Device

Abstract

To provide a device capable of intelligibly notifying monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activity.SOLUTION: A radar detector that reports monitoring information relating to traffic monitoring activity is provided with two liquid crystal display devices having screens, and a control unit that acquires monitoring information relating to traffic monitoring activity and executes control to display the monitoring information on the screen of at least one of the display devices, and is capable of displaying monitoring position information indicating the location of implementation of traffic monitoring activity on one screen 15L of two horizontally juxtaposed screen regions R and R, and of displaying monitoring type information indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity on the other screen 15L of the two screen regions R and 15R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that assists vehicle operation by providing information regarding various traffic monitoring activities such as traffic enforcement and checkpoints. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices such as radar detectors that issue an alarm when receiving speed enforcement radar waves to alert the driver have been developed as devices to assist vehicle driving. Some of these devices have a GPS function for determining the current location of the vehicle and a database of GPS targets such as installation points of speed enforcement systems, and detect approaching specific GPS targets and alert the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such devices can prevent the driver from unwittingly driving too fast by notifying them of approaching traffic monitoring locations.

[0003] The GPS targets that the device with the above configuration will notify of approach include permanent points such as speed enforcement system installation points and police stations, as well as temporary points where traffic monitoring activities such as speed enforcement by mobile speed cameras and drunk driving checkpoints are frequently carried out. By notifying of approach to various GPS targets, the device aims to raise drivers' awareness of safe driving.

[0004] In particular, vehicle speed measuring devices used for speed enforcement are often installed at dangerous points where excessive speeding is likely to be induced. Notification of approach to such points is extremely effective in raising drivers' awareness of safe driving and avoiding danger before it occurs. Devices such as radar detectors are extremely useful in motivating drivers to drive safely, and are devices that contribute to ensuring traffic safety and assist driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-248180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned conventional devices have the following problem: While there are users who want to be presented with a lot of information, such as the type of traffic monitoring activity that is the target of the warning, the location of the activity, and the distance to the location, there are also quite a few users who find the warning difficult to understand because the amount of information presented is too much.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is an invention for providing a device that can notify monitoring information relating to traffic monitoring activities in an easy-to-understand manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a device for reporting monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities, comprising: two displays each having a screen capable of displaying monitoring information; The screens of the two displays are arranged side by side horizontally.

[0009] In the device of the present invention, two screens capable of displaying monitoring information are arranged side by side. With two screens, monitoring information can be displayed more clearly than with only one screen. For example, if one screen is used to display the monitoring information visually and the other screen displays the monitoring information in text, the user can accurately grasp the monitoring information by looking at both screens side by side. In this way, the device of the present invention is a device that can notify monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0010] By arranging two displays horizontally as in the device of the present invention, a smart product form that is wide and low in height and long in the horizontal direction can be achieved. Conventionally, devices that report monitoring information have generally been devices with a single horizontal screen. Various software has been developed for such devices to display various information on the horizontal screen. If there are two screens arranged side-by-side horizontally, it is highly likely that the screen specifications for conventional horizontal screens can be reused as is. If the conventional screen specifications can be reused, software development costs can be reduced and an attractive product cost can be achieved.

[0011] The device of the present invention may be used, for example, for in-vehicle applications, or may be used for non-in-vehicle applications. In a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gap is provided between the two displays arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. In the case of a device with only one display, even if the screen size can be secured by increasing the screen size, it is physically impossible to create a gap in the middle of the screen. A horizontal gap can only be realized by adopting two displays. The horizontal gap is effective, for example, in distinguishing the information displayed on each screen, making it possible to present information that is easy for the user to understand.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, an electronic component is disposed in the gap. With one screen, it is impossible to place electronic components in the middle of the screen, but with two displays, it is possible to place electronic components in the middle of the screen area consisting of the two screens. This eliminates the restriction that electronic components must be placed on the periphery to avoid the screen area, and increases the freedom of placement of electronic components.

[0013] In a preferred aspect of the device of the present invention, the electronic component is a detection sensor for detecting a nearby human body. The detection sensor disposed in the gap can detect an operation such as waving a hand over the screen area consisting of two screens. Generally, when waving a hand over a screen, most users try to waving their hand over the center of the screen. The gap is located midway between the screen areas consisting of the two screens, making it an ideal location for disposing a detection sensor that detects a hand-waving operation. It is also possible to dispose a light-emitting element such as an LED as an electronic component. In this case, the light emission can create an effect similar to a partition separating the two screens.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a device comprising: an electronic substrate on which two displays are mounted and which has a through-hole drilled therethrough in the thickness direction; a housing having a rib that is disposed to pass through the through hole of the electronic board, the housing accommodating the electronic board with the rib disposed to pass through the through hole, An abutment structure is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the rib, and the rigidity of the housing is increased by utilizing the strength of the electronic board.

[0015] An electronic board mounted with two displays tends to be larger in size in the direction in which the two displays are arranged. The housing that houses this electronic board also becomes wider in the direction in which the displays are arranged. When two displays are arranged horizontally, the horizontal width of the housing increases, making it necessary to ensure the torsional rigidity of the housing. By providing the above-described ribs on the housing and forming an abutment structure with the electronic board, the rigidity of the housing can be ensured by utilizing the strength of the electronic board. In this case, the rigidity required for the housing alone can be reduced, thereby avoiding the increase in cost and size that would be required to ensure rigidity, or to provide a shape to ensure rigidity.

[0016] The through hole provided in a device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an incomplete hole that communicates with the outer peripheral side surface of the electronic board and is open in part of the circumferential direction, and the rib is erected on the inner peripheral side surface of the housing. Ribs erected on the inner peripheral side of the housing make it easy to ensure high support rigidity for the ribs from the housing. By using ribs that are supported with high rigidity by the housing, the strength of the electronic board can be directly reflected in the rigidity of the housing. In addition, ribs erected on the inner peripheral side of the housing are generally effective in improving the rigidity of the housing itself.

[0017] In a preferred aspect of the device of the present invention, the abutment structures are provided on both sides of the border between the two display units in the horizontal direction. If the abutment structures are provided on both horizontal sides of the boundary between the two displays, the housing can be supported from both horizontal sides, which is very effective in ensuring the rigidity of the housing.

[0018] In a preferred aspect of the device of the present invention, the abutment structures are provided on both sides of the electronic board in the upper and lower directions. In this case, the housing can be supported from both above and below the electronic board, which is very effective in ensuring the rigidity of the housing.

[0019] The device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless module including a receiving antenna and a detection circuit for receiving radio waves emitted by traffic monitoring activities; The wireless module is arranged so as to overlap the boundary between the two displays in the normal direction of the screen.

[0020] Generally, wireless modules tend to be heavy because they need to be enclosed in a metal case or similar to prevent noise. By placing the wireless module so that it overlaps the boundary between two horizontally arranged displays, the center of gravity of the device can be moved closer to the horizontal center, achieving good weight balance. Achieving good weight balance allows for a stable in-vehicle state and improves visibility by suppressing screen shaking caused by vehicle vibrations.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, a touch screen sheet for detecting user touch operations is stacked across the two screens on the front side where the screens of the two displays are arranged side by side. By stacking the touchscreen sheet across two screens arranged side by side horizontally, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when a touchscreen sheet is placed on each screen. Furthermore, for example, a touchscreen sheet stacked across two screens can achieve seamless touch operations in the screen area that encompasses the two screens. In this case, even though there are two screens, touch operations similar to those on a single screen area are possible, improving the operational feel.

[0022] In a preferred aspect of the device of the present invention, the front side is provided with a positioning shape that matches a part of the sheet shape of the touch screen sheet. Touchscreen sheets that cross two screens arranged side by side horizontally tend to be longer in the horizontal direction, making positioning more difficult. By providing a positioning shape on the front side, the difficulty of stacking touchscreen sheets can be reduced.

[0023] In a preferred aspect of the device of the present invention, the positioning shape is provided corresponding to a middle position in the horizontal direction of the touch screen sheet. In this case, for example, there is no need to start attaching the touchscreen sheet from the horizontal (left-right) end. If there is a misalignment in the angle of the touchscreen sheet when starting to attach the touchscreen sheet from one of the horizontal ends, the misalignment will be amplified as it moves toward the opposite horizontal end, which could result in a very large misalignment at the end of attachment. On the other hand, if the positioning shapes are provided in the positions described above, it becomes possible to start attaching the touchscreen sheet from a midpoint in the horizontal direction and then attach it to both sides in the horizontal direction. If the touchscreen sheet is started to be attached to both sides in the horizontal direction from a midpoint, the distance from the start of attachment to the end of attachment is shorter, so the misalignment that occurs at the horizontal ends is reduced.

