In-vehicle equipment, information processing systems, and guidance methods

Abstract

The worker installing the vehicle equipment must install the receiver in the appropriate mounting position. [Solution] The in-vehicle device according to the embodiment is installed in a vehicle. The in-vehicle device comprises a receiver and a controller. The receiver is installed inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and receives signals from a signal source located outside the vehicle. The controller guides the mounting position of the receiver. Based on the signals received by the receiver, the controller detects the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver and guides the direction in which to move the receiver based on the detected direction of the signal source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to in-vehicle devices, information processing systems, and guidance methods.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when an in-vehicle device such as a drive recorder is attached to the front windshield of a vehicle, the in-vehicle device is attached by an operator referring to the method described in the instruction manual and the recommended attachment position. The in-vehicle device may receive a signal from a signal source such as a satellite existing outside the vehicle. In an in-vehicle device that receives a signal from a signal source, if the attachment position of the in-vehicle device is inappropriate, the reception sensitivity of the signal may be weak, and there is a possibility that the performance of the in-vehicle device cannot be fully exhibited.

[0003] In contrast, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for checking the reception state of a signal in a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and prompting a change in the attachment position when the attachment position of the in-vehicle device determined from the reception state is inappropriate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above technology determines whether the attachment position of the in-vehicle device is appropriate or inappropriate, and when it is inappropriate, prompts a change in the attachment position of the in-vehicle device. Therefore, when the operator attaching the in-vehicle device is prompted to change the attachment position of the in-vehicle device, the operator must find an appropriate attachment position of the in-vehicle device by his or her own judgment.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an in-vehicle device that allows an operator installing the in-vehicle device to easily install the receiver in an appropriate mounting position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An in-vehicle device according to one embodiment is installed in a vehicle. The in-vehicle device comprises a receiver and a controller. The receiver is installed inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and receives signals from a signal source located outside the vehicle. The controller guides the mounting position of the receiver. Based on the signals received by the receiver, the controller detects the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver and guides the direction in which to move the receiver based on the detected direction of the signal source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The in-vehicle equipment according to this embodiment guides the receiver in the direction to move based on the direction of the detected signal source. Therefore, the worker installing the in-vehicle equipment can easily install the receiver in the appropriate mounting position by moving the receiver according to the guidance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a portion of the interior of the vehicle at the front. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the installation procedure when the drive recorder according to the first embodiment is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the guidance process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example plot of the direction in which the artificial satellite was detected. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example plot of the direction in which the artificial satellite was detected. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a third example of a plot showing the direction in which the artificial satellite was detected. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram (part 4) showing an example plot of the direction in which the artificial satellite was detected. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the monitor display when the dashcam is installed in an appropriate location. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of the monitor display when the dashcam is not installed in an appropriate location. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the monitor display when the dashcam is not installed in an appropriate location. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram (part 3) showing an example of the monitor display when the dashcam is not installed in an appropriate location. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the guidance process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a plot of the direction in which a satellite was detected. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the display on the monitor of a modified drive recorder. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The in-vehicle equipment, information processing system, and guidance method according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided in the vehicle 100. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the vehicle 100 in which the in-vehicle device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided. The in-vehicle device 1 is capable of receiving signals from a signal transmitter 2 existing outside the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 1 is capable of receiving signals from a plurality of signal transmitters 2. The signal transmitter 2 is, for example, a satellite. The signal transmitter 2 is not limited to a satellite. The signal transmitter 2 may be a base station for wireless communication or the like. The wireless communication is, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or the like.

[0012] The in-vehicle device 1 is, for example, a drive recorder. The in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to a drive recorder. The in-vehicle device 1 may be a navigation system or the like. Hereinafter, as an example of the in-vehicle device 1, the drive recorder 1 will be used for explanation.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the drive recorder 1 is attached to the front glass 101 of the vehicle 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the interior of the vehicle 100 on the front side. The range where the drive recorder 1 can be attached is determined by regulations. Therefore, the operator attaching the drive recorder 1 must attach the drive recorder 1 within the attachable range of the front glass 101.

