Electronic apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus capable of issuing an alarm desired by a user.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus has an alarm function in which, when an alarm condition is satisfied during display of a standby screen such as a surrounding map of a current position, alarm displays 36a-36e that show, by characters, information of an alarm object satisfying the alarm condition in a pentagonal slender region, for example, are displayed on a display unit 5 in the state in which alarm display are overlaid on the standby screen. The alarm function can simultaneously display a plurality of alarm display on the display unit, and outputs the information of different alarm objects to each alarm display. The display positions of the plurality of alarm display are set as predetermined fixed positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of electronic device is a microwave detector (radar detector) that detects microwaves in a predetermined frequency band emitted from speed measurement devices installed around roads and issues an alarm. However, some speed measurement devices cannot be detected by such microwave detectors. For example, there is a so-called loop type, which uses a loop-shaped coil buried in the ground to detect when a vehicle passes over the coil and determine the vehicle speed. There are also devices that detect vehicle speed using light other than microwaves. Therefore, some electronic devices store installation location information of the speed measurement device in advance and use GPS (Global Positioning System) information to issue an alarm when the current location approaches the stored installation location (when a predetermined relationship is established), regardless of whether microwaves are detected (Patent Document 1).

[0003] This type of electronic device has, for example, a flat, rectangular case and is installed on the dashboard or elsewhere. The front of the installed case (the surface facing the rear of the vehicle (driver's side)) is equipped with a display. The above-mentioned alarm is issued by outputting alarm information consisting of images, videos, text, etc. to the display when a predetermined event occurrence condition or alarm condition is met. A speaker may also be built into the case, and alarm information may be output using sound. The predetermined event occurrence condition may be, for example, when the distance between the current location and the alarm target reaches a predetermined reference distance (e.g., 2000 m, 1000 m, 500 m, etc.) or when a predetermined microwave or radio wave is received. The alarm may be output as an audio alarm such as "500 m ahead, it's XX" (XX being information identifying the alarm target (e.g., a loop coil)), or may display on the display an animated image corresponding to the type of alarm target, a live-action image of each individual alarm target, the name of the type of alarm target (alarm name), and the remaining distance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-64588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, an alarm is issued for a single target determined according to a predetermined rule. The predetermined rule may, for example, assign a priority to each type of target and select the target with the highest priority, or select the target closest to the current location. Furthermore, these rules may be combined, so that, for example, when there are multiple targets with the same high priority, the target closest to the current location is selected.

[0006] However, there are often multiple potential alarm targets, and if only one target is notified based on the above-mentioned rules, the user will not be aware of the existence of other targets, or will be informed late. Furthermore, the target determined by the rules may not be the one the user wants to know about with the highest priority. Therefore, the provision of sufficient information is not sufficient.

[0007] Furthermore, there are various types of standby screens that are displayed on the display unit when no event is occurring, one of which is a standby screen that displays a map of the area around the current location (hereinafter also referred to as a "Map screen"). When an event occurs while such a Map screen is being displayed, if a predetermined animation or live-action image is to be displayed, for example, the area displaying the map is slid, and the animation or live-action image is displayed in the empty area. As a result, the display area becomes smaller as the map moves, which creates a problem that the map becomes difficult to see. Furthermore, such a map usually displays a vehicle icon at the current location on the map, and therefore the vehicle icon also slides as the area displaying the map slides, making it even more difficult to see.

[0008] In addition, conventional alarm content varies depending on the type of alarm target. In other words, conventional electronic devices of this type focus on accurately informing users of the target of the alarm, and while they are easy to understand, they lack interest. Furthermore, they lack a sense of fun and may bore users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic device of the present invention (1) has an alarm function that displays an alarm display on a display unit, showing information about an alarm target that meets the alarm conditions in text within an area. The alarm function can simultaneously display multiple alarm displays on the display unit, with each alarm display outputting information about a different alarm target. This is preferable because, when there are multiple alarm targets that meet the alarm conditions, information about those multiple alarm targets is output in different alarm displays, allowing the user to know the alarm target that they most want to see or are interested in. Furthermore, this alarm display may be displayed, for example, superimposed on a standby screen that is displayed on the display unit when the alarm conditions are not met. In this case, the standby screen is used as the background when the alarm occurs. Alternatively, multiple alarm displays may be output superimposed on another alarm screen.

[0010] (2) It is preferable that, among the plurality of warning displays, a warning display displaying information on a high-priority warning target be displayed in a conspicuous manner, since in this way, when warning displays for a plurality of warning targets are displayed simultaneously, the user's attention is naturally drawn to the warning display for the high-priority warning target, which is preferable.

[0011] (3) Among the plurality of alarm displays, an alarm display displaying information on a high-priority alarm target is displayed in a conspicuous display manner, and the conspicuous display manner may be at least one of displaying the alarm display in a conspicuous red color or positioning the alarm display at the top when arranged vertically. For the display of an alarm display in a conspicuous color, for example, the color of the characters or the frame or background pattern specifying the character area may be red.

[0012] (4) The alarm targets may be stored in a plurality of groups based on the type of alarm target, and the plurality of alarm displays may be associated with the plurality of groups. The grouping may be based, for example, on the type of alarm target, with alarm targets of the same type belonging to the same group, so that each alarm display displays information about different types of alarm targets. This prevents the plurality of alarm displays from being overwhelmed with information about the same type of alarm target, increasing the likelihood that the type of alarm target the user wants to know about will be displayed. Furthermore, for example, if a priority is set for each type of alarm target, alarm targets of the same priority may belong to the same group. In this way, even alarm targets with low priority are displayed as alarm displays, so that a wide range of information can be provided to the user without omission.

[0013] (5) The display positions of the plurality of warning displays in the display area of ​​the display unit may be fixed. By fixing the display positions, the user can predict the position where the warning display will appear. Therefore, for example, if the user remembers the position of the warning display that displays the warning target that the user wants to know about, the user can instantly check the display position of the warning display and obtain the information.

[0014] (6) The alarm displays may be positioned on the left and right of the display area of ​​the display unit, and the left and right alarm displays may be arranged in a staggered manner up and down. By staggering the displays, they are neatly arranged and easy to see.

[0015] (7) When the number of alarm targets that satisfy the alarm conditions is less than the maximum number of alarm displays that can be displayed, the number of alarm displays to be displayed should be the number of alarm targets that satisfy the alarm conditions. This is preferable because blank alarm display areas that do not display any information are not displayed. For example, when an alarm display is displayed overlaid on a screen displayed in the display area of ​​the display unit, the screen drawn below the alarm display is not obscured by the blank alarm display and becomes difficult to see. In particular, when the alarm display area is framed or painted with a predetermined color or pattern to make it easier to see, blank alarm displays are preferable because they make the display more difficult to see.

[0016] (8) When the display unit displays a map display function that displays map information around the current location and a warning image related to a warning target that satisfies the warning conditions, the warning image may be displayed superimposed on the map information displayed by the map display function without sliding the display area of ​​the map information. The warning image may be, for example, an animation or still image associated with the type of warning target, or a real-life image of each warning target.

[0017] In this way, the display area of ​​the map does not shrink or move in a predetermined direction, so the display area of ​​the output map can remain large. Therefore, the map is easy to see. Furthermore, if a vehicle icon indicating the current location is displayed on the map, sliding the map also slides and displaces the vehicle icon. Furthermore, the time for displaying this type of warning image is often relatively short. If the display area of ​​the map information changes and the vehicle icon displaces during such a short period, the image can become difficult to see. However, according to the present invention, this does not occur, making the image easy to see. Furthermore, since the warning image is output and displayed superimposed on the map, the area for displaying the warning image can use, for example, the entire screen of the display unit. As a result, the size and shape of the warning image can be enlarged, and if there is movement, the movement can be enlarged, making the image easier to see, making it easier to intuitively understand the type of object being warned about, and creating a more attractive atmosphere.

[0018] (9) It is preferable to make the transparency of the warning image changeable. By changing the transparency, for example, the warning image can change, such as blinking, which has an impact and attracts the user's attention. Furthermore, for example, by making the warning image appear to emerge from a nearly transparent state on the screen, it has a greater impact and can alert the user to its presence, which is preferable. Furthermore, for example, if the size of the warning image is increased, most of the map displayed underneath will be hidden. However, by increasing the transparency, it is possible to display the warning image while also allowing the user to see the map information underneath, which is preferable.

[0019] (10) The warning image includes an animated main body portion for identifying the type of the object to be warned about and a distance gauge arranged around the animated main body portion. The distance gauge indicates the distance to the object to be warned about, and may be divided into multiple sections according to the distance to the object to be warned about, and the multiple sections may be displayed in different colors. This is preferable because the remaining distance and the degree of approach can be determined by looking at the color displayed on the distance gauge. Furthermore, it is also preferable for the main body of the animation to be, for example, a 2D or 3D object representing the object to be warned about, since this allows the type of object to be intuitively understood. Furthermore, this distance gauge may also be arranged around a main image element consisting of, for example, a still image corresponding to the type of object to be warned about.

[0020] (11) It is preferable to determine the content of the alert to be displayed when the alert conditions are met based on information other than the type of alert target. The content of the alert to be displayed when the alert conditions are met is determined based on information other than the type of alert target, rather than the alert content related to the alert target that met the condition, which is novel and can surprise the user. By appropriately devising the content of the alert, it is possible to provide the user with a fun and soothing effect, and also to reliably notify the user that there is an alert target that meets some alert condition.

[0021] (12) The information other than the type of alarm target may be information about the current time, and the alarm content may be an animation identified from the information about the current time. Information about time may include the time of day, time zone, day / night, date, month, season, etc. In particular, Japan has four seasons, and Japanese people experience various seasons. Therefore, the alarm content may be an animation appropriate for the time, based on the season, etc. This can provide the user with a sense of comfort and refreshment, as experienced in each season, and can be entertaining. Furthermore, since a user's mood, etc., differs between day and night, for example, they may be more active and in a better mood during the day, while being more calm at night, it is preferable to play different animations depending on the time of day or night, as this will allow the user to enjoy the animation, for example, by matching it to their mood.

[0022] (13) It is preferable to provide a function for notifying the type of alarm object that satisfies the alarm conditions. Such a function for leaving the alarm unattended may be realized, for example, by displaying text information on a text alarm section provided on the display section, or by outputting audio. This is preferable because it allows the type of alarm object to be recognized.

[0023] (14) When the alarm conditions are not met, the standby screen to be displayed on the display unit may be determined based on the current date and time information. In particular, by combining this with the invention described in (12), it is preferable to make the animation corresponding to the current time more vivid.

[0024] (15) When a second alarm condition specified separately from the normal alarm condition is satisfied, a special alarm different from the alarm content output when the alarm target that satisfied the second alarm condition satisfies the normal alarm condition may be issued. The second alarm condition may be the normal alarm condition plus an additional condition, i.e., the normal alarm condition is satisfied together with an additional condition, or may be set separately from the normal alarm condition.

[0025] (16) The special alarm may be a special animation that is output before the normal alarm. In the embodiment, the special animation corresponds to, for example, a screen breaking due to waves (e.g., FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c)), a display being distorted (e.g., the noise in FIG. 19(a) or the cracking ice in FIG. 20(a)), being sucked into a black hole (FIG. 20(e)), the screen disappearing (FIGS. 19(b) and 21(b)), or cooperation with a light tube (FIGS. 19(c) and 21(c)). The special animation allows the user to intuitively understand that something has happened and encourages them to pay close attention to the subsequent alarm. Furthermore, displaying animations that are not normally seen can be entertaining for the user.

[0026] (17) The special warning may be an animation that makes the display on the display unit difficult to see. In the embodiment, the difficult-to-see corresponds to, for example, the display on the display unit becoming distorted (such as the noise in FIG. 19(a) or the cracking ice in FIG. 20(a)), a black hole (such as FIG. 20(e)), or the like. As with the above-described special animation warning, the screen becomes difficult to see for a moment, and an animation that is different from usual is played, thereby drawing the user's attention to the screen. In particular, the momentary difficulty in seeing the screen can be expected to provoke feelings such as "What happened?" in the user, and the difficulty in seeing can also be expected to have the effect of making the user focus on the screen in an attempt to get a better view.

[0027] (18) The special alarm may be set to reset after creating a state that resembles an abnormality. For example, to create the impression of a malfunction or power-off, the display may be set to black with the backlight turned off, or a sound effect of a CRT television being turned off may be output. By creating a state that resembles an abnormality, the user may be surprised for a moment and focus on what has happened to the in-vehicle device. Then, the alarm will be reset, allowing the user to view the alarm while still focusing on the in-vehicle device.

[0028] (19) A light tube having a light emitting unit connected to its end is provided, and the light tube is illuminated by the light from the light emitting unit. The light tube is disposed in a position where the light emitted from the light tube is visible to the driver, and the special warning may utilize the light emitted from the light tube. For example, the use of light may involve emitting light from the light tube when a normal warning is being given.

[0029] The optical tube comprises a core material and a cladding material formed to cover the outer periphery of the core material. Unlike optical fibers used for optical transmission, the interface between the core material and the cladding material is structurally irregular. Therefore, light incident from the end face propagates while repeatedly undergoing total reflection at the interface between the core material and the cladding material, and the structural irregularities at the interface cause the light to gradually leak from the side, causing the side to glow. This optical tube is also called, for example, a side-leaking silicone optical fiber. The core material and the cladding material are formed using, for example, elastomers with different refractive indices (for example, a high-refractive-index, highly transparent elastomer for the core material and a low-refractive-index, transparent elastomer for the cladding material), giving the optical tube high elasticity and flexibility, allowing it to be curved or bent at any position.

[0030] "Visible" means that the driver can see the light emitted from the light tube when the light-emitting unit is illuminated. That is, the light tube may be invisible or visible when the light is off. However, it is particularly preferable to configure the light tube so that its presence is not visible when the light is off. This will create an impact when the light is illuminated. The light tube may be exposed to the outside, but it is particularly preferable to cover the portion facing the driver with a transparent or translucent cover that transmits various types of light. Even if the light tube is covered with a cover, it is sufficient that the emitting light tube is visible from the driver's side when the light tube is illuminated. The light-emitting unit may be, for example, monochromatic or may output full color. Full-color output is preferable because it allows for a wider variety of color variations.

[0031] The light emitted from the light emitting unit enters the light tube from the end of the light tube, and as it travels through the light tube, a portion of it is emitted to the outside from the periphery of the light tube. Because the light is emitted along the shape of the light tube, by placing the light tube at an appropriate position on the front side of the electronic device facing the driver, the light emitted from the light tube can be seen by the driver.

[0032] The light tube can be attached to an electronic device in any shape, straight or curved, and will light up along that shape. Therefore, it is not a point like a lamp, but a light source with a certain length. Also, unlike a display module, it does not require a driver that corresponds to the light-emitting position, so it can be placed near the periphery of an electronic device, for example.

[0033] (20) The special alarm may be controlled so that the display object output to the display unit and the light from the light tube are related. The display object may be, for example, a predetermined picture, motif, or character (e.g., "X" in this embodiment). By combining the display unit and the light tube, the display area becomes larger than the display screen of the display unit, allowing for more impactful, innovative, and unexpected alarms.

[0034] (21) When passing through an object to be warned, it is advisable to cut in an image showing the object passing through. By cutting in a predetermined number of images, it is possible to make an impact on the user and more reliably notify the user that the object has passed through. For example, when a normal animation warning is being issued, it is advisable to output such a cut-in image. This cut-in may be used as a special warning.