[0024] The device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic component that executes calculations for controlling the screens of the two displays, The electronic components are shared between the two displays. If the electronic components can be shared between the two displays, even when two displays are provided, it is possible to prevent the scale of the hardware configuration for controlling the screens of the displays from increasing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of one side of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is another side view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment, viewed from the left. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment, viewed from the right. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bracket in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an OBD adapter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the assembly structure of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the touch screen sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the front frame in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side showing the front frame in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the case seen from the front side in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rib provided on a case in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view of the radar detector before the touch screen sheet is attached in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radar detector in the first embodiment with the front frame virtually removed. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for accommodating a rib in a slit hole of a substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the front frame to which the first substrate is screwed in the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the back surface (surface on the case side) of the second substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a case that accommodates a second substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for accommodating a rib in a slit hole of a second substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a standby screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a radarscope screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a clock screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a speed screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an eco-driving screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an altitude screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an atmospheric pressure screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a positioning information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a satellite information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a display example of an OBD meter screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an OBD fuel consumption information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of status icons displayed on the screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of target icons in the first embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a dual-screen warning screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first one-screen warning screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen of a single-screen warning, part 2, in the first embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen without a warning screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an alarm operation when a radar wave is received in the first embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the increase in tempo of an electronic sound (alarm sound) according to the reception level of a radar wave in the first embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an alarm operation when a target approaches in the first embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining left / right direction discrimination voice in the first embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a third warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a setting menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of easy mode setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for changing an alarm mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the contents of each alarm mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of alarm settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of screen and LED settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an LED in the first embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of audio settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an audio output (alert voice) in the first embodiment. [Figure 63] An explanatory diagram of the distance-linked Orbis sonar sound specifications in Example 1. [Figure 64] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of system settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 65]FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of OBD settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 73] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 74] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. Example 1 This example is one aspect of the system, and is an example of a radar detector (device) 1 whose main function is to issue warnings regarding traffic enforcement. This radar detector 1 is a device suitable for use in a vehicle. This radar detector 1 notifies various information that is useful when driving a vehicle, including monitoring information regarding traffic monitoring activities such as speed enforcement. The contents will be explained in the following order with reference to Figures 1 to 65.

[0027] 1.Shape 2. Structure 3. Electrical configuration 4.Basic operation 5. Standby screen 6. Warning screen 7.Alarm action 8. Various settings

[0028] ■ 1. Shape ■ As shown in Figures 1 to 12, the radar detector 1 of this example has a horizontally long, wide case body (housing) 2, and is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle or the like via a bracket 28 (Figures 9 to 12). This radar detector 1 can also be installed behind a sun visor or rearview mirror, etc., by changing the bracket 28. The radar detector 1 can also be used with the bracket 28 removed. When the bracket 28 is removed, the radar detector 1 can also be installed directly on the dashboard or the like by using the adhesive strength of double-sided tape or the like affixed to the bottom of the case body 2.

[0029] The front (front face) of the radar detector 1 is formed with a screen area 15A (FIG. 1) in which two 1.8-inch color screens 15L and 15R are arranged side-by-side in the left-right (horizontal) direction. Above and below the boundary between the left and right screens 15L and 15R, label areas 210 printed with the model number and name of the radar detector 1 are provided so as to intrude into the screen area 15A. Operation buttons (operation means) 24 forming operation areas (predetermined areas) are arranged on both sides of the screen area 15A serving as a display area. A ▲ button 242, a ▼ button 244, and a MUTE button 248, which are volume adjustment buttons, are arranged on the outer right side of the right-side screen 15R as viewed from the driver's side. A MEMO button 241 and a VIEW button 243 are arranged on the outer left side of the left-side screen 15L.

[0030] When viewed from the driver's side, the right side of the case main body 2 is provided with a card insertion slot 251 for inserting a memory card 171 (FIG. 28) such as an SD card, which is a removable recording medium. A USB connector 252, a power switch 253, a mounting portion 258 for the bracket 28, etc. are provided at the bottom of the rear of the case main body 2. A cigarette plug cord extending from the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, an OBD adapter (FIG. 13), a USB cable, etc. are connected to the USB connector 252. The radar detector 1 operates by receiving power via the cord connected to the USB connector 252.

[0031] The OBD adapter in Figure 13 is a communications cable that connects to an OBD connector installed on a vehicle in accordance with the OBD (On-board Diagnostics)-II (II is the Roman numeral "2"; hereafter referred to as "OBD") standard, a vehicle inspection standard. This OBD connector, also known as a fault diagnosis connector, is electrically connected to the vehicle ECU (not shown) and is capable of outputting various vehicle information. A connector that can be detachably attached to the vehicle's OBD connector is attached to the vehicle-side tip of the OBD adapter.

[0032] ■ 2. Structure ■ As shown in Figure 14, the radar detector 1 is configured by attaching a touch screen sheet 151 to the front surface of the front side of the case main body 2 that houses the first and second boards 31, 32. The case main body 2 has a two-part structure combining a front frame 21 on the front side and a case 22 on the rear side.

[0033] 14 and 15 is a horizontally long sheet that is disposed across nearly the entire width of the case body 2 in the left-right direction. A constricted shape 151D that protrudes upward or downward from the outer periphery toward the inner periphery is provided in the middle portion of the touchscreen sheet 151 (FIG. 15) in the left-right direction, forming a narrow portion that is narrow in the up-down direction. The touchscreen sheet 151 with this narrow portion has an overall shape resembling a pair of glasses.

[0034] In the touch screen sheet 151, touch areas (detection areas) 151S are formed in two vertical columns on the left and right sides of the screens 15L and 15R, respectively. Note that instead of the configuration of this example, a touch area may also be provided in the middle of the two columns of touch areas 151S on the left and right. If three columns of touch areas are provided on the screen 15 in this way, it becomes possible to detect a touch operation in which the touch position moves from the touch area on the right side to the left side via the center, enabling a so-called flick operation.

[0035] At both ends of the touchscreen sheet 151, watermarks 151V such as letters like MEMO or triangles (▲ and ▼) are provided at positions corresponding to the operation buttons 24 (FIG. 1). The watermarks 151V on the touchscreen sheet 151 allow light from the white LEDs (illumination means) 137 housed inside to pass through, making it possible to clearly indicate the operation areas of the operation buttons 24.

[0036] 16 and 17 has a shape similar to a frame body with an opening 218. The opening 218 is an opening for arranging two liquid crystal displays (displays) 152L, R mounted on the first substrate 31. Through holes 29 are drilled in the frame portion of the front frame 21 at positions corresponding to each operation button 24. The through hole 29 on the left side as viewed from the front side is missing one side surface in the circumferential direction, making it an incomplete hole that communicates with the opening 218.

[0037] A shallow recess 210A that matches the sheet shape of the touch panel 151 is formed on the outer surface that faces the front. The bottom surface of this shallow recess 210A is substantially flush with the surfaces of the liquid crystal displays 152L, R in the assembled state. The touch screen sheet 151 is attached to the recess 210A in a state that it fits along the surfaces of the liquid crystal displays 152L, R.

[0038] Label areas 210 are formed on the top and bottom of the front surface of front frame 21, protruding from the outer periphery toward opening 218. The upper label area 210 is formed to protrude downward in the vertical direction, and the lower label area 210 is formed to protrude upward in the vertical direction. Each label area 210 is formed to be raised above the bottom surface of recessed portion 210A by the thickness of touchscreen sheet 151. In the assembled state where touchscreen sheet 151 is attached to front frame 21, the combination of label areas 210 protruding from the top and bottom and glossy touchscreen sheet 151 forms a front appearance resembling that of glasses.

[0039] The label area 210 of the front frame 21 matches the constricted shape 151D (FIG. 15) of the touch panel 151 described above, and serves as a positioning shape when attaching the touchscreen sheet 151. In the radar detector 1 of this example, the positioning shape is located in the middle part of the case body 2 in the left-right direction, so there is no need to start attaching the touchscreen sheet 151 from either the left or right end. For example, it is possible to start attaching it from either the top or bottom.

[0040] If there is a misalignment in the angle of the touchscreen sheet 151 when starting to attach the touchscreen sheet 151 from either the left or right end, the misalignment will increase as it moves toward the opposite end, which could result in a very large misalignment at the end of attachment. On the other hand, if the positioning shape is provided in the middle part in the left-right direction, it is possible to start attaching the touchscreen sheet 151 from, for example, around the middle in the left-right direction and attach it to both the left and right sides.

[0041] If the touchscreen sheet 151 is attached starting from around the middle on both the left and right sides, the distance from the start to the end of attachment is roughly halved, so misalignment at the left and right edges is reduced. It is also possible to start attaching the touchscreen sheet 151 in the vertical direction from either the top or bottom side, for example. Because the width of the touchscreen sheet 151 in the vertical direction is narrow, even if there is some angular misalignment when attachment is started from the top, for example, there is little risk of a large misalignment occurring at the bottom.

[0042] On the back side of the front frame 21 (see FIG. 17), screw posts 213 are erected at the four corners, and screw holes 211 are drilled in two places, one above the other. A seat portion that abuts against the first board 31 is formed on the outer periphery of the screw holes 211. A tubular portion is extended from the through holes 29 corresponding to each operation button 24, and its end face is flush with the seat portion of the screw hole 211 so that it can abut against the first board 31.

[0043] A seat 213A extending linearly in the radial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the screw support 213. This seat 213A is formed at a circumferential position that corresponds to the outer periphery of the front frame 21 in the up-down direction, and at a circumferential position that corresponds to the outer periphery of the front frame 21 in the left-right direction. For example, the screw support 213 at the lower right when viewing the front frame 21 from the back side (see FIG. 17) is provided with a seat 213A that extends downward and a seat 213A that extends to the right. This seat 213A is formed to be lower in height than the screw support 213, and this difference in height is approximately the same as the thickness of the second substrate 32 (slightly smaller than the thickness of substrate 32).

[0044] 18 is a bottomed member that is screwed to the front frame 21. A switch hole 253H, a USB connector hole 252H, etc. are drilled in the bottom surface of the case 22. Support posts 221 with through holes are erected at the four corners on the inside of the case 22.

[0045] An end face of the support pillar 221 forms a seat that abuts against the second board 32. Furthermore, each of the holes, such as the speaker hole 254, the switch hole 253H, and the USB connector hole 252H, is provided with a cylindrical portion and a seat (hereinafter referred to as the cylindrical portion, etc.). Furthermore, a seat 226 is also provided on the upper inside of the case 22. The support pillar 221, the cylindrical portion, etc., and the seat 226 are formed at the same height so as to be substantially flush with each other. In the assembled state, the support pillar 221, the cylindrical portion, etc., and the seat 226 abut against the second board 32.

