the above-described embodiment and variant, when video data of the passing history is displayed and played back on the display unit 4 of the radar detector 1, the control unit 18 acquires and plays back the video data recorded in the drive recorder. However, for example, it is preferable to store the video data in advance in the storage means of the radar detector 1, and have the control unit 18 play back the video data stored in the radar detector 1.

[0222] For example, the radar detector 1 and the drive recorder may be separate devices connected by cable, each equipped with a memory card such as an SD card. The control unit 18 of the radar detector 1 requests video data, such as videos and images, from the drive recorder when the radar detector 1 reaches the location of a predetermined alarm target. Upon receiving the request, the drive recorder transmits video data, for example, from a predetermined time before and after the request. The control unit 18 may then record the transmitted video data on the memory card 11 of the radar detector 1. In this manner, the drive recorder need only record general continuous recordings and event recordings on its own SD card, and does not need to record video data of the alarm target's passing history. For example, the drive recorder's continuous recordings may be overwritten and erased, and the event recording storage capacity may be full, making additional storage impossible. However, by saving the video data to the memory card 11 of the radar detector 1 each time the radar detector 1 passes, the video data of the alarm target's passing history can be recorded even if the drive recorder overwrites and erases the video data or if the storage capacity is full and further recording is no longer possible.

[0223] The control unit 18 may record the acquired video data directly on the memory card 11, but it may also be preferable to create and record multiple files of photographic images in chronological order from the video data, like snapshots. This is advantageous because it does not require much capacity and can record video data of a large number of passage histories.

[0224] The timing for replaying the video data may be, for example, the next time the vehicle passes that location. For example, when the vehicle's current position is within a predetermined distance of the warning target, the control unit 18 accesses a folder that stores video data of the vehicle's passing history for that warning target, and if previously recorded video data is available, reads it and displays the video on the display unit 4 of the radar detector 1. When displaying the video, a message such as "This is the view from the last time you passed the warning target" may be displayed as a voice message or a caption on the display unit 4. This allows the video data from the last time the warning target was passed to be played back, so the driver or other person can recall the previous driving and driving conditions by viewing the video, which is beneficial for encouraging caution in the current driving situation. When displaying past video data in front of the warning target, the vehicle is constantly approaching the warning target while driving, leaving little time to read and play it back. However, by using video data recorded in the radar detector 1, the desired video data can be instantly read and played back. When trying to use video data recorded in a drive recorder, it may take time to retrieve the video data from the drive recorder, making it impossible to play it at the desired point, or the drive recorder may overwrite the data and erase previous video data, making it impossible to retrieve it. However, when playing back video data recorded in a radar detector 1, such problems do not occur.

[0225] The passing history information of the video data recorded in the drive recorder can be, for example, such that the radar detector 1 stores information on the speed limit for each road, and the video before and after is recorded when a certain speed is exceeded over the speed limit, but it is better to use the passing of a certain warning target such as an Orvis as the trigger, as in the modified example described above. If the video is recorded using the exceeding of a certain speed as a trigger, it is difficult for the user to recognize the location even when the video is played back, and the passing history information that does not contribute much to safe driving thereafter increases, making it difficult to find passing history information such as Orvis that requires particular attention for safety, so it is better to limit the recording of video data to the certain warning target.

[0226] Video data recording can be based on the state and behavior inside the vehicle, based on the occurrence of an abnormal, unusual, or emergency event outside the vehicle that should be recorded. The state and behavior inside the vehicle can be, for example, sound information, such as changes in sounds outside and inside the vehicle. Occurrences of abnormal, unusual, or emergency events outside the vehicle that should be recorded include, for example, animals such as wild boars, deer, or monkeys jumping out into the open in the mountains or aggressive driving. An animal jumping out can lead to a subsequent collision with the vehicle, causing damage, or aggressive driving can lead to a subsequent accident or passengers in the aggressive driving vehicle getting out and approaching. When the impact on the vehicle due to an accident or collision is large, the acceleration sensor detects the collision, and the drive recorder records the event based on that detection, recording video data before and after the collision. However, when the impact is too weak to be detected, the acceleration sensor cannot detect the collision, and the event recording cannot be performed, resulting in only continuous recording. This poses a problem: if the continuously recorded video data is overwritten, it becomes impossible to save the collision video.

[0227] Sound information, which is an example of the state and behavior inside the vehicle, may be, for example, children's cheers or shouts, words indicating the appearance of an animal such as "Wow, it's XX" or "XX appeared," or matching voices such as "It's true." The control unit 18 may record the video data using, for example, the frequency or level of a sound corresponding to the cheers or shouts, or the appearance of a predetermined keyword based on voice recognition as a trigger.

[0228] For example, the judgment process based on audio information may be performed on the drive recorder side in order to record video of the situation at the time of the accident, but if historical data of past passages is to be displayed on the display unit 4 of the radar detector 1, a microphone may be built into the radar detector 1, and the control unit 18 may perform the judgment process based on the output of the microphone, and when the conditions are met, video data of the sections before and after that may be obtained from the drive recorder and recorded on its own memory card 11.

[0229] For example, if a driver is being tailgated, it would be a good idea to record video data based on the voice of the other driver, such as "Hey," in addition to the voices inside the vehicle. For example, if a drive recorder has a function for recording events by operating a specific switch, an event can be recorded by operating the specific switch when the tailgating driver gets out of the vehicle and approaches. However, the process of pressing the switch is cumbersome, and the driver may be too nervous to operate it. Even if the drive recorder has a function for automatically recording events based on the output of an acceleration sensor when the other driver approaches and applies an impact of a certain level to the vehicle by hitting or shaking it, there is a problem that the event recording does not occur automatically if the impact is small. Automatic event recording based on changes in sound, as in this embodiment, is preferable because it ensures reliable recording of video data.

[0230] When recording video data triggered by changes in sounds outside or inside the vehicle, for example, the radar detector 1 may incorporate a microphone to record audio. When passing the same location again, the control unit 18 may output the audio at a predetermined point just before the location. This configuration is advantageous because the audio provides the situation from the previous time the vehicle passed by, making it easier to recall the situation. For example, since a location where an animal previously appeared may be the same location, it may be advantageous to provide a function to play an audio alert just before the location. This function encourages the driver to drive while paying close attention to the surrounding area. In this case, playing back video data is preferable because it helps the user recall the situation more easily. However, it is also advantageous to output only the audio without playing back the video. Audio data alone is sufficient to recall the situation at the time, and not playing back video data allows other useful information to be displayed on the display unit 4.

[0231] It would be good to have a function to record animal discovery points as user-specific alarm targets, like "My Points," and issue an approach alarm for the user-specific alarm targets. The approach alarm may be displayed in the alarm image display window W3 using, for example, pre-prepared computer graphics or other moving or still images, but it would be more realistic to configure it to play back actual recorded audio.

[0232] [Alarm strength change function] The control unit 18 may preferably have a function for changing the strength of the alarm based on user settings. For example, it may be changeable. In the mode setting function in the above-described embodiment, two options, "on" or "off," were provided for the alarm for each item. In this embodiment, for example, multiple alarm levels are provided, and the alarm level can be selected when an alarm is issued. The strength of the alarm level may be adjusted, for example, by changing the audio level (for example, increasing the volume for a stronger alarm) or by changing the content of the generated audio, in the case of an alarm using a display unit, by changing the displayed content or the notification mode. Furthermore, it is more preferable to increase the number of locations or frequency at which the alarm is issued as the level of the alarm increases.

[0233] The alarm levels may be divided into two levels, such as a normal alarm and a stronger or weaker level alarm, or into three levels, such as weak, normal, and strong, or even more. However, increasing the number of levels too much makes the settings cumbersome and does not significantly increase the effect of dividing the levels, so two levels is preferable. For example, if there are two levels, such as a normal level and a stronger level, even a user who does not notice a normal level alarm can be made to notice the alarm by setting the mode to a stronger level alarm, which is good and encourages safe driving. For example, for a user who tends to forget to wear a seat belt, frequent warnings, such as before entering a highway, can be used to encourage them to wear their seat belt.

[0234] [Standby screen variation] FIG. 28(a) shows an example of the standby screen. The standby screen shown in the figure has a layout in which three mini-meters 37 are arranged one above the other on the left and right halves of the main display area R1. Each mini-meter 37 has an item name display section 37a in the upper left, a text information display section 37b in the lower left, and a circular meter-style display section 37c on the right. The control unit 18 displays the information items to be displayed on the mini-meters in the item name display section 37a. In the example shown, the items displayed from top to bottom on the left are time, speed (0-180 km / h), and number of satellite receptions, and from top to bottom on the right are calendar, compass, and atmospheric pressure. The control unit 18 displays information related to each item using one or both of the text information display section 37b and the meter-style display section 37c. For example, the mini-meter 37 for "time" in the upper left displays the current time digitally in the text information display section 37b and as a schematic diagram of an analog clock in the meter-style display section 37c. In addition to "time," other types of meters display the same content in different ways in the text information display section 37b and the meter-style display section 37c include "speed," "compass," and "barometric pressure." The mini-meter 37 for the "calendar" in the upper right corner displays the day of the week ("Tuesday" in the illustrated example) in the text information display section 37b, and displays the "month" in the upper row and the "day" in the lower row in the meter-style display section 37c. In this way, some meters combine the text information display section 37b and the meter-style display section 37c to display one piece of information. Furthermore, the mini-meter 37 for the "number of satellites received" in the lower left corner does not display the text information display section 37b, but displays the number of satellites currently being received in the meter-style display section 37c. In this way, some meters display information using either the text information display section 37b or the meter-style display section 37c. It is preferable that the information displayed in each mini-meter 37 be changeable via settings.