[0035] (22) It is advisable to judge the driving conditions when passing the object to be warned and output a screen showing the judgment results. By outputting the judgment results screen, it is possible to more reliably notify the user that the object to be warned has been passed. Furthermore, since the driving conditions when passing are judged, it has a game-like quality and is more interesting. It is also good because it is expected that the driver will drive more carefully so that a screen showing a better judgment result will be output. (23) It is advisable to represent the driving conditions as the deviation between the speed limit and the driving speed.

[0036] (24) It is preferable to have a function to notify that public enforcement information has been announced at the current location, and a function to display a public enforcement information display section showing the public enforcement information in static text on the display screen in response to a display request from the user. In this embodiment, the notification function is a process of flashing the warning lamp section 71. Furthermore, the notification function is not limited to displaying characters or other display elements on the display section, but can also be a sound notification. Because the public enforcement information is displayed in static text, the user can confirm the content of the public enforcement information no matter when they look at it while it is being displayed. A static state means that the display position of the characters does not change, as opposed to, for example, scrolling, where the display position of each character moves. Therefore, for example, a static state also includes cases where the characters continue to be displayed in the same position, or where the characters are flashed by repeatedly displaying and hiding them at the same display position. It can also be said that the characters are displayed in text with a fixed display position. The information is notified that there is public enforcement information, and the actual content of the public enforcement information is not announced until a command from the user is received, so that the provision of unnecessary information to users who do not want to see the public enforcement information or who already know the information and do not need to see it can be suppressed, which is preferable because it prevents the user from receiving useless information. Also, when the public enforcement information is displayed in text form, this is done at the user's request, so the public enforcement information can be displayed in a relatively large area, such as the entire screen of the display unit, allowing for easy-to-read information display.

[0037] (25) A standby screen display function may be provided for displaying a standby screen on the display unit when the warning conditions are not met, and the standby screen display function may display the direction and magnitude of acceleration acting on the vehicle using an acceleration gauge arranged around a vehicle object representing the vehicle. This is preferable because it allows the user to intuitively understand the acceleration state at a glance.

[0038] (26) The display position of the acceleration gauge on the periphery of the vehicle object may be determined based on the direction of acceleration acting on the vehicle, and the gradation display of the acceleration gauge may be determined based on the magnitude of the acceleration. The direction of acceleration can be intuitively understood from the display position of the acceleration gauge, and expressing the magnitude of acceleration with a gradation makes it neat, easy to understand, and interesting.

[0039] (27) The device may include a standby screen display function that displays a standby screen on the display unit when an alarm condition is not met, and the standby screen display function may graphically display the CN values ​​of multiple GPS satellites. Graphical display is preferable because it allows users to intuitively understand the magnitude of the CN values ​​of the multiple GPS satellites currently receiving signals and also indicates the number of GPS satellites from which signals are being received. In this case, for example, the graphical display may be a bar graph, with the color of the bar changing based on the magnitude of the CN value. This is preferable because it allows users to understand the magnitude of the CN value, i.e., the adequacy of the reception status of radio waves from GPS satellites, not only from the area of ​​the display area but also from the color. In particular, it is preferable to classify CN values ​​that are sufficient for positioning as green or blue, and those that are not sufficient or insufficient for positioning as red, and those in between as yellow, which is related to the colors of traffic lights and makes it easier to understand the reception status.

[0040] (28) The device is provided with a standby screen display function that displays a standby screen on the display unit when the warning conditions are not met. The standby screen display function scores multiple predetermined items based on driving data, and displays an overall result that determines an overall driving evaluation based on the scores of the multiple items. The overall result display may be displayed in a manner that makes the user feel better, the higher the overall evaluation. This is preferable because it improves the user's mood and encourages them to drive more relaxed. Furthermore, the user, i.e., the driver, will be encouraged to drive in a manner that improves their mood, which is preferable because it encourages safe and eco-friendly driving. Furthermore, this display of the overall result is preferable because it has a game-like, playful feel.

[0041] (29) The overall result may be displayed in a manner that makes the user feel worse the lower the overall rating. In this way, if the overall result is poor, the display will be undesirable to the user, so the user will make an effort to drive in a way that avoids such a display, which is advantageous in that it encourages safe driving and eco-driving. In addition, such a display of the overall result is desirable because it has a game-like quality and is playful. (30) A program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the electronic device according to any one of (1) to (29). [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the warning desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1A is a front view showing the appearance of a radar detector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a radar detector. [Figure 3]1 is a schematic diagram showing a light tube 20, a full-color LED 22, and a display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of output using a light tube 20 and a display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state where the transparent cover is removed. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating icons indicating types of alarm targets. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the public enforcement information display function. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a standby screen display function. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a standby screen display function. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a standby screen display function. [Figure 26] An example of a setting screen will be described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0045] [Basic configuration of electronic devices] 1 and 2 show the configuration of a radar detector, which is a preferred embodiment of the electronic device that constitutes the system of the present invention. The radar detector 1 has a thin, rectangular case 2, and is fixed by attaching it to the dashboard of a vehicle or the like using a bracket 3 attached to the lower back side of the case 2.

[0046] The front surface of the case 2 (the surface facing the rear of the vehicle (driver's side)) is provided with a display unit 5. The display unit 5 is made up of a color TFT liquid crystal display. A touch panel 6 is provided on the display unit 5 to detect which part of the display unit 5 has been touched. A volume adjustment button 7 is also provided on the right side of the front surface of the case 2, and various operation buttons 8 are provided on the left side.

[0047] The right side of the case 2 is provided with a card insertion slot 9 for inserting a memory card as a removable recording medium, and a card reader 10 is built into the inside of the card insertion slot 9 inside the case 2. By inserting a memory card 11 through 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 attached memory card 11. More specifically, 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.), and this updated information is stored (downloaded) via the control unit 18 into a database 19 built into the device, thereby updating the data.

[0048] 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.

[0049] A GPS receiver 13 is placed inside the upper center of the back side of case 2, and a microwave receiver 14 and a radio receiver 15 are placed next to it. The GPS receiver 13 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs current position (latitude and longitude) information. The microwave receiver 14 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the speed measurement device. The radio receiver 15 receives VHF and UHF band radio waves and the like used for traffic enforcement communications. A speaker 16 is built into case 2 at a predetermined position.

[0050] A mini USB connector 12 is disposed at the bottom of the rear side of the case 2. This mini USB connector 12 is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), and can be connected to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket via the cigarette plug cord to receive power supply.

[0051] An OBD adapter 21 is connected to case 2. The OBD adapter 21 is detachably attached to an OBD-II (II is the Roman numeral "2," and hereinafter "OBD-II" will be referred to as "OBD2") connector installed in the vehicle. The OBD2 connector, also known as a diagnostic connector, is connected to the vehicle's ECU and periodically outputs various types of vehicle information. By connecting this OBD adapter 21 to the OBD2 connector on the vehicle body, the control unit 18 periodically acquires various types of vehicle information.

[0052] 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 systems also periodically output information regarding fuel efficiency (such as lifetime fuel efficiency, current fuel efficiency, and instantaneous fuel efficiency).

[0053] The OBD adapter 21 is detachably connected to a connection terminal 23 provided on the case 2. When vehicle information from the OBD2 connector is not required, the OBD adapter 21 can be removed to prevent wires from becoming cluttered on the dashboard, etc., and keep the area around the radar detector neat and tidy.

[0054] Case 2 is provided with an acceleration sensor (G sensor) 25 and a gyro sensor 26. The acceleration sensor 25 detects the acceleration of the vehicle and obtains acceleration in two directions, the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle. The gyro sensor 26 integrates angular velocities, allowing the control unit 18 to obtain the traveling direction of the vehicle on a map.

[0055] 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 6, GPS receiver 13, microwave receiver 14, wireless receiver 15, acceleration sensor 25, gyro sensor 26, etc.), and outputs the information using output devices (display unit 5, speaker 16, etc.). The basic configuration of these is basically the same as that of conventional units.

[0056] 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.

[0057] "Notification using light tubes" The case 2 has a horizontally elongated, roughly gourd-like shape when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the roughly gourd-like shape refers to a shape in which two circles arranged on the left and right sides are connected to each other, with the connecting portion having a constricted portion recessed toward the center. In this embodiment, the diameters of the circles on the left and right sides are equal, and the distances from the longitudinal center to the centers of the respective circles are also equal. The front of the case 2 has a shape that is symmetrical both vertically and horizontally. The display unit 5 is rectangular and is located in the center of the front of the case 2.

[0058] The light tube 20 is placed in a predetermined position on the front surface of the case 2. The light tube 20 comprises a core material and a clad material formed to cover the outer periphery of the core material. Unlike optical fibers used for optical transmission, the interface between the core material and the clad material is structurally irregular. Therefore, light incident from the end face propagates while repeatedly undergoing total reflection at the interface between the core material and the clad material. Due to the structural irregularities at the interface, the light gradually leaks out from the side, causing the side to glow. This light tube is also known as a side-leakage silicone optical fiber. The core material and the clad material are formed using, for example, elastomers with different refractive indices (e.g., a high-refractive-index, highly transparent elastomer for the core material and a low-refractive-index, transparent elastomer for the clad material). This gives the light tube high elasticity and flexibility, allowing it to be curved or bent at any position. When attached to an electronic device in any linear or curved shape, the light tube illuminates along the shape. Therefore, it serves as a light source with a fixed length, rather than a point like a lamp.

[0059] The light tubes 20 are arranged along the periphery on both the left and right sides of the front surface. Each light tube 20 is arc-shaped, with one end of the light tube 20 approaching the upper side of the display unit 5 and the other end of the light tube 20 approaching the lower side. The light tubes 20 are arranged so as to wrap around the outside of the volume adjustment button 7 and the operation button 8.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, a light-emitting unit is connected to each end of the light tube 20. For example, a full-color LED 22 is used as the light-emitting unit. Light of a predetermined emission color emitted from the full-color LED 22 enters the light tube 20 from the end of the light tube 20. As this incident light travels inside the light tube, a portion of it leaks out from the periphery of the light tube 20 and is emitted to the outside. Light is emitted from the entire light tube 20 and shines in a predetermined color along the shape of the light tube 20. Since the light tube 20 is disposed on the front surface of the case 2 facing the driver, the light emitted from the light tube 20 can be seen by the driver.

[0061] Furthermore, the front of the case 2 is open along the outer periphery of the roughly gourd shape, and a transparent cover 24 is attached to the open area to close the front opening. The transparent cover 24 leaves the areas facing the display unit 5, volume adjustment button 7, operation button 8, and light tube 20 transparent, allowing the displayed objects on the display unit 5 and light from the light tube 20 to be emitted to the front and outside. Therefore, as described above, the driver can see the displayed objects on the display unit 5 and the light from the light tube 20. The transparent cover 24 has a smoked inner surface in areas other than the areas facing the display unit 5, volume adjustment button 7, operation button 8, and light tube 20, making it difficult to see inside the case 2.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the light tube 20, full-color LED 22, and display unit 5. A full-color LED 22 is connected to each end of the light tube 20. The full-color LED 22 connected to one end of the light tube 20 located on the upper side of the display unit 5 is referred to as the first full-color LED 22a, and the full-color LED 22 connected to the other end of the light tube 20 located on the lower side of the display unit 5 is referred to as the second full-color LED 22b. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the full-color LEDs, they will be simply referred to as full-color LEDs 22. When they are distinguished, they will be referred to as either the first or second full-color LEDs. The full-color LED 22 is located behind the display unit 5. When the driver views the radar detector 1 from the front, the full-color LED 22 is hidden by the display unit 5.

[0063] The control unit 18 controls the light emission of the first full-color LED 22a and the second full-color LED 22b. For example, the light emission can be controlled so that each LED emits a different color. The light of the first color emitted by the first full-color LED 22a enters the light tube 20 from one end and travels through the light tube 20 toward the other end, with a portion of the light emitting from the periphery of the light tube 20. Therefore, the first section K1, extending from one end of the light tube 20 to a point a predetermined distance away, emits the first color. Meanwhile, the light of the second color emitted by the second full-color LED 22b enters the light tube 20 from the other end and travels through the light tube 20 toward the other end, with a portion of the light emitting from the periphery of the light tube 20. Therefore, the second section K2, extending from the other end of the light tube 20 to a point a predetermined distance away, emits the second color. The light beams entering the light tube 20 from both ends collide and mix at a predetermined position within the light tube 20. In the third section K3, where both lights mix, the light is an intermediate color between the two.

[0064] If the first emitted color is, for example, red and the second emitted color is, for example, blue, the first section K1 will emit red light, the second section K2 will emit blue light, and the third section K3 will emit purple light. The color of light near the boundary between adjacent sections gradually changes. The location of the third section K3 is determined by the difference in the emission intensity of the first full-color LED 22a and the second full-color LED 22b. If the emission intensities of both full-color LEDs are equal and there is no difference in emission intensities, the third section K3 will be located at the center of the length, equidistant from both ends. Furthermore, if the second full-color LED 22b has a stronger emission intensity, the third section K3 will be closer to one end of the light tube 20, as shown in FIG. 3(b), and the first section K1 will be shorter. Conversely, if the first full-color LED 22a has a stronger emission intensity, the third section K3 will be closer to the other end of the light tube 20, as shown in FIG. 3(c), and the second section K2 will be shorter. Therefore, for example, if the control unit 18 controls the light intensity difference, obtained by subtracting the light intensity of the second full-color LED 22b from the light intensity of the first full-color LED 22a, to gradually approach zero from a large negative value and then increase the positive value, the position of the third section K3, which emits an intermediate color, will move from one end to the other end of the light tube 20. As this movement occurs, the area in the first section K1 that emits the first emitted color will gradually expand, and the area in the second section K2 that emits the second emitted color will gradually shrink.

[0065] The control performed by the control unit 18 to produce different emitted colors is, for example, to make at least one of the hue, saturation, and brightness different. The different hues are not limited to those such as the red and blue described above, but different emitted colors can also be produced when only the R component has a different R value, such as the color (255,0,0) and the color (128,0,0) when R, G, and B are each expressed in 256 gradations.

[0066] [Collaboration and integration of light tube and display unit] Notifications and warnings using the light tube may be achieved by the light tube 20 alone or in conjunction with the display unit. The control unit 18 may control the display object output to the display unit 5 so that the light emitted from the light tube 20 is correlated. The display object may be, for example, a predetermined picture, motif, or text. By combining the display unit 5 with the light tube 20, the display area becomes larger than the display screen of the display unit 5. The display module that constitutes the display unit 5 does not light up at the edges due to the driver, etc. Therefore, even if the size of the display unit 5 is increased, it is difficult to use the entire front surface of the case 2 of the radar detector 1, especially the area immediately adjacent to the outer periphery, as the display area. Furthermore, because the front surface of the case 2 faces the driver, various switch buttons (e.g., volume adjustment button 7, operation button 8, etc.) are arranged as part of the user interface. Due to the influence of these switch buttons, the display area of ​​the display unit 5 becomes smaller than the outer periphery of the radar detector 1. Furthermore, if the shape of the outer edge of the front surface is non-rectangular, including curved portions such as a gourd shape, as in this embodiment, a gap will be created between the rectangular periphery of the display unit 5 and the outer edge of the radar detector 1.

[0067] In contrast, the light tube 20 can be placed right up to the periphery of the electronic device case. Therefore, the entire front surface of the case facing the driver can be used to display the displayed object. Controls that link the displayed object on the display unit 5 with the light emitted from the light tube 20 can be used, for example, to symbolize or represent a portion of the displayed object using the light tube 20. For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 4(a), the character "X" can be output on the display unit 5, and the two ends of the light tube 20 can be connected to the character "X" to represent "∞" as a whole. By connecting the displayed object (e.g., the character "X") output on the display unit 5 with the light emitted from the light tube in this way, the sense of continuity and unity between the displayed object and the light tube is enhanced, making it easier to understand. Furthermore, the displayed object output on the display unit 5 is not limited to characters.