[0046] Ribs 222, 223 for supporting the first and second substrates 31, 32 are provided in two locations on each of the top, bottom, left, and right inner peripheral side surfaces of the case 22. Each of the ribs 222, 223 is erected on the bottom surface while connected to the inner peripheral side surface of the case 22. As will be described in detail later, the ribs 222 on both the left and right sides are housed in slit holes 312, 322 provided on the outer periphery of the substrates 31, 32 (FIGS. 20 and 25). The upper and lower ribs 223 are housed in slit holes 313, 323 provided on the outer periphery of the substrates 31, 32.

[0047] The left and right ribs 222 have a constant cross-sectional shape in the depth direction of the case 22. On the other hand, of the upper and lower ribs 223, the three ribs 223 at the top left, top right, and bottom left (Fig. 18) have staggered steps at the end faces on the opening side, with the height from the bottom surface being lower on the inner circumferential side (see Fig. 19). The lower end faces forming a shelf surface are the abutment surface against the first board 31 in the assembled state. The rib 223Z located at the bottom right (Fig. 18) has a constant cross-sectional shape in the depth direction of the case 22, and does not form a shelf surface.

[0048] In the following description, the base portion of rib 223, which has an end face on the opening side formed in a stepped shape and a narrow protruding width at the tip, is referred to as rib main body portion 223B, and the narrow protruding width at the tip is referred to as rib tip portion 223A.

[0049] The first substrate 31 in Fig. 20 is a double-sided mounting substrate. Liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R are mounted on the mounting surface (see Fig. 20) on the front frame 21 side (front side) of the first substrate 31. A memory card reader 17 (see Fig. 24) is mounted on the mounting surface on the back side facing the second substrate 32. Two notches 319 are provided on the underside of the first substrate 31, and connectors 319C for connecting control cables (flexible flat cables) for the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R are attached facing the notches 319.

[0050] On the surface of the substrate 31 on which the liquid crystal displays 152L, R are mounted, an operation unit 315 including a capacitance type touch sensor 315A and a white LED 315B (FIG. 28) is disposed at each position corresponding to the operation button 24. In the assembled state, as described above, the cylindrical portion of the through hole 29 of the front frame 21 abuts against the first substrate 31, and the operation unit 315 is located inside this cylindrical portion (FIG. 21).

[0051] The white LEDs 315B are lighting means that illuminate the operation areas of the operation buttons 24 from behind. The light of the white LEDs 315B passes through the watermark 151V (see FIG. 15) of the touch screen sheet 151 to clearly indicate the operation areas. Each white LED 315B can be controlled to change the brightness of the illumination. Note that a multicolor LED can also be used instead of the white LEDs 315B. If a multicolor LED is used, it becomes possible to change the color in addition to changing the brightness.

[0052] A proximity sensor (detection sensor, electronic component) 125 (not shown) is disposed in the gap 152S between the left and right liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R. The proximity sensor 125 detects a human body, such as a hand, over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1) where the screens 15L and 15R are disposed. The proximity sensor 125 is illustrated in FIG. 28, but is omitted from FIG. 20. In this example, the proximity sensor 125 is disposed in the gap 152S. However, instead of or in addition to this, an electronic component such as an LED can also be disposed. If a physical gap 152S is formed at the boundary between the two liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, it becomes possible to arrange wiring for transmitting various signals and electronic components in the middle of the screen area 15A (FIG. 1).

[0053] Slit holes 312, 313 for accommodating ribs 222, 223 (FIGS. 18 and 19) of case 22 are formed on the outer periphery of first substrate 31 (FIG. 20). These slit holes 312, 313 are incomplete holes that open to the outer periphery of substrate 31. Slit holes 313 provided on the top and bottom of substrate 31 are provided at positions corresponding to ribs 223 of case 22, and are formed to accommodate rib tip portions 223A located on the tip side of each rib 223 (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

[0054] The extension width of the slit hole 313 from the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 31 is set narrow enough that the rib main body 223B cannot be accommodated. In the assembled state, the shelf surface between the rib tip 223A and the rib main body 223B abuts against the first substrate 31. Note that, since the outer peripheral shape of the first substrate 31 has a notch 319 at a position corresponding to the rib 223Z of the case 22, no accommodation structure for the rib 223 is formed.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 24, the first board 31 is fixed to the front frame 21 with screws. Notches 318 (Fig. 20) are provided at the four corners of the screw-fixed first board 31. These notches 318 are shaped to avoid interference with the screw posts 213 and seats 213A of the front frame 21. The first board 31 with these notches 318 is fixed with screws in a state where it abuts against the seats of the screw holes 211 (Fig. 17) and the end faces of the tubular parts extending from the through-holes 29 (Fig. 17) corresponding to each operation button 24.

[0056] In addition, because the first board 31 is screwed to the front frame 21, it is not possible to remove only the front frame 21 while leaving behind the first board 31. Figures 22 and 23 are virtual diagrams showing the state in which only the front frame 21 has been removed while leaving behind the first board 31, in order to explain the housing structure of the board 31.

[0057] The second substrate 32 (FIG. 25) on the rear side is a substrate on which a one-chip microcomputer (not shown), a USB connector 328, a speaker 16, an RF module (wireless module) 321, a GPS module 325, a power switch 253, and the like are mounted. The electronic components other than the one-chip microcomputer are mounted on the mounting surface shown in FIG. 25, and the one-chip microcomputer (not shown) is mounted on the mounting surface on the rear side. The second substrate 32 is electrically connected to the first substrate 31 via control cables (not shown). The control cables between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 include two control cables that extend from the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R and are connected to connectors 319C (FIG. 20) of the first substrate 31.

[0058] A one-chip microcomputer is an electronic component that integrates a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other components into a single chip. In particular, the one-chip microcomputer in this example has control functions for the LCD displays 152L and 152R and is an electronic component shared between the LCD displays 152L and 152R. The mounting position of the one-chip microcomputer on the second substrate 32 is within the area obtained by projecting the layout area of ​​the LCD displays 152L and 152R on the first substrate 31 onto the second substrate 32 in the thickness direction of the case body 2. Bus lines that transfer display data and other data to each LCD display 152L and 152R are laid on both the left and right sides of the one-chip microcomputer. It is also possible to position the one-chip microcomputer midway between the two connectors 319C (FIG. 20) on the first substrate 31. In this case, the electrical path lengths from the one-chip microcomputer to each connector 319C can be made approximately equal, thereby suppressing adverse effects due to differences in electrical delay time.

[0059] The RF module 321 is a wireless module that houses a microwave receiver 122 (FIG. 28) that receives radar waves in the microwave band emitted from a speed measurement device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as radar), and a wireless receiver 123 (FIG. 28) that receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The RF module 321 is provided with an antenna for receiving radio waves, a detection circuit, etc. The GPS module 325 is a module that houses a GPS receiver 121 (Figure 28) that receives GPS radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current location information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc.

[0060] The RF module 321, which houses the microwave receiver 122 and the radio receiver 123, and the GPS module 325, which houses the GPS receiver 121, are incorporated into the case body 2 so as to be located on the rear side of the radar detector 1. This type of incorporating position is suitable for receiving radio waves and the like coming from the front of the vehicle.

[0061] In the radar detector 1, the RF module 321, which is covered with a metal housing to reduce noise, is positioned in a position in the thickness direction (normal direction of the screen) of the case body 2 so as to overlap the gap 152S (see FIG. 20) between the two left and right liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R. By positioning the RF module 321, which is a heavy object, so that it overlaps the gap 152S between the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, the center of gravity is positioned near the center of the case body 2 in the left-right direction, which allows for a good weight balance when supported by the bracket 28. By achieving such a weight balance, the weight of the case body 2 can be reliably supported by the bracket 28, and shaking of the case body 2 due to vehicle vibrations and the like can be suppressed.

[0062] Through holes 326 are drilled in the four corners of the second board 32 to allow the screw posts 213 (FIG. 17) of the front frame 21 to pass through. These through holes 326 are formed with a smaller diameter than the posts 221 (FIG. 18) of the case 22. In the assembled state, the second board 32 is supported in contact with the end faces of the posts 221 of the case 22 (FIG. 18), the end faces of the cylindrical portions of each hole such as the switch hole 253H, and the seats 226. Meanwhile, from the front frame 21 side, seats 213A (FIG. 17) provided on the outer periphery of the screw posts 213 abut against the second board 32. In the assembled state, the second board 32 is fixed in this manner, sandwiched between the case 22 and the front frame 21.

[0063] Slit holes 322, 323 for accommodating ribs 222, 223 of case 22 are formed on the outer periphery of second substrate 32. These slit holes 322, 323 are incomplete through holes that open to the outer periphery of substrate 32. Slit holes 323 are provided at positions corresponding to ribs 223 provided on the top and bottom of case 22, respectively, and are formed to accommodate rib main body portions 223B of each rib 223 (FIGS. 26 and 27).

[0064] ■ 3. Electrical configuration ■ 28, the radar detector 1 is electrically configured with a control unit (control means) 10 as its center. The control unit 10 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver 121, a microwave receiver 122, a wireless receiver 123, an atmospheric pressure sensor 128, a clock unit 129, a proximity sensor 125, a touch screen sheet 151, liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, a touch sensor 315A, a white LED 315B, a speaker 16, a memory card reader 17, etc. Furthermore, the radar detector 1 is provided with a database 100 that can be accessed from the control unit 10.