[0235] It is preferable that information regarding the speed limit be included as an item to be displayed on this mini-meter 37. As an example of displaying this information regarding the speed limit, as shown in Fig. 28(b), the control unit 18 may display "Speed Limit" in the item name display section 37a, display the speed limit in text, such as "60 km / h," in the text information display section 37b, and display a mark imitating a speed limit traffic sign in the meter-like display section 37c. In this way, even if a device has a function to notify the speed limit by voice or the like at a speed limit change point, if the user misses the voice notification, the user can check the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling by looking at the standby screen in this embodiment. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, when the target of the warning is approached and the map screen is displayed, the speed limit is displayed, but in this embodiment, the speed limit can be seen on the standby screen before transitioning to the map screen displayed when the target of the warning is approached, and even in sections where no traffic signs are installed on the actual road, the speed limit of the current road can be confirmed by looking at the standby screen that displays the speed limit, which is advantageous as it minimizes the risk of exceeding the speed limit.

[0236] The items displayed on the mini-meter 37 may include information identifying the target of the alarm. For example, when the target of the alarm is approached, the control unit 18 may display information about the target on the mini-meter 37 at a predetermined location without switching to the alarm screen using the map screen described above. This is advantageous because it allows the standby screen to be used to notify desired information while also providing an approaching target warning. For example, the control unit 18 may display a target icon on the meter-like display unit 37c at a location on the map screen corresponding to the location of the target of the alarm, and may display the remaining distance to the target of the alarm on the text information display unit 37b. Furthermore, the control unit 18 may have a function to change the frame color and / or background color of the mini-meter 37 to match the color (red, yellow, blue, green) of the target of the alarm. Changing the frame color or background color makes it easier to understand the general type of target of the alarm, and changing the background color is particularly preferable because it enhances comprehension.

[0237] The approach warning of the warning target using the standby screen is not limited to the use of the detailed mini-meter 37, and may use predetermined elements constituting the standby screen, such as the small meters 32b and 32c shown in FIG. 3 or the large meter 38a shown in FIG. 29(a). For example, the standby screen shown in FIG. 29(a) has a layout in which the large meter 38a is placed on the right side of the main display area R1 and two small meters 38b and 38c are placed above and below on the left side. In the illustrated example, the control unit 18 displays a clock (analog) in the upper small meter 38b, a compass in the lower small meter 32c, and satellite information in the large meter 38a. In this example, the large meter 38a displays a picture that schematically shows the position in the sky of the satellite that received the radio wave.

[0238] For example, when a target for warning is located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle's position, the large meter 38a displays a mark identifying the target at a position within the circle, with the vehicle's position at the center and the forward direction of travel at the top of the circle. This mark may be similar to a target icon, for example. In this way, the notification of the target for warning using the large meter 38a eliminates map information from the map screen and instead displays a vehicle icon, a target icon, and the like in a predetermined positional relationship. This advantageously allows the user to recognize the approximate location of the target for warning without displaying the map screen.

[0239] As an example of an alarm using the large meter 38a, for example, as shown in Figures 29(b) and (c), a layout may be used in which a vehicle icon 39a is displayed at the center of a circle, and marks 39b identifying surrounding objects of the alarm are displayed in positions that correspond to the relative positions of the icons. Alternatively, as shown in the figures, multiple concentric circles 39c and ellipses 39' may be displayed with the vehicle icon 39a at the center, and the diameter of each circle may be set to a predetermined distance (e.g., 500 m), thereby indicating the approximate distance to each object of the alarm. Drawing the concentric circles 39c as shown in Figure 29(b) results in a 2D plan view, while drawing the concentric ellipses 39c' as shown in Figure 29(c) results in a 3D bird's-eye view.

[0240] When using the large meter 38a to display an alarm that includes the relative positional relationship of the alarm target, the display area is smaller than when using a map screen that uses the entire main display area. This creates a new problem: the target icon displayed at the location of the alarm target is also smaller and harder to see. To solve this problem, for example, the color of the outer frame of the large meter 38a or the background color within the circle of the large meter 38a can be displayed in the color of the alarm target (red, yellow, blue, or green). This allows the user to roughly determine the type of alarm target from the color.

[0241] 3(d), the hybrid vehicle standby screen displays two mini-meters 34a and 34b in the upper area, and hybrid information in the lower area. The information displayed in these mini-meters 34a and 34b can be switched by setting, and it is more preferable to have a function for switching the information displayed in the hybrid information by setting.

[0242] Driving check information may be displayed on a specific meter on the standby screen using the large meter, small meter, and mini-meters described above. Driving check information may include, for example, the vehicle's driving status, dangerous driving conditions such as sudden steering or braking, and eco-driving information regarding whether the driver is driving in an eco-friendly manner to improve fuel efficiency. For example, a specific mini-meter 37 may be used to display information regarding dangerous driving. For example, based on the output of an acceleration sensor, the control unit 18 may display the background color of the mini-meter 37 in green if the acceleration is below a first reference value; in yellow if the acceleration is below a second reference value greater than the first reference value; and in red if the acceleration exceeds the second reference value. The control unit may also display a mark in the meter indicating sudden braking or sudden steering. The control unit may also have a function to display eco-driving information on the mini-meter and small meter. For example, eco-driving information may be obtained by scoring whether the driver is driving in an eco-friendly manner based on information such as sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, idling time, and whether the driver is driving at an economical speed. The control unit 18 may display the score thus calculated on a predetermined mini-meter, and / or may calculate the score at predetermined time intervals and display the constant change and history on the mini-meter. The control unit 18 may also have a function for recording the eco-driving information score for a predetermined driving unit, such as each driving session, comparing the score based on the current driving session with the score based on previous driving sessions, and notifying the increase or decrease in the score. This allows the driver to know whether the current driving session was more eco-driving than the previous session. The function for notifying the increase in the score may be, for example, coordinated with the color scheme of traffic lights, which is highly recognizable and easy to use as an aside. The color scheme of traffic lights may be, for example, red for deterioration, yellow for no change, and green for improvement.

[0243] The standby screen has various meter-like display areas, such as a large meter, a small meter, and a mini meter. For example, if you change the color in the "base color" setting item belonging to the system, you can change the color of the entire main display area, but it is better to change it within the circular area of the meter and not change the area outside (see Figure 30). For example, it is good to unify the background color of the main display area to a chic color such as black, and change the background color within the circular area of the meter, so that the changed color stands out.

[0244] [Linkage function with head-up display, etc.] It is preferable to provide a function of connecting a head-up display to the radar detector 1 and displaying information such as the current driving speed and speed per hour, as well as various warnings, on the windshield of the vehicle by the head-up display. This is smart and advantageous because it allows the driver to recognize the driving speed, warning contents, etc. while driving, for example, while looking ahead, without having to change their line of sight significantly.

[0245] When a head-up display is linked to a drive recorder, it is preferable to set the head-up display to be displayed within the drive recorder's shooting area. This is advantageous, for example, because it allows driving speed and warning details to be reflected in the video data captured by the drive recorder. For example, when the recorded video data is later played back, the driving speed is displayed along with the scenery during the drive, allowing users such as drivers to easily confirm the location and driving speed. Furthermore, the user can, for example, determine the location during which the warning was issued from the view outside when the warning was issued. This, combined with the imprint of the view outside, makes it easier to remember the location where the warning was issued, contributing to safer driving when driving on that road in the future. It is more preferable to provide a function to adjust the reflection level of the head-up display on the windshield. Adjusting the reflection level advantageously allows speed, warnings, and other information to be more clearly reflected in the video data captured by the drive recorder.

[0246] Normally, the shooting area of a drive recorder is adjusted to capture the scenery ahead of the vehicle, etc., and the display unit 4 of the radar detector 1 placed on the dashboard of the vehicle, etc., is outside the shooting area, but in this embodiment, the display of the head-up display output from the radar detector is positioned so that it is displayed on the drive recorder. By adopting such a feature, for example, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved, and it is also advantageous because even a drive recorder without a GPS function can record the driving speed.

