Vehicle information processing device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle information processor for quickly and accurately transmitting the result of information processing related with a vehicle to a driver or the like by suppressing any erroneous alarm (the notification or display of erroneous information).SOLUTION: An aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information on a vehicle and performs output based on a processing result, the vehicle information processing device including a reception unit that receives a signal, an output unit that outputs information, and a control unit that performs information processing on the signal received by the reception unit and performs control to cause the output unit to output a processing result obtained by the information processing, in which the control unit starts identification processing for identifying which of a plurality of types the signal received by the reception unit corresponds to, and causes the output unit to output information indicating that the identification processing is being executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information processing device that acquires, processes, and displays information about a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Examples of devices that are attached to the dashboard of a vehicle to acquire various types of information, process the information, and display it on a display include radar detectors, drive recorders, vehicle information monitors, and navigation devices.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a detection system for traffic enforcement devices that can accurately issue an alarm even when a vehicle approaches a mobile traffic enforcement device. This detection system includes a detection means for detecting speed detection waves emitted from the traffic enforcement device, a first alarm means for issuing an alarm when the detection means receives the speed detection waves, a current position recognition means for recognizing the current position, a transmission means for transmitting, when the detection means detects the speed detection waves, position information of the current position recognized by the current position recognition means at the time of detection via a public communication line, a traffic enforcement information storage means for storing the position information received from the multiple transmission means as traffic enforcement information, a receiving means for receiving, via a public communication line, the traffic enforcement information stored in the traffic enforcement information storage means, and a second alarm means for comparing the position indicated by the traffic enforcement information received by the receiving means with the current position recognized by the current position recognition means, and issuing an alarm if the current position is within a predetermined first range from the position indicated by the traffic enforcement information.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a drive recorder that has the function of recording video from a camera onto removable media, as well as the function of initializing the removable media and notifying the degree of deterioration of the removable media.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a vehicle information display device that is equipped with a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires measurement values ​​of vehicle information, a display unit that displays the measurement values ​​of the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and a control unit that controls the display of the display unit, as a device that ensures sufficient visibility to allow measurement values ​​to be seen instantly and can provide detailed measurement values ​​as needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-181897 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-137079 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-118578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] 2. Description of the Related Art In a vehicle information processing device that is installed in a vehicle to acquire information about the vehicle and output the results of information processing, it is desirable to process the information accurately and convey the results of the processing to the driver or the like quickly and accurately.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle information processing device that can quickly and accurately convey the results of information processing related to a vehicle to a driver or the like while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of erroneous information). [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information about a vehicle and outputs based on the processing results, and includes a receiving unit that receives a signal, an output unit that outputs the information, and a control unit that performs information processing on the signal received by the receiving unit and controls the output unit to output the processing results of the information processing, wherein the control unit starts an identification process to identify which of multiple types the signal received by the receiving unit corresponds to, and causes the output unit to output information indicating that the identification process is being performed.

[0010] With this configuration, information indicating that an identification process is being performed to identify the type of signal received by the receiving unit is output, thereby accurately informing the driver of the vehicle, etc., that an identification process is being performed.

[0011] In the vehicle information processing device, the control unit may perform, in the identification process, an individual identification process for identifying each of a plurality of types of signals in sequence for each type, and cause the output unit to output an image that is a pattern representing an object that is a source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification process. In this way, by performing the individual identification process for identifying each of the plurality of types of signals in sequence for each type, erroneous detection is suppressed, and the fact that the individual identification process is being performed in sequence for each type is accurately conveyed by the image that is a pattern representing an object that is a source of the signal corresponding to the signal type.

[0012] The vehicle information processing device may further include a position acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information, which is the absolute position or relative position of the vehicle, and the control unit may select an identification process for identifying the type of signal based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit. This allows an accurate selection of an identification process in accordance with the current position of the vehicle based on the vehicle position information, thereby reducing erroneous detection and quickly notifying the driver of the vehicle of the identification result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle information processing device that can quickly and accurately convey the results of information processing related to the vehicle to the driver, etc., while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of incorrect information). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a vehicle information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 1) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 2) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 3) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 4) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of images displayed in the classification process. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of images indicating that classification corresponding to the type of classification processing is in progress. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of components that have already been described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] (Configuration of vehicle information processing device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. The vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment is an in-vehicle device that is attached to, for example, the dashboard or the front window of a vehicle and processes and outputs various information related to the vehicle. In this embodiment, a radar detector (including a laser detector) will be described as an example of the vehicle information processing device 1.

