Control system and program

Abstract

The system provides a control system that allows users to select and display the meters they need, and that can accurately display a wide variety of information. [Solution] This radar detector is a control system that controls the display of meters based on acquired data, and has multiple meter display areas on the screen of one display unit 5, and displays a type of meter selected by the user in at least one of the meter display areas on one of the screens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system that performs control to switch and display screens in different formats for displaying information on the current situation.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a control system that notifies of approaching an object to be notified such as a vehicle speed measuring device, the position information of the object to be notified is stored and held, and when the position of the own vehicle detected by GPS and the position of the object to be notified are in a predetermined approaching relationship, an alarm is issued (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] In the case of the target notification device such as Patent Document 1 above, for example, when the current position of the vehicle and the detection target object to be notified reach a set distance (for example, 1 km or 500 m, etc.), "It is ○○ 500 m ahead." (○○ is information for specifying the target object (such as a loop coil, etc.) outputs an audio alarm or outputs and displays the related information on the display in text.

[0004] These control systems contribute to preventing the driver from unconsciously exceeding the speed by, for example, notifying the driver of approaching a vehicle speed measuring device. In particular, since vehicle speed measuring devices are generally installed in places where it is easy to exceed the speed, etc., in dangerous places, it is possible to call the driver's attention to speed exceeding. Thus, such control systems contribute to safe driving, etc.

[0005] In such a control system, when not approaching an object to be notified such as a vehicle speed measuring device, it has a screen for meter-displaying the acquired current situation such as the acceleration and speed applied to the vehicle (Patent Documents 2, 3).

[0006] For example, a user may configure their system to display one screen containing a desired meter from among several different screen formats that display information about the current situation, and that configured screen is then displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3070388 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-9546 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-76740 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, with the ability to obtain information about the current situation directly from a wide variety of sensors and the vehicle itself, the number of meters has increased in order to display this diverse information about the current situation. Therefore, if a separate screen were prepared for each type of meter, the number of screens would become too large, making it difficult to select the desired meter.

[0009] Furthermore, displaying multiple meters on a single screen could result in a combination of meters that differed from what the user desired, making it difficult to accurately display a large amount of information.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a control system, etc., that allows users to select and display the meters they need, and that can accurately display many types of information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the control system according to the present invention is (1) a control system that performs control to display a meter based on acquired data, comprising a plurality of meter display areas on a single screen, and characterized in that at least one of the meter display areas on the single screen displays a type of meter selected by the user.

[0012] In this way, users can select and display the meters they need on the screen. Because the system has multiple meter display areas on a single screen, and allows users to select and display the meters they need, it is possible to provide a control system that can accurately display multiple types of information.

[0013] In particular, as in (13), the screen should be positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver, and the acquired data should be configured to change as the vehicle moves. It is difficult to switch screens or select the type of meter display while driving the vehicle. However, in this way, for example, the driver can select the type of meter display they want to see while driving when not driving, and have it displayed while driving.

[0014] The acquired data should preferably be from memory such as RAM or from storage devices such as registers. The data acquisition should be triggered by predetermined events, such as changes in the data or predetermined time intervals.

[0015] A meter display may indicate, for example, a measuring instrument. A measuring instrument may be, for example, an instrument, machine, or device for measuring. Measuring refers to, for example, measuring the quantity of a physical phenomenon. For example, it may indicate that quantity using a predetermined unit of measurement (a standard for measurement). Quantities of physical phenomena include, for example, length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, luminous intensity, angle, solid angle, area, volume, angular velocity, angular acceleration, speed, acceleration, frequency, rotational speed, wave number, density, force, moment of force, pressure, stress, viscosity, kinematic viscosity, work, power, mass flow rate, flow rate, heat quantity, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, entropy, electric charge, electric field strength, voltage, electromotive force, capacitance, magnetic field strength, magnetomotive force, magnetic flux density, magnetic flux, and It is preferable to use terms such as ductance, electrical resistance, electrical conductance, impedance, power, reactive power, apparent power, energy, reactive energy, apparent energy, electromagnetic wave attenuation, electromagnetic wave power density, radiant intensity, luminous flux, luminance, illuminance, acoustic power, sound pressure level, vibration acceleration level, concentration, neutron emission rate, radioactivity, absorbed dose, absorbed dose rate, kerma, kerma rate, irradiation dose, irradiation dose rate, dose equivalent or dose equivalent rate, fineness, specific gravity, etc.

[0016] The meter display should be configured to update and show changes in the acquired data, for example, when there is a change in the acquired data. For example, it could be configured to always update when there is a change in the acquired data, or it could be configured to update and show only when there is a change in the acquired data that exceeds a predetermined amount or follows a predetermined pattern, and not update if there is a change but it does not follow the predetermined pattern. Alternatively, it could be configured to update and show according to predetermined rules, such as predetermined time intervals, regardless of data updates. Particularly good is a configuration in which the meter display is updated and shown at a timing that allows the user to recognize that it is a meter display that reflects the current situation. The timing at which the user can recognize that the meter display reflects the current situation should vary depending on the type of data being displayed in the meter.

[0017] For example, the system could be configured to display information about the current situation on meters based on data obtained from a wide variety of sensors and other devices. In this way, even if the number of meter types increases, it is possible to select and display the desired meter without having to prepare a separate screen for each type of meter or increasing the number of screens. Furthermore, although multiple meters are displayed on a single screen, at least one meter display area on that screen will display the type of meter selected by the user, allowing the user to display the meter they desire on that screen and accurately grasp a large amount of information.

[0018] It is advisable to provide multiple types of meter displays and control the system to display the type of meter selected by the user. For example, to configure the system to display the type of meter selected by the user, information identifying the user's selected type of meter display can be stored in a memory device, and the system can then display the selected type of meter based on this information. For instance, if a meter allows the user to perceive changes in milliseconds, it should be updated in milliseconds. Similarly, if a meter allows the user to perceive changes in seconds, it should be updated in seconds. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in minutes, it should be updated in minutes. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in hours, it should be updated in hours. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in days, it should be updated in days.

[0019] The user's selection of meter display types can be configured, for example, by presenting a list of options and allowing the user to select from those options. The options can be presented, for example, by displaying them on the same screen as a screen with multiple meter display areas. For example, the system can be configured to switch from a screen displaying multiple meter display areas to a screen displaying the options.

[0020] For the screen, it is preferable to use a screen whose display content can be changed, such as a dot matrix display. The screen may be the entire display area of ​​the display means, or a part of it. Multiple meter display areas should be arranged so that they do not overlap, but they may also be arranged so that some overlap. In this configuration, it is preferable to display the amount to be metered in a visible way in the non-overlapping parts. Alternatively, for example, the overlapping parts may be made semi-transparent so that both the lower (back) and upper (front) parts are visible. (2) It is preferable to configure the system so that each meter display area displays a type of meter selected by the user.

[0021] In this way, the user can select which type of meter to display in which meter display area on the screen, and display the desired type of meter in the desired arrangement.

[0022] As a configuration for allowing the user to select the type of meter display for each meter display area, for example, first, the user may be allowed to select the meter display area to be the selection target, and for the selected meter display area, the user may be allowed to select which type of meter display to perform. Alternatively, first, the user may be allowed to select which type of meter display to perform, and then the user may be allowed to select in which meter display area to perform the selected type of meter display. The selection of the meter display area may be configured, for example, to present options for which meter display area to select and allow the selection from the presented options. The presentation of the options may be performed, for example, by a display means. For example, it may be performed by displaying the options on the same screen as the screen having a plurality of meter display areas. For example, the screen having a plurality of meter display areas may be switched to a display screen for options to display the options.

[0023] (3) Control for performing a predetermined display other than the meter display is performed, and each of the meter display areas may be configured to perform the meter display of the type selected by the user or the predetermined display selected by the user.

[0024] In this way, when the user selects a predetermined display, the selected predetermined display that is not a meter display will be performed in the meter display area. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the content of the selected predetermined display that is not a meter display just by looking at the screen with the intention of viewing the meter display. In this way, the content of the selected predetermined display that is not a meter display can be visually recognized with the same line-of-sight movement as when viewing the meter display. For example, when the user selects to display the first type of meter display in the first meter display area and selects to display a predetermined display in the second meter display area different from the first meter display area, by moving the line of sight between the first meter display area and the second meter display area on one screen, the first type of meter display and the predetermined display can be naturally visually recognized. Particularly, as shown in (13), when the screen is arranged at a position visible to the driver of the vehicle and the acquired data is data that changes with the movement of the vehicle, in order to confirm the data that changes with the movement of the vehicle from the state of visually recognizing the situation ahead during driving, when the line of sight is moved to the screen, at the same time, it becomes possible to naturally and immediately visually recognize the predetermined display that is not a meter display.

[0025] The predetermined display is a display that is not a meter display. For example, it may be a clock showing the time in the embodiment, a display of the tide of the day, etc., that is, a display that is not a measuring instrument for measuring the amount of the state of an object.

[0026] In this way, the measured amount and the non-measured amount can be confirmed simultaneously on one screen. Moreover, the non-measured amount is displayed within the meter display area, and the same thing as selected by the user can be displayed and visually recognized as in the meter display.

[0027] (4) It is preferable to have different types of the predetermined displays that can be displayed in the meter display area, and to perform the type of predetermined display selected from the plurality of types of predetermined displays in the meter display area.

[0028] In this way, for example, a user can select a predetermined display from different types of predetermined displays and have it appear in the meter display area. Therefore, since the user can select the predetermined display they need and display it on the screen, it is possible to provide a control system that can accurately display multiple types of information.

[0029] (5) For example, the system may be configured to allow the selection of different types of predetermined displays for different display content, and the system may then perform the predetermined display corresponding to the selected type of display content. However, in this case, if a different type of predetermined display is desired, the system must manually select that type of predetermined display each time.

[0030] Therefore, it is preferable to configure the system so that the display content is switched according to a predetermined switching trigger. In this way, for example, the display content within the meter display area on the screen will switch according to the predetermined switching trigger. Consequently, the content of the predetermined display will automatically switch within the meter display area without having to re-select the type of predetermined display each time, saving the effort of selection. Furthermore, it eliminates the problem of having many options for the type of predetermined display, making it difficult to understand which option corresponds to which predetermined display, and avoids the hassle of finding the desired option from among many options.

[0031] (6) The selection screen for the user to make a selection should be configured to display the selectable meter display and the selectable predetermined display without distinguishing them as selection items. In this way, users can choose between a meter display and a predetermined display without having to select or even be aware of the choice.

[0032] (7) The number of meter display areas to be displayed on a single screen is three, and these three meter display areas are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the display screen, and the central meter display area of ​​the three meter display areas is configured to be more prominent than the other two meter display areas.

[0033] This approach maximizes the use of the screen's longer side, allowing for a larger meter display area, and the use of three meter displays improves the overall balance of the screen. Furthermore, by making the central meter display area more prominent than the other two, users can select and place the information they primarily want to view in the central meter display area.

[0034] (8) The number of meter display areas to be displayed on one screen is three, and these three meter display areas are arranged along the long side of the display screen, with some of the meter display areas overlapping, and the meter display area that is closest to the viewer in the overlap is the middle of the three meter display areas.

[0035] This arrangement makes the central meter display area appear more prominent and stand out compared to the other two. Therefore, for example, the central meter display area can be positioned as the main meter display area, and the left and right meter display areas as sub-meter display areas, which can then be selected and positioned accordingly. (9) The system may be configured to have multiple screens, each having a multiple meter display area, and to switch between these screens in a predetermined pattern.

