Electronic machines, etc.

Abstract

There are users who want to equip their vehicles with electronic devices that match their hobbies and preferences. We also provide technology that meets the needs of users who desire devices with a strong design and character. [Solution] The device comprises a main body 101 and a fixing part 102 for mounting the main body on the vehicle's dashboard. The main body comprises a housing 1011 formed using a first resin (PVC), a case part 1017 formed using a second resin (ABS resin) which is harder and more heat-resistant than the first resin, and a main body 101 having a first substrate 201 and a second substrate 202 housed in the case part. The exterior of the housing forms a figure. The case part is mounted inside the housing and supports the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, electronic devices and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a radar detector having a notification function that is mounted at a predetermined position inside a vehicle and notifies a user when the vehicle has a predetermined proximity relationship with a predetermined target is known. Patent Document 1 describes a radar detector that notifies information about a target in a predetermined positional relationship based on the current position information of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional radar detectors and the like have various problems that have not been solved. One object of the present invention is to provide a technology for solving the problems of conventional electronic devices and the like.

[0005] The problems described above are presented as independent issues, and the present invention is not necessarily required to solve all of them. The purpose of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the applicant intends to obtain rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc., for configurations that aim to achieve the effects derived from the components disclosed in this specification and the drawings. For example, problems that can be described as "~can be achieved" in this specification are disclosed here if reinterpreted as "~is the problem." The problems are presented as independent issues, and the applicant intends to obtain rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc., for configurations that solve these problems individually. Even if a problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include a part of the configuration described in this specification in the claims through amendment or a divisional application. Problems that combine these independent problems are also disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) It is preferable to provide an electronic device for mounting in a vehicle, comprising a figure part formed using a first resin, a case part formed using a second resin that is harder and more heat-resistant than the first resin, and a main body part having a circuit board housed in the case part, wherein the case part is mounted inside the figure part, and the case part supports the figure part.

[0007] In this way, the appearance of the electronic device takes the shape of a figurine. The electronic device is no longer a bland, rectangular shape, but can be tailored to the user's tastes and preferences, and can be offered with rich design and character. The circuit board, which performs the electronic device's functions, is housed and protected within the case. The figurine part is also supported by the case.

[0008] The first resin used to form the figure can be one or more resins. Since the figure will house a case, it is best to form it by combining multiple parts. The multiple parts may be manufactured using the same resin, but it is also good to use different resins for some of them. The first resin should be a soft resin that can reproduce fine details.

[0009] (2) The first resin may be PVC and the second resin may be ABS resin.

[0010] In this way, the figure can be manufactured using PVC, and the case can be manufactured using ABS resin. Because PVC has good moldability, the figure can be manufactured using PVC, allowing for the creation of the figure's unique and intricate shape, thus enhancing its design and character appeal. The case, being made of ABS resin, has good heat resistance, allowing it to maintain its shape and support the figure even when the ambient temperature rises to the point where PVC softens.

[0011] (3) It is preferable to have a function that provides notification with sound and light based on the current location, rather than using an alarm screen.

[0012] In this way, the electronic device can be configured without a display screen, while still maintaining its figurine-like appearance.

[0013] (4) The figure part may be provided with ears that protrude above the head, and the ears may constitute a light-emitting part that provides notification with light.

[0014] This configuration causes the ear-like protrusions on the top of the head to light up, alerting the user. The ear-like protrusions are positioned on top of the head, making their illumination highly visible, which is advantageous.

[0015] The material used to construct the ears may be the same as the material used to manufacture the head and torso of the figure, but it is preferable to use a different material. If a different material is used, it is preferable to use a material that transmits light well. Since the shape of the ears is relatively simple compared to the clothing on the head and torso of the figure, it is not necessary to use a soft resin that can reproduce fine details. The resin used for the ears may be polycarbonate, for example, and it is even better to mix in a diffusing agent.

[0016] (5) The ear portion may be painted black on the back side and configured to emit light on the front side.

[0017] This configuration prevents light from being emitted from the back of the earpiece. Since only the inside emits light and the back is black, the user can easily identify the illuminated state even in bright environments such as daytime. Furthermore, it suppresses the emission of light towards the front of the vehicle. The black paint should reflect light from the back, allowing it to travel forward. This allows for efficient emission of light towards the user's location in front.

[0018] (6) The ear portion is provided in two on the left and right sides, and the two ear portions are integrally formed together with the connecting member that connects them, and the connecting member is provided with a mounting hole in the center.

[0019] In this way, the left and right ear sections can be manufactured from a single part, and the two ear sections can be fixed together using the holes. Furthermore, if a light source such as an LED is placed below the ear section, some of the light directed towards the ear section will travel through the connecting member, but the holes create resistance to light propagation, making it difficult for light to reach the opposite ear section.

[0020] (7) LEDs are placed on the outside of the bottom of the ear portion, so that the light from the LEDs travels through the inside of the ear portion, the LEDs are attached to the beveled slanted edges on both sides of the upper end of the substrate and emit light diagonally outward and upward, and the bottom of the ear portion is positioned along the slanted edges.

[0021] In this way, the ear part has a layout arranged obliquely upward and outward, and light can be efficiently irradiated onto the ear part in such a posture. The ear part has an interesting shape inclined obliquely outward and can be shaped like cat ears.

[0022] The light emitted from the ear part is preferably indirect light that propagates and emits the light of a light source such as an LED instead of the ear part directly emitting light. Also, the bottom of the ear is curved to facilitate the collection of light from a light source arranged opposite to the outside.

[0023] (8) It is preferable that the front upper side of the case part has a protruding part that protrudes forward, the internal space of the figure part has a recess into which the protruding part can be inserted, and the case part supports the figure part with the protruding part fitted into the recess.

[0024] In this way, the case part can support the figure part above. For example, even if the first resin constituting the figure part softens, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the upper side of the figure part collapses. The upper part of the figure part is often where the head of the character is arranged, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the neck breaks.

[0025] (9) It is preferable that the front surface of the protruding part and the inner surface of the recess facing the front surface are adhered with an adhesive member.

[0026] In this way, the case part and the figure part are adhered with an adhesive member, and the two stick firmly together. The case part can firmly hold the figure part to be adhered. The adhesive member may use, for example, double-sided adhesive tape. Also, the adhesive member may use an adhesive such as bond. In either case, it is preferable to use a member with good heat resistance. The member with good heat resistance should maintain the adhesive force even at the indoor temperature of a vehicle parked under the scorching sun, for example.

[0027] (10) A speaker is disposed within the internal space of the head of the figure portion, no hole is provided on the front surface side of the head of the figure portion, and the speaker is configured to output sound rearward from a hole provided on the rear surface side of the head.

[0028] In this way, the sound from the speaker can be reported outside the figure from the hole provided on the rear side of the head. Also, the configuration can be such that no hole is provided on the front surface side of the head of the figure portion. Since the user can hear the sound from around the head, the user can feel as if the character of the figure is speaking. Also, the front surface side of the head of the figure portion is an area that the user can directly face and visually recognize, and no hole is formed in that area. That is, since the user cannot visually recognize that there is a hole within the visible range, a form that does not look like an electronic device can be achieved. Since the front side of the head is often where the face is located and there is no hole in the face, the character-likeness of the figure portion is prominent.

[0029] (11) An operation portion is provided on the rear surface side of the head of the figure portion. The operation portion is disposed in a region on the right side when viewed from the front side, and the speaker is preferably disposed on the left side of the operation portion.

[0030] In this way, the operation portion can be positioned in the region on the right side on the side of the placement surface of the figure portion. Also, the speaker and the operation portion can be arranged side by side horizontally. Since the operation portion is located in the region on the right side when viewed from the front, for example, it is easy to touch the operation portion with the right hand and easy to operate. Since the operation portion is disposed on the rear side, it is less likely to be visually recognized or is difficult to be visually recognized by a user positioned in the front, improving the figure-likeness.

[0031] (12) The top surface on the tip side of the operation portion protrudes from the surface of the head, and the top surface is preferably an inclined surface that conforms to the surface of the hair of the figure portion.

[0032] This configuration allows the top surface of the control unit to protrude outward from the surface of the head. The user can locate the protruding top surface by touch without having to look at the control unit and operate it. The shape of the top surface matches the shape of the hair. When the user views the control unit from the back of the figure, the top surface blends in with the hair, resulting in little or no sense of incongruity. In addition, the normal direction to the surface of the figure's head often points diagonally outward towards both sides. If the shape of the hair is also made to point diagonally outward to match this, it is best to position the control unit in a diagonally outward-facing position. In this case, the top surface of the control unit also becomes a sloping surface that points diagonally outward, making it easier for the fingertips of the right hand to fit into the sloping top surface when reaching around from the right side.

[0033] (13) The device is equipped with a light-emitting section, and the operation section is provided with two units, one above the other. The control unit mounted on the circuit board is configured to adjust the volume of the speaker and the light intensity of the light-emitting section based on the operation of the two operation sections.

[0034] In this configuration, the control unit can adjust both volume and light intensity based on the operation of the control unit. Since there are two control units, one above the other, the user can understand which control unit they are touching without directly looking at them. Intended operation can be performed without directly looking at the control unit. Adjustments should ideally be in the form of increases or decreases. In this configuration, since the control units are arranged vertically, assigning the upper control unit to increase instructions and the lower control unit to decrease instructions allows the user to operate it intuitively. The control unit can be used for both volume and light intensity adjustments, reducing the number of parts. Reducing the number of control units reduces the appearance of an electronic device and increases the appearance of a figurine, which is desirable.

[0035] (14) The operating part may be formed of the second resin.

[0036] In this way, the operating section can be manufactured using a second resin that is harder and has better heat resistance than the first resin. Therefore, operability is improved. Furthermore, it is preferable for the operating section to be linked to a switch on the circuit board and incorporated into the case. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture it using the same second resin as the case.

[0037] (15) The figure part comprises, from top to bottom, a head, a neck, and a torso, wherein the neck is slender and constricted compared to the head and the torso, and the torso is configured to have clothing that flares out at the bottom.

[0038] This approach allows for a larger head and torso in the upper and lower parts of the figure, resulting in a slender neck. The slender neck makes the character appear younger. The larger head compared to the neck provides ample space for mounting internal components. Additionally, the figure's thickness can be varied in different areas; for example, the face area can be made thinner, while the flared lower section can be made thicker, maintaining some internal space, to lower the center of gravity.

[0039] (16) The figure part has a front part and a rear part, and the boundary between the front part and the rear part should be positioned in an inconspicuous location.

[0040] This approach allows for a figure design where the boundary between the two parts is inconspicuous, enhancing the figure's realism. To minimize the visibility of the boundary, it's best to place it in an inconspicuous location. Inconspicuous locations include, for example, along the arm of the figure / character, or on the back of an accessory attached to the head, such as a headband. Since a line will appear at the boundary (joint surface), it's best to place the boundary in a location where it's not clearly visible. The front part should represent the front half of the figure, and the back part the back half. For example, dividing it into upper and lower halves may result in the boundary being visible to the user, potentially detracting from the design, but this risk is reduced by dividing it into front and back.

[0041] (17) The terminal for connecting the power cable is provided on the lower side of the figure, and when installed in the vehicle, the terminal and the connector attached to the terminal on the tip of the power cable are configured not to be visible from the outside.

[0042] This method hides the power terminals and connectors attached to them during installation. It eliminates the appearance of electronic equipment and enhances the figurine's aesthetic. It aligns with the user's desire to avoid plugging anything into their figurine.

[0043] (18) The power cable should be routed out through the space between the lower end of the figure and the mounting surface.

[0044] In this way, the power cable can be routed to the outside through the space between the lower end of the figure and the mounting surface. For example, the power cable will not protrude from the back of the figure, and can be routed without looking out of place.

[0045] (19) The storage medium mounting section is provided on the lower side of the figure section, and when installed in the vehicle, the mounting section is not visible from the outside, and the storage medium is inserted into and removed from the mounting section from below.

[0046] In this way, the storage medium mounting area is positioned on the underside of the figure, making it invisible when the electronic device is installed. The underside of the figure becomes the mounting surface. Because the mounting area is not visible, it eliminates the appearance of an electronic device and enhances the figure's aesthetic. For example, if the mounting part is placed on the back side, avoiding the mounting surface, the storage medium would be inserted into the back of the figure, which is undesirable from a user's perspective. Electronic devices should be designed to align with the user's desire not to insert anything into their figures.

[0047] (20) The storage medium mounting section is provided on the lower side of the figure section, and when installed in the vehicle, the mounting section is not visible from the outside, and the storage medium is inserted into and removed from the mounting section from below, and the mounting section is preferably positioned in front of the terminal section.

[0048] This configuration allows the power cable connector to be positioned behind the recording medium slot. Because the power cable is routed to the rear, it does not obstruct the recording medium slot. The recording medium can be inserted and removed while the power cable is still attached.

[0049] (21) The figure part has a front part and a rear part, and the case part has a front case and a rear case which are divided into two parts front and rear, and the front case and the rear case are connected by predetermined fixing means, and the front case has a protruding portion that protrudes forward on the upper front side, and the front part has a recess into which the protruding portion can be inserted, and the front case supports the front part when the protruding portion is fitted into the recess, and the rear part and the rear case are fixed by screws that are attached from the bottom side, and the screws should not be visible from the outside when installed.

[0050] In this way, the screws used to secure the electronic device are not visible when it is installed. This eliminates the appearance of an electronic device and enhances the appearance of a figurine. The rear part and rear case can be securely fixed with screws. The front part and front case can be fixed by snapping them together. The front case and rear case are connected by a predetermined fixing means. Therefore, the case part can firmly support the figurine part. In this embodiment, the fixing means corresponds to the first screw and second screw and is secured with screws, but adhesives such as glue may also be used.

[0051] (22) The case portion has a front case and a rear case which are divided into front and rear halves, and a part of the side wall of the front case and the rear case is opened, and a space is provided based on the opening when the front case and the rear case are connected, and the periphery of the substrate is inserted into the space.

[0052] In this way, the periphery of the circuit board can be inserted into the space formed by cutting a portion of the case. By cutting a portion of the case (the neck portion), space can be secured for installing the circuit board. Therefore, the case portion that supports the figure and the circuit board that performs the functions of the electronic device can be efficiently housed within the limited internal space of the figure portion.

[0053] (23) The case portion is formed such that the upper portion facing the head of the figure portion is wide, the lower portion facing the torso of the figure portion is narrower and more elongated than the upper portion, the middle portion facing the neck of the figure portion is formed to be narrower than the lower portion, the left and right side edge shapes of the substrate housed in the case portion are formed to correspond to the left and right side edge shapes of the case portion, and the peripheral edge shape of the area of ​​the substrate housed in the upper portion is preferably formed to have a curve.

[0054] This allows the case and circuit board to have shapes that are not simply rectangles but have sections cut out as needed. This allows them to fit into the internal space of the figure section while also securing space for placing necessary components.

[0055] (24) The substrates are preferably connected with a predetermined distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the front and back directions.

[0056] In this configuration, the circuit board housed in the case is connected with the first and second circuit boards facing each other front to back. This increases the rigidity of the circuit board, which, in combination with the case, can support the figure.

[0057] (25) The upper edge of the substrate may be provided with an antenna unit that extends horizontally.

[0058] In this way, the antenna unit can be mounted in an acrobatic position, such as extending perpendicularly to the circuit board. The antenna unit can also be positioned towards the top edge. Therefore, the antenna unit can more easily receive radio waves from above. The antenna unit should be a GPS unit that receives GPS signals. If there are multiple circuit boards, such as two as in (19), it is best to mount it on the top edge of at least one circuit board. In that case, it is best to ensure that it does not come into contact with other circuit boards.

[0059] (26) The antenna unit comprises a patch antenna with electrical connection pins protruding from its lower surface and an antenna substrate to which the patch antenna is attached, the antenna substrate having through holes for inserting the connection pins, and the connection pins and the antenna substrate are configured to be soldered to predetermined positions on the substrate to which the antenna unit is attached.

[0060] In this configuration, the patch antenna has electrical connection pins protruding straight down from its underside, penetrating the antenna board and extending downwards. The connection pins can then be soldered to the board, and the antenna board can also be soldered to its designated position to secure it. This increases the number of soldering points and thus the strength of the connection. The soldering of the connection pins and the soldering of the board to the antenna board can be performed in the same process.

[0061] (27) The main body portion is provided with a fixing portion for attaching it to the installation position, and the fixing portion comprises a stay connectable to the case portion and a base portion for attaching the stay, and the base portion is configured to be fixed to the mounting part of the vehicle.

[0062] In this way, the main body, which includes the figure, can be installed in the designated location using the fixing part. Since the stay connects to the case, the case and, consequently, the figure, are supported in a stable position on the fixing part. The stay should ideally be interchangeable with parts used to mount electronic devices such as ordinary radar detectors that do not have a figure.

[0063] (28) A cushion member may be provided on the base portion, and the figure portion may be configured to be in contact with the cushion member.

[0064] This method helps to prevent the figure from coming into contact with the base. For example, vibrations from the vehicle may cause the fixing part and the figure to repeatedly come into contact and separate. In this case, if the contact area on the fixing part side is made of resin or similar material, there is a risk of rattling or other abnormal noises occurring. The cushioning material can suppress the occurrence of such abnormal noises as much as possible. Rather than covering the entire top surface of the base, it is best to place the cushioning material where the figure is located. It is best not to provide cushioning material in areas where there is no figure.

[0065] (29) The base portion and the stay are detachably connected, and it is preferable that the main body portion be supported in a configuration in which the base portion and the stay are connected, or in a configuration in which the base portion and the stay are separated and the main body portion is supported by the stay alone.

[0066] In this way, users can choose between two versions: one in which the main unit is installed using a fixing part that connects the base and the stay, and another in which the main unit is installed using only the stay as a fixing part. Users can select the appropriate mounting structure according to the situation and install the electronic device in the installation location.

[0067] The inventions described in (1) to (29) above can be combined in any way. For example, one may combine all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. In particular, it is preferable to combine the invention described in (1) with at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward. Alternatively, one may extract any configuration from the inventions described in (1) to (29) and combine the extracted configurations. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", these are not meant to be descriptions that limit the configuration to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that do not fall under these cases or times. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them as well. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the outline of an electronic device 10 relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the external configuration of the main body 101. [Figure 3] This figure shows the external configuration of the fixing part 102. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of electronic device 10. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (A) is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a perspective view showing the main body 101 lifted away from the fixing part 102. [Figure 7] (A) is a front view of the main body 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 8] (A) is its plan view, and (B) is its bottom view. [Figure 9](A) is its left side view, and (B) is its right side view. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure 1011 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a side view of the exploded view. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear and diagonally below. [Figure 13] This is a left side view showing one embodiment of the electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Its base view. [Figure 15] This is its rear view. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the usage state of the electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing an example of ear part 1014. [Figure 18] (A) is its front view, and (B) is its rear view. [Figure 19] (A) is a left side view, and (B) is a top view. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the front part 1012 and rear part 1013 omitted from illustration. [Figure 21] This is an exploded perspective view (part 1) showing the case section 1017. [Figure 22] This is an exploded perspective view (part 2) showing the case section 1017. [Figure 23] This is a dissected perspective view (part 1) showing the case section 1017. [Figure 24] This is a dissected perspective view (part 2) showing the case section 1017. [Figure 25] This is an oblique view (part 1) showing the case section 1017 with the ear parts 1014 connected. [Figure 26] This is an oblique view (part 1) showing the ear part 1014 connected to the case part 1017. [Figure 27]This is an exploded perspective view showing the case section 1017, ear parts 1014, first circuit board 201, second circuit board 202, and antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view (part 1) showing the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view (part 2) showing the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view (part 3) showing the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing the first substrate 201, the second substrate 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 32] This is a side view (part 2) showing the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 33] This is an exploded perspective view showing the first substrate 201, the second substrate 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 34] This is an exploded perspective view (part 1) showing the second circuit board and antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 35] This is an exploded perspective view (part 2) showing the second circuit board and antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 36] This is an exploded perspective view (part 3) showing the second circuit board and antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 37] This is a rear view from the second circuit board side, showing the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 38] This is a front view from the first circuit board side, showing the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 39] This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main body 101 of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41]This is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper part of the ear part 1014, the first circuit board 201, the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203, etc. [Figure 42] This is an exploded perspective view showing the second circuit board 202 and the components mounted on it. [Figure 43] This is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper side of the second substrate 202 and the rear case 1062, etc. [Figure 44] This is a cross-sectional view showing the adjustment button 191, the second circuit board 202, and the components mounted on it (switch 74, cap body 791), etc. [Figure 45] This is an exploded perspective view showing the adjustment button 191, switch 74, and cap body 791. [Figure 46] This is an exploded perspective view (part 1) showing the fixed part 102. [Figure 47] This is an exploded perspective view (part 2) showing the fixing part 102. [Figure 48] This is a perspective view showing the base portion 1022. [Figure 49] (A) is a perspective view showing the stay 1023, and (B) is a perspective view showing the stay 1023 attached to the base portion 1022. [Figure 50] This is a perspective view showing an example of attaching the main body 101 using only the stay 1023. [Figure 51] (A) is a front view showing an example of attaching the main body 101 using only the stay 1023, and (B) is a left side view thereof. [Figure 52] This diagram shows the relationship between stay 1023 and dashboard 41. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. The configuration and shape of the described apparatus are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. In the following description, the numerical labeling of 1st, 2nd, ... is for identifying each element and does not define the number of elements. The following embodiments are examples of embodiments for solving these problems.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention were conceived by the inventors of the present invention in order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0071] [1. Basic configuration of electronic equipment 10] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the electronic device 10 according to the present invention. The electronic device 10 is an electronic device installed in a vehicle 40 and provides various information to the driver and other users. The electronic device 10 provides information that contributes to the driver's safe driving. The vehicle 40 may be a four-wheeled automobile, but is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile; for example, it may be a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels.

[0072] The electronic device 10 has a notification function that notifies the user when the vehicle 40 is in a predetermined proximity relationship with a predetermined target object. The predetermined proximity relationship refers to a relationship in which the vehicle 40 is approaching the target object to a predetermined distance or less, and may further refer to a relationship in which the target object exists in the direction of travel or on the path of the vehicle 40, and the vehicle is approaching that target object to a predetermined distance or less. An example of a target object is a speed enforcement point, which is a location where vehicle speed enforcement is carried out. Vehicle speed measuring devices may be installed at speed enforcement points. Speed ​​enforcement points are determined by taking into consideration factors such as the driving conditions of vehicles (for example, places where vehicles are likely to speed) and the occurrence of traffic accidents (for example, places where the number of accidents is high). An example of a speed enforcement point is that it may be located on a route (road) in which a vehicle travels, such as on a public road, a straight road, a curve, or a point around a curve. There are many types of vehicle speed measuring devices, such as fixed type and mobile type. Mobile devices include, for example, portable type and vehicle-mounted type.

[0073] The electronic device 10 is broadly divided into a main body 101 and a fixing part 102. The main body 101 is fixed to a predetermined installation position using the fixing part 102. In this embodiment, the installation position is the upper surface of the dashboard 41 of the vehicle 40. The fixing part 102 is provided below the main body 101 and is a fixing member for fixing the main body 101 to the predetermined installation position. The fixing part 102 is also called a bracket.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the external configuration of the main body 101. Figure 2(A) is a view of the main body 101 from the upper right of the front. Figure 2(B) is a view of the main body 101 from the upper left of the rear.

[0075] To describe the general structure of the main body 101, the main body 101 has a casing 1011 (an example of a figure part) whose appearance is made up of parts of a figure. The casing 1011 is made up of three parts: a front part 1012 which makes up the front half of the figure, a rear part 1013 which makes up the back half of the figure, and an ear part 1014 which forms both ears as one piece. The casing 1011 has a large head part at the top, and the lower torso part is in a seated position with both legs extended forward. The height of the main body 101 should be, for example, about 10 cm.

[0076] The casing 1011 may be formed from, for example, resin. The front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 may be made from a soft resin that can reproduce the unique and intricate shapes of the figure. The soft resin may be, for example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The casing 1011 manufactured using PVC can reproduce the unique and intricate shapes of the figure. These intricate shapes include, for example, hair and hairstyles, the fine details of clothing, and the shapes of accessories.

[0077] Conventional electronic devices that provide information to drivers that contribute to safe driving, such as the proximity of a predetermined target object, are typically constructed using hard resins such as ABS resin. However, it is difficult to reproduce the fine details of a figurine using ABS resin. A casing manufactured using ABS resin ends up being a simple shape. If a casing with the external shape of a figurine is manufactured using ABS resin, it will look hard and it will be difficult to evoke feelings of cuteness or familiarity in the user.