[0068] 4(b) and (c) show an example of a pattern in which the letter "X" is output to the display unit 5 and both ends of the light tube 20 are connected to the letter "X" to create an "∞" overall. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the control unit 18 controls the full-color LEDs 22 connected to both ends of the light tube 20 to emit a predetermined color (e.g., blue), causing the entire light tube 20 to glow blue. The control unit 18 then outputs an X displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., blue) to the display unit 5. The ends of the light tube 20 are then connected to the letter "X" output to the display unit 5. The control unit 18 then renders the discharge as if light were running around the straight lines that make up the "X." While the discharge around the straight lines that make up the "X" can be a still image, it is preferable to use a moving image that shows the discharge and light running to create a more realistic feel. It is also preferable to output a discharge sound, such as a "crackling" or "birring," from the speaker 16 in accordance with the discharge. The discharge may resemble lightning, and the sound of thunder or a thunderbolt may be output. The discharge displayed around the "X" may be stronger or may not be present. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the "X" may be removed, and the discharge may be continuous with the light emitted by the light tubes 20. That is, the control unit 18 renders a discharge connecting the upper end of the left light tube 20 to the lower end of the right light tube 20, and a discharge connecting the lower end of the left light tube 20 to the upper end of the right light tube 20. It is preferable to render the discharge as an animation, as this creates a more realistic effect. In this pattern example, the discharge represents the "X." For example, the color of the "X" may be red or orange to represent a flame.

[0069] The control unit 18 controls the illumination of the first full-color LED 22a and the second full-color LED 22b, for example, when a predetermined alarm condition is met. For example, similar to outputting alarm information using the display unit 5, the control unit 18 calculates the distance between the location (latitude and longitude) of the target to be warned stored as map information in the database 19 and the current location (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 13. When the calculated distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the control unit 18 controls the illumination state of the full-color LED 22, causing the light tube 20 to illuminate in a predetermined color. Furthermore, for example, when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in a frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device, or when the wireless receiver 15 detects a predetermined radio wave, the control unit 18 controls the illumination state of the full-color LED 22, causing the light tube 20 to illuminate in a predetermined color.

[0070] By illuminating the light tube 20 in this manner, it becomes a light-emitting source with a fixed length, rather than a point light source like a lamp or LED light source. Furthermore, since it does not require a driver or other device corresponding to its light-emitting position like a display module, by arranging it along the outer periphery of the radar detector 1 as in this embodiment, it can emit light in a manner not possible with a display unit using a conventional display module, providing a new output means that utilizes visual recognition. Furthermore, by arranging the light tube 20 outside the display unit 5, the outside of the display area of ​​the display unit 5 also lights up. Therefore, by using the light emitted from the light tube 20 as part of the warning information, even if the display unit 5 is small, it becomes more noticeable, making a greater impact on the driver and increasing the surprise effect.

[0071] [Modification of light tube notification] In the above example, the first full-color LED 22a and the second full-color LED 22b are made to emit different colors, and the difference in light intensity is adjusted to move the position of the third section K3 where the intermediate colors are emitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various control methods are possible. For example, it is possible to fix the difference in light intensity and change the emitted colors of the first full-color LED 22a and the second full-color LED 22b.

[0072] In addition, in FIG. 4 described above, the boundary between the light tube 20 and the display unit 5 is depicted as being continuous for the sake of convenience in explaining the cooperation and integration between the light tube 20 and the display unit 5. That is, the upper and lower ends of the letter "X," which is the display object displayed on the display screen of the display unit 5, are depicted as reaching the upper and lower edges of the display unit 5 and continuing to the tip of the light tube 20. In reality, as shown in FIG. 5, there may be areas above the upper edge of the display unit 5 or below the lower edge of the display unit 5 where no display object is displayed. Even if a display unit 5 is used that does not have areas above the upper edge or below the lower edge where no display object is displayed, for example, by bending the tip of the light tube 20 and connecting it to a light-emitting element such as a color LED located on the back of the display unit 5, the illuminated portion of the light tube 20 may be separated from the periphery of the display unit 5. However, ideally, it is desirable to eliminate the boundary as shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] "Basic functions of notifications and alarms using display unit 5, 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 5, or sound or voice information output to the speaker 16. Specific alarm contents will be described later.

[0074] *Standby screen display The control unit 18 outputs warning information to prompt the driver to ensure safety when a predetermined event occurs. On the other hand, if no such event occurs, the control unit 18 displays a predetermined standby screen (standby screen display function). This standby screen display function is a function that displays, for example, 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, displays the presence of GPS satellites detected by the GPS receiver 13 in numerical, animation, or other formats, and displays predetermined OBD information and vehicle information acquired by the OBD 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 position detected by the GPS receiver 13, reads out map data stored therein, and displays the data (see FIG. 6(a), etc.).

[0075] FIG. 6(a) shows an example of a display screen output to the display unit 5 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, which occupies the majority of the display screen of the display unit 5. 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 mode (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. The control unit 18 also searches for warning targets around the current position based on the position information stored in the database 19, and if a warning target (POI: "Point of Interest") is found in the surrounding area, information indicating the warning target is superimposed on the corresponding position on the map. The information indicating the warning target is, for example, a mark icon representing the warning target.

[0076] The control unit 18 displays the current scale information (reduction scale) in a scale display area R3 set on the left side of the main display area R1. The scale is set such that the vehicle position is 0 m, and the distance from the vehicle position to the vertical center position of the main display area R1 ("250" in the figure) and the distance to the upper position ("500" in the figure) are displayed in meters. When the control unit 18 detects that the main display area R1 has been touched twice consecutively, it displays a map scale change button (not shown) at a predetermined position in the main display area R1 (a position along the scale display area R3) and changes the map scale in response to the touch on the map scale change button. In other words, the control unit 18 changes the scale of the map displayed in the main display area R1 to match the scale of the changed map scale, and also changes the scale information displayed in the scale display area R3.

[0077] An information display section that displays predetermined information is provided above the main display area R1. This information display section is displayed superimposed on the map displayed in the main display area R1. The control unit 18 displays map information and various information to be displayed on the information display section using different layers that are stacked one on top of the other. From the left, the information display section has a clock display section 32a, an icon display section 32b, a vehicle speed display section 32c, and a compass display section 32d.

[0078] The clock display unit 32a 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 32a. The icon display unit 32b displays, using icons, traffic regulations and other status information around the current location, status information related to the device's operating mode, and so on. Status information around the current location includes, for example, the reception level of GPS signals from GPS satellites, whether the area is a high-risk area for vehicle thefts, and whether the area is a no-parking area. The GPS icon indicating the reception level of GPS signals changes the number of antennas displayed to one, two, or three depending on the reception level. When GPS signals cannot be received and positioning is not possible, a gyroscope icon indicating a VPS (Virtual Positioning System) is displayed. When the current location enters a high-risk area for vehicle thefts or a no-parking area, the corresponding icon turns ON; when the current location leaves the area, the icon turns OFF. Modes include a preference mode selection that sets the radar wave reception sensitivity and the type of alarm to be issued. In the figure, from left to right, status icons are displayed for the GPS signal reception level, vehicle theft-prone areas, no-parking areas, radar wave reception mode ("SE": Super Extra in the figure), and preferred mode selection ("MA": Manual in the figure). The vehicle speed display unit 32c displays the current vehicle speed of the vehicle. The control unit 18 calculates the speed from the displacement and history of the current position and the elapsed time based on the GPS signal, or acquires vehicle speed information from the vehicle via the OBD adapter 21 and displays it on the vehicle speed display unit 32c. The compass display unit 32d displays the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0079] Current-location speed limit information, which indicates the speed limit at the current location, is displayed at a predetermined position on the display unit 5. In the figure, the predetermined position is the lower left side of the main display area R1. The current-location speed limit information is displayed as an icon 33 designed to resemble a speed limit sign. For example, speed limit data, which associates location information with speed limits for each predetermined distance for roads with set speed limits, is stored in the database 19. The control unit 18 accesses the database 19 based on the current location information acquired from the GPS receiver 13, acquires the speed limit for the current location from the speed limit data, and outputs an icon 33 corresponding to the acquired speed limit at a predetermined position on the display unit 5. The map display function also has a function to search for warning targets around the current location based on the location information stored in the database 19, and, if a warning target is present in the vicinity, superimpose information indicating the warning target on the corresponding position on the map. The information indicating the warning target superimposed on the map may be, for example, a GPS target icon 35 that identifies the type of warning target. This GPS target icon 35, as shown in Fig. 7, is a circle with letters, symbols, or marks representing the type and content of the target of the alarm. The icon colors are classified into four colors in descending order of urgency: "red" → "yellow" → "blue" → "green." Furthermore, it is preferable to control the "red" and "yellow" icons, which indicate high urgency, to flash.

[0080] *Alarm output based on event occurrence The control unit 18 executes processing to realize various functions, such as a GPS warning function, a radar wave warning function, and a wireless warning function, depending on the event that has occurred. The radar wave warning function is a warning function that displays a warning screen on the display unit 5 and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 16 when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in a frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device (such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as "radar")). For example, when the microwave receiver 14 detects microwaves in the frequency band of microwaves emitted by radar, as shown in FIG. 4, a schematic diagram or photo of a radar stored in the database 19 is displayed as a warning screen on the display unit 5, and audio data stored in the database 19 is read and output from the speaker 16 saying, "This is radar. Watch your speed."

[0081] 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 radio receiver 15 so as not to interfere with the vehicle's travel, etc. 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, security radio, etc., and when a radio signal is received at a scanned frequency, a schematic diagram indicating that a radio signal corresponding to the frequency stored for each radio type in database 19 has been received is displayed on display unit 5 as an alarm screen, and audio data stored for each radio type in database 19 is read out and an audio alarm indicating the radio signal type is output from speaker 16. For example, when a police radio signal is received, an audio signal such as "This is a police radio signal. Watch your speed" is output.

[0082] The GPS warning 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 the warning conditions (predetermined proximity relationship) are met using the current position detected by the GPS receiver 13 and the warning target information stored in the database 19, and issues a warning if they are met.

[0083] First, examples of the types of targets that may be alerted 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, areas with high accident rates, areas with high rates of vehicle theft, sharp / continuous curves (expressways), branching / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations inside PAs / SAs (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside stations, and view point parking areas.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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, and examples include 3D images of vehicle speedometers, police cars, and police officers. These schematic diagrams are drawn and output on the display unit 5 when an alarm is issued, allowing the driver to intuitively understand the type and content of the alarm target currently being issued. Furthermore, as described below, it is more preferable to draw a host vehicle icon at the location of the host vehicle on the display area of ​​the display unit 5 and draw the schematic diagram at the location of the alarm target, as this allows the driver to intuitively understand where the alarm target is located.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 6(a), for example, the database 19 is periodically accessed based on the current location, and when the distance between the loop coil to be warned and the vehicle itself becomes any of the proximity warning distances stored in the database 19, 2 km, 1 km, or 500 m, a proximity notification is performed by reading data of a schematic diagram or photograph of the loop coil to be warned from the database 19 and displaying it on the display unit 5, and reading audio data stored in the database 19 and outputting an audio alarm from the speaker 16. For example, when the distance between the loop coil to be warned and the vehicle itself becomes 500 m, as shown in FIG. 3(c), a radarscope screen similar to that shown in FIG. 3(b) is displayed on the right side of the screen to display the positional relationship between the loop coil to be warned and the vehicle itself, and data of a schematic diagram or photograph of the loop coil to be warned, showing the loop coil, is read from the database 19 and displayed on the display unit 5, and audio data saying "Loop coil 500 m ahead, watch your speed" is read from the database 19 and output from the speaker 16.

[0090] 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.

[0091] [Example 1 of Alarm Using Display Unit 5] (Multiple Simultaneous Alarms) As one of the alarm modes of the alarm in response to the occurrence of the above-mentioned event, the device is provided with an alarm function that displays information about the alarm target that meets the event occurrence conditions as an alarm display. This alarm function displays information about the alarm target, such as the "alarm name (also called "target name")" and "distance from the current location," in a predetermined position on the display unit 5. For example, when the standby screen is displayed, this alarm display is displayed superimposed on the standby screen.

[0092] In this embodiment, multiple alarm displays can be displayed simultaneously. In this embodiment, the maximum number of alarm displays displayed simultaneously is five. Furthermore, the display position of each alarm display is set to a fixed location on the display unit 5. FIG. 6(b) shows an example of a layout in this embodiment that allows five alarm displays to be displayed simultaneously. As shown in the figure, three alarm displays (first alarm display 36a, second alarm display 36b, and third alarm display 36c) are arranged on the right side of the display unit 5, and two alarm displays (fourth alarm display 36d and fifth alarm display 36e) are arranged on the left side of the display unit 5. The alarm displays on each side are arranged vertically. Furthermore, the area of ​​each alarm display is a pentagon extending horizontally. This pentagon has a shape of a long, narrow rectangle extending horizontally backward, with a triangular portion at one end. The triangular portion is located near the center of the display unit 5.

[0093] In this embodiment, the alarm targets are divided into five groups, and the alarm display displayed for each group is fixed. The first alarm display 36a to the third alarm display 36c on the right side are GPS target display alarm displays that display information about alarm targets identified based on GPS location information, i.e., alarm targets identified by the GPS alarm function. The fourth alarm display 36d and the fifth alarm display 36e on the left side are radar / radio display alarm displays that display information about alarm targets detected based on reception of specific radio waves not based on GPS location information, i.e., alarm targets identified by a radar wave alarm function, a radio alarm function, or the like. Separating alarm targets based on GPS location information and alarm targets not based on GPS location information on the left and right sides is preferable because it allows the user to instantly understand whether the alarm target displayed on the alarm display is a GPS alarm or not.

[0094] The specific groupings are as follows: Targets for which warnings are issued based on location information are divided into three groups: speed cameras, checkpoints and enforcement, and other POIs. Targets for which warnings belong to the speed cameras group are vehicle speed measurement devices such as loop coils, LH systems, new H systems, and radar speed cameras, and are the targets for which warnings have the highest priority in terms of attention and importance. For example, targets for which warnings are issued with red GPS target icons as shown in Figure 7 belong to this speed cameras group. These speed cameras are displayed in the first warning display 36a. The information displayed in the first warning display 36a is the name of the warning (for example, the terminology listed under "warning content" in Figure 7) on the top row and the distance to the target on the bottom row, with the background color of the warning display area set to red and the information displayed in white text.

[0095] The warning targets belonging to the checkpoint and enforcement group are, for example, areas where various checkpoints and enforcement are carried out, and are warning targets with a medium priority in terms of attention level, importance, etc. For example, the warning targets with yellow GPS target icons shown in Figure 7 belong to the checkpoint and enforcement group. This checkpoint and enforcement group is displayed on the second warning display 36b. The information displayed on the second warning display 36b is the name of the warning (for example, the terminology described in "warning content" in Figure 7) on the top row and the distance to the warning target on the bottom row, with the background color of the warning display area being yellow and the information displayed in white text.

[0096] The warning targets belonging to the other POI group are warning targets that do not belong to the above two warning targets, and are the warning targets with the lowest priority in terms of attention level, importance, etc. For example, the warning targets with yellow GPS target icons shown in Figure 7 belong to the checkpoint / policing group. The information displayed as the third warning display 36c is the name of the warning (for example, the terminology described in "warning content" in Figure 7) in the upper row and the distance to the warning target in the lower row, with the background color within the warning display area being blue and the information displayed in white text.