[0014] Also, the drive recorder 1 that receives signals from the signal transmitter 2 is preferably attached so that it can receive the signals transmitted from the signal transmitter 2.

[0015] For example, if the drive recorder 1 is attached at a position close to an obstacle that obstructs the reception of the signals transmitted from the signal transmitter 2, there is a possibility that the signals cannot be received.

[0016] Obstacles that obstruct the reception of the signals transmitted from the signal transmitter 2 include the rearview mirror 102, other in-vehicle devices 103 (for example, cameras used for collision avoidance), the pillar 104 of the vehicle 100, and the roof 105 of the vehicle 100.

[0017] Therefore, the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment is designed to guide the user in a direction to move its mounting position if the mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is unable to properly receive the signal from the signal source 2. The drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. In addition, in the following description, an artificial satellite 2 will be used as an example of the signal source 2.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the drive recorder 1 comprises a receiver 10, a camera 11, a monitor 12, a speaker 13, a storage unit 14, and a controller 15. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Receiver 10 receives signals from multiple satellites 2. Receiver 10 is, for example, a GPS receiver. Receiver 10 obtains information about satellites 2 from the received signals. Receiver 10 obtains, for example, the satellite number, elevation angle, azimuth angle, and signal strength of satellites 2. Note that receiver 10 may be provided separately from the main unit of drive recorder 1. Receiver 10 is installed inside the vehicle 100. Receiver 10 may be mounted on the windshield 101, for example. Alternatively, receiver 10 may be mounted on the dashboard.

[0020] Camera 11 is installed to capture images of at least the area in front of the vehicle 100. Camera 11 may also be installed to capture images of the interior of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle 100, and the sides of the vehicle 100. Multiple cameras 11 may be installed.

[0021] Monitor 12 displays images captured by camera 11. Monitor 12 also displays settings images for drive recorder 1, etc. Speaker 13 provides audio output.

[0022] The memory unit 14 is implemented by a memory device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or flash memory. Various data and programs are stored in the memory unit 14.

[0023] The memory unit 14 stores image data for a certain period (for example, 24 hours) captured by the camera 11 in the storage medium. If a specific event, such as a collision, is detected, image data for a certain period before and after the detection time is set to be overwritten-protected.

[0024] The controller 15 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 15 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), etc. The controller 15 executes a program according to an embodiment not shown, stored in the memory unit 14, using RAM as the working area. The controller 15 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0025] The controller 15 guides the user on the mounting position of the drive recorder 1, specifically the mounting position of the receiver 10, when the drive recorder 1 is to be installed.

[0026] Here, the installation procedure for the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment when it is installed in a vehicle 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the installation procedure for the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment when it is installed in a vehicle 100.

[0027] This section describes an example in which the drive recorder 1 is mounted on the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100. Since the drive recorder 1 consists of a main unit and a receiver 10 integrated into one unit, this section describes the installation of the drive recorder 1. If the receiver 10 is provided separately from the drive recorder 1, the installation procedure is for the receiver 10.

[0028] First, the worker installs the drive recorder 1 in a temporary position on the vehicle 100 (S100). For example, the worker temporarily fixes the drive recorder 1 within the mountable range of the windshield 101 (for example, within the range defined by regulations).

[0029] Next, the operator activates drive recorder 1 (S101). When drive recorder 1 is activated, it receives a signal from satellite 2 via receiver 10.

[0030] Next, the drive recorder 1 performs guidance processing (S102). Details of the guidance processing will be described later. By performing guidance processing, the drive recorder 1 provides guidance on whether the current temporary position is appropriate or not. If the current temporary position is not appropriate, the drive recorder 1 provides guidance on the direction in which to move the drive recorder 1, specifically the receiver 10.

[0031] Next, the worker installs drive recorder 1 according to the instructions on drive recorder 1 (S103). For example, if the current temporary position is appropriate, the worker fixes drive recorder 1 in the current temporary position. If the current temporary position is not appropriate, the worker moves drive recorder 1 according to the instructions on drive recorder 1.