[0247] [Data update function via Bluetooth (registered trademark)] For example, when updating data such as data about a target for issuing a GPS warning, the above-described embodiment describes an example in which the data is updated using the memory card 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this example and may also be updated using a wireless communication function. For example, the radar detector 1 in the above-described embodiment is equipped with a wireless LAN connection function using a Wi-Fi connection. For example, when the control unit 18 detects that the "Manual Download" or "Automatic Download" button area is touched while the WLAN setting screen (2 / 3) shown in the center of FIG. 11(d) is displayed, it executes a predetermined process to download update data and perform a data update. In this case, for example, it is necessary to connect the radar detector 1 and a smartphone via a wireless LAN in advance. To establish this connection, for example, it is necessary to turn on tethering on the smartphone, which can be cumbersome. To solve this problem, it is preferable to provide a function for wireless communication between the radar detector 1 and a mobile device such as a smartphone using Bluetooth to perform data updates. For example, if a data update app is installed on the smartphone and the app is launched, a Bluetooth connection is established between the smartphone and the radar detector 1, and new update data is wirelessly transmitted from the smartphone to the radar detector 1. The radar detector 1 updates its data based on the acquired update data. It is preferable that a mobile device such as a smartphone be provided with a function that allows the radar detector 1 to be configured by installing an app that performs various settings for the radar detector 1 and running the app. In this way, users such as drivers can configure the radar detector 1 by operating a familiar smartphone or the like, making the configuration easy. The operation can also be done at hand, making it easier to perform. By simplifying the configuration operation, users become more conscious of switching settings, and can configure the radar detector 1 with settings that suit them better, and it is preferable that the necessary information is reported in an appropriate reporting format without being too much or too little.

[0248] [Screen OFF function except when warning occurs] The control unit 18 may have a function to make the display unit 4 less dazzling during normal times when no warning is issued. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the display unit 4 is configured to display some information, for example, by displaying a standby screen, during normal times when no warning is issued. In this configuration, the display unit 4 is constantly emitting light, which poses a problem of being dazzling during normal times. If the control unit 18 has a function to make the display unit 4 less dazzling during normal times when no warning is issued, the display is not dazzling during normal times, as in this embodiment, and a function suitable for users who, for example, do not need a screen display because it is usually too dazzling, can be provided.

[0249] The function of making the display unit 4 non-glare may be, for example, to paint the entire screen of the display unit 4 in black or another dark, non-glare color, and it is particularly preferable to turn off the power to the liquid crystal display that constitutes the display unit 4. To solve the same problem, the display unit 4 may be provided with a function to turn off the screen display.

[0250] [Surrounding camera display function] The radar detector 1 is equipped with a front camera that captures images in front of the vehicle and side-view cameras that capture images on the left and right sides of the vehicle, both of which are connected to the radar detector 1. The front camera may be a wide-angle camera mounted, for example, near the front bumper of the vehicle, and the side-view camera may be a wide-angle camera mounted, for example, below the vehicle's side mirrors. When the radar detector 1 recognizes that it will merge into a T-junction or other intersection based on map information stored in the radar detector 1, the control unit 18 of the radar detector 1 may display the image captured by the front camera on a display means such as the display unit 4 or the aforementioned head-up display, and may automatically display the image captured by the side-view camera when it receives a turn signal from the OBD information. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for the driver to manually switch the camera images displayed on the display unit.

[0251] The switching of the camera to be displayed is not limited to being based on the map information described above, but may also be based on, for example, the target of the warning. For example, the radar detector 1 may be equipped with the front camera described above and a rear camera capable of capturing images behind the vehicle, and both cameras may be connected to the radar detector 1. For example, the control unit 18 may display the image captured by the front camera before the target of the warning, such as an Orvis, passes, and display the image captured by the rear camera after the target of the warning, such as an Orvis, has passed. In this way, switching of the camera to display the image based on the map information described above is more preferable than switching based on the target of the warning, as this provides more useful information.

[0252] In particular, when taking an image with the front camera before passing the target of the warning and taking an image with the rear camera after passing, the control unit 18 may record the captured images, for example, on the memory card 11. Recording is preferable because it allows the situation around the vehicle before and after passing to be checked later.

[0253] [Warning function based on captured image data] The radar detector is preferably equipped with an imaging means for capturing images of the area ahead and a function for issuing an alarm based on image data captured by the imaging means. The imaging means may be built into the main body of the radar detector 1 or may be a separate imaging means. Separate imaging means are preferable because they can be easily installed in a location where the desired image can be captured.

[0254] The warning based on the image data may be issued, for example, when a predetermined detection object is present in the captured image data. The detection object may be, for example, a sign encouraging safe driving or a sign that warns of the presence of a warning object ahead on the road, and in particular, a "police warning sign," which is one type of sign that warns of the presence of a warning object ahead on the road, may be the detection object. The control unit 18 may have a function to detect a "police warning sign" using, for example, real-time image processing of the image data captured by the imaging means and issue a warning.

[0255] "Enforcement warning signs" are also called "pre-warning signs" or "advance warning signs." For example, as shown in FIG. 31 , enforcement warning signs 73 are installed at predetermined locations, such as on the side of the road, before speed enforcement points. In the illustrated example, enforcement warning signs 73 are vertically long boards with handwritten text such as "Speed Monitoring" in white letters against a blue background. Although not specifically illustrated, signs warning of enforcement, such as "Automatic Speed Enforcement Device Route," are installed a predetermined distance before the location of a fixed speed enforcement device on a roadway. The text displayed on these enforcement warning signs is not limited to the above, and includes several types, such as "Automatic Speed Enforcement Device Installation Section," "Automatic Speed Monitoring," and "Automatic Speed Enforcement Route." However, specific text is used exclusively. Therefore, the control unit 18 performs, for example, a predetermined image recognition process on image data captured by the imaging means, extracts the sign portion, performs character recognition processing on the portion, and issues an alert based on the image data if the pre-registered text is present. The character recognition process performed here only needs to be performed on specific characters, so real-time determination can be performed even if the performance of the CPU of the control unit 185 is not very high.

[0256] In this way, if the system is equipped with a function to detect and issue a warning sign for speed enforcement, it will also be possible to issue a warning for speed enforcement devices such as Orbis, which do not have their location information registered and cannot issue a warning based on GPS.Speed enforcement devices such as Orbis that do not have their location information registered are newly installed and are in locations where it is best to encourage safe driving based on recent traffic conditions, etc., so issuing a warning in such locations is advantageous as it can contribute to safe driving.

[0257] In particular, the signs installed in front of small speed cameras and mobile speed cameras are simple standing signs, which can be easily overlooked by drivers, etc. With this function, even simple standing signs that are easy to overlook can be detected and reported, so drivers can be sure to be aware of their presence.

[0258] [Warning function using road elevation data] The radar detector may record elevation data for roads. The control unit 18 may acquire altitude information along with longitude and latitude position information of the current location from GPS information, and may have a function for identifying the road the vehicle is currently traveling on by using the acquired altitude information. This enables stable road identification. The control unit 18 may issue an alarm for the identified road the vehicle is currently traveling on, and may not issue a normal alarm for objects unrelated to the road the vehicle is currently traveling on. Not issuing a normal alarm may mean, for example, not issuing an alarm at all, or issuing a weak or light alarm. This is advantageous because it focuses on the road the vehicle is traveling on, preventing unnecessary alarms and providing a weak alarm that is not noticeable. For example, when a highway and a general road run parallel to each other, it may not be possible to determine whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or a general road using only longitude and latitude location information, but the functionality of this embodiment makes it possible to stably identify roads, so that, for example, if it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on a highway, it is possible to not issue regular warnings for speed enforcement devices such as Orbis installed on general roads and other warning targets, thereby avoiding unnecessary warnings. Conversely, if it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on a general road, it is possible to not issue regular warnings for warning targets related to the highway.

[0259] [AR Alert] It is preferable to link a drive recorder and a radar detector, and for the radar detector to have a function that analyzes GPS information and live images captured by the drive recorder and issues an AR warning. AR warnings are preferably implemented by displaying the desired warning or notification on the actual image, enhancing realism and more effectively drawing attention to the vehicle. For example, an AR warning can be issued by superimposing an AR warning on an image captured and displayed on a display unit, making the presence of the object being warned stand out. A prominent display can be achieved, for example, by creating a pointing element, such as a frame or arrow, using computer graphics or the like and displaying it in association with the object being warned in the image. The associated display can be achieved, for example, by positioning the pointing element so that the user can easily understand that it is pointing to the object being warned. For example, the pointing element can be positioned over the object being warned or placed near the object being warned. If the pointing element is a frame, it can be positioned so that it surrounds all or part of the object being warned. If the pointing element is an arrow, it can be positioned so that the object being warned is at the tip of the arrow.

[0260] For example, if a captured image is analyzed and a police officer is recognized at an intersection, an AR warning can be issued to alert the driver to the presence of the police officer. Furthermore, if a camera is equipped to capture images of the rear of the vehicle, police motorcycles, patrol cars, undercover patrol cars, etc. can be recognized based on image data captured from behind the vehicle, and an AR warning can be issued. Furthermore, a character representing the object of the warning can be created using CG or the like, and the character can be displayed superimposed on the display position of the object of the warning to issue an AR warning.