[0036] In this way, multiple meter display areas can be displayed without having to re-select them. A suitable predetermined pattern would be, for example, the elapsed time. (10) It is preferable to configure at least two of the multiple screens, each having multiple meter display areas, to have the same format.

[0037] In this way, the likelihood of being able to see the contents of the meter display area is increased simply by shifting one's gaze based on this same format. In particular, as shown in (13), if the screen is positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver and the acquired data is data that changes as the vehicle moves, the time that the screen can be seen while driving is very short compared to the time that the driver is looking ahead at the vehicle, so this effect is particularly pronounced. (11) The meter display may be configured to include multiple meters within the meter display area. In this way, multiple meters can be viewed simply by looking within the meter display area. Therefore, for example, a greater quantity of physical phenomena can be grasped at a glance.

[0038] (12) The system is configured to allow switching between a screen having multiple meter display areas and a screen displaying one meter, and to make the general display mode of the meter display on the screen displaying one meter the same as the meter display on any of the meter display areas of the screen having multiple meter display areas, while making the detailed display mode different.

[0039] In this way, whether switching between a screen with multiple meter display areas and a screen displaying a single meter, the general display format for that meter remains the same, making it immediately clear that the meter displays the same information on both screens. On the other hand, the detailed display formats for the two meter displays differ, allowing users to obtain different information by examining them carefully. The detailed display format only needs to be more detailed than the general display format; the relationship between the two is relative. However, the general display format should be designed to give the user the impression that the two are identical at a glance.

[0040] (13) The screen is positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver, and the acquired data is configured to change as the vehicle moves. In this way, in any of (1) to (12), the vehicle driver can select and display the necessary information in the meter display area, and a control system can be provided that can accurately display many types of information. (14) The functions of the control system described in any of (1) to (13) should be configured as a program to be implemented by a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control system that allows users to select and display the meters they need, and that can accurately display many types of information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a radar detector, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a radar detector. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the display screen selection screen. [Figure 4] This diagram shows examples of the map screen and clock screen displays. [Figure 5] This figure shows examples of the display for the speed screen, eco-driving screen, and acceleration screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of the tilt screen, tidal information screen, and graph screen displays. [Figure 7] This figure shows examples of the displays for Preset A, Preset B, and Preset C. [Figure 8] This figure shows examples of the display of the positioning information screen, fuel efficiency screen, and OBD data screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the GPS alert function. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the GPS alert function. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the radar wave warning function. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the radar wave warning function. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the radar wave warning function. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the map screen due to the wireless alarm function. [Figure 15] This figure shows examples of the settings screen and the standby screen settings screen. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the display of the automatic item settings screen. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the display of the automatic item settings screen. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the display of the automatic item settings screen. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of the preset information settings screen. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of the information display type selection screen. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of the information display type selection screen. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example of the information display type selection screen. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of the preset screen display. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 25] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 26] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 29]This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of an information display. [Figure 31] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Figure 32] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Figure 33] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Figure 34] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Figure 35] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Figure 36] This is a detailed diagram explaining the information display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 show the configuration of a radar detector, which is a suitable embodiment of the control system of the present invention. This radar detector is usually mounted on the dashboard. This radar detector is usually fixed to the dashboard by attaching the bottom surface of the plate 33b of the base 33. The top of the base 33 is provided with a ball joint receiving portion 33a, and a ball portion provided at the lower end of a support column portion 31 extending downward from the bottom surface of the case body 1 is inserted into this ball joint receiving portion 33a, allowing the ball portion to be held at any angle and position within its range of motion. The base 33 has a spherical recess at a predetermined position on its upper surface, and the base 33 is made of a material that is elastically deformable, such as rubber, and has an appropriate coefficient of friction. The outer diameter of the ball portion and the inner diameter of the recess are set to be approximately equal. As a result, when the ball portion is inside the recess, the outer shape of the ball portion and the inner shape of the recess substantially coincide, and the ball portion can rotate and move in any direction along the spherical surface. Furthermore, by making the diameters of both nearly identical and providing an appropriate coefficient of friction to the inner shape of the recess, the ball part can be held at any angle and position. In addition, since the base 33 is elastically deformable, if the case body 1 is biased upward while holding the base 33 from the state shown in Figure 1, the diameter of the opening of the recess widens, and the ball part can be released from the recess. Conversely, if the base 33 and the ball part are separated, if the ball part is pressed against the opening of the recess and then biased toward the base 33 in that state, the opening will widen due to the elastic deformation of the recess, and the ball part will be housed inside the recess. After that, the shape of the recess returns to its original state due to the elastic restoring force of the base 33, and the ball part is prevented from easily releasing from the recess. Also, one side of an adhesive material such as an adhesive sheet, double-sided adhesive tape, or hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the bottom surface of the base 33, and the other side of the adhesive material is attached to a predetermined position in the vehicle interior such as the dashboard. This fixes the base 33 in a predetermined position visible to the driver in the vehicle interior.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, this radar detector has a solar panel 2 and a switch unit 3 on the top surface of the case body 1, and a microwave receiver 4 for detecting microwaves in the frequency band emitted by the speed measuring device is placed inside the front side of the case body 1 (the side facing the front of the vehicle (windshield side)). On the other hand, the rear side of the case body 1 (the side facing the rear of the vehicle (user side (driver side)) houses the display unit 5, warning lamp 6, infrared communication device 7, and remote control receiver 16. A GPS receiver 8 is located inside the top side of the case body 1. Furthermore, an adapter jack 9 is located on one side of the case body 1, and a power switch 10 and a DC jack (not shown) are located on the other side. A battery is located inside the bottom side of the case body, and this battery is charged with power supplied from the solar panel 2 and the DC jack, which then supplies power to each component. A speaker 20 is also built into the case body 1. In this embodiment, the display unit 5 is a 3-inch small color dot matrix liquid crystal display with a backlight, and the rear side of the case body 1 (the side facing the rear of the vehicle (user side (driver side))) serves as the display surface. This display surface is equipped with a touch panel that can detect the touched position on the liquid crystal display. The height H of the rear side of the case body 1 where the display unit 5 is mounted is greater than the height H0 of the other parts.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the infrared communicator 7 transmits and receives data with a communication device that has a built-in infrared communicator, such as a mobile phone 12. The adapter jack 9 is a terminal for connecting the memory card reader 13. By connecting the memory card reader 13 to the adapter jack 9, data stored on the memory card 14 inserted into the memory card reader 13 can be taken into the device, or the contents of the database 19 and the memory of the control unit 18 can be written to the memory card 14. More specifically, if there is updated information in the data stored on the memory card 14, such as information on new targets (location information including longitude and latitude, type information, etc.), the control unit 18 stores (downloads) that updated information in the database 19 built into this radar detector and updates the data in the database 19. The function of the memory card reader 13 may be configured to be built into the main unit case 1, or at least a part of the database 19 may be provided on the memory card 14.

[0046] The database 19 is a non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) located within the microcontroller of the control unit 18 or attached externally to the microcontroller. The database 19 contains map data similar to that found in navigation devices, including information on certain targets, roads, facilities, and place names, as well as publicly available enforcement information such as the date, time, and location of traffic enforcement announced by each prefectural police department, and parameters for each tide gauge station used to calculate tidal information. Any data added thereafter can be updated as described above. Data updates can also be performed via the infrared communication device 7.

[0047] The DC jack is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), which can be connected to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power.

[0048] The wireless receiver 15 receives incoming wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The remote control receiver 16 communicates with the remote control (portable unit: slave unit) 17 via infrared light to perform various settings for this device. The remote control 17 is equipped with screen selection buttons, setting buttons, selection buttons, cancel buttons, confirm buttons, reset buttons, and up / down / left / right directional buttons. The switch unit 3 is also connected to the control unit 18 (not shown) and is equipped with screen selection buttons, setting buttons, selection buttons, cancel buttons, confirm buttons, and reset buttons that operate similarly to the remote control 17.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the radar detector of this embodiment is equipped with a connection cable 22 that connects to the OBD-II (II is the Roman numeral "2", and hereinafter "OBD-II" will be written as "OBD2") connector installed in the vehicle, and a connector terminal 23 that can be detachably attached to the vehicle's OBD2 connector is attached to the tip of this connection cable 22. The OBD2 connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector and is connected to the vehicle's ECU, and various vehicle information is output. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the other end of the connection cable 22 is equipped with a connector terminal 25 for connecting to a socket port 24 provided on the side of the radar detector case body 1, so that the connection cable 22 can also be attached to and detached from the radar detector. Of course, the connection cable 22 may also be connected directly to the radar detector.

[0050] Therefore, by connecting the connector terminal 23 attached to this connection cable 22 with the OBD2 connector on the vehicle body side, the control unit 18 acquires various vehicle information every 0.5 seconds. This vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load ratio, throttle degree, ignition timing, percentage of remaining fuel, intake manifold pressure, intake air volume (MAF), injection opening time, engine coolant temperature, temperature of air drawn into the engine, ambient temperature, amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank, fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON / OFF)), brake opening, steering wheel rotation angle information, etc.

[0051] The acceleration sensor 27 is located inside the case body 1 and is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward, backward, left, right, and up and down directions. The geomagnetic sensor 28 is located inside the case body 1 and is a sensor that detects the Earth's magnetic field to determine which direction north is relative to the direction of travel.

[0052] The control unit 18 is a microcontroller equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc. It executes predetermined processing based on information input from the various input devices mentioned above and outputs predetermined alarms, messages, and information using the various output devices mentioned above. The basic configuration of these components can essentially be the same as that of conventional systems.

[0053] The functions of the radar detector in this embodiment are realized by storing the program to be executed by the computer in the control unit 18 on the EEPROM of the control unit 18, and then executing this program.

[0054] The functions implemented by the computer through the program of the control unit 18 include GPS logging, current information display, GPS warning, radar wave warning, and wireless warning functions.

[0055] The GPS logging function stores the current location output from the GPS receiver 8 every second in a database 19 as a location history, associated with the time and speed (vehicle speed) at which the control unit 18 detected the current location. This location history is recorded in, for example, NMEA format.

[0056] The current information display function displays the information as a screen in the format selected by the user. The selection of the display format is performed by displaying the display screen selection screen shown in Figure 3 when the screen selection button on the remote control 17 or the switch unit 3 is detected to select screen 1. Figure 3(a) is the display screen selection screen displayed when this radar detector and the vehicle's ECU are connected by a connection cable 22, etc. (this state is called the OBD2 connection state). Figure 3(c) is the display screen selection screen displayed when this radar detector and the vehicle's ECU are not connected by a connection cable 22, etc. (this state is called the OBD2 non-connection state). There are 14 types of selectable formats in the OBD2 non-connection state and 16 types of selectable formats in the OBD2 connection state. The 14 selectable screen formats when OBD2 is not connected include the map screen shown in Figure 4(a), the clock screen shown in Figure 4(b), the speed screen shown in Figure 5(a), the eco-drive screen shown in Figure 5(b), the acceleration screen shown in Figure 5(c), the tilt screen shown in Figure 6(a), the tidal information screen shown in Figure 6(b), the graph screen shown in Figure 6(c), the preset A screen shown in Figure 7(a), the preset B screen shown in Figure 7(b), the preset C screen shown in Figure 7(c), the positioning information screen shown in Figure 8(a), the OFF screen which is a completely black screen that displays nothing, and the AUTO display screen which, by default, switches between all of these screen formats except the map screen and the OFF screen every minute. The 16 selectable screen formats when connected via OBD2 are, in addition to the 14 selectable screen formats when not connected via OBD2, the fuel efficiency screen shown in Figure 8(b) and the OBD data screen shown in Figure 8(c). In the AUTO display screen, by default, all of these screen formats, excluding the map screen and the OFF screen, are switched and displayed every minute.