[0032] The worker may, after moving drive recorder 1 according to the instructions of drive recorder 1, fix drive recorder 1 in place. Alternatively, the worker may, after moving drive recorder 1 according to the instructions of drive recorder 1, have drive recorder 1 run the guidance process again at the new position.

[0033] Next, the guidance process performed by the drive recorder 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the guidance process according to the first embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the drive recorder 1 starts the guidance process in response to an operation by the operator.

[0034] Receiver 10 receives signals from multiple satellites 2 (S200). Receiver 10 processes the received signals and obtains information about the satellites 2 contained in the signals. The information obtained by receiver 10 is output to controller 15.

[0035] Next, the controller 15 detects the direction of the satellite 2 relative to the receiver 10 based on the signal received by the receiver 10 (S201). Specifically, the controller 15 detects the direction of the satellite 2 centered on the receiver 10 based on the information about the satellite 2 output from the receiver 10.

[0036] Next, the controller 15 plots the direction of the detected satellites 2 (S202). For example, as shown in Figure 6, the controller 15 plots the direction of the satellites 2 with the receiver 10 as the center. Figure 6 is an example (part 1) of plotting the direction in which the satellites 2 were detected. In Figure 6, a vehicle 100 is shown instead of the receiver 10 for illustrative purposes. Also, in Figure 6, the satellites 2 are shown as white circles. In Figure 6, 16 satellites 2 have been detected.

[0037] In Figure 6, the lines extending radially from the receiver 10 correspond to the azimuth angle. The azimuth angle is set clockwise around the vehicle 100, with the line extending forward from the receiver 10 to the vehicle 100 as the reference line. For example, the line with an azimuth angle of 90 degrees coincides with the line extending to the right from the receiver 10 to the vehicle 100. In this case, the line with an azimuth angle of 180 degrees coincides with the line extending backward from the receiver 10 to the vehicle 100, and furthermore, the line with an azimuth angle of 270 degrees coincides with the line extending to the left from the receiver 10 to the vehicle 100. Note that when guidance processing is performed, the vehicle 100 may be set so that its front faces north.

[0038] Furthermore, in Figure 6, the circumferential lines centered on the receiver 10 correspond to the elevation angle. The circumferential lines closer to the receiver 10 correspond to larger elevation angles.

[0039] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows, with hatching, the blocked area A1 where the receiver 10 will not receive a signal when the receiver 10 is mounted within the normal range of the windshield 101. The normal range and the blocked area A1 are pre-set. For example, the blocked area A1 is the area behind the vehicle 100 from the receiver 10.

[0040] Returning to Figure 5, the controller 15 then determines whether or not an unreceivable area A3 has been detected based on the plotted information (S203). The controller 15 determines that an unreceivable area A3 has been detected if the unreceivable area A3 is greater than or equal to a preset minimum area. The controller 15 determines that an unreceivable area A3 has not been detected if the unreceivable area A3 is less than a preset minimum area.

[0041] Unreceivable area A3 is the area where signals from satellite 2, centered on receiver 10, cannot be received. Specifically, unreceivable area A3 is the area within effective area A2, excluding blockage area A1, where signals from satellite 2 cannot be received due to the obstruction caused by vehicle 100. Unreceivable area A3 is an area continuous with blockage area A1 and is defined by its azimuth and elevation angles.

[0042] For example, if a plot result like the one shown in Figure 7 is obtained, then in the area indicated by hatching with a narrower spacing than the blocked area A1, satellite 2 is not detected. Therefore, the controller 15 detects this area as the unreceivable area A3. Figure 7 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example plot of the direction in which satellite 2 was detected.

[0043] If an area A3 with no signal reception is detected (S203: Yes), the controller 15 determines that the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate. If an area A3 with no signal reception is not detected (S203: No), the controller 15 determines that the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is appropriate.

[0044] If the controller 15 detects an unreceivable area A3 (S203: Yes), it sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 (S204). The controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 so that the unreceivable area A3 becomes smaller.

[0045] For example, in the plot shown in Figure 7, an unreceivable area A3 is detected on the left front side of the receiver 10. When an unreceivable area A3 is detected on the left front side of the receiver 10, it is thought that the drive recorder 1 is mounted too close to an obstruction on the left front (for example, the rearview mirror 102, other in-vehicle equipment 103), and the signal from satellite 2 is being blocked by the obstruction.