[0261] It is preferable to implement a drive recorder function in the radar detector described in the above-mentioned embodiment, modified example, etc. The radar detector 1 is preferably installed on the dashboard to improve the driver's visibility of the display unit 4. In a conventional drive recorder, when the main body is installed in a predetermined position in the vehicle, the camera that captures the view ahead of the vehicle faces horizontally forward, and the camera's angle of view is adjusted so that it is equiangular with the horizontal as the upper side. To facilitate such adjustment, for example, if the case is rectangular, the camera is oriented parallel to the bottom of the case. In this way, when the case is installed upright so that the bottom of the case is parallel to the floor surface of the vehicle, the camera also faces horizontally forward.

[0262] In a radar detector 1 equipped with a drive recorder function, if the camera is oriented in the same way as the conventional radar detector described above and the radar detector 1 is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle 80, as shown in Figure 32(a), the field of view 81 of the camera mounted on the radar detector 1 will be such that the hood 82 of the vehicle 80 is present, and the hood 82 will be reflected in the camera, resulting in a problem in which most of the area in the lower half of the camera's field of view 81 will be a blind spot.

[0263] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the case 2 is mounted in a rectangular, upright position and faces the front of the vehicle, the camera 8 is mounted on the rear surface 2a of the case 2 so that the camera 8 faces diagonally upward at a certain angle, as shown in Fig. 32(b), for example. In this way, for example, when the case 2 is mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle 80 so that it stands upright, the camera 8 faces diagonally upward, and the angle of view 81 also falls in a range diagonally upward and forward of the vehicle 80, as shown in Fig. 32(c), for example. It is preferable to set the orientation of the camera 8 so that the lower boundary of the angle of view 81 is above the hood 82 when the radar detector 1 is installed, as this eliminates blind spots for the camera 8.

[0264] Figure 32(d) shows a modified example of a radar detector 1 equipped with a drive recorder function. In this modified example, the exterior shape of the case 2' has a roughly trapezoidal cross section, with the rear surface 2'a being an inclined surface. The center of the camera's angle of view 81 is perpendicular to the inclined surface. This aligns the orientation of the camera 8 with the rear surface 2'a, which is advantageous because the camera 8 can be mounted in the case 2 without being conspicuous.

[0265] For example, when a radar detector integrated with a drive recorder is mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle, if the camera is installed facing horizontally forward, there is a problem that the hood of the vehicle is reflected in the video data captured by the camera, as described above with reference to FIG. 32(a), for example. If the angle of view of the camera 8 is angled diagonally upward as in the above embodiment, the blind spots are eliminated or reduced, thereby solving this problem. On the other hand, the resolution of the video data captured by the camera 8 decreases from the center to the periphery. Therefore, when the camera 8 is angled diagonally upward as in the above embodiment, a new problem arises in that the vehicle ahead, etc., is located near the periphery of the angle of view of the camera 8, which has low resolution. Therefore, considering the video recording of an accident, etc., by the drive recorder, it is more advantageous to mount the drive recorder, for example, on the top of the windshield.

[0266] A radar detector with an integrated dashcam is equipped with a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi, and the radar detector 1 is mounted in a predetermined position, for example, above the windshield of a vehicle. A terminal with a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi and a display, such as a smartphone, is prepared and maintained wirelessly connected to the radar detector. The radar detector is equipped with a function to transmit warning screens and captured images to the terminal, and the terminal is equipped with a function to display the received warning screens and captured images on the terminal's display. In this manner, the view ahead, for example, of a vehicle ahead, can be captured in a high-resolution area near the center of the screen. By placing the smartphone or other terminal on the dashboard or at the user's hand, such as the driver, the user can view the warning screen and captured images on the nearby terminal. Furthermore, by implementing such a function, even if the radar detector with an integrated dashcam does not have a screen or has a small screen, such as a 1.5-inch screen, the warning screen and captured image data can be viewed clearly on a large screen.

[0267] [Radar detector with dual-screen drive recorder function] A radar detector with a drive recorder function, for example, has the drive recorder function. The radar detector 1 of this embodiment has a wide, horizontally long case 2, as shown in Fig. 33, for example, and is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle via a bracket 3. This radar detector 1 can also be installed behind a sun visor or a rearview mirror by changing the bracket 3. The display unit 4 provided on the front of the case 2 of this radar detector 1 has a first display unit 4a and a second display unit 4b arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0268] The radar detector 1 with drive recorder function should use a VideoSoC equipped with a CMOS sensor I / F that can perform image processing for both the radar detector function and the drive recorder function, so that processing for both the radar detector function and the drive recorder function can be performed on a single chip.

[0269] The radar detector 1 preferably has two screens, a first display unit 4a and a second display unit 4b, and a setting function for setting the type and content to be displayed on the two screens. For example, the left first display unit 4a can be set as a display unit for the drive radar, and the right second display unit 4b can be set as a display unit for the radar detector. If the setting function allows the display positions to be swapped or different images and videos to be output, it is more preferable to use the first display unit 4a for the drive radar and the second display unit 4b for the radar detector. When equipped with a drive recorder function, the camera is typically installed near the center of the vehicle's width. Therefore, the radar detector 1 with the drive recorder function of this embodiment is preferably installed near the center of the vehicle's width. In this way, in a right-hand drive vehicle such as a Japanese car, the second display unit 4b is positioned closer to the driver while driving, making it easier for the driver to check the radar detector's useful video reports while driving. Furthermore, since the first display unit 4a is arranged closer to the passenger seat, if there is a passenger in the passenger seat, for example, the passenger can easily view the video captured by the camera with the drive recorder function.

[0270] Although not shown, the radar detector 1 equipped with the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b may have a video input terminal for connecting to another external camera. The video from the other external camera may be displayed on one of the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b, while the other display unit may display a display screen for a drive recorder or a radar detector. For example, displaying a display screen for a radar detector on the other display unit allows the driver to receive useful radar detector video alerts and view video captured by the external camera. In particular, the external camera may be configured to capture an area other than the area in front of the vehicle. If the external camera is configured to capture an area other than the area in front of the vehicle, the display unit may display a view outside the driver's field of vision while the vehicle is moving forward. Furthermore, it is preferable for the external camera to be configured to capture a different direction from the camera for the drive recorder. When the camera is set to capture images in different directions, it is particularly useful to display the image captured by the external camera on one display and the image captured by the dashcam camera on the other display, allowing images captured in different directions to be displayed simultaneously on two screens.

[0271] In the system configuration in which the above-mentioned external camera is connected, the control unit 18 of the radar detector 1 preferably has a setting function for setting the type and content to be displayed on the two screens of the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b.

[0272] When both the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b are configured to display video data captured by a dashcam camera or an external camera during normal operation without an alarm, at least one of the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b may display an alarm / alert screen based on the radar detector's functions when an approaching alarm for an alarm target or other radar detector alarm / alert event occurs. A function for setting the display unit to display the alarm / alert screen based on the radar detector's functions is preferably provided. Such a setting may include a function for selecting, for example, "display the alarm / alert screen on both the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b," "display the alarm / alert screen on the first display unit 4a," or "display the alarm / alert screen on the second display unit 4b." While the setting may be simple, allowing the user to select any two of the three exemplified settings, it is more preferable to configure the display to allow the user to select all three. Furthermore, if such a setting function is not provided, it may be configured to display a screen based on the radar detector's functions only on the second display unit 4b. In this way, a predetermined camera image is displayed while a warning screen is displayed on the second display unit 4b on the driver's side of a right-hand drive vehicle, which is advantageous because it makes it easier for the driver to recognize the warning screen.

[0273] [Radar detector with multiple screens (a type in which the total number of cameras is greater than the number of displays)] Regardless of whether or not it has a drive recorder function, this radar detector is equipped with multiple display units, and for example, it is preferable that the total number of built-in cameras mounted in case 2 and external cameras connected to case 2 is greater (three or more in this embodiment) than the number of display units (two in this embodiment), and it is preferable that it has a function to display video data taken by predetermined cameras that are less than or equal to the number of display units on predetermined display units based on conditions set in the case where the total number is greater. By switching the camera to be displayed and displaying it on the predetermined display unit according to predetermined conditions, it is possible to display appropriate video, for example.

[0274] For example, in a case where there are two display units and four cameras capturing images in the front, rear, left, and right directions, as in this embodiment, a function may be provided to select images from two predetermined cameras and display them on a predetermined display unit. The capturing areas of the cameras capturing images in the left and right directions may not be directly to the side, but may be, for example, diagonally forward left or diagonally forward right. These capturing areas may include areas that are blind spots or difficult to see for the driver. The two predetermined cameras that output images to be displayed on the display unit may be, for example, cameras capturing the front of the vehicle and the direction in which the vehicle is intended to travel. The direction in which the image is captured in the predetermined direction in which the vehicle is intended to travel may be determined, for example, based on the turn signal output in the OBD information and vehicle information. For example, when the turn signal is for a left turn, the control unit displays image data from the camera capturing the left side on a predetermined display unit, and when the turn signal is for a right turn, the control unit displays image data from the camera capturing the right side on a predetermined display unit. Based on the shift lever position signal output in the OBD information and vehicle information, if the signal is in the R range, the control unit displays the image data from the camera capturing the rear view on a specified display unit.