[0078] The front of the main body 101 allows the front of the seated figure to be seen, and although not shown in the illustration, eyes are drawn on the face area at the front of the head. It is preferable not to have any holes on the front side, including the mouth area. One of the features of the electronic device 10 is that it does not have any holes visible from the front. This feature makes the appearance of the electronic device 10 more like a figure and reduces the feeling of it being an electronic device. Users will be able to empathize more easily with the figure in the casing 1011.

[0079] Furthermore, in addition to not providing holes on the front side of the electronic device 10, it is preferable that components and equipment such as terminals for connecting to the outside that the electronic device 10 has are not visible from the front side of the main body 101. The specific configuration will be described later, but it is preferable that these components and equipment such as terminals for connection be placed on the underside of the housing 1011. As shown in Figure 1, when the electronic device 10 is mounted on the dashboard 41 of the vehicle 40, the housing 1011 is positioned on the fixing part 102, and the underside of the housing 1011 is covered by the fixing part 102. The user cannot see these components and equipment, which further enhances the realism of the figure.

[0080] On the top surface of the housing 1011, the left and right ear portions 1015 of the ear part 1014 are positioned to protrude upward. The left and right ear portions 1015 should be configured to light up.

[0081] On the rear side of the housing 1011, two through-holes 1024 are provided, one above the other, towards the back of the head. The housing 1011 is equipped with two adjustment buttons 191, one above and one below, that pass through the two through-holes 1024. The rear of the housing 1011 has multiple holes 1019 next to the two adjustment buttons 191. As will be described later, a speaker is positioned behind the multiple holes 1019. The holes 1019 are openings for sound from the speaker to be emitted to the outside of the housing 1011. Since the electronic device 10 is configured so that there are no holes visible from the front, the sound output from the speaker is emitted towards the rear through the holes 1019.

[0082] Figure 3 shows the external configuration of the fixing part 102. The fixing part 102 comprises a base portion 1022, a stay 1023 attached from the lower side of the base portion 1022 and protruding upward, a fixing member 1021 provided on the lower side of the base portion 1022, and a cushion member 1025, etc., positioned on the upper side of the base portion 1022. The upper mounting portion 1046 of the stay 1023 is attached to a mounting portion provided on the lower side of the main body portion 101. The fixing part 102 is fixed to the installation position of the vehicle 40 using the fixing member 1021. As a result, the user can use the electronic device 10 with the main body portion 101 fixed on the base portion 1022.

[0083] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 controls each part of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including a processor 111 and a memory 112. The processor 111 has at least one of the following: a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memory 112 is a main memory having, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The processor 111 temporarily stores the program read from the ROM of the memory 112 or from the storage unit 25 in the RAM. The RAM of the memory 112 also provides the processor 111 with a workspace. The processor 111 performs various controls by performing arithmetic processing while temporarily storing data generated during program execution in the RAM. The control unit 11 further includes a timekeeping unit 113 for measuring time. The timing unit 113 is, for example, a real-time clock. The timing unit 113 may be mounted on the motherboard of the processor 111, or it may be externally connected to the processor 111. The control unit 11 may be implemented by one or more hardware elements, one or more software elements, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The audio output unit 14 outputs sound. The audio output unit 14 includes, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

[0085] The location information acquisition unit 17 acquires location information indicating the location of the electronic device 10 (more specifically, its current location). The location of the electronic device 10 can be considered equivalent to the location of the vehicle 40 in which the electronic device 10 is located, and the locations of the driver and other people (occupants) in the vehicle 40. The location information acquisition unit 17 acquires location information (latitude information and longitude information) of the electronic device 10 based on signals from GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The location information acquisition unit 17 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System). The location information acquisition unit 17 may also acquire location information based on signals from 4G, 5G communication or other base station equipment.

[0086] The input unit 19 accepts information from the user. The input unit 19 has adjustment buttons 191 for various adjustments.

[0087] The mounting unit 21 functions as a media holder that holds the storage medium 50 inserted through the storage medium insertion slot 26. The mounting unit 21 writes data to the storage medium 50 and reads data from the storage medium 50. The mounting unit 21 may hold only one storage medium 50, but it may also be configured to hold two or more storage mediums 50 simultaneously.

[0088] The power control unit 22 controls the supply of power to each part of the electronic device 10. The power control unit 22 includes, for example, a power control circuit. The power control unit 22 supplies power supplied from the vehicle 40 side via the terminal section 23 to each part of the electronic device 10. The power control unit 22 may further include a secondary battery, a button battery, or an electric double-layer capacitor (also called a supercapacitor) as a means of power storage. In this embodiment, there is no power switch, but the power control unit 22 may, for example, have a power switch.

[0089] Terminal section 23 is a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device. Terminal section 23 is a terminal for receiving power from an external device. Terminal section 23 has a terminal that conforms to the miniUSB standard, for example. One end of a power cable (e.g., a cigarette lighter plug cable) is connected to terminal section 23. The other end of the power cable is connected to a power supply terminal (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket) provided on the vehicle 40 side, for example.

[0090] Terminal 23 may be connected to an OBDII adapter that can be connected to the OBDII connector (where "II" is the Roman numeral for "2") of the vehicle 40. The OBDII connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector and is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit), and is a terminal that outputs various vehicle information at predetermined intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds). By connecting terminal 23 to the OBDII connector using an OBDII adapter, the electronic device 10 can receive power for operation and acquire vehicle information.

[0091] Vehicle information refers to information about the state of vehicle 40. Vehicle information may include at least one of the following: vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load percentage, throttle position, 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 pedal position, turn signal information (operation of left and right turn signals (ON / OFF)), brake position, steering wheel rotation angle, gear position, and door open / closed status.

[0092] Furthermore, when an OBDII adapter is connected, it is preferable to configure it so that power is supplied without acquiring vehicle information.

[0093] An external battery may be used as the device connected to the terminal section 23 so that the electronic device 10 can operate even without power supply from the vehicle 40. The device connected to the terminal section 23 may be, for example, a device that has a function to support the user's safe driving. Examples of such devices include a device that has a function to photograph the driver (e.g., face) and detect and notify the driver's condition, such as distracted driving and drowsy driving, or a device that has a function to detect and notify obstacles around the vehicle 40 (for example, a device used for vehicle detection for a Forward Vehicle Collision Warning System (FCWS)). Other devices connected to the terminal section 23 may be in-vehicle devices such as a camera, such as a drive recorder, a car navigation system, or a display device.

[0094] The light-emitting part 24 emits light in a predetermined color. The light-emitting part 24 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode. As described above, the ear portion 1015 is configured to light up, and it is preferable to configure it as a light-emitting part. It is preferable to configure the light-emitting section 24.

[0095] The memory unit 25 stores data. The memory unit 25 stores, for example, programs for the control unit 11 to perform various controls. The control unit 11 reads and executes programs from the memory unit 25. The memory unit 25 also stores map data showing maps, information on the type and location of targets, and data for notifying the presence of targets (for example, sound data such as sound effects, background music, and voice messages, image data such as photographs and schematic diagrams, etc.). Targets include, for example, vehicle speed measuring devices (laser type, radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photoelectric type, mobile type, etc.), as well as locations where drowsy driving accidents occur, speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, parking violation monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, red light running deterrent systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, car break-in-prone areas, sharp / continuous curves (expressways), junction / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance notices (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations within PA / SA (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural border notices, roadside stations, viewpoint parking areas, etc.

[0096] The memory unit 25 stores information about targets (for example, location information including longitude and latitude, target type information, etc.) when the electronic device 10 is shipped. The control unit 11 acquires information about newly added targets from the installed storage medium 50 and stores the acquired information in the memory unit 25. It would be even better if the control unit 11 also had a function to store updated information about new targets, etc., in the memory unit 25.

[0097] The storage unit 25 may be an auxiliary storage device implemented using various storage media, such as flash memory (e.g., eMMC, SSD). The storage unit 25 may also be implemented using various storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media.

[0098] Some or all of the various data that are to be stored in the storage unit 25 described above may be stored in the storage medium 50. In this case, the control unit 11 may be provided with a function to access the storage medium 50, obtain information on target objects in the vicinity of the current location, and perform predetermined processing. The same applies to the following description, and the parts that say storage unit 25 may be replaced with storage medium 50 or both.

[0099] [2. Notification function of electronic device 10] The notification function of the electronic device 10 is a function that notifies the user of information using the location information acquisition unit 17, etc. The notification function is a function that notifies information about target objects called POIs (Points of Interest). The notification function has, for example, the functions described below. Notification by the notification function is performed using the output of sound by the sound output unit 14 and predetermined light emission by the light emission unit 24, etc.

[0100] The control unit 11 has a location warning function (generally called a GPS warning). Specifically, the control unit 11 performs warning control by issuing a warning based on the location information of the target object stored in the memory unit 25 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 17. For example, the control unit 11 calculates the distance between the location information of the target object and the location information of the electronic device 10, and performs warning control when the calculated distance reaches a predetermined approach distance. For example, when driving on a highway, the control unit 11 performs warning control when approaching a target object within 2 km, and also performs warning control when it determines that the target object is 1 km away, 500 m away, immediately before, or passed. For example, regarding speed enforcement points inside tunnels, the control unit 11 performs warning control when approaching a target object within 2 km while driving on a highway, and also performs warning control when it determines that the target object is 1 km away or 500 m away. The control unit 11 outputs sound effects, background music, voice messages, etc. from the voice output unit 14.

[0101] Targets that can be controlled by the location warning function include not only speed enforcement points, but also, for example, speed trap areas, mobile speed camera areas, pursuit-type enforcement areas, stop sign enforcement areas, intersection enforcement areas, other enforcement areas, seat belt checkpoints, drunk driving checkpoints, cell phone checkpoints, other checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, traffic signal violation prevention systems, highway traffic police units, N-systems, traffic monitoring systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, service areas, parking areas, highway oases, highway tunnels / continuous tunnels, highway radio reception areas, roadside stations, viewpoint parking, parking lots, public toilets, etc.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may operate only the notification functions set by the user from among the multiple notification functions described above. In addition, a priority may be set for each of the multiple notification functions or for each of the target objects that are the targets of notification, either during the design stage of the electronic device 10 or by user settings. In this case, the control unit 11 may prioritize issuing notifications with higher priority, for example, by making notifications with higher priority more prominent than notifications with lower priority, or by issuing only the notification with higher priority if there is a conflict between notifications with lower priority and notifications with higher priority.

[0103] [3. Configuration of the main body 101 of the electronic device 10] The electronic device 10 is equipped with GPS warnings based on location information. It is preferable to use a radar detector with an internal GPS receiving function. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 in this embodiment has a different shape for the main body 101.

[0104] <3-1. The process leading to the invention> Traditionally, the main body 101 of electronic devices 10 has been rectangular in shape, and although the edges may be rounded, each surface remains flat. In this context, there are users who want to have alarm systems for their cars that match their tastes and preferences. There are also users who want products with a strong design and character.

[0105] Focusing on these user comments, the exterior of the housing 1011 of the main unit 101 was designed to resemble a predetermined figure, as explained in "1. Configuration of the electronic device 10".

[0106] To maintain the figurine-like appearance, the electronic device 10 should not have a display screen for alarms, but instead use sound to announce various information. The electronic device 10 should avoid having any holes or other openings on the front of the figurine that can be directly seen by a user inside the vehicle, and the announcements should be made using the character's voice, with the sound emanating from the back of the head behind the hair.

[0107] Furthermore, the notification function should include a feature that illuminates a designated part of the character, and it is preferable to use light in addition to sound. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment can also be described as a product that alerts the user with sound and color.

[0108] For the light-based notification, it would be good if a part of the figure lights up in accordance with each alarm. The part that lights up should be the ear 1015. The ear 1015 is located on the upper body side and protrudes upward from the figure's head, making it conspicuous, which is good. Because the ear 1015 is in a conspicuous position, its illuminated state is easily visible. The ear part lights up in various colors in accordance with each alarm. In addition, since the ear 1015 is made of a separate component as ear part 1014 from the front part 1012 and back part 1013, it is easy to make only the ear 1015 light up, which is good.

[0109] Other parts to be illuminated besides the ears 1015 include the upper body, such as the head, hair, or parts of the face (e.g., eyes, cheeks), as these will be more noticeable. Other parts to be illuminated include clothing, accessories such as headbands 68, and various other parts.

[0110] In order to enhance the figurine-like appearance of the electronic device 10, the main body 101 of the electronic device 10 should be configured such that, at least from the perspective of a user staying inside the vehicle, the control panel and other electronic device components and equipment that do not appear figurine-like are not visible or are difficult to see. Under these conditions, in order to improve operability, it is advisable to provide a button, such as a volume control, on the side of the back of the head. By placing it on the side of the back of the head, the user can touch the button with their finger by reaching their palm towards the back of the head without having to look directly at the button. Furthermore, in order to operate without looking, like blind typing, it is advisable to use a hard button that has a physical protrusion and can be pressed, rather than a touch-sensitive soft button on the screen.

[0111] Furthermore, PVC was used as the material for the casing 1011. This allowed for the creation of the figure's unique and intricate shape, enhancing its design and character appeal.

[0112] On the other hand, since it will be used on the dashboard 41, heat resistance must be considered. PVC has very low heat resistance, starting to soften at 40 to 50°C and becoming pliable. Furthermore, PVC rubberizes when the temperature exceeds 60 to 70°C. The temperature inside a parked vehicle during the day can exceed 60°C, and at such high temperatures, there is a risk that the PVC will rubberize. A figure made up of a housing 1011 with multiple connected parts may become pliable or floppy in a high-temperature environment, deforming its shape and potentially falling over, and the parts may come apart. For example, if the entire main body 101 is made of PVC and a circuit board and electronic circuits are mounted inside, when the interior temperature rises, such as when parked in direct sunlight, the figure may not be able to maintain its posture and shape, and the circuit board inside may not be protected. In particular, if there are heavy circuit boards or speakers inside, the weight may cause the figure to deform. In the case of electronic devices made solely of PVC, the resin may undergo plastic deformation in high-temperature environments, potentially causing the circuit board inside the device to malfunction. For example, if the exterior is shaped like a figurine, as in this embodiment, and the head is large with a thin neck below it, the neck may bend and collapse under high temperatures, causing the head to droop. Once the neck bends in this way, it undergoes plastic deformation, and even after the temperature returns to room temperature, it may remain bent and not return to its original shape.

[0113] The inventors identified a new challenge: the need to suppress the occurrence of these situations, and devised various inventions. In addition to this new challenge, the inventors also identified various other problems and created configurations to solve them.

[0114] <3-2. Parts made of PVC that constitute the casing 1011, which is in the form of a figure> As described above, the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 that make up the housing 1011 are preferably formed using PVC. The front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 are preferably made by combining multiple parts. The multiple parts are preferably bonded together using an adhesive such as glue. For example, the hair part and the ribbon 69 part are manufactured as separate parts, and the ribbon 69 part is preferably bonded to the hair part in the designated position using an adhesive such as glue.

[0115] A heat-resistant adhesive should be used. This will prevent parts from coming off during use, such as while parked. However, it is advisable to allow for removal to accommodate repairs during manufacturing. For example, if a problem or abnormality is found in the downstream inspection process during manufacturing, it would be good to be able to return to the upstream side, disassemble, and repair / adjust the parts. For example, if too much adhesive is applied, such as by sticking each part together with a thick layer of glue, the parts may not come off, or parts such as clips may break when removed. In this embodiment, the material and amount of adhesive should be such that the parts do not come off during use in high-temperature environments, but can be removed when the desired force is applied for repair. Repairs should be carried out during manufacturing at the factory, rather than based on user requests after the product has been sold.

[0116] Multiple parts can be manufactured using separate molds for each color of resin used. Multiple parts made of the same color of resin can be manufactured using a single mold. This reduces the number of molds used to the number of resin colors used. In this embodiment, parts are formed using three colors of resin: "pink," "skin tone," and "white," and accordingly, three molds are used for each part color. For example, parts such as the face and arms can be formed using skin tone resin, parts such as hair and ribbons can be formed using pink resin, and parts such as clothing can be formed using white resin. Each part formed from each color of resin can be used as is, or it can be painted with a predetermined color. By painting with a predetermined color, the figure's appearance will have four or more colors.

[0117] When a specific color is applied, the underlying material (resin base) color may influence the final color, resulting in an undesirable outcome. For example, painting a part made of black resin pink will result in a darker, almost black appearance. Similarly, painting a part made of white resin a specific color will result in a lighter, almost whitish appearance. On the other hand, increasing the paint film thickness can eliminate or reduce the influence of the resin base. This embodiment makes it possible to achieve the desired color without increasing the film thickness, by using resin and paint in the same color family, thus avoiding influence from the base color. For example, if a part needs to be painted pink, it should be formed using pink resin. It is preferable to mold pink parts together in a single mold. Similarly, if skin-colored parts are needed, they should be molded together in a single mold. Furthermore, applying black paint to white resin reduces the degree to which the paint is pulled by the base color, resulting in a lighter, almost whitish appearance.

[0118] Furthermore, if the hair and ribbon parts are to be made from the same pink resin, it is best to mold them separately in a single mold. Then, the hair and ribbon parts can be attached together with adhesive such as glue after applying the appropriate color paint as needed.

[0119] <3-3. Overall dimensions and shape of the figure> The figures formed from the casing 1011 have a roughly two-head-tall shape, resulting in a large head and a small body. Various parts can be inserted into the head area, but not so much into the lower part. The waist area, in particular, is narrow and cannot accommodate parts. The lower part can be made wider with a skirt to create space for inserting parts.

[0120] The casing 1011 should have a thin wall around the face. Due to the shape of the circuit board, there are constraints on the internal dimensions of the figure's head, while the external dimensions and shape of the figure are fixed. To satisfy these conditions, the thickness of the face area should be thinner than the rest of the casing. By making it this thin, the weight of the face area can be reduced, and the center of gravity can be shifted downwards. Since the casing 1011 is manufactured from PVC, the thickness does not need to be constant, so the thickness can be set appropriately as described above, allowing the desired internal space to be secured while lowering the center of gravity.

[0121] <3-4. Figure Forms> As shown in Figure 7(A), the facial contour and the line from the cheeks to the chin should be sharp and refined. The cheeks should be plump, and the shape should be smooth from the eye sockets to the cheeks. The nose should not be too pointed, the mouth should not have a recess, and there should be no indentations (to represent dimples) on the cheeks. As shown in Figure 16, the eyes and eyebrows should be represented by printing. This will prevent the figure from looking old and bring out its cuteness.

[0122] As shown in Figure 7(B), the shape of the hair on the face should be asymmetrical when viewed from behind.

[0123] As shown in Figure 2, the neck 63 of the figure should be thinner and have a constricted shape compared to the head 61 and torso 62. If the neck is thick and the head and torso are attached, the figure will look older, so it is best to do as in this embodiment. Also, the arms 64 of the figure should be thin. If the arms are too thick and attached, the figure will look a bit older, so it is best to do as in this embodiment. Furthermore, the arms 64 should be positioned so that their size is clearly visible.

[0124] The figure is preferably configured such that the fingertips 67 of the outstretched arm 64 are positioned at the lowest point of the housing 1011. In this way, when the housing 1011 is attached to the fixing part 102, the palm and thus the fingertips 67 will be in contact with the cushioning member 1025. This results in the figure being in a seated position with its legs 65 outstretched and its hands on the ground, which enhances its cuteness.

[0125] <3-5. Figure costumes, etc.> The figures that make up the exterior of the enclosure 1011 should have an outer shape that widens from a predetermined lower part to the bottom end. By making it a widening shape, it is possible to create screw holes, a space for a nameplate, a space for a power cable 51, etc. The nameplate, screws, power cable, etc. can be hidden by attaching them to that space. The part that widens should be configured so that it widens from a certain point downwards. The part that widens should include at least the lower part and may start widening from above the center in the vertical direction.

[0126] The expansive shape should be composed of elements that do not look out of place in the figure's appearance. Elements that do not look out of place include, for example, clothing worn by the figure. For expansive clothing, a skirt is a good choice. A skirt will not look out of place even if the hem spreads out and becomes wavy. By making the lower edge wavy, space can be secured for components that are routed externally, such as the power cable 51.

[0127] The figure may be standing, or it may be in a seated position as in this embodiment. When the figure is seated, the hem of the skirt can be spread out widely, and it will not look unnatural even if the hem of the skirt is positioned at the bottom edge of the casing 1011. Also, when the figure is standing, it is best to make the skirt long so that the bottom edge of the skirt is positioned at the bottom edge of the casing 1011 and hides the feet.

[0128] The upper end of the lower part that has a spreading shape, that is, the reference point where the spreading begins, should be at least at a height that allows for space to place hidden parts such as nameplates, screws, and power cables. In particular, this reference point should be a position where the spreading is necessary and does not look out of place. For example, in the case of a skirt, it should be the upper edge of the skirt, the position where the belt passes through, or around the figure's waist.

[0129] Clothing worn by a figure that flares outwards at the bottom is not limited to skirts; for example, a kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) could also be used. Furthermore, the flared shape is not limited to clothing; parts of the figure itself, such as hair, can also be used. For example, the hair can be made long and extended downwards, allowing power cables to be routed from underneath or between the hair, concealing screws, nameplates, and power cable mounting points on the underside. Using hair has the advantage that parts that are routed outwards, such as the power cable 51, can be routed out from any point in the vertical direction, not just the bottom. In the case of hair, it is sufficient for at least the lower part to flare outwards, and the reference point where the flaring begins can be set to an appropriate position, for example, according to the hairstyle. Also, when using hair to create a flared shape or space, it is preferable to use an outward curl rather than an inward curl.

[0130] <3-6. The front of the lower end of the figure is concealed, while the back is open.> The spreading shape may be uniform around the entire circumference, or it may not be uniform. For example, when the power cable 51 is routed to the rear as in this embodiment, it is preferable to spread it out towards the rear. In this way, the components can be effectively hidden without significantly increasing the footprint of the electronic device 10 and the housing 1011.

[0131] Furthermore, for the flared lower end, it is good to have a section that is raised at the rear but not at the front. If the skirt hem is made to have a wavy shape, it is good to vary the height of the waves, making the front lower and the section at the rear through which the power cable 51 passes higher than the rest. Also, if the skirt hem is made to have a wavy design, the outer edge should be wavy, and a wall section should be provided at the back, extending to the lower end, so that the inside is not visible. The wall section at the back that prevents the inside from being seen should be provided at least along the entire front. At the front, users sitting in the driver's seat, etc., may look at electronic devices at a relatively low eye level, and it is good that the inside of the skirt is not visible in such situations.

[0132] Furthermore, it is preferable not to provide a wall section in the rear where the power cable 51 passes through. The skirt hem may be provided in other sections, but it is also acceptable to have a configuration without a wall section. The rear side is located on the windshield side of the vehicle 40, and when installed, it is often viewed from above at an angle, such as from outside the vehicle. Therefore, even without the aforementioned wall section, the power cable 51, nameplate sticker, fourth screw 1133, etc., which are located inside the skirt, will not be visible, so it is acceptable.

[0133] Furthermore, the lower part of the casing 1011 extends to the bottom edge at the front, concealing internal components, but a portion of the bottom edge at the rear should be raised to allow power cables and other cables to be pulled out.

[0134] <3-7. Components to be placed on the underside of the housing 1011> As shown in Figure 8(B), etc., the storage medium insertion slot 26 and the terminal section 23 are provided on the lower side of the housing 1011. The terminal section 23 is a terminal for power supply and does not transmit or receive data. Various types of terminals such as micro-mini USB, USB, and Type C may be used for the terminal section 23. In this embodiment, a mini USB is used, and an L-shaped connector 511 on one end of the power cable 51 is attached to this terminal section 23. The other end of the power cable 51 is not shown, but it has a connector that connects to a power supply terminal (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket) provided on the vehicle 40 side. Inside the housing 1011 behind the storage medium insertion slot 26, a mounting section 21 is arranged, and the storage medium 50 (e.g., an SD card) inserted from the storage medium insertion slot 26 is set in the mounting section 21. The lower surface of the housing 1011 is provided with a recess 1031. The storage medium insertion slot 26 and the terminal section 23 may be provided on the upper side of the recess 1031.

[0135] <3-7-1. Mounting structure of power cable 51> The recess 1031 provided on the lower side of the housing 1011 forms a recess that serves as a workspace for the user's fingers when inserting or removing the L-shaped connector 511 of the power cable 51 from the terminal section 23. Furthermore, the L-shaped connector 511 attached to the terminal section 23 is housed within the recess 1031 and is configured not to protrude downward from the lower surface of the housing 1011.