[0097] The event occurrence condition for displaying the GPS target display warning display (first warning display 36a to third warning display 36c) is, for example, when the warning target comes within a reference distance (for example, 1000 m). For example, if the event occurrence condition is that the distance from the current location to the warning target is within a predetermined reference distance, it is advisable to set multiple such reference distances and issue a warning using a warning display when the target comes within a far reference distance. When the targets are relatively far apart, the urgency of the warning is low, so it is advisable to display information about the multiple warning targets using different warning displays, so that the information about the multiple different warning targets can be recognized.

[0098] The groups of alarm targets not based on location information are divided into two: a radar group, displayed in the fourth alarm display 36d, and a wireless group, displayed in the fifth alarm display 36e. Alarm targets belonging to the radar group are detected by the microwave receiver 14. The information displayed in the fourth alarm display 36d is the alarm name ("Stealth" in the figure) in the upper row, the reception level in the lower row, and a speaker icon (also referred to as the "mute button") at the tip. The background color of the alarm display area is red and the information is displayed in white text. When the control unit 18 detects that the speaker icon has been touched, it alternates between "mute" and "unmute" settings for the alarm output by the speaker. That is, when the control unit 18 detects that the speaker icon has been touched while receiving radar waves (during a radar alarm), it mutes (silences) the alarm sound, temporarily silencing the alarm sound until the received radar waves cease. When the control unit 18 detects that the speaker icon has been touched while the sound is muted, it cancels the muting and outputs an alarm sound associated with the reception of radar waves.

[0099] The alarm targets belonging to the wireless group are those detected by the wireless receiver 15. The information displayed as the fifth alarm display 36e is only the alarm name (in the figure, "Car Location Approaching"), and the background color within the alarm display area is yellow and the information is displayed in white letters.

[0100] The event occurrence condition for the radar group and the radio group, which are the groups that are not subject to warnings based on location information as described above, is the reception of the target radio waves, and the event ends when the target radio waves are no longer received.

[0101] Each of the warning displays 36a to 36e displays information about a warning target with a high priority within the respective group. The warning target with a high priority is determined, for example, by the priority assigned to each type of warning target or the distance from the current location to the warning target. Therefore, when there is only one warning target within the same group, the control unit 18 displays information about that warning target on the corresponding warning display. Furthermore, when there are multiple warning targets within the same group, the control unit 18 selects the warning target with the highest predetermined priority and displays information about the selected warning target as the warning display.

[0102] Furthermore, for the first warning display 36a, the second warning display 36b, and the third warning display 36c, the control unit 18 fades in the corresponding warning display from outside the right screen of the display unit 5 when a corresponding warning target is detected around the vehicle position, and fades out the corresponding warning display from outside the right screen of the display unit 5 when the warning target is no longer present. Similarly, for the fourth warning display 36d and the fifth warning display 36e, the control unit 18 fades in the corresponding warning display from outside the left screen of the display unit 5 when a predetermined radio wave reception event occurs, and fades out the corresponding warning display from outside the left screen of the display unit 5 when the predetermined radio wave reception ceases. This fading in and out may be performed smoothly, for example, over a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately one second). Smooth fading brings the movement of the warning display into the driver's field of vision, making it easy to understand that some kind of event has occurred or ended.

[0103] Also, while FIG. 6(b) shows an example in which all five warning displays are displayed, if there is no warning target belonging to a group, the warning display is not displayed. Therefore, map information, etc. in the display area for the warning display is displayed without being obscured by the warning display. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(a), there are cases in which no warning display is displayed at all, cases in which only one warning display is displayed, and cases in which multiple warning displays are displayed. Furthermore, even if only one warning display is displayed, for example, the warning display appears in a location predetermined by the group of warning targets. Therefore, the user can recognize which group the warning target belongs to by checking where the warning display is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, for example, rather than looking at the information displayed on the warning display every time the driver sees the warning display, it is preferable that the driver can check the displayed information by gazing at the warning display when a warning display for a group that interests the driver is displayed.

[0104] Furthermore, the higher the alarm display is located, the higher the priority is, and the more important the group of alarm targets is. This allows the user to easily select and discard information, for example, if an alarm display is displayed at the top of the display unit 5, the user will check the specific content displayed on the alarm display because it is an important alarm target, but if an alarm display is displayed at the bottom, the user will not check the information.

[0105] Furthermore, the alarm displays are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical center line of the display unit 5. That is, for the three alarm displays arranged on the left side, the central second alarm display 36b is arranged in the vertical center position, and the first alarm display 36a and the third alarm display 36c are arranged equidistant above and below the second alarm display 36b. Furthermore, for the two alarm displays arranged on the right side, the fourth alarm display 36d and the fifth alarm display 36e are arranged equidistant above and below the vertical center position. Axially symmetrical arrangement makes for a neat and tidy appearance.

[0106] Furthermore, the five alarm displays are laid out in a way that their positions are alternately shifted vertically. The apex of the triangular part at the tip of each pentagonal alarm display faces the gap between the alarm displays lined up above and below on the opposite side. By shifting them alternately in this way, for example, as shown in Figure 6(c), even if the apex at the tip of an alarm display is extended further back than the horizontal center to the opposite side, it will not overlap with the alarm display on the opposite side. This increases the area for displaying information about the alarm target, making it possible to display more content and provide it to the user.

[0107] The background color of each warning display area is semi-transparent, allowing the information (map information, etc. in Figure 6) displayed in the main display area R1 to be seen. The audible alarm is not affected by the group or group, and only the alarm for the highest priority target is output.

[0108] Conventional devices also have a function for notifying information about an alarm target using text information, etc. Such a display location is located below the main display area R1, and the information displayed includes the name of the alarm, etc. However, conventional devices display only one alarm target, and the alarm target with the highest priority is selected. In this conventional device, the single alarm target is determined based on the priority provided. Therefore, if, for example, a speed measurement device with the highest priority is located nearby and information about that device is displayed, the driver will not be notified of an event related to another alarm target, such as the reception of radar waves. Furthermore, because the single alarm target to be displayed is determined uniformly based on priority according to predetermined rules, such as the type of alarm target and the distance to the alarm target, the alarm target may not necessarily be the one that the user, such as the driver, wants to see or is interested in, depending on the situation or state of the user at the time, resulting in insufficient information provision. In contrast, the present embodiment can display up to five alarm targets belonging to different groups, allowing the driver to obtain information about the required alarm targets according to their own convenience.

[0109] Furthermore, because all warning targets are located in the same position, i.e., the bottom of the main display area R1 of the display unit 5, the user cannot know which warning target the warning is for unless he or she actually looks closely at the displayed content, and therefore must check it each time it is displayed. This increases the number of times the user looks at the display unit, reducing the time spent looking ahead of the vehicle. Furthermore, the driver is required to view information that is unnecessary or not very important to the driver, which is a waste of effort and reduces usability. In contrast, in this embodiment, the position of each warning display is fixed, so the driver can determine whether or not it is necessary to read the information displayed on the warning display based on the display position, etc., and can therefore choose not to look at the warning display. This reduces the possibility of viewing unnecessary information and increases the proportion of the driver looking ahead of the vehicle, which is preferable.

[0110] (Modification of warning using warning display) In the above-described embodiment, the alarm display is smoothly faded in and out, but the present invention is not limited to this. The displayed portion may be moved stepwise or discretely in several stages, enlarged or reduced, or the entire alarm display may be suddenly displayed or hidden. Furthermore, the size and shape of each alarm display may be arbitrary, and the background color may also be set arbitrarily.

[0111] [Example 2 of an alarm using the display unit 5] (animated alarm) The animated alarm function displays animations dedicated to each alarm target when a predetermined event occurs, for example, while map information such as that shown in FIG. 6A is displayed by the map display function of the standby screen display function. The animations are three-dimensional (3D). The animations are stored in association with the type of alarm target in a predetermined storage unit (hereinafter referred to as database 19), such as database 19. Furthermore, the alarm sound output in conjunction with the playback and display of the animations is stored in database 19 in association with the type of displayed alarm target. In this embodiment, the map is not slid to create space for displaying the animations, but the control unit 18 displays the animations superimposed on the displayed map. That is, when an event occurs, the control unit 18 accesses database 19, reads the corresponding animation data based on the type of alarm target, and displays the read animation in a predetermined position on the display unit 5. The control unit 18 repeatedly plays and displays the animations until the alarm condition for the alarm target is resolved, and then returns to the original screen when the alarm ends, overlaying the animation on the map by using a different layer for displaying the animation from the layer for displaying the map. Furthermore, when an event occurs, the control unit 18 accesses the database 19, reads out the corresponding alarm sound data based on the type of object to be warned about, and outputs the read alarm sound.

[0112] In this animated warning, the main display area R1 does not shrink or move in a specific direction, so the display area of ​​the output map remains large. This makes the map easy to see. Also, when the map is slid, the vehicle icon 31 also slides and moves. Furthermore, the time for displaying the animation with this type of animated warning function is often relatively short. If the display area of ​​the main display area R1 changes and the vehicle icon also moves during this short time, it can actually become difficult to see. However, this embodiment does not cause such a problem, making it easy to see.

[0113] Furthermore, since the animation is output and displayed superimposed on the map, the area for displaying the animation can use the entire screen of the display unit 5. As a result, the size and shape of the animation can be increased, and the movement can be made larger, making it easier to see, and also making it easier to intuitively understand the type of object of the warning, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

[0114] Figure 8(a) shows an example of the screen configuration for an animated warning. A first character warning section 37 is placed in the lower left of the main display area R1, a second character warning section 38 is placed in the lower right of the main display area R1, and a layout is adopted in which a warning-specific animation 40 is displayed at an appropriate position in the main display area R1. In Figure 8(a), the display position of the animation 40 is slightly to the right of the center in the vertical direction, but as shown below, it can be displayed in a different position depending on the animation.

[0115] The first character warning section 37 is a section that displays related information as text information when reporting an alarm target belonging to the grouped radar group and wireless group in an alarm using the above-mentioned alarm display. In the case of a wireless group, only the "alarm name" is displayed, and in the case of a radar group, a "level meter," "alarm name," and "speaker icon" are displayed. For convenience, Figure 8(a) shows an example of receiving a radar signal.

[0116] The second character warning section 38 is the section that displays related information as text when reporting targets based on grouped location information in the warning display described above. Specifically, it displays the "warning name" and "distance to the target." However, when warning about speed cameras, no text warning is given. Figure 8(a) shows an example of radar reception, so the second character warning section 38 is blank.

[0117] *Animated warning for speed cameras Figure 8(b) shows an example of an animated warning for an alert target belonging to the Orbis group. The figure shows the case where the alert target is the "H system." As shown in the figure, since it is an Orbis group, no text warning is displayed using the first text warning unit 37 or the second text warning unit 38.

[0118] As shown enlarged in FIG. 8(c), the animation 40 includes an animation main portion 40a (see, for example, FIGS. 9(b-1) to (b-4)) consisting of an animation of a 3D object resembling the target of the warning rotating within a sphere, a distance gauge 40b arranged around the sphere of the animation main portion 40a, and a remaining distance display portion 40c. The control unit 18 displays the animation main portion 40a so that it rotates continuously, with one rotation occurring every predetermined time (for example, about 2 seconds) as one cycle. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the animation main portion 40a also displays the name of the warning (here, "H System") superimposed thereon, and the remaining distance display portion 40c displays the distance to the target of the warning ("860 m" in FIG. 8(b)). As the vehicle travels and the distance to the target of the warning changes, the numerical value also changes accordingly.

[0119] The distance gauge 40b counts down the remaining distance to the target for warning, starting from 1000 m. It is composed of 20 rectangular blocks arranged in an arc. Each block represents 20 m, and the total distance represents 1000 m (= 50 m × 20 m). The eight blocks from the top end of the gauge, which correspond to 1000 to 600 m, are blue, the next six blocks, which correspond to 600 to 300 m, are yellow, and the six blocks from the bottom end, which correspond to 300 to 0 m, are red. The color of the blocks that pass the remaining distance are changed to gray. For example, as shown in Figure 9(a-1), if the remaining distance is 800 m, the color of the top four blocks is changed to gray. When the remaining distance reaches 450 m, all blue blocks are changed to gray, and the three yellow blocks are also changed to gray (Figure 9(a-2)). If you go further and the remaining distance falls below 300m, the blocks will be red and gray (Fig. 9(a-3)), and when the remaining distance reaches 0m, all the blocks will turn gray (Fig. 9(a-4)). It is also a good idea to control the red gauge so that it flashes when the distance to the target of the alarm falls below 300m.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the alarm target was explained using the H system as an example, but animations for alarm targets belonging to other speed camera groups can also be created using the same configuration, with only the rotating 3D object displayed within the sphere of the animation main body 40a being changed. Examples of the animation main body 40a for each alarm target are shown in Figures 9(c-1) to (c-4). Figure 9(c-1) shows a radar, Figure 9(c-2) shows an LH system, Figure 9(c-3) shows a loop coil, and Figure 9(c-4) shows a phototube system.

[0121] *Enforcement Group Animation Alert 10(a) and (b) show examples of animated warnings for "general unspecified" warning targets. Because the target is a police enforcement area, the control unit 18 outputs information about the warning target, which served as the basis for displaying the animation 40, to the second text warning unit 38. The animation 40 depicts a stop flag fluttering in the wind (see FIG. 10(b)). This stop flag is modeled after a flag used by police officers and others to stop vehicles during actual enforcement. This creates a sense of realism, draws the driver's attention to the fact that the area is in a police enforcement area, and encourages safe driving. Furthermore, the fluttering of the flag is preferable because it creates the feeling of a police officer waving a flag during an actual enforcement operation, enhancing the sense of realism.

[0122] Furthermore, the warning sound is a whistle-like "beep beep beep" sound. It is preferable that the whistle sound is similar to the whistle blown by a police officer during an actual traffic enforcement operation. By outputting the whistle sound along with the playback of the flag waving animation, a more realistic situation at a traffic enforcement site can be reproduced, which is preferable because it can reliably notify drivers and others that they are passing through a traffic enforcement area.

[0123] Figure 10(c) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for a "mobile speed camera." The animation 40 shows a minivan appearing from the right side of the screen (Figure 11(a) → (c)), partially opening the rear hatchback, and illuminating an infrared flash behind the rear window (Figure 11(d) → (f)), after which the rear hatchback closes and the minivan exits the screen from the left side. The control unit 18 repeats this cycle, for example, every 3 seconds. The warning sound is a shutter sound. For example, the control unit 18 may output a sound so that a shutter sound is played in time with the infrared flash in the animation.

[0124] There are various other types of animated warnings for speed cameras other than those mentioned above. For example, Figure 12(a) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning for a "manned speed camera." The animation 40 begins with the appearance of a radar antenna portion 41a, which emits ripple-like radio waves 41b toward the vehicle. The number of rings in the radio waves 41b gradually increases, giving the impression that the radio waves are heading toward the vehicle.

[0125] FIG. 12(b) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for a "tracking" warning target. The animation 40 shows, for example, an undercover police car repeatedly appearing and receding into the distance. For example, a close-up of the vehicle from the rear (e.g., only the area around the license plate) is displayed, and the displayed portion is gradually enlarged, the entire rear of the vehicle is displayed, and then the entire rear is reduced, recreating the scene of the vehicle overtaking the driver's vehicle. This action is repeatedly played back, but preferably, the undercover police car overtaking the driver's vehicle is played back as is for a predetermined number of times (e.g., once), and thereafter, the red warning light is flashed. Alternatively, a police motorcycle may appear on the left half of the screen and an undercover police car on the right half, or only the police motorcycle may appear. The warning sound may be a sound resembling a siren.

[0126] 12(c) shows an example of a display screen of an animated warning in which the warning target is “intersection control.” In the animation 40, for example, a wireframe intersection appears in the center of the screen and rotates in 3D.