[0275] For example, if the display is configured to display images from a camera that takes pictures of the front and a camera that takes pictures of the rear when driving straight ahead, the image data displayed from the cameras when driving straight ahead and when driving backward will be the same, so the same switching display operation can be performed without control based on a signal from the shift lever position.

[0276] The predetermined display unit that displays the image from the camera based on the traveling direction may have a function for switching by setting. However, for example, if switching is not possible or as a default, image data from a camera capturing the front view may be displayed on the first display unit 4a, which is far from the driver's seat, and image data from a camera capturing the left, right, or rear view may be displayed on the second display unit 4b, which is closer to the driver's seat. In this way, the image captured in the area in the direction in which the vehicle is traveling is displayed in a position close to the driver, which is advantageous because it is easy for the driver to see and confirm. Since the image data captured in the front view is also an area that the driver can originally see directly through the windshield, it is advantageous because there is little impact from it being difficult to see even if it is displayed in a position far from the driver.

[0277] Another display format is, for example, to display video data from a camera that meets a predetermined condition on one display unit, while dividing the screen of the other display unit into multiple sections and displaying reduced versions of the video data from the multiple cameras on the other display unit. While the video data from the camera that meets the predetermined condition may be switched, for example, in a predetermined order or randomly, it is preferable to display video data from a camera that captures the vehicle's direction of travel, as this provides useful video for driving. One display unit that displays the video from the camera that meets the predetermined condition may be, for example, the first display unit 4a located away from the driver's seat in a right-hand drive vehicle, while the other display unit that simultaneously displays reduced versions of the video data from multiple cameras may be, for example, the second display unit 4b located closer to the driver's seat in a right-hand drive vehicle (see FIG. 34(a)). While the reduced display makes each divided display smaller, displaying the reduced version closer to the driver's seat prevents the driver from viewing the data in a reduced format. Note that in FIG. 34, the video data displayed on each display unit is indicated by the letters (a, b, c, d) for convenience.

[0278] As shown in Fig. 34(a), for example, if the second display unit 4b is divided into four, it is possible to simultaneously display video data from four cameras. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 34(b), in each of the four images on the second display unit 4b, the image corresponding to the video data displayed on the first display unit 4a can be surrounded by, for example, a first indication frame 90 of a predetermined color. This makes it easy to see which of the four images is being enlarged and displayed on the first display unit 4a.

[0279] 34(c), it is preferable to display a second indication frame 91 so as to surround the outer periphery of the first display section 4a in response to the display of the first indication frame 90. This is advantageous because it makes it easier to understand the correlation between the video data being displayed on the first display section 4a and the video data displayed in split mode on the second display section 4b. It is preferable to display the first indication frame 90 and the second indication frame 91 in the same color scheme, as this strengthens the correlation, and it is even more preferable to display them in the same color.

[0280] When the display colors of the first indication frame 90 and the second indication frame 91 are the same color scheme or the same color, it is more preferable to assign different colors to the four display positions of the split-display second display unit 4b or to the four cameras. In this way, when the camera displayed on the first display unit 4a is switched, the display colors of the first indication frame 90 and the second indication frame 91 change, so that it is possible to intuitively understand that the camera has been switched and to understand from the display color which camera the image is from.

[0281] In the above-described embodiment, a video input terminal is provided and an external camera is connected via a wire, but it is also preferable to connect the external camera wirelessly. It is also possible to capture video from an external camera without incorporating a camera inside case 2. In this case, the camera can be installed in a predetermined position, such as the center of the windshield, and the main body with the display unit can be placed in a position that is easy for the driver to see, for example, on the dashboard. A wireless configuration is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for wiring.

[0282] [Dual screen radar detector 1 can be flipped upside down] The dual-screen radar detector 1 described above is configured, for example, as shown in Figure 35(a), with a predetermined bracket 3 attached to the bottom side of the main body case 2, and the bottom of the bracket 3 fixed to the dashboard of the vehicle with a predetermined fixing member. In Figure 35, the image data to be displayed on each display unit is indicated by the letters A and B for convenience. The radar detector 1 can also be configured to be attached and fixed to the back of a sun visor, the back of a rearview mirror, the windshield, etc. using another bracket 3.

[0283] In this case, as shown in FIG. 35(b), the radar detector 1 is mounted on the vehicle in an inverted orientation with the bottom of the case 2 facing up, resulting in the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b being positioned left to right as viewed from the driver's side. Therefore, the control unit 18 of the radar detector 1 controls the images displayed on the first display unit 4a and the second display unit 4b to be swapped left to right and displayed upside down depending on the vertical orientation of the radar detector 1. In this way, the same display content can be displayed on the side closer to the driver regardless of the mounting orientation of the radar detector 1. For example, information that is more visible to the driver can be displayed closer to the driver. Similarly, the same display content can be displayed on the side farther from the driver regardless of the mounting orientation of the radar detector 1. The vertical orientation can be detected, for example, by a G sensor.

[0284] This display control function of the radar detector should be implemented regardless of whether or not the radar detector has a drive recorder function. However, in the case of a radar detector that has a drive recorder function implemented, it is particularly good to use the side closest to the driver for alarm notification regardless of the mounting position of the radar detector.

[0285] [Camera position of dual-screen radar detector 1] For example, as shown in Figure 33(c), the camera 8 should be mounted in a position offset from the center in the left-right direction, directly behind or directly behind the first display unit 4a. Displaying the image captured by the camera on the first display unit 4a is advantageous, as it creates the feeling that the image is being viewed through the first display unit 4a. If the device has a function for switching the display unit that displays the image captured by the camera, it is preferable to set display on the first display unit 4a as the default.

[0286] [Radar detector with ASIC] The circuits of the various radar detectors mentioned above can be the same as those conventionally used, but it is even better to make them on a single chip. Components to be built into the chip should include, for example, an LNA, a mixer, a VCO, an IF amplifier, IF detection, signal processing, and FSK (K-band speed camera identification). This will result in smaller size, lower costs, fewer parts, more stable performance, and protection against circuit copying.

[0287] [ASIC built-in VCO temperature compensation] Some of the radar detectors mentioned above are equipped with an ASIC. The varicap capacitance inside the VCO built into such an ASIC fluctuates with temperature changes, causing the oscillation frequency of the VCO to fluctuate accordingly. To solve this problem, it is recommended to provide a function that uses an external element to compensate for frequency shifts caused by temperature changes.

[0288] Such compensation function can be achieved, for example, by utilizing the input terminal (Vcont) for setting the VCO provided in the ASIC. The VCO outputs a signal with an oscillation frequency corresponding to the voltage value input to Vcont. Therefore, it is advisable to implement an NTC thermistor and LTC compensation method using the Vcont input by, for example, equipping a radar detector or the like with a temperature sensor to detect the ambient temperature and adjust the voltage value input to Vcont based on the detected ambient temperature. This configuration enables compensation within a certain voltage range (e.g., 0.5 to 2.5 V), suppressing fluctuations. Because it uses voltage division, it is less effective at low voltages, but it is acceptable as long as the voltage is above a certain level.

[0289] It is also a good idea to use the input terminal (Vadj) for adjusting the VCO. When a specified voltage is input to the Vadj terminal, the VCO changes and adjusts the oscillation frequency according to the input voltage value. Therefore, it is a good idea to implement an NTC thermistor and LTC compensation method using the Vadj input by, for example, equipping a radar detector with a temperature sensor to detect the ambient temperature and adjust the voltage value input to Vadj based on the detected ambient temperature. With such a configuration, correction is possible within the entire voltage range (e.g., 0 to 3V), suppressing fluctuations. Using LTC enables linear compensation and eliminates fluctuations from almost room temperature.

[0290] [Use of disaster information provided by GPS (Michibiki)] One of the services provided by the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is the Disaster and Crisis Management Notification Service. This service transmits disaster information such as earthquake and tsunami information, crisis management information such as terrorism, and evacuation advisories from government disaster prevention and crisis management agencies. This service delivers disaster information and other messages to users. The signals transmitting Disaster and Crisis Management Notifications (hereinafter referred to as "Disaster and Crisis Notifications") have the same frequency and waveform as the signals transmitted by GPS satellites, which are commonly used for satellite positioning. Therefore, GPS devices equipped with GPS units, such as the various radar detectors, navigation systems, and drive recorders mentioned above, can receive Disaster and Crisis Management Notifications using their GPS units.

[0291] For example, in the event of a disaster, it is expected that the power grid will be destroyed and mobile networks will become unavailable. On the other hand, as long as a vehicle has fuel, it can function as a power source for GPS devices and other equipment. GPS devices can also be battery-powered. It is advisable to equip radar detectors and other GPS devices with a function to receive disaster alerts and a function to issue alerts based on those alerts.

[0292] For example, in Kagoshima Prefecture, ashfall from Mount Kirishima and Sakurajima has become a problem, and ashfall predictions are even announced in weather forecasts. Ashfall is so closely related to daily life that checking the ashfall forecast has become a part of life. It would be good if information about this ashfall could be reported. For example, it would be good to report the source location and the predicted amount of ashfall, such as "Currently, a large amount of ashfall is expected from Mount Kirishima."