[0136] The recess 1031 provided on the lower surface of the housing 1011 has an opening 1016 that opens to the rear side of the housing 1011. The power cable 51 attached to the terminal section 23, which is the power supply socket, passes through the opening 1016, through the space predetermined by the recess 1031 provided on the lower surface of the housing 1011, and is pulled out from the rear outside of the housing 1011. The lower part of the rear part 1013 is the skirt 66 that constitutes the figure's clothing. Also, as shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, etc., the figure is in a seated position with both legs 65 stretched out in front, so the lower end of the skirt 66 is formed to reach the lower end of the housing 1011.

[0137] Furthermore, the shape and form of the skirt 66 is made to be wavy all around, and the lower end is also wavy. The opening 1016 is formed to face the lower rear end of the housing 1011, and the shape of the opening 1016 when viewed from the rear should blend in with the wavy shape of the skirt 66's hem. As described above, the power cable 51 is routed out of the housing 1011 through this opening 1016, so the power cable 51 can be routed out from under the skirt 66's hem without looking out of place.

[0138] When the power cable 51 is pulled out to the outside, the molded portion of the power cable 51, such as the L-shaped connector 511, should be configured to fit within the recess 1031 provided on the underside of the housing 1011. Furthermore, when the electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41 of the vehicle 40, the housing 1011 is mounted on the fixing part 102, so the recess 1031 of the housing 1011 is closed by the fixing part 102. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the molded portion of the power cable 51 should be hidden and not visible from the outside.

[0139] In typical electronic devices where the power cable is detachable, the power cable port is sometimes located on the back of the casing. In this embodiment, since the casing 1011 is designed to resemble a figure, there is a problem in that the port being exposed on the figure's back would not look like a figure. Also, the form in which the power cable is attached to the back and extends outwards is undesirable for a figure. Furthermore, users may not want to plug a connector into the figure from behind and may not want to show the molded part. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 has the terminal section 23 located on the bottom surface of the casing 1011, so that no unnecessary holes are made on the back and the above problems do not occur.

[0140] It is best to slightly lift the hem of the skirt 66 like this so that the power cable 51 can be brought out. With a normal electronic device, a hole would be made in an appropriate position on the back wall to pass the power cable out, or a terminal part for attaching the power cable would be provided on the back wall, but with the housing 1011 of this embodiment, we do not want to make any holes because it is part of the figure's appearance. With the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the cable can be pulled out from the edge of the clothing or accessories without making any holes, while maintaining the swaying and fluttering feeling of the skirt 66 and creating a gap that does not look out of place.

[0141] <3-7-2. Installation position of the mounting section 21 for storage media such as an SD card 50> Similarly, when the electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41, the storage medium 50 such as an SD card attached to the mounting part 21 is hidden by the fixing part 102 and cannot be seen from the outside.

[0142] The storage medium insertion slot 26 is positioned in front of the terminal section 23. As a result, the power cable 51 that is routed to the outside extends to the rear opposite the storage medium insertion slot 26, so that the power cable 51 does not cover the mounting section 21. The storage medium 50 can be attached to and removed from the mounting section 21 while the L-shaped connector 511 of the power cable 51 is attached to the terminal section 23.

[0143] Electronic devices equipped with a storage medium slot may be positioned so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing when installed, taking into consideration the ease of inserting and removing storage media such as SD cards. For example, if the storage medium slot is located on the back of the head, the user can insert and remove the storage media while the electronic device is installed in the vehicle. However, in this configuration, it would look strange for a figurine to have the storage medium slot 26 (also referred to as the "card slot" or "insertion port") visible from the back of the head. Furthermore, the user may feel hesitant to insert the storage media 50 into the back of the figurine's head and may not want to insert or remove the storage media 50 from the back of the head. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electronic device 10 has the storage medium slot 26 located on the bottom surface of the housing 1011, so that no unnecessary holes are made on the back and the above problems do not occur.

[0144] Thus, one of the features of this device is that the storage medium 50, such as an SD card, is inserted from the bottom of the electronic device 10. With typical electronic devices, insertion and removal are done from the back or other sides, avoiding the mounting surface. However, in this case, the slot is deliberately placed on the bottom, where it is not visible when the device is installed, so that the slot is not exposed.

[0145] Furthermore, the mounting section 21 should be a standard push type. Therefore, to insert or remove a storage medium 50 such as an SD card, when the storage medium 50 is mounted in the mounting section 21, it will pop out slightly, and you can then pull it out. When mounted, it is positioned with a predetermined clearance from the mounting surface. That is, the lower end surface of the mounting section 21 should be positioned at a predetermined distance above the lower end of the housing 1011. The recess 1031 should be shaped to be slightly recessed in the upper back side, so that even if the SD card pops out due to vibration, it will not come into contact with the mounting surface, for example, the upper surface of the fixing section 102. The above vibration should be such that, for example, the vibration when the main body 101 is installed on the fixing section 102 causes rattling and prevents the storage medium 50 from coming out.

[0146] In this embodiment, the storage medium insertion slot 26 is provided in the recess 1031 on the lower surface of the housing 1011, that is, on the mounting surface side of the housing 1011, and the storage medium 50 is inserted from below. If it is provided on the mounting surface side, there is a risk that the installed storage medium 50 may come into contact with the mounting surface if it protrudes downwards. However, as described above, it is preferable to set the mounting portion 21 so that it is slightly recessed so that the storage medium 50 does not come into contact with the mounting surface even if it protrudes.

[0147] As described above, the mounting section 21 is of the push type, so when attaching or detaching the storage medium 50, it is necessary to push in the rear edge of the storage medium 50. The recess 1031 provided on the lower surface of the housing 1011 should be slightly widened so that a finger or other object can be inserted when performing the pushing operation on the storage medium 50.

[0148] Furthermore, focusing on the appearance, for example, if a terminal is provided on the back side of the figure (back of the head or back) for inserting a power cable and a storage medium slot is provided for inserting a storage medium, it would be difficult for a user such as a driver to see these while seated in the vehicle 40. However, since the back side of the housing faces the windshield side of the vehicle 40, the back side of the housing is visible from the front outside the vehicle 40. In that case, for example, a user returning to the vehicle 40 from outside might notice the storage medium slot and power cable plugged into the back side of the housing from the windshield side. As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment has the storage medium slot 26 and mounting part 21 on the bottom surface, so even when viewed from outside the vehicle 40, there are no unnecessary holes or cables plugged in, and it can give the impression of being a figure.

[0149] In the embodiment described above, an L-shaped connector 511 is provided on one end of the power cable 51, but the connector can be of various shapes, such as an I-shaped type. Furthermore, the connector portion of the L-shaped or I-shaped connector may be of a fixed shape, or it may be of a type that can change shape and appearance by partially rotating or the like.

[0150] <3-7-3. Placement of nameplate sticker> As shown in Figure 8(B), etc., the electronic device 10 is configured such that a nameplate sticker 1140 is attached to a predetermined position on the top surface of a recess 1031 provided on the lower side of the housing 1011. The top surface of the recess 1031 may be the top surface of the space through which the power cable 51 passes. The nameplate sticker 1140 may, for example, have a serial number printed or engraved on it. The nameplate sticker 1140 is attached to the top surface of the recess 1031 of the housing 1011, and the power cable 51 can be attached and detached. Also, as shown in Figure 14, etc., when the power cable 51 is attached to the terminal part 23, the power cable 51 covers part of the nameplate sticker 1140, hiding the serial number etc. written on the nameplate sticker 1140, and making it impossible to see the whole thing from the outside. The electronic device 10 is configured to attach the nameplate sticker 1140 to the space through which the power cable 51 passes. In addition, a space for the power cable 51 to pass through is secured. Furthermore, the power cable 51 should be positioned so that it is routed within the recess 1031 and then pulled out to the outside. The hem of the skirt can be widened to create space for routing. By winding the cable, the movement of the connector when force is applied to the cable can be restricted, thereby increasing its strength.

[0151] This type of nameplate sticker is often placed in a visible location when the device is installed, such as on the side of the electronic device's casing. In contrast, in this embodiment, it is placed in a location that is not visible or verifiable from the outside when the device is installed. Therefore, the user cannot see the presence of the nameplate sticker that is generally attached to electronic devices, which enhances the figurine's appearance.

[0152] Furthermore, some or all of the serial number and other information on the nameplate sticker 1140 are covered by the power cable 51 and are only visible through the power cable 51. Therefore, if a user removes the main body 101 from the fixing part 102 and looks at the housing 1011 from the bottom side of the main body 101, it becomes difficult to see the contents of the nameplate sticker 1140, and even the existence of the nameplate sticker 1140 itself. Thus, the nameplate sticker 1140, which represents the electronic device 10, becomes less visible, further enhancing the figurine-like appearance.

[0153] In this way, by attaching the power cable 51 and placing the nameplate sticker 1140 at the point where it exits to the outside, it can be installed nicely. Users may not be able to read the serial number etc. written on the nameplate sticker 1140, or it may be difficult to read, but it is not necessary for the serial number etc. to be readable. In other words, it is sufficient for the repair company etc. to be able to read the serial number etc. when repairs are performed. Furthermore, when the power cable 51 is unplugged, the nameplate sticker 1140 is exposed and the serial number etc. can be checked, which is good.

[0154] <3-8. Structure of the joint between front part 1012 and rear part 1013> As shown in Figure 5, the housing 1011 is constructed by joining a front part 1012 having a recess that opens at the rear and a rear part 1013 having a recess that opens at the front, with the front end portions of the open sides of each part butted together, and further by positioning the ear parts 1014 to be sandwiched in between when the parts are butted together.

[0155] The boundary between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 should be designed to be inconspicuous. The shape of each part should be such that the boundary is in an inconspicuous location.

[0156] As described above, the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 are formed by attaching multiple parts, each molded in a predetermined mold, to each other using an adhesive such as glue. The housing 1011 of this embodiment is assembled with the molded parts without deburring and with the predetermined paint applied. Therefore, when setting the position of the boundary between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013, it is best to ensure that burrs and gaps are not noticeable. For example, in figures like "Nendoroids" that are deburred and painted, the boundary becomes inconspicuous regardless of its position. In contrast, the housing 1011 of this embodiment uses a clever positioning of the boundary to make it less noticeable. Since a line will appear at the boundary (joint surface), it is best to place the boundary in a position where it is not clearly visible. Also, there are types of "Nendoroids" where parts are interchangeable, and in such types, the idea of ​​making the boundary less noticeable is not originally present.

[0157] The inconspicuous locations should be, for example, along the arm 64, or on the underside of the headband 68 or frills attached to the head 61, or in other places that are as invisible as possible. For the head 61, the boundary should be along the curve of the hair. Also, the inconspicuous boundary should be positioned such that the leg 65 curves around and extends forward, positioned on the front part 1012 side, and the base of the leg 65 extends from the hem of the skirt 66 attached to the back part 1013.

[0158] The appearance of the figure on the exterior of the housing 1011, including the hairstyle and clothing design, should be created based on the original character's appearance and faithfully reproduced without altering the original character's appearance. In this embodiment, the storage medium insertion slot 26 and terminal section 23 are located on the bottom surface of the housing 1011 so that they are not visible from the outside, and the power cable 51 is routed from under the hem of the skirt 66 to the rear side, thus preserving the original character's appearance. Furthermore, the housing 1011 is made of PVC, and its softness can be adjusted by changing the amount of plasticizer added to the PVC.

[0159] <3-9. Ear parts 1014> As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the ear part 1014 comprises a connecting plate portion 1050 and left and right ear portions 1015 provided at both ends of the connecting plate portion 1050. The connecting plate portion 1050 is a strip-shaped plate that extends left and right in a vertical plane in the vertical direction when attached to the housing 1011, and has a shape in which both the left and right ends 1051 in the longitudinal direction extend diagonally upward. The ear portions 1015 are connected to the tips of the ends 1051. The ear portions 1015 are arranged along the direction in which the ends 1051 extend diagonally. As a result, the left and right ear portions 1015 are each positioned diagonally, and when mounted on the housing 1011, they are positioned to protrude diagonally outward from the head 61 to the left and right (see Figure 2, etc.). In this way, the left and right ear portions 1015 protrude diagonally outward, creating a cat-ear-like shape that enhances its cuteness.

[0160] The ear portion 1015 is formed in a roughly triangular pyramidal shape, with an opening at the front. The internal space of the recessed portion 1056, which opens at the front, becomes the interior of the ear portion 1015 of the figure. The bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the connecting plate portion 1050, following the slope of the ear portion 1015, and forms an upwardly convex curved surface. The dimensions and shape of this curved surface should be such that they correspond to the curved surface of the head 61 on which the ear portion 1015 is placed.

[0161] The ear part 1014 may be integrally molded into a desired shape using a predetermined resin. The predetermined resin may be, for example, polycarbonate mixed with a diffusing agent. By forming the milky white material constituting the ear part 1014 as if it were mixed with a diffusing agent, light can be diffused and propagated within the ear part 1014, allowing light to be guided through the resin. Polycarbonate is preferable to ABS resin because it has better heat resistance. The ear part 1014 is formed from polycarbonate mixed with a diffusing agent, and the material color is milky white. As a result, the resin constituting the ear part 1014 becomes a light-guiding path. For example, when light is shone from the outside onto a predetermined position on the ear part 1014, the shone light spreads and propagates through the resin. Therefore, for example, when light is shone from the outside onto the bottom part 1057, the entire ear part 1015 emits light.

[0162] <3-9-1. Paint the back of the ear area black> In this embodiment, the outer rear portion 1018 of the ear portion 1015 is painted black. The outer rear portion 1018 of the ear portion 1015 is painted black to block light, so that only the inside of the ear portion 1015 is illuminated. As a result, as described above, light irradiated from the outside of the bottom portion 1057 causes the inner wall surface of the ear portion 1015 to emit light. Because the outer rear portion 1018 is painted black, light irradiated onto the ear portion 1015 from the rear side is blocked. Therefore, even in bright surrounding spaces such as during the daytime, a user inside the vehicle can easily see the illuminated state of the inner surface of the ear portion 1015.

[0163] The electronic device 10 may, for example, not paint the outer back portion 1018 of the ear portion 1015 black, but instead illuminate the entire ear portion 1015. In such a case, for example, in a bright environment such as daytime, the presence or absence of light emission can be seen, but distinguishing the color of the light emission may become complicated.

[0164] On the other hand, when black paint is applied to the outer rear portion 1018 of the ear portion 1015, as in this embodiment, the user can distinguish the luminescent color even in bright environments such as during the day. Furthermore, the rear side of the ear portion 1015 is the front side of the vehicle on which the electronic device 10 is installed, and faces the windshield of the vehicle 40. Since the rear side of the ear portion 1015 does not emit light, no light is visible from the front of the vehicle 40. The ear portion 1015 with black paint applied to the outer rear portion 1018 has lower color visibility during the day than at night, but the color can still be distinguished, and at night, even with the brightness set to maximum, it is not dazzling and it was confirmed that there are no problems in practical use.

[0165] It is also advisable to apply black paint to the unformed front portion 1020 of the recess 1056 of the ear portion 1015. Doing so will make the ear portion 1015 more visible when viewed from the front, as it will be outlined with black paint, regardless of whether it is lit or not. Furthermore, if the ear portion 1015 is lit, the inner surface of the recess 1056 located inside the outline will also light up, making the lit part stand out.

[0166] Furthermore, it is preferable to form fine, uneven wrinkles on the inner surface of the recess 1056. This will diffuse the light more and make the luminescence more visible.

[0167] The detailed configuration will be described later, but the light source for illuminating the ear portions 1015 is an LED 52 placed directly below the outside of each bottom portion 1057 (see Figure 30, etc.). The LED 52 is mounted on a predetermined substrate and configured to emit light towards the bottom portion 1057 of each ear portion 1015.

[0168] <3-9-2. Integral formation at connecting plate portion 1050> The ear part 1014 is formed as a single unit, connecting the left and right ear portions 1015 with a connecting plate portion 1050, which is an example of a connecting member. In this way, the relative positional relationship of the left and right ear portions 1015 is fixed to one position, and the assembly work of placing it between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 can be easily performed. The two ear portions 1015 are formed from one ear part 1014, reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

[0169] Since the ear portion 1015 and the connecting plate portion 1050 are integrally formed, the connecting plate portion 1050 is also made of polycarbonate mixed with a diffusing material. Therefore, light diffuses and travels through the connecting plate portion 1050, functioning as a light guide path. The connecting plate portion 1050 has a hole 1052 in the center in the longitudinal direction. This hole 1052 is for attaching the ear part 1014 to a predetermined location, but it acts as resistance to light diffusing and traveling through the connecting plate portion 1050 in the longitudinal direction, hindering the light's diffusion and making it difficult for the light to travel.

[0170] Therefore, some of the light emitted from the LED 52 on one ear portion 1015 passes through the connecting plate portion 1050 and travels toward the other ear portion 1015. However, the optical path length is longer compared to reaching the ear portion 1015 directly above, the hole portion 1052 acts as resistance and suppresses diffusion, and because the LED 52 emits light toward the bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015, the amount of light that bypasses and travels toward the connecting plate portion 1050 is inherently small. As a result, it is possible to suppress the emission of light from the other ear portion 1015 by the light emitted from the LED 52 on one ear portion 1015.

[0171] If the illumination states of the left and right LEDs 52 are controlled to be different so as not to affect the illumination of the opposite ear portion 1015, the illumination states of the left and right ear portions 1015 can be made different.

[0172] <3-10. Configuration to prevent deformation of the casing at high temperatures (An internal structural assembly with a heat-resistant resin is mounted inside the casing)> To suppress deformation of the PVC housing 1011 in high-temperature environments, the main body 101 may have a structure in which a case portion 1017, formed from a resin with good heat resistance and high strength, is mounted inside the housing 1011 (see Figure 5, etc.). The resin used to form the case portion 1017 should not soften at 40 to 50°C, when PVC begins to soften, and should have heat resistance that can withstand the high-temperature environment inside a parked car. For example, ABS resin, more preferably heat-resistant ABS resin, is preferable. Alternatively, polycarbonate may be used as a resin with good heat resistance. ABS resin has better fluidity and moldability than polycarbonate, and is also cheaper. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the case portion 1017 was formed using ABS resin. Polycarbonate has higher heat resistance than ABS resin. For electronic devices 10 intended for locations with higher temperatures, polycarbonate may be used for the case portion 1017.

[0173] The main body 101 has a case 1017 made of a heat-resistant resin mounted inside the housing 1011. Therefore, when exposed to high-temperature environments such as the interior of a parked car, the PVC that makes up the housing 1011 softens, but the ABS resin that makes up the case 1017 does not. Thus, the case 1017 remains upright and maintains its original predetermined shape and posture even in a high-temperature car interior. Furthermore, the case 1017 supports the housing 1011 from the inside, preventing the housing 1011, which is made of PVC that softens at high temperatures, from falling over. The case 1017 maintains the posture of the housing 1011. Even when the housing 1011 becomes soft, it remains attached to the case 1017 and does not fall over. Therefore, even if the electronic device 10 is left in the interior of a parked car in direct sunlight, plastic deformation of the housing 1011 can be prevented. If the case is constructed using only the housing 1011 without incorporating the case section 1017, the housing 1011 may soften at high temperatures, potentially causing the neck to break and the head to droop. Once the neck breaks, that part undergoes plastic deformation and remains bent even after the temperature returns to room temperature.

[0174] The housing 1011, whose orientation is maintained by the case portion 1017, does not undergo plastic deformation. Therefore, even if it softens temporarily due to high temperatures, it returns to its original hardness when it returns to room temperature. Thus, if no load is applied when it softens, it returns to its original shape. The electronic device 10 should be designed so that the housing 1011 is fitted into the case portion 1017 and held and supported as a whole, so that the housing 1011 does not deform at high temperatures.

[0175] Without a case, figures made of PVC may bend and collapse at high temperatures. If PVC is only fixed to itself, the fixing parts (claws, etc.) may come loose, causing the parts to separate and the figure to collapse. In this embodiment, the housing 1011 that makes up the figure is fixed to a hard case part 1017, so it maintains an upright posture.

[0176] Furthermore, this case section 1017 houses a circuit board equipped with circuits for various processing operations. As mentioned above, even if the temperature inside the vehicle rises, such as when parked in direct sunlight, the case section 1017 does not soften and maintains its shape, thus protecting the circuit board mounted inside.

[0177] The case section 1017 is made of heat-resistant ABS resin, and the circuit board is housed inside the case section 1017 to form an assembly. The main body section 101 is constructed by covering this assembly, which consists of the case section 1017 containing the circuit board, with figure parts made of PVC (see Figure 5, etc.). As a result, even in high-temperature environments, the PVC softens, but the hard resin parts (e.g., ABS resin) inside the main body section 101 can maintain its posture and other properties. In this embodiment, the case section 1017 containing the circuit board serves as the internal structure assembly, and workers can attach, detach, or replace the entire assembly inside the housing 1011.

[0178] <3-11. Enclosure 1011 and Case Section 1017> The dimensions and shape of the internal space of the enclosure 1011 should be determined based on the height of the figure, for example, about 100 mm in a seated position, and the dimensions and shape of the case section 1017 and the circuit board housed within it should be determined accordingly. The internal space of the enclosure 1011 should be determined based on how large it needs to be to accommodate the internal structure. The external dimensions and shape of the enclosure 1011 should then be determined considering the dimensions and shape of the internal space determined above. If the manufacturer of the internal structure assembly and the manufacturer of the enclosure 1011 are different, for example, the manufacturer of the internal structure assembly should determine the minimum dimensions of the internal space required to accommodate the internal structure and communicate this to the manufacturer of the enclosure 1011. The manufacturer of the enclosure 1011 should then model the exterior based on the provided dimensions and create a 3D model. Both manufacturers should then adjust the shape and dimensions based on the modeling to finally determine the dimensions and shape of the enclosure 1011. For example, you can communicate about things like, "I'd like this part changed a little," or "I'd like the center raised a bit," and then finalize the shape through that process.

[0179] As shown in Figures 5, 20 to 26, etc., the case section 1017 is divided into two parts, front and rear, comprising a front case 1061 and a rear case 1062, which are joined by butting a portion of the ends of their openings together. The front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are each formed using heat-resistant ABS resin. When using ABS resin, it is necessary to maintain a consistent wall thickness, so the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are each formed with a thickness of, for example, 1.5 mm. Therefore, the case section 1017 is lightweight because it is dense and not solid inside, and even if the upper external dimensions are large, the center of gravity does not rise too high, resulting in good vertical balance.

[0180] On the other hand, the casing 1011 that constitutes the exterior of the figure is formed using PVC, and unlike ABS resin, it does not need to have a uniform thickness, so the thickness is variable, sometimes thick and sometimes thin, to reproduce the unique and intricate shape of the figure. Furthermore, the thickness of the casing 1011 is generally thicker than the thickness of the case part 1017. In addition, since the case part 1017 is mounted inside the casing 1011, the external dimensions of the casing 1011 are larger than the external dimensions of the case part 1017. Therefore, the volume of ABS resin used in the case part 1017 is sufficiently smaller than the volume of PVC used in the casing 1011. Although the specific gravities of PVC and ABS resin are different, the case part 1017 is much lighter than the casing 1011. As will be described later, the shape of the circuit board mounted inside the case section 1017 is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom in accordance with the shape of the case section 1017, so it appears that the center of gravity is high. However, the components mounted on the circuit board are light, and the overall structure is light, so the center of gravity of the circuit board with the components mounted on it is not that heavily biased upwards. Therefore, the entire internal structure assembly is much lighter than the housing 1011.

[0181] As a result, the center of gravity of the entire main body 101 is affected by the center of gravity of the housing 1011 that constitutes the figure. For example, the shape of the figure can be designed such that the bottom of the skirt 66 flares out, and the thickness of the PVC located inside the skirt 66 can be increased, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the housing 1011.

[0182] Since PVC has no thickness limitations, the shape of the figure can be created only on the outside of the housing 1011, and the internal space can be made to match the dimensions and shape of the case part 1017, regardless of the outside. In addition, a structure to lower the center of gravity can be created, for example, by placing a large block inside the lower part of the housing 1011.

[0183] Thus, the internal structure assembly of the figure, that is, the internal structure assembly implemented within the housing 1011 that forms the figure, is larger at the top, and its center of gravity is located above the vertical center. The electronic device 10 is designed with balance in mind so that the center of gravity, including the outer figure, is lower. The weight of the figure part is much heavier than the weight of the internal circuit board part. Therefore, if the center of gravity of the figure part is adjusted to be lower, the center of gravity of the entire electronic device 10 will also be lower.