[0065] The GPS receiver 121 is a receiver that receives GPS radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current position information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. The control unit 10, which acquires the position information of the current position from the GPS receiver 121, can calculate the speed of the vehicle based on the fluctuation of the current position.

[0066] Microwave receiver 122 is a receiver that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from a speed measurement device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as radar.) Microwave receiver 122 has five levels of microwave field strength set, from L1 (reception level) to L5, in ascending order of strength. The wireless receiver 123 is a receiver that receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The wireless receiver 123 in this example can be selectively set to one of a plurality of frequencies so as to be compatible with various types of wireless radio waves.

[0067] The clock unit 129 is a clock that outputs calendar information. The calendar information includes data indicating the date, year, month, and day of the week, and data indicating the current time. The control unit 10 uses the current time acquired from the GPS receiver 121 to calibrate the current time (including the date and time) of the clock unit 129 once a day.

[0068] The speaker 16 is mounted inside the case body 2 so as to be able to output sound and the like through a speaker hole 254 that opens on the rear side of the case body 2 . The memory card reader 17 reads data recorded on the memory card 171 and transfers it to the control unit 10. The memory card reader 17 has the memory card 171 inserted into the card insertion slot 251 attached thereto.

[0069] The control unit 10 is configured by a microcomputer (not shown) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, an I / O, and the like. The ROM stores software programs to be executed by the CPU, etc. The control unit 10 executes these programs to realize various functions. The storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM is provided with a storage area for storing various setting information such as alarm settings and screen settings.

[0070] Database 100 is configured as a non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) inside or external to the microcomputer of control unit 10. At the time of product shipment, database 100 stores target (GPS target) POI data, including location information such as the location of traffic monitoring activity sites and various facilities and tourist spots that are the target of alerts, regulatory information such as speed limits, illustration data of illustrations representing the types of traffic monitoring activities, and various audio data (record data) such as alert voices. Target POI data is stored in database 100 in association with illustration data, audio data, and the like.

[0071] The data stored in the database 100 can be updated using a memory card 171. When the memory card 171 storing update data such as POI data and audio data is inserted into the memory card reader 17, the update data is read out under the control of the control unit 10, and the data in the database 100 can be updated. It is also possible to update the database 100 by connecting a PC having update data stored on a hard disk or the like via USB.

[0072] ■ 4.Basic operation ■ The radar detector 1 realizes various functions by having the CPU execute software programs read from the ROM. The functions of this radar detector 1 include a current information display function, a GPS log function, an alarm function that issues various alarms, an OBD function, a setting function, and a registration function. The alarm functions include functions that are common to radar detectors, such as a GPS alarm function, an RD alarm function, and a wireless alarm function. The means for realizing these functions are formed in the control unit 10.

[0073] The current information display function is a function that displays current information by displaying a preset standby screen on the screen 15. Current information includes various types of information such as the position information of surrounding targets (monitoring position information), time information, tide information, various vehicle information such as vehicle speed, fuel efficiency information, eco-driving information, satellite information, and altitude information. The current information to be displayed can be selectively set by selecting a standby screen. Setting the standby screen is realized by the setting function described later.

[0074] The OBD function is a function for acquiring vehicle information. This OBD function only works when the radar detector 1 is connected to the vehicle via an OBD adapter (Figure 13) that is connected to the vehicle's OBD connector. By connecting the radar detector 1 to the vehicle using the OBD adapter, various vehicle information can be acquired every 0.5 seconds. Vehicle information that can be obtained from the vehicle side includes, for example, speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, outside temperature, maximum outside temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on ordinary roads, average fuel consumption on expressways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h minimum acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h Vehicle data includes average acceleration, minimum acceleration from 0-40km / h, acceleration time from 0-60km / h, average acceleration from 0-60km / h, minimum acceleration from 0-60km / h, acceleration time from 0-80km / h, average acceleration from 0-80km / h, minimum acceleration from 0-80km / h, driving time from 0-20km / h, driving time from 20-40km / h, driving time from 40-60km / h, driving time from 60-80km / h, driving time above 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, lifetime engine mileage ratio, etc.

[0075] The GPS log function is a function that stores the current position output from the GPS receiver 121 every second as a position history in the database 100. This position history is recorded in, for example, the NMEA format. The stored current position is associated with the time and speed (vehicle speed) at which the control unit 10 detected the current position. The registration function is a function for a driver who is a user to register personal locations (my points) and areas (my areas), and is executed by a registration means realized in the control unit 10 as software.

[0076] The GPS warning function warns of approaching speed cameras and other warning targets. The GPS warning function repeatedly executes calculations at predetermined intervals (for example, every second) to determine the distance between the target's location (the point of implementation) and the vehicle's current location. When this distance reaches a predetermined approach distance and an event occurs called approaching the warning point, a GPS warning is issued to that effect.

[0077] The GPS warning function can warn of targets such as speed cameras, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, no-parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, red light ignorance prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas prone to vehicle theft, sharp curves, junctions, ETC lanes, etc. Warning targets may also include locations of drowsy driving accidents, radar, speed limit change points, etc.

[0078] Targets other than those that are subject to warnings by the GPS warning function include service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations in PAs / SAs (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural borders, roadside stations, and viewpoint parking areas. The radar detector 1 of this example allows the user to register or cancel any location as a "My Area" through a specific operation. A location registered as a "My Area" is treated as a target, and a notification is issued when the user approaches.

[0079] The RD alarm function is a function that warns of the reception of radar waves (microwaves) emitted from a radar-type enforcement device. When an event occurs in which the microwave receiver 122 receives radar waves (hereinafter referred to as RD reception), an RD alarm is issued to indicate this.

[0080] The radio warning function is a function that issues warnings so as not to interfere with the driving of emergency vehicles, etc. When an event occurs in which radio waves emitted by an emergency vehicle, etc. are received (hereinafter referred to as radio reception), a radio warning is issued to alert the driver. Warning targets include police radio, car location radio, digital radio, special small radio, police station activity radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter radio, fire helicopter radio, fire radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, security radio, etc.

[0081] The setting function is a function for making various settings related to the radar detector 1. The settings include standby settings related to the standby screen, mode settings, alarm settings related to alarm operations, screen and LED settings related to the screen 15 and white LED 315B (operation button 24), audio settings, system settings, OBD settings, etc. The contents of each setting will be explained in detail later.

[0082] Next, the basic operation of the radar detector 1 will be described. When the vehicle ignition is turned on, the control unit 10 first displays an opening animation (not shown), and then displays a positioning information screen (not shown) until it receives GPS radio waves from a GPS satellite and is able to determine the current position.

[0083] When it becomes possible to determine the current position, the control unit 10 outputs a voice message saying "Position determined" and switches the display screens of the screens 15L and 15R to a predetermined standby screen. Note that in the radar detector 1, the preferred standby screen can be set for each of the left and right screens 15L and 15R by performing the setting operation described below.

[0084] In a standby state in which no events that require an alert, such as RD reception, radio reception, or approach to an alert point, are occurring, the control unit 10 displays a standby screen on the left and right screens 15L and 15R. When any of the events, approach to an alert point, RD reception, or radio reception, occurs in the standby state, the control unit 10 executes processing to execute the corresponding function from the GPS alert function, RD alert function, or radio alert function, and displays a warning screen on the screens 15L and 15R. Note that when two or more events occur simultaneously, the priority of each function is, from highest to lowest, RD alert function, radio alert function, and GPS alert function. Furthermore, when the vehicle ignition is switched on or when an alarm operation is performed, the control unit 10 causes the white LEDs 315B built into each operation button 24 to perform various light emitting operations (described later).

[0085] ■ 5. Standby screen ■ In the radar detector 1, the standby screen of the screen 15 that is touched can be changed by touching the left or right touch area 151S (Fig. 29) of each screen 15L, R. When the control unit 10 detects a touch operation on any of the screens 15, it changes the standby screen of that screen 15 in the circular arrangement order as shown in Fig. 29. When the left touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed counterclockwise in the circular arrangement order, and when the right touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed clockwise in the circular arrangement order.

[0086] For example, in the case of a screen 15 in which a clock screen is set as a standby screen, when the left touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed to the calendar screen on the left, and when the right touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed to the speed screen on the right.

[0087] Note that each standby screen in FIG. 29 can be set on either the left or right screen 15L, R. For example, it is possible to set the same standby screen on both the left and right screens 15L, R. If the same display screen is displayed on both the left and right screens 15L, R, when sunlight falls on the screen area and makes one of the screens 15 difficult to see, it becomes possible to view the screen 15 that is easier to see. Since the left screen 15L is located close to the passenger seat in a right-hand drive vehicle, it is also possible to display the same display screen on both the left and right screens 15L, R when there is a passenger.

[0088] Next, the specifications of each display screen that can be set as a standby screen will be described. (1) Radarscope screen The radarscope screen in Figure 30 is a display screen that visualizes information (monitoring position information) that indicates the positional relationship between the current position and a target registered in the radar detector 1 when approaching the target. The radarscope screen displays a scope surface that corresponds to the area surrounding the current position, and target icons that indicate locations where traffic monitoring activities are being carried out, and a vehicle icon that indicates the current position, are plotted on the scope surface. The upper section displays target information, which is text information about the type of target, and the distance to the target. The current driving speed (vehicle speed) is displayed on the left of the lower section, and the speed limit is displayed above that display field.

[0089] In the case of the radarscope screen 15R on the right, the current time is displayed on the bottom right. The color of the display (text color) for the driving speed changes depending on whether or not the speed is over the limit, and if the speed is over the limit the text will be displayed in red.