[0127] *Animated warnings for checkpoint areas 12(d)-(g) show examples of animated warnings for checkpoint areas. First, FIG. 12(d) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for an "unidentified" warning target. In the animation 40, for example, the pylons on both sides are gradually placed from the front to the back. FIG. 12(e) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for a "seatbelt checkpoint." In the animation 40, the seatbelt portion 42a, which is moving away from the lock portion 42b, extends, and the tip of the seatbelt portion 42a expands and engages with the lock portion 42b. The warning sound may be, for example, a "click" sound that accompanies the movement of the seatbelt engaging with the lock portion. FIG. 12(f) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for an "unidentified cell phone checkpoint while driving" warning target. In the animation 40, for example, the cell phone vibrates. The warning sound may be, for example, the sound of a cell phone vibrating. 12(g) shows an example of a display screen of an animated warning for the warning target "Drinking Checkpoint." The animation 40 shows, for example, the movement of making a toast with a mug.

[0128] *Animated alerts for other POIs Figure 12(h) and subsequent figures show examples of animated alerts for other POIs. First, Figure 12(h) shows an example of a display screen for an animated alert when the alert target is "My Area." Animation 40, for example, shows a gold medal with the letter "My" embossed on it, rotating horizontally in three dimensions. This is displayed when the user is in an area registered as "My Area." Figure 12(i) shows an example of a display screen for an animated alert when the alert target is a "Service Area." Animation 40, for example, shows a medal with the letters "SA" embossed on it, rotating horizontally in three dimensions. Figure 12(j) shows an example of a display screen for an animated alert when the alert target is a "Parking Area." Animation 40, for example, shows a medal with the letters "PA" embossed on it, rotating horizontally in three dimensions. Figure 12(k) shows an example of a display screen for an animated alert when the alert target is a "Long Tunnel." Animation 40, for example, shows the tunnel gradually becoming longer. Also, for example, the scene may change from one in which a vehicle enters a tunnel from its entrance and passes through the tunnel to one in which the tunnel exit appears to be in the distance, and then the scene may gradually move toward the exit. FIG. 12(k) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for a "short tunnel" warning target. The animation 40 may, for example, have multiple short tunnels appear. This multiple appearance may mean, for example, repeatedly playing the movement of passing through a short tunnel (e.g., the time spent passing through the tunnel is shorter than that of a long tunnel, and the exit that appears while passing through the tunnel is also shown to be close) multiple times, more preferably three or more times. Alternatively, multiple tunnels may simply be displayed simultaneously.

[0129] FIG. 13(a) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for a "roadside station." For example, animation 40 shows a roadside station sign spinning. FIG. 13(b) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for a "Torupa (viewpoint parking)" alert. For example, animation 40 shows a Torupa sign spinning. FIG. 13(c) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for a "highway oasis" alert. For example, animation 40 shows a Ferris wheel spinning. FIGS. 13(d) and 13(e) show examples of animated alert display screens for a "highway sharp curve" alert and a "highway continuous curve" alert, respectively. For example, animation 40 shows a road gradually curving and extending from the bottom of the screen along with the word "CAUTION." FIG. 13(f) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for a "police station." For example, animation 40 shows a rotating Rising Sun symbol. FIG. 13(g) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for an alert targeting a "traffic police force." For example, animation 40 zooms in while blinking the text "Highway Traffic Police Force." FIG. 13(h) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for an alert targeting an "N System." For example, animation 40 displays an image of a row of N System cameras and gradually moves closer (zooms in). At the same time, the camera lenses also flash. Although not specifically illustrated, if the alert target is a "traffic monitoring system," for example, animation 40 remains the same, but the "alert name" displayed in the second character warning unit 38 is different. For example, in the case of the N System, "N System" is displayed as shown, and in the case of a "traffic monitoring system," "NK System" is displayed. FIG. 13(i) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for an alert targeting an "intersection monitoring point." For example, animation 40 blinks the text "intersection monitoring point." It is also preferable to perform a zoom-in motion at this time.

[0130] Figure 13(j) shows an example of an animated warning screen for an "accident-prone area." The animation 40 shows, for example, two cars colliding. It is also recommended to output a sound effect such as a "clack clang" sound, which sounds like the car suddenly braking and then crashing into another car.

[0131] Figure 13(k) shows an example of an animated warning screen for a "Red Light Ignorance Prevention System." The animation 40, for example, blinks the words "Red Light Ignorance Prevention System." It is also recommended to zoom in on the screen.

[0132] 13(l) and (m) show examples of animated warning display screens for the warning targets of "expressway branch point" and "expressway merging point," respectively. The animation 40 shows, for example, a road gradually extending from the bottom of the screen along with the word "CAUTION."

[0133] 13(n) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning for "Highway Radio." The animation 40 displays, for example, a radio tuner 43a on the top row and a digital frequency display 43b on the bottom row. The tuner 43a displays an arc that increases by one from the left, while the digital frequency display 43b counts up from 1200 kHz and stops at 1680 kHz.

[0134] 13(o) shows an example of a display screen of an animated warning in which the target of the warning is "prefectural borders." The animation 40 shows, for example, a prefectural border sign spinning around. 13(p) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning for the "ETC lane" warning target. The animation 40, for example, displays the letters "ETC" 44a in the upper row and the action of inserting an ETC card 44c into an ETC on-board unit 44b in the lower row.

[0135] Figures 13(q) and (r) show examples of the display screen of an animated warning when the warning target is a "stop sign" and a "no parking enforcement area." The animation 40, for example, causes the "stop sign" and the "no parking sign" to blink, respectively. Figures 13(s) and (t) show examples of the display screen of an animated warning when the warning target is a "parking lot" and a "no parking enforcement area." The animation 40, for example, causes the parking lot mark and the no parking sign to spin around.

[0136] 14(a) shows an example of an animated warning screen for an area where the target of the warning is a "high incidence of vehicle thefts." The animation 40 shows, for example, the movement of a hammer being swung down. It is also advisable to output a sound effect such as the sound of glass breaking, such as a "crash," in time with the hammer being swung down.

[0137] *Radar cluster animated alerts 14(b) to 14(s) show examples of animated warnings for radar groups. First, FIG. 14(b) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for a "radar wave" warning target. The animation 40, for example, shows ripples emerging from the top of the screen and waves rushing toward the vehicle (arcs increasing one by one). FIG. 14(c) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for a "stealth wave" warning target. The animation 40, for example, shows a circular wave rushing toward the top of the screen. FIG. 14(d) shows an example of a display screen for an animated warning for a "cancel" warning target. The animation 40, for example, shows the word "CANCEL" gradually getting larger. Furthermore, the warning targets belonging to the radar groups shown in FIGS. 14(b) to 14(d) have a high priority in terms of urgency, importance, etc., and therefore the animation color is red.

[0138] *Radio group animated alerts Figures 14(e) to (r) show examples of animated warnings for wireless groups. First, Figure 14(e) shows an example of the display screen for an animated warning when the warning target is "Car Location Approaching." The animation 40, for example, shows a large police car passing by from right to left. Figure 14(f) shows an example of the display screen for an animated warning when the warning target is "Car Location Distant." The animation 40, for example, shows a small police car passing by from right to left. Also, although specific illustrations are omitted, when the warning target is "Car Location Range," no animation is displayed, but the backlight blinks and the warning name "PCin" is displayed in the first character warning section.

[0139] 14(g) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for a warning target of "parallel pursuit." The animation 40, for example, shows a patrol car appearing from the front of the screen to the back. This movement, for example, shows a close-up of the vehicle seen from the rear (for example, only the area around the license plate), gradually enlarges the displayed portion, displays the entire rear of the vehicle, and then shrinks the entire rear, recreating the appearance of the vehicle passing the user's vehicle.

[0140] 14(h) shows an example of an animated warning display screen for a "passing" warning target. The animation 40 shows, for example, a police car passing from the back of the screen to the front. This movement, for example, gradually enlarges the image of the entire vehicle as seen from the front, and finally displays a close-up of the vehicle as seen from the front (for example, only the center part of the front grille).

[0141] 14(i) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning for the warning target "Caution: Police." The animation 40 shows, for example, a stop flag flapping violently. The control unit 18 displays "Police Sign" as the warning name in the first character warning unit 37.

[0142] 14(j) shows an example of a display screen of an animated warning in which the warning target is "Watch out for checkpoints." The animation 40 shows, for example, the movement of pylons on both sides being placed from the front to the back.

[0143] Figure 14(k) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning for the warning target "police radio." The animation 40 is the same as, for example, Figure 14(i). The control unit 18 displays "Police" as the warning name in the first character warning unit 37.

[0144] FIG. 14(l) shows an example of the display screen of an animated warning when the target of the warning is "digital radio." The animation 40, for example, shows the movement of radio waves 45b being emitted from radio 45a. Radio waves 41b are animated to have a gradually increasing number of rings. The control unit 18 displays "CarDigital" as the name of the warning in the first character warning unit 37. Although not specifically shown, the same animation can be used when the target of the warning is, for example, "police activity radio" or "jurisdiction radio," and the warning name displayed in the first character warning unit 37 can be "PoliceRadio" or "Policeman."

[0145] FIG. 14(m) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for an alert target of "Helicopter Telephone Radio." The animation 40, for example, shows a helicopter (Apache) passing from right to left. FIG. 14(n) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for an alert target of "Digital Radio." The animation 40 is, for example, the same as FIG. 14(l). The control unit 18 displays "LoPwrPolice" as the alert name in the first character alert unit 37. FIG. 14(o) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for an alert target of "Police Phone." The animation 40, for example, shows a mobile phone opening. The alert targets shown in FIGS. 14(e) to (o) have lower priorities, such as urgency and importance, than those of the radar group, so the animation color is yellow.

[0146] FIG. 14(p) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for an alert targeting a "fire department radio." Animation 40, for example, depicts the radio transmitting radio wave, similar to FIG. 14(l). However, because this alert target is even less urgent and important than the digital radio, the animation color is blue. FIG. 14(q) shows an example of an animated alert display screen for an alert targeting a "fire department helicopter radio." Animation 40 depicts, for example, a helicopter (Apache) passing from right to left. FIGS. 14(r) and 14(s) show examples of animated alert display screens for alert targetsing a "tow truck radio" and an "ambulance radio," respectively. Animation 40 depicts, for example, a "tow truck" and an "ambulance" passing by, respectively. For the same reason as for the "fire department radio" shown in FIG. 14(p), the animations from FIG. 14(q) onward are also blue.

[0147] [Example 3 of warning using display unit 5] (live-action warning) The animated warning function is a function that displays a live image of the registered location of the corresponding warning target when a specific event occurs while, for example, map information such as that shown in Figure 6(a) is displayed using the MAP display function of the standby screen display function. For example, for each registered location where the warning target is an Orbis (loop coil / LH system / H system / radar Orbis), a photo of the actual site is taken and registered in database 19, etc. For example, when the current location is approximately 500 m before the Orbis, control unit 18 accesses database 19, calls up the corresponding photo (live image) of the actual Orbis, and displays it on display unit 5.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the map is not slid to make space for displaying the live-action image, but the control unit 18 displays the live-action image superimposed on the displayed map. Therefore, as with animated warnings, displaying this live-action image does not narrow the display area of ​​the map, making it difficult to see, and sliding the map does not cause the position of the vehicle icon on the map to shift within the display unit, making it difficult to confirm the location of the vehicle or the alert target on the map. Therefore, the map is easy to see. Furthermore, by enlarging the display area of ​​the live-action image, it is advantageous because the alert target displayed in live-action can be intuitively understood. In addition, it is advantageous to indicate the location of the speed camera that is the alert target using an indication mark such as an arrow.

[0149] FIG. 15 shows an example of a display screen for a live-action warning using a live-action image. A live-action image 50 is displayed on a map displayed in the main display area R1 by changing the layer. By making the live-action image 50 occupy almost the entire display screen of the display unit 5, the live-action image of the object of the warning can be displayed large and easy to see. Furthermore, the object of the warning is captured together with the background, and moreover, the object of the warning is positioned at the center of the screen. This makes the object of the warning stand out because it is output in the center of the screen of the display unit 5.

[0150] A layout is adopted in which a first character alarm section 37 is placed at the bottom left of the main display area R1, a second character alarm section 38 is placed at the bottom right of the main display area R1, and an animation 40 dedicated to the alarm is displayed at an appropriate position in the main display area R1. In Figure 15, the display position of the animation 40 is slightly to the right of the center in the vertical direction, but as shown below, it can be displayed in a different position depending on the animation.

[0151] The first character warning section 37 is a section that displays related information as text information when reporting an alarm target belonging to the grouped radar group and wireless group in an alarm using the above-mentioned alarm display. In the case of a wireless group, only the "alarm name" is displayed, and in the case of a radar group, a "level meter," "alarm name," and "speaker icon" are displayed. For convenience, Figure 15 shows an example of receiving radar.

[0152] The second character warning section 38 is the section that displays related information as text when reporting targets based on grouped location information in the warning display described above. Specifically, it displays the "warning name" and "distance to the target." However, when warning about speed cameras, no text warning is given. Figure 8(a) shows an example of radar reception, so the second character warning section 38 is blank.

[0153] The dimensions of the live-action image 50 are such that the vertical dimension covers almost the entire display unit 5, and the horizontal dimension is shorter than the overall length of the display unit 5 by a predetermined distance. As a result, a portion of the side edge of the map is exposed to the lateral outside of the live-action image 50. The control unit 18 then blinks the live-action image 50 for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds). The blinking is displayed by changing the transmittance of the photograph or panel from 10% to 20...100% to 90...10%, with one cycle being one blinking cycle. As a result, for example, one cycle is a transition from a state in which the map is clearly visible as shown in FIG. 15(a), to a state in which the live-action image 50 begins to appear on top of the map as shown in FIG. 15(b), to a state in which the live-action image 50 clearly appears and the map is hidden and not visible as shown in FIG. 15(c), and then again to a state in which both the map and the live-action image are visible as shown in FIG. 15(b), to a state in which the map is clearly visible as shown in FIG. 15(a).

[0154] This blinking causes the live-action image 50 to appear on the screen and then disappear again, repeatedly displaying a strong impact and reliably informing the user of its presence. Furthermore, the blinking alternates between a state in which the live-action image is visible across the entire display screen (FIG. 15c) and a state in which the map is clearly visible (FIG. 15a), which is advantageous in that it also allows the user to confirm the contents of the map.

[0155] Furthermore, by making the dimensions of the actual image 50 shorter than the map as described above, even if the map is hidden by the actual image 50 as shown in Figure 15(c), part of the map can be seen outside the right edge of the actual image. Therefore, it is clear that a map exists.

[0156] [Example 4 of Alarm Using Display Unit 5] (Special (SP) Alarm) In the above-described embodiments, the content of the alarm (alarm display, animation) given for each type of alarm target and alarm, and the content of the alarm (real-life image) prepared for each alarm target, were different. However, in the present embodiment, the content of the special alarm is changed based on information other than the type of alarm target. The information other than the type of alarm target is time-related information such as the season and the time of day. Specifically, different animations are displayed for each of the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Furthermore, it is preferable to have different animations for each time of day, such as day and night. Furthermore, this special alarm is an alarm dedicated to a specified standby screen. The specified standby screen is, for example, a clock and calendar standby screen.

