Electronic equipment and programs, etc.

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle device, etc., that can display an appropriate message based on information acquired by the device. [Solution] The system includes an acquisition unit that acquires message information containing traffic-related information from a messaging service, and a control unit that controls the output of the message information to the vehicle user.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, devices for displaying various types of information in systems such as electronic devices have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which information regarding traffic monitoring activities (speed checkpoints) and accidents, etc. is displayed on a radar detector based on information posted by users to a posting server.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an invention for detecting an event (such as an accident) that one wishes to extract, targeting opinions posted on social media.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an invention for accurately detecting events such as accidents based on posting information to social media.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to improve the prior art, for example, to provide an electronic device or the like capable of displaying an appropriate message based on information acquired by the device.

[0007] The object 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 obtain the effects derived from the components of the configuration disclosed in this specification and the drawings, etc. For example, problems that can be described in this specification as "~can be done" or "~is possible" are disclosed in this specification, and these problems are described as "~is a problem." Each problem is described independently, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configurations for solving each of these problems individually through divisional applications, amendments, etc. 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 divisional application. Furthermore, configurations that solve problems by combining these independent problems are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The electronic device may be provided with a control unit that acquires message information containing traffic-related information from a messaging service and controls the output of the message information to the vehicle user.

[0009] In this way, users can receive messages containing traffic information from messaging services on their electronic devices. As for how messages can be output to users, for example, if the in-vehicle device is equipped with a display device and an audio output device, the display device may display traffic information based on the message, or the audio output device may output traffic information based on the message.

[0010] Here, traffic-related information should ideally include traffic events that users should be aware of while traveling by vehicle, particularly information about traffic congestion or safe driving. For example, it should include keywords related to traffic congestion such as "traffic jam," "accident," and "construction," as well as keywords related to safe driving such as "police enforcement," "driving the wrong way," and "aggressive driving."

[0011] In particular, the messaging service should be a social networking service (SNS), and the control unit should have the function to retrieve traffic-related information from the messages of that SNS. In this way, users can receive traffic-related information from among the many messages handled by the SNS. Furthermore, the traffic-related information should be information related to vehicle use. In this way, users can receive information related to vehicle use. In particular, vehicle use should be vehicle driving.

[0012] (2) The control unit may include a function to control the acquisition of message information containing traffic-related keywords from the messaging service and outputting it as traffic-related information.

[0013] In this way, users can receive messages containing traffic-related keywords from the messaging service. The messaging service includes messages posted by users other than the user, but it would be good to have a function to retrieve messages containing traffic-related keywords from among the messages posted by other users. It would also be good to have a function to not retrieve messages that do not contain traffic-related keywords from the messaging service. In this way, the output messages can be filtered to include only those containing traffic-related keywords, and users can avoid receiving messages that do not contain traffic-related keywords from the messaging service.

[0014] Furthermore, a messaging service such as Twitter (registered trademark) would be suitable. On Twitter, messages posted by each user are also called tweets, and are created and distributed by users using the service. It would be good to have a function to periodically retrieve messages from the messaging service via an API. It would also be good to retrieve messages in real time. In this way, users can retrieve messages containing keywords related to transportation from the messaging service in real time.

[0015] (3) The control unit may be provided with a function to extract messages in which the keyword is included as text in the message or as a tag in the message, and to control the output of such messages.

[0016] In this way, when users retrieve messages from a messaging service, they can receive messages that have been extracted based on keywords or tags contained within the messages.

[0017] For example, the system could be configured to retrieve keywords or tags related to a message separately from the message itself. However, since users of a messaging service may include keywords or tags for sharing a topic with other users within the message, it is advisable to retrieve those messages. In this case, the system could be configured to retrieve keywords or tags related to a message separately from a predetermined topic message by utilizing these tags. The predetermined topic would be something like transportation. The messaging service could be, for example, a social networking service such as Twitter (registered trademark). The tags would preferably be hashtags, and it would be best to use those included as part of the content of the tweet.

[0018] It would be beneficial to configure the system to periodically retrieve messages posted by other users from a messaging service. This way, users can use it as if they were receiving traffic information. When retrieving messages periodically, it would be good to retrieve them based on tags. For example, if a tag indicating "#traffic jam" is used as a traffic-related tag, messages containing "traffic jam" will be displayed periodically, allowing users to use it as if they were receiving traffic information.

[0019] (4) The message information includes attributes relating to the message, and the control unit may have a function to output the attributes together with the message.

[0020] In this way, users can view not only the message but also its attributes. The attributes should be indicators of the message's importance. Examples of such attributes include location-related attributes or attributes related to the message's evaluation. By outputting the message along with its attributes, users can determine the message's importance based on the content of the outputted message and its attributes.

[0021] (5) The attribute may be at least one of the following: the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of times a reply message has been attached to the message, and the number of times the message has been evaluated.

[0022] By doing so, the user can receive, together with the message, at least one of the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of times a reply has been attached to the message, and the number of times the message has been evaluated, as attributes corresponding to the message. These attributes may be displayed together with the message or output by voice together with the message. By doing so, the user can grasp the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of times a reply has been attached to the message, and the number of times the message has been evaluated as an evaluation regarding the message.

[0023] Here, the messaging service may be, for example, Twitter, a social networking service. In this case, the number of times the message has been reposted may be the number of retweets, the number of times a reply has been attached may be the number of replies, and the number of times the message has been evaluated may be the number of times "liked". It is preferable to configure to access the API provided by the messaging service via the network to obtain the attributes.

[0024] For example, it may be output as "Reposted X times" together with the message. By doing so, the user can grasp not only the message but also the number of times it has been reposted. For example, the user can infer that a message with a large number of retweets, replies, etc. is a message supported by many people and a highly reliable message.

[0025] (6) The message information includes information regarding the first account that posted the message, and the control unit preferably has a function of outputting the information regarding the first account together with the message.

[0026] In this way, the user can receive information about the first account that posted the message. This information about the first account can be information handled by the messaging service, such as at least one of the following: information that identifies the account, such as the account name and account ID; an image associated with the account; detailed account information; and the account's profile information. In this way, the user can find out who posted the message or who the account owner is.

[0027] (7) The control unit may include a function to change the output manner of the message according to the information of the first account.

[0028] This approach makes it easier for users to understand information about the account that posted the message, depending on how the message is displayed. For example, it is good to have a function that displays the message in the display area, and it is good to change the display characteristics such as the color, font size, and font type of the message. This makes it easier for users to identify and understand information about the account. Specifically, for example, it is good to change the font color for accounts that are related to the user. Also, for example, it is good to change the size or color of the message depending on the number of accounts (followers / following) related to the account that posted the message.

[0029] Furthermore, it is often beneficial to output audio from the audio output unit as the destination for messages, and to vary the output characteristics such as volume, tone of voice, and output speed. This makes it easier for users to understand account information. Specifically, for example, messages could be output in a male voice for accounts unrelated to the user, and in a female voice for accounts related to the user.

[0030] (8) The control unit may have a function to obtain and output any of the following information relating to the first account, such as profile information, number of followers, and number of following, based on the information relating to the account.

[0031] In this way, the user can receive one or more pieces of information about the account that posted the message, such as profile information, follower count information, and following count information, and thus understand the information about the first account.

[0032] For example, it would be good to output the profile of the user who posted the message (e.g., place of residence, hobbies, likes). Alternatively, information about the number of followers and the number of people being followed could be output separately, or multiple pieces of information could be output together. In this way, users can obtain information about the account that posted the message.

[0033] (9) The information relating to the account may be either the number of accounts associated with the user's second account and the first account that posted the message, or the number of third accounts associated with the first account that posted the message.

[0034] In this way, users can receive information on whether the account of the user who posted the message is associated with their own account. The messaging service should be a social networking service such as Twitter. In this way, users can find out whether they are following the user who posted the message, or whether the user is following them. The information on whether an account is associated should be information that identifies whether it is a friend's account or an acquaintance's account. In this way, if a user's second account and first account are associated, they will know that the post is not from a completely unrelated account. Therefore, users can follow accounts that are more trustworthy. At that time, if the account that posted the second message is an account that the user follows, the user can determine that the message was posted by a trustworthy account.

[0035] Additionally, it would be beneficial to obtain the number of accounts associated with the first account that posted the message. A suitable messaging service would be a social networking service such as Twitter. This way, the user can receive information such as the number of followers and following of the first account.

[0036] Thus, users can determine that an account is more reliable if it is associated with a large number of other accounts. For example, if the messaging service is a social networking service such as Twitter, a user can determine that a message was posted from a highly reliable account if the account that posted the message has more followers than a certain number. Furthermore, a user may also determine that a message was posted from a highly reliable account if they can identify the first account as an influencer or similar account.

[0037] (10) The association between the user's second account and the first account that posted the message means that the user's second account is following the first account that posted the message.

[0038] This way, users can see that a posted message was posted by an account they follow. Here, "following" generally refers to associating another person's account with another person's account, a feature often found in social networking services. It's a good idea to set it up so that messages posted by accounts you follow appear on your timeline.

[0039] For example, the messaging service could be a social networking service like Twitter. This way, you can find out information such as whether you are following the user who posted the message, or whether the user is following you.

[0040] (11) The number of third accounts associated with the first account that posted the message may be the number of followers or following of the first account.

[0041] In this way, users can receive the number of followers or followings of the account that posted the message, along with the posted message itself. For example, users can determine the reliability of the message and the account based on the influence of the account that posted the message (e.g., an influencer's account with a large number of followers). It would also be beneficial to have a function that determines the reliability of an account and the messages posted by that account based on the number of followers and followings of the account, and outputs this information. For example, if the number of followers is more than a certain percentage greater than the number of followings, the account can be determined to be highly reliable.

[0042] (12) The information relating to the account may include whether the second account of the user is associated with the first account that posted the message, and the control unit may have a function to output information relating to the first account if the second account of the user is not associated with the first account that posted the message.

[0043] In this way, if the account that posted the message is not associated with the user's account, the user can receive information about the account that posted the message. "Not associated with the user's account" could mean, for example, that the user is not friends or following the account on a social networking service. Because the account that posted the message is not associated, the user can obtain information about that account. This allows the user to see who posted the message. This account information could include, for example, the user's place of residence, birthday, hobbies, etc.

[0044] (13) The control unit may include a function to associate the first account that posted the message with the second account of the user if the first account that posted the message is not already associated with the second account of the user, or to recommend that the first account that posted the message be associated with the second account of the user.

[0045] In this way, if the user's account that posted the message is not associated with the first user, the user can receive information recommending that they associate the first user's account with the second user's account. The user can then decide whether or not to associate the accounts based on this information. For example, if a user sees a message and determines that the user is posting useful messages, they can easily follow that user. For example, using a social networking service like Twitter, if the user is not following the second account, it would be good to recommend that they do so. Alternatively, if the user is not following the second account, it would be good to automatically follow it. It would also be good to include features that prioritize retrieving messages posted by accounts that the user follows, and to change the output format.

[0046] (14) It is preferable to have a function that outputs a statement to the effect that the information of the first account that posted the message matches certain conditions.

[0047] In this way, users can verify that the account that posted the message meets certain criteria. These criteria could include, for example, that if the user has entered a specific keyword, that keyword must be included in the profile information of the account that posted the message. Another criterion could be that the account's attributes, specifically the number of followers / following, must be above a certain threshold. Furthermore, another criterion could be that the account is certified by the messaging service. Knowing that these criteria are met allows users to decide whether to associate the account (e.g., follow it). Additionally, knowing that these criteria are met allows users to determine whether the message is trustworthy.

[0048] (15) The specific conditions mentioned above may include the first account that posted the message being a configured corporate account or an official account authenticated by the messaging service.

[0049] In this way, users can know whether the account that posted the message is a designated corporate account or an official account authenticated by the messaging service. Users can determine that messages from corporate accounts are more reliable than those from accounts owned by individuals. By displaying that the account that posted the message is a corporate account or a pre-configured corporate account, users can determine that the message is reliable. For example, it would be good to have a function that allows users to pre-configure corporate accounts, so that users can know that the user who posted the message is a corporate account. Here, a corporate account is often defined as an account owned by a company for the purpose of promotion or public relations activities, and it is best to define it as an account officially operated by the company or operated by one or more employees in the company name. Furthermore, corporate accounts may be accounts of private companies, but it is also good to define them as accounts of organizations such as government offices and institutions of the national and local governments, foundations, medical corporations, school corporations, NPOs, etc.

[0050] For example, it would be beneficial to have a database (DB) located inside or outside the device where users can register specific accounts (e.g., NEXCO) as trusted accounts. Additionally, it would be helpful to identify corporate accounts by analyzing their profile information.

[0051] Furthermore, messaging services should use a different output format for authenticated official accounts (for example, accounts displaying an official badge). This allows users to use the information about the official account status to determine the trustworthiness of a message, especially if they already trust that the sender's account is an official one.

[0052] (16) The control unit may have a function to change the output mode and output the message if the message is a message addressed to the user's second account.

[0053] In this way, users can receive messages addressed to them in a different format than other messages, making it easier for them to check their own messages. The system may include a function to extract user-directed messages from messages retrieved from the messaging service, or it may include a function to retrieve only user-directed messages separately.

[0054] Here, a message addressed to a user's account can be defined as, for example, a message containing information about a second account, a message containing a mention of a second account, or a reply to a message posted from a second account.

[0055] (17) The message may also refer to the user's second account.

[0056] In this way, users can receive messages that mention their own account. It would also be good to have a function that changes the output method of messages that mention a user's account. In this way, users can receive messages in which they are mentioned. Here, a message that mentions a user's account is a message that contains information that identifies the user's account (for example, the same information that identifies the account as described above, such as an identification ID). Also, as a messaging service, it is good to use a social networking service such as Twitter, and a message that mentions a user's account is a message that mentions that user.

[0057] (18) The control unit may have a function to output a statement indicating that the person who posted the message is driving.

[0058] This way, when a user receives a message, they can verify that it was posted while driving. For example, the message could be about traffic congestion. If a user determines that a message sent by someone actually driving is more reliable, they can then identify the most reliable message from among the displayed traffic congestion messages.

[0059] (19) The control unit may have a function to not output the message if the message is a reposted message.

[0060] This way, users can avoid receiving reposted messages, thereby reducing the amount of duplicate messages they receive. For example, it would be good to have a function to retrieve messages other than reposted messages. This would prevent situations where users are unable to see messages other than reposted messages. For example, if a post is reposted multiple times, the reposted messages will not be output, thus preventing users from receiving duplicate messages. Also, if a message is reposted by various users, the same message will be output repeatedly. Users can avoid having to repeatedly check the same reposted message.

[0061] A suitable messaging service would be a social networking service like Twitter, and a reposted message would be a retweet message. A message containing a specific string such as "RT" would also be considered a retweet message. Furthermore, a reposted message could include quoted retweets. For example, a message containing other messages besides the one following "RT," or a message containing "QT," could be identified as a quoted retweet. Additionally, the part of the message that should not be output could be configured so that the part following "RT" is not output as a message.

[0062] (20) The device further comprises a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the device, the message information includes location information of a message, and the control unit may have a function to acquire message information that is included in the area surrounding the location information of the device, and to adjust the size of the area surrounding the information so that the number of acquired message pieces is included in a predetermined area.

[0063] In this way, users can receive messages within a predetermined range of their device's location information, ensuring that the number of messages received falls within that range. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to include a function that searches a predetermined range from the device's location information and retrieves messages posted by accounts within that range, ensuring that the number of messages to be output falls within that range.

[0064] In this case, if the number of messages acquired by the device itself is large, it is advisable to reduce the size of the surrounding range. Conversely, if the number of messages acquired by the in-vehicle device is small, it is advisable to reduce the size of the surrounding range.

[0065] In this way, it is advisable to change the message retrieval range so that the number of displayed messages falls within a predetermined range. For example, the message retrieval range could be expressed as the distance to the surrounding area, centered on the target person's location. Alternatively, the message retrieval range could include factors such as the account's age group and gender, the type of vehicle the device is installed in, and the attributes of the message.

[0066] For example, in the case of traffic congestion information, it is advisable to output messages near the vehicle's location or to output them preferentially. Prioritizing output means outputting the prioritized messages in a manner that is easily perceived by the user. For example, this could involve outputting only the messages that are prioritized and not outputting others, outputting the prioritized messages earlier than other messages, or displaying the prioritized messages in a more prominent location than other messages. It is also advisable to adjust the size of the surrounding range so that the number of acquired message information falls within a predetermined range. For example, if the number of message information items is set to 30, the range based on location information can be specified so that it is included in 30 items. For example, if the number of acquired messages exceeds the range of 20 to 30, it is advisable to control the size of the surrounding range to decrease. Conversely, if the number of acquired messages is less than 20 to 30, it is advisable to control the size of the surrounding range to increase.