[0293] The notification timing should be set to notify when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off. It is also recommended to operate the device with battery backup when the power is cut off, such as when the engine is turned off, and to notify disaster prevention weather information (ash fall).

[0294] For example, when the engine is off, it is a good idea to provide disaster prevention weather information (ashfall) such as "Large amounts of ashfall are currently predicted from Mount Kirishima," along with information on the source, situation, and extent of the disaster, and it is especially good to provide a warning message about what to do next, such as "Take in the laundry." When the engine is turned off, people often get out of the car, park the vehicle, and then go straight into their home. Therefore, providing a warning at that time is ideal, as it allows the driver or other user to easily move on to the next action.

[0295] Although the alert can be given when the engine is started, it is preferable to give it when the engine is turned off. For example, when the engine is started, the driver is about to start driving the vehicle and head out somewhere. Therefore, if the driver is planning to leave the house for a certain period of time, it would be desirable to give the driver disaster prevention weather information (ashfall) at that time, as this could give the driver an opportunity to take ashfall precautions, such as taking in laundry, before setting off again. However, since the driver may be in a hurry and short on time, it is more preferable to give the alert when the engine is turned off, when there is more time to spare, such as when returning home. Also, when the engine is turned off, the driver can take measures in advance when getting out, such as putting the vehicle in a covered place like a carport or putting a cover on the vehicle. This is also good because it allows the driver to take measures such as taking in laundry immediately. The disaster prevention weather information (ashfall) also includes information on the predicted amount of ashfall. The predicted amount of ashfall is divided into four levels, from 1 to 4. For example, level 1 is "light ashfall," level 2 is "moderately heavy ashfall," level 3 is "heavy ashfall," and level 4 is "small volcanic rock fall." GPS devices such as radar detectors should be equipped with a function to change the alert level depending on the severity. For example, they may not issue an alert for level 1, but may issue an alert for levels 2 and 3. In level 4, evacuation is necessary, so the disaster prevention weather information (ashfall) should not be issued, and an alert urging evacuation should be issued, but the disaster prevention weather information (ashfall) should not be issued. It is also recommended that the alert be issued only when the area and time zone correspond to the current location and time.

[0296] (Linkage with wireless alarms) It would be good for the control unit of a radar detector or the like to have a function that links and notifies wireless warnings and information from Michibiki. Information from Michibiki could be, for example, the issuance of eruption warnings, ash fall information, etc. For example, if the content of a specified disaster notification such as eruption information issued by Michibiki is linked to wireless information and notified, it would be possible to raise more awareness based on both types of warnings.

[0297] Regarding the timing of the warning, if a specific radio signal is received and specific information from Michibiki (such as an eruption warning or ash fall information) is received, it would be good to have a function that also notifies the specific information from Michibiki. For example, when a radio warning is issued, the Michibiki information could be read out using TTS or similar. For example, it would be good to announce something like, "Digital radio signal received. An eruption warning has also been issued for Mount Kirishima (Moedake). Please drive with caution," using voice, captions, or other text. Receiving specific radio signals may indicate that government activities are intensifying, and if an eruption warning or similar is issued at that time, there is a high possibility that government activities and eruption countermeasures are taking place, which is a good thing because it allows for countermeasures to be taken, such as taking routes that anticipate traffic congestion or routes that do not interfere with government activities.

[0298] It is possible to set the alarm to sound when specific information from Michibiki is received, but since it is sent periodically, the same alarm will be repeated. Therefore, if the alarm is sounded every time specific information from Michibiki is received, the alarms will be frequent and irritating, and the effectiveness of the alarms may be reduced. Therefore, after a single alarm, it is recommended that alarms based on the same information be sounded when specific alarm conditions are met. The specific alarm conditions may be, for example, the passage of a specific period of time. In this way, the alarm will not be sounded for at least the specific period of time, making it less annoying. The specific period may be a time or a number of times. Furthermore, the specific alarm condition may be the occurrence of another alarm, and linking it to a wireless alarm received via radio is particularly effective for achieving high relevance and relevance. It is especially useful as an administrative radio for police, fire departments, helicopters, etc.

[0299] (Tsunami and river flooding alert function) One of the prescribed information for Michibiki is a "tsunami warning," and there are many different types of "tsunami warnings" prescribed. For example, "A tsunami of the same magnitude as the Great East Japan Earthquake is coming."

[0300] Radar detectors and the like store information that includes coastline information on maps. The control unit of a radar detector or the like should have a function to issue an audio warning "informing people that their current location is dangerous" and to move away from the sea when a tsunami warning is issued near the current location. It would be good to have a message that informs people that a tsunami will reach this location (the current location). For example, it would be good to notify people of the actions they should take at this time, such as "head towards the mountains" or "evacuate to higher ground."

[0301] On the other hand, if the current location is far enough from the sea, it is more preferable to have a function to suppress the warning that "the current location is dangerous." The suppression of the warning can be achieved by not issuing a warning at all, but it is better to notify the user on the screen without issuing an audio warning.

[0302] For example, it would be possible to issue a uniform warning for a certain area such as a city, town, or village where disaster risk reports are issued, but even within the same area, there are areas at high altitudes such as on top of mountains, or areas far from the coastline where the possibility of a tsunami reaching them is low, and issuing a warning in such low-risk areas could panic or confuse drivers, causing them to take unnecessary evacuation actions. Therefore, it is better to issue a warning specifically for dangerous areas such as those close to the coastline as described above.

[0303] Tsunami warnings may be issued based on altitude instead of the aforementioned function based on distance from the coastline, and more preferably, both a function based on distance from the coastline and a function based on altitude should be provided, and it is even more preferable to have a function to issue a warning based on both types of information.

[0304] For example, elevation-based alerts can be made by using contour data on a map and issuing an audible warning that "your current location is in danger" if the current location is below the height corresponding to the largest tsunami. Since low-lying areas are at risk of seawater intrusion even if they are far from the coastline, it is advisable to issue a warning to those areas. A height below the height corresponding to the largest tsunami could be, for example, less than 20 meters above sea level.

[0305] The function of issuing a warning based on both information may, for example, issue a warning when at least one of the conditions is met. If both conditions are met, such as being close to the coastline and having a low elevation, the warning may be issued in a stronger manner to indicate a high level of urgency. Furthermore, for example, if the location is within a certain distance from the coastline but the elevation is higher than the height corresponding to the largest tsunami, the tsunami warning may not be issued. More preferably, the warning may be issued in a manner that makes the situation clear. A warning that makes the situation clear may, for example, be an indication that "a tsunami has occurred or is likely to occur, and the current location is close to the coastline but at a high elevation." For example, even if a tsunami warning is issued and the area in the direction of movement becomes lower, there is a risk that the tsunami will reach the location before the user is a safe distance from the coastline. Therefore, it may be safer to remain in the current location at the elevation at which the tsunami warning was issued. Therefore, for example, by notifying the user of the distance from the coastline and the altitude of the current location in specific numerical values, useful information can be provided to help the user decide whether it is safer to move away from the coastline or to wait there.

[0306] The above example has been described as an example of notification based on a tsunami, but the same can be done for river flooding, using the location and elevation of the river as criteria.

[0307] (Combination of location information and alert level) The control unit of a radar detector or the like should have the function of determining whether or not the direction of an earthquake, tsunami, eruption, flood, etc. (dangerous location: disaster area) is near the current location or in the direction of the current heading, and issuing an alert if it is, or suppressing the alert if it is not.

[0308] This method notifies the driver when a dangerous location is expected to exist in the near future, rather than when the driver's current location is. For example, if a destination is set in a car navigation system, the driver can be notified based on the planned driving route. However, if a destination is not set, the driver can predict the approximate direction of travel based on the driving history from the departure point, and notify the driver if there is a dangerous location ahead.

[0309] The Michibiki disaster and crisis management notification service distributes emergency earthquake alerts, tsunami forecasts, eruption prediction information, weather warnings, and flood information, and has three notification levels: top priority, priority, and normal. Therefore, it is a good idea to change the area to be notified according to the priority level: top priority, priority, or normal. For example, it is more preferable to notify top priority even if it is not near the current location.

[0310] (Evacuation function) The radar detector is linked to the vehicle's destination setting function, and the radar detector has the function to input an area with no disaster information as the destination into the destination setting function. In the case of a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, if the current location is in a disaster area, the vehicle will be driven autonomously to an area with no disaster information. If there are people on board, it is a good idea to ask whether they want to move. If there are no people on board, such as when parking, it is a good idea to move the vehicle to the nearest safe area.

[0311] (Linkage with drive recorder) It is recommended that the drive recorder be equipped with a function to record the issuance of a disaster alert in its log. By recording an event based on a disaster alert, it is possible to record the circumstances of the disaster or other incident that formed the basis of the disaster alert.