[0017] The vehicle information processing device 1 includes a receiving unit 16 that receives a signal, an output unit 12 that outputs information, and a control unit 14 that performs information processing on the signal received by the receiving unit 16 and controls the output unit 12 to output the processing result. The vehicle information processing device 1 may further include an acquiring unit 11 that acquires vehicle operation information, a storage unit 13, an input unit 15, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 17.

[0018] The acquisition unit 11 acquires operation information of at least one of the speed and acceleration of a traveling vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle includes a speed acquisition unit 111 that acquires vehicle speed information, and an acceleration acquisition unit 112 that acquires vehicle acceleration information. The speed acquisition unit 111 may calculate the speed from vehicle position information acquired by a GPS sensor 17 (described later), or may acquire the speed information from information output from the vehicle side, such as an OBD (On Board Diagnostics) 18. The acceleration acquisition unit 112 may acquire acceleration from a built-in acceleration sensor (not shown), may calculate the acceleration from vehicle position information acquired by the GPS sensor 17, or may acquire the acceleration information from information output from the vehicle side, such as the OBD 18.

[0019] The output unit 12 has a display 121 that displays information and a speaker 122 that outputs the information as sound. As shown in the external appearance example of FIG. 2, the display 121 is provided on the front side of the housing 10 of the vehicle information processing device 1. The speaker 122 is provided on, for example, the rear side of the housing 10. The output unit 12 may be an LED lamp provided on the housing 10. The output unit 12 may also have a function of outputting information to an external device (for example, a mobile terminal or a network).

[0020] The storage unit 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 13 stores condition setting information, which will be described later. The storage unit 13 may be built into the housing 10 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or may be located outside the housing 10 or connected via a network.

[0021] The input unit 15 is a touch panel provided on the display 121 or buttons provided on the housing 10. The input unit 15 is used when starting up the vehicle information processing device 1, making various settings, and making selections by the user.

[0022] When the vehicle information processing device 1 is a radar detector, the receiving unit 16 receives a signal sent from, for example, a vehicle speed measurement device to a traveling vehicle. In this embodiment, the signal includes various signals such as speed measurement signals (radio waves or light) sent from the vehicle speed measurement device, as well as signals output from vending machines, ticket vending machines, sensors for automatic doors (such as human sensors), and safety features of automobiles (back sensors).

[0023] The GPS sensor 17 may be built into the housing 10, or may be provided outside the housing 10 and connected to the housing 10 by a cable. Vehicle position information can be obtained by the GPS sensor 17. Furthermore, vehicle speed information and acceleration information can be calculated based on changes in the vehicle position information.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle information processing device 1 is connectable to the OBD 18. By connecting to the OBD 18, various information sent from the vehicle side can be obtained. When connected to the OBD 18, vehicle speed information and acceleration information can be obtained. Note that the means for obtaining information from the vehicle is not limited to the OBD 18.

[0025] The control unit 14 performs various types of information processing related to the vehicle and controls the output unit 12 to output the processing results. The control unit 14 has an identification processing unit 141 and a calculation unit 142. The identification processing unit 141 performs processing to identify which of multiple types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 belongs to.

[0026] The calculation unit 142 performs information processing and calculation processing to control each unit in accordance with the processing performed by the identification processing unit 141. For example, the calculation unit 142 performs processing to output information indicating that the identification processing unit 141 is performing signal identification processing to the output unit 12, and to output information corresponding to the type of identified signal to the output unit 12. The output by the output unit 12 of the information indicating that the identification processing is being performed and the information corresponding to the type of identified signal includes not only the display of an image but also sound or audio output.