[0157] 16(a) shows an example of the screen configuration of the clock / calendar standby screen. As shown in the figure, similar to the other embodiments, the layout adopts an icon display section 32b, vehicle speed display section 32c, and compass display section 32d arranged in predetermined positions above the display area of ​​the display section 5, a first character warning section 37 arranged in the lower left of the display area, and a second character warning section 38 arranged in the lower right of the display area. Each of the display sections 32b to 32d and each of the warning sections 37 and 38 are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0158] In this embodiment, the clock unit 51 is located on the left side of the display area, and the calendar unit 52 is located on the right side of the display area. The control unit 18 displays the current time obtained from the internal clock or the GPS receiver 13 on the clock unit 51 as a diagram simulating an analog clock. This diagram is animated, with the second hand, hour hand, and minute hand constantly changing as time passes. The control unit 18 also outputs the current date and day of the week as text information to the calendar unit 52.

[0159] Furthermore, the control unit 18 outputs different background screens depending on the season and time of day to the display area of ​​the display unit 5. Fig. 16(a) shows a summer background screen. The background screen, information display unit, text alarm units 37 and 38, clock unit 51, and calendar unit 52 are each reproduced and output using a separate layer. This allows for individual display / non-display control of any desired items.

[0160] This summer background screen depicts an underwater scene. If an event requiring a specific warning occurs while this summer background screen is displayed, the control unit 18 plays and outputs a specific warning animation. The warning animation is closely related to the background screen and the season. For example, if the background screen is an underwater scene as shown in FIG. 16(a), bubbles appearing in the sea move upward as shown in FIG. 16(c). This warning animation is commonly used for different types of warning targets, so while the playback of the warning animation allows the user to recognize that there is some kind of warning target, it does not identify the specific type of warning target. The type of warning target is identified by text information, etc., output to the first character warning unit 37 and the second character warning unit 38.

[0161] Specifically, the background screen and warning animation, which vary depending on the season, are as shown in FIGS. 16(b) to 16(e). FIG. 16(b) shows a daytime version for spring (March to May), with a background screen depicting cherry blossom trees (particularly the flowers) against a blue background evoking a blue sky. The warning animation depicts cherry blossom petals falling like falling petals. The layer displaying the warning animation is higher than the layers displaying the information display section, the text warning sections 37 and 38, the clock section 51, and the calendar section 52. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the petals are drawn on top of the clock image in the clock section 51 and the text in the calendar section 52, obscuring the clock image and other elements. This prevents the warning animation from being obscured by other display elements such as the clock, providing a fun and soothing effect for users such as drivers and reliably informing them that an event is occurring.

[0162] Although specific illustrations are omitted, in the version in which the time is night, the background screen is black to represent late night (see Figure 16(d)), and when an event occurs, the control unit 18 plays and outputs an alarm animation of cherry blossom petals falling on the background screen with a black background pattern.

[0163] Figure 16(c) shows a version set in summer (June to August) at daytime, with a background screen that evokes the image of the ocean. This background image can be a single still image, or it can be a moving image that recreates the flickering of light shining into the ocean. The alarm animation shows bubbles rising (moving from the bottom to the top of the screen). Representing the blue ocean as the background screen gives the user a sense of exhilaration, evoking a refreshing feeling and making the experience more enjoyable for the user.

[0164] Although specific illustrations are omitted, in the version in which the time is night, the background screen is black to represent late night (see FIG. 16(d)), and when an event occurs, the control unit 18 plays and outputs fireworks as a warning animation on the background screen with the black background pattern. If these fireworks are launched, which is a typical summer event, it creates a summery feeling and is expected to have a soothing effect on the user's mind, which is good because the user can enjoy it.

[0165] Figure 16(d) shows a version set in autumn (September to November) at night, with a black background to represent the middle of the night. The alarm animation shows autumn leaves petals falling (moving from the top to the bottom of the screen). In the daytime version, a background of autumn leaves (especially the flowers) on a blue background to evoke the image of a blue sky would be ideal, just like in the spring version.

[0166] Figure 16(e) shows a version for the winter season (December to February) and nighttime, with a black background to represent the middle of the night. The alarm animation shows snow falling (for example, moving from the top to the bottom of the screen). In the daytime version, a blue background pattern reminiscent of a blue sky can be used, just like in the spring version.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, three types of alarm animations are provided to correspond to low, medium, and high levels of urgency and priority depending on the type of alarm target. Furthermore, a predetermined alarm sound may be output along with the playback of the alarm animation. These alarm animations and alarm sounds are associated and registered in database 19. When an event occurs, control unit 18 accesses database 19, reads the corresponding alarm animation and alarm sound, and outputs them at a predetermined timing.

[0168] If the season is spring, the effect will change for both day and night: "A small number of cherry blossom petals, flickering (low priority)" → "A medium number of cherry blossom petals, scattered by a strong wind (medium priority)" → "A large number of cherry blossom petals, with large and small petals scattering across the entire screen (high priority)." If it is summer (daytime), change "Small, bubbling bubbles (low priority)" to "A mixture of small and medium bubbles, a bubbling, lumpy feeling (medium priority)" to "A mixture of small, medium, and large bubbles, a bubbling, lumpy, lumpy, lumpy feeling (high priority)." If the season is summer (night), the sound effect will change from "An animation of a single small firework with a warning sound of 'whoosh, bang' (low priority)" to "An animation of a series of medium-sized fireworks with a sound effect of 'whoosh x 5, bang, bang x 5' (medium priority)" to "An animation of large fireworks (a large willow tree filling the screen) with a sound effect of 'whoosh, bang, bang' (high priority)." If the season is autumn, the effect will change for both day and night from "A small number of autumn leaves, giving a flickering feel (low priority)" to "A medium number of autumn leaves, giving the feel of rattling leaves falling (medium priority)" to "A large number of autumn leaves, giving the feel of large and small flower petals falling all over the screen (high priority)." -If the season is winter, change the following for both day and night: "A small amount of snow, a flickering feel (low priority)" → "A medium amount of snow, a quiet feel (same behavior as low)" → "A blizzard animation, a massive feel (high priority)". For specific seasons, it is a good idea to fade out the background screen (the background disappears). Examples of specific seasons would be summer (night), autumn, and winter.

[0169] This alarm animation may be issued alone or in combination with other alarms. For example, when an event occurs, such as when the distance to the alarm target registered in database 19 reaches a reference distance or when a specific radio signal is received, the alarm animation is played back one cycle (about 2 to 3 seconds), and then a sound corresponding to the type of alarm target is output. The alarm using first character alarm unit 37 or second character alarm unit 38 may be issued, for example, after the playback of the alarm animation or simultaneously.

[0170] In addition, for normal types of alarm targets, an alarm is first issued using alarm animation, but in the case of radar groups or radio groups, for example, due to the urgency, an audio alert such as "It's radar" is issued first, followed by one cycle of alarm animation, and then an audio alert or other alert corresponding to the type of alarm target is issued until the event is canceled.

[0171] [Example 5 of Alarm Using Display Unit 5] (∞ Alarm) The ∞ alarm is a special alarm that is activated by linking the light tube with the display unit 5. This special alarm that is linked to the light tube operates in conjunction with the map screen. Whether or not a special alarm is issued is determined by the mode setting. When set to issue a special alarm, if the standby screen of the display unit 5 is not the map screen, it will switch to the map screen, issue a specified special alarm, and return to the original screen once the alarm has ended. The order of priority is as follows: 1. Speed ​​camera group, 2. Radar group, 3. Checkpoint enforcement group, 4. Radio group, 5. Other POI group.

[0172] Since the alarm generated by the interlocking of the light tube 20 and the display unit 5 is a special alarm, the control unit 18 may be configured to issue an alarm combining the light tube 20 and the display unit 5 when a plurality of predetermined alarm conditions are met. The predetermined plurality of alarm conditions may satisfy different types of alarm conditions, such as an alarm condition based on location information, such as when the relative positional relationship between the location of the alarm target stored as map information in the database 19 and the vehicle's current location information meets a predetermined set condition, and an alarm condition based on predetermined radio wave reception, such as when microwaves in a frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device are received by the microwave receiver 14. A specific example of satisfying these different types of alarm conditions is when the alarm target is a speed measurement device, and when the alarm condition based on location information is met, the alarm condition based on radio wave reception is simultaneously met by receiving microwaves in a frequency band emitted from the speed measurement device.

[0173] Furthermore, the case where multiple alarm conditions are satisfied may also mean that multiple alarm conditions of the same type are satisfied at different times. For example, if the alarm conditions are based on position information as described above, and the alarm conditions based on position information are satisfied when the relative positional relationship with the same alarm target is at a first distance (e.g., 2000 m), a second distance shorter than the first distance (e.g., 1000 m), and a third distance shorter than the second distance (e.g., 500 m), the alarm conditions may be satisfied in a predetermined order as the vehicle travels, for example, the first distance → second distance → third distance.

[0174] Furthermore, it is even more preferable to provide for both cases where multiple types of the above alarm conditions are satisfied and cases where multiple alarm conditions of the same type are satisfied at different times. For example, suppose that specific multiple alarm conditions are satisfied when microwaves of a predetermined frequency are received and further when the first distance, second distance, and third distance are satisfied in this order.

[0175] By issuing a fused warning when a plurality of specific warning conditions are satisfied, the occurrence of such a fused warning is reduced, and therefore, when such a fused warning is issued, it is more surprising and has a greater impact on the driver, so that the warning can be more reliably notified to the driver.

[0176] Furthermore, the microwave reception conditions may be, for example, microwaves received at the respective positions when the first, second, and third distance positional conditions are met. This reduces the likelihood of specific alarm conditions being met, which is advantageous. If the above-mentioned predetermined alarm conditions are not met, an alarm combining the display unit 5 and the light tube 20 may not be issued. For example, if the predetermined alarm conditions are not met but other alarm conditions are met, an alarm may be issued by either the display unit 5 or the light tube 20, and if the predetermined alarm conditions are met, an alarm combining the display unit 5 and the light tube 20 may be issued. This allows the alarm combining the display unit 5 and the light tube 20 to be considered a special alarm.

[0177] For example, when a target suddenly appears ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel due to a lane change and begins approaching from a relative distance of less than 2000 m, the target sequentially meets the second and third distances without meeting the first distance condition, or the target sequentially meets the third distance, the specified multiple alarm conditions are not met even if microwaves are received when each distance condition is met. Also, when the positional conditions for the first, second, and third distances are met in order, the specified multiple alarm conditions are not met if microwaves are not received. In these cases, the display unit 5 and the optical tube 20 do not issue a combined alarm. Instead, when each distance condition is met, a message is output to the display unit 5 to notify the vehicle of the passage of the corresponding distance.

[0178] *Specific examples of special warnings **Orbis Group (using location information)** FIG. 17 shows an example of the screen transition of a special warning that is output when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is a first reference distance (long distance: for example, approximately 2000 m before the target). When driving on a highway, if all of the following conditions are met: "1. Driving at or above the speed limit," "2. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 2100 m or less," "3. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (for example, ±40 degrees)," and "4. The target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's traveling direction is within a predetermined angle (for example, ±20 degrees)," the special warning shown in FIG. 17 is issued. The database 19 stores the monitoring direction for each warning target (speed camera). The control unit 18 sets a predetermined angle range based on the monitoring direction and determines whether condition 3 is met.

[0179] If all four conditions are met, the control unit 18 first outputs an animation of waves splitting the screen, like the Ten Commandments of Moses, from the center of the screen, as shown in FIG. 17(a). The central space between the left and right waves is left black, and the left and right Navigators move outward. At this time, the sound effect is the sound of a waterfall. This sound effect continues until the animation ends. Simultaneously with the start of the animation of the screen being split by waves, the control unit 18 causes the full-color LED to flash red three times. This causes the light tubes 20 on both sides of the display unit 5 to flash red three times.

[0180] Next, as shown in Figure 17(b), the alarm name (also called the "target name") is displayed in the part broken by the waves. In the figure, "H System" is displayed, but depending on the type of target to be alarmed, one of the following will be displayed: Radar, H System, LH System, Loop Coil, or Photocell. The alarm name is displayed for a period of time while the center part of the left and right waves is somewhat open, for example, from about 80% open, through full open (100%), and until it is about 80% closed. Once the left and right waves are fully open, they gradually approach each other, narrowing the space between them, and when the waves close as shown in Figure 17(c), the wave animation ends. The wave animation lasts, for example, about 3 seconds.

[0181] After this wave animation ends, a live-action warning for each warning target is displayed (Fig. 17(d)). As explained using Fig. 15, the live-action warning is notified by changing the transparency of the live-action image and blinking it. Therefore, after the image has blinked a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), the live-action warning ends. In addition, the control unit 18 outputs a voice warning for a 2000m warning. This voice output notifies the direction and distance of the warning target, the road category, and the type of warning target. After the live-action image has blinked five times, the map display shown in Fig. 15(e) is displayed. That is, when a live-action warning is issued, the second character warning unit 38 outputs the warning name and the remaining distance to the warning target. Therefore, even after the live-action warning ends, the lower character warning using the second character warning unit 38 continues until the 1100m warning is issued.

[0182] In addition, warnings from the speed camera group are given top priority, but if there is a target for warning that belongs to the radar group or radio group, it is recommended that the radar and radio warnings be displayed simultaneously in warning characters using the first character warning unit 37.

[0183] FIG. 18(a) shows an example of a special warning screen that is output when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is a second reference distance (shorter than the first reference distance, e.g., approximately 1,000 m before the target) while traveling on a highway. When all three conditions are met while traveling on a highway: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 1,100 m or less," "2. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±40 degrees)," and "3. The target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's traveling direction is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±90 degrees)," the control unit 18 issues the special warning shown in FIG. 18(a). Specifically, the lower text warning using the second text warning unit 38 is terminated, and a speed camera animation (animated warning in Example 2) corresponding to the type of warning target is displayed. At the same time, the control unit 18 controls the illumination of the full-color LED 22, causing the light tubes 20 on both sides to flash red five times. This display continues until the vehicle is 600 m away. Additionally, sound effects and audio output are also generated for each warning target.

[0184] 18(b) and (c) show an example of the screen transition of the normal version of the special warning that is output when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is the third reference distance (shorter than the second reference distance: for example, approximately 600 m before) while driving on a highway. When driving on a highway, if all of the following conditions are met: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 600 m or less," "2. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (for example, ±40 degrees)," and "3. The target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's direction of travel is within a predetermined angle (for example, ±90 degrees)," the display will transition to a speed camera 600 m-specific animation. That is, the control unit 18 first displays the warning screen shown in FIG. 18(b).

[0185] This warning screen is based on the concept of viewing the target of the warning (speed camera) from the cockpit's perspective. This warning screen displays an animated object 61 in the center, modeled after the target. The animated object 61 animates an approaching speed camera, which appears far away. A target distance gauge 62 is placed in the upper left of the animated object 61. The target distance gauge 62 resembles an arc-shaped level meter, and as the distance to the target decreases, the portion of the meter that is a specific color (e.g., orange) becomes shorter. A target distance display 63 is placed in the upper left of the screen, and a current speed display 64 is placed in the upper right of the screen. Both are digital values ​​that change linearly as the vehicle travels. On the right side of the screen, below the current speed display 64, a speed limit display 65, a deviation speed display 66, and a radar level meter 67 are placed. The current speed is calculated based on the transition of location information obtained from the GPS receiver 13 and the elapsed time. The speed limit display unit 65 may, for example, display the speed limit at the current location, but preferably displays the speed limit at the location where the warning target (or Orbis) is installed. The deviation speed display unit 66 calculates the difference between the current speed and the speed limit (for example, the speed limit at the location where the warning target is installed) and displays this speed difference numerically. At this time, if the speed limit is exceeded, the text is displayed in red, and if the speed limit is not exceeded, the text is displayed in blue. Specifically, the control unit 18 outputs the Delta value calculated below to the deviation speed display unit 66 in colored text specified by the following rules. (Current speed) - (Speed ​​limit) = Delta Delta ≦ 0km / h: Blue text Delta > 0km / h: Red text

[0186] The radar level meter 67 displays the reception strength of the received radar waves using a five-point scale. A sub-display 68 is also located at the bottom left of the screen. This sub-display shows the relative position of the vehicle (red arrow) and the target of the warning (red circle). The animation object 61 and sub-display 68 display distance in 10 levels. Along with this screen display, the control unit 18 controls the light emission of the full-color LED 22, causing the light tubes on both sides to begin blinking. This blinking continues until the target of the warning has passed and the warning has ended. The control unit also issues an audio warning at predetermined distances (for example, at 600 m and 300 m).