[0090] In addition, when a radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15 and a standby screen other than the radarscope screen is displayed on the other screen 15, it is also possible to omit display of target information, etc. on the radarscope screen and display a caption containing target information (e.g., reference numeral 41 in FIG. 42) on the other standby screen. In this case, a wide display area for the scope surface can be secured, allowing the radarscope screen to be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0091] (2) Clock screen The clock screen in Figure 31 is a display screen that displays the current time. In the case of the screen 15R on the right, the speed is displayed at the bottom of the clock screen. However, if GPS positioning is not performed, the speed is not displayed. The time displayed on the clock screen is adjusted by the control unit 10.

[0092] (3) Speed ​​screen The speed screen in Figure 32 is a display screen that displays the vehicle speed. In the case of the screen 15R on the right, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the speed screen. To the right of the display field that displays the speed numerically, a vertical segment display that indicates the degree of speed is located. As the speed increases, the control unit 10 increases the number of segments displayed in this segment display. Note that because the control unit 10 calculates the speed using GPS radio waves, the speed display will be 0 km / h in places such as tunnels where GPS radio waves cannot be received.

[0093] (4) Eco-driving screen The eco-driving screen in Figure 33 is a display screen that displays eco-points, which are an index of the degree of fuel-efficient driving achieved. The control unit 10 calculates eco-points based on sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, idling time, economical speed, etc. To the right of the eco-point display field is a speed display field. This speed becomes 0 km / h when GPS positioning is not performed. In the case of the screen 15R on the right, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the eco-driving screen. The control unit 10 calculates eco-points using GPS radio waves.

[0094] (5) Altitude screen The altitude screen in Figure 34 is a display screen that displays the vehicle's altitude. The control unit 10 displays the change in altitude as a graph. In the case of the screen 15R on the right, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the altitude screen. Because the control unit 10 calculates the altitude using GPS signals, the altitude display is fixed to the most recent value when in a place such as a tunnel where GPS signals cannot be received.

[0095] (6) Barometric pressure screen The atmospheric pressure screen in Fig. 35 is a display screen that displays the current atmospheric pressure. The control unit 10 displays the current atmospheric pressure value as well as past changes in atmospheric pressure in the form of a graph.

[0096] (7) Positioning information screen The positioning information screen in Fig. 36 is a display screen that displays the reception status of GPS radio waves. The control unit 10 displays the satellite number and reception level for the satellite from which the GPS radio waves are being received. The satellite number is a number assigned to each satellite.

[0097] (8)Satellite information screen The satellite information screen in Figure 37 is a display screen that displays information about the satellites being received. The control unit 10 displays the satellite number, type (GPS, QZSS (Michibiki), SBAS, GLONASS), elevation angle (Elev.), and azimuth angle (Azim.). The control unit 10 periodically switches the display screen to display the satellites in order.

[0098] (9) OBD meter screen The OBD meter screen in Figure 38 is a display screen that displays vehicle information acquired via the OBD adapter (Figure 13). The OBD meter screen can be selected when the OBD adapter is connected. For example, if the OBD adapter is connected, touching the touch area 151S on the left of the screen 15 that displays the satellite information screen displays the OBD meter screen. However, if the OBD adapter is not connected, the OBD meter screen and the next OBD fuel economy information screen are skipped. Vehicle information that can be selectively displayed on the OBD meter screen includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load, throttle opening, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, outside air temperature, engine oil temperature, instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel economy, and current fuel economy, as shown in Figure 38.

[0099] (10) OBD fuel consumption information screen The OBD fuel economy information screen in Figure 39 is a display screen that displays the instantaneous fuel economy and average fuel economy calculated by the control unit 10 using vehicle information. Because vehicle information is acquired via the OBD adapter, when the OBD adapter is not connected, the display does not switch, as with the OBD meter screen. The OBD fuel economy information screen displays two types of fuel economy in two rows, one above the other. Each row has a numerical display of fuel economy and a segment display of the degree of fuel economy, arranged above and below. Combinations of the two types of fuel economy include a combination of instantaneous fuel economy and average fuel economy, a combination of instantaneous fuel economy and current fuel economy, and a combination of current fuel economy and average fuel economy. In addition to the above, the standby screen also includes a calendar screen that displays the date, etc., and an OFF screen that turns the screen 15 completely black (Figure 29).

[0100] The control unit 10 displays various status icons, as shown in Fig. 40, at the bottom of the standby screen. The control unit 10 normally displays the status icons on the left screen 15L. However, when the left screen 15L is the radarscope screen, OBD meter screen, or OFF screen, the control unit 10 displays the status icons on the right screen 15R. When both the left and right screens 15L and 15R are either the radarscope screen or the OBD meter screen, the status icons are not displayed.

[0101] The target icons displayed on the radarscope screen by the control unit 10 include the icons shown in Fig. 41. Each target icon has a different display color depending on the level of attention (degree of need for notification), with the level of attention increasing in the order of green → blue → yellow → red. The allocation of the level of attention is predetermined depending on the type (content) of traffic monitoring activity related to the target.

[0102] In addition, on some standby screens, the text display color can be selected from six pre-selected colors.Furthermore, it is possible to set the standby screen to automatically switch between the different screens at regular intervals (for example, every minute).

[0103] ■ 6. Warning screen ■ In the radar detector 1, the control unit 10 can set the display pattern of the warning screen that is displayed when a warning is issued. When the VIEW button 243 is pressed and held while the standby screen is displayed, the control unit 10 switches to displaying the warning screen. The warning screen display patterns include a dual-screen warning, a single-screen warning 1, a single-screen warning 2, and no warning screen. In each display pattern, it is also possible to swap the left and right screens 15L and 15R.

[0104] (1) Two-screen warning The dual-screen warning display pattern, as shown in Figure 42, simultaneously displays a radarscope screen that displays the relative positions of the vehicle and the target, and a notification panel screen that notifies the target type and distance to the target. On the notification panel screen, a caption (text information) 41 that displays the target type (monitoring type information) and distance in text is displayed at the top, and an illustration 42 representing the target type is displayed in the center. Furthermore, the time is displayed in the lower right. The illustration 42 is displayed based on illustration data stored in the database 100.

[0105] There are three ways to display the dual-screen warning display pattern. The first method is to display it by pressing and holding the VIEW button 243. The second method is to select "Radarscope" for the left screen 15L and set "Display Switching Distance -> No Switching" and "Target Information -> Notification Panel" for the right screen 15R. Here, the brackets " " in "Display Switching Distance -> No Switching", for example, indicate setting items in the radar detector 1. The third display method is to set "Radarscope" for the left screen 15L and set "Display Switching Distance -> Set Distance" and "Target Information -> Notification Panel" for the right screen 15R. With this method, the dual-screen warning display pattern will be displayed when the distance between the vehicle and the target reaches the distance set in the display switching distance.

[0106] In the dual screen warning, the radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15, while the notification panel screen is displayed on the other screen 15. For example, other radar detectors with only one screen must use part of the radarscope screen to display target information such as target type and distance. With the dual screen warning, target information can be displayed separately from the radarscope screen. This display specification ensures a wide display area on the scope surface of the radarscope screen, making it easier to grasp the target's position and making the display of target information much easier to understand.

[0107] (2) One-screen warning #1 The display pattern of this single screen warning 1 is set to display a radarscope screen that displays the vehicle position and the target position, and a caption 41 that notifies the type and distance of the target at the top of the standby screen, as shown in Figure 43. In the radar detector 1 of this example, the display pattern of single screen warning 1, in which the clock screen is set as the standby screen, is set as the initial setting.

[0108] There are two ways to display the display pattern for the single-screen warning 1. The first way is to set "Radarscope" for the left screen 15L, and set "Display Switching Distance - No Switching" and "Target Information - Caption" for the right screen 15R. The second way is to set "Radarscope" for the left screen 15L, and set "Display Switching Distance - Set Distance" and "Target Information - Caption" for the right screen 15R. With this method, when the distance between the vehicle and the target reaches the distance set in the display switching distance, a warning screen like the one shown in Figure 43 is displayed. Note that the user can selectively set whether the caption 41 is displayed on the left or right screen 15L or R.

[0109] (3) One-screen warning No. 2 The display pattern for this single screen warning 2 is a display pattern in which the left screen 15L displays the standby screen, and when an alarm occurs, the notification panel screen is displayed on the right screen 15R, as shown in Figure 44. This single screen warning 2 can be displayed by setting the standby screen other than the radarscope screen to the left screen 15L, and setting "Display switching distance -> No switching" and "Target information -> Notification panel" for the right screen 15R. Note that which of the left and right screens 15L and 15R the notification panel screen is displayed on can be set using the "Notification display" setting item.

[0110] (4) No warning screen A display pattern without a warning screen is a display pattern in which a standby screen is displayed on both the left and right screens 15L, 15R, and when an alarm occurs, only the caption 41 is displayed on one of the left and right screens 15 (the same figure shows an example of the right screen 15R). A display pattern without a warning screen can be displayed by setting a standby screen other than the radarscope screen on both the left and right screens 15L, 15R, and setting "Display switching distance -> no switching" and "Target information -> caption" on the right screen 15R. It can be set using "Notification display" which of the left and right screens 15 the caption 41 is displayed on.

[0111] ■ 7.Alarm action ■ (1) Alarm operation when receiving control signals When receiving enforcement radio waves such as radar waves or stealth waves, the control unit 10 executes an alarm operation such as displaying a warning screen on the screen 15 and outputting an alarm sound. Figure 46 shows an example of an alarm on the left screen 15L where the radarscope screen is set as the standby screen. The control unit 10 executes a double alarm that issues an alarm using both sound (electronic sound / alarm voice) and screen display. The control unit 10 changes the scope surface of the radarscope screen to red and displays a caption 41 indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity at the top of the radarscope screen. This caption 41 includes an indication of the reception level of radio waves such as radar waves (for example, L5).