[0184] The electronic device 10 comprises a case section 1017 for housing a circuit board and a housing 1011 which serves as a figure section housing the case section 1017. The case section 1017 is formed with a constant thickness, while the housing 1011 is formed with an irregular thickness. The housing 1011 is made thicker at the bottom so that the center of gravity of the figure section is located lower down, and the overall structure, including the case section 1017 and the circuit board, is configured so that the center of gravity is also located lower down.

[0185] <3-12. Configuration of Case Section 1017> As shown in Figures 20 to 26, the front case 1061 has an opening at the rear and comprises a wide upper portion 1063, a narrow lower portion 1064, and an intermediate portion 1065 connecting them. The upper portion 1063, the lower portion 1064, and the intermediate portion 1065 all have shallow recesses. The intermediate portion 1065 is even narrower in width than the lower portion 1064. The intermediate portion 1065 is formed to be even shallower than the other portions. Because the front case 1061 has a constant thickness, the shallow intermediate portion 1065 has an outer surface that is one step lower than the other portions, and its thickness is also thinner, resulting in a constricted shape. The first substrate 201 is placed inside the front case 1061, and the peripheral shape of the rear opening of the front case 1061 is shaped to match the external dimensions of the first substrate 201.

[0186] The outer surface of the upper portion 1063 has a box-shaped projection 1066 that protrudes forward. The upper wall portion 1067 and the lower wall portion 1068 of the box-shaped projection are each provided with multiple ribs 1070 that extend in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. The ribs 1070 on the lower wall portion 1068 are made longer. These ribs 1070 can be used for vertical tuning when attaching the case portion 1017 to the front part 1012 of the housing 1011. In addition, the ribs 1070 may have an inclined surface that becomes lower in height towards the front end. In this way, the length between the upper and lower ends of the vertically arranged ribs 1070 gradually increases towards the rear.

[0187] Furthermore, a plate-like portion 1072 may be positioned upright on the outer surface of the upper portion 1063 at a predetermined distance from the side wall portion 1069 of the box-shaped protruding portion 1066. This plate-like portion 1072 may have a projection 1073 on the tip side of its outer surface (the side not facing the box-shaped protruding portion 1066).

[0188] The upper portion 1063 of the peripheral wall 1077 of the front case 1061 may have first screw holes 1078 extending from the tip toward the rear at predetermined positions on the left and right. The first screw holes 1078 may be cylindrical and have a female screw portion 1079 at the center.

[0189] The lower front end of the lower portion 1064 of the front case 1061 is provided with a groove that serves as the mounting portion 1082 for the main body 101. The mounting portion 1046 of the stay 1023 can be inserted into this groove 1082.

[0190] A claw piece 1083 is provided at a predetermined position on the lower portion 1064 side of the peripheral wall 1077 of the front case 1061, projecting rearward from the tip of the peripheral wall 1077. The predetermined positions are on both the left and right sides near the upper neck portion. The claw piece 1083 extends in an elongated, flat shape, and its tip is curved inward to form a claw portion 1083a.

[0191] The front case 1061 has second screw holes 1085 extending from the tip toward the rear at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the lower portion 1064 of the peripheral wall 1077. The second screw holes 1085 are cylindrical and have a female screw portion 1086 at their center. The tip of the second screw holes 1085 is located on the same plane as the tip of the first screw holes 1078.

[0192] The rear case 1062 has an opening on the front side and comprises a wide upper portion 1093, a narrow lower portion 1094, and an intermediate portion 1095 connecting them. The upper portion 1093, the lower portion 1094, and the intermediate portion 1095 all have shallow recesses. The intermediate portion 1095 is even narrower in width than the lower portion 1094. The intermediate portion 1095 is formed to be even shallower than the other portions. Because the rear case 1062 has a constant wall thickness, the shallow intermediate portion 1095 has an outer surface that is one step lower than the other portions, and its thickness is also thinner, resulting in a constricted shape. The second substrate 202 is placed inside the rear case 1062, and the peripheral shape of the front opening of the rear case 1062 is shaped to match the external dimensions of the second substrate 202. Furthermore, the dimensions and shape of the outer peripheral edge on the front end of the rear case 1062 are made approximately equal to the dimensions and shape of the outer peripheral edge on the rear end of the front case 1061. As a result, when the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are brought together, their ends face each other.

[0193] On the outer surface of the upper portion 1093 of the rear case 1062, a first protruding portion 1111 is provided on the right side and a second protruding portion 1112 is provided on the left side. The first protruding portion 1111 has a vertically elongated space extending in the vertical direction and has two holes 1111a on its tip surface, one above the other. The first protruding portion 1111 houses two adjustment buttons 191, and the tips of the adjustment buttons 191 protrude outward from the holes 1111a. The second protruding portion 1112 has a cylindrical side wall portion 1112a and forms a space for housing the speaker 75. Furthermore, the tip side of the second protruding portion 1112 is open, and it is preferable that the speaker 75 be visible from the outside of the case portion 1017 (rear case 1062). The tip of the second protruding portion 1112 may have a flange portion 1112b that protrudes toward the center, which is a configuration that suppresses the speaker 75 from detaching outward from the second protruding portion 1112. The outer surface of the flange portion 1112b may be provided with a ring-shaped cushion 81. The cushion 81 may be attached and fixed to the flange portion 1112b.

[0194] Thus, the electronic device 10 is characterized by a configuration in which the speaker 75 and the hardware adjustment button 191 (switch) are placed side by side and close together. Furthermore, the speaker 75 and adjustment button 191 are placed on the back of the figure's head, in a location that is not visible from the front. As will be described later, operation with the right hand is assumed, so the adjustment button 191 should be placed on the right half when viewed from the front to make it easy to operate with the right hand, and the speaker should be positioned on the left side accordingly.

[0195] The rear case 1062 is provided with a first screw mounting portion 1116 at a predetermined position on the outer side of the upper portion 1093 of the peripheral wall 1097. The first screw mounting portion 1116 has a hole 1116a into which the shaft portion of the first screw 1118 can be inserted in a through state. The hole 1116a is positioned opposite the female screw portion 1086 of the first screw hole portion 1078 provided in the front case 1061 when the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are abutted together in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0196] Furthermore, a second screw mounting portion 1119 is provided at a predetermined outer position on the lower portion 1094 side of the peripheral wall 1097 of the rear case 1062. The second screw mounting portion 1119 has a hole 1119a into which the shaft portion of the second screw 1120 can be inserted in a through state. The hole 1119a is provided at a position opposite to the female screw portion 1086 of the second screw hole portion 1085 provided in the front case 1061 when the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are butted together in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0197] A connector insertion opening 27 is provided on the lower surface 1096 of the lower portion 1094 of the rear case 1062. The terminal portion 23 is positioned on the back side of this connector insertion opening 27. The connector insertion opening 27 is positioned one level higher than the lower surface 1080 of the front case 1061. As a result, the lower surface 1080 of the front case 1061 is positioned above the lower surface of the housing 1011, and the space below the lower surface 1080 of the front case 1061 forms the recess 1031 of the housing 1011. The connector insertion opening 27 has a predetermined depth, and a portion of the tip of the L-shaped connector 511 of the power cable 51 is inserted into the connector insertion opening 27. Furthermore, the lower portion 1094 of the rear case 1062 may be configured to cover the outside of the lower portion of the terminal portion 23, with the portion facing the upper portion of the terminal portion 23 cut out so that the terminal portion 23 protrudes to the outside (see Figure 25, etc.). By cutting the upper part in this way, the external dimensions of the case section 1017 are reduced, allowing it to be housed within the narrow internal space of the housing 1011. In addition, the lower part of the terminal section 23 is covered by the rear case 1062, which helps to maintain the position of the terminal section 23 even when stress is applied when inserting or removing the L-shaped connector 511.

[0198] The left and right outer surfaces of the lower portion 1094 of the rear case 1062 are provided with locking recesses 1087. The locking recesses 1087 are preferably formed in a position into which the claw portion 1083a can be inserted when the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are positioned and abutted together. That is, the claw piece 1083 is preferably configured to be flat and elastically deformable. When the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are positioned and their tips are brought closer together, the claw portion 1083a contacts the outer surface of the peripheral wall 1097 on the lower portion 1094 side of the rear case 1062, and the pair of left and right claw pieces 1083 elastically deform so that they open outwards. When the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are brought closer together in this manner, the claw portion 1083a overcomes the peripheral wall 1097 and fits into the locking recess 1087. This temporarily fastens the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 together.

[0199] At this time, the first screw hole portion 1078 and the second screw hole portion 1085 are in contact with the first screw mounting portion 1116 and the second screw mounting portion 1119 provided on the rear case 1062, respectively. In this state, the first screw 1118 and the second screw 1120 are inserted into the holes of the first screw mounting portion 1116 and the second screw mounting portion 1119, respectively, and the screws are tightened to fasten the male screw portion to the female screw portion of the screw hole, thereby fixing the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 together.

[0200] Furthermore, the first screw hole portion 1078 protrudes a predetermined length backward from the peripheral wall 1077 on the upper portion 1063 side of the front case 1061. Also, the second screw hole portion 1085 protrudes a predetermined length backward from the tip of the peripheral wall 1077 on the lower portion 1064 side of the front case 1061. Therefore, when the first screw hole portion 1078 and the second screw hole portion 1085 are in contact with the first screw mounting portion 1116 and the second screw mounting portion 119, respectively, the tips of the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are positioned opposite each other at a predetermined distance apart. As a result, a space is secured between the tips of the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062, which are positioned opposite each other, formed by an opening in a part of the side wall.

[0201] Furthermore, the peripheral wall 1077 of the front case 1061 and the peripheral wall 1097 of the rear case 1062 are cut down to a predetermined extent on the tip side. As a result, the distance between the tips of the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 in the cut area becomes longer than the distance formed by the protrusion amounts of the first screw hole portion 1078 and the second screw hole portion 1085 described above, and a wide space is secured in the front-to-back direction. The area to be cut is preferably an area where the width dimension is narrowed, for example, the lower part or the middle part, and in the upper part, it may be the part on the lower side of the forbidden line.

[0202] Then, the periphery of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are inserted and positioned within the space formed in the area where the peripheral walls 1077 and 1097 are cut out of the space formed between the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062. The uncut area is a wide area, and it is preferable that the periphery of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate fit inside the case portion 1017.

[0203] Furthermore, as mentioned above, even in this uncut area, a space is formed between the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 at a predetermined distance from each other. Therefore, it is preferable to place one or both edges of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 in this uncut area as well.

[0204] In the portion where the periphery of the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 are inserted, the width of the circuit board and the width of the case portion 1017 can be made equal, allowing the case portion 1017, the first circuit board 201, and the second circuit board 202 to be efficiently housed within the limited internal space of the housing 1011 that constitutes the figure.

[0205] The housing 1011 has a relatively large head section, and because it has ample internal space, a considerable amount of components can be packed into the head section, including in the front-to-back direction. On the other hand, the waist section is very restrictive, and almost no components can be placed there. For example, in areas that are narrowed, such as the neck or waist of a figure, the external dimensions of the corresponding area of ​​the housing 1011 are reduced, and the internal dimensions of the housing 1011, which does not have such areas, are also reduced. The case section 1017 is determined to fit within this narrow space. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the mounting area for components and the strength of the circuit board, the width of the circuit board needs to be of a certain length. Furthermore, since the ABS resin forming the case section 1017 has a constant thickness, it is not possible to make only the peripheral walls thinner, for example, and the peripheral walls also have a certain thickness. Therefore, the internal width of the case section is narrower by the thickness compared to the external width of the case section 1017, which is matched to the internal dimensions of the housing 1011, and the width of the circuit board may become too narrow.

[0206] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to cut and open a portion of the peripheral walls 1077 and 1097 of the case portion 1017, and position the periphery of the substrate in the opened area so that the width of the substrate and the width of the case portion 1017 are equal. This expands the constraints on the figure side, allowing the necessary width for the substrate to be secured while narrowing the external dimensions of the figure in the necessary areas.

[0207] The upper part 1093 of the rear case 1062 has a third screw hole 1099 located at the center in the width direction above the outer surface. The ear part 1014 is fixed to the rear case 1062 by bringing the connecting plate portion 1050 into contact with the outer surface of the rear case 1062, aligning the third screw hole 1099 with the hole 1052 provided in the connecting plate portion 1050 of the ear part 1014, and then attaching the screw shaft of the third screw 1122 to the third screw hole 1099 and fastening it. At this time, the connecting plate portion 1050 of the ear part 1014 should be positioned parallel to the left and right width directions of the rear case 1062. In this embodiment, the ear part 1014 is fixed to the case part 1017, and the case part 1017 is installed inside the housing 1011. As a result, the ear part 1014 is sandwiched between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 in a desired positional relationship, and constitutes a part of the figure.

[0208] <3-13. Mounting structure between housing 1011 and case section 1017> The figure that makes up the casing 1011 has a heavy head, so as the PVC softens due to rising temperatures, there is a risk that the neck may fall over. The case section 1017 should be designed with a mechanism to prevent the neck from falling over.

[0209] The figure formed from the exterior of the casing 1011 is configured so that its various parts, such as the head 61, neck 63, arms 64, and legs 65, do not move when it is placed on a surface. Because the casing 1011 is made up of a fixed, immobile shape, the center of gravity does not change, and it can be supported by the case section 1017 and the circuit board, which provide strength.

[0210] The case section 1017 is best supported at the head portion (above the neck) of the relatively heavy housing 1011. This prevents deformation from occurring even if the neck and torso of the figure soften due to rising temperatures. The case section 1017 is best supported at the head portion so as to restrict horizontal and vertical movement of the housing 1011. This prevents deformation of the neck and torso.

[0211] Accordingly, the outer housing 1011 should have a recess on the inside of the head portion, and the opposing portion of the case 1017 should have a protrusion that fits into the recess, so that they can contact and support each other on each surface. A specific example of this configuration is as follows.

[0212] <3-13-1. Connection structure between front case 1061 and front part 1012> The part of the outer surface of the case section 1017 into which the housing 1011 that forms the figure is fitted should be made to match the shape of the inner shape of the housing 1011. In this way, the housing 1011 is firmly supported by the case section 1017 and can maintain its position even in high-temperature environments. The case section 1017 should have a constant thickness and a flat area to match the substrate. The housing 1011 should have an irregular thickness, with its outer surface forming the unique and intricate shape of the figure, and its inner surface having a recess that fits with the outer surface of the case section 1017. In addition, the case section 1017 should have a constant thickness and an outer convex portion that corresponds to the inner shape of the recess provided in the housing 1011.

[0213] The inner surface of the front part 1012 of the housing 1011 has a recess 1125 for fitting in at a predetermined position on its upper side. The predetermined position for forming the recess 1125 is preferably a position opposite to the box-shaped protrusion 1066 provided on the front case 1061 when the case part 1017 is housed inside the housing 1011. The height (vertical length) of the recess 1125 is preferably a length corresponding to the distance from the upper tip of the rib 1070 provided on the upper wall 1067 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066 to the lower tip of the rib 1070 provided on the lower wall 1068. The corresponding length may be, for example, equal distance, or the recess 1125 side may be slightly shorter.

[0214] The left and right inner surfaces 1126 of the fitting recess 1125 have recesses 1130 at predetermined positions. The predetermined positions for providing the recesses 1130 are such that when the box-shaped protruding portion 1066 of the front case 1061 is inserted into the fitting recess 1125, the protrusions 1073 on the outer surface of the plate-shaped portion 1072 face each other. The distance between the left and right inner surfaces 1126 should be a length corresponding to the distance between the outer surfaces of the left and right plate-shaped portions 1072. The corresponding length can be, for example, equal distance, or slightly shorter on the fitting recess 1125 side. In this way, the case portion 1017 and the front part 1012 are moved relative to each other so that when the front part 1012 is attached to the case portion 1017, the box-shaped protruding portion 1066 enters the fitting recess 1125.

[0215] As this entry operation progresses, the tips of the upper and lower ribs 1070 move forward while contacting the inner upper surface 1127 and inner lower surface 1128 of the fitting recess 1125. Because the ribs 1070 are narrow, the contact resistance is small, allowing the case portion 1017 and the front part 1012 to move smoothly forward and backward relative to each other. The upper wall portion 1067 and the lower wall portion 1068 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066 are not flat but have ribs 1070 on their outside, making it easier to tune the vertical position between the case portion 1017, the front part 1012, and ultimately the housing 1011. Furthermore, even if the case portion 1017 and the housing 1011 that constitutes the figure are manufactured in different locations, for example, by different manufacturers, the vertical positioning can be performed using the tuning ribs 1070. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the electronic device 10 has a case portion 1017 and a housing 1011 manufactured in separate locations, and there is a discrepancy between the outer dimensions of the box-shaped protruding portion 1066 and the inner dimensions of the recessed portion 1125, causing looseness, the rib 1070 can eliminate the looseness.

[0216] Similarly, the plate-shaped portion 1072 provided on the front case 1061 enters the interior of the fitting recess 1125 of the front case 1061 while being close to or in contact with the left and right inner surfaces 1126 of the fitting recess 1125 of the front case 1061. Then, the projection 1073 provided on the plate-shaped portion 1072 fits snugly into the recess 1130 (see Figure 5, etc.) provided on its inner surface 1126, and is positioned. The plate-shaped portion 1072 acts like a leaf spring, and even if there is play in the left-right direction, it will settle down.

[0217] As described above, the upper and lower ribs 1070 contact the inner upper surface 1127 and inner lower surface 1128 of the fitting recess 1125, and the projection 1073 provided on the plate-like portion 1072 fits into the recess 1130 provided on the inner surface 1126 of the fitting recess 1125. As a result, the front part 1012 and the case portion 1017 are positioned and fixed. Even if the housing 1011 softens in a high-temperature environment, it will fit securely into and be fixed to the heat-resistant front case 1061.

[0218] It is recommended to attach the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 to the front outer surface 1071 of the box-shaped protruding portion 1066. This first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 is adhered to the back surface 1129 of the fitting recess 1125 when the front case 1061 and front part 1012 are assembled. The front case 1061 and front part 1012 are connected more firmly by utilizing the adhesive strength of the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075.

[0219] As described above, when the box-shaped protrusion 1066 and plate-shaped portion 1072 of the front case 1061 are housed within the fitting recess 1125 of the front part 1012, the ribs 1070 provided on the upper wall portion 1067 and lower wall portion 1068 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066 contact the inner upper surface 1127 and inner lower surface 1128 of the fitting recess 1125. Also, the plate-shaped portion 1072 and the protrusion 1073 contact and fit into the inner surface 1126 of the fitting recess 1125. The inner circumferential surface of the fitting recess 1125 and the insertion portion of the front case 1061 should be configured so that all surfaces support each other tightly. It is best to make the dimensions such that they fit snugly, and the inner dimensions of the recess 1125 for fitting the front part 1012 of the figure should be the same as the outer surface dimensions of the part that fits into the front case 1061 of the case part 1017. It is best to make the inner dimensions of the recess 1125 smaller so that it does not fit too tightly or too small. PVC softens at high temperatures, but it remains somewhat hard at room temperature when assembly is performed, so if it is too tight, it will be difficult to attach.

[0220] Furthermore, the rib 1070 should be designed to perform a vertical positioning function rather than a fixing function. The plate-shaped portion 1072 has an elastic shape, and even if the distance between a pair of left and right plate-shaped portions 1072 is made to be exactly the same as the inner dimensions of the fitting recess 1125, it will still be able to be installed at room temperature because it will elastically deform when fitted. When the box-shaped protruding portion 1066 and the plate-shaped portion 1072 are fitted into the fitting recess 1125, the plate-shaped portion 1072 and the protrusion 1073 can be securely fitted and fixed. On the other hand, it is preferable to leave a little extra space in the inner dimensions of the parts other than those that are fitted, making them slightly wider and not too small. In this way, the assembly work of the front case 1061 and the front part 1012 can be easily performed while they can be securely fitted and fixed.

[0221] The front part 1012 and the front case 1061 are attached at the top, such as the recessed part 1125 and the second protruding part 1112 provided on the upper side, and the adhesive force of the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 placed between them maintains their attached state even in high-temperature environments. Because they are attached at the recessed part 1125 and the second protruding part 1112 in this way, the case part 1017 remains hard and firm even in high-temperature environments, so even if the recessed part 1125 of the front part 1012 and the surrounding face side soften, it is less likely to deform.

[0222] Furthermore, even if, for example, the PVC constituting the housing 1011 softens in a high-temperature environment, causing the front part 1012 to become soft and spongy, and weakening the mechanical bonding force between the front part 1012 and the front case 1061, the front outer surface 1071 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066 and the inner surface 1129 of the fitting recess 1125 are bonded together with the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075, thus preventing the front part 1012 and the front case 1061 from coming apart. The first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 should be made of a material that has good heat resistance and whose adhesive strength does not decrease even at high temperatures.

[0223] The first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 should cover the entire front outer surface 1071 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066. In this way, the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 has high adhesive strength, and the front case 1061 and the front part 1012 are more firmly connected. The area of ​​the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 should be even larger than the outer dimensions of the front outer surface 1071 of the box-shaped protrusion 1066. In this way, the outer edge of the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 extends beyond the outer edge of the box-shaped protrusion 1066, adhering to a wider area of ​​the opposing recess 1125.

[0224] In this way, the front case 1061 of the case section 1017 and the front part 1012 of the housing 1011 are attached at the top where the weight is greatest, and the front case 1061, and by extension the case section 1017, acts as a support column that supports the front part 1012, and by extension the housing 1011, so that the housing 1011 is supported as if it is hooked onto a predetermined part of the case section 1017. Furthermore, since it is supported without deformation at the upper part, for example, the lower part of the housing 1011 may become somewhat pliable but will not break at the neck, and deformation is suppressed because it is not pushed or subjected to load from the outside.

[0225] Although not shown in the diagram, the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 should also be attached to the upper wall portion 1067 of the box-shaped protruding portion 1066, and it is preferable to adhere it between the upper wall portion 1067 and the opposing surfaces of the fitting recess 1125. The first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 attached to the upper wall portion 1067 should be attached so as to span the upper ends of multiple adjacent ribs 1070.

[0226] The front part 1012 and the front case 1061 are connected by fitting the second protruding portion 1112, which is located on the upper part of the front case 1061, into the recess 1125, which is located on the upper part of the front part 1012, and then securing them with adhesive using the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075, which is attached at an appropriate position. In this way, the front part 1012 and the front case 1061 are held in place at the very top or considerably high up. This prevents the upper part of the front case 1061 from sagging and from bending.

[0227] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the front part 1012 and the front case 1061 are detachably attached using the first double-sided adhesive tape 1075. The first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 has good heat resistance and maintains its adhesive strength under the expected indoor temperature of a vehicle during use of the electronic device 10, preventing the front part 1012, which may soften in a high-temperature environment, from detaching from the front case 1061. On the other hand, for repairs during manufacturing or other purposes, the front case 1061 and the front part 1012, once bonded and fixed, can be separated by applying force in the peeling direction. The first double-sided adhesive tape 1075 should have an adhesive strength that allows for such peeling.

[0228] It is preferable to attach the second double-sided adhesive tape 1076 to the surface of the lower portion 1064 of the front case 1061. The second double-sided adhesive tape 1076 is configured to adhere to the inner surface of the front part 1012. This will bond the lower portion 1064 of the front case 1061 and the front part 1012 together, increasing the adhesive strength between the front case 1061 and the front part 1012 and resulting in a more secure connection.

[0229] Furthermore, to ensure that the parts do not fall off, it is a good idea to secure them all with adhesive. In that case, you will not be able to remove the parts for repair, but it will prevent them from coming off as much as possible, even in high-temperature environments during use.

[0230] <3-13-2. Connection structure between rear case 1062 and rear part 1013> The rear case 1062 and rear part 1013 are preferably secured using two fourth screws 1133 that fasten from the outside on the underside of the housing 1011. As shown in Figures 24 to 26, the lower surface 1096 of the lower portion 1094 of the rear case 1062 is provided with fourth screw holes 1134 at predetermined positions on both the left and right sides.

[0231] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 10 and 40, the recess 1031 on the lower surface of the rear case 1062 has holes 1135 at predetermined positions on both the left and right sides of the top surface of the recess. The holes 1135 are positioned opposite the fourth screw hole 1134 of the rear case 1062 when the rear case 1062 is mounted in the correct position relative to the rear part 1013. With the rear case 1062 mounted in this correct position, the fourth screw 1133 is inserted through the hole 1135 and screwed into the fourth screw hole 1134. As a result, the rear case 1062 and the rear part 1013 are firmly connected by the fourth screw 1133. Furthermore, the two adjustment buttons 191 attached to the upper side of the rear case 1062 fit into the through holes 1024 of the rear part 1013, and the second protruding portion 1112 provided on the upper side of the rear case 1062 is inserted into and fits into the recess 1131 provided on the head side of the rear part 1013.