[0057] The display screen selection screen displays reduced versions of each of the above-mentioned formats in a 4x4 grid. The vertical direction is described as rows 1, 2, 3, and 4 from top to bottom, and the horizontal direction is described as columns 1, 2, 3, and 4 from left to right.

[0058] When OBD2 is not connected, the layout of the reduced screen is as shown in Figure 3(c): the first row, first column (top left) is the map screen, the second row, second column is the clock screen, the third row, third column is the speed screen, the fourth row, fourth column is the eco-drive screen, the first row, first column is the acceleration screen, the second row, second column is the tilt screen, the third row, third column is the tidal information screen, the fourth row, fourth column is the graph screen, the first row, first column is the preset A screen, the second row, second column is the preset B screen, the third row, third column is the preset C screen, the fourth row, fourth column is the positioning information screen, the third row, third column is the OFF screen, and the fourth row, fourth column (bottom right) is the AUTO display screen. When OBD2 is connected, as shown in Figure 3(a), in addition to the reduced screen layout which is the same as when OBD2 is not connected, the fourth row, first column is the fuel consumption screen and the fourth row, second column is the OBD data screen. In this way, the layout of the miniaturized screen can be made consistent between the OBD disconnected state and the OBD connected state, thus avoiding confusion in operation when the OBD connection status changes.

[0059] In the factory default settings, the map screen in the first row and first column is set as the screen for the selected format, as shown in Figure 3(a). The screen for the format selected on the display screen selection screen displays a focus frame, which is a frame surrounding the reduced screen of that format. When a press of any of the up, down, left, or right buttons on the remote control 17 is detected, the focus frame moves one position to the reduced screen in the direction indicated by the pressed button. For example, if the map screen has a focus frame as shown in Figure 3(a), and the down button on the remote control is pressed four times and the right button is pressed three times, the focus frame will move to the AUTO display screen, as shown in Figure 3(b). Similarly, when a touch is detected on the touch panel of the display unit 5 corresponding to the display position of the reduced screen, the focus frame moves to that touch position. When a press of the OK button on the remote control 17 or the switch unit 3 is detected, the screen for the format corresponding to the reduced image of the format displaying the focus frame is displayed as the screen for the format selected by the user. This selected format screen will also be displayed the next time the unit is powered on.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), when the focus frame is moved to and displayed on a reduced-size map screen, and the press of the OK button on the remote control 17 or the switch unit 3 is detected, the map screen displaying the focus frame is displayed on the display unit 5 in the format selected by the user, as shown in Figure 4(a). Similarly, for example, as shown in Figure 3(b), when the press of the OK button on the remote control 17 is detected while the focus frame is displayed on the AUTO display screen, the AUTO screen is displayed.

[0061] Next, the format (configuration) of each screen will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 8. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, all of these screens except the OFF screen have a clock display in the upper right corner of the screen, and the format displays the hours and minutes of the current time received from satellites by the GPS receiver 8.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4(a), the map screen includes a compass indicator in the upper left that shows which direction is north relative to the map display direction based on the direction of the geomagnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor 28, and a vehicle speed indicator to its right that displays the vehicle speed detected by the GPS receiver 8. On the other hand, the lower part of the screen has a horizontal strip-shaped ticker display, with a place name display to the left of the horizontal center that displays the current place name corresponding to the current location detected by the GPS receiver 8, retrieved from the database 19, and a public enforcement information display to the right of the horizontal center that displays public enforcement information related to the current location and current date and time, retrieved from the database 19. The screen area of ​​the display unit 5, excluding the compass indicator, vehicle speed indicator, and clock display at the top of the screen and the strip-shaped display at the bottom of the screen, is provided with a map display. The map display can be set in the settings screen to either display in a so-called north-up display (where north is at the top of the screen) or a head-up display (where the direction of travel is at the top of the screen), and the display will be in the direction set. The example in Figure 4(a) shows the display when the head-up display is set. The map display unit displays the current location detected by the GPS receiver 8 as an arrow-shaped current location icon near the lower edge of the map display area, which is in the center of the screen horizontally and above the band-shaped display area at the bottom of the screen. From there, it reads and displays map data (map data within the range that can be displayed on the map display unit) for an area of ​​approximately 300m upwards, and approximately 300m to the left and 300m to the right horizontally.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4(b), the clock screen includes an analog clock display unit on the left that displays the current time obtained from the GPS receiver 8 in an analog clock style, and a date and day display unit on the right that displays the current date and day of the week obtained from the GPS receiver 8.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5(a), the speed screen includes an analog meter on the left that displays the current moving speed (vehicle speed in this embodiment) obtained from the GPS receiver 8 with a pointer (in the example in Figure 5, the 60 km / h scale and the pointer overlap), a speed display section that displays the numerical value slightly to the right of the center of the analog meter, and a direction display section on the right that displays the north direction obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 28 in the image of a compass (magnetic compass needle).

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(b), the eco-driving screen includes a radar chart display unit on the left, an overall evaluation display unit on the upper right, and a driving speed display unit on the lower right. The radar chart display unit shows points for rapid acceleration at the top, rapid deceleration on the right, idling at the bottom, and economical speed on the left. Each point is displayed with a maximum of 100 points (displayed as 100pt) and a minimum of 0pt. The initial value of each point is 70pt. Points are deducted when the acceleration output from the acceleration sensor 27 and the speed output from the GPS receiver 8 are judged to be in an un-eco-driving state, and points are added when the output is judged to be in an eco-driving state. The numerical value of each point and a graph plotting that value on the radar chart are displayed. The overall evaluation display unit displays the average value of each point displayed on the radar chart display unit. The driving speed display unit displays the current speed obtained from the GPS receiver 8.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5(c), the acceleration screen has an acceleration image display unit on the left and an acceleration numerical display unit on the right. The acceleration image display unit displays a vehicle image within a circular frame, with the front of the vehicle at the top and the rear at the bottom, and displays a scale, which is a point radiating from the center. The direction and strength of the acceleration obtained from the acceleration sensor 27 are displayed as the direction and magnitude (vector) of an arrow. When the vehicle accelerates forward, the arrow is displayed in a corresponding relationship to the rear. The acceleration numerical display unit displays the strings "Velocity," "F / R," "L / R," "Current Acceleration," "Maximum Acceleration," and "Maximum Deceleration" from top to bottom, with the value of each string to the right of it. The value for "Velocity" displays the current velocity obtained from the GPS receiver 8. The value for "F / R" displays the magnitude of the current acceleration in the front-rear direction of the vehicle obtained from the acceleration sensor 27. The value for "L / R" displays the magnitude of the current acceleration in the left-right direction of the vehicle obtained from the acceleration sensor 27. The value for "Current Acceleration" displays the magnitude of the current acceleration vector obtained from the acceleration sensor 27. "Maximum acceleration" displays the maximum value of acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the positive value of "F / R") from the time power was supplied from the DC jack, i.e., when the vehicle's ACC was turned ON, until the present. "Maximum deceleration" displays the maximum value of acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the negative value of "F / R") from the time power was supplied from the DC jack, i.e., when the vehicle's ACC was turned ON, until the present.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6(a), the tilt screen includes a tilt image display unit on the left that displays the current tilt state of the vehicle based on the output value of the acceleration sensor 27, and a numerical display unit on the right. The tilt image display unit displays a spherical image (a ball image) within a circular frame, with the area above the horizontal plane white, the area below the horizontal plane black, and the line on the horizontal plane red. Based on the output value of the acceleration sensor 27, the vehicle state at power-on is used as the reference horizontal state, and the spherical image is moved to display the current tilt state of the vehicle in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The lateral tilt angle can be checked using a scale provided on the circular frame, and the longitudinal tilt angle can be checked using a scale provided on the spherical image. Each of the longitudinal, lateral, and front-to-back tilt angles is displayed within a range of 30 degrees. That is, the spherical image is moved and displayed within a range of -30 degrees to 30 degrees in the longitudinal direction, and within a range of -30 degrees to 30 degrees in the lateral direction. The numerical display unit consists of a direction angle display unit, which displays the angle of the current direction of travel relative to the north direction obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 28 in the upper section, and a speed display unit, which displays the current travel speed in the lower section.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6(b), the tidal information screen has a horizontally oriented band displaying place names, lunar phases, and tidal names to the left of the clock in the upper right corner of the display unit 5 screen. Below this, a tidal level graph display is provided, filling almost the entire width of the screen horizontally and almost the entire height of the section below it. The place name, lunar phase, and tidal name display shows the current date obtained from the GPS receiver 8, the name of the tide gauge station closest to the current location at the current date and time, the lunar phase, and the tidal name for the current date. The tidal level graph display shows, from left to right in the upper horizontal direction, the sunrise time for the current date, the current date, and the sunset time for the current date. Below that, the 24-hour tidal level for the current date (today), with the left end being 0:00 and the right end being 24:00, is calculated and displayed using a known method with parameters of the tide gauge station stored in the database 19, along with a tidal level graph of the tide gauge station near the current date and current location. Additionally, the tide levels for low and high tide are displayed numerically at the locations corresponding to the times of low and high tide in the graph.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6(c), the graph screen features a graph display area occupying approximately two-thirds of the left side of the screen, and a numerical display area on the right side. The graph display area displays the type of graph set in the settings screen, and the numerical display area displays the current value of the type of value shown in that graph as a numerical value. The types of graphs that can be set in the settings screen are speed, altitude, and acceleration. The graph's rightmost value is the current value, and as you move to the left, it shows past states. For example, the leftmost value might be the value from one minute ago.

[0070] Figure 7(a) shows the preset A screen, Figure 7(b) shows the preset B screen, and Figure 7(c) shows the preset C screen. Hereafter, these screens will be collectively referred to as preset screens. Each preset screen has three meter display areas. The three meter display areas are the left position meter display area, which is a circular area centered at a position slightly to the left in the leftward direction and slightly to the bottom in the upward direction; the middle position meter display area, which is a circular area centered at a position slightly to the top in the upward direction and slightly to the center in the leftward direction; and the right position meter display area, which is a circular area centered at a position slightly to the right in the leftward direction and slightly to the bottom in the upward direction. Each meter display area displays a type of meter display or predetermined display that is selected by the user in the preset information setting screen described later and stored (preset) in the database 19. These meter displays and predetermined displays are collectively referred to as information displays.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the circular frame outside the central meter display area is displayed at the forefront so that its entirety is visible. On the other hand, the circular frames outside the left and right meter display areas have a portion of the circular frame outside the central meter display area above (in front of) them. The displays are drawn in a way that overlaps them, and a portion of the outer edge of the circular frame outside the central meter display area is drawn to the point where it obscures a small part of the left meter display area and a small part of the right meter display area. However, the degree of overlap is such that the entire content of the right and left meter display areas is generally visible. This screen configuration makes it easy to position the central meter display area as the main information display area and the right and left meters as sub-information display areas. It also makes effective use of the screen area to display each piece of information as large as possible. The types of information that can be preset when OBD2 is not connected include clock as a default display, vehicle speed as a meter display, acceleration as a meter display, tilt as a meter display, tidal information as a default display, compass as a default display, eco-driving as a meter display, and satellite information as a default display. When connected via OBD2, in addition to these, the meter displays instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on ordinary roads, average fuel consumption on highways, current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, moving average fuel consumption, fuel flow rate, engine water temperature, intake air temperature, outside temperature, engine load, intake manifold gauge, boost gauge, tachometer, battery voltage, throttle opening, etc.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8(a), the positioning information screen displays a globe at the center of the screen, shows the positions of satellites currently being received by the GPS receiver 8 at their corresponding positions on the globe, and displays the numbers and reception levels of the four satellites in descending order of reception level on a display unit located around the globe.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8(b), the fuel efficiency screen displays the OBD data display on the left side of the screen, the instantaneous fuel efficiency display on the upper right, and the current fuel efficiency display on the lower right. The OBD data display displays numerical information (referred to as OBD data) based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicle side via the connector terminal 23. This OBD data display displays the items selected from 56 items on the settings screen. As shown in Figure 8(b), only 8 items can be displayed simultaneously. If more than 8 items are selected, the display will scroll at predetermined time intervals to show all selected items.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8(c), the OBD data screen is a screen format that displays a display section similar to the OBD data display section in Figure 8(b) on the right side of the screen. In other words, eight OBD data items can be displayed simultaneously on the right and eight on the left. If more than 16 items are selected, the display will scroll at predetermined time intervals to show all selected items.