[0112] If a predetermined mute operation is performed during an alarm, the control unit 10 executes control to temporarily mute the alarm sound until the radar waves being received cease to be received. Mute operations include waving a hand over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1) for a certain period of time (one second), or pressing and holding the MUTE button 248. Furthermore, if radar waves are received for approximately 30 seconds or more, the control unit 10 executes control to automatically reduce the volume of the alarm sound. In addition, as shown in Figure 47, when an alarm is issued upon receiving a policing radar wave, the control unit 10 executes control to increase the tempo of the electronic sound in accordance with the change (L1 → L5) in the reception level (radio wave intensity) that accompanies the approach to the source of the radar wave.

[0113] (2) Alarm operation when target approaches When the distance between the vehicle and the target becomes small (when the vehicle approaches the target), the control unit 10 displays a caption 41 in which target information and distance are displayed in text at the top of the screen 15, as shown in FIG.

[0114] Figure 1(a) is an example when "Display caption" is set for the clock screen set as the standby screen. Figure 1(b) is an example when "Display caption" is set for the radarscope screen. Note that the time is not displayed on the radarscope screen on the left screen 15L, but the time is displayed in the lower right corner on the radarscope screen on the right screen 15R. Figure 1(c) shows the change in background color of the screen 15 controlled by the control unit 10 depending on the level of attention of the alarm. Figure 1(d) is an example when "Display caption" is set for the notification panel screen.

[0115] (3) Warning voice When outputting an alarm voice for a target located approximately 25 degrees or more to the right or left of the direction of travel (see Figure 49), the control unit 10 adds the phrase "left direction" or "right direction" to notify the direction (the direction of the implementation location). The "right direction" and "left direction" voices refer to the direction of the target at the time of notification. Note that if the distance to the target is very close, the phrase identifying the left and right direction may not be added. Here, " " means the audio output of the alarm voice.

[0116] The warning voice is output at each timing shown in Figures 50 to 53. In Figure 50, the warning voice related to Orbis (speed enforcement) is shown in the upper row, and the warning voice related to the enforcement area is shown in the lower row. For example, in the case of an Orvis warning voice, stages are set: 2 km ahead (expressways only), 1 km ahead, 500 m ahead, immediately ahead, and passed, and a warning voice is output for each stage under the control of the control unit 10. At each stage up to 500 m ahead, a distance such as "2 km ahead" is output as a voice. Furthermore, at 1 km ahead, in addition to the voice output of the distance, a warning voice is output notifying the speed limit or speeding, and at 500 m ahead, a warning voice is output notifying the camera location. If the speed is exceeded immediately ahead, the control unit 10 executes control to output a warning voice notifying the speeding in addition to the immediately ahead driving speed.

[0117] For example, in the case of an alarm voice for a control area, stages such as 1 km ahead, entering the area, and leaving the area are set, and an alarm voice is output for each stage under the control of the control unit 10. At the 1 km ahead stage, the alarm voice also outputs whether the area is on the left or right. Note that while a display screen other than the radarscope screen is being displayed, the control unit 10 displays an icon (see Figure 40) corresponding to the control / checkpoint area at the bottom of the display screen.

[0118] The audio output (speech) of the warning voice and the like can be muted (silenced) by waving a hand over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1). When the proximity sensor 125 arranged in the gap 152S (FIG. 20) between the left and right liquid crystal displays 152L, R detects a human body and the duration of the detection state reaches one second, the control unit 10 controls the audio output to be muted so that it is not output. If a threshold value such as one second is set for the duration of the detection state, there is less chance of falsely detecting the movement of the driver's hands when, for example, they take their hands off the steering wheel to operate an audio device or the like.

[0119] ■ 8. Various settings ■ The radar detector 1 is provided with a number of different operating specifications, and the user can set the desired operating specifications through operation on the user side. The setting method will be described below. When the MUTE button 248 is pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 10 executes control to display a setting menu. The left diagram in Fig. 54 illustrates the items in the setting menu, and the right diagram is an example of the display screen during selection operation of the setting menu.

[0120] The setting menus include (1) Easy Mode Settings, (2) Mode Settings, (3) Alarm Settings, (4) Screen / LED Settings, (5) Audio Settings, (6) System Settings, and (7) OBD Settings, as well as a menu for ending settings. The control unit 10 changes the selected menu in response to the operation of the ▲ button 242 and ▼ button 244, and when the MUTE button 248 is operated, executes control to display the setting screen corresponding to the selected menu. The right diagram in the same figure shows the display screen when the Easy Mode setting menu is selected, and the current settings are displayed below the Easy Mode setting menu (in this figure, normal mode is set).

[0121] (1) Easy mode setting When the easy mode (easy setting mode) is set to on as shown in Figure 55, the setting mode becomes a simple setting mode with only easy settings, allowing easy settings. When the easy mode is on, the control unit 10 significantly limits the selectable setting menu as shown in the left diagram of Figure 55. The easy setting is very simple, as it only allows you to change the settings for the display screen brightness and the type of radar warning sound (electronic sound / voice), as well as view the software version.

[0122] (2) Mode setting The Radar Detector 1 has four preset alarm modes (Normal, Minimum, Special, All On) as well as a Manual mode. Users can set their preferred alarm mode through operation. Normal mode is an alarm mode with settings that emphasize balance. Minimum mode is an alarm mode in which only the minimum number of items are set on. Special mode is an alarm mode with settings that emphasize items related to enforcement. All On mode is an alarm mode in which all functions are set on. Manual mode is an alarm mode in which each function can be set individually.

[0123] When the MUTE button 248 is pressed and held while the standby screen (top left diagram) is displayed as shown in Fig. 56, the control unit 10 switches to displaying the setting screen (top right diagram). When "Mode" is selected in the setting menu, the control unit 10 switches to displaying the mode screen (bottom left diagram). After the desired alarm mode is selected, when "End setting" is selected (bottom right diagram), the control unit 10 executes control to return to the state where the original standby screen is displayed. The contents of each alarm mode are as shown in Fig. 57.

[0124] (3) Alarm settings In the alarm settings, as shown in Figure 58, it is possible to set the reception sensitivity mode, road selection, display switching distance, target information, and notification display. The reception sensitivity mode can be selected from "City," which is suitable for urban areas, "Extra," which is suitable for suburban areas and highways, and "AAC / ASS," which automatically cuts out unnecessary alarms and sets the optimum reception sensitivity.

[0125] In road selection, the target roads for GPS warnings can be selected from "general roads," "expressways," "ALL," "AUTOGPS priority," and "AUTO air pressure priority." When set to "general roads," only targets on general roads are warned. When set to "expressways," only targets on expressways are warned. When set to "ALL," all targets on general roads and expressways are warned. When set to "AUTOGPS priority," priority is given to using GPS location information, and the control unit 10 automatically identifies the type of road (general road or expressway). When set to "AUTO air pressure priority," priority is given to using changes in air pressure, and the control unit 10 automatically identifies the type of road (general road or expressway). When the control unit 10 can identify an area as a general road, it will only warn of targets on the general road, and when it can identify an area as a expressway, it will only warn of targets on the expressway. Other setting items are as shown in the same figure.

[0126] The display switching distance can be selectively set to one of "No Switching," "500 m," "1000 m," or "1500 m." Setting the display switching distance allows the display to be switched from a preset standby screen to a notification panel screen or the like when the distance from the vehicle to the target becomes closer, as explained in "6. Warning Screen." For example, in the dual-screen warning of FIG. 42, if "Radarscope" is set for the left screen 15L and "Set Display Switching Distance to 1000 m" and "Target Information to Notification Panel" are set for the right screen 15R, the control unit 10 executes control to display a notification panel screen including a caption 41 of target information instead of the standby screen when the distance to the target becomes 1000 m. The initial setting for the display switching distance is "1500 m."

[0127] (4) Screen and LED settings In the screen and LED settings, as shown in Figure 59, you can set the screen brightness, whether to use screen inversion, screen color settings, LED mode, and LED brightness. For example, you can select the screen brightness from "Minimum," "Dark," "Normal," or "Bright." You can set the LED mode from "Alarm / Touch ON," "Always ON," or "OFF." Other setting items are as shown in the same figure.

[0128] Here, the contents of each setting of the LED mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 60. As mentioned above, there are three types of LED mode settings: "Alarm / Touch ON", "Always ON", and "OFF". This figure explains the operation of the white LED 315B for each of the three settings (control modes) in each of the operating states 1 to 3.

[0129] In the "Alarm Touch ON" LED mode, the control unit 10 executes the following control. In the standby state of State 1, the control unit 10 normally controls each white LED 315B to be in an off state (OFF state). When the screen 15 is touched or a hand is held over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1), the control unit 10 controls the white LEDs 315B of all operation buttons 24 to be in an on state. A touch operation on the screen 15 is detected by the touch area 151S of the touch screen sheet 151. A hand holding operation over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1) is detected by a proximity sensor 125 (FIG. 28) located in the gap 152S (FIG. 20) between the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R.

[0130] In the standby state, the control unit 10 determines that a hand waving operation for turning on the white LED 315B and a hand waving operation for muting the audio output have been performed when the proximity sensor 125 continues to detect a human body or the like for a predetermined duration. As described above, the predetermined duration is set to one second for the mute hand waving operation. For the standby state, it is preferable to set a time shorter than one second. This is because, for the mute hand waving operation, it is necessary to avoid the risk of erroneously detecting a hand operating a car audio system or the like and muting an alarm voice or the like, while for the standby state, it is necessary to prioritize the operation response so as not to create an impression of sluggishness.