[0232] Therefore, even if the rear part 1013 softens in a high-temperature environment, for example, it can be prevented from falling over by maintaining a secure connection with the fourth screw 1133 and by keeping the heat-resistant adjustment button 191 and the second protruding part 1112 fitted into the rear part 1013.

[0233] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cushion 81 attached to the second protruding portion 1112 be glued and fixed to the recess 1131 of the rear part 1013.

[0234] The fourth screw 1133 is used to fasten the rear case 1062 to the rear part 1013, and it is preferable not to use screws to fasten the front case 1061 to the front part 1012. Only the two fourth screws 1133 are visible from the outside of the housing 1011, and it is preferable that no other screws are visible. Furthermore, since the fourth screw 1133 is attached to the top surface of the recess 1031 provided on the bottom surface of the rear case 1062, it is located a predetermined distance above the bottom surface of the housing 1011 and rear part 1013. Therefore, the head of the fourth screw 1133 does not protrude from the bottom surface of the housing 1011 and rear part 1013. As a result, in the operating state, the fourth screw 1133 is not visible from the outside. Furthermore, when the main body 101 is attached to the fixing part 102, the recess 1031 is hidden by the base part 1022. Combined with this, the fourth screw 1133 is hidden when in use. The fact that it is not fixed with a screw reduces the mechanical elements and gives it a more realistic, figurine-like appearance, which is a good thing.

[0235] Furthermore, the underside of the front case 1061 is located in almost the same position as the underside of the front part 1012, leaving no space for screws, and there is a risk that the screws would be exposed downwards if they were used. Therefore, no screws were used to secure the underside of the front case 1061.

[0236] <3-13-3. Securing front part 1012 and rear part 1013> The front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 are formed using PVC and connected using dowels formed on the connecting surfaces. Specifically, a pin is placed on one side of the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013, and a hole is provided on the opposite side for the pin to be inserted into. In this way, the housing 1011 is provided with dowels to prevent misalignment during assembly, and multiple parts are connected while being precisely aligned. Since misalignment during assembly should not occur between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013, it is best to attach dowels and insert them. If misalignment occurs between the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 during assembly, there is a risk of a step or gap being created at the boundary where the two parts meet. Such a situation is undesirable for a figure. In this embodiment, each part manufactured using PVC is precisely positioned using dowels, so it is possible to prevent steps or gaps from being created at the boundary where they meet.

[0237] On the other hand, when the assembled electronic device 10 is installed in the vehicle and the temperature inside the vehicle rises to, for example, 60°C or 70°C or higher, the dowel joints will also soften. When the dowel joints soften, there is a risk that the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 will come apart. Therefore, it is advisable to bond and fix the PVC parts together using adhesive or other means so that the relative positions of each part can be maintained even at high temperatures.

[0238] Furthermore, as described above, the high-temperature countermeasure for the electronic device 10 is to maintain its posture by connecting the individual parts that make up the figure to the case. Since assembly is performed in a room temperature environment, the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 are fixed to the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062, respectively, while maintaining the correct relative positional relationship of each part. The front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are then firmly connected and integrated using the first screw 1118 and the second screw 1120.

[0239] Therefore, as described above, even if the temperature inside the vehicle becomes high during use and the dowels on the connection surfaces of the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 soften, the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 remain fixed to the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062, respectively, and the positional relationship between each part and case remains unchanged. The dowels do not come off, and the front part 1012 and the rear part 1013 are fixed in the desired positional relationship via the case part 1017, thanks to the adhesive effect of the bond.

[0240] <3-14. Circuit board to be mounted on case section 1017> As described above, since the electronic device 10 is left in the high-temperature interior of a vehicle, the casing 1011 is designed to prevent deformation. Furthermore, it is preferable to use heat-resistant components and devices mounted on the circuit board. In this embodiment, there is no data reception, no LCD screen, and the load is small, so the CPU chip itself does not generate much heat, and the internal heat generation of the electronic device 10 is small. Therefore, it is preferable to use heat-resistant components and devices that can withstand the temperature inside a vehicle parked in direct sunlight. Also, as described above, since the internal heat generation of the electronic device 10 is small, it is preferable not to provide ventilation holes in the case portion 1017 or the casing 1011. Since the casing 1011 is the exterior of the figure, it is preferable not to provide ventilation holes so that there are no unnecessary holes for the figure.

[0241] As shown in Figure 27, etc., in this embodiment, the circuit boards housed in the case section 1017 are arranged in a stack of two, with the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 standing upright front to back. A single circuit board is insufficient to implement the processing circuits necessary to realize the functions of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, so they are arranged on multiple boards (two in this embodiment). The case section 1017 has enough space to mount three or more circuit boards. For example, if communication functions such as Wi-Fi or functions for receiving other signals are to be added, it is advisable to use three or more circuit boards.

[0242] When the first board 201 and the second board 202 are placed side by side, it is preferable to offset them vertically. The second board 202 should extend higher, while the first board 201 should extend lower. The upper end of the first board 201 is positioned lower than the upper end of the second board 202, creating a gap between it and the antenna board 2032, which is fixed to the upper end of the second board 202, without contact. Also, the lower end of the first board 201 is positioned lower than the lower end of the second board 202, allowing components placed on the lower end of the first board 201 to be positioned relatively lower than components placed on the lower end of the second board 202.

[0243] The first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 should have a larger upper portion when the figure is standing upright, and a shape that extends downwards in a band shape to accommodate the constriction of the neck. Normally, the shape of the substrate is a simple rectangle. Alternatively, the lower part may be made larger to lower the center of gravity and allow the figure to stand upright stably. In this embodiment, the neck 63 portion of the figure formed by the housing 1011 is thinner than the head 61 and torso 62 and requires a constriction. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the shapes of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are as described above. That is, the portion of the substrate located where the figure's head 61 is located is made larger, and the portion corresponding to the narrow neck 63 is made thinner, allowing the substrates to be efficiently arranged in a narrow space. Also, as described above, the neck 63 portion of the figure is thinner than the head 61 and torso 62 and requires a constriction, so it is good to determine the dimensions by considering the minimum required size of the neck 63.

[0244] Both the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 are made larger on the upper side. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 is equipped with a notification function based on current location information. The internal structure assembly is equipped with an antenna unit 203 for acquiring location information. The antenna unit 203 is preferably positioned at the top, with the antenna surface facing upwards. Therefore, while the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 are in an upright position vertically, the antenna unit 203 is positioned to extend horizontally perpendicular to these boards, giving it an acrobatic appearance. Consequently, the upper part of the internal structure assembly is larger horizontally than the lower part, and is larger in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions where the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 overlap. Therefore, the figure of the housing 1011 that covers the outside has a large head 61. As mentioned above, the upper side of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 is made larger, and as a result, the number of electronic components mounted on each substrate is also increased towards the upper side, and the center of gravity of the internal structure assembly is located towards the upper side. Normally, various components are placed towards the lower side to lower the center of gravity and stabilize the device, but in this embodiment, many electronic components are placed towards the top. Even in this way, by lowering the center of gravity of the housing 1011, the overall center of gravity of the electronic device 10 can be lowered, making it possible to maintain a stable posture when installed in a vehicle.

[0245] The shape of each substrate may be as follows, for example. The first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 have a large upper portion when standing upright, and the lower portion extends in a band shape to account for the constriction at the neck. The first area 2011 on the upper part of the first substrate 201 and the first area 2021 on the upper side of the second substrate 202 have an interesting curved outer shape. The left and right side edges of the first area 2011 of the first substrate 201 are approximately the same size and shape as the left and right side edges of the first area 2021 of the second substrate 202, and they approximately coincide when viewed from the front and back. The height of the first area 2021 of the first substrate 201 is lower than the height of the first area 2021 of the second substrate 202. As a result, when the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are stacked front to back, the upper edge 2014 of the first area 2011 of the first substrate 201 is positioned lower than the upper edge 2024 of the first area 2021 of the second substrate 202, separating it from the antenna substrate 2032 and resulting in a non-contact state. A gap is formed between the first substrate 201 and the antenna substrate 2032.

[0246] The upper corners 2013 at both the left and right ends of the upper edge 2014 of the first substrate 201 are formed in a diagonally cut shape. The inclination angle of the upper corners 2013 is equal to the inclination angle of the upper corners 2023 of the second substrate 202, so that when the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are placed front to back, the left and right upper corners 2013 and 2023 coincide and overlap when viewed from the front. This prevents the bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015 of the ear part 1014 from coming into contact with the first substrate 201, resulting in a configuration that does not interfere with each other.

[0247] The second area 2012 below the first substrate 201 has a basic rectangular shape extending in a strip-like manner, similar to the second area 2022 of the second substrate 202, but its length is longer than the second area 2022 of the second substrate 202. As a result, when the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are arranged front to back, the lower end of the first substrate 201 protrudes a predetermined distance below the lower end of the second substrate 202.

[0248] While a normal substrate is not curved and has a square shape, the substrate of this embodiment is cut in a tight manner and has an interesting shape with curves in order to fit into the internal space of the figure. Also, numerous cut-ins are provided on the outer peripheral edges of each part of the substrate, narrowing the width and cutting it in a tight manner. If the substrate is made into a straight rectangular shape, it will hit the housing 1011 of the figure. If the dimensions of the figure are set so as not to hit, for example, the neck will become thick. On the other hand, if a normal straight substrate is formed according to the appropriate neck dimensions of the figure, components cannot be mounted. Considering the shape of the figure, it is advisable to cut it in a tight manner and apply characteristic cuts. Also, the cut-ins on the outer peripheral edge of the substrate may be used for avoiding predetermined parts of the case portion 1017 and for positioning. A specific example may be as follows.

[0249] As shown in FIGS. 33, 38, etc., on the left and right outer peripheral edges of the first area 2011 of the first substrate 201 and the first area 2021 of the second substrate 202, semi-circular first cut-in parts 201a, 202a are provided at the same position in a front-to-back arrangement. When the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are stored in the case portion 1017 in a front-to-back arrangement, the first cut-in parts 201a, 202a fit into the first screw hole part 1078 and are positioned in the vertical direction.

[0250] As shown in FIGS. 30, 31, etc., on the upper left and right outer peripheral edges of the second area 2012 of the first substrate 201 and the second area 2022 of the second substrate 202, rectangular second cut-in parts 201b, 202b are provided at the same position in a front-to-back arrangement of both substrates. The second cut-in parts 201b, 202b are provided in the formation area of the claw piece 1083 when the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are stored in the case portion 1017 in a front-to-back arrangement, and constitute the escape of the claw piece 1083. Thereby, it becomes possible to store the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 in the case portion 1017 in a front-to-back arrangement.

[0251] On the lower outer peripheral edges of the left and right sides of the second area 2022 of the second substrate 202, there are provided rectangular third cutout portions 202c and rectangular fourth cutout portions 202d on the left and right respectively. On the other hand, on the lower outer peripheral edges of the left and right sides of the second area 2012 of the first substrate 201, a rectangular third cutout portion 201c is provided on one side, and no cutout portion is provided on the other side. When the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are stored in a posture with the substrates arranged front and back, the third cutout portions 201c and 202c overlap front and back and fit into the claws, protrusions, etc. of the case portion 1017, and the positioning in the vertical direction is achieved. On the other hand, the first substrate 201 exists in the portion facing the fourth cutout portion 202d (see FIG. 37, etc.).

[0252] Also, the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 have hole portions 201f and 202f at predetermined positions near the outer peripheral edges. These hole portions 201f and 202f are formed at the same position in a state where the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are arranged front and back. The first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 each have lands around the hole portions 201f and 202f.

[0253] A spacer 73 is disposed between the opposing hole portions 201f and 202f. The spacer 73 is made of a solderable metal and has a cylindrical body and protrusions protruding from the centers of both end faces of the body. Both protrusions are soldered to the above-mentioned lands in a state of being inserted into the pair of hole portions 201f and 202f. Both ends of each spacer 73 may be soldered and fixed to the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 respectively. Thereby, the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are integrated with a distance corresponding to the length of the spacer 73. Also, the lengths of the bodies of the plurality of spacers 73 are equal. Therefore, the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are arranged in parallel with a distance corresponding to the length of the body of the spacer 73.

[0254] Furthermore, the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are provided with narrow third areas 2018 and 2028 between the first areas 2011 and 2021 and the second areas 2012 and 2022. The widths of these third areas 2018 and 2028 on both substrates should be equal. Also, the third areas 2018 and 2028 on both substrates should be in the same position vertically when the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 are placed front to back and connected, and should overlap vertically and horizontally when viewed from the front. The widths of the third areas 2018 and 2028 should be approximately equal to the widths of the intermediate portion 1065 of the front case 1061 and the intermediate portion 1095 of the rear case 1062.

[0255] The three types of circuit boards can be arranged by taking one large circuit board and placing the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202 next to each other, inverting them vertically, and then placing the antenna circuit board 2032 in the area between them. In this way, the number of boards can be cut efficiently by combining them in a way that minimizes waste and eliminates unnecessary material.

[0256] <3-15. Circuits to be mounted on the circuit board> The electronic components placed on each circuit board should be arranged so that each board forms a self-contained circuit as much as possible. This self-contained arrangement minimizes signal transmission and reception between boards. The electronic components on each board should be divided into functional blocks, with components for a single function placed on the same board. The component placement should be designed to be self-contained on each board, reducing the amount of circuitry (wiring) that spans both boards. An example of dividing components into functional blocks is shown below.

[0257] For example, the first board 201 includes a main microcontroller 76, a mounting section 21 capable of holding a storage medium 50 such as an SD card, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter), an amplifier, memory, etc. The storage medium 50 such as an SD card stores location information and other information about targets, as well as voice data spoken by the figure. Since the microcontroller 76 reads from and writes to the storage medium 50, it is preferable to place the microcontroller 76 and the mounting section 21 on the same board.

[0258] Furthermore, the storage medium 50 should be configured to only store voice messages and data related to the target object, and should not have functions for making various settings from the storage medium 50 or for logging to the storage medium 50. The control unit 11 should also access the SD card to acquire data related to the target object, such as POIs. In this embodiment, when issuing a GPS warning, the target object should be detected by referring to the data in the storage medium 50. Updates to information related to the target object, such as GPS data, should be performed on the storage medium 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 accesses the storage medium 50 to detect the target object to be warned and issues a warning. Therefore, the user should remove the main unit 101 from the fixing unit 102, remove the storage medium 50 from the mounting unit 21, and attach the storage medium 50 containing the updated data related to the target object, such as GPS data, to the mounting unit 21. After that, the main unit 101 should be attached to the fixing unit 102 and fixed on the dashboard 41. As a result, the control unit 11 will then access the storage medium 50 containing the newly replaced updated data and issue a GPS warning.

[0259] Since the mounting section 21 is located in front of the terminal section 23, it will be mounted on the first board 201. Accordingly, the main microcontroller 76 should also be mounted on the same first board 201. It is advisable to provide two memory modules. Furthermore, it is best to keep the area around the mounting section 21 on the first board 201 relatively sparse, without placing too many components.

[0260] The second circuit board 202 houses a high-frequency circuit 72 for GPS, a speaker 75, a switch 74, an LED 52, power supply components, etc. The power supply components include a power controller, a terminal section 23 for attaching a power cable 51, a battery 77, etc.

[0261] It is preferable that at least GPS-based signals and power supply are exchanged between the first board 201 and the second board 202. The circuits of the first board 201 and the second board 202 are preferably connected by connecting board-to-board connectors 71 (BtoB). The height of the board-to-board connectors 71 that are attached to the first board 201 and the second board 202 and form a pair that connects them to each other should be equal to the length of the main body of the spacer 73.

[0262] The circuit configuration is divided into blocks that constitute the same function and arranged on the first board 201 and the second board 202. This reduces the number of signal lines connecting the first board 201 and the second board 202, and allows power and signals to be transmitted in one place using a board-to-board connector 71.

[0263] The GPS and power supply are related to circuits mounted on both boards, and regardless of which board they are placed on, connectors for signal and power lines connecting the boards are necessary. Therefore, due to space constraints, they are configured to be located on the second board 202. The GPS antenna unit 203 is best placed on the top of the figure's head due to reception sensitivity considerations, and is mounted perpendicularly to the upper edge 2024 of the second board 202. The high-frequency circuit 72 is a GPS unit that processes the signal received by the antenna unit 203, and is preferably located close to the antenna unit 203. Therefore, the high-frequency circuit 72 is best positioned in the first area 2021 above the second board 202. The power supply terminal 23 is located on the back of the figure and is mounted on the second board 202, so the power supply circuit components are best placed on the second board 202.

[0264] Battery 77 is a backup power source for the GPS antenna unit 203 and supplies power to prevent cold starts. A rechargeable battery 77 is preferable. Battery 77 is placed on the front side of the second circuit board 202, that is, below the surface facing the first circuit board 201. It is interposed between a terminal pattern provided by printed wiring at a predetermined position on the front side of the second circuit board 202 and a terminal plate 78 formed by bending a metal plate. Battery 77 is preferably mounted manually by a worker between the terminal pattern and the terminal plate 78. Alternatively, a terminal plate may be used instead of a terminal pattern. The location where this battery 77 is installed is on the lower side of the second circuit board 202, and is a critical area with limited front-to-back dimensions within the internal space of the housing 1011. Therefore, by positioning the second circuit board 202 on the side of the first circuit board 201, the battery 77 can be packed into the narrow, tight space between the first circuit board 201 and the second circuit board 202, which is secured by the spacer 73, and the protrusion of the second circuit board 202 to the outside (towards the rear part 1013) can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0265] The battery 77 should be placed in an acrobatic position, separated from other components, so that even if it leaks, it will not cause damage to other parts. Also, the circuits and circuit components to be implemented in the electronic device 10 have low power consumption and do not draw much current, so they can be mounted in a small space.

[0266] Since the switch 74 is received by the microcontroller 76, it is preferable to place it on the side of the first board 201 where the microcontroller 76 is installed. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the adjustment button 191 is placed on the back of the figure's head so as not to look out of place as a figure. The adjustment button 191 is placed in a location that is not visible from the front due to design requirements, and it is preferable to place it on the upper back of the head for ease of operation. Furthermore, in order to be able to identify the adjustment button 191 by touch without directly looking at it, it is preferable to place it vertically on the back of the head. Therefore, in this embodiment, two switches 74 are placed vertically at a predetermined position on the rear side (the side not facing the first board 201) of the first area 2021 of the second board 202, in accordance with the placement of the adjustment button 191.

[0267] Similarly, speaker 75 is positioned next to switch 74 in the first area 2021 of the second circuit board 202. Because speaker 75 is positioned on the first area 2021 side of the second circuit board 202, it is located on the back of the figure's head. Speaker 75 can be attached and secured using, for example, double-sided adhesive tape.

[0268] Since the speaker 75 needs to be positioned in a predetermined location on the head 61, a layout is adopted in which it is placed on top of the surface side of the high-frequency circuit 72. It is preferable to place a cushion 80 between the speaker 75 and the high-frequency circuit 72. In this embodiment, the high-frequency circuit 72 uses a unit with a rectangular case. Therefore, it is preferable to attach double-sided adhesive tape to both surfaces of the cushion 80, or to use a double-sided adhesive member with a predetermined thickness that provides cushioning properties to attach the speaker 75 to the surface of the high-frequency circuit 72.

[0269] The speaker 75 is positioned facing the surface of the rear part 1013 and emits sound towards the front of the vehicle from the rear of the electronic device 10, i.e., with the electronic device 10 installed. The sound output from the speaker 75 is reflected around the electronic device 10 and by the windshield located at the front of the vehicle, and is transmitted to the driver or other user inside the vehicle. At this time, since the speaker 75 is positioned in the area above the electronic device 10, the user can feel as if the sound is coming from the figure's face, and by extension, its mouth. The speaker 75 is not directly behind the figure's mouth, but is located at the head 61, slightly above and close to the figure's mouth. Furthermore, if the ears light up in conjunction with speech, and the brightness of the ears changes in sync with speech, the feeling of talking can be made even stronger. It is good to place the speaker 75 in a position that gives the feeling of speaking.

[0270] The position facing the speaker 75 on the inner surface side of the rear part 1013 may adopt a layout in which a recess 1131 is formed and the speaker 75 is inserted and arranged in the recess 1131. More specifically, the second protruding portion 1112 of the rear case 1062 in which the speaker 75 is housed may be configured to be housed in the recess 1131.

[0271] The sound hole 1019 for sound notification disposed on the rear head side of the housing 1011 is formed at a predetermined position of the above-mentioned recess 1131. The other surface of the cushion 81 may be in contact with the inner surface of the recess 1131 of the rear part 1013 when it is affixed and fixed to the flange portion 1112b on the tip side of the second protruding portion 1112.

[0272] The speaker 75 used in this embodiment may be of a relatively large size compared to a speaker mounted on an electronic device such as a radar detector having a general rectangular case that is not a figure. The speaker 75 may be made large in size so as to emit a loud sound. Thereby, even if the front part 1012 corresponding to the face of the figure does not have a sound hole for sound notification, the sound output from the speaker 75 can be transmitted to the user.

[0273] Also, the speaker 75 may preferably have characteristics suitable for the voice of the figure character. By doing so, the sound quality of sounds such as voices output from the electronic device 10 is good, and the character-likeness can create a feeling that the character is talking. Good characteristics may be defined as those that can convey to the user the feeling that the character is speaking.

[0274] <Relationship between the second substrate 202 and the ear part 1014> The light source for illuminating the ear portion 1015 is an LED 52 provided on the second substrate 202. As shown in Figures 34 to 36, the second substrate 202 has a shape in which the upper first area 2021 is large and the lower second area 2022 is small. The upper edge 2024 of the first area 2021 is a horizontal flat surface in an upright position, and both the left and right ends of the upper edge 2024 have projections 2025 that protrude upward, and the upper corner portion 2023 located outside the projections 2025 is formed in a shape that is cut at an angle. The LED 52, which is the light source for illuminating the ear portion 1015, is positioned on the second substrate 202 near the upper corner portion 2023. The LED 52 is mounted on the second substrate 202 so as to emit light perpendicular to the inclination direction of the upper corner portion 2023.

[0275] When the case portion 1017 with the ear part 1014 attached is housed inside the housing 1011, the connecting plate portion 1050 of the ear part 1014 and the upper edge 2024 of the second circuit board 202 are both positioned to extend horizontally, and the bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015 is positioned along the inclination direction of the upper corner portion 2023 and faces the LED 52. As a result, the light emitted from the LED 52 is irradiated onto the outer surface of the bottom portion 1057. The irradiated light from the LED 52 then diffuses and travels through the milky white resin that makes up the ear portion 1015, causing the entire inner surface of the recess 1056 of the ear portion 1015 to emit light.

[0276] The bottom 1057 of the ear portion 1015 is not attached to the LED 52 in a flat, parallel manner, but is curved. Because the bottom 1057 is curved rather than flat, the light emitted from the LED 52 can be focused more efficiently.

[0277] LED52 is a color LED capable of emitting multiple colors. Accordingly, the ear portion 1015 emits light in a color corresponding to the illumination state of LED52. For example, if LED52 flashes, the ear portion 1015 also flashes.

[0278] Furthermore, LEDs 52 are positioned on both the left and right sides, and each ear portion 1015 has its own individual LED 52, which illuminates when it receives light from its respective LED 52. It is preferable that the left and right LEDs 52 illuminate in the same color at the same time. In this way, for example, if the illumination color is assigned according to the type of POI of the target object, both ear portions 1015 will illuminate in the same color, appropriately notifying the user of the type of target object being alerted. The fact that the ears light up is quite unusual, which can draw the user's attention and effectively provide an alarm.

[0279] <3-17. Ear parts 1014 and case part 1017> The upper corner of the upper portion 1063 of the front case 1061 is inclined, and a first inclined guide portion 1088 is provided on the outside of the inclined portion. The first inclined guide portion 1088 is formed to connect with the first guide portion 1091. Similarly, the upper corner of the upper portion 1093 of the rear case 1062 is inclined, and a second inclined guide portion 1089 is provided on the outside of the inclined portion. The second inclined guide portion 1089 is formed to connect with the second guide portion 1092.

[0280] The tip ends of the first inclined guide portion 1088 and the second inclined guide portion 1089 have concave notches. When the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are butted together and connected, the concave notches form a second opening 1090.