[0075] The 56 selectable items for OBD data are: "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", "MAF", "INJ", "Coolant Temperature", "Intake Air Temperature", "Outside Air Temperature", "Remaining Fuel", "Fuel Flow Rate", "Fuel Consumption", "Lifetime Fuel Consumption", "Instantaneous Fuel Consumption", "Current Fuel Consumption", "Lifetime Fuel Consumption", "Average Fuel Consumption", "Average Fuel Consumption (City Roads)", "Average Fuel Consumption (Highway)", "Driving Time", "Driving Time", "Idle Time", These include "idle ratio," "mileage," "lifetime mileage," "0-20km / h acceleration time," "0-20km / h average acceleration," "0-20km / h shortest acceleration," "0-40km / h acceleration time," "0-40km / h average acceleration," "0-40km / h shortest acceleration," "0-60km / h acceleration time," "0-60km / h average acceleration," "0-60km / h shortest acceleration," "0-80km / h acceleration time," "0-80km / h average acceleration," "0-80km / h shortest acceleration," "0-20km / h driving time," "20-40km / h driving time," "40-60km / h driving time," "60-80km / h driving time," and "driving time above 80km / h."

[0076] "Speed" displays the current vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle in km / h. "Average Speed" displays the average vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle from the time the unit was powered on until the present in km / h. "Maximum Speed" displays the highest vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle from the time the unit was powered on until the present in km / h. "5-Second Speed" displays the average vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle from 5 seconds ago until the present in km / h. "Average 5-Second Speed" displays the average speed every 5 seconds since the power was turned on, obtained from the vehicle, in km / h. "Maximum 5-Second Speed" displays the highest speed every 5 seconds since the power was turned on, obtained from the vehicle, in km / h. "Engine RPM" displays the current engine RPM obtained from the vehicle in rpm. "Average RPM" displays the average engine RPM obtained from the vehicle from the time the power was turned on until the present in rpm. "Maximum RPM" displays the highest engine RPM obtained from the vehicle from the time the power was turned on until the present in rpm. "Engine Load" displays the current engine load percentage obtained from the vehicle in units of %. "Average Load" displays the average value of the engine load percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Average Load" displays the average value of the engine load percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Maximum Load" displays the maximum value of the engine load percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Throttle Opening" displays the current throttle opening percentage obtained from the vehicle in units of %. "Average Throttle Opening" displays the average value of the throttle opening percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Maximum Throttle Opening" displays the maximum value of the throttle opening percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Ignition Timing" displays the current ignition timing obtained from the vehicle in units of degrees. "Average Throttle Opening" displays the average value of the throttle opening percentage obtained from the vehicle from power-on to the present in units of %. "Maximum Throttle Opening" displays the maximum throttle opening value obtained from the vehicle since power-on, in percentage units. "Fuel Level" displays the current percentage of remaining fuel obtained from the vehicle, in percentage units."Intake Manifold Pressure" displays the current intake manifold pressure obtained from the vehicle in units of kPa. "MAF" displays the current amount of air drawn into the engine (intake air volume (MAF)) obtained from the vehicle in units of g / s. "INJ" displays the time (injection opening time) for which fuel is injected by the injector in a certain period of time, obtained from the vehicle, in units of ms. "Coolant Temperature" displays the current engine coolant temperature obtained from the vehicle in units of °C. "Intake Air Temperature" displays the current temperature of the air drawn into the engine (intake air temperature) obtained from the vehicle in units of °C. "Outside Air Temperature" displays the current outside air temperature obtained from the vehicle in units of °C. "Remaining Fuel" displays the current amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount) obtained from the vehicle in units of L. "Fuel Flow Rate" displays the current fuel flow rate obtained from the vehicle in units of ml / m. "Fuel Consumption" displays the difference between the remaining fuel amount obtained from the vehicle when the power is turned on and the current remaining fuel amount as fuel consumed in ml. "Lifetime Fuel Consumption" displays the cumulative value of fuel consumed since the unit was first installed or reset in liters. "Instantaneous Fuel Consumption" displays the current instantaneous fuel consumption obtained from the vehicle in km / l. "Current Fuel Consumption" displays the fuel consumption for the current trip, etc., calculated based on the instantaneous fuel consumption obtained from the vehicle from the time the power was turned on until the present, in km / l. "Lifetime Fuel Consumption" displays the fuel consumption during this period, calculated based on the instantaneous fuel consumption since the unit was first installed or since the all-reset in the settings screen until the present, in km / l. "Average Fuel Consumption" displays the fuel consumption during this period, calculated based on the instantaneous fuel consumption since the unit was first installed or since the average fuel consumption was reset in the settings screen until the present, in km / l. "Average Fuel Economy on Public Roads" determines whether the current location corresponds to a public road based on map data stored in database 19 and the current location obtained by GPS receiver 8, and displays the average fuel economy on public roads in km / l from the time the device was first installed or from the time the average fuel economy was reset in the settings screen to the present, based on the instantaneous fuel economy obtained from the vehicle at a public road location. Similarly, "Average Fuel Economy on Highways" displays the average fuel economy on highways in km / l. "Driving Time" displays the time from power-on to the present in hours:minutes:seconds format."Driving Time" displays the time from power-on to the present when the vehicle speed, as measured by the vehicle, was greater than 0, in the format hours:minutes:seconds. "Idle Time" displays the time from power-on to the present when the vehicle was stopped, i.e., when the vehicle speed, as measured by the vehicle, was 0, in the format hours:minutes:seconds. "Idle Ratio" displays the ratio in % of the time from power-on to the present when the vehicle was running, i.e., when the vehicle speed was greater than 0 (driving time), to when the vehicle was stopped, i.e., when the vehicle speed, as measured by the vehicle, was 0 (stopping time). "Distance Traveled" displays the metered distance traveled in km, calculated from the vehicle speed and elapsed time obtained from the vehicle, as measured by the vehicle, from power-on to the present. "Lifetime Distance Traveled" displays the cumulative distance traveled in km since the device was first installed or reset. "0-20km / h Acceleration Time" displays the time taken to accelerate from a standstill to 20km / h in seconds. "0-20km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken to reach 20km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-20km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken to reach 20km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-40km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken to reach 40km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-40km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken to reach 40km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-40km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken to reach 40km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-60km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken to reach 60km / h from a standstill, in seconds.

[0077] "Average 0-60km / h acceleration" displays the average time taken to reach 60km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "Shortest 0-60km / h acceleration" displays the shortest time taken to reach 60km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-80km / h acceleration time" displays the most recent time taken to reach 80km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "Average 0-80km / h acceleration" displays the average time taken to reach 80km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "Shortest 0-80km / h acceleration" displays the shortest time taken to reach 80km / h from a standstill, in seconds. "0-20km / h driving time" displays the total time spent driving at 20km / h from a standstill in hours:minutes:seconds format. "20-40km / h driving time" displays the total time spent driving at speeds between 20km / h and 40km / h in hours:minutes:seconds format. "40-60 km / h driving time" displays the total time spent driving at speeds between 40 km / h and 60 km / h in hours:minutes:seconds format. "60-80 km / h driving time" displays the total time spent driving at speeds between 60 km / h and 80 km / h in hours:minutes:seconds format. "Driving time above 80 km / h" This displays the total time spent traveling at a speed of 80 km / h or more in the format hours:minutes:seconds.

[0078] Next, we will explain the processes that are executed in response to events that occur while the current information display function is running. While the current information display function is running, processes that implement each function, such as the GPS warning function, radar wave warning function, and wireless warning function, are executed in response to events that occur, and when the processing of the function is completed, the system returns to the original current information display function execution process. The priority of each function is set in the following order from highest to lowest: radar wave warning function, wireless warning function, and GPS warning function.

[0079] The GPS warning function is a process that is executed in response to location information output every second from the GPS receiver 8. It calculates the distance between the latitude and longitude of the target object stored in the database 19 and the latitude and longitude of the current position detected by the GPS receiver 8, and when the calculated meter distance reaches a predetermined approach distance (for example, within 1 km), it outputs an approach warning sound from the speaker 20. When a screen other than the map screen is displayed as the current information display function (including the OFF screen), this process of outputting sound is performed. On the other hand, when the map screen is displayed as the current information display function, in addition to outputting sound, a warning window that draws an image based on a schematic diagram or photographic data of the approach warning is superimposed on (in front of) the map displayed in the map display area of ​​the map screen and drawn with animation, as shown in the order of Figures 9(a)(b)(c) and Figure 10(a)(b)(c). In other words, Figure 9(a) shows a state where the distance between the two is not yet within 1 km, and the map is displayed in the map display area of ​​the map screen, but the warning window is not displayed. When the distance between the two is within 1 km, the warning window is gradually enlarged and its brightness increased, as shown in Figure 9(b), from the upper left to the lower right of the map display, until the right edge of the warning window is slightly to the right of the horizontal center of the map display. The gradual increase in brightness is illustrated as the change from Figure 9(a) to Figure 9(b). The window size is the same display process as the drawing process described later in Figures 11(a), (b), and (c). As an animation, the object showing the shape of the target displayed inside the warning window is rotated, and the text prepared for each target, such as "WARNING," is displayed in front of it, sequentially from the leftmost character to the right. A mini-radar is displayed on top of the map (in front of) in the upper right of the map display. The mini-radar is a circular window with a diameter of slightly less than one-quarter of the screen's horizontal direction, and is displayed in the upper right position of the map display. The mini-radar displays a triangular vehicle position object in the center of the circle, and draws the position of the target as a circular object within the circle, relative to the current position. The radius of the circle corresponds to a distance of 1 km. In the example in Figures 9(b) and 9(c), the current location and the location of the target object, the H system, are displayed.The distance from the current position to the target is displayed within this circle. In Figures 9(b) and 9(c), the distance from the current position to the target is 580m, in Figure 10(a) it is 500m, and in Figure 10(b) it is 480m. When the target is passed, the alarm window disappears by following the reverse process of the alarm window (Figure 10(c)). As shown in Figures 9(c), 10(a), and 10(b) in order, when the distance to the target becomes 500m or less, the animation is gradually changed to a live image. When the distance between the current position and the target can be considered as 0, it is determined that the target has been passed, and the alarm window displaying the live image fades out and disappears, as shown in Figure 10(c). The live image is actual photographic data of the location of the target.

[0080] These targets include locations where drowsy driving accidents occur, radar, H-systems, LH-systems, speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, parking violation monitoring areas, N-systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, red light violation prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, car break-in-prone areas, sharp / consecutive curves (expressways), junction / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), and within PA / SA areas. The system includes gas stations (on expressways), tunnels (on expressways), highway radio reception areas (on expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside rest areas, viewpoint parking areas, etc. Information on the type of these landmarks, their latitude and longitude, and schematic diagrams or photographs displayed on the display unit 5, along with audio data, are stored in the database 19 and referenced to issue proximity warnings.