[0027] In the identification process by the identification processing unit 141 of the control unit 14, individual identification processes for identifying each of a plurality of types of signals may be performed in order for each type. In this case, the calculation unit 142 may cause the output unit 12 to output an image that is a picture representing an object that is a source of a signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification process.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 14 may select an identification process for identifying the type of signal based on vehicle position information acquired by a position acquisition unit (such as the GPS sensor 17). If the position acquisition unit is the GPS sensor 17, the absolute position of the vehicle is acquired. The position acquisition unit may be a sensor other than the GPS sensor 17. For example, a reference position (such as an address, map code, or area) may be set in advance, and the direction and amount of movement of the vehicle may be acquired from an acceleration sensor or a vehicle speed sensor to acquire the relative position with respect to the preset reference position. The identification processing unit 141 of the control unit 14 may switch between identification processes for identifying the type of signal based on the absolute position or relative position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition unit.

[0029] (Identification process) Next, the signal identification process executed by the vehicle information processing device 1 will be described. The identification process is executed by the identification processing unit 141 and the calculation unit 142 of the control unit 14. Note that the identification process may be realized as a program process (vehicle information processing program) that causes a computer to execute each step, for example.

[0030] (Identification process: Part 1) FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 1) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S101, a standby image (an image indicating that the vehicle information processing device 1 is in a standby state) is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S102, it is determined whether or not a signal from outside the vehicle has been received by the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0031] In step S103, the identification processing unit 141 performs an identification process on the signal received by the receiving unit 16. The identification process is a process of identifying which of a plurality of types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 belongs to. A specific example of the signal identification process will be described later.

[0032] While the identification process is being performed, as shown in step S104, information indicating that the signal identification process is in progress is output from the output unit 12. For example, text information saying "identification in progress" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice may be output from the output unit 12 indicating that identification is in progress.

[0033] Next, as shown in step S105, it is determined whether or not the type of signal has been identified. If the type of signal has not been identified (No in step S105), the process returns to step S103 to continue the identification process, and the output unit 12 continues to output information indicating that the identification process is in progress as shown in step S104.

[0034] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S105), as shown in step S106, information corresponding to the identified type is output to output unit 12. For example, information indicating the identified type of signal (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) may be displayed on display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0035] Next, as shown in step S107, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength has not fallen below the predetermined threshold (No in step S107), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S106 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S107), it is determined whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has been lost (including when the signal strength has fallen below a certain threshold), as shown in step S108. If the signal has not been lost, the process returns to step S103, and the subsequent processes are repeated. As a result, if the strength of a signal that was once identified becomes weak, it is possible to perform the identification process again and reconfirm the type of signal. On the other hand, if the signal has been lost, the process returns to a standby state, and a standby image is displayed on the display 121 as shown in step S109.

[0036] By this type of identification process: No. 1, it is possible to accurately notify the driver of the vehicle, etc., that a signal has been received and the type of the signal is being identified (identification in progress).

[0037] (Identification process: Part 2) FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 2) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S201, a standby image is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S202, it is determined whether or not a signal from outside the vehicle has been received by the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0038] In step S203, a variable n is set to 1. Next, as shown in step S204, a discrimination process for the nth type of signal is executed. The discrimination process for the nth type of signal is an example of individual discrimination process. When n=1, a first type of discrimination process is executed by the discrimination processing unit 141.

[0039] While the nth type of classification processing is being performed, as shown in step S205, information indicating that the nth type of signal is being classified is output from the output unit 12. For example, text information "Classifying nth type" corresponding to the nth type of classification processing may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice may be output from the output unit 12 indicating that classification is being performed.

[0040] Next, as shown in step S206, it is determined whether the nth type of signal has been identified. If it has not been identified (No in step S206), the variable n is incremented by 1 in step S207, and the process returns to step S204, where the identification process continues from step S204 to step S206. In this embodiment, multiple identification processes are prepared in advance, and the identification process for multiple types of signals can be performed sequentially by incrementing the variable n by 1. In this way, the identification process for different types of signals is performed sequentially, such as a first type, a second type, a third type, ..., until the type is identified.