[0281] The ear portion 1015 of the ear portion 1014 attached to the rear portion 10132 is positioned opposite the first inclined guide portion 1088 and the second inclined guide portion 1089, in contact with or close to them. The surface of the first inclined guide portion 1088 may be curved to match the bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015. The LED 52 passes through the second opening 1090 and is emitted out of the case portion 1017, reaching the bottom portion 1057 of the ear portion 1015.

[0282] <3-18. Configuration of adjustment buttons + switches> The two adjustment buttons 191, positioned vertically, may be integrally formed using a predetermined resin. By constructing the two adjustment buttons 191 from a single part, the number of parts can be reduced, assembly can be simplified, and the relative positional relationship of the two adjustment buttons 191 can be maintained with high precision. The predetermined resin may be, for example, ABS resin. The adjustment buttons 191 are inserted from the inner side of the rear part 1013 into through holes 1024 formed in the rear part 1013. The tips of the adjustment buttons 191 protrude from the outer surface of the rear part 1013 and form part of the figure.

[0283] The switch 74 that the adjustment button 191 presses is mounted on the second circuit board 202. The adjustment button 191 is positioned so as to fit inside the case portion 1017 that surrounds the second circuit board 202 to which the switch 74 is mounted, and is configured to be integrated with the case portion 1017. Placing the adjustment button 191 on the case portion 1017 side in this way is good because it provides a consistent click feel. If the adjustment button 191 were mounted on the rear part 1013 that makes up the figure, there is a risk of inconsistency in the click feel, but mounting it on the case portion 1017 side absorbs the goodness of the assembly and provides the desired click feel.

[0284] As described above, the adjustment button 191 is positioned to fit inside the case portion 1017 and is integrated with the case portion 1017. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture and handle it if it is made of the same material as the case portion 1017. Furthermore, since the adjustment button 191 is made of ABS resin, the shrinkage rate during molding is small and consistent, making it easier to achieve dimensional accuracy. In addition, the color of the adjustment button 191 should be the same color or a similar color to the hair part, for example, pink.

[0285] Furthermore, for example, if there are many types of characters, the manufacturer of the circuit board and case 1017 can create and assemble the adjustment button 191, allowing for flexible adaptation to character changes. The color, length, etc., of the adjustment button 191 can be changed to match the character changes, and the parts can be rearranged to accommodate the changes.

[0286] The case portion 1017 and the adjustment button 191, which are separate components, can be manufactured using different types of resin. They can be manufactured using PVC to match the texture of the hair on the back of the figure's head. If the focus is on the figure's appearance, it is advisable to use the same PVC for the adjustment button as for the figure.

[0287] As shown in Figures 42 to 45, the adjustment button 191 has a cylindrical body 1911, with the top surface 1912 at the tip of the body 1911 being closed. The top surface 1912 is the operating part that the user touches, and it is preferable to make it an inclined surface. The inclination direction of the inclined surface should be such that, when the adjustment button 191 is mounted on the case part 1017, the outer edge of the case part 1017 is lower. The inclined surface of the top surface 1912 is not flat but a slightly concave curved surface, and the curvature should match the shape of the hair. The position of the top surface 1912 is such that it protrudes from the surrounding hair in order to ensure the push stroke of the adjustment button 191, but the offset should match the shape of the surrounding hair. The distance of the protrusion should be, for example, about 0.6 mm. It is also preferable to configure it so that it protrudes slightly even when fully pressed.

[0288] The main body 1911 has a smaller outer diameter at the tip than at the base, resulting in a gently tapering tip. The base of the main body 1911 also has a flange-like portion 1913 that widens outward. The flange-like portions 1913 of the two adjustment buttons 191 are connected by a pair of elastically deformable, curved, and band-shaped connecting portions 1914. The outer periphery of the flange-like portion 1913 of one of the adjustment buttons 191 has a protrusion 1915 that extends outward. Inside the cylindrical main body 1911, a push member 1916 is provided, extending from the top surface 1912 toward the base. The push member 1916 is longer than the main body 1911, and the free end of the push member 1916 (the tip not connected to the top surface 1912) protrudes outward from the base of the main body 1911.

[0289] The button component of this embodiment, which has two adjustment buttons 191, allows the relative positions of the two adjustment buttons 191 to be changed by the elastic deformation of a pair of connecting portions 1914. For example, if the top surface 1912 of one of the two adjustment buttons 191 is biased toward the base end, the biased adjustment button 191 will be displaced in the biased direction. At this time, the connecting portion 1914 may be configured to be displaced so as to extend in the biased direction, while allowing the other adjustment button 191 to remain in its original position.

[0290] The connecting portion 1914 should have an elastic restoring force. This elastic restoring force should function like a leaf spring, and when the adjustment button 191 is biased as described above, it should elastically deform to bend in the direction of the biasing force, allowing the adjustment button 191 to move, and when a finger or the like is released from the top surface 1912 and the biasing force is released, the adjustment button 191 should return to its original position. When it returns to its original position, the flange-shaped portions 1913 of the two adjustment buttons 191 are located on the same plane.

[0291] A cap member 79 is attached to a predetermined position on the rear surface of the second substrate 202 so as to cover the switch 74. The cap member 79 may be made of a relatively soft and elastically deformable material such as rubber. The cap member 79 has a cap body 791 having an outer shape corresponding to the interior of the first protruding portion 1111, which has a vertically elongated space provided in the upper portion 1093 of the rear case 1062.

[0292] The cap body 791 has a shape in which one end is open and the other end is closed by a top surface portion 793. The cap body 791 has a partition wall portion 792 of a predetermined thickness in the center of its longitudinal interior. This partition wall portion 792 forms two small chamber portions 794 in the longitudinal direction inside the cap body 791. The outer peripheral edge of one end of the cap body 791 has a flange-like portion 795 that protrudes outward.

[0293] The cap member 79 is attached to a predetermined position on the second substrate 202 so that the switches 74 are housed in the two small compartments 794. At this time, the tip surfaces of the flange-shaped portion 795 and the partition wall portion 792 are configured to contact the second substrate 202. The flange-shaped portion 795 and the partition wall portion 792 are then preferably bonded and fixed to the second substrate 202 using an adhesive.

[0294] The top surface 793, located above each compartment 794, has a thick block body 796 in the center, and the area connecting the outer perimeter of this block body 796 to the side walls and partition walls 792 of the cap body 791 may be formed into a thin membrane or plate shape. The block body 796 has a shape that protrudes above the top surface 793 and into the compartments 794, and should have relatively high strength.

[0295] The top surface 793, which is connected to the outer circumference of the block body 796, is elastically deformable, and in normal, unloaded conditions, it is preferable that it supports the block body 796 in a flat state. When the block body 796 is biased in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 793, the top surface 793 flexes, and the block body 796 becomes displaceable in the biased direction.

[0296] When the biasing force is released, the top surface 793 returns to its normal flat state due to the elastic restoring force of the top surface 793, and the block body 796 returns to its original position. Although the shape of the top surface 793 has been described as thin, it is preferable that it be thick enough to have a restoring force that allows it to return to its original position as described above.

[0297] Furthermore, the function of returning the block body 796 to its original position is not limited to utilizing the elastic restoring force of the top surface portion 793 as described above; for example, it may utilize the restoring force of the switch 74, or both.

[0298] When the adjustment button 191 and the cap member 79 are set to the desired position, as shown in Figure 44, the block body 796 is positioned between the push member 1916 of the adjustment button 191 and the switch 74. In normal operation when the adjustment button 191 is not biased, the block body 796 is preferably configured to be in contact with the push member 1916 and not in contact with the switch 74. Note that the above contact / non-contact configuration is just an example, and one or both may be reversed. To ensure a certain margin of error or play, at least one of them should be non-contact.

[0299] A tact switch is suitable for switch 74. When the adjustment button 191 is pressed, switch 74 is pressed, closing the circuit and turning it on. When the adjustment button 191 is released, switch 74 returns to its original open circuit state and turns off. Also, when the adjustment button 191 is pressed, the push plate of switch 74 is pressed via the block body 796, which may apply a biasing force to the second circuit board 202. Even in this case, the load should be small so that the second circuit board 202 does not bend. The biasing force described above should not be such a load that the circuit board bends.

[0300] <3-19. Layout of adjustment button 191> The adjustment button 191 should be positioned to the right of the center when viewed from the front (face side) of the figure. This makes it easier for a right-handed person to reach around with their right hand from the side of the figure's face while facing the figure's face directly. Furthermore, when reaching around with the right hand from the side of the figure's face, the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 should be angled for a better fit and easier pressing. The shape of the hair and the shape of the top surface 1912 should be matched accordingly.

[0301] When slightly off-center, the normal direction points forward in the direction of movement, but when significantly off-center, the normal direction points diagonally to the side. By placing the switch in such a position, the shape of the top surface of the switch, which offers good operability, can be matched with the shape of the hair. A significant amount of offset should be the center of the right half.

[0302] The slanted shape of the top surface 1912 should be cut to create a smooth, offset shape around the hair surface, and a curved surface is preferable. This is how it should look for a right-handed person. The slanted angle provides a better fit and makes it easier to press when you reach around with your hand, so the shape of the hair should be adjusted accordingly.

[0303] The top surface 1912 at the tip of the adjustment button 191 is positioned to protrude slightly outward from the rear part 1013, and the adjustment button 191 is pressed in by pushing the top surface 1912 toward the rear part 1013. For example, if the user's finger pressing the top surface 1912 extends outward along with the top surface 1912, when the top surface 1912 is pressed to the surface of the rear part 1013, the user's finger will also come into contact with the surface of the rear part 1013. The user can recognize that the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 has been pressed to the surface of the rear part 1013 by the touch of their finger on the rear part 1013. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment is designed with the figure's design in mind, and the adjustment button 191 and other components are placed in a location that is not visible from the front. Therefore, when a user presses the adjustment button 191, they reach their hand around the side of the figure's face or over its head, with their hand facing the front of the electronic device 10, that is, directly facing the figure's face, and move their fingertips along the back of the figure's head to find the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191, which is not visible. Once the user touches the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 that protrudes from the hair at the back of the head, they can move their fingertips forward and press the adjustment button 191. In this way, since the user places their fingertips on the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 without being able to see it, their fingertips are located both on the top surface 1912 and on the outside of the top surface 1912. As described above, when the adjustment button 191 is pressed, the fingertips also come into contact with the rear part 1013, allowing the user to recognize that they have pressed it in by a predetermined amount. Therefore, it is advisable to appropriately set the amount of protrusion of the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 so that the adjustment button 191 is not pressed too deeply and excessive load is not placed on the second circuit board 202.

[0304] When the electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41, the adjustment button 191 may be positioned above the user sitting in the driver's seat. In such cases, since the user's hand reaches from below, the tilt direction should be angled downwards to the right so that it can be touched from below. In this embodiment, the top surface 1912 of the adjustment button 191 is not angled downwards because it is offset from the surface of the hair. It would be preferable to position the adjustment button 191 lower so that it tilts downwards in line with the hair.

[0305] <3-20. Antenna Unit> As described above, the circuit board mounted on the case 1017 has a first circuit board 201 and a second circuit board 202 arranged front to back in an upright position, and an antenna unit 203 is attached to the upper end of the second circuit board 202. The antenna unit 203 comprises a patch antenna 2031 and an antenna circuit board 2032 to which the patch antenna 2031 is attached. As shown in Figures 31 to 36, the patch antenna 2031 comprises a flat, light brown, box-shaped body 2033 and a connection pin 2034 that protrudes downward from the center of the lower surface of the body 2033. The patch antenna 2031 receives GPS signals and outputs information based on the received GPS signals from the connection pin 2034. The output information includes location information that identifies the current location, date and time information of when the GPS signal was received, etc. The antenna unit 203 constitutes the location information acquisition unit 17.

[0306] The antenna board 2032 does not contain any circuits and is a board for mounting the patch antenna 2031. The antenna board 2032 may be a roughly rectangular prism wiring board. The antenna board 2032 is integrally provided with a pair of mounting pieces 2035 that protrude outward from each of its left and right sides. The pair of mounting pieces 2035 provided on each side are provided at a predetermined distance in the front-to-back direction. This predetermined distance may be approximately equal to or slightly narrower than the thickness of the second board 202. One of the pair of mounting pieces 2035 is positioned near the center in the front-to-back direction, and the other of the pair of mounting pieces 2035 is positioned at a predetermined distance forward from the center in the front-to-back direction.

[0307] The antenna substrate 2032 has a through hole 2036 in the center. The antenna substrate 2032 has solderable pads 2037 at predetermined positions on its lower surface. The pads 2037 are positioned one on each side of the through hole 2036, that is, two on the line connecting the front mounting pieces 2035 and two on the line connecting the rear mounting pieces 2035, for a total of four pads.

[0308] The front and rear edges of the antenna substrate 2032 protrude outwards, and consequently, the middle section becomes a recessed area.

[0309] When attaching the small green antenna board 2032 to the patch antenna 2031, the electrical connection pins 2034 of the patch antenna 2031 are inserted into the through-holes 2036 of the antenna board 2032, and the connection pins 2034 protrude from the bottom of the antenna board 2032. It is recommended to apply double-sided adhesive tape to the bottom of the patch antenna 2031 or the top of the antenna board 2032 beforehand. This ensures that when the bottom of the patch antenna 2031 and the top of the antenna board 2032 come into contact, they are bonded and fixed together by the double-sided adhesive tape.

[0310] As shown in Figures 31 to 36, the upper edge 2024 of the first area 2021 above the second substrate 202 has upwardly projecting protrusions 2025 at both the left and right ends. The distance between the left and right protrusions 2025 is equal to the width of the antenna substrate 2032. When attaching the antenna unit 203 to the second substrate 202, the protrusions 2025 provided on the left and right of the upper edge 2024 of the second substrate 202 are inserted between a pair of front and rear mounting pieces 2035 provided on the left and right sides of the antenna substrate 2032, respectively, so that the antenna unit 203 is fitted in while maintaining a 90-degree orientation relative to the second substrate 202. In this configuration, the left and right protrusions 2025 of the second substrate 202 are positioned between the pair of mounting pieces 2035, and the antenna substrate 2032, and thus the antenna unit 203, are fitted snugly within the section between the left and right protrusions 2025 of the upper edge 2024.

[0311] Two pads 2026 are provided near the upper edges 2024 of the front and back surfaces of the second substrate 202, in positions close to the pad 2037 provided on the underside of the antenna substrate 2032. Additionally, a pad 2027 is provided near the center of the upper edge 2024 of the front surface of the second substrate 202.

[0312] As described above, when the antenna unit 203 is inserted into the space between the protrusions 2025 on the upper edge 2024 in a direction perpendicular to the second substrate 202, the four pads 2037 on the lower surface of the antenna substrate 2032 and the pads 2026 on the front and back surfaces of the second substrate 202 are in close proximity, and the connecting pins 2034 contact the pad 2027 on the front surface of the second substrate 202. Then, the antenna unit 203 is brought into contact with the upper edge 2024 of the second substrate 202, and with the antenna unit 203 perpendicular to the second substrate 202, the connecting pins 2034 and pad 2027 are soldered, and the pad 2026 of the second substrate 202 and the pad 2037 of the antenna substrate 2032 are soldered.

[0313] This soldering mechanically fixes the connection pin 2034 of the antenna unit 203 to the second board 202 and electrically connects it to the wiring pattern. Pads 2026 and 2037 are also mechanically fixed to each other. There are three soldering points between the front of the second board 202 on the side of the connection pin 2034 and the antenna board 2032: two on the left and right sides and one in the center at the connection pin 2034. On the opposite side, there are two soldering points as there is no connection pin 2034. Soldering in this way at five points improves the connection strength. The antenna unit 203 should be supported only by the second board 202 and not in contact with the first board 201, and the first board 201 should not be supported.

[0314] The antenna unit 203 and the second circuit board 202 are fixed in a total of five places by soldering at one point using the connecting pin 2034, as well as by soldering between four pairs of pads 2037 and 2026. This increases the connection strength between the antenna circuit board 2032 and the second circuit board 202, providing sufficient strength to hold the patch antenna 2031 and, consequently, the antenna unit 203. Furthermore, the pair of pads 2037 and 2026 are provided in two locations each on the front and back of the second circuit board 202, and the antenna unit 203 can be supported in a stable position in an arrangement perpendicular to the second circuit board 202.

[0315] In this embodiment, when the lower surface of the patch antenna 2031 and the upper surface of the antenna substrate 2032 are brought into contact, they are fixed together with double-sided adhesive tape, but the connecting pins 2034 and the antenna substrate 2032 are not soldered. The process of soldering the connecting pins 2034 and the antenna substrate 2032 is omitted, and with the connecting pins 2034 of the patch antenna protruding downward from a through hole 2036 provided in the center of the antenna substrate 2032, the antenna substrate 2032 is brought into contact with the upper end of the second substrate 202, and the connecting pins 2034 and the second substrate 202 are soldered together, while the antenna substrate 2032 and the second substrate 202 are soldered together.

[0316] As described above, the patch antenna 2031 has a connecting pin 2034 that protrudes downward from the center of the bottom surface of the brown body 2033. When the connecting pin 2034 is inserted into the antenna board 2032 and the body 2033 is mounted on the antenna board 2032, the connecting pin 2034 protrudes from the bottom surface of the antenna board 2032. In a normal assembly process, at this point the connecting pin 2034 and the antenna board 2032 are soldered together in one place to secure them. In contrast, in this embodiment, soldering is not done at this point, and the soldering of the connecting pin 2034 is done at the same time as soldering the antenna board 2032 and the second board 202. This significantly reduces the amount of work required.

[0317] The connection pin 2034 on the patch antenna 2031 is used for both electrical and mechanical connections. If a mechanical connection is made using only one point on this connection pin 2034, for example, even a slight force applied to the patch antenna 2031 or antenna unit 203 could cause it to crumple, potentially leading to the entire assembly bending and crushing the connection pin 2034. In this embodiment, soldering is performed at a total of five points, including the connection pin 2034 and four sets of pads 2037 and 2026. The second substrate 202 and the antenna substrate 2032 are also fitted together by the protruding piece 2025 and mounting piece 2035, which prevents the connection pin 2034 from moving or deforming, thus suppressing the occurrence of the above problem.

[0318] <3-20-1. The GPS antenna board 2032 is mounted offset from the center in the front-to-back direction.> The second circuit board 202 is mounted offset from the front-to-back center of the antenna unit 203 and antenna circuit board 2032. Normally, the second circuit board 202 is positioned on the front-to-back center line of the antenna circuit board 2032 to balance it in the front-to-back direction.

[0319] In contrast, in this embodiment, the patch antenna 2031 is, for example, a general-purpose one, and the connection pin 2034 is provided in the center of the lower surface of the main body 2033. Accordingly, the connection pin 2034 protrudes downward from the center of the antenna substrate 2032. Also, as described above, the connection pin 2034 is soldered in contact with the pad 2027 provided on the front surface of the second substrate 202. Because the soldering of the connection pin 2034 and the antenna substrate 2032 is performed together, the second substrate 202 is positioned offset from the center of the antenna substrate 2032 by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the connection pin 2034.

[0320] <3-20-2. Antenna unit 203 and case section 1017> The antenna unit 203, which is fixed to the upper edge 2024 of the second substrate 202, is positioned on the outer top surface of the case portion 1017. As shown in Figure 23, the front case 1061 and the rear case 1062 are positioned opposite each other at a distance from each other at their abutting ends, forming the first opening 1098.

[0321] On the outer surface of the top of the peripheral wall 1077 of the front case 1061, first guide portions 1091 are provided, extending upward from both the left and right ends of the first opening 1098. On the outer surface of the top of the peripheral wall 1097 of the rear case 1062, second guide portions 1092 are provided, extending upward from both the left and right ends of the first opening 1098.

[0322] The antenna unit 203 is positioned on the outer top surface of the case section 1017, and the connecting pins 2034 pass through the first opening 1098 and reach the inside of the case section 1017. The antenna substrate 2032 of the antenna unit 203 contacts and is supported by the top surfaces of the peripheral walls 1077 and 1097 of the front case 1061 and rear case 1062. Furthermore, the left and right edges of the antenna substrate 2032 are made capable of contacting the first guide portion 1091 and the second guide portion 1092, which are raised upwards. As a result, the antenna substrate 2032 and, consequently, the antenna unit 203 are stably supported on the top surface of the case section 1017.

[0323] Furthermore, the connection pins 2034 and the second board 202, which is soldered to the antenna board 2032, are located within the first opening 1098. This allows the antenna unit 203, which is attached to the upper edge of the second board 202, to be positioned outside the case portion 1017 and supported stably.

[0324] <3-21. Overall center of gravity of the main body 101> The overall front-to-back center of gravity balance of the housing 1011 and the internal structure assembly (case section 1017, which houses the circuit board on which each component is mounted, etc.) is configured to be slightly towards the rear but almost in the middle. This allows for stable upright posture. There is a relatively heavy speaker 75 in the upper rear part of the case section 1017, but the front part 1012 and rear part 1013 that make up the housing 1011 are the heaviest components. In other words, the PVC that makes up each part is heavy and thick. The weight of the speaker 75 has little effect on the weight balance of the housing formed by the front part 1012 and rear part 1013, so the center of gravity of the housing 1011 is close to the overall center of gravity of the main body. Therefore, it is good to set the dimensions and shape so that the center of gravity of the housing 1011 is in the middle in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. This also brings the overall center of gravity of the main body 101 to almost the middle in the front-to-back direction.

[0325] [4. Configuration of the fixing part 102] <4-1. Mounting structure of main body 101 (part 1)> As shown in the exploded view in Figures 46 and 47, the fixing part 102 includes a base portion 1022, a stay 1023 attached from the lower side of the base portion 1022 with a portion protruding upward from the upper surface of the base portion 1022, a cushion member 1025 positioned to cover a predetermined portion of the upper side of the base portion 1022, and fixing members 1021 attached to the lower surfaces of the base portion 1022 and the stay 1023.

[0326] The fixing member 1021 may be an adhesive sheet made of an elastic material having a predetermined thickness. The adhesive sheet is also called an adhesive mat, and it adheres to the surface it comes into contact with due to the adhesive force of its surface and is held in a detachable manner. As described above, the upper surface of the fixing member 1021 adheres to the lower surface of the base portion 1022 and the stay 1023, and a protective film 1026 is attached to the lower surface of the fixing member 1021 when it is not in use for protection. The protective film 1026 is peeled off when the electronic device 10 is mounted on the dashboard 41. Then, the fixing portion 102 is placed so that the exposed lower surface of the fixing member 1021 contacts the predetermined position on the dashboard 41, and it is attached to the vehicle 40.

[0327] The base portion 1022 may be made of resin. As shown in Figure 48, the base portion 1022 may be a roughly elliptical shape that is elongated horizontally in a plan view. The base portion 1022 may be flattened and have a predetermined height. The base portion 1022 has a through hole 1033 near the center in the left-right direction and at a predetermined position from the center to the rear in the front-rear direction. The through hole 1033 may have a narrow first region 1034 extending in the left-right direction and second regions 1035 with a wide space extending forward at both the left and right ends of the first region 1034. A projection 1036 extending toward the first region 1034 is formed in the area sandwiched between the left and right second regions 1035 of the base portion 1022. The tip side of the projection 1036 is formed to be thinner than the base side. The projection 1036 may have a protrusion 1037 extending linearly in the left-right direction near the tip of its upper surface.

[0328] The base portion 1022 may have a substantially U-shaped slit portion 1038 located a predetermined distance forward from the second regions 1035 provided on the left and right sides. A strip-shaped portion 1039 is formed in the region enclosed by the slit portion 1038, with the rear end being a free end. The front end of the strip-shaped portion 1039 is connected to the main body of the base portion 1022 and is configured in an elastically deformable leaf spring shape. Furthermore, the strip-shaped portion 1039 may have a projection 1040 on the lower surface of the rear tip.

[0329] The base portion 1022 has a recess 1044 on its lower surface that extends in the left-right direction. The recess 1044 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The layout includes a through hole 1033 and two strip-shaped portions 1039 located within the recess 1044. The through hole 1033 is preferably positioned along one of the longer sides of the recess 1044. The base portion 1022 also has two locking claw portions 1042 that protrude from the other longer side of the recess 1044 on the lower surface of the base portion 1022 so as to overlap with the area formed by the recess 1044.

[0330] As shown in Figure 49(A), the stay 1023 comprises a strip-shaped base portion 1045, a mounting portion 1046 positioned upright and extending upward from the center of one of the longer sides of the base portion 1045, and a connecting portion 1047 that connects the base portion 1045 and the mounting portion 1046. The base portion 1045, the mounting portion 1046, and the connecting portion 1047 may be formed integrally by, for example, press-forming a single metal plate.