[0081] The radar wave warning function is a warning function that displays a warning screen on the display unit 5 and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 20 when the microwave receiver 4 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves (radar waves) in the frequency band emitted from a speed measuring device (mobile radar, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "radar")). For example, when microwaves in the frequency band of the microwaves emitted by the radar are detected by the microwave receiver 4, the voice data stored in the database 19 is read and the voice "Radar. Be careful of speed" is output from the speaker 20. The warning lamp 6 is lit while the voice is being output. When a screen other than the map screen is currently being displayed as the information display function (including the OFF screen), this voice output process is performed. On the other hand, when the map screen is currently being displayed as the information display function, in addition to voice output, a warning window that draws an image based on a schematic diagram or photographic data of the radar wave warning is superimposed on (in front of) the map displayed on the map display unit of the map screen and drawn with animation, as shown in Figures 11(a)(b)(c) and 12(a)(b)(c). In other words, Figure 11(a) shows a state where no radar waves are being received by the microwave receiver 4, and the map is displayed on the map screen, but the warning window is not displayed. When radar waves are received by the microwave receiver 4, as shown in Figures 11(b) and 11(c), the size of the warning window is gradually increased and the brightness of the display is increased, starting from the upper left to the lower right of the map display, until the right edge of the warning window is slightly to the right of the horizontal center of the map display. The animation involves rotating an object showing the shape of the target displayed inside the warning window, and displaying pre-prepared text such as "WARNING" in front of it, starting from the leftmost character and moving to the right. After this display is performed for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds), as shown in Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c), the animation is gradually changed to an image of the speed measuring device. When radar waves are no longer being received, the warning window displaying the image fades out as shown in Figures 13(a), 13(b), and 13(c).

[0082] The wireless warning function is a function that, when the wireless receiver 15 receives radio waves emitted by emergency vehicles, etc., issues a warning to prevent interference with their driving. The wireless warning function scans frequencies such as speed enforcement radio, car location radio, digital radio, low-power radio, police station activity radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter telemetry radio, fire helicopter telemetry radio, fire radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, and security radio. When a radio signal is received on a scanned frequency, a schematic diagram indicating that a radio signal corresponding to that frequency has been received, stored in the database 19 for each radio type, is displayed on the display unit 5 as a warning screen. At the same time, audio data stored in the database 19 for each radio type is read, and a warning sound indicating the type of radio signal is output from the speaker 20. For example, when a speed enforcement radio signal is received, an audio message such as "Speed ​​enforcement radio. Be careful of speed" is output. The warning lamp 6 is illuminated while the audio is being output. This audio output process is performed when a screen other than the map screen is currently being displayed as the information display function (including the OFF screen). On the other hand, if the map screen is currently displayed as the information display function, the same processing as the radar wave warning function is performed, except for displaying an indication that it is a wireless warning, as shown in Figures 14(a), (b), and (c) to illustrate some of the changes.

[0083] The radar detector of this embodiment includes an AUTO display target screen selection function that, when the AUTO display screen is selected, selects the screen format to be displayed by switching every minute. Furthermore, as a display function for the AUTO screen, when the AUTO display screen is selected, the screen format to be displayed by switching every minute will be limited to the screen format selected by this AUTO display target screen selection function, and screen formats not selected by the AUTO display target screen selection function will not be subject to switching display.

[0084] The AUTO display target screen selection function is initiated by a screen transition triggered by the detection of the following operations. First, regardless of the screen display state, if a press of the setting button on the remote control 17 or the switch unit 3 is detected, the setting screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed. In this state, if a touch to the display position of the "Standby" button at the top left is detected by the touch panel of the display unit 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "when a touch is detected"), the standby screen setting screen shown in Figure 15(b) is displayed. On this screen, if a touch to the "Auto Item" button at the top right is detected, the auto item setting screen 1 / 2 shown in Figure 16(a) is displayed.

[0085] This Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 has a screen title display area at the top that reads "Auto Item 1 / 2," and a control button display area at the bottom that, from left to right, includes an "EXIT" button, a "BACK" button, a blank space, and a right arrow button. Between the screen title area and the control button display area is a screen selection button display area. The screen selection button display area shows a total of seven toggle buttons, with four buttons on the first row and three buttons on the second row. When a touch is detected on the right arrow button on the control button display area, if OBD2 is connected, the Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 shown in Figure 16(b) is displayed, and if OBD2 is not connected, the Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 shown in Figure 16(c) is displayed. The Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 has the same configuration as the Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 1, displaying a total of six toggle buttons, with four buttons on the first row and two buttons on the second row. The Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 in the OBD2 connected state and the OBD2 disconnected state are the same except that in the OBD2 disconnected state, the fuel consumption screen and OBD data screen, which are not subject to switching display, are grayed out and cannot be selected. The following explanation uses the OBD2 connected state as an example. In the control button display area at the bottom of Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2, the right arrow button that was displayed in Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 1 becomes blank, and the left arrow button is displayed in the blank area of ​​Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 1. When a touch of the left arrow button is detected, Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 shown in Figure 16(a) is displayed. In this way, the Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 shown in Figure 16(a) and Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 shown in Figure 16(b) can be switched between each other using the right arrow button and the left arrow button (page switching is possible), and together Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 and Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 display toggle buttons to indicate whether or not to include items in the switching display. If a touch on the "EXIT" button is detected, the process returns to the state before a touch on the remote control 17 or the setting button on the switch unit 3 was detected. If a touch on the "BACK" button is detected, the process returns to the standby screen setting screen shown in Figure 15(b), which was the previously displayed screen. The process when a button on the control button display unit is touched is the same in other figures of this embodiment.

[0086] The auto item setting screen 1 / 2 in Figure 16(a) includes a "Clock" button in the first row, first column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the clock screen; a "Speed" button in the first row, second column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the speed screen; an "Eco Drive" button in the first row, third column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the eco drive screen; an "Acceleration" button in the first row, fourth column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the acceleration screen; a "Tidal Information" button in the second row, second column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the tidal information screen; and a "Graph" button in the second row, third column for setting whether or not to switch the display of the graph screen. The Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 in Figure 16(b) includes a "Preset A" button in the first row, first column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying Preset A; a "Preset B" button in the first row, second column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying Preset A; a "Preset C" button in the first row, third column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying Preset C; a "Positioning Information" button in the first row, fourth column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying Positioning Information; a "Fuel Economy" button in the second row, first column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying Fuel Economy; and an "OBD Data" button in the second row, second column for setting whether or not to switch between displaying OBD Data. The surface of each of these buttons displays the button name. The button name of each button is the text enclosed in quotation marks in the above text. For example, for the "Clock" button, the word "Clock" enclosed in quotation marks is displayed as the button name. Each button is a rectangular button of the same size, with the longer side being the left-right direction surrounding these characters. A predetermined space of width is provided between each button to prevent accidental touches.

[0087] Each button has an indicator section at its left end, which displays an image of a green, strip-shaped LED lamp that is thinner than the width of the button, extending from the top to the bottom of the left end of the button. This indicator can be either lit or unlit. When a touch is detected on any of the buttons on the touch panel of the display unit 5, the indicator state of the touched button is reversed. That is, if it is lit, it is turned unlit, and if it is unlit, it is turned lit. When the indicator is lit, the screen corresponding to that button is selected for switching display, and when the indicator is unlit, the screen corresponding to that button is not selected for switching display, and this setting is stored in the database 19. This storage process is performed when there is a change in the indicator's state. For example, when the "EXIT" button is pressed, and the AUTO screen display is selected as shown in Figure 3(b) above, the AUTO display screen processing is started, and the screens stored in the database 19 as targets for switching display are switched every minute. The following explanation assumes that the AUTO screen display is selected as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0088] Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show an example where the indicators for all buttons are lit. This is the default state described above. When a touch of the "EXIT" button is detected in this state, all screens will be switched on. Specifically, the clock screen, speed screen, eco-drive screen, acceleration screen, tilt screen, tidal information screen, graph screen, preset A screen, preset B screen, preset C screen, positioning information screen, fuel consumption screen, and OBD data screen will be switched on every minute in that order. After the OBD data screen is displayed for one minute, it will return to the clock screen, and the switching will continue in the same manner thereafter.

[0089] Figure 17(a) shows an example where the indicator for the "Clock" button on the Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 is not lit, while the indicators for the other buttons are lit. Assuming that the Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 has all button indicators lit, as shown in Figure 16(b), if a touch of the "EXIT" button is detected in this state, all screens except the clock screen will be switched. Specifically, the screens of each format—speed, eco-drive, acceleration, tilt, tidal information, graph, preset A, preset B, preset C, positioning information, fuel efficiency, and OBD data—will be switched every minute in that order. After displaying the OBD data screen for one minute, the system will return to the speed screen and continue switching screens in the same manner. Since the clock is displayed in the upper right corner of each format screen, users who do not want the clock screen to be switched can set the indicators to the desired state by touching each button, thereby preventing the clock screen from being switched.

[0090] Figure 17(b) shows an example where the indicators for the "Clock" and "Tidal Information" buttons are not lit, while the indicators for the other buttons are lit. The Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 is assumed to have all button indicators lit, as shown in Figure 16(b). If a touch of the "EXIT" button is detected in this state, all screens except the Clock screen and Tidal Information screen will be switched. Specifically, the screens of each format—speed, eco-drive, acceleration, tilt, graph, preset A, preset B, preset C, positioning information, fuel efficiency, and OBD data—will be switched every minute in that order. After displaying the OBD data screen for one minute, the system will return to the speed screen and continue switching displays in the same manner. The Clock screen and Tidal Information screen depend only on the date and time and do not change in accordance with vehicle driving. Therefore, users who want to know the current status that changes as the vehicle is moving can set the indicator to this state by touching each button, thereby preventing the clock screen and tidal information screen from switching on and displaying only the screen in the format that shows the current status that changes as the vehicle is moving.

[0091] Figure 17(c) shows an example where the indicators for all seven buttons on the Auto Item Setting Screen 1 / 2 are not lit. As shown in Figure 18(a), the indicators for the "Preset A," "Preset B," and "Preset C" buttons on Auto Item Setting Screen 2 / 2 are lit, while the indicators for the "Positioning Information," "Fuel Economy," and "OBD Data" buttons are not lit. If a touch of the "EXIT" button is detected in this state, the screens will switch between Preset A, Preset B, and Preset C in that order, with each format displayed at one-minute intervals. After displaying Preset C for one minute, the system returns to Preset A, and the switching continues in the same manner thereafter. This allows the user to repeatedly display three different sets of their preset 3-gauge meter displays, preventing the display of other formats. By reducing the number of screens to select, the time required for each repeated display (in this example, one repeated display takes 3 minutes) can be shortened. Furthermore, if, for example, all three preset screens' meters are set to different types, a total of nine different meters can be viewed in 3 minutes.

[0092] Next, we will explain the process for setting the type of information displayed on the Preset A, Preset B, and Preset C screens. This setting process is initiated by a screen transition triggered by the detection of the following operations. As mentioned above, first, regardless of the screen display state, if a press of the setting button on the remote control 17 or the switch unit 3 is detected, the setting screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed. In this state, if a touch of the "Standby" button at the top left is detected, the standby screen setting screen shown in Figure 15(b) is displayed. On this screen, if a touch of the "Preset A" button, "Preset B" button, or "Preset C" button on the second row is detected, the preset information setting screen for that preset is displayed. Here, we will explain an example of when the "Preset A" button is touched. The same process is followed when the "Preset B" button or "Preset C" button is touched.