[0067] Furthermore, the size of the surrounding area can be changed simply by adjusting the distance from the center, or it can be changed according to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the latter case, for example, the surrounding area in the direction of travel of the vehicle may be made wider. For example, if the vehicle is traveling north on a highway, the area to the north, which corresponds to the direction of travel, may be expanded. In this way, the user can obtain messages related to the direction they are about to travel.

[0068] (21) The device further comprises a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the device itself, and the message information includes location information of the message. The control unit may have a function to compare the location information of the device itself with the location information of the message and change the output mode of the message.

[0069] In this way, users can confirm the relationship between the location where a message was posted and their own location by observing changes in the display format of the message. For example, messages posted from locations close to the device's location could be displayed with a different color, font size, or symbols. This would allow users to confirm that the message content concerns events happening nearby. In addition, it would be beneficial to change the priority of message output, either in conjunction with or instead of changing the output format. For example, messages within a predetermined distance from the electronic device's location could be prioritized.

[0070] (22) The control unit may be provided with a function to change the output mode of messages that fall within a predetermined distance range from the position information of the device itself.

[0071] In this way, the user can confirm that a message is within a predetermined range from their device by the change in the message's output format. Changing the output format could, for example, involve changing the color, size, or font when displaying the message. If the message is output as audio, it could involve changing the volume, tone of voice, or output speed. The predetermined range should be a predetermined distance close to the device's location. In this case, if the user is driving, the output format of messages within the predetermined distance from the device will change, allowing them to prioritize checking messages close to their device.

[0072] Furthermore, the predetermined range may be a range of distances farther away from the device, instead of or in addition to a range of distances close to the device. For messages in the range of distances farther away, the output method of messages that are more than a predetermined distance from the user's location may be changed. Here, the range of distances close to the device refers to, for example, a range that is less than or equal to the distance of a first threshold, and the range of distances farther away may be a range that exceeds the distance of the first threshold. Also, the range of distances farther away may be a range that exceeds the distance of a second threshold greater than the first threshold. Furthermore, changing the output method may include not outputting the message. For example, the message may not be displayed, or the message may not be output as audio.

[0073] (23) The control unit may be provided with a function to identify an address or road name from the message and to output an output message that includes the address or road name in place of the acquired message.

[0074] In this way, users can receive messages that include an address or road name instead of the message they received. For example, each user of a messaging service posts messages with various contents. Users can view the messages posted to the messaging service not as they are, but in an output format that makes the necessary information easy to understand. Here, the address can be a combination of city / ward / town name and town name, but it is preferable to use the prefecture name and city / ward / town name. Also, the address should represent a region, such as an intersection name, facility name, or landmark name. Furthermore, the address should be information that indicates a region or location, such as latitude and longitude information or a map code. In addition, the road name should be a name such as National Route X, Prefectural Route X, road names such as Meiji-dori and Yasukuni-dori, or names of expressways such as Chuo-do, Tomei Expressway and Metropolitan Expressway.

[0075] (24) The control unit may further include a function to include keywords as traffic-related information in the output message.

[0076] In this way, users can receive messages that include traffic-related information. For example, traffic-related information could include information about congestion such as "traffic jam," "traffic congestion," "accident-related congestion," and "construction-related congestion," as well as information related to congestion such as "construction," "accident," and "closure," and information related to safe driving such as "aggressive driving," "dangerous driving," "enforcement," and "police car." In addition, traffic-related information should include content that affects traffic, and it would be good to include information about disasters such as "heavy rain," "flooding," "fire," and "earthquake."

[0077] (25) The control unit may further include in the output message the time elapsed since the acquired message was posted.

[0078] This allows users to see how much time has passed since a message was posted. Therefore, along with the message itself, users can see when the message was posted and how old it is. For example, if a message describes a traffic-related event such as a traffic jam, it would be good to display the elapsed time along with the event. In this way, users can not only see that a traffic-related event has occurred, but also when it occurred and how much time has passed since the event was reported.

[0079] Here, the time elapsed since the message was posted can be calculated, for example, by determining the difference between the time the message was posted and the present time, if the time the message was posted can be obtained. Alternatively, the elapsed time can be calculated from keywords indicating time in the message (e.g., "yesterday," "last night," "today," "just now"). The control unit should also analyze the message and output that it is past information if it is determined to be past text (e.g., past tense text). The elapsed time can be expressed specifically as X minutes ago, X hours ago, etc., but it can also be approximate information (e.g., "yesterday" or "previously"). Furthermore, the output style of the message should be changed based on the time elapsed since it was posted. For example, when displaying a message, the output style should be changed based on the time elapsed since the message contained in the output message was posted. For example, the display style should be changed by making the display fainter or reducing the font size as the elapsed time increases.

[0080] (26) The control unit may be provided with a function to aggregate and output messages if the messages are related.

[0081] In this way, users can view related messages in an aggregated state. Related messages can be defined as messages in a messaging service where one message has some kind of relationship with another message. For example, a messaging service like Twitter is a good example, and in this case, replies, retweets, etc., could be used. By aggregating related messages, users do not have to view similar messages multiple times. For example, in the case of a reposted message, the same message will be output multiple times. Therefore, if the original message that was reposted is output only once, the user can view only one of the related messages.

[0082] Furthermore, "aggregating and outputting" here means that multiple messages may be output together. Outputting together could, for example, mean displaying only one representative message. Alternatively, the first message posted could be selected as the representative message, or a new message could be generated and output.

[0083] (27) The control unit may be provided with a function to aggregate and output one or more messages that have been replied to one message.

[0084] This way, users can see all replies to a single message in a consolidated view. For example, when a message is replied to, you could output only the original message, but it's better to hide the reply. When using a messaging service, for example, the original message often contains more important information than the reply. Therefore, it's good to output the reply, and thus the original message. Also, even when messages are replied to in a thread, it's good to aggregate them as related messages.

[0085] (28) The control unit may be provided with a function to aggregate and output messages that have been reposted from message 1.

[0086] In this way, users can receive reposted messages in a consolidated manner. For example, when a reposted message (e.g., a retweet) is treated as a reposted message for a single message, it is often sufficient to output only the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted), and in this case, the reposted message (e.g., the retweet) can be hidden from display. Generally, since reposted messages (e.g., retweeted messages) are almost identical in content to the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted), it is best to display the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted).

[0087] (29) The control unit may be provided with a function to output a message that includes part or all of the message that is the source of aggregation.

[0088] In this way, the user can receive some or all of the source messages from which the messages were aggregated. For example, it would be good to output all of the source messages (e.g., as they are) from the aggregated messages, but it would also be acceptable to include some of the wording from the source messages in the output. For example, when messages are aggregated, the user can see which messages were aggregated by whether the source messages are output as they are or only partially output.

[0089] (30) The control unit may also have a function to output the number of messages that have been aggregated.

[0090] In this way, users can also see the total number of aggregated messages. For example, it would be good to output the number of times a message has been reposted (e.g., retweeted) or the number of replies it has received (e.g., replies) along with the number of messages. By seeing the total number of messages and the aggregated number of messages, users can recognize which messages have received a greater response. For example, users can recognize that a message with a large response is an important or highly reliable message.

[0091] (31) The control unit may have a function to acquire repost count information indicating the number of times the message has been reposted, and to change the output mode of the message according to the repost count information.

[0092] In this way, users can recognize how many times a message has been reposted, depending on the message's output format. The control unit may, for example, change the font type or size of the message, or change the color of the text, if the message has been reposted (replied) many times. Alternatively, the output format of the message may be gradually changed according to the number of reposts (replies). In this way, users can see how many times a message has been reposted. For example, the text color may change from white to red as the number of reposts increases. In this case, users can recognize that the closer the text color is to red, the more times the message has been reposted (the more replies).

[0093] (32) The control unit may be provided with a function to increase the size of the message according to the number of times it has been reposted.

[0094] In this way, users can recognize how many times a message has been reposted based on its size. For example, the number of reposts can be displayed along with the message, or the size of the text or the display area can be used to indicate whether the message has been reposted many or few times. Furthermore, users can recognize that messages that have been reposted many times are messages that have been spread to many people and are therefore important messages. Thus, by displaying important messages with a high number of reposts in a larger size, users can intuitively grasp the importance of the message.

[0095] (33) The control unit may further include a light-emitting unit, and the control unit may have a function to change the method of light emission of the light-emitting unit according to the resubmission count information.

[0096] This allows users to recognize how many times a message has been reposted based on the light pattern of the light-emitting part. When the device is equipped with a light-emitting part, the way the light-emitting part emits changes according to the number of reposts. For example, the emission method could be to change the number of blinks, the brightness, or the color. For example, for messages that have been reposted many times, the frequency of emission should be increased. This way, the user can be alerted. In addition, the user can recognize an estimate of how many times a message has been reposted based on the light pattern of the light-emitting part. For example, when a message that has been reposted many times is displayed, a light pattern indicating that it has been reposted many times should be output. In this way, the user can recognize whether or not a message has been reposted many times without having to read the message.

[0097] (34) The control unit may have a function to output an aggregated message when the output message is selected.

[0098] In this way, users can receive aggregated messages by selecting them. For example, if aggregated messages are displayed, the user can select the aggregated messages. When this is done, the previously aggregated messages will be expanded and displayed, allowing the user to view each message individually. As for how to output the aggregated messages, for example, the aggregated messages could be displayed one by one sequentially, but it is better to display them one by one in a thread.

[0099] (35) The control unit may also have a function to output a two-dimensional code for displaying the aggregated messages.

[0100] In this way, users can view aggregated messages using a QR code. For example, a user scans the QR code with another device (such as a smartphone or tablet). The device then displays the aggregated messages based on the information (e.g., a URL) shown in the QR code. The QR code may contain, for example, a URL that displays a list of aggregated messages. The aggregated messages may be displayed sequentially, one by one, or they may be displayed in a threaded format. Alternatively, encoded images containing information other than QR codes may be used.

[0101] (36) The control unit may have a function to change the message output method according to the number of messages acquired.

[0102] In this way, users can recognize the number of messages retrieved based on how the messages are displayed. For example, when displaying retrieved messages with a scroll, the scrolling speed can be changed. Also, when displaying retrieved messages in a designated area, the font size or the size of the display area can be changed according to the number of messages. Furthermore, when outputting retrieved messages as audio, the audio output speed can be changed according to the number of messages retrieved. In this way, the message output method changes according to the number of messages, so users can recognize whether the number of messages retrieved is large or small when viewing or listening to them.

[0103] (37) The output method may be the message output speed or the number of messages output.

[0104] In this way, the user can recognize how many messages have been retrieved based on the speed at which messages are output and the number of messages being output. For example, when the messages are displayed in a scrolling format, the scrolling speed should be increased when there are many messages and decreased when there are few messages. In this way, the user can easily visually recognize whether there are many or few messages retrieved based on the display speed of the messages. Also, when outputting messages, all retrieved messages may be output, but it is better to output a range corresponding to the number of messages to be displayed. For example, if more than a predetermined number (100 messages) have been retrieved, the system may output a predetermined number of messages. In this case, the control unit may also output a message indicating that not all retrieved messages are being displayed.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, if there are many messages, it is a good idea to increase the speed at which messages are displayed when scrolling. This allows users to see many messages. Also, by viewing messages that scroll quickly, users can not only grasp that there are many posts, but also get a sense of immersion (for example, the image of a lot of information flowing). Conversely, if there are few messages retrieved, it is a good idea to decrease the speed at which messages are displayed when scrolling slowly. When the display speed is slow, users can not only grasp that there are few messages retrieved, but also find it easier to check the messages and feel a sense of calm.

[0106] (38) The control unit may have a function to change the output method of the acquired number of messages according to the number of messages per unit time.

[0107] In this way, users can recognize the number of messages based on how the messages are displayed. For example, if a large number of messages are retrieved per unit of time, the messages should be displayed quickly, and if a small number of messages are retrieved per unit of time, the messages should be displayed slowly. In this way, users will understand that if messages are displayed quickly, many messages are being retrieved per unit of time. Conversely, if messages are displayed slowly, users will understand that few messages are being retrieved per unit of time. When changing the speed of message display, one could, for example, switch the scroll speed, but it is better to switch the display speed of the ticker.

[0108] (39) The control unit may have a function to determine the reliability of the acquired messages and to prioritize the display of messages with high reliability or to change the output method.

[0109] In this way, users can prioritize reviewing highly reliable messages. For example, messages posted on messaging services contain a mix of correct and incorrect information. Also, messages posted on messaging services may contain only factual information, as well as the opinions of the users who posted them or irrelevant messages. Thus, messages posted on messaging services may include unreliable messages such as messages unrelated to traffic or messages that are contrary to the facts, as well as so-called noise messages, such as messages that are factual but contain information that is outdated. By determining the reliability of messages, it is possible to suppress the output of noise messages or to give higher priority to non-noise messages. In this way, users can prioritize reviewing messages that are relevant to them and are not noise.

[0110] (40) The control unit may have a function to determine that a message is highly reliable if the account of the person who posted the message has a predetermined number of followers or more, is a designated corporate account, or is an official account authenticated by a messaging service.

[0111] In this way, users can identify accounts with a certain number of followers or more, designated corporate accounts, and official accounts as highly reliable, and review messages posted from those accounts. For example, the aforementioned accounts are more likely to post accurate information than private accounts used by individuals. Therefore, it is advisable to classify these accounts as reliable and classify messages posted from them as reliable messages. In this way, users can prioritize reviewing messages posted from such reliable accounts.

[0112] (41) The control unit may include a function to determine that a message is highly reliable if it has been reposted a predetermined number of times or has been rated a predetermined number of times or more.

[0113] In this way, users can receive highly reliable messages determined based on factors such as the number of times a message has been reposted or the number of ratings it has received. For example, in a messaging service, messages that have received a certain number of responses, such as being reposted a certain number of times (e.g., retweeted) or receiving a certain number of ratings (e.g., likes), can be considered highly reliable. Messages that are deemed highly reliable should then be displayed preferentially. In this way, users can receive highly reliable messages preferentially.

[0114] (42) The control unit may further have a voice input unit capable of voice input, and when a user performs a registration operation by voice input, the control unit may have a function to save the output message as a bookmark.

[0115] In this way, users can save messages output via voice input as bookmarks. For example, if a user wants to review an outputted message or use it later, they can voice a command indicating what to save as a bookmark, and the message will be saved as a bookmark. Furthermore, because users can perform the registration operation by voice, outputted messages can be saved as bookmarks even in environments where the user cannot operate the system, such as while driving. A bookmark can be defined as saving a message as information such as a favorite. Messages can be saved as bookmarks on a device, for example, but they can also be saved on a messaging service. Messages can also be saved as bookmarks on other devices connected to the device. In addition, what is saved as a bookmark may be the message itself (e.g., message information), or it may be identification information that identifies the message (e.g., message ID, URL indicating the message, etc.).

[0116] (43) The control unit may further include a function to retrieve message information by searching the messaging service using words that can be extracted as trends in the messaging service as search keywords, and to control the output of the message information.

[0117] In this way, users can receive messages containing trending words in the messaging service. For example, messages to be retrieved can be obtained by performing an AND search or an OR search on words that can be extracted as trends together with traffic-related information. For example, only trending messages can be retrieved from traffic-related information, or messages containing trending words together with traffic-related information can be retrieved. Furthermore, when displaying messages containing trending words, the output format of those messages should be changed. Also, trending words may be included as part of the message, or they may be included as tags.

[0118] (44) The control unit has a storage unit that stores login information for a second account which is a user's account, and the control unit logs in to the messaging service based on the login information for the second account, and the control unit retrieves message information from the messaging service based on the second account that has logged in.

[0119] In this way, users can store their login information for messaging services on their electronic devices. For example, because users' login information is stored on their own electronic devices, they can use messaging services without worrying about the leakage of their login information. Also, for example, users can reduce the effort required to enter their login information when using messaging services.

[0120] (45) The login information for the second account has multiple login credentials, and the control unit may log in to the messaging service based on each of the multiple login credentials to obtain message information, and when outputting the message, it may change the output manner of the message based on the account that was logged in at the time of acquisition.

[0121] In this way, users can store multiple login credentials on their electronic devices and switch between them to receive messages from the messaging service. Because multiple login credentials can be stored, users can, for example, store two login credentials: a private account they normally use and another account used for collecting traffic-related information on their electronic devices. The control unit may use the multiple stored login credentials together, but it is preferable to have a function to switch between them. For example, the control unit may output only messages obtained when the user logs in based on the first login credentials, or only messages obtained when the user logs in based on the second login credentials. Alternatively, if the user uses both, they can log in based on the first and second login credentials and output messages obtained from both together.