[0331] The mounting portion 1046 has a pair of protrusions on both the left and right sides when viewed from the front, which protrude forward. The attachment of the main body portion 101 to the fixing portion 102 is completed when these protrusions are inserted into a pair of grooves in the mounting portion 1082 of the main body portion 101. The mounting portion 1046 is preferably configured to be insertable into the through hole 1033. When the stay 1023 is attached from the lower side of the base portion 1022, the mounting portion 1046 is preferably configured to pass through the through hole 1033 and protrude above the base portion 1022.

[0332] The connecting portion 1047 is curved in a roughly arc shape that protrudes rearward in its longitudinal section and has an opening 1049 that extends along its longitudinal direction. The total length w1 of the opening 1049 in the longitudinal direction is equal to or slightly longer than the longitudinal width w2 of the projection 1036 provided on the base portion 1022, and the height of the opening 1049 is equal to or slightly longer than the thickness of the tip side of the projection 1036. When the stay 1023 is attached from the lower side of the base portion 1022 and the mounting portion 1046 passes through the through hole 1033 and protrudes above the base portion 1022, the opening 1049 faces the projection 1036.

[0333] The base portion 1045 is a roughly rectangular shape in planar form extending in the left-right direction and has two positioning holes 1048 spaced a predetermined distance apart. The length of the long side of the base portion 1045 should be approximately equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the long side of the recess 1044 provided on the lower surface of the base portion 1022. The length of the short side of the base portion 1045 should be shorter than the length of the short side of the recess 1044. Furthermore, the thickness of the base portion 1045 should be approximately equal to the depth of the recess 1044. A space is provided where the recess 1044 is recessed one step into the lower surface of the base portion 1022. The base portion 1045 of the stay 1023 should be able to fit into this recessed space.

[0334] In this way, as described above, the mounting portion 1046 passes through the through hole 1033, and when the projection 1036 of the base portion 1022 faces the opening 1049 of the stay 1023, the base portion 1045 of the stay 1023 enters the recess 1044 provided on the lower surface of the base portion 1022. The length of the short side of the base portion 1045 is shorter than the length of the short side of the recess 1044, so the base portion 1045 can move in the front-rear direction within the recess 1044. Then, when the stay 1023 is biased forward relative to the base portion 1022 with the projection 1036 facing the opening 1049 as described above, the base portion 1045 slides forward within the recess 1044, and the projection 1036 enters the opening 1049 (see Figure 49(B), etc.). As the projection 1036 enters the opening 1049, the protrusion 1037 on the upper surface of the tip of the projection 1036 passes through the opening 1049. As a result, the protrusion 1037 comes into contact with the connecting portion 1047 at the periphery of the opening 1049, preventing the connecting portion 1047 and, consequently, the backward movement of the stay 1023 relative to the base portion 1022. The projection 1036 and the opening 1049 engage with each other, preventing the stay 1023 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0335] Furthermore, when the stay 1023 is slid in this manner to fit the base portion 1045 into the recess 1044, and the fixing member 1021 is attached to the underside of the base portion 1022, the base portion 1045 also comes into contact with the fixing member 1021 and receives the adhesive force of the fixing member 1021. Therefore, a synergistic effect is achieved in which this adhesive force prevents the stay 1023 from sliding.

[0336] Furthermore, the two positioning holes 1048 provided in the base portion 1045 are configured to face and fit into the projections 1040 of the two strip-shaped portions 1039 provided in the base portion 1022 when the base portion 1045 slides forward within the recess 1044. Also, at the beginning of the base portion 1045's sliding, the projections 1040 contact the base portion 1045, causing the strip-shaped portions 1039 to be elastically deformed so that they are biased upward and their tips are raised. Then, as the stay 1023 and subsequently the base portion 1045 slide forward, and each projection 1040 faces the positioning hole 1048, the strip-shaped portions 1039 are displaced by elastic force so that their tips move downward. The projections 1040 then enter and fit into the positioning hole 1048. As a result, the elastic restoring force of the strip portion 1039 creates a predetermined tension, which keeps the projection 1040 fitted into the positioning hole portion 1048, preventing the base portion 1045 from sliding in the front-rear direction, and the stay 1023 is connected to and integrated with the base portion 1022.

[0337] Furthermore, the projection 1040 is biased downward within the positioning hole 1048 by the elastic restoring force of the strip-shaped portion 1039. For example, if a rearward biasing force is applied to the mounting portion 1046, the projection 1040 will detach from the positioning hole 1048, releasing the connection between the stay 1023 and the base portion 1022, and the stay 1023 and the base portion 1022 will become separable.

[0338] For example, when the base portion 1045 of the stay 1023 is fitted into the recess 1044 and the fixing member 1021 is attached to the lower surface of the base portion 1022, if the fixing member 1021, which is an adhesive mat, is peeled off, the stay 1023 can be slid by biasing it towards the rear as described above.

[0339] Furthermore, when the base portion 1045 of the stay 1023 is housed in the recess 1044, the lower surface of the base portion 1045 and the lower surface of the pedestal portion 1022 are flush and located in the same plane. The upper surface of the fixing member 1021 contacts a wide area of ​​the lower surfaces of the base portion 1045 and the pedestal portion 1022, ensuring a sufficient bonding area for the fixing member 1021 and increasing its holding force.

[0340] A recess 1031 is formed on the underside of the housing 1011 to secure a space for inserting and removing the L-shaped connector 511 of the power cable 51. Therefore, if an adhesive sheet such as the fixing member 1021 is directly attached to the underside of the main body 101 and fixed onto the dashboard 41, the contact area may be reduced. The main body 101 is placed on the base 1022, and the fixing member 1021 can be made to contact the wide area secured on the underside of the base 1022 and the stay 1023, which is preferable.

[0341] The cushion member 1025 is preferably positioned sandwiched between the upper surface of the base portion 1022 and the lower surface of the housing 1011 of the main body portion 101. The cushion member 1025 has a predetermined elasticity and a predetermined thickness. The cushion member 1025 is preferably equipped with an adhesive member such as double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive on its lower surface and is fixed to a predetermined position on the upper surface of the base portion 1022. Because the cushion member 1025 is interposed between the base portion 1022 and the housing 1011 of the figure, it acts as a cushioning material. For example, it can prevent the base portion 1022 and the figure from colliding and making noise due to vibrations from the vehicle 40, etc. The cushion member 1025 can take measures against abnormal noises caused by vibrations. The figure assumes a sitting posture with its legs 65 extended, and the bottom of the figure (buttocks) is in contact with the surface. This posture can also be described as sitting on one's buttocks. For example, if the housing 1011 is configured to contact and support the upper surface of the base portion 1022, vibrations during operation may cause the lower surface of the housing 1011 and the upper surface of the base portion 1022 to repeatedly come into contact and separate, resulting in a rattling noise and potentially generating a specific sound. As in this embodiment, by interposing the cushioning member 1025 between the housing 1011 and the base portion 1022, the occurrence of the rattling noise that is the source of the above-mentioned abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0342] The cushioning member 1025 is not an essential component, and the system may be configured without it.

[0343] Conventional electronic devices such as radar detectors, which have a rectangular casing, do not have cushioning members. This is because, when a conventional radar detector is fixed to a predetermined position on a vehicle using a base, the main body is suspended above the base, so even if the vehicle vibrates, the base, main body, and casing do not come into contact, and no abnormal noise is generated. In contrast, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is better equipped with a cushioning member 1025 to prevent abnormal noise when the casing 1011 of the figure is placed on the base 1022 and comes into contact with it.

[0344] The cushion member 1025 should not be placed across the entire upper surface of the base portion 1022, for example, not extending to the edges of the base portion 1022, but rather in the central area. The area where the cushion member 1025 is placed in the central area should be the area facing the figure. In this way, the cushion member 1025 can be hidden by the figure while also providing noise reduction. The design ensures that the cushion member is not visible in the areas where the figure does not sit. Furthermore, the figure will appear to be sitting on the cushion member 1025, giving the impression of a cushion. The electronic device 10 will perceive the figure as sitting on a cushion. For example, even if the user becomes aware of the presence of the cushion member 1025, it will appear as if the figure is sitting on a cushion, making its presence feel natural.

[0345] The stay 1023 in this embodiment may be shared with those used to fix the main body and display of a typical radar detector. The stay 1023 may be a common part shared with those used for typical radar detectors.

[0346] The fixing part 102 of this embodiment is constructed by preparing a stay 1023, which is an existing product, and a base part 1022, which is a resin base part, and combining the two. Furthermore, a cushion member 1025 is attached on top of the base part 1022, and fixing members 1021 made of adhesive mats are attached to the backs of the base part 1022 and the stay 1023.

[0347] <4-2. Mounting structure of the main body 101 (Part 2: Mounting using only the stay 1023)> As described above, the stay 1023 in this embodiment uses an existing product that is normally used to fix the main body and display of a radar detector, and is suitable for use in fixing a normal radar detector. Alternatively, the stay 1023 can be used on its own to fix the main body 101. For example, when the base portion 1022, which is a resin part, is connected to the stay 1023, the stay 1023 is slid backward relative to the base portion 1022 to release the lock. As a result, the projection 1040 of the strip portion 1039 detaches from the positioning hole portion 1048 provided in the base portion 1045, and the projection 1036 detaches from the opening 1049. This leaves the stay 1023 free from the base portion 1022. Therefore, the stay 1023 can be removed from the base portion 1022 and used on its own. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment is designed so that the stay 1023 can be removed from the base portion 1022, allowing for two installation patterns: when using the base portion 1022 and when using the stay 1023 alone.

[0348] The electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a version in which the main body 101 is mounted on the dashboard 41 using a fixing part 102 which is formed by combining and connecting the stay 1023 and the resin base part 1022 as described above (see Figures 12, 13, 15, etc.), and a version in which the stay 1023 is used on its own (see Figures 50, 51, etc.).

[0349] The relative positional relationship between the stay 1023 and the main body 101 / housing 1011, when the mounting portion 1046 of the stay 1023 is attached to the mounting portion of the main body 101, remains constant regardless of the presence or absence of the resin base portion 1022. When using the stay 1023 alone to fix the main body 101, for example, double-sided adhesive tape can be attached to the lower surface of the base portion 1045 of the stay 1023 and then attached to the dashboard 41.

[0350] As described above, the stay 1023 is used in the same way whether it is used in combination with the base portion 1022 or used alone. Even when used alone, the amount into which the stay 1023 is inserted into the case portion 1017 remains the same. The relative positional relationship between the stay 1023 and the case portion 1017, and thus the housing 1011, when used alone is the same as when used in combination with the base portion 1022, etc. Therefore, when the stay 1023 is used alone, the housing 1011 will float above the base portion 1045 of the stay 1023, as the base portion 1022 and cushioning member 1025 are removed. The space where the base portion 1022 and cushioning member 1025 were located is left empty.

[0351] As shown in Figure 52, if the mounting surface of the dashboard 41 is curved, for example, both ends of the flat base portion 1045 will be separated from the mounting surface of the dashboard 41. The stay 1023 is made of a metal plate, and for example, the base portion 1045 can be bent to adjust to the curved surface. Therefore, when installing the electronic device 10, the user should pre-bend the base portion 1045 to match the curve of the mounting surface. In this way, the base portion 1045 can contact the mounting surface of the dashboard 41 over a wide area. When the stay 1023 is used alone, it can be stably installed even in a vehicle 40 where there is no flat surface on the dashboard 41 for installation.

[0352] <4-3. Mounting structure of the main body 101 (Part 3: Mounting using fixing member 1021)> For mounting the electronic device 10 onto the dashboard 41, for example, the main body 101 can be placed on the dashboard 41 using an adhesive mat. The adhesive mat has a predetermined thickness and adhesive properties on both sides, so that it adheres to the surface it comes into contact with. The adhesive mat can be mounted using a fixing member 1021 attached to the underside of the base 1022. The electronic device 10 is mounted on the dashboard 41 by having both sides of the adhesive mat adhere to the underside of the housing 1011 and the surface of the dashboard 41, respectively.

[0353] As mentioned above, the bottom surface of the housing 1011 is provided with a recess 1031 to secure space for inserting and removing the power cable 51 from below, and the contact area between the bottom surface of the housing 1011 and the adhesive mat is reduced accordingly. Therefore, this mounting structure should be adopted considering the weight of the components to be installed, such as the housing 1011, and the adhesive strength of the adhesive mat.

[0354] [5. Adjustment function] <5-1. Adjusting Volume and Brightness> The adjustment button 191 located at the rear of the head 61 is a button for adjusting two functions: volume and brightness. The tip of the adjustment button 191 protrudes a predetermined distance from the surface of the back of the head 61 and is configured to be pushable into the head 61. The adjustment button 191 is biased by an elastic member such as a spring member to protrude out of the head 61 and is held in a position protruding a predetermined distance from the surface of the back of the head by a predetermined stopper structure. As a result, when the user biases the tip of the adjustment button 191 to push it in, the adjustment button 191 moves inward into the head 61, and when the biasing force is released, the adjustment button 191 returns to its original position. When the adjustment button 191 is pushed inward, a switch on the circuit board is turned on.

[0355] The adjustment button 191 is used to raise and lower the volume and adjust the brightness, and is configured to have no other functions. Furthermore, the control unit 11 adjusts the volume and brightness based on the operation of the adjustment button 191, and it is preferable that there is no function to set them from a remote control or storage medium 50 such as an SD card. By not including setting functions via a remote control or storage medium 50, the device will look less like an electronic device and look more like a figurine, which is desirable. However, it is also possible to include one or both of the adjustment functions using a remote control and / or storage medium 50.

[0356] The adjustment button 191 normally functions as a volume adjustment button, and when certain conditions are met, it functions as a brightness adjustment button. The control unit 11 normally operates in "volume adjustment mode," and when it receives a predetermined operation on the adjustment button 191, it performs control to switch to "brightness adjustment mode." The predetermined operation may be, for example, pressing both adjustment buttons 191 simultaneously.

[0357] When the control unit 11 detects that the two adjustment buttons 191 are pressed simultaneously, that is, that the two corresponding switches are turned on at the same time, it says "Switching to brightness setting mode," and then changes the brightness when either of the two adjustment buttons 191 is pressed (detected by "the corresponding switch being turned on," the same applies hereafter). When the control unit 11 detects that both switches corresponding to the two adjustment buttons 191 remain off for a certain period of time, it says "Setting complete" and returns to "volume adjustment mode."

[0358] The adjustment buttons 191 are provided in two positions, one above the other. When the control unit 11 detects that the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed, it controls the level corresponding to the current adjustment mode to be increased. When the control unit 11 detects that the lower adjustment button 191 is pressed, it controls the level corresponding to the current adjustment mode to be decreased. The adjustment control for each mode is as follows:

[0359] <5-2. Volume Adjustment> The volume level has seven steps, from 0 to 6, and the initial value should be set to the median value of 3, for example. When the control unit 11 detects that the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed, it speaks "Up" and controls the volume level to increase by one step. The volume of the spoken "Up" should be the volume after the change, that is, one step up after the volume adjustment. A volume level of 0 is muted.

[0360] The control unit 11 controls the device to speak a predetermined message while the current volume level is at maximum, if the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed. The predetermined message should be one of several pre-prepared words, such as "No way," "No way," "It's loud enough!", or "I can't go any higher!". The control unit 11 should also pronounce each of the above words with a slightly angry or sulky tone.

[0361] The control unit 11 can, for example, store information to identify the word spoken this time, and if the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed again while the level is at maximum, it can randomly select a word other than the one spoken last time based on the stored information. This way, for example, if the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed multiple times in a row while the level is at maximum, different words will be spoken, which gives the feeling of interacting with the figure. The information to identify the spoken word can, for example, be stored the spoken word, or a list of words is stored and the corresponding word is flagged.

[0362] When the volume level is at maximum and the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed repeatedly, it is best to increase the degree of anger or sulking when speaking. In this case, for example, it is better to make three consecutive presses louder than two consecutive presses.

[0363] The information used to identify the spoken word should be cleared when certain conditions are met. If the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed while the level is at maximum after the information has been cleared, the control unit 11 should speak one word selected from all of the prepared words. The above predetermined conditions may include, for example, when a certain amount of time has passed since the information used to identify the spoken word was stored, or when the volume level has decreased and is no longer at maximum.

[0364] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 detects that the lower adjustment button 191 has been pressed, it speaks "Down" and controls the volume level to decrease by one level. The volume of the spoken "Down" should be the volume after the change, i.e., the volume after the adjustment which has decreased by one level. In this embodiment, since the volume level is muted when it is at the minimum (level 0), for example, if the lower adjustment button is pressed when the current volume level is 1 (one level above the minimum), the control unit 11 will set the volume level to the minimum and speak "Down". At this time, the adjusted volume will be at the minimum level 0, and since it is muted, the spoken "Down" will not actually be heard as sound. The user can confirm that the volume level is at the minimum by the fact that no sound is spoken when the lower adjustment button 191 is pressed.

[0365] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may illuminate the LED 52 when it says "up / down". This allows the user to more reliably recognize that the adjustment has been made by pressing the adjustment button 191. In particular, even if the volume level is low and the "up / down" utterance is difficult to hear, or if the volume level is 0 and the device is muted, the user can confirm that the level has been adjusted by the illumination of the earpiece 1015.

[0366] The control unit 11 should change the color of the light emitted depending on whether the level is increased or decreased. In this way, the user can tell whether an adjustment has been made (up or down) by looking at the color, and can confirm whether the adjustment was made as expected. For example, the light emitted should be a warm color, such as red, when the level is increased, and a cool color, such as blue, when the level is decreased.

[0367] <5-3. Brightness Adjustment> The brightness level can be set to one of three levels, from 0 to 2, with the initial value being, for example, the median value of 1. When the control unit 11 detects that the upper adjustment button 191 is pressed, it will say "Up" and control the brightness level to increase by one level. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 detects that the lower adjustment button 191 is pressed, it will say "Down" and control the brightness level to decrease by one level.

[0368] When adjusting the brightness, the control unit 11 should control the LED 52 to light up and illuminate the ear section 1015 when the user says "up / down". The amount of light emitted by the LED 52 should be set to the adjusted level.

[0369] Furthermore, when adjusting the volume level, LED52 should not be illuminated, but when adjusting the brightness level, LED52 should be illuminated. This way, the user can tell whether they are adjusting the volume or the brightness.

[0370] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 controls the illumination of the LED 52 based on the brightness setting for the product. In this embodiment, the brightness is not changed between day and night, but it may be controlled to change. For example, the control unit 11 may control the LED 52 to illuminate at a set brightness base at night, and to illuminate brighter during the day. Alternatively, the opposite may be controlled so that the LED 52 illuminates at a set brightness base during the day, and to illuminate dimmer at night. The switching between day and night may be done, for example, based on the time of day.

[0371] [6. Notification Function (GPS Warning, etc.)] In section 3, "Configuration of the main body 101 of the electronic device 10," the electronic device 10 is equipped only with a GPS alarm function as an alarm function and does not have a display, therefore an alarm screen is not used. When the current location meets the conditions for a GPS alarm, the control unit 11 provides an audible notification using the speaker 75 and a light notification using the ear portion 1015 based on the illumination of the LED 52.

[0372] <6-1. Notification by sound using speakers> The control unit 11 outputs an audio message indicating the distance to the target object, the positional relationship to the target object, the type of target object, etc. The distance to the target object may be expressed as, for example, "○○m away." Because the electronic device 10 announces the remaining distance by voice, the user can understand the approaching status to the target object. Even if the electronic device 10 does not have a display screen, the user can recognize the remaining distance, and moreover, because the announcement is by voice, they can recognize it without having to look at the electronic device 10.

[0373] For example, when the distance to an H-system speed camera reaches 500m, the control unit 11 outputs an audio message indicating the remaining distance and the type of warning, such as "H-system 500m ahead." It is also preferable to announce the relative position, such as "H-system 500m ahead, diagonally to the right." The voice messages to be spoken are stored in the storage medium 50, and the control unit 11 should read the relevant information and output it as an audio message.

[0374] The positional relationship should be determined based on the current location and map information. For example, the control unit 11 may determine the positional relationship based on the map information and the current location, specifically the road currently being traveled on and the location of the target object being warned about. Furthermore, if the road being traveled on and the road where the target object is located are the same, the positional relationship may not be stated. If no positional relationship is announced, the user can understand that the target object is located further down the road currently being traveled on.

[0375] The control unit 11 should first make an announcement when the target is 500m away, and then announce the remaining distance while counting down as it approaches. The countdown should be in increments of 100m, for example. The announcements using the countdown should only announce the remaining distance, for example, "400m, ... 300m, ...". Announcing only numbers is good because it creates a sense of urgency as the target approaches. In addition to announcing only numbers, it is also good to announce other information such as the type of target, such as "H system 400m ahead", "H system 300m ahead", etc. This is good because it makes it clear what the remaining distance announcement is about.

[0376] In particular, when multiple alarm targets are located close together and the alarm conditions are met alternately, it is best to announce the type of target and the remaining distance in pairs when issuing alerts for each target.

[0377] Furthermore, if multiple targets are present in the surrounding area as described above, it is best to perform the countdown for the nearest target.

[0378] Alternatively, the alarm could be replaced with a voice message, or a pre-defined piece of music could be played in addition to the voice message. For example, the pre-defined condition for a GPS alarm could be whether or not the target object to be alarmed is located within a virtual fan-shaped area defined by a predetermined angular range and distance relative to the vehicle's direction of travel. This would prevent, for example, an object located on a side street different from the road currently being traveled on from being placed within the fan-shaped area and thus prevent alarms from being issued based on irrelevant or unrelated targets.

[0379] On the other hand, when turning right or left at an intersection, and a target object exists at the end of a curved road different from the direction of travel, the target object may be outside the fan-shaped area just before the turn and enter the fan-shaped area just after the turn. In such cases, if a target object such as a speed camera is close after a sharp turn, and the distance to the target object is as close as 500m, it would be good to provide a different type of warning than the usual warning for gradually approaching from 500m. A different type of warning could be, for example, by playing a predetermined piece of music or melody. When the user turns right or left, they will know that there is a target object nearby that is subject to the warning. The target object for such a music-based warning could be any target object, but it would be better to specify it for targets that are indicated in red, such as speed measuring devices.

[0380] <6-2. Notification by Light> LED52 is a color LED. When the alarm conditions are met, the control unit 11 illuminates LED52 in a color corresponding to the type of target object. The illumination color is predetermined from three colors: red, yellow, and blue. The relationship between the type of target object being alarmed and the illumination color is stored in a storage medium 50, etc., and the control unit 11 controls LED52 to illuminate in the illumination color corresponding to the type of target object being alarmed based on the stored information.

[0381] The control unit 11 controls the two LEDs 52, which are positioned on the left and right sides, to emit light simultaneously in the same color corresponding to the type of target object. As a result, for example, if the target object is within a predetermined distance range and the LEDs continue to light up in a predetermined color, the control unit 11 maintains the state in which the two LEDs 52 are the same color. As a result, the light emitted from the LEDs 52 reaches the inner surface of the recess 1056 of the ear portion 1015, which is the light-emitting part 24, causing the entire part to emit light. Furthermore, if the light-emitting part 24 is set to blink during the period in which the alarm conditions are met, the control unit 11 controls the two LEDs 52 to repeatedly turn on and off at the same time. As a result, the left and right ear portions 1015 emit light in the same color at the same time and turn off at the same time.

[0382] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may perform control to change the flashing pattern of the two LEDs 52 depending on the situation. For example, the control unit 11 may control the flashing period or duty cycle according to the distance to the target object. For example, the closer you get to the target object, the faster you should flash. If the flashing pattern changes the period, for example, it may be good to have two stages, such as fast flashing ("beep, beep, beep") or slow flashing, and it may be good to add even more stages. In this case as well, it is good to make the flashing timing of the two LEDs 52 the same.

[0383] <6-2-1. Alternate lighting> The control unit 11 may stagger the timing of the illumination of the two LEDs 52, so that the two ear-shaped parts 1015, which are the light-emitting parts 24, light up alternately, for example, like a circuit breaker. Since the electronic device 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, it can only express itself through sound and LEDs. For example, a user cannot tell from the electronic device 10 whether they are currently speeding or driving below the speed limit.

[0384] For example, the control unit 11 may perform control that changes the lighting state according to the driving conditions. The driving conditions may be, for example, whether the vehicle speed exceeds a set speed (for example, the speed limit or the speed limit + α). The value of + α may be, for example, 10 km / h, and may be changeable by the user setting. When the speed is above the set speed, a noticeable lighting control such as alternating lighting may be performed, and when the speed is below the set speed, simultaneous lighting may be performed. The control unit 11 may set it to alternate lighting when the speed limit is exceeded (for example, 10 km / h or more), and simultaneous lighting (including flashing and constant lighting) when the speed limit is observed.