[0046] Therefore, the controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 to "right" so that the unreceivable area A3 on the left front side becomes smaller.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, in the plot results shown in Figure 8, an unreceivable area A3 is detected to the right front of the receiver 10. Figure 8 is a third example of a plot showing the direction in which the artificial satellite 2 was detected. When an unreceivable area A3 is detected to the right front of the receiver 10, it is thought that the drive recorder 1 is mounted too close to an obstruction to the right front (for example, the pillar 104 of the vehicle 100), and the signal from artificial satellite 2 is being blocked by the obstruction.

[0048] Therefore, the controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 to "left" so that the unreceivable area A3 on the right front side becomes smaller.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, in the plot results shown in Figure 9, an unreceivable area A3 is detected in front of the receiver 10. Figure 9 is a diagram (number 4) showing an example plot of the direction in which the artificial satellite 2 was detected. When an unreceivable area A3 is detected in front of the receiver 10, it is thought that the drive recorder 1 is mounted too close to an overhead obstruction (for example, the roof 105 of the vehicle 100), and the signal from artificial satellite 2 is being blocked by the obstruction.

[0050] Therefore, the controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 to "down" so that the unreceivable area A3 on the front side becomes smaller.

[0051] Returning to Figure 5, the controller 15 provides various instructions (S205) if no unreceivable area A3 is detected (S203: No), or after setting the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 in step S204.

[0052] Specifically, the controller 15 provides information on the current mounting status of the drive recorder 1. The current mounting status of the drive recorder 1 indicates whether the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is appropriate or not. If the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate, the controller 15 provides guidance on the direction in which to move the drive recorder 1. The controller 15 displays various instructions on the monitor 12.

[0053] For example, if no unreceivable area A3 is detected, the controller 15 will display "Installation OK" on the monitor 12, as shown in Figure 10, to indicate that the current installation position of the drive recorder 1 is appropriate. Figure 10 shows an example of the display on the monitor 12 when the installation position of the drive recorder 1 is appropriate.

[0054] The controller 15 guides the driver on the direction to move the drive recorder 1 based on the direction of the detected satellite 2. The worker installing the drive recorder 1 on the vehicle 100 simply moves the drive recorder 1 according to the guidance and installs it. Therefore, the worker can easily install the drive recorder 1 in the appropriate mounting position.

[0055] If an area A3 with no signal reception is detected, the controller 15 guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction to move it so that the area A3 with no signal reception is reduced. If the drive recorder 1 is moved according to the guidance, it will be able to receive signals from many satellites 2. As a result, the drive recorder 1 can fully perform its functions using the signals received from satellites 2.

[0056] Specifically, the controller 15 guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction that minimizes the unreceivable area A3, based on information plotted with respect to the receiver 10, indicating the direction of the satellite 2 from which the signal was received. This allows the controller 15 to accurately detect the unreceivable area A3, where the signal from satellite 2 cannot be received, relative to the receiver 10, and to accurately guide the drive recorder 1 in the direction of movement.

[0057] The controller 15 guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction such that the unreceivable area A3 narrows within the effective area A2. As a result, when the drive recorder 1 moves according to the guidance, the effective area A2 expands, allowing the drive recorder 1 to receive signals from many satellites 2. Therefore, the drive recorder 1 can fully perform its functions using signals received from satellites 2.

[0058] If an area A3 with no signal reception is detected, and for example, as shown in Figure 7, the controller 15 displays "Installation NG" on the monitor 12, as shown in Figure 11, to indicate that the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate. Also, if an area A3 with no signal reception is detected to the left front of the receiver 10, as shown in Figure 7, the controller 15 displays "Move to the right" on the monitor 12, to indicate the direction in which to move the drive recorder 1. Figure 11 is an example (part 1) of the display on the monitor 12 when the mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate.