[0312] For example, a radar detector and a drive recorder can be linked, and the radar detector, which issues a warning based on a disaster notification, can notify the drive recorder of the warning and its contents. Based on the notification, the drive recorder performs an event recording, recording a predetermined period before and after the notification, and records the contents of the notification in association with each other. In this way, when a user or the like later looks at the log, they can, for example, see the location at the time of the notification, remember the danger, and confirm that they were able to avoid the danger safely.

[0313] In particular, it is advisable to equip a drive recorder equipped with a camera that records the interior of the vehicle with a function for recording events based on disaster alerts. When recording the interior of the vehicle, the drive recorder can record the behavior of the driver and passengers, which is advantageous because it can be used to check later how panicked they were when an alert based on a disaster alert was issued, or to study how people behave.

[0314] The communication that sends out the disaster occurrence is not limited to the disaster / emergency communication sent from the satellite mentioned above, and various other means can be used, such as V-ALERT (registered trademark), a local government disaster prevention information media using the new broadcasting service i-dio, but it is particularly good to use disaster / emergency communication. Disaster / emergency communication covers the entire country, notifies of many types and degrees of disasters, and provides detailed information. It can be received using the GPS unit that is already installed in the radar detector, so there is no need to install a separate special receiver.

[0315] [Passenger Recognition Function] The various radar detectors described above may be equipped with a function for recognizing passengers entering a vehicle and may be equipped with a function for issuing different warnings depending on the recognized passenger. This allows for issuing warnings appropriate to the passenger entering the vehicle. The passenger recognition function may be implemented, for example, by a camera mounted thereon and performing face or person recognition based on captured image data. Different warnings may be issued, for example, by distinguishing between passengers and changing the content of the warning. For example, in a radar detector equipped with a function for displaying a character and announcing the character through changes in the character's movements, posture, or voice, the warning may be issued using a character appropriate to the passenger, or by switching on or off the character's warning.

[0316] Different warnings can be provided with a function to switch between different content for different genders, young people, and the elderly. For example, for the elderly, more strict warnings about stopping, temporary stop, and wrong-way driving can be provided, while for young people, more strict warnings about speeding can be provided. Individual preference settings can be registered, and warnings can be provided with the registered, unregistered content for each passenger. It is also a good idea to set up a theft alarm if an unregistered person is driving. This can be used to prevent theft.

[0317] [Built-in i-dio tuner] The various radar detectors mentioned above should preferably have a built-in i-dio tuner and be able to connect to car audio via wired or wireless communication. Wireless communication can be achieved using Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. The control unit has the function of outputting the sound received by the i-dio tuner from the car audio and displaying information transmitted via data broadcasting on the display unit. This can be displayed as one of the standby screens on the radar detector's display. It can also be used to display the screen of the Amanek channel, a free digital broadcasting service for car and travel enthusiasts.

[0318] Radar detectors output alarm sounds from their built-in speakers. Under normal circumstances, the sound received by the tuner is output from the car audio, and when an alarm occurs, the alarm sound should be output from both the built-in speaker and the car audio. When an alarm is activated, it is best to switch the music received by the i-dio tuner to be output from the built-in speaker and output the alarm from the car audio. Drivers focus their attention on the sound coming from the car audio, so outputting the alarm sound / voice from the car audio enhances the alarm effect. Music that was previously output from the car audio can now be switched to be output from the built-in speaker, maintaining continuity of the music, which is good.

[0319] [Built-in door mirror] The above-mentioned various radar detectors and the like may be built into door mirrors. When built into door mirrors, a display may be attached to the mirror surface, or the mirror may be a half mirror with a display unit on the back side thereof, so that when the display unit is turned on, the displayed content of the display unit can be seen through the half mirror, and when not in the store, the entire surface may function as a mirror.

[0320] [Flip-down monitor] The various radar detectors and the like described above are equipped with a flip-down monitor that automatically opens and closes relative to the main body, and the main body is attached to a predetermined position on the vehicle. The main body is attached, for example, to the sun visor or windshield using a predetermined mounting bracket. When the main body is attached to a predetermined position on the vehicle and the monitor is closed, the monitor is approximately parallel to the ceiling or floor of the vehicle, reducing the area in the driver's field of view and reducing the sense of obstruction. When an alarm is issued, a motor that opens and closes the monitor is driven to open the monitor and display the alarm screen on the monitor's display. When the alarm ends, the motor is preferably driven to return the monitor to the closed state.

[0321] [Installation type for existing monitor-equipped rearview mirror] The various radar detectors described above are rearview mirror-mounted radar detectors, and are preferably designed so that they do not block the existing monitor when attached to a rearview mirror equipped with an existing monitor. This allows the radar detector to be attached to a rearview mirror with an existing monitor without impairing the visibility of the existing monitor, making it usable even for users who dislike dashboard-mounted types.

[0322] A structure that does not block the existing monitor may, for example, be such that the portion facing the existing monitor is an open space, and in particular, it may be desirable to configure part or all of the radar detector display with transparent EL and place the transparent EL display in front of the existing monitor. In this way, visibility can be ensured even for an existing monitor that occupies a large area relative to the rearview mirror. In a structure that uses transparent EL, it is better to have a function that controls the transparent EL so that it is not lit and is transparent when the existing monitor is lit.

[0323] [Radar detector with USB output terminal] The various radar detectors mentioned above should preferably be equipped with a micro-USB power output terminal, which allows you to connect and charge smartphones and other mobile devices.

[0324] [Functions to prevent false recognition of the drive recorder's acceleration sensor due to sound, etc.] Sounds generated inside the vehicle can be transmitted to the acceleration sensor, which can mistakenly recognize them as vehicle vibrations and cause events to be recorded. For example, the impact is greatest when music is played at high volume or low volumes. In particular, in a radar detector integrated with a drive recorder, where sound-generating components, such as a speaker that outputs the detector's alarm, and the drive recorder's acceleration sensor are mounted in the same housing, there is a problem in that sounds generated within the same housing can reach the acceleration sensor and interfere with impact detection.

[0325] In this embodiment, in order to solve these problems, a function for adding an inverse phase of a sound is provided. For example, the sound generated externally is picked up by a microphone, and in the case of a self-output sound such as an alarm sound, the output sound is used. These sounds are input to a processing unit that generates an inverse phase, and the inverse phase generated by the processing unit is added to the acceleration sensor to cancel out the sound.

[0326] Another solution is to suppress malfunctions caused by sounds generated by the device itself, such as the alarm sound of a radar detector integrated with a drive recorder, and if the sound is temporary, it is advisable to control the device so that acceleration detection is not performed during the sound emission period, such as during the alarm. In this way, the problem can be solved with a simple configuration.

[0327] For example, the impact of the alarm sound on the drive recorder function of a radar detector integrated with a drive recorder can affect not only the acceleration sensor mentioned above, but also the recording of environmental sounds in the drive recorder. The alarm sound of the detector can be heard by the microphone of the drive recorder, interfering with the recording of environmental sounds. To solve this problem, a device equipped with a function to add an inverse phase of the alarm sound to the detection signal from the microphone is proposed.

[0328] [Device with integrated drive recorder and radio wave emission function] For example, devices with a function to emit radio waves, such as radar detectors and motion detection Doppler sensors, are equipped with directional antennas. It is advisable to align the radiation axis of the device's directional antenna with the imaging center of the dashcam camera. This is advantageous because the radiation direction of the invisible radio waves matches the image, ensuring proper installation.

[0329] Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the directional antenna so that its radiation angle is wider than the camera's angle of view. This is advantageous because it allows radio waves to be recognized within the range of the image captured by the camera. This is also advantageous because it allows the housing to be compact. Preferably, the directional antenna is arranged so that its half-value angle is wider than the wide camera's angle of view. If the radiation angle and half-value angle are the same, it is advantageous because the range of the image captured by the camera is the boundary between them. As an example, if the directional antenna 93 is a patch antenna, it is preferable to arrange the patches 93a constituting the directional antenna 93 and the camera 8 as shown in Figure 36.

[0330] [Data communication method] The various radar detectors mentioned above, for example, update firmware or update POI data related to the target of an alert. For communication devices that use a communication system that manages firmware update data communication and regular communication under separate fee structures, it is recommended to send POI data via firmware update data communication. For example, if there is a limit on the amount of data that can be sent in one firmware update data communication, and the data volume of the firmware update data to be sent is below that limit and there is space available, it is recommended to send the POI data as well.

[0331] For example, a system that distributes POI data distributed by manufacturers, etc. on a regular basis, such as monthly, and POI data based on posts, can be configured so that the regularly distributed POI data is transmitted using existing methods such as WiFi, while the POI data based on posts is transmitted using LPWA.

[0332] In this way, posted POI data can be transmitted in real time using LPWA. POI data that is distributed periodically is not real-time and has a large data size, so it is transmitted using conventional methods such as Wi-Fi without using LPWA.

[0333] Because LPWA can only transmit a small amount of data at a time, it is difficult to send data covering the entire country, so it is best to narrow it down based on the surrounding area and the date and time of posting. For example, when acquiring POI data for a post, a radar detector sends its current location information to a server that manages the POI data for the post, and the server extracts the POI data for the area surrounding the current location and transmits it to the radar detector. The radar detector acquires and stores the transmitted POI data, and adds it to the list of POIs to be alerted when issuing GPS alerts in the future. It is better to limit the POI data for posts extracted and sent by the server to the most recently registered data, such as today, as this reduces the amount of data transmitted.