[0122] (46) The control unit may be equipped with a function to log in based on login information for multiple different accounts, and if there are duplicate messages obtained from each account, it should output only one of the duplicate messages.

[0123] In this way, even if a user receives messages based on multiple different accounts, they will only receive one duplicate message from each account. For example, if a user receives messages from different accounts and each user's account follows the same other user's account, the user may receive duplicate messages. Therefore, the control unit should display duplicate messages as a single message instead of outputting each one separately, thus preventing the user from receiving the same message repeatedly. Since duplicate messages are not output, the control unit can, for example, output other messages instead. Furthermore, the control unit can change the display format of the message when it combines duplicate messages into one.

[0124] (47) The control unit may further have a display unit, and the control unit may have a function to display the message on the display unit as the output destination.

[0125] In this way, users can confirm the received message via the display unit, and the message can be seen visually. Since the message is displayed on the display unit, for example, when an electronic device changes the output mode, it is good practice to change the display mode. For example, when an electronic device changes the output mode or output method and displays the information, it is good practice to change the font size, change the font, change the display color and / or background color of the text, and change the display speed.

[0126] (48) A terminal device equipped with a display unit can be connected, and the control unit may have a function to display the message on the display unit as the output destination.

[0127] In this way, the user can view the message via the display of the terminal device. For example, if the display of the electronic device is small and the display of the terminal device is larger, the user can view the message displayed on the larger display of the terminal device. Also, even if the electronic device does not have a display, the user can view the message via the display of the terminal device. Suitable terminal devices include, for example, portable terminal devices such as smartphones, or other in-vehicle display devices such as car navigation systems.

[0128] (49) The control unit may include a function to include emojis displayed in the messaging service in the message and display them as they are.

[0129] In this way, when a user views a message, they can also see the displayed emoji. Furthermore, the user can see the emoji displayed in the messaging service directly on their electronic device. Emojis can be used to express emotions or states. Also, by displaying the same emoji on both the messaging service and the electronic device, the user can receive messages more easily. When the control unit displays an emoji as is, it may display an emoji that looks identical, or it may display an emoji that looks different but means the same thing. For example, for a "smiley face" emoji, it is preferable that the character code representing the emoji is at least the same.

[0130] (50) The control unit may further have an audio output unit, and the control unit may have a function to output the message to the audio output unit as an output destination.

[0131] In this way, users can confirm messages by voice. Because users can confirm messages by voice, they can do so without having to look at an electronic device, even while driving. Therefore, users can confirm messages safely. Changing the output mode and method as described above can be done by changing the volume of the voice output from the voice unit, changing the tone of voice, or changing the speed at which the voice is output. The method of outputting the voice can be, for example, a warning sound or music.

[0132] (51) The electronic device may be connectable to a management device, and the control unit may have a function to acquire message information containing messages related to traffic from a messaging service via the management device.

[0133] (52) The control unit may have a function to obtain a message from a management device that obtains message information containing traffic-related information from a messaging service, and to output the message contained in the message information to the user.

[0134] In this way, the management device can output messages to users based on message information obtained from the messaging service. For example, the management device can obtain a message from the messaging service and output it to an electronic device. Since the necessary message is obtained from the management device, the electronic device can obtain and output the message without any processing.

[0135] (53) It is preferable that a computer be provided with a program to implement the functions of the control unit of the electronic device described above.

[0136] In this way, users can receive messages containing traffic information via a management device through their electronic devices. Because electronic devices obtain messages via a management device, they may or may not have the ability to connect directly to a messaging service.

[0137] (54) A system including an electronic device and a management device, wherein the management device includes a control unit that receives message information containing a message relating to traffic from a messaging service and controls the transmission of the message information to the electronic device, and the electronic device includes a control unit that receives the message information and controls the output of the message contained in the message information to the vehicle user.

[0138] In this way, users can receive traffic-related information from the messaging service via a management device and then receive messages through the in-vehicle device. Since the electronic equipment does not need to have communication capabilities with the messaging service, the configuration can be simplified.

[0139] (55) A system is provided that has a function to acquire message information containing messages related to traffic from a messaging service, and a function to control the output of the messages contained in the message information to the vehicle user via an electronic device. In this way, the user can receive messages containing traffic information from the messaging service on an electronic device.

[0140] Furthermore, the functions described in (1) through (52) above can be implemented by the management device. In other words, the functions described in (1) through (52) can be implemented by the electronic equipment and the management device.

[0141] (56) A message output method may be provided that includes an acquisition step of acquiring message information containing a message containing traffic-related information from a messaging service, and a step of outputting the message contained in the message information to the vehicle user.

[0142] In this way, users can receive traffic-related information from the messaging service. As for how to output messages to users, for example, if the device is equipped with a display device and an audio output device, the display device can display traffic-related information based on the message, or the audio output device can output traffic-related information based on the message.

[0143] Furthermore, it is preferable to have, for example, all of the functions from (1) to (53), a selection function that allows the user to choose which function to execute, and a function that executes the function selected by the selection function.

[0144] The inventions described in (1) to (56) above can be combined in any way. For example, a configuration may be made by adding at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onward to all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1). In particular, a configuration may be made by adding at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onward to the invention described in (1). Alternatively, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions described in (1) to (56) and the extracted configuration may be combined. 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 of configurations that are limited to those cases or times. 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0145] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve upon the conventional technology, for example, by enabling the posting of an appropriate message to a messaging service based on information acquired by an electronic device.

[0146] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described herein. Effects derived from the components disclosed in this specification and the drawings are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to such components through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, phrases such as "can do" or "is possible" in this specification are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects to be achieved, and there are components that demonstrate effects even without such descriptions. Moreover, there are effects that can be grasped by the component even without such descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0147] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the entire system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the service overview in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the mounting member for the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the control unit and memory unit of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an operation flow illustrating the overall process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the electronic device in the first embodiment. [Figure 11]This figure illustrates an example of a display screen in an electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of a display screen in an electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the entire system in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the control unit and memory unit of the electronic device in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of the control device in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an operation flow illustrating the overall process in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates an example of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure illustrates an example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0148] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are just one example of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description. In the following description, parentheses may be used, but this does not necessarily indicate that the terms enclosed in parentheses have the same meaning as the terms preceding them.

[0149] Services that deliver information to terminal devices and electronic equipment in real time are known. For example, information provided by these services, such as traffic accidents, traffic congestion, dangerous driving (aggressive driving, driving against traffic), and fires included in disaster feeds, can provide useful information to users. Furthermore, the fact that information is delivered in real time gives users a sense of realism, which is beneficial.

[0150] Furthermore, various methods are known, such as distributing content related to current events and displaying earthquake information (epicenter and seismic intensity) on a map.

[0151] However, while the information distributed at the national level contains a lot of real-world information and appears useful at first glance, there was a problem in that the amount of information decreased at the city / town / village level and the road level. For example, even when using a paid information distribution service, it was fine for national-level information, but at the city / town / village level and the road level, the information was limited, and users felt that it was too expensive or that they could not obtain the necessary information.

[0152] Furthermore, when receiving content related to current events news, there was a problem in that it was generally only available for viewing and could not be used as data.

[0153] Therefore, in this specification, we have decided to solve the above-mentioned problems by utilizing messaging services and social networking services (SNS).

[0154] In recent years, messaging services and social networking services, which provide user-generated information, have become well-known. However, these services contain a variety of messages, and not all of them are necessarily effective.

[0155] If the information obtained from these services is displayed directly on in-vehicle devices, it may increase the likelihood of safety issues arising, such as the driver becoming distracted by the display screen while driving.

[0156] Furthermore, because there was inconsistency in the content transmitted by each user, the appropriate content was not always output by in-vehicle devices, etc.

[0157] After considering these challenges, we decided to address the issues that arise when using messaging services and social networking services (SNS).

[0158] By leveraging the aforementioned service's name recognition and ability to attract customers, it becomes an opportunity to introduce products compatible with the service (such as electronic devices) to a wider audience, potentially boosting the purchasing power of younger generations who are frequent users of social media.

[0159] For example, information such as traffic congestion, accidents, and dangerous driving incidents, which are the content of messages in a messaging service, can be delivered faster and with a more real-time feel than other information distribution services, due to the characteristics of the service. By linking such services, it is possible to provide a system that users find "interesting." Furthermore, because information can be delivered instantly, it is possible to provide a practically effective system.

[0160] By utilizing an interface available in messaging services (for example, the Twitter API), it is possible to search for transportation-related keywords on the service and extract relevant messages (tweets). This makes it possible to deliver real-time information using messaging services, even if it is not possible to deliver urgent information such as paid information distribution services or earthquake early warnings via interruptions.

[0161] Furthermore, while it is possible to reuse messages as they are, a system can be made easier for users to understand by, for example, identifying events from the text and distributing them as "information about traffic congestion due to an accident" or "a report of aggressive driving."

[0162] Furthermore, messaging service interfaces (such as the Twitter API) allow for the automatic posting of messages (tweets). In this case, useful information can be provided to others by posting or reposting (RT) messages directly from electronic devices or via a server from electronic devices, rather than from a smartphone.

[0163] Furthermore, by adding the product name of the electronic device and information about the manufacturer to the message when posting, it is possible to create an opportunity for many people to learn about the product.

[0164] The keys used in the messaging service interface can be obtained in advance from the service provider, allowing for message retrieval, extraction, and posting (automatic posting).

[0165] Furthermore, electronic devices may also display information based on the messages they receive. For example, if an electronic device is already capable of displaying enforcement information as a ticker, it can also display messages (tweets, replies, or, for example, the content of Instagram comments) as tickers.

[0166] Furthermore, electronic devices already display enforcement information from the relevant police station based on the city or town where the device is located, as a ticker. Therefore, the displayed message may also be limited to messages related to the same city or town as the vehicle.

[0167] Furthermore, electronic devices can display locations on a map or make roads flash to indicate their location, provided they contain data that identifies a specific place, such as addresses, latitude and longitude, road names, interchanges and junctions, service areas and parking areas.

[0168] Furthermore, directly quoting messages (tweets) or comments may be confusing for users and could lead to complaints from the poster for unauthorized use. Therefore, it would be better to automatically analyze the content of the text and convert it into messages such as "Information about traffic congestion due to an accident" or "Information about the danger of driving in the wrong direction" before displaying it.

[0169] Furthermore, determining the time elapsed of information in a message can be difficult and confusing for users. Therefore, it would be good to display "X minutes ago" or "X minutes elapsed" based on the time of occurrence. Additionally, the color of the flashing road could be made lighter as time passes to represent the degradation of the information.

[0170] Furthermore, when electronic devices are used in vehicles, manual operation should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, it would be better to enable electronic devices to be operated and posted using voice recognition. It would also be beneficial to recognize voice input and use it to create text messages for posting.

[0171] The implementation methods for achieving the above-mentioned objectives will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0172] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 System Description] [1.1.1 System Overview] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall system 1. System 1 is configured such that electronic equipment 10 that can be installed in a vehicle 50 and a service provider device 30 (a server device for providing services) that provides messaging services can be connected via a network NW.

[0173] As will be described later, the electronic device 10 may be directly connected to the service provision device 30 via a network NW, or it may be connected to the service provision device 30 via a management device or other terminal devices (for example, information processing devices such as smartphones and tablets, or car navigation devices).

[0174] [1.1.2 Description of Messaging Services] Next, the messaging service in this embodiment will be described. The messaging service is a service that enables the exchange of messages between users. Unless otherwise specified, the messaging service in this embodiment is assumed to be a social networking system (SNS), and in particular, a system using Twitter®. Among messaging services, SNS are characterized in that messages are often exchanged between a specific large number of users or an unspecified large number of users, and many messages are exchanged without specifying a recipient (i.e., the person to whom the message is to be read). Furthermore, among the messages being exchanged, there is a mix of messages that contain information necessary for the user and messages that do not, and the latter are often far more numerous. This embodiment has been made taking these characteristics of messaging services into consideration, but it is not intended to exclude messaging services that are not SNS.

[0175] A messaging service (service) can deliver messages posted by users or systems to each user's terminal device. Each user's terminal device can retrieve messages from the messaging service and generate and display a so-called timeline, for example, displaying them in chronological order. Alternatively, individually retrieved messages may be displayed on a display device or output as audio from an audio output device.

[0176] In this context, posting a message means sending message information from any terminal device or other service to the messaging service server. Message information includes the message itself and attributes related to the message. Messages in this embodiment are mainly text, but also include images (including either still images or moving images, or both) and audio. Attributes include, for example, information about the account posting the message (e.g., a user ID that identifies the account, an account ID, the username of the user using the account, the date and time the message was posted, etc.). Message information sent from the messaging service to the terminal device may also include other attributes. For example, attributes may include information about replies to the message, information about reposts (e.g., the number of reposts, information about the user who reposted), and information about ratings (e.g., the number of ratings, information about the user who gave the rating), as will be described later. Furthermore, the image only needs to include information about the image; the image itself may be included in the message, or it may be information indicating the link destination of the image (e.g., a URL).

[0177] Furthermore, when the messaging service delivers a message, the terminal device receives the message information from the messaging service's server device. The terminal device may also request and obtain the message information from the server device. Alternatively, the server device may periodically send message information to the terminal device.

[0178] In this embodiment, the message information will be described in the cases of posting from a terminal device to a messaging service and distributing from a messaging service to a terminal device, but the content of the message information may differ.

[0179] The functionality of the messaging service will be explained using the timeline in Figure 2 as an example. The timeline in Figure 2 displays messages acquired from the service provider 30 in chronological order on any terminal device. For example, the timeline may be displayed on the display device of the electronic device 10 or on the display device of the mobile terminal device 40.

[0180] The terminal device that acquires the messages retrieves them from the messaging service. For example, in Figure 2, four messages are acquired: messages MS100, MS102, MS104, and MS106.

[0181] The terminal device obtains message information from the service provider device 30. The message information may include information about the user who posted the message, such as the username, account ID, posting date and time, location information, and user icon. For example, in message MS104, the username is displayed in area R100, the account ID in area R104, the posting date and time in area R106, and the message in area R108.

[0182] Here, the account ID corresponding to the username refers to the string after the "@" symbol. The account ID is a combination of alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc. Furthermore, the account ID may contain double-byte characters such as Japanese characters.

[0183] Additionally, the user's account may display a mark (e.g., area R130) indicating that it has been authenticated by the service provider. If the user of the message is a well-known person or a company, the display of this mark makes it easy for a third party to verify that it is not an impersonation.

[0184] Furthermore, user accounts can be linked. For example, by linking a first user to a second user, the first user can retrieve messages and information from the second user. This specific linking is called "following." In this case, from the second user's perspective, the first user becomes a "follower." The first and second users can also be described as "friends."

[0185] Furthermore, messages consist of strings of text, up to a predetermined character limit. Messages may also include images, audio, and video. Messages may also include something called "tags." For example, area R120 includes the tag "#Tomei Expressway." Users can easily find related topics by using tags.

[0186] Furthermore, by including an account ID in a message, it is possible to send a message to that user. For example, message MS100 contains "@tarou" as a message related to the account ID. As a result, message MS100 will be sent to account ID "@tarou".

[0187] Furthermore, users can take predetermined actions in response to each message. In this embodiment, three functions are implemented: reply, repost, and rate. These functions will be explained in relation to the corresponding operation buttons.

[0188] (1) Reply (Area R110) This function allows you to reply to a message. This associates, for example, the original message with the message you are replying to. In this embodiment, when you reply to the original message, the account ID of the original message is also included in the reply. This reply function is also known as a reply function or comment function.

[0189] (2) Repost (Area R112) This function allows you to repost the same content as the original message. This reposting can be done by posting the original message as is, or by quoting it within your own message. For example, in Figure 2, message MS106 is a reposted message. In this case, the original message is displayed as is. Furthermore, area R132 displays an identifier indicating that the message is a repost. Area R132 shows an icon indicating a repost and the username of the user who made the repost. The reposting function is also known as a retweet or repost function.

[0190] (3) Evaluation (Area R114) The system evaluates messages. This evaluation can be a positive one, such as "Like," or it can be a function like "Favorite." It may also be possible to have both "Good" and "Bad" ratings. In this embodiment, when the user selects the evaluation function icon displayed in area R114, an evaluation is added to the message. If the user selects the evaluation function icon again, the evaluation of the message may be canceled. The evaluation function may be called, for example, a favorite function or a favorite feature.

[0191] The buttons associated with the aforementioned reply, repost, and rating functions may be displayed as icons or text. Furthermore, these functions may be executed through gestures on the message (e.g., tapping or swiping the message).

[0192] Figure 2 shows the buttons (icons) that allow you to perform each function. Next to each button, the number of people who have actually performed the function is displayed.