[0059] Furthermore, if an unreceivable area A3 is detected, for example as shown in Figure 8, and the unreceivable area A3 is small, the controller 15 will display "Installation Caution" on the monitor 12, as shown in Figure 12, to indicate that the current installation position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate. Also, if an unreceivable area A3 is detected to the right front of the receiver 10, for example as shown in Figure 8, the controller 15 will display "Move to the left" on the monitor 12, to indicate the direction in which to move the drive recorder 1. Figure 12 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the display on the monitor 12 when the installation position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate.

[0060] Furthermore, if an unreceivable area A3 is detected, for example as shown in Figure 9, and the unreceivable area A3 is small, the controller 15 will display "Installation Caution" on the monitor 12, as shown in Figure 13, to indicate that the current installation position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate. Also, if an unreceivable area A3 is detected on the front side of the receiver 10, for example as shown in Figure 9, the controller 15 will display "Move Down" on the monitor 12, as shown in Figure 13, to indicate the direction in which to move the drive recorder 1. Figure 13 is a diagram (part 3) showing an example of the display on the monitor 12 when the installation position of the drive recorder 1 is not appropriate.

[0061] The controller 15 changes the message it provides depending on the size of the unreceivable area A3, as described above. For example, if the controller 15 detects an unreceivable area A3 and it is larger than a predetermined area, it will provide the message "Installation NG". If the controller 15 detects an unreceivable area A3 and it is smaller than a predetermined area, it will provide the message "Installation Caution".

[0062] The predetermined area is an area where it is possible to determine whether or not the drive recorder 1 can perform its functions using signals received from satellite 2. The predetermined area is larger than the minimum area. If the unreceivable area A3 is larger than the predetermined area, the controller 15 determines that there is a risk that the drive recorder 1 may not be able to perform its functions using signals received from satellite 2. The predetermined area may be set to different values ​​depending on the direction in which the unreceivable area A3 is detected, with the receiver 10 as the center.

[0063] The controller 15 may output voice guidance regarding the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 via the speaker 13. For example, if an unreceivable area A3 is detected, and the unreceivable area A3 is large, as shown in Figure 7, the speaker 13 will output "Installation is not OK. Move the product to the right and test again."

[0064] Furthermore, if, for example, an unreceivable area A3 is detected, and if the unreceivable area A3 is small, as shown in Figure 8, the speaker 13 will output the message, "Caution regarding installation. If possible, move the product to the left and test again."

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Next, a drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, the same configuration and processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The drive recorder 1 according to the second embodiment differs in some aspects of the guidance processing.

[0066] The guidance process according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the guidance process according to the second embodiment.

[0067] In step S300, after the receiver 10 receives signals from multiple satellites 2, the controller 15 detects the direction of the satellites 2 relative to the drive recorder 1 and the strength of the signals received from the satellites 2 (S301). The controller 15 detects the direction of the satellites 2 relative to the drive recorder 1 and the strength of the signals received from the satellites 2 based on the signals received by the receiver 10. Specifically, the controller 15 detects the direction of the satellites 2 centered on the receiver 10 and the strength of the signals received from the satellites 2 based on the information about the satellites 2 output from the receiver 10.

[0068] Next, the controller 15 plots the direction of the detected satellite 2 (S302). Similar to the first embodiment, the controller 15 plots the direction of satellite 2 with the receiver 10 as the center. The controller 15 associates the signal strength with the direction of satellite 2 and plots it with the receiver 10 as the center.

[0069] Next, the controller 15 determines whether or not an unreceivable area A3 has been detected (S303). In the second embodiment, the unreceivable area A3 includes an area where a satellite 2 has a signal strength lower than a predetermined strength. The predetermined strength is set in advance. For example, the controller 15 treats a satellite 2 whose received signal strength is lower than a predetermined strength as a satellite 2 from which signals cannot be received.

[0070] If the controller 15 detects an unreceivable area A3 (S303: Yes), it sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 (S304). The controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 so that the unreceivable area A3 becomes smaller. The controller 15 also sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 so that the signal received from satellite 2 in the effective area A2 becomes stronger. For example, the controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 so that the signal received from satellite 2, which is treated as satellite 2 from which signals cannot be received, becomes stronger in the unreceivable area A3.