[0041] While the identification process for the first type, second type, third type, etc. signals is being performed in order, information indicating that the identification is currently being performed for that type is output from the output unit 12. This makes it easy to know which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0042] If the nth type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S206), as shown in step S208, information corresponding to the identified nth type is output to output unit 12. For example, information indicating the identified nth type of signal (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0043] Next, as shown in step S209, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength has not fallen below the predetermined threshold (No in step S209), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S208 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S209), it is determined whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has been lost (including when the signal strength has fallen below a certain threshold), as shown in step S210. If the signal has not been lost, the process returns to step S204, and the subsequent processing is sent back. As a result, if the strength of a signal that was once identified weakens, it is possible to perform the identification process again and reconfirm the type of signal. On the other hand, if the signal has been lost, the process returns to a standby state, and a standby image is displayed on the display 121 as shown in step S211.

[0044] This type of identification process (part 2) receives a signal and sequentially identifies multiple types of that signal, thereby reducing false positives and accurately informing the vehicle driver that processing (identification) is in progress and which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0045] (Identification process: Part 3) FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 3) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S301, a standby image (an image indicating that the vehicle information processing device 1 is in a standby state) is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S302, it is determined whether or not a signal from outside the vehicle has been received by the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0046] In step S303, the discrimination processing unit 141 performs discrimination processing of multiple types of signals on the signals received by the receiving unit 16. The discrimination processing of multiple types of signals is processing for classifying (separating) the signals received by the receiving unit 16 into multiple types of signals.

[0047] While the identification process is being performed, as shown in step S304, information indicating that the signal type is being identified is output from the output unit 12. For example, text information saying "identifying" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice may be output from the output unit 12 indicating that identification is being performed.

[0048] Next, as shown in step S305, it is determined whether or not the type of signal has been identified. If the type of signal has not been identified (No in step S305), the process returns to step S303 to continue the identification process, and the output unit 12 continues to output information indicating that the identification process is in progress as shown in step S304.

[0049] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S305), necessary signals are selected as shown in step S306. Here, only necessary types of signals are extracted from the multiple types of signals classified by the identification, and unnecessary types of signals are canceled. After the necessary signals have been selected, information corresponding to the selected type of signal is output to the output unit 12 as shown in step S307. For example, information indicating the type of signal selected (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0050] Next, as shown in step S308, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength has not fallen below the predetermined threshold (No in step S308), the output of information corresponding to the type of signal selected in step S307 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S308), it is determined whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has disappeared (including when the signal strength has fallen below a certain threshold), as shown in step S309. If the signal has not disappeared, the process returns to step S303, and the subsequent processes are repeated. As a result, if the strength of a signal that was once identified weakens, it is possible to perform the identification process again and reconfirm the type of signal. On the other hand, if the signal has disappeared, the process returns to a standby state, and a standby image is displayed on the display 121 as shown in step S310.

[0051] This type of identification process (3) identifies multiple types of signals from the received signal, extracts only the necessary types of signals, and cancels out unnecessary types of signals, thereby suppressing false detections and accurately informing the vehicle driver that processing (identification) is in progress and which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0052] (Identification process: Part 4) FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a signal identification process (part 4) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S401, a standby image is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1.

[0053] Next, as shown in step S402, information on the vehicle's position is acquired. To acquire the information on the vehicle's position, for example, the current absolute position of the vehicle may be acquired using the GPS sensor 17, or a reference position (such as an address, map code, or region) may be set in advance, and the direction and amount of movement of the vehicle may be acquired from an acceleration sensor or a vehicle speed sensor to acquire the relative position with respect to the preset reference position. Furthermore, the information on the vehicle's position may be the region or area in which the vehicle is currently located (regional classifications such as prefecture, city, town, or village, Kanto / Kansai, urban or suburban area, general road or expressway traffic classification, mountainous area or plain area, etc.).

[0054] Next, as shown in step S403, it is determined whether or not the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1 has received a signal from outside the vehicle. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, it is determined whether or not to execute the identification process. Whether or not to execute the identification process is determined based on the vehicle position information acquired in step S402. That is, a database in which the vehicle position information is associated with whether or not to execute the identification process is referenced, and it is determined whether or not to execute the identification process based on the current vehicle position.

[0055] This database may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or may be stored in an external server (such as a cloud server) via a network. If it is determined in step S404 that the identification process will not be executed (No in step S404), the process proceeds to step S412 and returns to the standby state.