[0193] [1.2 Structure] [1.2.1 Configuration of Electronic Devices] [1.2.1.1 Overview of Electronic Devices] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the outline of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment of the in-vehicle device of the present invention. The electronic device 10 is an electronic device (in-vehicle device) installed in a vehicle 50 and provides various types of information to the driver and other users. The electronic device 10 has the function of a radar / laser detector and provides information that contributes to the driver's safe driving. The vehicle 50 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.

[0194] The electronic device 10 has a notification function that notifies the user when the vehicle 50 is in a predetermined proximity relationship with a predetermined target object. The predetermined proximity relationship refers to a relationship in which the vehicle 50 is within a predetermined distance of the target object, 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 50, and the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of that target object. An example of a target object is a speed enforcement point, which is a location where vehicle speed enforcement is carried out. Speed ​​measuring devices may be installed at speed enforcement points. The electronic device 10 receives enforcement waves emitted from the speed measuring device. Enforcement waves are electromagnetic waves used to measure the speed of a vehicle, and may be referred to as measuring waves, speed measuring signals, etc. Speed ​​enforcement points are determined by taking into consideration factors such as the driving conditions of vehicles (for example, places where vehicles tend to speed) and the occurrence of traffic accidents (for example, places where the number of accidents is high). Examples of speed enforcement locations include general roads, straight sections of road, curves, and points around curves. Numerous types of speed measuring devices exist, including fixed and mobile devices. Mobile devices include, for example, portable and vehicle-mounted types. The electronic device 10 is broadly divided into a main body 10100 and a fixing part 10200. The main body 10100 is fixed to a predetermined installation position using the fixing part 10200. In this embodiment, the installation position is the upper surface of the dashboard 51 of the vehicle 50. The fixing part 10200 is provided below the main body 10100 and is a fixing member for fixing the main body 10100 to the predetermined installation position. The fixing part 10200 is also called a bracket.

[0195] Figure 4 shows the external configuration of the main body 10100. Figure 4(A) is a view of the main body 10100 from the upper right of the front. Figure 4(B) is a view of the main body 10100 from the upper left of the rear.

[0196] The main unit 10100 has a housing 1011. The housing 1011 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer horizontally than vertically and has a relatively small thickness. The housing 1011 is made of, for example, resin or other material. A rectangular opening is provided on the front side of the housing 1011, which is longer horizontally than vertically. The main unit 10100 has a display unit 120 for displaying an image at the position of this opening and a touch sensor 152 superimposed on the display area of ​​the display unit 120. The main unit 10100 has an illuminance sensor window 1201 and a light-emitting unit 180 at the position to the left of the display unit 120 on its front side. The light-emitting unit 180 has a light-emitting area with the vertical direction as its longitudinal direction. A storage medium insertion slot is provided on the right side of the housing 1011. A storage medium 162 is inserted into the main unit 10100 through this storage medium insertion slot. The storage medium 162 is, for example, an SD card. SD cards include any form factor, such as SD memory cards, miniSD cards, and microSD cards.

[0197] A lens holder 1012 is provided on the rear side of the housing 1011. The lens holder 1012 holds the lens 111 through a through hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the housing 1011. The lens 111 is a light-gathering lens. In this embodiment, the lens 111 is an aspheric lens, which is elliptical in shape and longer horizontally than vertically, with an aspherical surface for the incidence of light; however, other light-gathering lenses may be used. A mounting portion 1013 is provided near the lower end of the rear side of the housing 1011, near the center in the left-right direction of the housing 1011. The mounting portion 1013 is the part to which the fixing portion 10200 is attached. The mounting portion 1013 has a pair of grooves, each extending vertically. Further on the rear side of the housing 1011, a power switch 1221 for switching the power of the electronic device 10 on and off, and a terminal portion 172 for connecting external devices are provided.

[0198] Figure 5 shows the external configuration of the fixing part 10200. Figure 5(A) is a view of the fixing part 10200 from the upper right side of the front. Figure 5(B) is a view of the fixing part 10200 from the upper left side of the front.

[0199] The fixed part 10200 is fixed to the installation position using a fixing member 1021 and has a base part 1022, a socket part 1023, a ball stud 1024, and a mounting member 1025. The base part 1022 is the part that is fixed to the installation position (installation surface). The bottom surface of the base part 1022 is attached to the installation position using a fixing member 1021 such as an adhesive sheet or double-sided tape. The base part 1022 has a socket part 1023 that has an open space on the front side. The ball part of the ball stud 1024 is attached to the socket part 1023. The socket part 1023 and the ball stud 1024 attached to the socket part 1023 constitute a ball joint mechanism. The ball stud 1024 changes its orientation up and down and left and right when subjected to external force while attached to the socket part 1023. A mounting member 1025 is provided on the front portion of the ball stud 1024. The mounting member 1025 is attached to the mounting portion 1013 of the main body 10100. The mounting member 1025 has a pair of protrusions on both the left and right sides when viewed from the front, which protrude forward. When these pair of protrusions are inserted into a pair of grooves in the mounting portion 1013 of the main body 10100, the attachment of the main body 10100 to the fixing portion 10200 is completed. The main body 10100 can change its orientation up, down, left, and right when subjected to external force while attached to the fixing portion 10200. This allows the user to use the electronic device 10 with the main body 10100 fixed in the desired orientation.

[0200] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic device 10. The control unit 100 controls each part of the front camera. The control unit 100 controls each part of the electronic device 10. The control unit 100 is, for example, a computer including a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processor 101 has at least one of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memory 102 is a main memory having, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The processor 101 temporarily stores the program read from the ROM of the memory 102 or from the storage unit 190 in the RAM. The RAM of the memory 102 also provides the processor 101 with a workspace. The processor 101 performs various controls by temporarily storing data generated during program execution in RAM and performing arithmetic processing. The control unit 100 further includes a timekeeping unit 103. The timekeeping unit 103 is, for example, a real-time clock. The timekeeping unit 103 may be mounted on the motherboard of the processor 101 or may be externally connected to the processor 101.

[0201] The light-receiving unit 110 is a light-receiving unit for receiving laser light as a speed enforcement wave from a speed measuring device compatible with the laser system. The light-receiving unit 110 receives light incident through the lens 111 and outputs a signal corresponding to the received light to the control unit 100. The light-receiving unit 110 may further have optical elements such as a filter that cuts out visible light from the laser light. The signal output by the light-receiving unit 110 changes, for example, according to the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 110. The light-receiving unit 110 is equipped with a photodiode as a light-receiving element, for example, but may also be a phototransistor or other light-receiving element. The light-receiving unit 110 may be equipped with two or more light-receiving elements. The light-receiving unit 110 is preferably sensitive in the infrared light region. The light-receiving unit 110 may further have an A / D conversion circuit or the like that converts the analog signal from the light-receiving element into a digital signal.

[0202] The display unit 120 displays an image. The display unit 120 is, for example, a 3.2-inch color TFT liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display is, for example, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) type. The display unit 120 may also be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or another type of display device.

[0203] The audio output unit 130 outputs sound. The audio output unit 130 includes, for example, an audio processing circuit and a speaker.

[0204] The radar receiver 140 receives radar waves as enforcement waves from a speed measuring device compatible with the radar system. The radar waves include, for example, predetermined microwaves, stealth waves that emit radio waves only at the moment a predetermined stealth enforcement device measures, normal radar waves, new radar waves corresponding to the K-band and X-band, and cancellation notifications. The radar receiver 140 has, for example, an antenna and a receiving circuit.

[0205] The radio receiver 142 receives radio signals of a predetermined frequency. These radio signals of a predetermined frequency may propagate around speed enforcement points and are an example of enforcement signals indicating the presence of speed enforcement points. These predetermined frequency radio signals include, for example, radio signals belonging to frequencies such as enforcement radio, car location radio, digital radio, low-power radio, police station activity radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter telemetry radio, fire department helicopter telemetry radio, fire department radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, and police radio. The radio receiver 16 includes, for example, an antenna and a receiving circuit.

[0206] The location information acquisition unit 144 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 50 in which the electronic device 10 is located, and the locations of the driver and other people (occupants) in the vehicle 50. The location information acquisition unit 144 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 144 may also acquire location information based on signals from 4G, 5G communication or other base station equipment.

[0207] The communication unit 146 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 146 communicates with the external device wirelessly, for example, by Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or other wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication or short-range wireless communication. The external device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other communication terminal in the vehicle 50. The communication unit 146 may have a communication circuit for performing communication compliant with standards for mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, etc.

[0208] The input unit 150 receives information input from the user. The input unit 150 includes a touch sensor 152 and a microphone 154. The touch sensor 152 receives user operation input. The touch sensor 152 detects the position touched by the user. The touch sensor 152 is, for example, a capacitive type. The microphone 154 converts incident sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 154 is, for example, a condenser microphone. In addition to these, the input unit 150 may also include physical buttons such as volume control buttons and operation buttons.

[0209] The sensor unit 155 has various sensors. The sensor unit 155 has, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the tilt of the electronic device 10. The acceleration sensor and gyro sensor may be used, for example, to estimate the position of the vehicle 50 by autonomous navigation when signals from GNSS satellites cannot be received. The barometric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure. The barometric pressure sensor is used, for example, to detect differences in elevation and determine whether it is a highway or a regular road. The temperature sensor detects temperature. The humidity sensor detects humidity. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects illuminance, which indicates the brightness inside the vehicle interior, which is the area around the electronic device 10, based on light incident through the illuminance sensor window 1201. The illuminance sensor is used, for example, to adjust the brightness of the display of the display unit 120.

[0210] The mounting section 160 functions as a media holder that holds the storage medium 162 inserted through the recording medium insertion slot. The mounting section 160 writes data to the storage medium 162 and reads data from the storage medium 162. The mounting section 160 may hold only one storage medium 162, but it may also be configured to hold two or more storage mediums 162 simultaneously.

[0211] The power control unit 170 controls the supply of power to each part of the electronic device 10. The power control unit 170 includes, for example, a power switch 1221 and a power control circuit. The power control unit 170 supplies power supplied from the vehicle 50 side via the terminal section 172 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 energy storage.

[0212] Terminal section 172 is a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device. Terminal section 172 is a terminal for receiving power from an external device. Terminal section 172 has a terminal that conforms to the miniUSB standard, for example. One end of a power cord (e.g., a cigarette lighter plug cord) is connected to terminal section 172. The other end of the power cord is connected to a power supply terminal (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket) provided on the vehicle 50 side, for example.

[0213] The terminal section 172 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 50. The OBDII connector, also called a fault diagnosis connector, 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 the terminal section 172 to the OBDII connector using an OBDII adapter, the electronic device 10 can receive power for operation and acquire vehicle information.

[0214] Vehicle information refers to information about the state of vehicle 50. Vehicle information may include at least one of the following: vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load ratio, throttle angle, 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.

[0215] An external battery may be used as the device connected to the terminal section 172 so that the electronic device 10 can operate even without power supply from the vehicle 50. The device connected to the terminal section 172 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 or drowsy driving, or a device that has a function to detect and notify obstacles around the vehicle 50 (for example, a device used for vehicle detection for a Forward Vehicle Collision Warning System (FCWS)). Other devices connected to the terminal section 172 may be in-vehicle devices such as a camera, a car navigation system, or a display device, as exemplified by a drive recorder.

[0216] The light-emitting unit 180 emits light in a predetermined color. The light-emitting unit 180 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0217] The memory unit 190 stores data. For example, the memory unit 190 stores programs for the control unit 100 to perform various controls. The control unit 100 reads and executes programs from the memory unit 190. The memory unit 190 also stores map data showing a map, information on the type and location of targets, 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.), data for realizing route guidance functions if the electronic device 10 has a navigation function, data for displaying a standby screen, etc. Targets include, for example, speed measuring devices (laser type, radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photoelectric tube 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 violation prevention 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.

[0218] The memory unit 190 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 100 acquires information about newly added targets from the installed storage medium 162 or by communication using the communication unit 146, and stores the acquired information in the memory unit 190. It would be even better if the control unit 100 had a function to store updated information about new targets, etc., in the memory unit 190.

[0219] The storage unit 190 may be an auxiliary storage device implemented using various storage media, such as flash memory (e.g., eMMC, SSD). The storage unit 190 may also be implemented using various storage media, such as optical storage media, magnetic storage media, and semiconductor storage media.

[0220] [1.2.1.2 Notification Functions of Electronic Devices] The notification function of the electronic device 10 is a function that notifies the user of information using a light receiving unit 110, a radar receiving unit 140, a wireless receiving unit 142, and a location information acquisition unit 144, 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 by displaying on the display unit 120, outputting sound from the sound output unit 130, emitting predetermined light from the light emitting unit 180, and other methods that can be perceived by a person.

[0221] The control unit 100 has a laser alarm function. Specifically, the control unit 100 uses the light receiving unit 110 to determine that it has received laser light for speed measurement from a speed measuring device corresponding to the laser system, and then issues an alarm. The laser light corresponding to the laser system is a pulsed laser with a specific wavelength and a predetermined pulse width. The specific wavelength belongs to the infrared light region, for example, and its wavelength is 850 nm, 905 nm, 950 nm, or 1900 nm. The pulse width is approximately 20 ns or approximately 15 ns. The pulse interval is approximately 80 ms. The "approximately" part should be within a predetermined range that can be considered to be the same as or substantially the same as a reference value. For example, if the control unit 100 determines that a laser beam corresponding to the laser system has been received, it displays a schematic diagram or photograph of a speed measuring device corresponding to the laser system, stored in the memory unit 190, on the display unit 120, and reads the audio data stored in the memory unit 190 to output the voice message "Laser beam received. Speed ​​caution" from the audio output unit 130.

[0222] The control unit 100 has a radar warning function. Specifically, the control unit 100 performs warning control to issue a warning when it determines that it has received radar waves from a speed measuring device via the radar receiving unit 140. For example, when the control unit 100 determines that radar waves for speed measurement have been received, it displays a schematic diagram or photograph of a speed measuring device corresponding to the radar system stored in the storage unit 190 on the display unit 120, and reads out audio data stored in the storage unit 190 to output an audio message "Radar. Be careful of speed" from the audio output unit 130.

[0223] The control unit 100 has a wireless alarm function. Specifically, the control unit 100 performs alarm control to issue an alarm when it determines that it has received a wireless signal of a predetermined frequency by the wireless receiver unit 142. The control unit 100 scans the frequencies corresponding to the various wireless signals described above. When the control unit 100 determines that it has received a wireless signal at a scanned frequency, it displays a schematic diagram or photograph of the reception of the wireless signal corresponding to that frequency, which is stored in the storage unit 190 for each type of wireless signal, on the display unit 120, and reads the audio data stored in the storage unit 190 for each type of wireless signal, and outputs an audio message indicating the type of wireless signal from the audio output unit 130. For example, if the control unit 100 receives a speed enforcement radio signal, it outputs an audio message such as "Speed ​​enforcement radio signal. Be careful of speeding."

[0224] The control unit 100 has a location warning function (generally called a GPS warning). Specifically, the control unit 100 performs warning control by issuing a warning based on the location information of the target object stored in the memory unit 190 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 144. For example, the control unit 100 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 100 performs warning control when approaching within 2 km of the target object, and also performs warning control when it is determined that the target is within 1 km, 500 m, immediately before, or passed. For example, regarding speed enforcement points inside tunnels, the control unit 100 performs warning control when approaching within 2 km of the target object while driving on a highway, and also performs warning control when it is determined that the target is within 1 km or 500 m. The control unit 100 displays an alarm screen on the display unit 120 and outputs sound effects, background music, voice messages, and other audio from the audio output unit 130.

[0225] 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.

[0226] Furthermore, the control unit 100 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, depending on the design stage of the electronic device 10 or the user's settings. In this case, the control unit 100 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.

[0227] The electronic device 10 is an electronic device having a function to receive speed enforcement signals and a notification function to notify when speed enforcement signals are received, but these functions may be mounted on separate electronic devices. In the configuration shown in Figure 7(A), which is an example of this embodiment, the first electronic device 10300 has a function to receive speed enforcement signals and a function to output a signal to the outside according to the reception result. The first electronic device 10300 is also called the antenna unit. The second electronic device 10100A acquires the signal output from the first electronic device 10300 and has a notification function to notify when speed enforcement signals are received by the first electronic device 10300 based on this signal. The first electronic device 10300 and the second electronic device 10100A are connected, for example, by a wired communication path (for example, the cable 10400 shown in Figure 7(A)), but they may also be connected by a wireless communication path. The notification does not have to include notification by, for example, display, sound, and light. In the configuration shown in Figure 7(B), which is an example of this embodiment, the electronic device 10100B does not have a display unit. The electronic device 10100B provides notification by outputting sound from a sound emission hole 10500 provided on the front side or by illuminating a light-emitting unit 10600. The electronic device may also be installed in a location other than the dashboard, for example, on the vehicle's windshield (for example, near the upper edge of the windshield), or on the vehicle's rearview mirror or the ceiling inside the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Figure 7(C), which is an example of this embodiment, the electronic device 10100B is fixed to the windshield using a mounting member 10700 instead of a fixing part 10200. The mounting member 10700 is formed using, for example, a metal plate-shaped member. The electronic device may also be configured to be fixed to any of the installation locations selected by the user from among a plurality of candidate installation locations.