[0071] For example, in the plot results shown in Figure 15, an unreceivable area A3 is detected to the left front of drive recorder 1. Unreceivable area A3 includes satellite 2, which was treated as satellite 2 from which signals could not be received. In Figure 15, satellite 2, which was treated as satellite 2 from which signals could not be received, is shown as a black circle. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a plot of the direction in which satellite 2 was detected.

[0072] The controller 15 sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 to "right" so that the unreceivable area A3 on the left front side becomes smaller. The controller 15 also sets the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 to "right" so that the signal received from satellite 2, which is treated as satellite 2 that cannot receive signals in the unreceivable area A3, becomes stronger.

[0073] The controller 15 provides various instructions (S305) if no unreceivable area A3 is detected (S303: No), or after setting the direction of movement of the drive recorder 1 in step S304.

[0074] The controller 15 guides the driver of the drive recorder 1 in the direction to move it, based on the direction of the satellite 2 and the strength of the signal received from the satellite 2. By following the guidance, the worker installing the drive recorder 1 in the vehicle 100 can easily install the drive recorder 1 in the appropriate mounting position.

[0075] The controller 15 guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction that increases the strength of the signal received from satellite 2. When the drive recorder 1 is moved according to the guidance, the strength of the signal received by the drive recorder 1 from satellite 2 increases. As a result, the drive recorder 1 can fully perform its functions using the signal received from satellite 2.

[0076] Specifically, the controller 15 associates the signal strength with the direction of the satellite 2 from which the signal was received, and guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction that increases the signal strength received from satellite 2, based on the information plotted around the receiver 10. This allows the controller 15 to accurately detect areas where satellite 2 has a weak signal strength relative to the receiver 10. Therefore, the controller 15 can accurately guide the drive recorder 1 in a direction that increases the signal strength from satellite 2.

[0077] The controller 15 guides the drive recorder 1 in a direction that increases the signal strength received from satellite 2 in the effective area A2. As a result, when the drive recorder 1 is moved according to the guidance, the signal strength from satellite 2 received in effective area A2 increases. Therefore, the drive recorder 1 can fully perform its functions using the signal received from satellite 2.

[0078] Next, a modified version of drive recorder 1 will be described. In the modified drive recorder 1, the controller 15 may guide the user of the current mounting status of drive recorder 1 according to the number of satellites 2 from which signals have been received. The current mounting status of drive recorder 1 includes the number of satellites 2 from which signals have been received. For example, the current mounting status of drive recorder 1 with respect to the number of satellites 2 from which signals have been received is displayed on monitor 12 as a level. The higher the level number, the more satellites 2 from which signals have been received.

[0079] For example, if the number of satellites 2 that received the signal is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, the level is "3". The first predetermined number is a preset value. Also, if the number of satellites 2 that received the signal is less than the first predetermined number but equal to or greater than the second predetermined number, the level is "2". The second predetermined number is smaller than the first predetermined number. The second predetermined number is a preset value. Also, if the number of satellites 2 that received the signal is less than the second predetermined number, the level is "1".

[0080] The current mounting status of the drive recorder 1 regarding the number of satellites 2 from which signals have been received is displayed on the monitor 12, along with an indication of whether the current mounting position of the drive recorder 1 is appropriate, as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the monitor 12 of the drive recorder 1 according to a modified example.

[0081] The current mounting status of the drive recorder 1 is indicated according to the number of satellites 2 from which signals have been received, allowing the worker to check the signal reception status at the current mounting location of the drive recorder 1.

[0082] Guidance for the mounting position of the receiver 10 may be performed by the information processing system 30, as shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 30 according to a modified example.

[0083] The information processing system 30 comprises a drive recorder 1 and an external device 40 (information processing device). The external device 40 is, for example, a server device. The drive recorder 1 and the external device 40 are connected to each other via a network N, such as the Internet.

[0084] The drive recorder 1 further includes a communication unit 16. The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that transmits and receives information with an external device 40.

[0085] The external device 40 comprises a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a controller 43. The communication unit 41 is a communication interface that transmits and receives information with the drive recorder 1.