[0385] Furthermore, the system may determine the type of road being traveled on and, if on a highway, control the lighting status based on the vehicle speed as described above, while not performing any control if on a regular road.

[0386] <6-3. Handling when there are multiple targets> The control unit 11 notifies about nearby targets and ensures that important targets are properly notified. If there are multiple targets that require alerting in the vicinity, the control unit 11 should prioritize alerting about the most urgent target. For example, if targets with different levels of urgency, such as a speed camera (red) and a police station (blue), are located one after the other, the control unit 11 will alert about the speed camera (red), which is more urgent, regardless of its location. In addition, when targets with different levels of urgency exist, the control unit 11 will notify about the most urgent target, but if it is time for a blue alert for a less urgent target, it will also notify that there is a blue alert, and then return to a red alert (notification of remaining distance).

[0387] The control unit 11 should, if there are multiple targets with the same level of urgency, perform control to issue a warning starting with the closest one. For example, if there are two targets with the same level of urgency, such as speed cameras, on the road, the control unit 11 will issue a warning for the closer one, and once the warning for the closer one is finished (passed), it will issue a warning for the next speed camera.

[0388] The control unit 11 may issue a pre-emptive alarm (an alarm for the nearest target currently under focus, as well as an alert for the next target).

[0389] <6-4. Notification function when no target object to be warned exists> The electronic device 10 only provides GPS alerts. Since it does not have a display screen, it cannot, for example, display a standby screen like a typical electronic device. The control unit 11 should ideally perform a verbal command if no target object is detected for an extended period.

[0390] If there is no target object, the product will not output anything, and the user may wonder if it is malfunctioning. Electronic device 10 can be confirmed to be working by speaking something. The content of the speech should be unrelated to GPS alerts. By speaking something unrelated to GPS alerts, it becomes clear that the alert is not malfunctioning, but simply that the target object for the GPS alert does not exist.

[0391] The speech at this time should sound like a monologue. Also, when the figure is speaking to itself, the control unit 11 should control the ears so that they do not light up. There are many patterns of monologues, which are stored in the storage medium 50 in advance. When the control unit 11 recognizes that no GPS alarm has been emitted for a certain period of time, it accesses the storage medium 50, reads one of the pre-prepared monologue patterns at random, and speaks it. Note that this monologue is spoken when no GPS alarm has been emitted for a certain period of time, so the figure will suddenly start talking out of nowhere.

[0392] For example, the monologue could include some mosquito tones. Mosquito tones, such as those around 17,000 Hz, are extremely high-pitched sounds that young people can hear, but are said to become inaudible with age. It would be good to have something that emits frequencies that older people cannot hear. When electronic device 10 speaks monologues using mosquito tones, there is the interesting aspect that some users can hear it and others cannot.

[0393] It would be beneficial to have the ear portion 1015 emit a predetermined light when the user speaks to themselves using a mosquito tone. When the user recognizes this predetermined light, they can confirm whether or not they can perceive the mosquito tone based on whether or not they can hear the self-talk. If people of different age groups are in the vehicle, the phenomenon of some being able to hear the mosquito tone and others not can occur, providing a topic of conversation in the vehicle.

[0394] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 speaks to itself, the LED 52 does not light up. Consequently, there is no other illumination, such as the ears lighting up. In this way, because the light-emitting unit 24 does not light up, the user can recognize that it is not a GPS alert even if they cannot hear what is being said.

[0395] Furthermore, the control unit 11 should control the illumination of the LED 52 when the user speaks to themselves. When illuminating, it should be done in a different pattern than when an alarm is sounded. That is, when an alarm is sounded, the LED flashes or stays constantly lit in a predetermined pattern at a set light intensity. In contrast to this, for example, the control unit 11 should illuminate in accordance with the intonation of the user's speech. The intonation should be adjusted by varying the intensity of the light to match the envelope of the audio data spoken when the user speaks to themselves. The control unit 11 can calculate the envelope when playing back using PCM (pulse code modulation) or similar methods using software. The control unit 11 should then control the illumination of the LED 52 to follow the calculated envelope.

[0396] The control unit 11 should change the color according to the sound envelope. For example, areas with a large envelope could be colored red, and areas with a small envelope could be colored blue.

[0397] The volume of the monologue should be varied depending on the content of the phrase, sometimes spoken softly and sometimes loudly. The volume level should be associated with each phrase and stored in memory, and the control unit 11 should speak the monologue at the adjusted volume based on this information. Furthermore, when the lights illuminate in conjunction with the monologue, the control unit 11 should make the light intensity proportional to the absolute value of the volume. If the volume of the phrase is low / high, the light intensity should also be low / high.

[0398] The control unit 11 should control the correlation between volume and light intensity for both monologue and alarms in the same way. The base volume and light intensity are determined based on the mode operation of the adjustment button 191. The control unit 11 outputs an alarm at the adjusted volume, etc. Then, as described above, if information about the volume level is attached to the monologue phrase, the control unit 11 controls the volume of the monologue utterance based on the base volume determined based on the mode operation described above.

[0399] Furthermore, alarms are recorded at a loud volume, while monologues are recorded at a lower, average volume, and the control unit 11 should speak based on the recorded volume.

[0400] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to have PCM data that includes alarms recorded at a high volume, and monologues recorded at a lower, average volume.

[0401] Furthermore, if the figure speaks a phrase that is embarrassing, the control unit 11 should keep the LED 52 lit in red or a warm color for a certain period of time. This would create the impression that the figure is embarrassed. For example, a flag could be placed on the text of an embarrassing phrase, and the control unit 11 would control the LED 52 to light up for a certain period of time when the figure speaks a text that has this flag. After the period of time has ended, the control unit 11 would control the LED 52 to turn off.

[0402] <6-5. Alarms based on either sound or light only> The control unit 11, when certain conditions are met, controls the system to output only voice messages, etc., from the speaker 75, so that the LED 52 does not light up, and an alarm is issued based solely on sound.

[0403] Furthermore, if predetermined conditions are met, the control unit 11 may control the lighting of only the LED 52, and provide an alarm based solely on light without outputting any sound.

[0404] These warnings may be switched and implemented by the control unit 11 based on, for example, the vehicle speed. For example, if the vehicle speed exceeds a first speed, a warning using both sound and light may be issued. If the vehicle speed exceeds a second speed, a warning using only sound may be issued. If the vehicle speed exceeds a third speed, a warning using only light may be issued.

[0405] The relationship between the first, second, and third speeds should be such that at least the first speed > second speed and the first speed > third speed. This way, when the vehicle speed is high, both warnings are issued, ensuring the user is reliably informed of the presence of a target. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is relatively low, using only one warning allows for notification of the presence of some kind of target while minimizing the annoyance caused by excessive warnings.

[0406] In the case of an audible alarm, the user can be notified even when looking at the front of the vehicle, without having to look at the electronic device 10. On the other hand, in the case of a light-based alarm, the risk of the user missing the alarm, unlike with an audible alarm, is reduced by keeping the light on (constantly or flashing) throughout the alarm period, but the electronic device 10 must be within the user's field of vision. The second and third speeds can be greater or lesser, but for example, it is good to set the second speed > third speed. Alternatively, the second speed = third speed, and alarms for only one of them can be given randomly or based on conditions other than speed. Conditions other than speed can be, for example, user settings or time. For time, for example, light can be used during nighttime hours and audible during daytime hours.

[0407] If the second speed is greater than the third speed, for example, the first speed could be 80 km / h, which is the speed when driving on a highway; the second speed could be 60 km / h, which is the maximum speed limit on a regular road; and the third speed could be 30 km / h. Alternatively, the first speed could be set at 60 km / h, and the second and third speeds could be set at appropriate speeds of 60 km / h or less.

[0408] Furthermore, it would be preferable to allow switching based on user settings rather than speed. Since the electronic device 10 does not have a display screen or remote control, the user settings should be based on operations using, for example, the adjustment buttons 191. For example, if one of the adjustment buttons 191 is pressed and held, the control unit 11 should change to an alarm mode using either of the buttons and announce the changed mode by voice.

[0409] Furthermore, it is said that warnings based on the reception of radar waves from an MSSS vehicle speed measuring device using the K-band, which is equipped with a radar receiver, often result in false alarms. When a K-band radar wave is received while driving at a predetermined speed, for example, 30 km / h or less, the control unit 11 should illuminate the LED 52 and provide a light-only warning without an audio message. Alternatively, the control unit 11 should not illuminate the LED 52 and provide an audio message only. When a K-band radar wave is received while driving at a speed exceeding 30 km / h, the control unit 11 should provide a warning using both sound and light.

[0410] It would be preferable to provide a program for a computer to implement the functions of the control unit 11 used in the electronic device described in the above-described embodiment. While the above functions may be implemented primarily by hardware elements, the hardware configuration of the system can be simplified if some or all of the functions are implemented by software elements.

[0411] <7-1. Modification 1 (Ear portion as switch operating part)> The electronic device 10 may be equipped with a switch function in the ear portion 1015. When operation on the ear portion 1015 is detected, the control unit 11 may perform adjustment processing on the adjustment button 191 described above based on the on / off state of the switch 74 caused by the operation. Since the ear portion 1015 is visible to the user inside the vehicle 40, it can be easily operated.

[0412] The left and right ear portions 1015 are configured to be independently displaceable, and the switch is configured to turn on and off based on this displacement. The displacement is not limited to pushing inward into the housing 1011, but can be various types, such as tilting forward or backward. Furthermore, the operation of the ear portions 1015 is not limited to physical displacement as described above, but can also be performed using electrostatic sensors, touch sensors, or other devices that detect the proximity or contact of a finger. In this way, as in the embodiment described above, the left and right ear portions 1015 can be integrally formed as an ear part 1014 and fixed to the case part 1017.

[0413] <7-2. Modification 2 (Adding a shield case)> The high-frequency circuit 72 in this embodiment does not generate heat and does not produce noise to a degree that does not require concern, therefore it does not have a shielding case. If noise is generated, it is advisable to cover the outer perimeter of the high-frequency circuit 72 with a shielding case.

[0414] <7-3. Modified Example 3 (Arrangement of Light-Emitting Parts)> The light-emitting parts may be provided on various parts of the figure, either separately from or together with the ear parts 1015. For example, the light-emitting part 24 may be provided on the hair. For example, it may be configured so that part or all of the hair parts emit light. If the light-emitting area is limited to a portion of the hair, it is best to illuminate the hair located on the front side. In this way, the light can be used to effectively inform the user. Also, it is best not to provide light-emitting areas on the hair on the back side. In this way, the light can be directed towards the front of the vehicle.

[0415] When designating a portion of the hair as a light-emitting area, it is best to choose a part that does not have a fine shape. If the area to be used as a light-emitting area does not need to be reproduced using PVC, it is best to form that part using a resin with good transparency and light-guiding properties.

[0416] Furthermore, the light-emitting part can be used, for example, on the cheeks. The cheeks face directly towards the user and are easily visible to them. Also, it is good because it can utilize natural changes such as cheek redness. Since the cheek area has a gentle shape, it is good to use a resin other than PVC for that part, or to make the thickness thinner.

[0417] <7-4. Modification 4 (Speaker placed outside the figure)> Although not shown in the diagram, it is advisable to place the speaker outside the figure. Doing so eliminates the need for the multiple sound-emitting holes 1019 in the head 61 of the rear part 1013, resulting in no holes in the back of the head area and a more realistic figure appearance.

[0418] For example, the base can be made into a box shape, and a speaker can be built inside the base. Since the base is a separate part from the figure, it is a good idea to provide a hole in the front of the base and configure the speaker to output sound forward. Increasing the height of the base gives the impression that the figure is standing on it, so it is a good idea to configure it as in the embodiment described above.

[0419] <7-5. Modified Example 5 (Circuit Arranged Below)> It is advisable to place part or all of the circuit board outside the figure. For example, part or all of the circuit board can be built into a box-shaped base, and the figure can be mounted on top of the base. This reduces the number of components that need to be mounted inside the figure. This allows for a smaller internal space for the figure, which is beneficial as it reduces dimensional constraints.

[0420] <7-6. Modification Example 6 (Storage medium containing audio data)> It would be beneficial to make storage media such as SD cards, which store various types of voice data for notifications, tradable. For example, multiple storage media containing voice data tailored to each character could be prepared for each character. Users could acquire a storage medium with their preferred voice data and insert it into the electronic device 10. In this way, similar to updating target information such as GPS data, the control unit 11 accesses the storage medium 50 when issuing a notification and outputs voice based on the new voice data. Users can hear notifications using the voice of their favorite character, increasing their affection and closeness to the figure. Furthermore, different versions of the voice data could be prepared, for example, based on the same character, and a separate storage medium could be prepared for each version. The electronic device 10 in the above embodiment does not have a display screen or a remote control, so even if multiple different versions and modes of voice data are stored on the same storage medium, the settings would become complicated. Therefore, one version of one type of character is stored on one storage medium. Users can change the voice of the character speaking by swapping the storage medium 50. Different versions based on the same character should, for example, reflect changes in emotion, such as a normal mode where they speak normally, a gentle mode where they speak gently, an angry mode where they speak angrily, and a sulky mode where they speak sulkily. Additionally, different versions based on the same character should also reflect changes in the character's age, such as varying the pitch of their voice to create a childlike, youthful, or slightly more mature tone.

[0421] [8. Explanation of matters related to SDGs] This technology will have the following effects on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), for example:

[0422] For example, it contributes to SDG Goal 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." This technology provides electronic devices in the shape of figurines using resin materials, realizing products with designs and character that match the user's hobbies and preferences. By incorporating a design that goes beyond the conventional inorganic appearance of electronic devices, it promotes technological innovation and provides new value to the manufacturing industry. By selecting materials for the figurine and case parts, it is possible to create products that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, and that can be used for a long time, which contributes to sustainable industrial development.

[0423] Next, it also contributes to SDG Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production." This technology utilizes multiple resin materials to construct a product, thereby achieving optimal material properties. For example, the PVC used for the figure part offers excellent moldability, allowing for the reproduction of intricate designs and enhancing the product's aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, the use of highly heat-resistant ABS resin for the case increases durability and extends the product's lifespan. Such appropriate selection and combination of materials enables long-term product use, reduces resource waste, and contributes to waste reduction.

[0424] Furthermore, it contributes to SDG Goal 11, "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable." This technology enhances the comfort of daily life by providing users with personalized products, making the use of digital devices, especially in vehicles, more enjoyable. Products that combine design and functionality to support a comfortable urban environment will contribute to sustainable urban living.

[0425] Furthermore, it contributes to SDG Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change." By using heat-resistant ABS resin for the case, electronic devices can operate stably even in high-temperature environments, improving product reliability. This design prevents frequent replacements and repairs, thereby reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing and disposal.

[0426] As described above, this technology has multifaceted effects on multiple SDGs and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0427] [9. Addendum] The numerical conditions described in the embodiments above are numerical values ​​necessary to produce the effects and benefits, and there is room to change them within a range that produces similar effects and benefits. For example, the notation "○○~" that defines a numerical range typically means "greater than or equal to ○○", but the "○○" that defines the lower limit may be understood as "approximately ○○" or "near ○○" if it produces the same effects and benefits as when it is "○○". In the embodiments above, the notation "~△△" that defines a numerical range typically means "less than or equal to △△", but the "△△" that defines the upper limit may be understood as "approximately △△" or "near △△" if it produces the same effects and benefits as when it is "△△".

[0428] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, the present inventors intend to include configurations not currently specified in the claims within the scope of the claims in the future.

[0429] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or any component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. The present application intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments or divisional applications. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of..." or "when...", it is not meant to be a configuration that is limited to that case or time. Configurations that do not fall under these cases or times are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the present application intends to obtain rights to them.

[0430] Furthermore, in sections where it is explained that A may be, for example, a1, a2, ..., and an, A may be specified as including one or more of a1, a2, ..., and an, or A may be specified as not including one or more of a1, a2, ..., and an. Therefore, we intend to obtain rights to inventions that exclude at least some of the enumerated elements, such as "A (excluding a1)" or "A (excluding a1 and a2)".

[0431] Where it is written that A is provided with B, and B is provided with C, it may be changed to A being provided with C. Where it is written that the process is performed A, then B, then C, it may be changed to a configuration where C is performed A, then C. Where it is written that a process is performed after a condition check, it is also disclosing the part of the process that is performed without presupposing a condition check, and we intend to acquire rights to these as well. Where it is written that P is provided with Q, it may be changed to include an intervening object or intervening process between P and Q. We intend to acquire rights to these as well.

[0432] The computer that implements the functions based on the program described in the above-described embodiments is not limited to the computer of the device described in the above-described embodiments. Depending on the purpose, use, and nature of the function, the function may be implemented by another computer. For example, the function implemented by the viewer program of the shooting device may be implemented by a program on a personal computer that plays back images taken by the shooting device, or on a computer of a smartphone, tablet computer, or other device, as appropriate. Furthermore, the functions based on the program described in the above-described embodiments may be repurposed and implemented in a device different from the device described in the above-described embodiments, for example, by a computer for a more general purpose. The program described in the above-described embodiments may be executed by a personal computer (e.g., PC software), a smartphone (e.g., a smartphone app), or a computer of another information processing terminal. Alternatively, the computer that implements the functions based on the program may be a computer used in a device for a specific purpose, such as a home appliance or a business appliance.

[0433] Furthermore, by converting to a design registration application, we intend to acquire rights to the overall design or a partial design. The drawing depicts the entire device with solid lines, but it is a drawing that includes not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for parts of the device. For example, it is a drawing that includes not only a partial design for a part of the device's components, but also a partial design for a part of the device regardless of its components. A part of the device may be a component of the device, or a part of that component. We intend to acquire rights to the overall design, as well as to any part of the drawing that is represented by dashed lines within the solid lines. In addition, all modules, components, parts, images, etc. inside the device's casing that are shown in the drawing are also subject to independent trade, and we intend to acquire rights to them by converting to a design registration application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0434] 10:Electronic equipment 11: Control Unit 14: Audio output section 17: Location information acquisition section 19: Input section 21: Mounting part 22: Power supply control unit 23:Terminal section 24: Light-emitting part 25: Storage section 40: Vehicles 41: Dashboard 50:Storage medium 51: Power cable 52: LED 75: Speakers 101: Main body 102:Fixed part 191: Adjustment button 201: First board 202: Second board 203: Antenna Unit 1011: Cabinet 1012: Front part 1013: Rear part 1014: Ear parts 1015:Ear part 1017: Case section 1021: Fixing member 1022: Base 1023: Stay 1025: Cushioning material 1061: Previous case 1062: Rear case 1075: First double-sided adhesive tape 1125: Recessed part for insertion 2034: Connection pin

Claims

1. Electronic equipment installed in a vehicle, A figure part formed using the first resin, A case portion formed using a second resin that is harder and more heat-resistant than the first resin, The main body comprises a circuit board housed in the case, The case portion is mounted inside the figure portion. An electronic device having a case that supports the figure.

2. The first resin is PVC, The second resin is ABS resin. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, which has a function to provide notification with sound and light based on the current location, without providing notification using an alarm screen.

4. The aforementioned figure part is equipped with ears that protrude above the head, The aforementioned ear portion constitutes a light-emitting unit that provides notification with light. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The ear portion is painted black on its back side and configured to emit light on its front side. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned ear portion is provided in two parts, one on the left and one on the right. The two aforementioned ear portions are integrally formed together with the connecting member that connects them. The connecting member has a mounting hole in the center. The electronic device according to claim 4.

7. An LED is placed on the outside of the bottom of the ear portion, The light from the LED is directed to travel through the ear portion. The LEDs are mounted on the beveled slanted edges on both sides of the upper end of the substrate and emit light diagonally upward and outward. The bottom portion of the ear portion is positioned along the slanted edge. The electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The case portion has a protruding portion that extends forward on the upper front side, The internal space of the figure portion has a recess into which the protruding portion can be inserted, With the aforementioned protruding portion fitted into the recess, the case portion supports the figure portion. The electronic device according to claim 1.

9. The front surface of the protruding portion and the inner surface of the recess facing the front surface are bonded together with an adhesive member. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. A speaker is placed inside the internal space of the head of the aforementioned figure part. The figure part does not have a hole on the front side of the head, and the speaker is configured to output sound towards the rear through a hole provided on the rear side of the head. The electronic device according to claim 1.

11. An operating section is provided on the rear side of the head of the figure part. The aforementioned operating unit is located in the right-hand area when viewed from the front. The speaker is positioned to the left of the control unit. The electronic device according to claim 10.

12. The top surface of the tip of the operating section protrudes from the surface of the head, The top surface is made into an inclined surface to match the surface of the hair on the figure. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. Equipped with a light-emitting part, The aforementioned operating unit is provided in two, one above and one below. The control unit mounted on the circuit board adjusts the volume of the speaker and the light intensity of the light-emitting unit based on the operation of the two operation units. The electronic device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the operating part is formed of the second resin.

15. The aforementioned figure part comprises, from top to bottom, a head, a neck, and a torso. The neck portion is shaped to be thinner and more constricted compared to the head and the torso portion. The aforementioned torso has clothing with a flared hem. The electronic device according to claim 1.

16. The aforementioned figure part has a front part and a back part, The boundary where the front and rear parts meet is positioned in an inconspicuous location. The electronic device according to claim 1.

17. The terminal for connecting the power cable is provided on the lower side of the figure part. When installed in the vehicle, the terminal portion and the connector attached to the terminal portion at the end of the power cable are configured so that they are not visible from the outside. The electronic device according to claim 1.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the power cable is routed out through the space between the lower end of the figure and the mounting surface provided thereon.

19. The storage medium mounting section is provided on the lower side of the figure section. When installed in the vehicle, the mounting portion is not visible from the outside, and the storage medium is configured to be inserted into and removed from the mounting portion from below. The electronic device according to claim 1.

20. The storage medium mounting section is provided on the lower side of the figure section. When installed in the vehicle, the mounting portion is not visible from the outside, and the storage medium is configured to be inserted into and removed from the mounting portion from below. The mounting portion is positioned in front of the terminal portion. The electronic device according to claim 18.

21. The aforementioned figure part has a front part and a back part, The aforementioned case section has a front case and a rear case, which are divided into two parts, front and back. The front case and the rear case are connected using predetermined fixing means. The aforementioned front case has a protruding portion that extends forward on the upper front side, The internal space of the aforementioned front part has a recess into which the protruding portion can be inserted, With the protruding portion fitted into the recess, the front case supports the front part. The aforementioned rear part and the aforementioned rear case are fixed together by screws that are attached from the bottom side. The aforementioned screws should be concealed from view during installation. The electronic device according to claim 1.

22. The aforementioned case section has a front case and a rear case, which are divided into two parts, front and back. A portion of the side walls of the front case and the rear case is opened, and a space is provided based on the opening when the front case and the rear case are connected. The periphery of the substrate is inserted and positioned within the aforementioned space. The electronic device according to claim 1.

23. The case portion is formed such that the upper part facing the head of the figure portion is wide, the lower part facing the torso of the figure portion is narrower and more elongated than the upper part, and the middle part facing the neck of the figure portion is formed to be narrower than the lower part. The left and right side edge shapes of the substrate housed in the case are formed to correspond to the left and right side edge shapes of the case. The peripheral shape of the area housed in the upper portion of the substrate is formed to have a curved shape. The electronic device according to claim 1.

24. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a first substrate and a second substrate connected with a predetermined distance between them in the front and back directions.

25. The upper edge of the substrate is provided with an antenna unit extending horizontally. The electronic device according to claim 1.

26. The aforementioned antenna unit comprises a patch antenna with electrical connection pins protruding from its lower surface, and an antenna board on which the patch antenna is attached. The antenna substrate is provided with through holes for inserting the connecting pins, The aforementioned connecting pins and the antenna board are soldered to predetermined positions on the board to which the antenna unit is attached. The electronic device according to claim 25.

27. The main body is equipped with a fixing part for attaching it to the installation position of the vehicle, The fixing part comprises a stay that can be connected to the case part and a base part to which the stay is attached. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is fixed to the mounting portion of the vehicle.

28. A cushioning member is provided on the aforementioned base portion, The figure portion is configured to contact the cushion member. The electronic device according to claim 27.

29. The base portion and the stay are configured to be detachable. The main body is supported with the base portion and the stay connected, The electronic device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the base portion and the stay are separated, and the main body portion is supported by the stay alone.

Images