[0228] [1.2.1.3 Control Units and Memory Units of Electronic Devices] The configuration of the control unit 100 and the storage unit 190 of the electronic device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram that explains only the parts that differ from the configuration explained in Figure 6.

[0229] The control unit 100 further functions as a message generation unit 104, a message posting unit 105, a message acquisition unit 106, a message output unit 107, or a timing determination unit 108. Specifically, the control unit 100 realizes each function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 190.

[0230] The message generation unit 104 generates a message to be posted to the service. The process for generating the message will be described later. Then, it generates post message information that includes the generated message.

[0231] In addition to the message itself, the posted message information can include information and attributes related to the message being posted. For example, other information and attributes that can be included in the posted message information may include the ID of another message to which the reply will be sent. Furthermore, the posted message can include location information (latitude and longitude information, location information such as landmarks, etc.) and information related to the content (for example, the ID of the uploaded content, the URL of the content).

[0232] The message posting unit 105 posts the message generated by the message generation unit 104 to the service. The message posting unit 105 may simply send the message to the service (a server device within the service), or it may send the message information to the service. Hereinafter, "sending a message" includes not only simply sending the message to the service, but also sending message information as needed. Posting a message refers to the process of outputting the message information so that the message is posted to the messaging service. The output destination for the message information may be, for example, the device that provides the messaging service, or another device interposed between the device that provides the messaging service and the electronic device (for example, a relay device such as a management device).

[0233] The message retrieval unit 106 retrieves messages from the service (server device within the service). Specifically, the message retrieval unit 106 retrieves a specified number of messages from the service, for example, by specifying the number of messages to retrieve. In addition, for each message, the service retrieves the message itself, as well as information about the message and its attributes (retrieved message information).

[0234] The retrieved message information includes one or more messages. Each message may also include information and attributes related to the message. This information and attributes may include, for example, a message ID, the account ID of the user who posted the message, the account name of the user who posted the message, the date and time the message was posted, and the location where it was posted. The message information may also include the message ID to which the reply is directed.

[0235] The message retrieval unit 106 can retrieve messages according to specified conditions. For example, the message retrieval unit 106 may retrieve messages based on specified keywords. Keywords may be any characters included in the message, tags, etc. In addition, attributes related to the message may include, for example, the number of times the retrieved message has been replied to, the number of times it has been reposted, the number of times it has been rated, etc.

[0236] Here, the message acquisition unit 106 can acquire acquired message information (messages) from the acquisition source as needed. For example, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire the necessary messages directly from the service. Alternatively, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire the necessary messages from acquired message information that has been stored in the message information storage area 196.

[0237] For example, the message retrieval unit 106 specifies the number of message information items to retrieve from the service and retrieves the message information. At this time, it is possible to specify necessary keywords for the service. For example, by specifying the keyword "accident", the message retrieval unit 106 can retrieve messages that contain the word "accident". Also, by specifying the tag "#accident", the message retrieval unit 106 can retrieve messages from the service that contain the tag "#accident".

[0238] Furthermore, if only the number of messages is specified, the message acquisition unit 106 acquires the corresponding number of available messages. The message acquisition unit 106 then stores the acquired messages (acquired message information) in the message information storage area 196. The message information storage area 196 may temporarily store the acquired message information, store it for a predetermined period, or store all of it.

[0239] The message acquisition unit 106 may also acquire a message containing a predetermined keyword (for example, "accident") from the acquired message information stored in the message information storage area 196.

[0240] Thus, when the message acquisition unit 106 acquires a message, this includes acquiring the message directly from the service and acquiring the message from messages stored in the message information storage area 196, and the method can be selected as appropriate.

[0241] Furthermore, these two sources of information may be combined. For example, messages from the previous day or earlier may be obtained from the message information storage area 196, while messages for the current day may be obtained from the service. Also, if the message acquisition unit 106 is unable to obtain messages from the service due to communication environment issues or other reasons, it may acquire messages from the message information storage area 196.

[0242] The message output unit 107 outputs the acquired message. For example, it can display the message contained in the acquired message information and related information / attributes, or output it as audio.

[0243] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may display each message individually, or it may display a timeline showing the messages in chronological order.

[0244] The timing determination unit 108 determines the timing for posting a message to the service and the timing for retrieving a message from the service. For example, if the timing determination unit 108 determines, based on the vehicle's status, that it is time to post a message, it prompts the message generation unit 104 to generate a message. If the message generation unit 104 has generated a message, and a message has been entered by the user, it prompts the message posting unit 105 to post the message.

[0245] Furthermore, the timing determination unit 108 determines the timing for posting a message from the service and the timing for retrieving a message. For example, if it determines that it is time to post a message, it prompts the message generation unit 104 to generate a message. Also, if the timing determination unit 108 determines that it is time to retrieve a message from the service, it prompts the message retrieval unit 106 to retrieve a message from the service.

[0246] Here, the timing determination unit 108 determines that it is time to post a message when it detects a trigger for posting a message. For example, the timing determination unit 108 may detect a trigger when the state of the vehicle 50 changes, or it may detect user input as a trigger. It may also receive a trigger from another device (e.g., a drive recorder). The timing determination unit 108 considers any change in the state of the vehicle 50 to be, for example, when it becomes congested, when it is involved in an accident, when it is subjected to aggressive driving, when it receives a radar signal for speed enforcement, or when it receives a car location radio signal.

[0247] Further details regarding the processing and operation of the message generation unit 104, message posting unit 105, message acquisition unit 106, message output unit 107, and timing determination unit 108 will be described in detail in the following embodiment.

[0248] The memory unit 190 reserves memory areas for account information storage area 192, vehicle information storage area 194, message information storage area 196, and setting information storage area 198.

[0249] The account information storage area 192 stores information related to the user's account. For example, it stores the user's account ID and password. In addition, other information related to the user's account, such as authentication information and access tokens, may also be stored.

[0250] The vehicle information storage area 194 stores information about the vehicle 50 acquired by the electronic device 10. The timing at which the vehicle information is stored is predetermined intervals (for example, every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, every hour, or once a day).

[0251] The message information storage area 196 stores information related to messages. For example, it stores messages generated by the message generation unit 104 (posted message information) and messages retrieved from the service by the message retrieval unit 106 (retrieved message information).

[0252] [1.2.2 Other devices] The service provider device 30 is a device that provides messaging services, and for example, it is a device having a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit. The service provider device 30 is, for example, a device owned by a business operator that provides messaging services. For example, it may be a device owned by a business operator that provides services such as Twitter (registered trademark), Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, TikTok, etc. as social networking services, or it may be a device that has the function of providing messaging services that can be connected via a network. Hereinafter, messaging services and social networking services are simply referred to as "services."

[0253] The mobile terminal device 40 is a device capable of processing information held by the user, and for example, it has a control unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, a display unit, etc. Specifically, the mobile terminal device 40 is a device such as a smartphone or a tablet. However, since it is a terminal device, it may also be a device such as a car navigation system installed in a vehicle.

[0254] The electronic device 10 may communicate with the management device 20 and the service provision device 30 by utilizing the communication function (for example, the tethering function) of the mobile terminal device 40.

[0255] [1.3 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow in this embodiment will be described.

[0256] The overall flow of System 1 will be explained. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment.

[0257] First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is time to post a message (step S102). Here, the determination of whether or not it is time to post a message involves determining whether it is time to post a message to the service or time to post a message. These determinations may also be made by the timing determination unit 108.

[0258] Then, if the control unit 100 determines that a message should be posted (step S102; Yes), it executes a message generation process (step S104). In the message generation process, for example, the message generation unit 104 generates the message to be posted and the posted message information. The generated message (posted message information) may be temporarily stored in the message information storage area 196.

[0259] Next, the control unit 100 executes the message posting process (step S106). For example, the message posting unit 105 posts the message (posted message information) created by the message generation unit 104 to the service.

[0260] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines whether it is time to acquire a message from the system (step S110). If it is time to acquire a message (step S110; Yes), the control unit 100 executes the message acquisition process (step S112). For example, the message acquisition unit 106 acquires the acquired message information from the service. Then, the control unit 100 executes the message output process (step S114). For example, the message output unit 107 executes the process of displaying one or more messages included in the acquired message information on the display unit 120 or outputting sound from the audio output unit 130.

[0261] In this way, by executing the processing of this embodiment, the electronic device 10 can post a message to the service. The electronic device 10 can also retrieve and output messages from the service. In other words, information can be easily shared among users via the service.

[0262] [1.4 Examples] The following describes embodiments that can be realized using this system. Note that the following embodiments each describe a specific part of this embodiment. While the embodiments are described separately for the sake of explanation, multiple embodiments may be combined.

[0263] [1.4.1 Example of posting messages according to the vehicle status] This embodiment describes an example in which an electronic device 10 determines a trigger for posting a message based on the vehicle's status and posts the message to the service. Users can share the vehicle's status with other users through posting to the messaging service. The effects of sharing with other users include, for example, the benefit to users in supporting safe driving, and the benefit to vendors of in-vehicle devices in terms of increased awareness and sales promotion, such as appealing to young people who frequently use social media and increasing their desire to purchase. The vehicle's status may refer to the status of the vehicle itself, but it may also refer to the status of the area surrounding the vehicle.

[0264] The vehicle's state can be, for example, a state in which it is in contact with a predetermined traffic event, and in particular, an event that could cause the vehicle's progress to be hindered. Such events can be at least one of the following: traffic congestion around the vehicle, an accident, construction work, speed enforcement, bad weather, a fire, landslide, flooding or other disaster, or a road closure or other traffic restriction. When the vehicle's progress is hindered due to contact with an event, such as traffic congestion around the vehicle, it is best to identify this based on the vehicle's speed. The vehicle speed may be determined based on changes in location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit (details will be described later), but it is best to determine the vehicle speed by acquiring vehicle speed information from the vehicle. When the system can acquire information from the vehicle, such as when it is implemented in an in-vehicle device, it is best to acquire the vehicle speed via the OBDII ("II" is the Roman numeral for "2") connector.

[0265] Here, the vehicle is preferably a motorized two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle, but it may also be a road vehicle such as a passenger car, truck, or bus. The vehicle's status is preferably obtained based on information acquired from sensors installed on the vehicle, but it may also be determined based on information acquired by sensors installed on the vehicle.

[0266] Suitable sensors include, for example, acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, and GPS modules. The vehicle's state can be determined by comparing information obtained from the sensors with pre-stored information. A vehicle's state can be considered as being in a specific state, but it is even better to include states similar to the specific state. Suitable surrounding conditions for a vehicle include, for example, a vehicle approaching unusually closely (e.g., a vehicle tailgating), encountering dangerous driving by another vehicle, or a vehicle driving in the wrong direction.

[0267] Generating message information based on the vehicle's status should ideally involve generating message information that reflects the vehicle's status. Ideally, the entire message included in the message information should be generated automatically without any user input, i.e., without manual input, although generating only a portion of the message is also acceptable. The former is particularly advantageous in that it reduces the burden on users, such as drivers, when creating messages and makes posting easier, while the latter is particularly advantageous in that it increases the freedom of creating messages to be posted and allows for the posting of diverse message information. Reflecting the vehicle's status should ideally allow users to directly or indirectly understand the vehicle's status. As a messaging service, for example, a social networking service such as Twitter (registered trademark) is suitable. On Twitter, messages created and posted by each user are also called tweets.

[0268] The first embodiment described below explains a case where "traffic congestion" is detected as an event that could hinder the vehicle's progress, and a message is posted.

[0269] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 determines that the vehicle 50 is in a traffic jam, it determines that it is the timing to post a message. Here, by posting a message to the service when the vehicle 50 is in a traffic jam, information can be shared with other users almost in real time.

[0270] Here, as the process for the control unit 100 to determine that the vehicle 50 is in a traffic jam, for example, the following can be considered.

[0271] (1) The speed of the vehicle 50 When the current speed of the vehicle 50 is less than or equal to the determination speed and the time of traveling at a speed less than or equal to the determination speed continues for the determination time, the control unit 100 determines that it is in a traffic jam.

[0272] The determination speed and determination time are stored in the setting information storage area 198 in advance or by the user as setting information. For example, when the determination speed is 10 km / h or less and the determination time is 3 minutes, if the vehicle continues to be in a state of 10 km / h or less for 3 minutes or more, the control unit 100 determines that it is in a traffic jam.

[0273] Also, the determination speed and determination time may be changed according to the type of road. For example, the determination speed may be stored as 10 km / h for general roads and 40 km / h for highways.

[0274] (2) The position of the vehicle 50 When the current position of the vehicle 50 does not move from the same place or a predetermined range for a predetermined time, the control unit 100 determines that it is in a traffic jam. For example, after the determination time has elapsed, if the vehicle 50 is included within a certain range, the control unit 100 determines that it is in a traffic jam. Also, when the vehicle 50 frequently stops, the control unit 100 may determine that it is in a traffic jam.

[0275] (3) Determination from external information For example, if the electronic device 10 is capable of acquiring image data that captures the external situation, the control unit 100 may determine that there is congestion by analyzing the image. For example, if the captured image data shows gradual changes in video data or remains unchanged for a predetermined period of time, it may be determined that there is congestion. Alternatively, if the brake lights of the vehicle in front remain illuminated, it may be determined that there is congestion.

[0276] Next, the message generation unit 104 generates a message indicating that there is traffic congestion. The message generation unit 104 may also generate messages that are helpful to other drivers. For example, the message generation unit 104 may generate a message that simply indicates that there is traffic congestion, such as "Currently stuck in traffic." Alternatively, the message generation unit 104 may generate an easy-to-understand message such as "Ugh, traffic jam. So frustrating." Such messages are created and posted as helpful messages (articles) for those using the service (drivers).

[0277] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may include and send messages based on the driver's emotions and actions. For example, if the control unit 100 detects from the vehicle information of vehicle 50 that the driver is frequently applying the brakes, it may determine the emotion "I wish we could move faster" and include it in the message. Also, if the control unit 100 detects from the vehicle information of vehicle 50 that the driver is frequently changing lanes (for example, if many turn signals are detected), it may determine the emotion "I want to get out of this traffic jam!" and include it in the message.

[0278] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may include corresponding emojis depending on the driver's emotions and actions. For example, the control unit 100 may include a "smiling face" emoji in the message when the journey is going smoothly. Also, the control unit 100 may include a "crying face" emoji in the message when there is traffic congestion.

[0279] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may change the emojis according to the length of the traffic jam and the time spent stuck in the traffic jam. For example, the control unit 100 may include more car emojis when the traffic jam is long. For example, the control unit 100 may add one emoji for every 5 minutes that have passed since the time spent stuck in the traffic jam.

[0280] As time progresses, messages are posted, allowing other users to check the traffic situation in real time. For example, by periodically displaying traffic congestion on the timelines of other users' devices, not only is the traffic congestion conveyed realistically, but they can also see the severity of the situation.

[0281] Furthermore, when multiple users of electronic devices 10 post similar messages, other users can also confirm that many people are stuck in traffic. This makes it easier to understand that traffic congestion is occurring, as the messages are based on the actual status of vehicles 50, compared to general traffic information.

[0282] Thus, according to this embodiment, the status of one's own vehicle can be shared with other users through posting to the service. For example, the status of the vehicle (e.g., whether traffic congestion is occurring based on the vehicle's speed) can be shared.

[0283] Furthermore, it can be expected that there will be benefits for the user, such as support for safe driving, as well as benefits for the seller, such as increased awareness and sales promotion for the seller of in-car devices (an example of electronic equipment), such as appeal to young people who frequently use social media and the expectation of increased purchasing power.

[0284] Furthermore, it is important to cultivate an account so that messages appear on the timeline by regularly posting messages, thereby increasing the number of related accounts (e.g., followers, friends), and we can provide such a system.

[0285] Furthermore, users can share messages with other users through messaging services, indicating that their vehicle has encountered an event that could hinder its progress. The events that could hinder a vehicle's progress are as described above. It would be beneficial to have a function that allows a vehicle to post a message when it determines that it has encountered an event that could hinder its progress. In this way, third parties on the messaging service can receive information about events that could hinder a vehicle's progress in real time. Also, because the information is generated based on the actual state of the vehicle, it is easier to create and post compared to manually creating and posting all the message information. Moreover, because the information is generated based on the actual state of the vehicle, users can share more accurate information with third parties. Traffic congestion is an event that users encounter relatively often as an event that can hinder a vehicle's progress, and sharing information about it is particularly valuable. Users can easily create and post messages about such traffic congestion.