[0131] As described above, when any of the operation buttons 24 is touched after a hand-wave operation or the like is performed in the standby state (state 1), the control unit 10 executes control to turn off the white LED 315B of only the operated operation button 24 and return it to the lit state when the touch operation ends. After that, when a non-operation period during which none of the operation buttons 24 is operated exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit 10 executes control to switch all of the white LEDs 315B to the off state. Alternatively, when the touch operation ends, the operation button 24 may be made to flash for a predetermined time. This makes it easier for the user to know that the operation has been accepted.

[0132] In State 2, which corresponds to an alarm being issued, the control unit 10 executes control to blink all of the white LEDs 315B. Note that if the location (implementation point) of the traffic monitoring activity to be warned has a directionality such as left, right, or forward, it is also effective to execute control to blink only the left white LED 315B or only the top two white LEDs 315B, for example. During the warning, for example, control may be performed to cause all white LEDs 315B to blink depending on the level of caution (degree of need for notification) of the target of the warning. Control may also be performed such that the lighting positions of the operation buttons 24 arranged in five locations around the periphery of the screen area 15A rotate around the screen area 15A during the warning by slightly varying the timing at which they light up. Furthermore, the higher the level of caution, the faster the rotation cycle may be made to create a sense of urgency. Alternatively, when entering an area with a high incidence of traffic accidents, the five operation buttons 24 may be randomly lit to intuitively convey a high-risk situation.

[0133] In State 3, which corresponds to when the power is turned on in response to switching on the vehicle ignition, the control unit 10 executes control to blink all of the white LEDs 315B, and then executes control to turn all of them off after a predetermined time has elapsed. The blinking of the white LEDs 315B is achieved by controlling the brightness to change periodically, rather than by completely periodically switching them on and off. By controlling the brightness to change periodically, it is possible to achieve blinking like a firefly (it is preferable that the blinking cycle be faster than that of a firefly), which can create a luxurious feel for the device.

[0134] In the "always on" LED mode, the control unit 10 controls each white LED 315B to light up in the standby state (state 1), and controls each white LED 315B to blink during an alarm (state 2) or when the power is on (state 3).

[0135] In the <<OFF>> LED mode, the control unit 10 executes control (blinking control) to blink the white LED 315B when the power is on (state 3), and controls the white LED 315B to be in an off state in other states.

[0136] (5) Audio settings The audio settings are related to the output mode (output mode) of various sound information such as warning voices and sound effects. As shown in Figure 61, the audio settings allow you to set various items such as speech rate (speaking speed), narrator switching, radar warning sound, positioning announcement, RELAX chime, time signal, operation sound, and target approach sound. The speech rate can be switched between four levels: "Slow," "Normal," "Fast," and "Alarm Linked." In particular, "Alarm Linked" changes the speech rate depending on the type of alarm. The narrator switching allows you to switch the alarm voice between "female" and "male." The radar warning sound allows you to switch the alarm when receiving radar signals between "voice" and "electronic sound."

[0137] The positioning announcement can be turned on or off. For example, when GPS signal reception is poor, such as in a valley between buildings, the positioning announcement may be repeated, such as "GPS reception not possible" and "GPS received." However, turning off the positioning announcement can avoid this repetition. The RELAX chime function encourages breaks at regular intervals, and the time interval for the voice message "You've been driving for a long time. Would you like to take a break?" can be selected. The hourly chime function announces the time on the hour and can be turned on or off. The operation sound can be set to either play a confirmation sound when pressing a button. The target approach sound is the sound output when approaching a target, and is output depending on the on setting.

[0138] As described above, the speech speed of the audio settings (Fig. 62) can be selectively set to one of four types: "Slow," "Normal," "Fast," and "Alarm-linked." When "Normal" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the warning voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 100% (average speed). When "Slow" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the warning voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 90%. When "Fast" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the warning voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 120%.

[0139] Note that a speech rate of 100% means a normal speaking speed, and a speech rate of 120% means that the speaking speed is 120%. In the radar detector 1 of this example, audio data that is a digital recording of the actual speech of a narrator is stored in the database 100. The audio data in the database 100 is record data that corresponds to a speaking rate of 120%. When the audio data is played back as is, the speaking rate is 120%. When the audio data is played back about 20% slower, the speaking rate becomes 100%, and when played back even slower, the speaking rate becomes 90%.

[0140] In the radar detector 1 of this example, voice data corresponding to a speaking rate of 120% is recorded in the database 100, thereby reducing the data size of the voice data stored in the database 100. Naturally, voice data corresponding to a speaking rate of 100% may be recorded in the database 100, or voice data that exceeds the speaking rate that is actually output, such as a speaking rate of 130% may be recorded in the database 100.

[0141] When "Alarm Linkage" is set, the control unit 10 changes the speech speed according to the type and situation of the traffic monitoring activity to be alerted, as shown in FIG. 62. In the figure, the stealth notification and RD notification are the (1) alarm actions upon receiving enforcement radio waves, as explained in "7. Alarm Actions." The stealth notification is the alarm action upon receiving stealth waves, and the RD notification is the alarm action upon receiving radar waves. The speed camera notification, checkpoint / enforcement notification, and my area notification are the (2) alarm actions upon approaching a target, as explained in "7. Alarm Actions." In the figure, "All sound effects" (fourth row from the bottom) in the notification content column refers to the sound effects (e.g., "boom" sound) in the phrase "(sound effect) stealth reception stealth reception" in the phrase example column. For example, in the case of a stealth notification, the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed, followed by the phrase "stealth reception stealth reception" at 120% speech speed.

[0142] For example, in the case of an RD notification, the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by a phrase such as "Watch your speed." At this time, the control unit 10 changes the speech rate of the phrase such as "Watch out for speed traps" according to the reception level (L1 to L5) of the radar wave. For example, at reception level 1 or 2, the level of caution is not so high, so the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by the phrase "Watch out for speed traps" at 90% speech rate. At reception level 3, the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by the phrase "Watch your speed" at 100% speech rate. At reception level 4 or 5, the level of caution is high, so the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by the phrase "Watch your speed" or "Slow down" at 120% speech rate. The control unit 10 outputs a warning voice every time the reception level changes, such as from reception level 2 to 3.

[0143] Note that reception levels 1 and 2, which set the speech rate for the latter phrase at 90%, correspond to the reception level from radio wave sources such as automatic doors. In radar detector 1, the speech rate is kept below 100% because there is a possibility of a false alarm when an RD notification is given at such a reception level.

[0144] The control unit 10 controls the speed of the sound effect to be 100% constant regardless of the speaking speed of the following phrase. In this way, if the output mode of the sound effect that triggers the alarm operation is set to the exact same specifications regardless of the speaking speed of the phrase, the sound effect that signifies the start of the alarm operation can be made to leave a strong impression on the user, and the risk of the alarm being missed can be reduced.

[0145] Changing the speech rate of phrases as described above can change the user's impression of the speech. For example, setting a fast speech rate can create a sense of urgency, giving the impression that caution is required. In this example, the level of caution is determined according to the type of traffic monitoring activity that is the target of the alert, and the display color of the target icon is set according to the level of caution (Figure 41). It is also possible to change the speech rate according to the display color of the target icon. For example, for traffic monitoring activities with a low level of caution and a target icon with a green display color, it is possible to apply control such that the speech rate is always set slow and the speech rate is not changed.

[0146] For example, in the case of an Orbis notification, the control unit 10 changes the speech speed depending on the distance to the Orbis and whether or not the driver is speeding. The closer the distance, the faster the speech speed of the phrase following the sound effect is set, and if the driver is speeding, the speech speed of the phrase is set faster than if the driver is not speeding. For example, in the case of a checkpoint / policy notice, the control unit 10 changes the speech rate of the phrase depending on whether the vehicle speed is above or below 52 km / h. When the vehicle speed is above 52 km / h, the speech rate is made faster than when the vehicle speed is below 52 km / h.

[0147] The target approach sound in the audio settings (distance-linked speed camera sonar sound shown in Figure 63) can be selectively set to "on" or "off." When the target approach sound is set to "on," the control unit 10 outputs a sonar sound when a speed camera approaches, as shown in the same figure. After the control unit 10 issues a speed camera notification when the distance to the speed camera is 1 km or 2 km, and there are no other notifications, it outputs the speed camera sonar sound at a transmission frequency of 1 Hz. At this time, the volume of the speed camera sonar sound is set to minus 8 dB compared to the volume of the speed camera notification. When the distance to the speed camera is 800 m and there are no other notifications, the control unit 10 changes the transmission frequency of the speed camera sonar sound to 1.25 Hz.

[0148] In this way, the control unit 10 gradually increases the transmission frequency of the Orbis sonar sound depending on the distance, increasing it to 2.5 Hz when the distance is 200 m, and then terminating the output of the Orbis sonar sound as the Orbis passes. By changing the transmission frequency of the Orbis sonar sound in conjunction with the distance to the Orbis in this way, it becomes possible to grasp the level of caution based on the Orbis sonar sound alone. Even if you miss the distance notification from the Orbis, you can grasp the degree of distance from the Orbis sonar sound.

[0149] (6) System Settings In the system settings, various system settings are possible, as shown in Figure 64. (7) OBD settings As shown in Figure 65, the OBD settings allow you to set the OBD meter for each screen 15, as well as fuel economy information, coefficient correction, and data deletion. When the OBD meter is set, the vehicle information to be displayed can be selectively set from among vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load, throttle opening, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, outside air temperature, engine oil temperature, instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel economy, and current fuel economy. For example, with regard to the OBD meter, you can select whether or not to set the OBD meter for each of the left and right screens 15L and 15R. Other items are as shown in the same figure.