[0187] Then, when the object to be warned has passed and radar waves are no longer received, the control unit 18 returns the display on the display unit 5 to the original screen as shown in Figure 18(c), outputs a passing phrase such as "Passed", and ends the special warning.

[0188] Figure 19 shows an example of the screen transition for a special version of the special warning that is output when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is the third reference distance (shorter than the second reference distance: for example, approximately 600 m before) while driving on a highway. When driving on a highway, if all of the following conditions are met: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 600 m or less," "2. The vehicle's direction as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a specified angle (for example, ±40 degrees)," "3. The target's direction as seen from the vehicle's direction of travel is within a specified angle (for example, ±90 degrees)," and further, "4. The first reference distance and the second reference distance are passed in sequence," and "radar waves are received at least once between 2000 m and 600 m," the screen will transition to the display of the speed camera 600 m special animation.

[0189] That is, the control unit 18 first displays the alarm screen shown in FIG. 19(a). This alarm screen shows a state in which noise has occurred across the entire map screen. At this time, the control unit 18 also outputs a noise-like sound, such as a "buzzing" alarm sound. Next, after outputting the sound effect of a CRT television being turned off, the screen turns completely black and the backlight is turned off, as shown in FIG. 19(b). Next, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined dedicated sound effect, controls the full-color LED 22 to emit 100% red light, causes the light tube 20 to emit red light, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 19(c). For example, the light tube 20 and the display unit 5 described in FIG. 4 and elsewhere cooperate to display the character ∞. Since the red color represents the image of a burning flame, the control unit 18 simultaneously outputs the sound effect of a burning flame.

[0190] After that, the Orbis 600m-specific animation shown in Figure 19(d) is displayed. This Orbis 600m-specific animation is the same as the regular version described above. Furthermore, as this Orbis 600m-specific animation is displayed, the light tube goes out. In this way, by displaying Figures 19(a) to (c) prior to the display of the Orbis 600m-specific animation, the user can imagine and expect that something special is about to happen, creating a sense of excitement and entertaining the user.

[0191] As with the standard version, the 600m ARBIS-specific animation is displayed until the point immediately preceding the warning target (ARBIS). Then, at the point where the warning target passes, the control unit 18 cuts in three images, from FIG. 19(e) → FIG. 19(f) → FIG. 19(g). When cutting in these three images, the control unit 18 also outputs the sound effect of a shutter clicking. These cut-ins are displayed one by one in a short period of time (for example, every 0.3 seconds). Cutting in three images in this way is effective and creates a cool effect. Passage can be determined when all of the following conditions are met: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 100m or less," "2. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target is within a specified angle (±40 degrees)," and "3. The orientation of the warning target as seen from the vehicle's direction of travel is within a specified angle (±90 degrees)." If the determination of passage before cutting in is made based on the installation position of the warning target (0 m point), the cut-in will occur after the actual warning target has been passed, which could feel out of place, but by setting it a predetermined distance before (for example, within 100 m), a sense of realism can be achieved and the cut-in can be timed appropriately. Furthermore, even if there is a deviation from the actual position due to errors in GPS accuracy, by cutting in within the predetermined distance, it is possible to prevent situations where the cut-in occurs after the actual warning target has been passed.

[0192] Then, the control unit 18 determines the situation at the time of passing, and displays one of the determination result screens shown in Fig. 19(h) to (l) according to the determination result. The situation is the speed difference between the traveling speed and the speed limit. Furthermore, "at the time of passing" is defined as immediately before passing (for example, 50 m before). By using the speed immediately before passing in this way, the determination result screen can be displayed in accordance with the timing of the actual passing.

[0193] Specifically, the control unit 18 calculates V50 (the running speed - the limit speed 50 m ahead), determines and displays one of the judgment result screens based on the relationship between the speed difference and the preset reference speed. FIG. 19(h) is the screen displayed when passing through in the best situation. Against the backdrop of the sunset, an image of a vehicle speeding away and the word "Congratulations" are drawn. Also, the voice of "Congratulations" is output. The specific condition is set as |V50|≦2 km / h. In this way, with a small speed difference, passing at a running speed near the limit speed is regarded as the best situation.

[0194] FIG. 19(i) is the screen displayed when passing through in the second-best situation. Against the backdrop of the sunset, the word "Good" is drawn. Also, the voice of "Good" is output. The specific condition is set as 2 km / h < |V50|≦5 km / h. If it becomes slower than necessary compared to the limit speed, there may be an imbalance with the running speeds of other vehicles and it may not be possible to smoothly merge into the traffic flow. Therefore, even when slower than the limit speed, if the deviation becomes large, the rank is lowered.

[0195] FIG. 19(j) is the screen displayed when passing through in the third-best situation. Against the backdrop of the sunset, the word "OK" is drawn. Also, the voice of "OK" is output. The specific condition is set as V50 < -5 km / h or +5 km / h < V50≦+10 km / h. It is not preferable to make a bad judgment even if the limit speed is too slow, so the range below the limit speed and the range of speed exceeding are separated.

[0196] FIG. 19(k) is the screen displayed when passing through in the fourth-best (actually bad) situation. Against the backdrop of a cloudy sky, the word "BAD" is drawn. Also, the voice of "BAD" is output. The specific condition is set as 10 km / h < V50≦20 km / h. [[ID=1|4]]

[0197] FIG. 19(l) is the screen displayed when passing through in the worst situation. Against the backdrop of lightning, the word "JESUS" is drawn. Also, the voice of "JESUS" is output. The specific condition is set as 20 km / h < V50.

[0198] In this way, the judgment result screen is displayed when passing the warning target (Orbis), which makes it more interesting and game-like. Also, by driving carefully so that a better screen is displayed, drivers can be encouraged to drive safely and with the flow of traffic while suppressing speeding and not slowing down more than necessary.

[0199] FIG. 20(a) shows an example of the screen transition of a special warning issued when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is within a second reference distance (e.g., approximately 1,000 m before the target) while driving on a public road. When all of the following conditions are met while driving on a public road: (1) the distance between the vehicle and the target is 1,100 m or less; (2) the vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±40 degrees); and (3) the target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's traveling direction is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±90 degrees), the control unit 18 issues the special warning shown in FIG. 18(a). Specifically, the control unit 18 freezes the map standby screen, displays the name of the warning (e.g., "loop coil" in the figure), and then plays an animation of ice breaking. The ice begins to break, for example, from the center of the screen. The sound effect is the sound of glass breaking. Simultaneously with the start of the animation, the control unit 18 flashes the full-color LED in red three times. This causes the light tubes 20 on both sides of the display 5 to flash red three times.

[0200] Next, the control unit 18 switches to the speed camera animation (animated warning in Example 2) corresponding to the type of warning target. This display continues up to 600 m. In addition, sound effects and voice output set for each warning target are also performed.

[0201] 20(c) and (d) show an example of the screen transition of a special warning issued when the distance to the warning target (speed camera) is the third reference distance (shorter than the second reference distance, e.g., approximately 600 m before the target) while traveling on a public road. When all three conditions are met while traveling on a highway: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 600 m or less," "2. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±40 degrees)," and "3. The target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's traveling direction is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±90 degrees)," the control unit 18 terminates the animation warning shown in FIG. 20(b) and switches to a live action warning. Simultaneously with the switchover, the control unit 18 controls the light emission of the full-color LED 22, causing both light tubes to begin flashing red. This flashing continues until the target is passed and the warning is terminated. The control unit also issues an audio warning at predetermined distances (e.g., at 600 m and 300 m).

[0202] **Checkpoint Enforcement Group (Using Location Information)** Figures 20(e) and (f) show an example of the screen transition of a special warning issued when the distance to the warning target (checkpoint enforcement) is a second reference distance (e.g., approximately 1,000 m away). When all of the following conditions are met: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 1,100 m or less," "2. The vehicle's orientation as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±40 degrees)," and "3. The target's orientation as seen from the vehicle's traveling direction is within a predetermined angle (e.g., ±90 degrees)," the control unit 18 outputs the warning screen shown in Figure 20(e). Specifically, the control unit 18 displays an animation in which a black hole-like image appears in the center of the map standby screen, with the target's name displayed within it. The black hole gradually grows larger over a period of, for example, two seconds. The sound effect is a deep bass sound resonating from the depths of the earth. Simultaneously with the start of the animation, the control unit 18 causes the full-color LED to flash yellow three times. This causes the light tubes 20 on both sides of the display unit 5 to flash yellow three times.

[0203] Next, after the black hole animation ends, the control unit 18 displays a live-action warning for each warning target (FIG. 20(d)). The live-action warning is given by changing the transparency of the live-action image and making it blink. This display continues up to 600 m.

[0204] Figure 20(g) shows an example of the screen transition of the normal version of the special warning that is output when the distance to the warning target (checkpoint enforcement) is the third reference distance (shorter than the second reference distance: for example, approximately 600 m before). When driving on a highway, if all of the following conditions are met: "1. The distance between the vehicle and the target is 600 m or less," "2. The vehicle's direction as seen from the warning target (speed camera) is within a specified angle (for example, ±40 degrees)," and "3. The target's direction as seen from the vehicle's direction of travel is within a specified angle (for example, ±90 degrees)," an animated warning (Example 2) corresponding to the type of warning target will be issued.

[0205] 21(a) to 21(d) show an example of the screen transition of the special version of the special warning that is output when the distance to the warning target (checkpoint) is the third reference distance (shorter than the second reference distance: for example, approximately 600 m before). The condition for transitioning to the special version is that a wireless warning is received between 1100 m and 600 m. When transitioning to the special version, the control unit 18 first displays the warning screen shown in FIG. 21(a). This warning screen shows a state in which noise has occurred across the entire map screen. This represents a state in which the map screen is corrupted by noise, and is intended to attract the user's attention. At this time, the control unit 18 also outputs a noise-like sound, such as a "buzzing" warning sound. Next, after outputting the sound effect of a CRT television being turned off, the screen is turned all black with the backlight turned off, as shown in FIG. 20(b). Next, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined special sound effect, controls the full-color LED 22 to emit 100% green and blue light, causes the light tube 20 to emit a bluish-white light, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 21(c). For example, the character ∞ is displayed in cooperation with the light tube 20 and the display unit 5 described in Fig. 4 etc. Since the image represents a bluish-white flash of lightning, the control unit 18 simultaneously outputs a thunder sound effect. After that, an animated warning corresponding to the type of warning target is output, as shown in Fig. 21(d).

[0206] **Other POIs (using location information)** 21(e) shows an example of a warning screen for the warning target (other POI group). After an animation of fog appearing on the map screen, the control unit 18 issues an animated warning corresponding to the type of warning target according to the reference distance of the warning condition.

[0207] **Radar Group** FIG. 21(f) shows an example of an alarm screen for an alarm target (radar group). The control unit 18 performs an animation in which the screen briefly burns up, like a backdraft. The sound effect is a soft burning sound. After that, an animated alarm corresponding to the type of alarm target is performed according to the reference distance of the alarm condition.

[0208] **Radio Group** 21(g) shows an example of an alarm screen for the alarm target (radio group). The control unit 18 animates a blue lightning bolt superimposed on the map screen. The sound effect is the sound of thunder striking. After that, an animated alarm corresponding to the type of alarm target is played.

[0209] [Public Enforcement Information Display Function] Prefectural police publish information about the locations and dates of traffic enforcement activities as traffic enforcement information. Therefore, this information is acquired in advance through a data update process. For example, the latest traffic enforcement information data is downloaded to the database 19 using the memory card 11. The control unit 18 then has a function for notifying the user that traffic enforcement information has been published for the user's current location. The control unit 18 accesses the downloaded traffic enforcement information data based on the user's current location and notifies the user if traffic enforcement information has been published for the user's current location. This notification is achieved, for example, by using the display unit 5. The display unit 5 may be used to output a mark or text indicating the publication of traffic enforcement information or to emit light at a predetermined position on the display unit 5. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is illuminated by, for example, the icon display unit 32b glowing red, as shown in FIG. 22(a). More specifically, the control unit 18 places a warning lamp unit 71 in the background of the display area of ​​the icon display unit 32b and causes the warning lamp unit 71 to flash red in a radial pattern.

[0210] When the control unit 18 detects that the display area of ​​the icon display unit 32b or the warning lamp unit 71 has been touched, it displays the public enforcement information display unit 72, a bubble-style text screen shown in Figure 22(b), superimposed on a map (Map screen). The public enforcement information display unit 72 displays one piece of enforcement information per page. If there is multiple pieces of enforcement information, the page is turned to display the next piece of public enforcement information. That is, the public enforcement information display unit 72 has a left page movement button 72c and a right page movement button 72b on the left and right sides, respectively, and further has a back button 72a in the center of the top edge of the public enforcement information display unit 72. The control unit 18 displays the page movement buttons in the direction where data is available and hides the buttons in the direction where no pages are available. When the control unit 18 detects that each page movement button 72b, 72c has been touched, it momentarily changes the color of the pressed movement button (for example, to "purple") and displays the page that was pressed.

[0211] In this way, the user can view each item of public law enforcement information displayed on the entire screen. That is, for example, if the public law enforcement information is notified by horizontal scrolling near the bottom of the display screen of the display unit 5, if the user misses the first character and starts viewing it halfway through, they will have to continue looking at the display unit 5 until the first character appears again, which is undesirable. In contrast, as in this embodiment, one item of public law enforcement information is displayed in a static state on the public law enforcement information display unit 72, so the user will not miss it due to poor timing. Furthermore, if the horizontal scrolling display is configured to automatically output public law enforcement information when there is public law enforcement information for the current location, for example, users who do not want to see or are not interested in the information, or users who already know the information, will see information they do not want to read displayed on the display unit 5, and the scrolling movement can be distracting. In contrast, in this embodiment, users who do not want to see the information can simply avoid touching the warning lamp unit 71, thereby preventing the output of distracting information.

[0212] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 detects that the back button 72a has been touched in the state shown in Figure 22(b), it will erase the public enforcement information display unit 72 and display the original Map screen. If you return using the back button 72a after viewing the public enforcement information in this way, the icon displayed in the icon display unit 32b will change to red and white characters 71' as shown in Figure 22(c) until the public enforcement information is released. Furthermore, when the public enforcement information is released, the icon will return to the normal blue and white characters. Furthermore, when new public enforcement information is received, the icon will flash again.

[0213] Also, for example, as shown in Figure 22(d), in the case of a screen that does not have an icon display section, the control unit 18 places a warning lamp section 71 in the background part of the display area of ​​the map scale characters, and if there is public enforcement information at the current location, the warning lamp section 71 flashes in a radial red light.

[0214] In this state, when it is detected that the display area of ​​the warning lamp section 71 has been touched, the control section 18 displays the public enforcement information display section 72 in the form of a balloon-style text screen as shown in Fig. 22(b) superimposed on the display screen of Fig. 22(d). Then, when it is detected that the back button 72a has been touched, the control section 18 erases the public enforcement information display section 72 and displays the original display screen. At this time, as shown in Fig. 22(e), the map scale is changed to red and white characters 71'.