[0286] Furthermore, users can share messages generated based on detailed information about events that could hinder vehicle progress with other users through posting to the messaging service. For example, detailed information about the event could include the circumstances under which the event occurred and the time it took to actually avoid it. In this way, third parties can not only know that an event that could hinder vehicle progress is occurring, but also become aware of more detailed information. If the event is traffic congestion, it is good to generate a message based on detailed information about the congestion, thereby allowing for the sharing of detailed information about the congestion.

[0287] Furthermore, users can include emojis based on detailed event information in their messages and share those messages with other users by posting them to the messaging service. The emojis used here should be those available on the messaging service. It is also advisable to use emojis included in other people's messages (tweets). Emojis can be used to express emotions or states. It is also advisable to ensure that the same emoji is displayed on both the messaging service and the vehicle's display. In this way, the emojis will look identical, so the user and third parties can see messages using the same emojis on both the messaging service and the vehicle's display. The appearance of the emojis may differ, but it is good to display emojis that mean the same thing. For example, if the emoji is a "smiley face," the character code representing the emoji should be at least the same. If the event is a traffic jam, third parties can intuitively understand the traffic situation through the emoji.

[0288] Furthermore, users can share messages with other users via messaging services, changing the number or content of emojis depending on the size of the area affected by an event that could obstruct vehicle movement and / or the time it takes to pass through that area. For example, if the area affected by the event is large, it would be good to display many emojis repeatedly. For example, if the time it takes to pass through the area affected is long, it would be good to use only one emoji. For example, if the content of the emojis is changed, it would be good to change the emojis that express the user's feelings depending on the area affected by the event. For example, if the area affected by the event is small, it would be good to use emoticons that express feelings such as "smiling" or "expressionless," and if the area affected is large, it would be good to use emoticons that express feelings such as "angry" or "sad." In this way, a third party can easily determine the extent of the event that could obstruct vehicle movement by looking at the emojis. If the event is a traffic jam, it would be good to increase the number of emojis or change the content of the emojis each time the distance of the traffic jam increases by a predetermined distance, such as 2km, 5km, 8km, etc. In this way, a third party can easily determine whether the traffic jam is long or short simply by looking at the emoji.

[0289] Furthermore, users can include information about images stored in the image storage unit in their messages and share them with other users through posting to the messaging service. The image information may be in the form of an image file. Alternatively, the image information may be in the form of a link (e.g., a URL) that points to the image file. In this way, third parties can not only check the message by reading the text alone, but also check the image represented by the image file, making the information easier to understand. The image information may be, for example, information that helps to understand the circumstances of an event that could cause an obstruction to the progress of a vehicle. In this way, users can easily share the circumstances of the event with third parties in an accurate manner. The image information may be the image itself stored in the storage unit, or it may be information generated from the image stored in the storage unit. The information generated from the image may be information that describes the content of the image, for example, text information. As for the text information, for example, image recognition may be performed and text information that describes the circumstances of the event based on the recognition results may be generated.

[0290] Furthermore, users can include information about images captured from display screens that assist with driving a vehicle in a message, and then share that message with other users by posting it to a messaging service. The device that displays the display screen to assist with driving a vehicle may be an information processing terminal carried by the user, such as a smartphone, but it is preferable to use the display screen of an in-vehicle device that provides functions to assist with driving a vehicle. Examples of in-vehicle devices include a drive recorder that provides shooting and recording functions, a navigation system that provides navigation functions such as route guidance, and a detector (e.g., a radar detector, a laser detector) that has a notification function that notifies the user when they are approaching a speed enforcement point. Display screens that assist with driving a vehicle often display maps. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to capture a display screen that includes a map as a display screen to assist with driving a vehicle, and generate a message that includes the image of that map. It is also preferable to capture a display screen that includes a location (e.g., an address or road name), and generate a message that includes the image of that location. In this way, a third party can use the image included in the message to identify a map of the vicinity where an event that could obstruct the vehicle's progress is occurring, or to identify the location from the image. Capturing can often be initiated by user input, for example, by a single touch. Capturing can also be performed without explicit user instruction, for example, when a specific event occurs or periodically. The image used in the post can be specified by the user or selected without such instruction.

[0291] Furthermore, information regarding images taken outside the vehicle can be included in the message, and that message can be shared with other users by posting to a messaging service. The outside of the vehicle should include at least one of the directions of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, but it is especially good to include the front. If the image shows an event that could be causing the vehicle's progress to be obstructed, a third party can visually confirm the extent of the situation. If the event is a traffic jam, it is especially good to photograph the front of the vehicle as the outside of the vehicle. In this way, a third party can visually confirm the extent of the situation from the line of cars in the traffic jam, etc. The camera here may be installed in an in-vehicle device, but it may also be configured separately from the in-vehicle device. For example, the in-vehicle device may be equipped with a camera that photographs the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, images from a drive recorder installed in the vehicle may be used. Alternatively, a camera installed in a smartphone or other information processing device owned by the user may be used.

[0292] Furthermore, users can include location-based maps in their messages and share those messages with other users through messaging services. Location-based maps are typically maps of the area surrounding the location indicated by the location information, for example, maps of a predetermined distance range centered on the location. In this way, third parties can understand, by checking the map, exactly where an event that could be causing obstruction to vehicle movement is occurring. If the event is traffic congestion, it is preferable to use an image of the map of the area around where the congestion is occurring. In this way, third parties can easily understand the relationship between the location and the congestion situation. Next, we will explain an example of an implementation based on the above-mentioned ideas.

[0293] [1.4.2 Example of posting a detailed traffic congestion message] This embodiment is one in which, when vehicle 50 is in a traffic jam, the details of the traffic jam are included in the message.

[0294] For example, in the first embodiment, the message generation unit 104 described the case of generating a message indicating traffic congestion. In this embodiment, an example is further provided in which the message includes content indicating detailed information about traffic congestion (traffic congestion detailed information).

[0295] Here, the traffic congestion detailed information may include the range of traffic congestion and the cause of traffic congestion. For example, information such as the start time and start position of traffic congestion, the time and position when exiting the traffic congestion, the time spent in traffic congestion (the range of traffic congestion is the time when vehicle 50 passed through the traffic congestion), and the length (distance) of traffic congestion may be included in the message.

[0296] For example, the control unit 100 detects that the state of vehicle 50 is congested by the method described above. The control unit 100 acquires one or more of the date and time, the position of vehicle 50 (latitude and longitude information, landmark information, base station information of a mobile phone, etc.), the prefecture, city, town, and town name where vehicle 50 is located, the traveling direction of vehicle 50 (the direction of the road), the road name, etc. as traffic congestion information.

[0297] Then, the message generation unit 104 may include one or more of the acquired traffic congestion detailed information in the message. At this time, the information included in the message may be selected by the user.

[0298] Also, the cause and position of traffic congestion may be included in the message as tags. Also, the road name, city, town, and landmark name where traffic congestion is occurring may be included in the message. Also, the road name, city, town, and landmark may be included as tags.

[0299] The operation when the message generation unit 104 creates traffic congestion detailed information will be described. The control unit 100 acquires the position where the state of vehicle 50 becomes congested as the first position. Then, the control unit 100 acquires the position where vehicle 50 exits the congested state as the second position. The position where the congested state occurs is the start position where vehicle 50 is determined to be in the congested state described above. Also, when vehicle 50 transitions from the congested state described above to a non-congested state, the control unit 100 determines that it has exited the traffic congestion.

[0300] This allows the message generation unit 104 to create a message indicating that traffic congestion occurred from the first location to the second location. In this case, the message generation unit 104 may include in the message the time it took for the vehicle 50 to get out of the congestion and the distance indicating the extent of the congestion. The message generation unit 104 may also include the name of the road where the congestion occurred, the direction of the road (the direction in which the vehicle is traveling on the road), and the name of a landmark near the congestion.

[0301] For example, if the system determines that the first point where vehicle 50 entered a congested state is "near the intersection of Minami-Ikebukuro 1-chome," and the second point where vehicle 50 exited the congestion is "near the intersection of Kami-Ikebukuro," the message generation unit 104 may generate a message stating "There was congestion from Minami-Ikebukuro 1-chome to Kami-Ikebukuro."

[0302] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may generate a message stating, "There was traffic congestion up to the vicinity of the Kami-Ikebukuro intersection," after the congestion has subsided (after passing the second point).

[0303] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may also include the name of the congested road in the message, either as a tag or as a tag. For example, if the name of the congested road is found to be Meiji-dori, the tag "#Meiji-dori" may be added to the message.

[0304] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may generate a message that includes the names of landmarks included in the congested section. For example, in the case of the above section, since Ikebukuro Station is included in the congested section, the message generation unit 104 may generate a message that says, "There was a traffic jam near Ikebukuro Station."

[0305] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may include an image of a map corresponding to the congested section in the message. For example, the message generation unit 104 may change the color of the road in the map image data to correspond to the area of ​​congestion. The message generation unit 104 may also display pins at the first and second locations.

[0306] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may include the cause of the congestion in the message. For example, if construction is underway at the second point of congestion, it may generate a message indicating that the congestion is caused by the construction. In this case, an image of the vicinity of the second point may be included in the message, or the user may be allowed to select the cause. The control unit 100 may also obtain the cause of the congestion from other information such as VICS (registered trademark).

[0307] In this way, by posting messages containing detailed traffic information to the service, users can share more detailed information with other users. In particular, because the information is posted as a message to the service, it becomes easier for users who are not associated with the service to search for traffic information. For example, with the Twitter service, even users who are not followed can share real-time traffic information by searching with keywords or tags, or by adding them to lists. Furthermore, detailed information about traffic, such as the length of the congestion and the time spent in it, which is obtained by actually driving a vehicle, can also be easily obtained.

[0308] Furthermore, users can share information with other users through messaging services, including not only that an event that could obstruct the vehicle's progress is occurring, but also its location. The location information should indicate the position where the vehicle encountered the event that could obstruct its progress. This location information should show the location of the event or its vicinity. In this way, users can share a highly accurate message with a third party, knowing that the location of the event is where the vehicle is currently located. When a third party sees the message, they can also recognize that an event that could obstruct the vehicle's progress is occurring and its location. If the event is traffic congestion, the message will include information about the congestion and information based on the location.

[0309] Furthermore, users can share messages and posts to messaging services that include the causes of events that may hinder vehicle progress. This allows third parties to recognize the causes. Messages should include information indicating the causes of events that may hinder vehicle progress, such as "accident," "construction," "landslide," "flooding," "fire," or "disaster." This allows third parties to determine whether the cause is a common or unusual reason, and whether the event is likely to take time to resolve. It is sufficient for an event and its cause to be paired together; for example, the event that may hinder vehicle progress could be "traffic jam" with the cause being "accident," or the event that may hinder vehicle progress could be "accident" with the cause being "collision between vehicles." If the event is traffic jam, it is good to generate a message based on detailed traffic information, which allows for the sharing of detailed information about the traffic jam. A third party can determine whether the cause of the traffic jam is the usual reason or an unusual one, and whether it will take a long time to clear. Possible causes include accidents, construction, landslides, flooding, fires, natural disasters, and collisions between vehicles, but if the cause is unclear, "cause unknown" may be used.

[0310] Furthermore, users can share with other users the scope of events that may cause vehicle movement to be hindered by posting to the messaging service. The scope of congestion should be defined as, for example, the area from point 1 to point 2. Point 1 could be, for example, the starting point of the event's scope or its vicinity. Point 2 could be the ending point of the event's scope or its vicinity. A third party can check whether the event occurs in a place where it normally occurs, and check the distance over which the event is occurring. In this way, a third party can, for example, decide to detour around the route included in the scope of the event. If the event is congestion, the scope of the event should be defined as the range from the front to the back of the queue of cars, or the length of the queue of cars that constitutes the congestion.

[0311] Furthermore, users can share with other users, through messaging services, the first point where they first encountered an event that could hinder their vehicle's progress, and the second point where they exited the event. Third parties can review the message and understand the location of the first and second points related to the start and end of the event, as well as the extent of its affected area. This also allows third parties to easily select a route that avoids the event, for example, by confirming its affected area. If the event is a traffic jam, the vehicle can share the point where the jam started and where it exited it, allowing third parties to verify the information based on the user's actual experience of escaping the traffic jam.

[0312] Furthermore, users can share messages with other users via messaging services, including information about the distance and time of events that could potentially hinder vehicle progress. Third parties who see the message can then easily decide whether to continue driving or take a route that avoids the affected area, based on the length of the affected area. If the event is a traffic jam, it is helpful to post the extent of the congestion and the estimated time it would take for a vehicle to pass through that area. This allows third parties to check the extent and time of the congestion and use this information to select a route or estimate travel time.

[0313] Furthermore, users can share messages containing the name of a road with other users via the messaging service when an event occurs on a road that could obstruct vehicle movement. Because the message includes the road name, third parties can identify which road the event is occurring on. Also, because the road name is included in the message, third parties can learn about the event in a similar way to traffic information broadcast on radio news programs. If the event is a traffic jam, third parties can check which road is experiencing the congestion and use this information to select routes and estimate travel times when traveling by vehicle.

[0314] Furthermore, users can share not only the name of the road their vehicle is traveling on, but also the direction of the road where an event that could be hindering vehicle progress is occurring, through posting to the messaging service. The direction of the road should ideally be the direction in which a vehicle should travel relative to the road, for example, uphill / downhill, eastbound / westbound, southbound / northbound, outer loop / inner loop, etc. In this way, a third party can confirm not only the road name but also the direction of the road in the message. This makes it easier for users to determine whether or not their direction of travel is affected by congestion. If the event is congestion, a third party can check more detailed information, such as the name of the road where the congestion is occurring and the direction of the road where the congestion is occurring, along with the vehicle's driving status, and can use this information to select a route or estimate travel time when traveling by vehicle.

[0315] Furthermore, users can share messages with other users by posting to a messaging service, provided that the message includes a location-based map, and that the map is identified based on detailed information about an event that could be causing an obstruction to vehicle movement. When a third party views the message, they can see not only the text information but also the map identified based on detailed information about the event. The location-based map is often a map of the area around the location indicated by the location information, for example, a map of a predetermined distance range centered on the location. The identified state may include, for example, the location where the event is occurring and the extent of the event. In this way, a third party can visually determine the extent and distance of the event. If the event is traffic congestion, the third party can display detailed information about the congestion on the map, making it easier for them to understand the details of the congestion. A suitable messaging service would be, for example, Twitter. On Twitter, text information refers to the text information posted by each user, also called a tweet. Text information often includes tags, preferably hashtags. Maps are posted using the image file attachment function available on Twitter.

[0316] Furthermore, users can include tags generated based on detailed event information in their messages and share those messages with other users by posting them to a messaging service. Tags can be textual information indicating items included in the detailed event information, such as the location where the event causing the obstruction of vehicle movement occurred, and the name of the road. This allows third parties to easily search for detailed information by selecting tags within the messaging service. A suitable messaging service would be Twitter, for example. On Twitter, tags are often included, and hashtags are a good choice for such tags. If the event is traffic congestion, sharing information about the congestion around the vehicle by including it in the tags makes it easier for third parties who see the tags to receive information about the congestion more reliably.

[0317] Furthermore, users can include specific location information in their messages, such as latitude and longitude, city / town names, landmark names, and intersection names, indicating the location where an event that could obstruct vehicle movement is occurring, and then share these messages with other users through the messaging service. If a third party wants to know about the congestion related to that event, they can likely search by specifying at least one of the latitude and longitude, city / town names, landmark names, or intersection names, making it easier for them to find the desired message.

[0318] Furthermore, users can include location-based tags in their messages and share those messages with other users through posting to the messaging service. Examples of location-based tags include city / town names, road names, or landmark names. Third parties can use these tags to easily search for messages related to a given location. For example, it could make it easier to communicate with others who have messages in the same area. If the event is traffic congestion, a traffic-related tag should be generated. This allows third parties to search for messages related to both traffic congestion and location information.

[0319] Furthermore, users can share messages with other users by posting to the messaging service, including at least one of the following: the type of incident, information related to the time the incident occurred, the name of the road where the incident occurred, and the address where the incident occurred. Information related to the time the incident occurred may include not only the exact time the incident occurred, but also, for example, the time that has elapsed since the incident occurred. The name of the road where the incident occurred may be a number, such as National Route X, or a street name such as XX Street. The address where the incident occurred may include, for example, the prefecture name and city / ward / town / village name, but may also include the town name and street number. Information based on the address where the incident occurred may include, for example, the name of a facility or landmark. Examples of facility names and landmarks may include government offices (city / ward / town / village offices, police stations, fire stations, etc.), train stations, airports, rest areas / service areas, parks, amusement parks, shopping malls, gas stations, etc.