[0093] When the "Preset A" button is touched, the preset information setting screen shown in Figure 19(a) is displayed. Similar to the auto item setting screen, the preset information setting screen has a screen title display area that reads "Preset A" at the top, and a control button display area at the bottom with "EXIT" and "BACK" buttons from left to right. Between the screen title area and the control button display area, there is an information display type setting button display area with three information display type setting buttons positioned to correspond to the left meter display area, middle meter display area, and right meter display area in Figure 7(a). Specifically, the information display type setting button display area has a left information display type setting button located at the lower left position for setting the type of information display to be shown in the left meter display area, a middle information display type setting button located at the top center position for setting the type of information display to be shown in the middle meter display area, and a right information display type setting button located at the lower right position for setting the type of information display to be shown in the right meter display area. Each button displays a string indicating the currently set type of information display. By default, for the Preset A screen, the left meter display area is set to display the clock, the middle meter display area to display the vehicle speed, and the right meter display area to display eco-drive, as shown in Figure 19(a). An example of the Preset A screen being displayed in this state is shown in Figure 7(a). In other words, as set by these information display type setting buttons, the left meter display area displays the clock, the middle meter display area displays the vehicle speed, and the right meter display area displays eco-drive information.

[0094] The default settings for Preset B screen are as follows: the left meter display area is set to display the clock, the middle meter display area to display the acceleration, and the right meter display area to display the vehicle speed. An example of this display is shown in Figure 7(b). The default settings for Preset C screen are as follows: the left meter display area is set to display the compass, the middle meter display area to display the tilt, and the right meter display area to display tidal information. An example of this display is shown in Figure 7(c).

[0095] This section describes the process of changing the type of information displayed in the middle meter display area from vehicle speed to acceleration, as shown in Figure 19(b), in the display state shown in Figure 19(a). The same process is used to change the type of information displayed in the left and right meter display areas.

[0096] When a touch is detected on the central information display type setting button, the information display type selection screen shown in Figure 20(a) is displayed. The information display type selection screen has a control button display section on the right side, with a back button, a blank space, an up arrow button, and a down arrow button from top to bottom, and four information display type buttons on its left side, arranged vertically. When a touch is detected on the down arrow button, the four information display type buttons are scrolled upwards.

[0097] As shown in Figure 20(a), the second button from the top displays the currently set type of information display. In Figure 19(a), the setting for the middle-positioned information display type setting button is "Vehicle Speed," so "Vehicle Speed" is displayed on the second information display type button from the top, and this information display type button is highlighted to indicate that it is currently selected.

[0098] If a touch of the down arrow button is detected in this state, the display will be as shown in Figure 19(b). Specifically, the information display type button that was displayed second from the top will be moved to the top, the information display type button that was displayed third from the top will be moved to the second from the top, the information display type button that was displayed fourth from the top (bottom) will be moved to the third from the top, and the newly set information display type button will be displayed fourth from the top (bottom). As a result, in this example, as shown in Figure 20(b), the vehicle speed information display type button has moved to the top. Figure 20(c) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times in this state. Figure 21(a) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times from the state in Figure 20(c). Figure 21(b) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times from the state in Figure 21(a). Figure 21(c) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times from the state in Figure 21(b). Figure 22(a) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times from the state shown in Figure 21(c). Figure 22(b) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched three more times from the state shown in Figure 22(a). Figure 22(c) shows an example of the display when the down arrow button is touched several more times from the state shown in Figure 22(b). The display state in Figure 22(c) is the same as the display state in Figure 20(a). In this way, by cyclically scrolling through the information display type buttons, the options for the configurable information display types are presented.

[0099] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), when a touch is detected on the location of the information display type button for acceleration, the highlight is moved to the touched button, the information display type button for acceleration, and the setting of the middle position information display type in preset A of database 19 is changed to "acceleration" and stored. If a touch is detected on the back button in this state, as shown in Figure 19(b), the display on the middle position information display type setting button is changed to "acceleration". With this setting, when the screen of preset A is displayed, as shown in Figure 23, the middle position meter becomes the "acceleration" meter.

[0100] In this way, the user can set the type of information display to be shown in each meter display area on each preset screen, and then have that information display applied.

[0101] Furthermore, when the display is set to AUTO, if a preset screen is selected as the target for switching displays, the preset screen set by the user can be used as the target for switching displays in this way. Next, we will explain the main types of meters that can be selected on the information display type selection screen.

[0102] Figure 24(a) shows an example of a clock information display. Figure 24(b) shows an example of a vehicle speed information display. Figure 24(c) shows an example of an eco-driving information display. Figure 24(d) shows an example of an acceleration information display. Figure 25(a) shows an example of a tilt information display. Figure 25(b) shows an example of a tidal information display. Figure 25(c) shows an example of a satellite information display. Figure 25(d) shows an example of a compass information display. Figure 26(a) shows an example of an instantaneous fuel consumption information display. Figure 26(b) shows an example of an average fuel consumption information display. Figure 26(c) shows an example of an average fuel consumption information display on ordinary roads. Figure 26(d) shows an example of an average fuel consumption information display on highways. Figure 27(a) shows an example of a current fuel consumption information display. Figure 27(b) shows an example of a lifetime fuel consumption information display. Figure 27(c) shows an example of a moving average fuel consumption information display. Figure 27(d) shows an example of a fuel flow rate information display. Figure 28(a) shows an example of an engine water temperature information display. Figure 28(b) shows an example of an intake air temperature information display. Figure 28(c) shows an example of an outside air temperature information display. Figure 28(d) shows an example of a battery voltage information display. Figure 29(a) shows an example of a throttle opening information display. Figure 29(b) shows an example of an engine load information display. Figure 29(c) shows an example of an intake manifold gauge information display. Figure 29(d) shows an example of a boost gauge information display. Figure 30 shows an example of a tachometer information display. Note that each figure shows the display when each information display is selected to be in the middle meter display area. These diagrams show the position of the central meter as a rectangular section; however, the content displayed within the circular frame will be the same when information is displayed in the right meter display area or the left meter display area. The clock's information display is a predetermined display, and as shown in Figure 24(a), it is an analog clock with hands that displays the time.

[0103] The vehicle speed information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 24(b), the vehicle speed acquired from the GPS receiver 8 is displayed using an analog meter and numbers. The analog meter draws a needle radially from the center of the circular meter display area toward the circumference. The needle points to the 7 o'clock position when the speed is 0 km / h and to the 3 o'clock position when the speed is 160 km / h, changing its direction clockwise as the speed increases. The numbers are displayed in a sector-shaped area roughly between 3 and 7 o'clock, along with the unit km / h. The background color of the analog meter is gray, while the background color of the numbers is black.

[0104] The eco-driving information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 24(c), rapid acceleration is displayed at the top, rapid deceleration at the right, idling at the bottom, and economical speed at the left as points on a radar chart. Each point is displayed with a maximum of 100 points (displayed as 100pt) and a minimum of 0pt. The initial value of each point is 70pt, and points are deducted when the acceleration output from the acceleration sensor 27 and the speed output from the GPS receiver 8 are judged to be in an output state that is not eco-driving, and points are added when the output state is judged to be eco-driving, and the numerical value of each point and a graph plotting that value on the radar chart are displayed.

[0105] The eco-driving information display has the same overview as the radar chart display section of the eco-driving screen exemplified in Figure 5(b), but with a different detailed display configuration.

[0106] As shown in Figure 24(d), the acceleration information display is configured as a meter display with multiple meters within the meter display area. The first meter is drawn in a circular area with its center slightly above and to the left of the center of the meter display area circle, at a position approximately half the radius of the circle, and its diameter equals the radius of the meter display area. The second meter is drawn in a circular area with its center slightly to the upper right of the center of the meter display area circle, at a position approximately half the radius of the circle, and its diameter equals the radius of the meter display area. The first meter on the left displays the acceleration in the left-right direction, and the second meter on the right displays the acceleration in the front-rear direction. Similar to the vehicle speed information display in Figure 24(b), the front-rear and left-right accelerations are displayed numerically within a sector-shaped area ranging from 3 o'clock to 7 o'clock. These numerical values ​​are underlined. A line is drawn extending from the left end of the underline of the left-right acceleration value towards the outer edge of the first meter. Similarly, a line is drawn extending from the left end of the underline of the acceleration value in the longitudinal direction towards the outer edge of the second meter. This line makes it easy to understand which value represents which meter. Figure 31 shows an explanatory diagram of the first meter on the right and an explanatory diagram of the second meter on the left. Both the first and second meters have an hour hand and a minute hand.

[0107] The first meter, as shown on the right side of Figure 31, uses the 12 o'clock position as the base point with 0G, and moves the minute hand so that when the acceleration is 0.5G it is at the 3 o'clock position, and when it is -0.5G it is at the 9 o'clock position. The minute hand moves to a position corresponding to a maximum of 0.75G and a minimum of -0.75G. If it exceeds this, it is held. The hour hand expresses the change in acceleration by rotation at a rate of 0.03G / 360 degrees (one rotation). That is, it rotates once from the base point with an acceleration of 0.03G. Clockwise rotation is considered positive acceleration.

[0108] The second meter, as shown on the left side of Figure 31, uses the 3 o'clock position as the base point with 0G, and moves the minute hand so that when the acceleration is 0.5G it is at the 3 o'clock position, and when it is -0.5G it is at the 9 o'clock position. The minute hand moves to a position corresponding to a maximum of 0.75G and a minimum of -0.75G. If it exceeds this, it is held. The hour hand represents the change in acceleration by rotation at a rate of 0.03G / 360 degrees (one rotation). That is, it rotates once from the base point with an acceleration of 0.03G. Clockwise rotation is considered positive acceleration.

[0109] In this way, by shifting the base point positions of the first and second meters by 90 degrees, it is easy to determine which direction of acceleration each meter indicates. Furthermore, by shifting the base point positions of the first and second meters by 90 degrees and keeping the scales the same, it is easy to compare the magnitude of acceleration in the left-right direction with the magnitude of acceleration in the front-back direction.

[0110] Furthermore, since the hour hand completes one rotation from its base point with an acceleration of 0.03G, minute changes in acceleration can be grasped as the angular velocity of the hand's rotation. In addition to being able to grasp minute changes in acceleration from the angular velocity of the hour hand's rotation, the absolute acceleration can also be grasped simultaneously from the absolute value of the acceleration indicated by the minute hand. The scale of the minute hand has a maximum value of 0.75G, which is the maximum possible acceleration that occurs during normal operation, and its range of motion is ±135 degrees from the base point, so the acceleration can be absolutely determined from the position indicated by the minute hand.

[0111] For example, when a vehicle starts or stops, a large acceleration of about 0.3G occurs, whereas during driving, the change is only minute, less than 0.1G. By providing hour and minute hands, such as in the first and second meters, the conditions of both can be accurately grasped.