[0056] If it is determined in step S404 that the identification process is to be executed (Yes in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the identification process is selected. The selection of the identification process is determined based on the information on the vehicle position acquired in step S402. That is, a database in which information on the vehicle position (location information) is associated with the type of identification process is referenced, and the type of identification process is selected based on the current vehicle position. This database may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or may be stored in an external server (such as a cloud server) via a network and be accessible or downloadable using the communication function of the vehicle information processing device 1.

[0057] Next, as shown in step S406, the identification processing unit 141 performs signal identification processing according to the type of identification processing selected in step S405. The identification processing is processing for identifying which of a plurality of types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 corresponds to. In this way, the most appropriate signal identification processing is automatically selected and executed depending on the vehicle position.

[0058] While the identification process is being performed, as shown in step S407, information indicating that the signal identification process is in progress is output from the output unit 12. For example, text information saying "identification in progress" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice may be output from the output unit 12 indicating that identification is in progress.

[0059] Next, as shown in step S408, it is determined whether or not the type of signal has been identified. If the type of signal has not been identified (No in step S408), the process returns to step S406 to continue the identification process, and the output unit 12 continues to output information indicating that the identification process is in progress as shown in step S407.

[0060] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S408), as shown in step S409, information corresponding to the identified type is output to the output unit 12. For example, information indicating the identified type of signal (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) may be displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0061] Next, as shown in step S410, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength has not fallen below the predetermined threshold (No in step S410), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S409 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S410), it is determined whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has been lost (including when the signal strength has fallen below a certain threshold), as shown in step S411. If the signal has not been lost, the process returns to step S406, and the subsequent processes are repeated. As a result, if the strength of a signal that was once identified weakens, it is possible to perform the identification process again and reconfirm the type of signal. On the other hand, if the signal has been lost, the process returns to a standby state, and a standby image is displayed on the display 121 as shown in step S412.

[0062] This type of identification processing: No. 4 automatically determines whether or not to perform signal identification processing based on the vehicle's position information, and switches between signal type identification processing based on the vehicle's position information, allowing for quick and accurate identification processing according to the vehicle's position, reducing false detections, and accurately communicating the status of the identification processing and the identification results to the vehicle driver, etc.

[0063] In the above-described identification process: Part 4, an example was shown in which a database in which location information and the type of identification process are associated with each other is used, but a database in which location information and the type of target device (such as a speed measurement device) are associated with each other, or a database in which location information and the installation area of ​​the target device are associated with each other may also be used. Also, although the type of identification process is selected based on information about the vehicle's position, the type of identification process may also be selected based on information other than the vehicle's position, for example, information about the current date and time, or the type of identification process may also be selected based on both information about the vehicle's position and information about the current date and time.

[0064] (Example) Examples of the signal type identification process executed by the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment include identification of the frequency or frequency band of radio waves in the signal and identification of the modulation method of the signal. The process may also be identification of whether the signal is a modulated wave or an unmodulated wave. If the signal is a modulated wave, the identification process may be identification of the signal type based on the cumulative value of the intensity of a specific modulated wave. In this case, the identification process may identify the signal type by determining the cumulative value of the intensity of the specific modulated wave based on a preset threshold. Furthermore, in the identification process, when determining the cumulative value of the intensity of a specific modulated wave based on a threshold, multiple different thresholds may be set, and multiple types of signals may be identified by determining the signal based on each of the multiple different thresholds.

[0065] In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, while the signal type identification process is being performed, an image indicating that the identification is in progress may be displayed on the display 121. 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of image display in the classification process. As shown in Fig. 7(a), while the signal type identification process is being performed (from the start of the identification process until the identification is completed), the display 121 displays, for example, the text T1 "identifying" along with an image G1 of a predetermined design. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately inform the driver of the vehicle that the signal type identification process is currently being performed. Once the signal type identification is completed, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the display can be switched to an image G2 of a design corresponding to the identified signal type, thereby accurately informing the driver of the status from the time the identification is in progress until the identification is completed.

[0066] In addition, in the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, when a process for identifying a type of signal is performed, an image indicating that identification is in progress may be displayed on the display 121 while multiple identification processes are being switched and performed in sequence. 8(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of images indicating that classification corresponding to the type of classification process is in progress. 8(a) shows an example of an image indicating that the type of MSSS in the K band between 24.07 GHz and 24.17 GHz is being identified. In this example, while the identification process is being performed to identify whether the signal is from a vending machine, an image G11 of a vending machine and the words "identifying" T1 are displayed.