[0320] Furthermore, users can include the type of event that occurred, information related to the time the event occurred, the name of the road where the event occurred, and the address where the event occurred as tags in their message, and then share that message with other users by posting it to the messaging service. In particular, road names and addresses are tagged and included in messages based on the understanding that they are frequently used in tag-based searches. This makes it easier for third parties to view and verify messages in association with road names and / or addresses using tags handled by the messaging service.

[0321] [1.4.3 Examples of posting vehicle status other than traffic congestion] This embodiment is an example in which a message is generated and posted when the vehicle is in a state other than traffic congestion, such as when there is aggressive driving or when passing a speed enforcement point.

[0322] For example, the control unit 100 acquires images captured by a drive recorder connected via the communication unit 146. The control unit 100 (timing determination unit 108) then analyzes the images to detect that aggressive driving has occurred as a trigger. The message generation unit 104 then generates a message indicating that aggressive driving has occurred.

[0323] Furthermore, the control unit 100 (timing determination unit 108) may detect that enforcement has occurred as a trigger when it receives radar signals for enforcement from the radar receiving unit 140. The message generation unit 104 generates a message indicating that enforcement is taking place.

[0324] In addition, the timing determination unit 108 may also detect triggers according to the state of the vehicle 50. The message generation unit 104 generates a message corresponding to the trigger. For example, the message generation unit 104 may generate a message indicating that it has received a radio signal for enforcement, or a radio signal for vehicle location from a patrol car.

[0325] Furthermore, the control unit 100 acquires and analyzes images captured by the drive recorder connected via the communication unit 146. If the analysis of the images detects that enforcement is taking place, it may generate a message indicating this.

[0326] Thus, according to this embodiment, information other than traffic congestion can be easily shared with other users via the service (messaging service). In particular, information about situations that are "happening now," such as road rage, can be shared immediately by using the service. For example, if it is known that there is a car engaging in road rage, it is possible to avoid trouble in advance by changing the driving route or stopping driving (for example, taking a break at a facility).

[0327] Furthermore, in the event of aggressive driving, a message including an image of the vehicle that engaged in aggressive driving may be generated and posted to the service. Other users who view the message can avoid trouble in advance by moving out of the way when the vehicle in question approaches.

[0328] Furthermore, for example, if a user is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, they may generate a message including an image of the vehicle involved and post it to the service. By sharing the image on the service, the vehicle in the image can be found, or other users can report it, thus resolving the problem.

[0329] In this way, information about images taken outside the vehicle can be included in a message, and that message can be shared with other users by posting to a messaging service. The outside of the vehicle should include at least one of the directions of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, but it is especially good to include the front. If the image shows an event that could be causing the vehicle's progress to be obstructed, a third party can visually confirm the extent of the situation. If the event is a traffic jam, it is especially good to photograph the front of the vehicle as the outside of the vehicle. In this way, a third party can visually confirm the extent of the situation from the line of cars in the traffic jam, etc. The camera here may be equipped on an electronic device, but it may also be a separate configuration from an electronic device. For example, an electronic device may be equipped with a camera that photographs the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, images from a dashcam installed in the vehicle may be used. Alternatively, a camera equipped on a smartphone or other information processing device owned by the user may be used.

[0330] Furthermore, users can share messages indicating the type of incident that occurred, such as aggressive driving, traffic enforcement, road closures, or dangerous driving, with other users through messaging services. The type of incident should be categorized accordingly.

[0331] [1.4.4 Example of posting a message by combining multiple vehicle statuses] This embodiment is one in which the message generation unit 104 generates a message by combining the traffic congestion state with other states.

[0332] For example, the control unit 100 may analyze the drive recorder image or the detected acceleration to determine if another vehicle has cut in front, and may generate a message such as "Someone cut in front of me, hmmm." The message generation unit 104 may also include the image taken at that time (an image showing the vehicle that cut in) in the message before posting it. For example, approximately 47% of drivers have experienced aggressive driving behavior due to frustration. Therefore, by deliberately posting the situation as a message, it is possible to restrain drivers' actions.

[0333] As described in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to post messages to the service from the electronic device 10 as needed. Events related to traffic, such as traffic accidents, congestion, road closures, dangerous driving (aggressive driving, driving against traffic), fires, and floods, as well as events related to enforcement, such as traffic enforcement by radar, lasers, police motorcycles, and unmarked patrol cars, can be posted to the service from the electronic device 10.

[0334] As described in the second embodiment, a management device 20 may be included between the electronic device 10 and the service (service provision device 30). The electronic device 10 transmits text data (posting information) and image data to the management device 20 in order to generate a trigger for posting. The management device 20 may generate posting message information based on the text data and image data and post it to the service.

[0335] The content of the message posted at this time will be generated within the limits set by the service provider. For example, if there is a restriction of 140 characters or less, the message will be generated within 140 characters. In addition, the message posting unit 105 will post the message in accordance with the terms and conditions of the service provider. For example, if the service provider stipulates that there should be a 10-minute interval between posts and that the same content should not be posted, the message will be posted according to those rules.

[0336] The message generation unit 104 may also post messages using predetermined templates. Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may generate arbitrary messages based on user input (e.g., voice input).

[0337] As described above, according to this embodiment, multiple states can be determined from the vehicle's status, and messages can be generated and posted. This allows other users to obtain multiple pieces of information in real time through the service. Furthermore, since messages are generated based on the status of one or more vehicles 50, other users can follow users who are posting information that is relevant to them, and thus obtain the necessary information as needed.

[0338] [1.4.5 Example of posting a message at any time] This embodiment is one in which trigger detection is performed at a time of the user's choice (e.g., the driver).

[0339] For example, the main unit 10100 may be provided with a physically operable operation button. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the main unit 10100 may be provided with an operation button 1502. When the user selects the operation button 1502, the timing determination unit 108 detects a trigger. As a result, the message generation unit 104 generates a message, and the message posting unit 105 posts the message to the service.

[0340] In this case, the message generation unit 104 may generate and post a predetermined message when the operation button 1502 is selected, or it may generate a message corresponding to the state of the vehicle 50 at that time.

[0341] For example, when the user selects operation button 1502, the message generation unit 104 may generate a message indicating congestion, such as "Currently stuck in traffic," if the vehicle 50 is experiencing congestion. This allows the user to post a message appropriate to the situation to the service by operating operation button 1502.

[0342] Additionally, text associated with the operation button 1502 may be posted to the service each time. For example, the message "Dangerous driving detected" may be posted to the service each time the operation button 1502 is selected. In this case, the control unit 100 may also include the state of the vehicle 50 at the time the operation button 1502 is selected in the message. For example, the current location of the vehicle 50 or images from an external drive recorder may be sent each time.

[0343] Furthermore, separate operation buttons may be provided for each function. For example, in Figure 10, operation buttons 1502 and 1504 are provided. In this case, the type of message posted may be different for each operation button, or the type of message posted may be different for each operation button. For example, in Figure 10, selecting operation button 1052 causes the message generation unit 104 to generate a message about traffic congestion. Selecting operation button 1054 causes the image currently being captured by the dashcam or the like to be included in the message and sent.

[0344] Furthermore, since sending messages while driving is difficult, the aforementioned operation buttons could be replaced with "voice tweet button," "video tweet button," and "photo tweet button." This would allow users to easily switch between and send multiple messages. With such operation buttons, for example, a user could quickly take a photo and post a message when encountering an accident scene or a fire scene.

[0345] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may detect a touch operation input from the touch sensor 152 as a trigger for generating a message. For example, the control unit 100 displays a software button on the display unit 120. The control unit 100 may generate a message when it detects that the software button has been touched by the touch sensor 152.

[0346] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display one or more candidates on the display unit 120. It may also generate a message according to the candidate selected by the user.

[0347] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may detect a predetermined operation by the touch sensor 152 as a trigger for generating a message. For example, it may detect that a trigger for generating a message has been input when the user taps the touch sensor 152 three times.

[0348] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may receive triggers from the user through input methods other than operation buttons. For example, the control unit 100 may detect that a trigger for generating a message has been input when voice input is received via the microphone 154. In this case, the control unit 100 may simply detect a trigger when a volume level above a predetermined level is detected, or it may detect a trigger when a predetermined voice command is input.

[0349] Furthermore, if voice input is received, the control unit 100 may include characters recognized from the voice in the message. Alternatively, if voice input is received, the control unit 100 may generate the message by attaching the input voice data itself to it.

[0350] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may recognize user actions (motions). For example, it may detect that a trigger for generating a message has been input when the user waves their hand in front of the electronic device 10.

[0351] Thus, according to this embodiment, users can post messages at any time they choose. This allows users to share information they deem necessary with other users via the messaging service whenever needed.

[0352] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the timing for generating a message can be input not only through touch operation, but also through voice operation and gesture operation. Therefore, messages can be generated and posted to the service instantly without interrupting driving.

[0353] Furthermore, users can more accurately identify the type of event that actually occurred and share a message including that type of event with other users through posting to the messaging service. The options for event types should ideally include those that users are likely to encounter, such as traffic jams, accidents, and speed enforcement. For example, if a user wants to post a message about an "accident" at any time, they can select "accident" to post a message that includes the word "accident."

[0354] Furthermore, when selecting an event, the user can choose using a touch panel or voice recognition, allowing for a simple selection process. The touch panel or voice recognition device should ideally be installed in an in-vehicle device located within the vehicle. This makes it easier for users inside the vehicle to operate. In a voice recognition configuration, for example, if the user is driving, they can easily select an event without taking their hands off the controls by using voice recognition. Therefore, users can operate the device with safe driving in mind.

[0355] Furthermore, by selecting an operation button, users can share a message regarding the vehicle's status corresponding to that button with other users via a messaging service. Ideally, this operation button should be independent of the button used to generate and post messages. This would reduce user confusion during operation. It would also make it easier for users to share information they deem necessary with other users via the messaging service. The operation buttons could be soft buttons displayed on the screen, but they could also be physical buttons.

[0356] Furthermore, users can share messages related to the vehicle's status, corresponding to each of the multiple control buttons, with other users by posting to a messaging service. For example, a control button could be assigned to each event, or a control button could be assigned to each message that is generated. For instance, the first button could be assigned the function of generating a simple text message, while the second button could be assigned the function of generating a message with an image (for example, an image of the front of the vehicle).

[0357] Furthermore, users can easily create messages about "accidents" and "traffic jams," which they are relatively likely to encounter while using their vehicles, and share them with other users through posting to the messaging service.

[0358] Furthermore, a message can be generated based on the user's voice input and then shared with other users through posting to a messaging service. The voice input from the user should be the voice spoken by the user. It is advisable to generate a message triggered by the recognition of the voice spoken by the user. For example, a message describing an event could be generated and posted in association with a predetermined keyword spoken by the user (e.g., "dangerous" or "crowded"). The message may include the predetermined keyword spoken by the user, but it is easier for a third party to understand if the message describes an event that can be inferred from that keyword. Alternatively, a message may be generated when the volume of the user's input voice exceeds a predetermined volume. Alternatively, speech recognition may be performed based on the input voice, and the message may be generated including the results of the speech recognition.

[0359] Furthermore, users can include the audio itself in their messages and then share those messages with other users by posting them to a messaging service. Including the audio directly in the message makes it easier for users to post messages. Suitable messaging services include, for example, social networking systems like Twitter. Twitter has a feature for posting voice messages, so this feature would be useful.

[0360] [1.4.6 Example of including a specified keyword in the message] This embodiment is an example of generating a message that includes predetermined keywords. The message generation unit 104 generates the message by attaching predetermined keywords to it, like a signature. Here, the message generation unit 104 may store the keywords to be attached to the message as setting information in the storage unit 190.

[0361] Here, the specified keyword may be, for example, a user name or a vehicle name. It may also be the manufacturer name or model name of the electronic device 10. In the case of the manufacturer name or model name of the electronic device 10, it may be stored in the memory unit 190 in advance. In the case of the manufacturer name or model name of the electronic device 10, it may also be stored in advance at the time of shipment. In the case of the manufacturer name or model name of the electronic device 10, it may be made so that the user cannot change it.

[0362] For example, the message is generated with "#Sent from Yupiteru radar detector" added to it. This allows other users to recognize that the message was sent from a Yupiteru radar detector. Alternatively, the above message may be generated with a blank line (including a newline character to create a blank line). In other words, the company name of the manufacturer of the electronic device 10 or the product name may be displayed as a specific keyword to distinguish it from other message content.

[0363] Furthermore, the predetermined keywords may be added to each message, or to messages at predetermined intervals. For example, the message generation unit 104 may include the predetermined keywords in the message when it generates the first message, or it may include them at intervals of several times (for example, every 5 times) or at specific times (for example, every hour, or at regular intervals such as morning, noon, and evening).

[0364] Furthermore, the specified keywords may also include commands. For example, <location>The command " is included as a keyword. In this case, the message generation unit 104 will include " <location>The message may be generated by replacing "[ ]" with the current location of vehicle 50 (latitude and longitude information, address, road name, etc.).

[0365] According to this embodiment, users can post messages to the service including predetermined keywords. Therefore, by using keywords such as their own store or, in the case of a company vehicle, their company name, they can expect to have an advertising effect.

[0366] Furthermore, it allows other users to understand which message pertains to the vehicle's status, while also making the manufacturer's name and / or product name of the in-vehicle device that was posted known to other users. For example, it can be expected to benefit in-vehicle device vendors by increasing their brand awareness and boosting sales, such as appealing to younger generations who frequently use social media and potentially increasing their desire to purchase.

[0367] In this way, users can conduct surveys targeting third parties through in-vehicle devices. A messaging service such as Twitter, a social networking system, would be suitable as the platform. Twitter has a survey function, so it would be good to use that. The survey function could also be implemented directly using messages. The survey function could be used to conduct a survey to confirm with third parties whether a message posted by the user is correct, and the message could be evaluated through the survey. The content of the survey could be set by the user manually, or it could be determined automatically without such setting. For example, the content of the survey could be determined according to the state of the vehicle. For example, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam, the survey function could be executed to ask third parties whether it is better to choose a route with a traffic jam or a route that avoids the traffic jam.

[0368] Furthermore, users can include predefined keywords in their messages and share those messages with other users through posting to the messaging service. Examples of predefined keywords include things the user always wants to include in their messages, greetings, announcements for the user's store, links to the user's profile page, etc. Additionally, if the user always uses a specific tag, that tag can be pre-set as a keyword. While users can manually specify predefined keywords, the in-vehicle device can also automatically determine and insert them without user input.

[0369] Note that "pre-setting" means that the same keyword will always be used while using the in-vehicle device, rather than being entered each time. Therefore, the keyword can be stored at the factory, or it can be stored as setting information in the in-vehicle device.

[0370] Furthermore, by including the manufacturer's name and / or product name of the device that acquires the vehicle's status in the message, it is possible to share the message with other users through posting to the messaging service. Since third parties will likely believe that the same functionality can be achieved by using the same product, it is expected that this will motivate them to purchase the same product, thus providing an advertising effect. Suitable devices for acquiring the vehicle's status include those mentioned above, such as dashcams, navigation systems, and detectors (e.g., radar detectors, laser detectors). It is recommended to include the manufacturer's name and product name of the device that acquires the vehicle's status in each message. Doing so will allow for a higher advertising effect. In addition, since it will become clear that the manufacturer's name and / or product name of the device is being used, third parties will understand that the message is being posted from that device, and it is expected that they will perceive the message as highly reliable.

[0371] Furthermore, while making it clear to other users which message pertains to the vehicle's status, users can share the manufacturer's name and / or product name of the device they are using with third parties through posting to the messaging service. For example, as a messaging service, social networking systems such as Twitter have a large number of users who are young people and potential buyers. This can lead to increased awareness and sales promotion for device vendors, as well as the expectation of appealing to these demographics and boosting their desire to purchase.

[0372] [1.4.7 Example of outputting a message in response to an acquired message] This embodiment is one in which the message output unit 107 outputs a message based on the acquired message information acquired by the message acquisition unit 106.

[0373] The message acquisition unit 106 acquires acquired message information containing one or more messages from the service and stores it in the message information storage area 196.

[0374] In this case, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire messages based on predetermined keywords. For example, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire messages that contain either a "place name" and the word "accident" as keywords. The message acquisition unit 106 may also acquire messages that seem to be related to traffic information, such as "accident traffic jam," "traffic congestion," "dangerous driving," "aggressive driving," "single-vehicle accident," "multi-vehicle accident," "driving in the wrong direction," "#accident traffic jam," and "#traffic congestion." In other words, it may acquire traffic-related keywords.