[0112] The tilt information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 25(a), it displays the tilt of the vehicle by 30 degrees in each direction (forward, backward, left, and right) using the movement of a sphere. This tilt information display is almost identical to the display of the tilt image display unit in the tilt screen shown in Figure 6(a) (in fact, they are similar, and the tilt information display is smaller than the display of the tilt image display unit in the tilt screen), but it differs in that it has a more detailed display configuration. Specifically, as a detailed display, when the output value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle from the acceleration sensor 27 becomes 0.1G or more, it is triggered to make the upper white hemisphere of the sphere image in Figure 25(a) transparent, and the lower black hemisphere is displayed in gray, and a white disk with the same radius as the radius of the hemisphere is drawn on the upper surface of the lower hemisphere (the interface between the upper and lower hemispheres (the surface passing through the equator)), and an image of the 3D object of the car is displayed on top of it. The 3D object of this car is rotated and displayed on the upper surface of the lower hemisphere according to the direction of travel detected by the geomagnetic sensor 28. In Figure 32, the vertical background direction of the screen is north, the vertical front direction is south, the horizontal right direction is east, and the horizontal left direction is west. When the car in the sphere is facing due north, the taillight side is displayed parallel to the screen plane, and the entire taillight side is visible. As shown in Figure 32, red markers are placed in a vertical band around the circumference of the disk to indicate the direction of travel. In the state shown in Figure 32, the car is facing south-southeast, with the front of the car displayed slightly to the right, and the markers are also displayed slightly to the right. Then, after the output value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle (either to the right or left) from the acceleration sensor 7 falls below 0.1G, this display is continued for 3 seconds and then returned to the original display in Figure 25(a). In this way, when a turning motion is detected based on a certain amount of lateral G of the car, the car in the sphere becomes visible for a certain period of time, and the turning motion is represented. This allows you to check the turning status in detail.

[0113] The tidal information display shows the tidal level calculated based on data, not the measured amount, and is therefore a predetermined display. As shown in Figure 25(b), it displays the same content as the tidal information screen explained in Figure 6, but the general display method is different. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33(a), the tidal information display shows the place name of the nearest tide gauge station, the lunar phase for the current date, and the tide name. Then, after 10 seconds have elapsed, the tidal information display shows the time and level of the first low tide and the time and level of the first high tide of the day, as shown in Figure 33(b). Then, after 10 seconds have elapsed since the tidal information meter shown in Figure 33(b) was displayed, the tidal information display shows the time and level of the second low tide and the time and level of the second high tide of the day, as shown in Figure 33(c). Then, after 10 seconds have elapsed since the tidal information display shown in Figure 33(c) was shown, it returns to the tidal information display shown in Figure 33(a). Then, the tidal information display on the screen of Figure 33(a) is displayed again for 10 seconds, and then it switches to the tidal information display on the screen of Figure 33(b), and so on, repeating this process to periodically switch between displays.

[0114] The satellite information display does not show quantities, but is a predetermined display. As shown in Figure 25(c), it displays a grid centered on the vehicle's position, with north at the top, south at the bottom, east to the right, and west to the left. The grid consists of three concentric circles of different radii centered on the vehicle's position, and lines passing through the center in the left-right and up-down directions (however, no lines are drawn within the concentric circle with the smallest radius). Then, circular satellite objects are drawn at positions corresponding to the satellites acquired by the GPS receiver 8. After displaying in this state for 3 seconds, the satellite numbers are displayed one by one periodically. That is, as shown in Figure 34(a), after all acquired satellites are displayed at their corresponding positions, 3 seconds have elapsed, and then as shown in Figure 34(b), the first satellite number is displayed. In this example, "12" is displayed. After displaying in this state for 3 seconds, the next satellite number is displayed as shown in Figure 34(c). In this example, "14" is displayed. After displaying in this state for 3 seconds, the next satellite number is displayed in the same manner, and after displaying in that state for 3 seconds, the next satellite number is displayed. Then, once all satellite numbers have been displayed in the same manner, the system returns to the original display as shown in Figure 34(a), and this process is repeated.

[0115] The compass information display does not show quantities, so it is a predetermined display. As shown in Figure 25(d), it displays the direction of travel of the vehicle as the top direction on the screen, based on the geomagnetic field detected by the geomagnetic sensor 28. In the example in Figure 25(d), the right rear of the vehicle is north. North is indicated by "N", South by "S", East by "E", and West by "W".

[0116] The instantaneous fuel consumption information display in Figure 26(a), the average fuel consumption information display in Figure 26(b), the average fuel consumption information display on general roads in Figure 26(c), the average fuel consumption information display on highways in Figure 26(d), the current fuel consumption information display in Figure 27(a), the lifetime fuel consumption information display in Figure 27(b), the engine water temperature information display in Figure 28(a), the intake air temperature information display in Figure 28(b), the outside temperature information display in Figure 28(c), and the battery voltage information display in Figure 28(d) all feature an analog needle-type meter display unit on the upper side and a numerical display unit on the lower side. The analog needle-type meter display unit depicts the movement of a needle to point to a position corresponding to the value, mimicking an analog needle-type meter, and the numerical value is displayed in the numerical display unit.

[0117] The instantaneous fuel consumption information display is a meter display, showing the instantaneous fuel consumption in the range of 0.0 to 99.9 km / l, as shown in Figure 26(a). The needle is positioned as follows: 5 km / l at the lower limit of the scale (45° left), 50 km / l at the upper limit of the scale (45° right), 0 km / l at the lowest point (53° left), and 100 km / l at the highest point (53° right). The other fuel consumption needles in Figures 26(a) to (d) and Figures 27(a) and (b) are all the same. An indicator is provided to the left of the numerical value displayed in the numerical display section. This indicator is an index that shows whether the fuel consumption is good or bad, displaying red when it is 0 to 5 km / l, interpolating between red and yellow when it is 5 to 10 km / l, interpolating between yellow and green when it is 10 to 30 km / l, and displaying a green indicator (a circular mark resembling a lamp) when it is 30 km / l or more.

[0118] Similarly, the average fuel consumption information display is a meter display, showing the average fuel consumption as shown in Figure 26(b). The average fuel consumption information display for general roads is a meter display, showing the average fuel consumption for general roads as shown in Figure 26(c). The average fuel consumption information display for highways is a meter display, showing the average fuel consumption for highways as shown in Figure 26(d). In addition, the fuel consumption information display for the current trip is a meter display, showing the fuel consumption for the current trip as shown in Figure 27(a). The lifetime fuel consumption information display is a meter display, showing the lifetime fuel consumption as shown in Figure 27(b).

[0119] The moving average fuel consumption information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 27(c), it has a graph display section at the top and a numerical display section at the bottom. The graph display section displays the amount of fuel consumed in a 2km section as a single bar graph. Figure 35 shows an explanatory diagram of the graph display section. The graph display section shows the amount of fuel consumed in the most recent section in the leftmost bar graph, the amount of fuel consumed in the previous section in the bar graph to its right (second from the left), and so on, displaying past amounts of fuel consumed in past sections, with the oldest amount of fuel consumed in this graph being shown in the rightmost bar graph. As the vehicle moves, each bar graph scrolls to the right. That is, every 2km traveled, the fuel consumed in the section moves to the right (towards the older side). After traveling 2km, the latest fuel consumed in the section starts at 0. Only the top of the current fuel consumed in the section flashes. The fuel consumed in each section is represented by a sequence of nine elements (fuel[0] to fuel[8]), and the distance of the most recent section is denoted as dist. The moving average fuel consumption m is calculated as follows.

number

[0120] In this way, the moving average fuel consumption displayed on the graph shows the driving performance over the last 16km. The fuel consumed for each section is stored in the microcontroller's non-volatile memory and is carried over to the next startup. Therefore, unlike the fuel consumption shown here, values ​​that are not useful for short distances will not be displayed. The numerical display shows values ​​in the range of 0.0 to 99.9 km / l.

[0121] The fuel flow information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 27(d), it has a graph display section at the top and a numerical display section at the bottom. The numerical display section shows the fuel flow rate in the range of 0 to 999 ml / m. Figure 36 shows an explanatory diagram of the graph display section. As shown in Figure 36(a), bar graphs are arranged horizontally, similar to the moving average fuel consumption in Figure 35, and the graph is updated each time fuel consumption is sent from the OBD2 connector. The height of one cell in the graph is 20 ml / m, and it displays up to a maximum of 240 ml / m. The fractional part of 20 ml is represented by changing the brightness. If the fuel flow rate remains at 0 for about 2 seconds, the words "FUEL CUT" will scroll from right to left, as shown in Figures 36(b) to (d) in order.

[0122] The engine coolant temperature information display is a meter display, showing the engine coolant temperature as shown in Figure 28(a). The numerical display shows a value in the range of -40 to 215°C. The needle is at the lower limit of the scale (45° to the left) at 0°C, in the center at 80 to 105°C (it hardly moves in this 25°C range), at the lowest point (53° to the left) at -40°C, and at the highest point (53° to the right) at 160°C. The intake air temperature information display is similar, showing the intake air temperature as shown in Figure 28(b).

[0123] The outside temperature information display is a meter display, showing the outside temperature as shown in Figure 28(c). The value is displayed in the range of -40 to 215°C, and the needle is positioned so that the lowest point (53° to the left) is -30°C and the highest point (53° to the right) is 60°C.

[0124] The battery voltage information display is a meter display, showing the battery voltage as shown in Figure 28(d). The value is displayed in the range of 0.0 to 25.5V. The needle is positioned so that the lowest point (53° to the left) is 0V and the highest point (53° to the right) is 25.5V.

[0125] The throttle opening information display is a meter display, as shown in Figure 29(a), with a meter display unit at the top and a numerical display unit at the bottom. The meter display unit shows the throttle opening as an image of a valve opening. In the example in Figure 29(a), the throttle opening is 31%, with the black valve open by 31% and the white area without a valve showing 31%. The numerical value is displayed in the range of 0 to 100%.

[0126] The engine load information display is a meter display, which includes a meter display section and a numerical display section as shown in Figure 29(b), and displays the engine load. The numerical value is displayed in the range of 0 to 100%. Each cell is a 4% color segment. The fractional part of 4% is represented by brightness.

[0127] The intake manifold pressure gauge displays information in meter format, and as shown in Figure 29(c), the value is displayed in the range of -1.01 to 1.54 × 100 kPa. It displays the relative pressure of the intake manifold pressure to atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa). The intake manifold pressure gauge is for vehicles without a supercharger, and in vehicles without a supercharger, it will not show a value greater than 0.0 except for driving pressure. When the accelerator is fully pressed, it approaches 0.0, and the vacuum becomes -1.01. The indicator in the lower left of the value indicates the pressure by color. The indicator is always lit. It displays green when the value is -1 or less, between green and yellow for values ​​from -1.0 to -0.5, between yellow and red for values ​​from -0.5 to 0.0, and red for values ​​above 0.0. Because the amount of change is large, the needle has an afterimage to make the movement easier to recognize.

[0128] The boost gauge displays information using a meter display, and as shown in Figure 29(d), the value is displayed in the range of -1.01 to 1.54 × 100 kPa, showing the relative pressure of the intake manifold pressure to atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa). The boost gauge is for vehicles with turbochargers, and may show a value greater than atmospheric pressure due to supercharging. When the value is 0.00 or higher, boosting begins, and the boost indicator in the lower left corner flashes. It turns off when the value is less than 0.00. It displays green at 0.0, interpolated between green and yellow from 0.0 to 0.5, interpolated between yellow and red from 0.5 to 1.0, and red above 1.0. Because the amount of change is large, the needle has an afterimage to make the movement easier to recognize.

[0129] The tachometer's information display is a meter display, and as shown in Figure 30, the numerical value is displayed in the range of 0 to 9999 rpm, and the needle moves to a position corresponding to the rotation even when it exceeds 8000 rpm. Even when the amount of change is large, the needle has an afterimage, making it easy to recognize the movement. From the above-mentioned information displays, users can choose to display information that they have pre-set.

[0130] Thus, the radar detector of this embodiment is a control system that controls the display of meters based on acquired data, and is characterized by having multiple meter display areas on the screen of a single display unit 5, and displaying a type of meter selected by the user in at least one of the meter display areas on one of the screens. In this way, the user can select the meters that are necessary for them and display them on the screen. Since multiple meter display areas are provided on a single screen, and the user can select the meters that are necessary for them and display them on the screen, it is possible to provide a control system that can accurately display multiple types of information. In particular, the screen is positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver, and the acquired data is configured to be data that changes as the vehicle moves. While driving the vehicle, it is difficult to switch screens or select the type of meter to display, but in this way the driver can select the type of meter display they want to see while driving when not driving, and have it displayed while driving.