[0334] The timing for obtaining posted POI data can be, for example, to send current location information to the server every fixed time (for example, 10 minutes), and the server will return any POI data it finds within a radius of the current location (for example, a 5km or 10km radius). The fixed time for sending current location information could be extended, for example, to one hour, so that, for example, when the engine is started, the current location is sent to the server, and the server sends posted POI data within an hour's driving distance (for example, within a 100km radius), and the radar detector sends the current location again after a fixed time has passed. Repeating this process can lengthen the transmission span.

[0335] When the engine is started, POIs covering a relatively wide range are sent, taking into account travel on highways, and from the second time onwards, the distance and direction of travel are recognized from the previous current position data, the range of travel in the next fixed time is predicted, and POI data posted within this predicted range is sent. In this way, unnecessary data is sent, which increases communication capacity, but only the necessary and sufficient POI data can be sent. It is better to send only important POI data such as police data via LPWA rather than sending all POI data via LPWA. If all POI data is sent, it would be nearly 2M, which would be difficult to send via LPWA. Therefore, by sending only important POI data such as police data, important POI data can be sent reliably and given priority, and can be received by radar detectors.

[0336] It is a good idea to send important POI data more frequently than regular updates, and then send all POI data when the radar detector is connected to WiFi. When connected to WiFi, it is a good idea to send all data regardless of whether it is a POI that has been sent in advance. This eliminates the need to manage the information on POIs that have been sent in advance, simplifies control, and is advantageous when sending via WiFi, as it does not have much of an impact even if the total volume of data sent is large.

[0337] You never know when WiFi will be connected. The server updates periodically, for example, once a month, but if WiFi is not connected for a long period of time beyond the update period, an alert will be generated based on old POI data, which is not desirable. Therefore, important POI data is actively transmitted using LPWA.

[0338] [Lane notification function] The various radar detectors described above record lane information relating to the number of lanes for a specific road, such as a major road. The radar detector should have a function to identify the road the vehicle is currently traveling on based on current location information, and if lane information, such as the number of lanes, for that road is registered, to report the lane information. For example, the number of lanes, such as "This road has XX lanes in each direction," or the lane status, such as "Two-way traffic," should be reported aloud.

[0339] In this way, even in situations where the lanes of the road you are traveling on are not visible, for example, due to the road surface being shiny because of rain, or due to snow accumulation or the lane lines being worn away, you can know the approximate location of the lanes, which is advantageous as it reduces the need to cross lanes. In particular, when traveling in a place for the first time, it is advantageous to know at least the main roads, as this allows you to drive safely. Also, when there are many lanes, for example, "five lanes on each side," if you plan to turn right or left at the next intersection, it is better to change lanes early to the lane closest to the direction of the turn, and useful information can be provided for safe driving, so you do not have to panic by changing lanes just before the intersection. Also, when there are many lanes, there may be right-turn lanes or left-turn lanes near the intersection, so if you plan to go straight, you will know that it is better to drive in the center lane, and you will not have to panic and change lanes near the intersection.

[0340] [Wrong-way driving warning function] The various radar detectors mentioned above should be equipped with a function to recognize no-entry signs using image recognition and issue an alarm if a wrong-way driver is driving. Furthermore, at highway entrances and service areas, GPS coordinates of several locations should be registered in advance, and the system should be equipped with a function to determine whether the points have been passed in order and issue a wrong-way driving alarm if the points have not been passed in order.

[0341] [Event recording linked to GPS data] For devices with drive recorder functionality, it is advisable to have an event recording function linked to GPS data. For example, the target of event recording can be wrong-way driving point data included in the GPS data, and in the event of wrong-way driving, it is advisable to not only display a warning on the screen and issue an audio alert, but also record the event. In particular, if the device has a function to capture the inside of the car, such as a 360-degree camera, it is good because it can record the driver's behavior when the wrong-way driving warning is issued.

[0342] In addition, if the vehicle speed does not come to a complete stop at a stop point, an event will be recorded. This is a point where many accidents occur, so it would be a good idea to record an event even if there is only a minor collision with a bicycle or pedestrian.

[0343] Furthermore, if the speed limit is exceeded when passing through a vehicle speed measurement device such as an Orvis, an event can be recorded, allowing for confirmation after passing. This is useful because it allows you to check how fast you were traveling, and provides a basis for asserting your actual traveling speed if there is a discrepancy with the speed recorded by the vehicle speed measurement device. It is also a good idea to record an event if you were not exceeding the speed limit. This is good because it provides evidence that you were traveling within the speed limit.

[0344] [Image-based vehicle position correction function when positioning is not available] In long tunnels such as Ohashi Junction, GPS information is not available, making it impossible to issue warnings based on GPS information. In such cases, radar detectors are equipped with a function that calculates mileage and direction based on OBD information to estimate the current location and then issues approach warnings based on that information. When estimating the current location based on OBD information, the warning location may be slightly off by a few centimeters. To address this issue, a function is recommended, for example, to use image recognition on video data captured by a camera or other in-vehicle camera, correcting the vehicle's position using images of distinctive locations such as exits, entrances, and forks within the tunnel, thereby enabling accurate warnings. Such a correction function would enable radar detectors without an OBD connection to issue warnings at appropriate locations within tunnels. It is also useful to correct the current location based on emergency exits, electronic bulletin boards, and other signs. In this case, if there are multiple similar signs within a tunnel, for example, it is effective to count the number of times the vehicle has entered the tunnel and then correct the current location.

[0345] [Power saving function during parking monitoring] In the case of a radar detector with an integrated drive recorder, the power is turned on / off in common, so for example, when the power is turned on when the engine starts, both the drive recorder function and the radar detector function operate, and when the engine is turned off, the power of the main unit is turned off and the drive recorder function and radar detector function stop. In such a case, for example, if parking recording is performed with a radar detector with an integrated drive recorder, the power of the main unit continues to be on even when the vehicle is parked, so both the drive recorder function and the radar detector function operate, which poses the problem of increased battery consumption.

[0346] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a function to reduce power consumption by turning off the display screen, and also to provide a function to reduce power consumption by turning off the reception functions of radio waves, radar waves, etc., and operating only as a drive recorder without issuing alarms, etc.

[0347] While various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments and modifications, it should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are provided to aid in understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, but also encompasses combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. While the configurations of the present invention sought to be patented are specified in the claims attached to this application, it is hereby expressly stated that configurations not currently specified in the claims but disclosed herein may be claimed in the future. The applicant intends to obtain rights to such portions and combinations through amendments, divisional applications, conversions to design applications, etc.

[0348] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The components of the above-described embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention intends to obtain rights to such configurations through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0349] 1: Radar detector 2: Case 4:Display section 5: Touch panel 6: LED light emitting part 11: Memory card 13: GPS receiver 14: Microwave receiver 18: Control section 19: Database 41a: Volume up button 41b: Volume down button 41c: Settings button 41d: Change standby button 41e: Item change button 41f:Registration button 42a: System button 42b: Function button 42c :Option button 43b: Setting item display area 43b': Title display section 43b″:Setting content display area 44a: Title display section 44b: Setting value candidate display section 45a: Contents explanation display section 45b: Button 72a: Information display section 72d: Enforcement Type Notification Department R1: Main display area W1: First window W2: Second window W3: Alarm image display window W4: Message window

Claims

1. A means of taking pictures of what is in front, A system comprising: a control unit that issues an alarm based on image data obtained by the aforementioned shooting means, The control unit has a function to perform image recognition processing on the image data captured by the shooting means, designating a sign that notifies the presence of a warning object ahead on the road being traveled as a predetermined detection target object, and issuing a warning when the predetermined detection target object is present. A system characterized by the following.

2. The aforementioned specified object to be detected is a traffic enforcement warning sign. The system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned enforcement warning sign must be a pre-warning sign or a pre-announcement sign. The system according to claim 2, characterized by the following:

4. The control unit has a function to detect the enforcement warning sign and issue a warning using real-time image processing on the image data obtained by the shooting means. The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The control unit performs a predetermined image recognition process on the image data, extracts the sign portion, performs character recognition on the characters written therein, and issues an alarm if the characters match those registered in advance. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The pre-registered text mentioned above must be one of the following: "Speed ​​violation monitoring in progress," "Route with automatic speed enforcement camera," "Section with automatic speed enforcement camera," "Automatic speed monitoring," or "Automatic speed enforcement route." The system according to claim 5, characterized by the following:

7. The control unit provides warnings for speed enforcement devices such as speed cameras that do not have registered location information and therefore cannot provide GPS-based warnings. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. The aforementioned system is a radar detector. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the following:

9. The aforementioned imaging means is either integrated with the main body of the radar detector or is a separate imaging means. The system according to claim 8, characterized by the following:

10. A program for a computer to implement the functions of the system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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