[0067] If the signal is not from a vending machine, then an identification process is performed to identify whether the signal is from a sensor in another vehicle. While this identification process is being performed, the text "identifying" T1 is displayed along with an image G12 of a picture of the other vehicle. If the signal is not from a sensor in another vehicle, then an identification process is performed to identify whether the signal is from an MSSS radar device. While this identification process is being performed, the text "identifying" T1 is displayed along with an image G13 of a picture of the MSSS radar device.

[0068] Figure 8(b) shows an example of an image indicating that the type of JMA is being identified in the K-band between 24.2275 GHz and 24.2575 GHz. In this example, while the identification process is being performed to identify whether the signal is from a police car, the image of a police car and the words "Identifying" are displayed.

[0069] If the signal is not from a patrol car, then an identification process is performed to identify whether the signal is from a JMA radar device. While this identification process is being performed, the message "Identifying" is displayed along with an image of a JMA radar device. If the signal is not from a JMA radar device, then an identification process is performed to identify whether the signal is from a sensor of another vehicle. While this identification process is being performed, the message "Identifying" is displayed along with an image of a vehicle.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), depending on the type of classification process, the image with a design corresponding to the type of traffic light being classified in that classification process is switched sequentially. That is, the type of traffic light currently being classified can be grasped by the transition between images G11 to G13 and images G21 to G23. This allows the driver of the vehicle and others to be informed quickly and accurately of the execution status of the current traffic light classification process. Furthermore, if the display is switched to an image with a design corresponding to the identified traffic light type once classification of the traffic light type is completed, it is possible to accurately convey the status from the time classification is in progress to the time classification is completed.

[0071] The displayed images may be animated (moving images) or actual photographs, which will help to communicate the situation to the driver in a more understandable way.

[0072] Furthermore, when performing discrimination processing for multiple signal types in sequence, once discrimination of the target signal type has been completed, discrimination processing for subsequent types may be omitted, thereby eliminating unnecessary processing and enabling discrimination results to be output quickly.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle information processing device 1 that can quickly and accurately convey the results of information processing related to the vehicle to the driver, etc., while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of incorrect information).

[0074] Although the present embodiment and its application examples have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the vehicle information processing device 1 has been described as being applied to a radar detector and a drive recorder. However, the present invention can also be applied to devices that display vehicle information other than radar detectors and drive recorders (e.g., devices that process information sent from the vehicle via the OBD 18 or information sent from various sensors and display it on the display 121), navigation devices, and other devices or in-vehicle devices equipped with HUDs (Head Up Displays) and ADASs (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Furthermore, the vehicle is not limited to automobiles, but may also be a two-wheeled vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle or bicycle) or a three-wheeled vehicle (e.g., a trike). Furthermore, the scope of the present invention also encompasses those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components of the above-described embodiments or their application examples, or appropriately combines features of the embodiments, as long as the gist of the present invention is maintained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...Vehicle information processing device 10...Housing 11…Acquisition part 12...Output section 13...Storage section 14...Control unit 15...Input section 16...Receiver 17...GPS sensor 18...OBD 111…Speed ​​acquisition section 112…Acceleration acquisition unit 121...Display 122...Speaker 141...Identification processing unit 142...Arithmetic section G1, G11, G12, G13, G2, G21, G22, G23...Images T1...letter n...variable

Claims

1. A vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information about a vehicle and outputs based on the processing results, a receiving unit for receiving a signal; an output unit that outputs information; a control unit that performs information processing on the signal received by the receiving unit and controls the output unit to output a processing result of the information processing; Equipped with The control unit starts an identification process to identify which of multiple types the signal received by the receiving unit corresponds to, and outputs information indicating that the identification process is being performed to the output unit.

2. 2. The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in the identification process, performs an individual identification process for identifying each of the multiple types of signals in turn for each type, and causes the output unit to output an image that is a picture representing an object that is the source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification process.

3. a position acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information that is an absolute position or a relative position of the vehicle; The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects an identification process for identifying the type of the signal based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit.

Images