[0086] The memory unit 42 is implemented by a memory device such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. Various data and various programs are stored in the memory unit 42.

[0087] The controller 43 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 43 is implemented by a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc. The controller 43 executes a program according to an embodiment not shown, stored in the memory unit 42, using RAM as the working area. The controller 43 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0088] In the information processing system 30, information regarding the signal from the artificial satellite 2 received by the receiver 10 of the drive recorder 1 is transmitted to the external device 40.

[0089] The controller 43 of the external device 40 detects the direction of the satellite 2 relative to the drive recorder 1 based on information about the satellite 2 signal transmitted from the drive recorder 1. Then, the controller 43 sets the direction in which the receiver 10 will move based on the detected direction of the satellite 2. Specifically, the controller 43 performs, for example, the processes from steps S201 to S204 of the guidance process in the first embodiment.

[0090] The external device 40 then transmits to the drive recorder 1 the detection result of the unreceivable area A3 and information regarding the direction in which the set receiver 10 should be moved.

[0091] The drive recorder 1 provides guidance based on information transmitted from the external device 40. Specifically, the drive recorder 1 guides the driver in the direction in which the receiver 10, as set by the external device 40, should move.

[0092] In this way, the information processing system 30 has an external device 40 perform part of the guidance processing. This reduces the processing load on the drive recorder 1.

[0093] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. In-vehicle equipment (dashcam) 2. Signal source (artificial satellite) 10 Receivers 12 monitors 13 speakers 15 Controllers 30 Information Processing Systems 40 External devices (information processing devices) 43 Controllers A1 Blocked Area A2 Effective Area A3 Unreceivable Area

Claims

1. In-vehicle equipment installed in a vehicle, A receiver is provided inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and receives signals from a signal source located outside the vehicle. A controller that guides the mounting position of the receiver Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, Based on the signal received by the receiver, the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver is detected. An in-vehicle device that guides the direction in which to move the receiver based on the direction of the detected signal source.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the controller guides the direction in which to move the receiver such that the area around the receiver where the signal is not received becomes smaller.

3. The aforementioned controller, The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, which guides the direction in which to move the receiver so that the area in which the signal is not received is narrowed, based on information plotted with respect to the direction of the signal source from which the signal was received.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 3, wherein the controller guides the direction in which the receiver is moved such that the area where the signal is not received becomes smaller in the effective area, which is excluded from the blocked area where the signal is not received when the receiver is installed within the normal range.

5. The aforementioned controller, Based on the signal received by the receiver, the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver and the intensity of the signal received from the signal source are detected. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, which guides the direction in which to move the receiver based on the direction of the detected signal source and the intensity of the signal.

6. The in-vehicle device according to claim 5, wherein the controller guides the receiver in a direction to move so that the signal strength increases.

7. The aforementioned controller, The in-vehicle device according to claim 6, which associates the signal strength with the direction of the signal source from which the signal was received, and guides the direction in which to move the receiver so that the signal strength increases, based on information plotted around the receiver.

8. The in-vehicle device according to claim 7, wherein the controller guides the direction in which to move the receiver such that the signal strength increases in the effective area, which excludes the blocked area where the signal is not received when the receiver is installed within the normal range.

9. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the controller guides the current mounting state of the receiver according to the number of signal sources from which the signal has been received.

10. An in-vehicle device having a receiver installed inside the vehicle's passenger compartment that receives signals from a signal source located outside the vehicle, The in-vehicle equipment and an information processing device capable of communicating with the aforementioned in-vehicle equipment Equipped with, The aforementioned information processing device is Based on information regarding the signal received by the receiver, the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver is detected. Based on the direction of the detected signal source, the direction in which the receiver will move is set. The aforementioned in-vehicle equipment is An information processing system that guides the direction in which to move the receiver, as set by the information processing device.

11. A guidance method for guiding the mounting position of a receiver installed inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and receiving signals from a signal source located outside the vehicle, Based on the signal received by the receiver, the direction of the signal source relative to the receiver is detected. A guidance method for guiding the direction in which to move the receiver based on the direction of the detected signal source.

Images