[0215] [Example of standby screen display function] **Speed ​​display standby screen** FIG. 23 shows an example of a standby screen displayed by the standby screen display function of the control unit 18. FIG. 23(a) shows an example of a "speed display standby screen." In this standby screen, an object 81 indicating driving conditions such as speed is displayed in the center of the screen. This object 81 is configured with a compass 81b arranged around a speedometer 81a. The speedometer 81a is an animated circular analog meter, and a speedometer needle 81c moves according to the current speed. In addition, a warning lamp 81d indicating excessive speed is arranged at a predetermined position within the speedometer 81a. The warning lamp 81d indicates whether the current driving speed is equal to or greater than a reference speed (e.g., 120 km / h). If the driving speed is less than the reference speed (e.g., 120 km / h), the control unit 18 lights up the warning lamp 81d in green, and if the driving speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed (e.g., 120 km / h), the control unit 18 lights up the warning lamp 81d in red. The compass 81b displays the initials "N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW" at 45-degree intervals on a ring, and rotates and moves so that the vehicle's direction of travel is at the top, similar to the compass display 32d displayed on another display screen. The compass 81b is primarily silver or metallic, with the letter "N" in red and the rest in black. Because the object 81 indicates the vehicle's speed and direction of travel (orientation), the vehicle speed display 32c and compass display 32d, which are displayed on other screens, are not displayed. This standby screen displays the speedometer 81a and compass 81b large and full-screen, making them easy to see. Furthermore, the ring-shaped compass 81b is integrated around the speedometer 81a, and the compass 81b is rendered with a metallic sheen, creating a stylish look.

[0216] **Acceleration standby screen** 23(b-1) and (b-2) show an example of an "acceleration standby screen." This standby screen displays the state of acceleration applied to the vehicle using numbers and gradation. In this standby screen, an object 82 showing the magnitude and direction of acceleration is displayed in the center of the screen, and numeric display sections 83 showing the acceleration state as numbers are displayed on both the left and right sides. This object 82 displays an acceleration gauge 82b at a predetermined position around a 3D-rendered vehicle 82a.

[0217] The acceleration gauge 82b displays the direction of vehicle acceleration based on the output of the built-in acceleration sensor 25. In the figure, since it is placed at the front of the vehicle 82a (front grill side), it shows the state in which acceleration is being applied to the front of the vehicle, that is, the state in which the vehicle is decelerating due to braking. Although not shown, the acceleration gauge 82b is placed at the rear of the vehicle when accelerating, and when turning, the acceleration gauge 82b is placed at an appropriate position around the vehicle 82a depending on the direction the vehicle is turning and the speed state at that time (acceleration, deceleration, constant speed).

[0218] As shown in FIG. 22(b-2), the acceleration gauge 82b has five small sectors arranged side by side. The central sector displays the current acceleration value of the vehicle. Each small sector is divided into multiple (e.g., 11) blocks from the center to the periphery. Each block constitutes the acceleration gauge's memory, and a display color is set for each block. The control unit 18 applies a set color to the central sector up to the memory block corresponding to the acquired acceleration value, and makes the memory blocks that exceed the acceleration value transparent. For example, the colors of this gauge are, from the center, "white" for 0, "blue" for 1 to 3, "yellow" for 4 to 7, and "red" for 8 to 10. In FIG. 22(b-2), the predetermined colors are displayed up to the maximum 10th mark (0 in the center). The first color from the center is transparent, regardless of the acceleration value. This is because the center side overlaps with the vehicle 82a, and priority is given to displaying the vehicle 82a.

[0219] Furthermore, the control unit 18 reduces the gauge scale of the small sectors adjacent to the central small sector on the left and right by two graduations, and reduces the gauge scale of the next adjacent gauge by four graduations. In the example of Figure 22(b-2), since the central small sector has been colored up to the 10th block, the next small sector next to it will color up to the 8th block, and the next small sector next to that will color up to the 6th block.

[0220] The use of acceleration gauge 82b makes it easier to intuitively recognize the direction of vehicle acceleration and the magnitude of the acceleration value. Small sectors are placed adjacent to the central sector indicating the magnitude of acceleration, ensuring a certain amount of width and making it easier to see. Furthermore, the number of scale marks on the adjacent sectors is reduced, resulting in a pointed shape, making the size easier to understand and creating a novel and appealing appearance. The acceleration gauge is also drawn using a gradation that gradually changes color, adding a beautiful and interesting touch. Furthermore, for example, the color changes from blue to red as the acceleration value increases, allowing the user to intuitively recognize dangerous or uneconomical driving due to high acceleration.

[0221] Furthermore, specific acceleration values ​​are displayed on the numeric display unit 83, allowing accurate understanding. The maximum acceleration is displayed as the maximum acceleration within a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, the period from engine start to the present, a period up to a predetermined time ago from the present, or a period up to a predetermined distance traveled from the present. For example, a log function may be provided, and information relating to the current position and the acceleration at that time (such as the output value of the acceleration sensor) may be recorded at predetermined time intervals, and the maximum value may be found and displayed from the recorded history. Furthermore, when a target start point (e.g., the time of engine start) is determined, such as from engine start to the present, the current acceleration value from the start point may be compared with the recorded maximum acceleration value, and if the current acceleration value is greater, the maximum acceleration value may be updated.

[0222] **Positioning information standby screen** Figure 23(c) shows an example of a "positioning information standby screen." This standby screen displays satellite positions, satellite numbers, and reception levels. This standby screen displays an object displaying satellite positions, etc., on the left side of the screen, and a graph on the right side. The object displays satellite positions with "+" marks on a picture of the Earth. The control unit 18 determines the location of each GPS satellite in the sky from the information acquired from the GPS receiver 13 and displays a "+" mark at the corresponding position. Furthermore, for two types of satellites, "Michibiki," a quasi-zenith satellite that realizes the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and "Himawari," a meteorological satellite, the relevant text information is displayed by connecting the corresponding "+" mark with a line. This allows the presence and location of "Michibiki" and "Himawari" at a glance. Furthermore, it is preferable to have a function to display the satellite number of the satellite with the highest CN value received from each satellite and to display the corresponding "+" mark with a line.

[0223] The graph displays the captured satellites from the left in order of lowest satellite number, and the CN value of each satellite is displayed as a bar graph. If eight or more satellites are captured, the top eight with the highest CN value are selected and a graph is created and displayed in order of satellite number.

[0224] In this embodiment, if the CN value is 30 or greater, the bar graph is green, if the CN value is 20 or greater, the bar graph is yellow, and if the CN value is less than 20, the bar graph is red. This is preferable because the CN value level can be recognized by the color as well as the height of the graph. For example, if the entire graph is green, it can be confirmed that the CN values ​​of all eight satellites are good.

[0225] **Driver's Point Wallpaper** 23(d-1) and (d-2) show an example of a "driver's point standby screen." This standby screen displays the results of scoring each item based on driving data and calculating an overall driving evaluation from the points for each item. The driver's points are calculated by accumulating driving conditions over a certain period of time and calculating points for a predetermined evaluation item to perform an overall evaluation. The certain period of time in the past that is the subject of evaluation is, for example, one hour. Note that even if the period is less than one hour, such as at the beginning of driving, the evaluation is based on the range of driving. This standby screen has a layout in which a driver's point graph 84a is placed on the left side of the screen, and a total point 84b, rank insignia 84c, and title 84d are displayed on the right side of the screen, from top to bottom.

[0226] The driver's points are judged and calculated as follows. First, there are four specific judgement items: sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, sudden steering, and economical speed. Each item starts with 100 points, and points are increased or decreased according to the driving situation according to the rules shown in Figure 24. The range of points is from 0 to 100.

[0227] The control unit 18 displays the points for each of the four items as a pie chart on the driver's point graph 84a, and displays the numerical values ​​of each of the four items as "○○ points" next to or below the item on the graph. Furthermore, the control unit 18 calculates the average of the numerical values ​​of the four items, sets it as the overall points, and displays it as a numerical value in a predetermined position.

[0228] In addition, the rank badge 84c and the title 84d are determined by the combination of the ranks of the respective points of the four items. The rank badge 84c is an icon modeled after the five-star (highest rank) shown in Fig. 23(d-1) and the two types of badges (first badge, second badge) shown in Fig. 23(d-2). For the two badges, the one on the left is the highest rank and the one on the right is the lowest rank. Furthermore, a plurality of colors are prepared for each of the three types of rank badge 84c icons. In the figure, the icon is shown in gold, but silver and copper are also prepared. In the case of the same icon form, gold has the highest level, followed by silver and finally copper. Therefore, there are a total of nine types of rank badges 84c. The ranking of these nine types of rank badges 84C is such that the five-star (gold) is the highest rank, followed by five-star (silver) → five-star (copper) → first badge (gold) → first badge (silver) → first badge (copper) → second badge (gold) → second badge (silver) → second badge (copper). The control unit 18 determines one of the nine types of rank badges based on each numerical value of the four items and displays it at a predetermined position. This determination of the rank badge may be made, for example, by previously setting the correspondence between the combination of each numerical value of the four items and the rank badge to be used and making the determination based on such a correspondence. The title to be used may also be associated. For example, the numerical values of each item are divided into a plurality of levels.

[0229] As an example, A: 80 < A ≤ 100 (excluding ALL 100) B: 50 < B ≤ 80 C: 0 ≤ C ≤ 50 (excluding ALL 0) are divided into three levels. Then, for example, a table of correspondence relationships as shown in Fig. 25 is registered in the database 19. After the control unit 18 obtains each numerical value of the four items, it performs the level classification of ABC, accesses the database 19, specifies the corresponding rank badge and title, and outputs them to a predetermined position of the display unit 5. Also, when outputting the title, the character color of the table shown in Fig. 25 is used. Also, for the rank badge and the title, they are not displayed if the running time is less than 10 minutes. Furthermore, data older than one hour is erased. It is preferable to retain the data even when power is turned on / off.

[0230] The higher the overall score, the more the rank insignia and titles should be praised and the more they should make the user feel good. Accordingly, in the above-described embodiment, even if the same shape is used, three colors—gold, silver, and bronze—are prepared, and rank insignia of the same shape are further divided into three levels (gold being the first and bronze being the third). Furthermore, for example, in the police and other organizations, where different types of insignia are worn depending on the position, the higher the overall score, the more likely the insignia is to be modeled after the insignia worn by higher-ranking personnel. The number of stars may also be increased. Conversely, the lower the overall score, the more likely the insignia is to make the user feel bad or depressed. In an embodiment without either of these, if all items are zero, the rank insignia is not presented. Furthermore, the lower the overall score, the more likely the title is to be unattractive or stigmatizing. This is preferable because it encourages users to drive safely and eco-friendly so that they can receive rank insignia and titles that make them feel good and do not make them feel bad or stigmatized.

[0231] **Tilt Standby Screen** Figure 23(e) shows an example of a "vehicle tilt standby screen." This standby screen displays, for example, an illustration of a horizon based on the vehicle tilt acquired as OBD information. Alternatively, an inclination sensor may be installed in the radar detector, and the vehicle tilt may be calculated and displayed based on the output of the inclination sensor.

[0232] [Example of setting screen] When configuring the radar detector's operating mode or other settings, for example, when the display unit 5 is touched while displaying the main screen or another predetermined screen, the control unit 18 displays a setting screen. Switching and setting of the operating mode, etc., is performed based on touching a button area provided in a predetermined position on the displayed setting screen. In this embodiment, input device elements resembling mechanical input devices are displayed on the setting screen. Examples of mechanical input device elements include those resembling a "toggle switch" as shown in FIG. 26(a) and those resembling a "volume knob" as shown in FIG. 26(b). In particular, when the actual input device has discrete movements (e.g., a "clicking" sound) like a "toggle switch," the input device elements are displayed with movements that match the actual movements. Furthermore, when an operating sound (e.g., a "click") is generated in response to operation, the sound is output in accordance with the movement of the input element. This creates a machine-like, device-like feel, resulting in a setting screen that is full of playfulness. This is preferable for users who, for example, like machines, because it creates a sense of familiarity.

[0233] [others] In the above-described embodiment, the approximate gourd shape is described as "two circles arranged on the left and right sides are connected to each other..." Here, "circle" includes both a "perfect circle" and an "ellipse." Therefore, when referring to an "arc," it includes both an "arc of a perfect circle" and an "arc of an ellipse." Furthermore, in the above-described example, the front side of the case is approximately gourd-shaped, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a circle (perfect circle / ellipse), a shape including a curved portion of the outer periphery, or a conventional rectangular shape is also acceptable.

[0234] In the above example, the electronic device of the present invention has been described as a radar detector that is fixedly installed by, for example, attaching it to the dashboard or other predetermined position inside the vehicle using a bracket 3, but the present invention can also be applied to a mirror-type radar detector that is attached to the rearview mirror. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to radar detectors and can be embodied as a function of various electronic devices for vehicles. For example, it may be incorporated as a function of a navigation device, etc.

[0235] Furthermore, in the above-described example, the device includes a database 19 storing various types of information, and the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 to read the necessary information and perform various processes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, some or all of the information to be registered in the database 19 may be registered in a server. The radar detector or other electronic device may have a function for communicating with the server, and the control unit 18 may access the server as needed to obtain the necessary information and execute the processes. Some or all of the control unit may be implemented in the server, and the server may execute some of the processes, and the in-vehicle device may obtain the results and display them as desired. Furthermore, the display device may be a device installed in another in-vehicle device or a device installed in the vehicle.

[0236] In addition, in the case of a type having a display unit, for example, the control microcomputer that controls the display items of the display unit and the control microcomputer that controls the light emission of the light emitting unit such as a light tube, i.e., an LED, may be configured as separate units, or may be configured as the same / single control microcomputer. The inside of the control unit 18 shown in Figure 2 may be configured to have multiple control microcomputers, or may be configured to have a single control microcomputer. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented independently or in combination with one another. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1. Radar detector 2 cases 5 Display section 6 Touch Panel 7 Volume adjustment button 8 Operation buttons 10 Memory Card Reader 11. Memory Card 13 GPS receiver 14 Microwave receiver 15 Radio receiver 16 speakers 18 Control Unit 19 Databases 20 light tubes 21 OBD adapter 22 full-color LEDs 22a First full color LED 22b Second full-color LED 25 Speed ​​sensor 26 Gyro sensor

Claims

1. An electronic device configured to allow a display displayed on a display unit and light from a light tube to be visible, the light tube is disposed so as to reach a predetermined side of the display unit; The display device has a function of illuminating the light tube and displaying the displayed object on the display unit so that the illuminated light tube is visible from the position where it reaches a predetermined side of the display unit and continues into the display unit. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The light tube is arranged so that both ends thereof reach different predetermined sides of the display unit, and the light tube is made to emit light, and the display object is displayed on the display unit so that both ends of the emitted light tube are connected to the display unit and can be seen from the positions where they reach different predetermined sides of the display unit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1,

3. A second light tube is provided which is a light tube different from the first light tube, the second light tube is disposed so as to reach a predetermined side of the display unit; The display device has a function of illuminating both the first light tube and the second light tube, and displaying the displayed object on the display unit so that the illuminated first light tube is visible as being connected to the display unit from a position where it reaches a predetermined side of the display unit, and the second light tube is visible as being connected to the display unit from a position where it reaches a predetermined side of the display unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,

4. A light emitting unit that allows light to enter one end of a light tube that is arranged so as to reach a predetermined side of the display unit is arranged, and the light emitting unit is arranged on the back side of the display unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The optical tube is arranged to pass through the periphery of the case of the electronic device.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. Having a function to allow light of different colors to be incident from both ends of the light tube.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:

7. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of an electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images