[0131] The acquired data is obtained from the vehicle via various sensors and the OBD2 connector shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is stored in the memory (RAM, etc.) and registers (registers, etc.) of the control unit 18. Data acquisition is triggered, for example, by predetermined events such as changes in the data or predetermined time intervals.

[0132] The meter display is designed to show a measuring instrument, as shown in each figure. For example, the measuring instrument could be an image of a measuring device, machine, or apparatus. The meter display is configured to update when there is a change in the acquired data, making the change clear. For example, it could always update when there is a change in the acquired data, or it could update only when there is a change in the acquired data exceeding a predetermined amount, or when there is a change following a predetermined pattern, and not update if there is a change but it does not follow the predetermined pattern. Alternatively, the display could update according to predetermined rules, such as at predetermined time intervals, regardless of data updates. Particularly good is a configuration that updates the meter display at a timing that allows the user to recognize it as reflecting the current situation. The timing at which the user recognizes the meter display as reflecting the current situation should vary depending on the type of data being displayed.

[0133] For example, the system could be configured to display information about the current situation on meters based on data obtained from a wide variety of sensors and other devices. In this way, even if the number of meter types increases, it is possible to select and display the desired meter without having to prepare a separate screen for each type of meter or increasing the number of screens. Furthermore, although multiple meters are displayed on a single screen, at least one meter display area on that screen will display the type of meter selected by the user, allowing the user to display the meter they desire on that screen and accurately grasp a large amount of information.

[0134] Multiple types of meter displays are provided, and the system controls the display of the type of meter selected by the user. In this configuration, information to identify the type of meter display selected by the user is stored in a storage means such as the non-volatile memory of the control unit 18 or the database 19. The system then displays the selected type of meter based on this information stored in the storage means. For example, if a meter allows the user to perceive changes in milliseconds, it should be updated in milliseconds. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in seconds, it should be updated in seconds. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in minutes, it should be updated in minutes. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in hours, it should be updated in hours. If a meter allows the user to perceive changes in days, it should be updated in days.

[0135] The user selects the type of meter display by being presented with a list of options and then selecting from those options. The options are presented on the display unit 5, which is the same screen as the screen containing multiple meter display areas. In other words, the system switches from a state where the screen containing multiple meter display areas is displayed to a state where the screen displaying the options is displayed.

[0136] The display unit 5 is equipped with a screen that can change the display content, such as a dot matrix display. In this embodiment, the screen is, for example, the entire display area of ​​the display unit, but it may also be a part of it. The multiple meter display areas are preferably arranged so that they do not overlap, but in this embodiment they are arranged so that some overlap. In this configuration, in this embodiment, the non-overlapping parts are used to display the amount to be metered so that it can be seen. Alternatively, for example, the overlapping parts may be made semi-transparent so that both the lower (back) and upper (front) parts can be seen.

[0137] The system is configured to display the type of meter selected by the user in each meter display area. This allows the user to select which type of meter to display in which meter display area on the screen, and to display the desired type of meter in the desired arrangement. In this embodiment, the user is first asked to select the meter display area to be selected, and then to select which type of meter to display in the selected meter display area. However, it is also possible to first ask the user to select which type of meter to display, and then to select which meter display area to display that selected type of meter in. The selection of meter display areas can be done by presenting a list of options, as in this embodiment, and allowing the user to select from the presented options. The options can be presented by, for example, the display unit 5, as in this embodiment, and can be done by displaying the options on the same screen as the screen with multiple meter display areas. In this embodiment, the screen with multiple meter display areas can be switched to a screen displaying the options.

[0138] In this embodiment, control is implemented to display a predetermined display other than a meter display, and each meter display area is configured to display either a type of meter display selected by the user or a predetermined display selected by the user. With this configuration, when the user selects a predetermined display, the meter display area will display that selected predetermined display instead of a meter display. Therefore, the user can see the content of the selected predetermined display, which is not a meter display, simply by looking at the screen as if they were looking at a meter display. In this way, the content of the selected predetermined display, which is not a meter display, can be seen with the same eye movements as when looking at a meter display. For example, if the user selects to display a first type of meter display in the first meter display area and a predetermined display in a second meter display area different from the first meter display area, the user can naturally see both the first type of meter display and the predetermined display by moving their eyes between the first and second meter display areas on a single screen. In particular, as in this embodiment, if the screen is positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver, and the acquired data is configured to change as the vehicle moves, then when the driver shifts their gaze from observing the situation ahead to checking the data that changes as the vehicle moves, they can naturally and immediately view predetermined displays other than the meter display at the same time.

[0139] The designated display is not a meter display, and in this embodiment, it should be a display that does not measure the quantity of a physical state, such as a clock showing the time or a display of the tides for that day.

[0140] In this way, both measured and unmeasured quantities can be viewed simultaneously on a single screen. Moreover, unmeasured quantities are displayed within the meter display area, and, like the meter display, can be displayed and viewed by the user based on their selection.

[0141] In this embodiment, the meter display area is equipped with different types of predetermined displays that can be displayed, and the system is configured to display a predetermined display of a type selected from among the multiple types of predetermined displays in the meter display area. In this way, the user can have a predetermined display of a type selected from among the different types of predetermined displays displayed in the meter display area. Therefore, since the user can select the predetermined display they need and display it on the screen, it is possible to provide a control system that can accurately display multiple types of information.

[0142] In this embodiment, the display content is configured to be switched according to a predetermined switching trigger. As a result, the display content within the meter display area on the screen switches according to the predetermined switching trigger. Consequently, the content of the predetermined display automatically switches within the meter display area without having to re-select the type of predetermined display each time, saving the effort of selection. Furthermore, it eliminates the problem of having many options for the type of predetermined display, making it difficult to understand which option corresponds to which predetermined display, and avoids the hassle of finding the desired option from among many options.

[0143] The selection screen for user selection displays both the selectable meter display and the selectable predetermined display without distinguishing them as selection items. Therefore, users can make a selection without having to choose or be aware of whether it is a meter display or a predetermined display.

[0144] The display screen shows three meter display areas, arranged along the longer side of the screen. The central meter display area is designed to be more prominent than the other two. This configuration maximizes the use of the screen's length, allowing for a larger meter display area, and the three-meter configuration improves the screen's balance. Furthermore, by making the central meter display area more prominent than the other two, users can select and place the information they primarily want to view in the central meter display area.

[0145] In this embodiment, there are three meter display areas displayed on a single screen. These three meter display areas are arranged along the long side of the display screen, with some overlapping. The meter display area closest to the viewer in the overlapping area is the middle of the three meter display areas. This configuration makes the central meter display area appear to be closer to the viewer than the other two meter display areas, making it more prominent. Therefore, for example, the central meter display area can be positioned as the main meter display area, and the left and right meter display areas as sub-meter display areas, which can then be selected and arranged.

[0146] In this embodiment, multiple screens, each having multiple meter display areas, are provided, and these screens are switched and displayed according to a predetermined pattern. This allows a large number of meter display areas to be displayed without having to re-select them. The predetermined pattern may be, for example, the elapsed time.

[0147] In this embodiment, at least two of the multiple screens, each having multiple meter display areas, share the same format. This increases the likelihood that the contents of the meter display areas can be viewed simply by shifting one's gaze based on this identical format. This effect is particularly pronounced in this embodiment, where the screens are positioned within the driver's line of sight and the acquired data changes with the vehicle's movement. In such a configuration, the time a driver can view the screens while driving is very short compared to the time they are looking ahead at the vehicle.

[0148] In this embodiment, the meter display is configured to include multiple meters within the meter display area. This allows multiple meters to be viewed simply by looking within the meter display area. Therefore, for example, a larger quantity of physical phenomena can be grasped at a glance.

[0149] In this embodiment, the system is configured to allow switching between a screen with multiple meter display areas and a screen displaying a single meter. The general display mode of the meter display on the screen displaying a single meter and the meter display on any of the meter display areas on the screen with multiple meter display areas are the same, while the detailed display mode differs. In this way, regardless of whether the system is switched between the screen with multiple meter display areas or the screen displaying a single meter, the general display mode of the meter display is the same, making it immediately clear that the meter displays the same content on both screens. On the other hand, since the detailed display modes of the two meter displays are different, different information can be obtained by looking closely. The detailed display mode only needs to be more detailed than the general display mode, and the relationship between the two is relative, but it is especially desirable that the general display mode be designed to give the user the impression that the two are the same at a glance.

[0150] In this embodiment, the screen is positioned in a location visible to the vehicle driver, and the acquired data is configured to change as the vehicle moves. This allows the vehicle driver to select and display the necessary information in the meter display area, and provides a control system that can accurately display many types of information.

[0151] In this embodiment, the example of a radar detector was used, but it can be implemented as a function of various electronic devices. For example, it may be incorporated as a function of a navigation system, a drive recorder, or a car audio system. The numerical values ​​described in this embodiment may be changed to values ​​that produce an appropriate effect after conducting experiments, etc. The screen size of the display unit 5 can also be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the control unit 18 may be provided with a function to set the priority of each function and alarm based on instructions from the user via the remote control 17, etc., and the control unit 18 may be configured to process according to this set priority.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the device is equipped with a database 19 that stores various types of information, and the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 to read the necessary information and perform various processes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some or all of the information to be registered in the database 19 may be registered in a server. The radar detector and other electronic devices and equipment may be equipped with a function to communicate with the server, and the control unit 18 may access the server as appropriate to obtain the necessary information and execute processing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control unit 18 may be placed in the server, the server may execute those functions, and the user's electronic device may obtain the execution results.

[0153] The functions of the control system in the above embodiment are configured as a program to be implemented by the computer provided in the control unit 18, but the program is not limited to this, and may be distributed across multiple computers for distributed processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1 Case body 2 Solar Panels 3. Switch section 4. Microwave receiver 5 Display section 6 lamps 7. Infrared communication device 8 GPS receiver 9 Adapter jacks 10 Power switch 12 Mobile phones 13. Memory card reader 14 Memory Cards 15 Wireless receiver 16 Remote control receiver 17 Remote control 18 Control Unit 19 Databases 20 speakers 22 connection cables 23 Connector terminals 24 sockets 25 Connector terminals 27. Accelerometer 28. Geomagnetic Sensor 33 Pedestal

Claims

1. A control system that performs control to display a meter based on acquired data, The meter display is configured to update and display information that indicates changes in the acquired data, or to update and display information according to predetermined rules, regardless of data updates. The configuration of the update display varies depending on the type of data displayed on the meter. A control system characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned predetermined rule is a predetermined time interval, Furthermore, the data will always be updated if there are any changes in the acquired data. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is as described above.

3. If the acquired data changes by more than a predetermined amount, or if there is a change that follows a predetermined pattern, the display will be updated. If there is a change but it does not follow the predetermined pattern, the display will not be updated. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. Depending on the type of data displayed on the meter, it will be updated and displayed at different time intervals. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The acquired data is stored in memory such as RAM or in storage means such as registers. Data acquisition is triggered by predetermined events, such as changes in data or predetermined time intervals. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control system includes an OBD data display unit that displays numerical information (referred to as OBD data) based on vehicle information acquired from the vehicle side via a connector terminal. The OBD data display unit displays the items selected from multiple items on the settings screen. If more items are selected than can be displayed simultaneously, the display will scroll at predetermined time intervals to show all selected items. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

7. A program for a computer to implement the functions of a control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images