[0150] The radar detector 1 of this example, configured as described above, is equipped with screens 15L and 15R for displaying monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities. For example, a two-screen warning display pattern can be realized in which a radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15 while a caption is displayed on the other screen 15. In this display pattern, in addition to the radarscope screen, captions indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity, etc., are displayed on the notification panel screen, thereby reducing the amount of information displayed on the radarscope screen and improving the ease of understanding of the monitoring location information. By using multiple screens 15L and 15R in this way, monitoring information can be reported in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0151] Furthermore, the radar detector 1 can be controlled to blink the operation area of ​​the operation button 24. By blinking the operation button 24, it is possible to effectively attract the user's attention by creating a movement in the form of a change in brightness. If the user's attention can be attracted, it is possible to reduce the risk that the user will not notice the monitoring information being reported and miss it.

[0152] The radar detector 1 changes the output mode of sound information, such as an alarm voice, depending on the level of attention (degree of need for notification) of the monitoring information to be notified. By changing the output mode of sound information depending on the monitoring information, it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be output compared to when sound information is output in exactly the same output mode. For example, by changing the speech rate, it is possible to notify information indicating different levels of attention. Furthermore, differences in the output mode of sound information can be intuitively recognized by the user. As described above, the radar detector 1 of this embodiment has excellent characteristics that allow it to notify monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0153] The radar detector 1 has a housing structure in which the ribs are housed in slit holes provided on the outer periphery of the substrate. This housing structure provides an abutment structure between the outer periphery of the ribs and the inner periphery of the slit holes in the substrate. By providing such an abutment structure, it is possible to utilize the strength of the substrate and expect to improve the rigidity (particularly torsional rigidity) of the housing (case main body 2). The ribs may be provided upright on the bottom surface without being connected to the inner periphery side of the case 22. The through-holes on the substrate side that house such ribs may be closed holes that do not open to the outer periphery.

[0154] In the radar detector 1 of this example, the screens 15L and 15R are arranged side by side and flush with each other. Instead of this configuration, the positions of the screens 15L and 15R may be changed in the thickness direction (depth direction) of the case body 2. For example, the screen 15R may be arranged on the back side of the screen 15L. Furthermore, the screens 15L and 15R may be arranged so as to overlap in the depth direction, and the screen 15R on the front side may be formed transparent. In this case, image information with a sense of depth can be displayed by the two screens overlapping in the depth direction.

[0155] Furthermore, it is also possible to place the screens on different sides of the dice-shaped housing. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a bracket that supports the housing so that it can rotate. In this case, the image information visible to the user can be switched depending on the orientation of the dice-shaped housing.

[0156] The front surface of the case body 2 may be formed with a raised center in the left-right direction, positioned closer to the front in the depth direction, and with sloped surfaces positioned further back in the depth direction on both sides. By installing screens on the sloped surfaces on both sides of the center in the left-right direction, for example, when a radar detector is installed in the middle of the dashboard, one screen faces the driver and the other faces the passenger in the front passenger seat, thereby achieving good visibility for both the driver and passenger. In this case, it is also possible to display the same image on each screen. Furthermore, if the screens have different orientations (normal directions), for example, it is more likely that sunlight reflected on one screen will not be reflected on the other screen.

[0157] In the radar detector 1 of this example, operation buttons 24 operated by an operation unit 315 equipped with white LEDs 315B are arranged on both the left and right sides of the screen area 15A in which the screens 15L and 15R are arranged. For example, the target's bearing may be indicated by lighting up or flashing which operation button 24. For example, if the target is to the left of the vehicle's traveling direction, the left operation buttons 241 and 243 may be made to flash, and if the target is ahead, the upper left and right operation buttons 241 and 242 may be made to flash. If the bearing is indicated by the flashing of the operation buttons 24, an easy-to-understand notification can be realized that allows the user to grasp the bearing at a glance.

[0158] Furthermore, the radar detector 1 has five operation buttons 24 arranged around the screen area. By using the five operation buttons 24 on the periphery of the screen area, it is possible to control the operation buttons 24 to rotate around the screen area 15A when they are lit. For example, when issuing an alarm regarding traffic monitoring activities, the cycle at which the lit position rotates can be changed depending on the level of caution, with the rotation speed increasing as the level of caution increases. In this case, the user can recognize the level of caution at a glance.

[0159] The easy mode of the radar detector 1 in this example is a simple setting mode that does not allow selection of the standby screen for each screen 15. In the easy setting, the radarscope screen is displayed on the left screen 15L, and a clock screen is displayed as the standby screen on the right screen 15R. When the distance to the target reaches a predetermined distance, a caption 41 appears above the clock screen (Figure 43). While the display screen for each screen 15 is fixed in this example, it would be possible to add an intermediate easy setting mode that allows the user to selectively set, for example, two or three standby screens. This would meet the needs of users who find the easy setting in this example insufficient but find the mode that allows all settings too complicated. The display screen for the left screen 15L may be fixed to the radarscope screen, while the standby screen for the right screen 15R may be selectable.

[0160] In addition, the radar detector 1 of this example has a touch sensor for detecting touch operations corresponding to each operation button 24, and also has a proximity sensor for detecting hand-wave operations and the like. It is also possible to employ a capacitance-type touch sensor for each operation button 24 and use these touch sensors to detect hand-wave operations. In this case, it is preferable to change the detection distance of the touch sensor between a state waiting for a hand-wave operation and a state waiting for a touch operation. For example, the detection distance can be set long in the state waiting for a hand-wave operation, and after a hand-wave operation is detected, the detection distance can be set close to zero to reliably detect touch operations on each operation button 24.

[0161] It is also possible to navigate the operation by sequentially lighting up the operation button 24 to be operated next, utilizing a configuration that allows for individual control of the lighting of each operation button 24. For example, various settings such as "Set dual-screen warning" and "Set alarm-linked speech speed" may be displayed as a selectable list, and when one of the settings is selected, the operation buttons 24 to be operated to set that setting may be lit up in sequence. In this case, the user can make the desired setting simply by operating the lit operation buttons 24 in sequence.

[0162] The radar detector 1 of this example may also include a map display function. A map with a target icon plotted on it may be displayed on one screen, and a caption displaying information about the target icon may be displayed on the other screen. For example, maps with different scales may also be displayed on multiple screens. A wide-area map display is suitable for understanding the relative positions of the target and the vehicle, while a narrow-area map display is suitable for accurately understanding the distance to the target. Furthermore, for example, a target icon with a specified implementation point may be displayed on a map on one screen, and a target with a specified area may be displayed on a map on another screen. Generally, targets with specified implementation points need to be pinpointed, so plotting on a narrow-area map is appropriate, whereas targets with specified areas need to show the entire area, so a wide-area map display is appropriate.

[0163] 66 to 76 are diagrams showing variations in appearance with different designs, dimensional specifications, etc. In Figure 66, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 67, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-looking design. In Figure 68, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the plain shape with large corner radii (chamfered radius of the corners). In Figure 69, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 70, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-looking design. In Figure 71, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the light and airy black and white coloring. In Figure 72, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 73, the key points of the exterior are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the design that emphasizes the image of an aftermarket meter. In Figure 74, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-looking design. In Figure 75, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the plain shape with large corners and rounded corners. In Figure 76, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 77, the key points of the appearance are the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCD, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-looking design.

[0164] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are obtained by variously modifying, changing, or appropriately combining the specific examples using publicly known technology and the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1. Radar detector 2 Case body 21 Front frame 22 cases 24 Operation button (operation means) 222, 223 Ribs 31 First substrate 32 Second board 312, 322, 313, 323 Slit holes (through holes) 10 Control unit (control means) 100 databases 121 GPS receiver 122 Microwave Receiver 123 Radio Receiver 125 Proximity Sensor 128 Barometric pressure sensor 129 Clock section 15 screens 15A screen area 151 Touchscreen Seat 152 LCD display 152S Gap 16 speakers 17 Memory card reader 171 Memory Card 24 Operation buttons 315 Operation section 315A Touch Sensor 315B White LED

Claims

1. A device for assisting vehicle driving, comprising: a control unit that outputs an alarm voice based on monitoring information regarding traffic monitoring activities; The control unit switches the speech speed (speech rate) of the warning voice among a plurality of levels and outputs the warning voice in accordance with at least one of the type of the warning target, the situation, and the reception level of the radar wave received by the microwave receiver. An apparatus characterized in that

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the speech rate of the warning voice in stages in accordance with both a reception level of the radar wave received by the microwave receiver and a vehicle speed.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the speech rate of the warning voice phrases in accordance with a reception level of the radar wave received by the microwave receiver.

4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches between enabling and disabling the change in speech rate for the warning voice based on a setting.

5. The control unit outputs the warning voice phrase by adding the words "right direction" or "left direction" based on the direction of the location where the traffic monitoring activity is being carried out, when the location is located to the right or left of the direction of travel beyond a predetermined angle threshold, based on the direction of the location where the traffic monitoring activity is being carried out.

6. The device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit outputs a sound in response to approaching an speed camera, gradually increases the emission period of the sound in response to the distance to the speed camera, and terminates the output of the sound in response to the speed camera passing by.

7. The device described in claim 6, wherein the control unit outputs the sound at 1 Hz when the distance to the speed camera is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and gradually increases the transmission frequency to 1.25 Hz and then 2.5 Hz as the distance decreases.

8. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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