[0375] Traffic-related information (traffic-related keywords) should ideally relate to traffic events that users should be aware of while traveling by vehicle, particularly information about traffic congestion or safe driving. For example, it should include keywords related to congestion such as "traffic jam," "accident," and "construction," as well as keywords related to safe driving such as "police enforcement," "driving the wrong way," and "aggressive driving."

[0376] In particular, the messaging service should be a social networking service (SNS), and the electronic device should have the function to retrieve traffic-related information from messages on that SNS. In this way, users can receive traffic-related information from among the many messages handled on the SNS. Furthermore, the traffic-related information should be information related to vehicle use. In this way, users can receive information related to vehicle use. In particular, vehicle use should be related to driving a vehicle.

[0377] The message acquisition unit 106 may also acquire messages that contain predetermined keywords as "tags." For example, it may acquire messages that contain tags such as "#accident" or "#Tomei Expressway."

[0378] For example, the system could be configured to retrieve keywords or tags related to a message separately from the message itself. However, since users of a messaging service may include keywords or tags for sharing a topic with other users within the message, it is advisable to retrieve those messages. In this case, the system could be configured to retrieve keywords or tags related to a message separately from a predetermined topic message by utilizing these tags. The predetermined topic would be something like transportation. The messaging service could be, for example, a social networking service such as Twitter (registered trademark). The tags would preferably be hashtags, and it would be best to use those included as part of the content of the tweet.

[0379] It would be beneficial to configure the system to periodically retrieve messages posted by other users from a messaging service. This way, users can use it as if they were receiving traffic information. When retrieving messages periodically, it would be good to retrieve them based on tags. For example, if a tag indicating "#traffic jam" is used as a traffic-related tag, messages containing "traffic jam" will be displayed periodically, allowing users to use it as if they were receiving traffic information.

[0380] Furthermore, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire messages based on location information. For example, it may acquire messages that are within a predetermined distance range based on the location information of the electronic device 10. In this case, the message acquisition unit 106 acquires messages based on location information along with the keywords mentioned above.

[0381] The message acquisition unit 106 may also acquire messages based on the vehicle's status. For example, the electronic device 10 acquires vehicle information via OBDII. The message acquisition unit 106 then identifies keywords based on the vehicle information and acquires messages containing those keywords. For example, the message acquisition unit 106 acquires the vehicle's voltage from OBDII and identifies keywords corresponding to the voltage. For example, the keywords to be identified may be a state such as "low voltage" or a voltage value such as "12.0V". In addition, the message acquisition unit 106 may also acquire keywords related to the engine, such as oil temperature, turbo pressure, and water temperature, or keywords related to driving, such as idling stop time and average driving time.

[0382] Furthermore, the message acquisition unit 106 may change the range from which it acquires location information depending on the number of messages to be acquired. When the message acquisition unit 106 acquires messages based on location information, it may change the range of message acquisition based on location information so that the number of messages is predetermined. For example, if the number of messages to be acquired is 20 or more, the range of message acquisition based on location information may be expanded until the number of messages is 20 or more. For example, the distance of the location information may be expanded to 1km, 5km, 10km from the current acquisition location. Alternatively, the area may be expanded to include adjacent cities, towns, villages, or prefectures.

[0383] Furthermore, if the number of messages to be acquired is too large, the message acquisition unit 106 may narrow the range. For example, if the message acquisition unit 106 acquires more than a threshold (for example, 20 or more messages), it may narrow the range of location information acquisition so that the number of messages is less than 20.

[0384] Furthermore, the message acquisition unit 106 may change the range from which messages are acquired to which they are acquired so that the number of messages to be displayed falls within a predetermined range. For example, the range from which messages are acquired may be expressed as the distance to the surrounding area, centered on the location of the target person. Alternatively, the range from which messages are acquired may include, for example, the age group and gender of the account, the type of vehicle in which the device is installed, and the attributes of the message.

[0385] For example, in the case of traffic congestion information, it is advisable to output messages near the vehicle's location or to output them preferentially. Prioritizing output means outputting the prioritized messages in a manner that is easily perceived by the user. For example, this could involve outputting only the messages that are prioritized and not outputting others, outputting the prioritized messages earlier than other messages, or displaying the prioritized messages in a more prominent position than other messages. It is also advisable to adjust the size of the surrounding range so that the number of acquired message information falls within a predetermined range. For example, if the number of message information items is 30, the range based on location information can be specified so that it is included in 30 items. For example, if the number of acquired messages exceeds the range of 20 to 30, the control unit should control the size of the surrounding range to decrease. Conversely, if the number of acquired messages is less than 20 to 30, the control unit should control the size of the surrounding range to increase.

[0386] Furthermore, the size of the surrounding area can be changed simply by adjusting the distance from the center, or it can be changed according to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the latter case, for example, the surrounding area in the direction of travel of the vehicle may be made wider. For example, if the vehicle is traveling north on a highway, the area to the north, which corresponds to the direction of travel, may be expanded. In this way, the user can obtain messages related to the direction they are about to travel.

[0387] Furthermore, the output format may be changed when outputting acquired messages. By changing the output format of the displayed message, the user can confirm the relationship between the location where the message was posted and the user's location. For example, messages posted from locations close to the device's location may be displayed with a different color, font size, or symbols. In this way, the user can confirm that the content of the message is related to something happening nearby. In addition, the priority of message output may be changed in conjunction with, or instead of changing the output format. For example, messages within a predetermined distance from the electronic device's location may be given priority output.

[0388] Furthermore, if the keyword search interval (message retrieval interval) of the message retrieval unit 106 is too short, it may overload the service or violate the service provider's terms of service. Therefore, it is preferable to leave a certain interval between message retrievals. The message retrieval interval can be, for example, within the range defined by the service provider.

[0389] Then, the message output unit 107 outputs the message acquired by the message acquisition unit 106. Specifically, the message output unit 107 displays the acquired message to the display unit 120.

[0390] For example, Figure 11 is an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 120. For example, as shown in Figure 11(A), a message may be displayed as a scroll in a part of the display screen W100, namely area R100. The message displayed in area R100 may be superimposed on the normally displayed display screen, or it may be displayed in a separate area. In addition, the message in area R100 may be displayed as a horizontal scroll (for example, moving from the right edge to the left edge of the display screen W100).

[0391] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(B), a message display area R110 may be provided in a portion of the display screen W110. For example, the area R110 may display messages by vertical scrolling. Specifically, the area R110 may display new messages at the top of the screen and older messages by scrolling downwards.

[0392] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may also display information about the message's attributes when outputting the message. For example, the message output unit 107 may display not only the message, but also the account name, account ID, the number of ratings (number of likes), the number of reposts (number of retweets), and whether or not there are replies (number of replies). In addition, if the account is official, the message output unit 107 may also display that it is an official account.

[0393] The message output unit 107 may also display these together with emojis and symbols. For example, when displaying the number of likes as the rating, the number of likes may be displayed together with a heart emoji.

[0394] Figures 11(C) and 11(D) show examples of the display screens actually shown by the electronic device 10. In Figure 11(C), a map is displayed on the screen, with a message displayed below it. This message is displayed in a flowing manner from right to left on the screen. If the message contains emojis, they may also be displayed. By displaying emojis, the user's emotions can be expressed along with the message. For example, displaying an "angry face" can express frustration. Displaying a "crying face" can express distress. Displaying a "police car" emoji can indicate that there is an enforcement operation, or displaying a "construction" emoji can indicate that construction is underway. By including emojis in the message in this way, users can provide messages that are easy to read.

[0395] The emojis displayed here may be the same ones used in the service. Displaying the same emojis used in the service makes it easier for users to understand the situation (for example, the poster's emotions).

[0396] Figure 11(D) shows, for example, a message generated by the electronic device 10. In this case, a display may be provided to identify that the message was obtained from a service. For example, the color of the message may be changed to distinguish between a message obtained from a service and a message generated by the electronic device 10. Also, as shown in Figure 11(D), the elapsed time since the first time the event was acquired may be displayed as well. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11(C) and 11(D), the display screen may also show, for example, the vehicle's speed, the current time, the address corresponding to the current location, and the name of the road being traveled. In addition, other vehicle information may be displayed depending on the user's settings.

[0397] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may display messages repeatedly. For example, when displaying acquired messages stored in the message information storage area 196 as a ticker (scrolling display), the messages may be displayed repeatedly. For example, if there are 10 acquired messages, the message output unit 107 may display them sequentially starting from the oldest message (the first message), and after displaying the 10th message, it may start again from the first message.

[0398] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may switch the display speed depending on the number of messages to be displayed. For example, the scroll speed may be increased when there are many messages and decreased when there are few messages. In other words, the message output unit 107 may adjust the number of messages displayed per unit time.

[0399] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change the message display method depending on the vehicle status. For example, the message output unit 107 may acquire vehicle information via OBDII through the terminal unit 172. For example, the message speed may be switched according to the vehicle speed based on the vehicle information.

[0400] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may switch the display speed between the most recent message and past messages.

[0401] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change the output mode (display mode) according to the attributes of the message. For example, if the message has a high rating or has been reposted many times, the message display speed may be slowed down, and if the message has a low rating or has been reposted few times, the message display speed may be increased. Alternatively, instead of changing the message display speed, the message output unit 107 may change the color of the message or the size and type of the font. In addition, the message output unit 107 may change the output mode for message attributes, such as reply messages (when the reply destination includes the user's own account).

[0402] In this way, users can receive messages addressed to them in a different format than other messages, making it easier for them to check their own messages. The system may include a function to extract user-directed messages from messages retrieved from the messaging service, or it may include a function to retrieve only user-directed messages separately.

[0403] Here, a message addressed to a user's account can be defined as, for example, a message containing information about a second account, a message containing a mention of a second account, or a reply to a message posted from a second account.

[0404] Users can receive messages that mention their own account. It would also be beneficial to have a function that allows users to change the output format of messages that mention their account. This way, users can receive messages that mention them. Here, a message mentioning a user's account is one that contains information identifying their account (for example, the same information as mentioned above, such as an identification ID). Furthermore, using a messaging service such as Twitter, a social networking service, a message mentioning a user's account would be one that directly mentions that user.

[0405] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user can check not only the message but also the message's attributes. The message attributes should be those that serve as an indicator of the message's importance. Such attributes could be, for example, location-related attributes or attributes related to the message's evaluation. Since the message's attributes are output along with the message, the user can determine the importance of the message based on the content of the output message and its attributes.

[0406] Furthermore, users can receive at least one attribute corresponding to the message, such as the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of replies to the message, and the number of times the message has been rated, along with the message. It would be preferable if these attributes were displayed along with the message, or if they were output as audio along with the message. In this way, users can understand the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of replies to the message, and the number of times the message has been rated as an evaluation of the message.

[0407] Here, let's assume the messaging service is, for example, the social networking service Twitter. In this case, the number of times a message has been reposted can be represented as the number of retweets, the number of times a message has been replied to can be represented as the number of replies, and the number of times a message has been liked can be represented as the number of "likes". The configuration should involve accessing the API provided by the messaging service via the network to retrieve these attributes.

[0408] For example, it would be good to output "This message has been retweeted X times" along with the message. In this way, users can see not only the message itself, but also the number of times it has been reposted. For instance, users can infer that a message with a high number of retweets, replies, etc., is a message that is supported by many people and is therefore a more reliable message.

[0409] Furthermore, for example, if there are many messages, it is a good idea to increase the speed at which messages are displayed when scrolling. This allows users to see many messages. Also, by viewing messages that scroll quickly, users can not only grasp that there are many posts, but also get a sense of immersion (for example, the image of a lot of information flowing). Conversely, if there are few messages retrieved, it is a good idea to decrease the speed at which messages are displayed when scrolling slowly. When the display speed is slow, users can not only grasp that there are few messages retrieved, but also find it easier to check the messages and feel a sense of calm.

[0410] Furthermore, users can recognize the number of messages based on how messages are displayed. For example, if a large number of messages are retrieved per unit of time, it is best to display messages quickly, and if a small number of messages are retrieved per unit of time, it is best to display them slowly. In this way, users will understand that if messages are displayed quickly, many messages are being retrieved per unit of time. Conversely, if messages are displayed slowly, users will understand that few messages are being retrieved per unit of time. When changing the speed of message display, one could, for example, switch the scroll speed, but it is better to switch the display speed of the ticker.

[0411] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change the display format depending on whether the account that posted the message is an official account or a corporate account.

[0412] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change its display mode if the content of the message or the location information contained in the message is close to the location of the electronic device 10.

[0413] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may switch the timing of message output depending on the state of the electronic device 10. For example, the message output unit 107 may output (display) a message when the vehicle 50 equipped with the electronic device 10 is stopped or moving at a low speed.

[0414] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may, for example, stop outputting audio if music or radio is playing inside the vehicle 50. Also, depending on the settings, the message output unit 107 may output messages at a louder volume than usual if the vehicle 50 is in motion and there is a lot of noise.

[0415] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible not only to retrieve messages but also to retrieve messages as needed. In a service, simply performing a search will extract many messages. Therefore, it is advisable to retrieve only the necessary messages and to display the necessary messages in different display formats.

[0416] According to this embodiment, a user can receive messages containing traffic-related keywords from the messaging service. The messaging service includes messages posted by other users, but it is desirable to have a function to retrieve messages containing traffic-related keywords from among the messages posted by other users. It is also desirable to have a function to not retrieve messages that do not contain traffic-related keywords from the messaging service. In this way, the output messages can be filtered to include only those containing traffic-related keywords, and the user can prevent receiving messages that do not contain traffic-related keywords from the messaging service.

[0417] Furthermore, a messaging service such as Twitter (registered trademark), a social networking system, would be suitable. On Twitter, messages posted by each user are also called tweets, and are created and distributed by users of the service. It would be good to have a function to periodically retrieve messages from the messaging service via an API. It would also be good to retrieve messages in real time. In this way, users can retrieve messages containing keywords related to transportation from the messaging service in real time.

[0418] Users can receive messages containing traffic information from a messaging service on their electronic devices. For example, if the electronic device is equipped with a display device and / or an audio output device, the display device may show traffic information based on the message, or the audio output device may output traffic information based on the message.

[0419] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, users can easily understand information about the account that posted the message, depending on the message output format. For example, it is good to have a function to display the message in the display section as the message output destination, and it is good to change the display format, such as the color of the message, the font size, and the font type. In this way, users can easily identify and understand information about the account. Specifically, for example, if it is an account related to the user, the font color should be changed for display. Also, for example, the size of the message or the color of the message should be changed according to the number of accounts related to the account that posted the message (number of followers / following).

[0420] Furthermore, when users view a message, they can also see the displayed emojis. In this case, users can see the emojis displayed in the messaging service directly on their electronic devices. Emojis can be used to express emotions or states. Also, by displaying the same emojis on both the messaging service and the electronic device, users can receive messages more easily. When the control unit displays emojis directly, it may display emojis that look identical, or it may display emojis that look different but convey the same meaning. For example, for a "smiley face" emoji, it is preferable that the character codes representing the emojis are at least identical.

[0421] [1.4.8 Example of outputting necessary messages from the acquired messages] This embodiment demonstrates how to hide messages from the acquired messages as needed. Since the acquired messages contain a lot of unnecessary data, it is preferable to extract only the appropriate messages.

[0422] For example, the control unit 100 (message output unit 107) may display only one message if it is a reposted message, and not display the rest.

[0423] for example, "@NEX <Road Closure Due to Fire> Tomei Expressway, southbound, 195.5KP: Vehicle fire. Road closure between Yoshida IC and Sagara-Makinohara IC." There was a message that said, and as a repost of that message, "RT @NEX <Road closure due to fire> Vehicle fire on the southbound lanes of the Tomei Expressway at 195.5KP. Road closure between Yoshida IC and Sagara Makinohara IC." If there are multiple instances of "RT", messages containing "RT" may be hidden. Also, if there are many reposted messages, the message output unit 107 may display all of them, as these messages are considered important.

[0424] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may display an identifier on the first message. For example, the message output unit 107 may change the color or font of only the first message. The message output unit 107 may also display the number of reposts. If the message output unit 107 cannot retrieve the first message (a message without RTs), it may display only the oldest message among the retrieved messages. The message output unit 107 may also display reposted messages at predetermined intervals. For example, the message output unit 107 may display them every 5 minutes, or every 10 retrieved messages.

[0425] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may prioritize displaying messages with a high rating (messages with many likes). Additionally, the importance of messages may be determined by using a machine learning model trained from the message text and attributes.

[0426] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may hide irrelevant messages. In this case, hidden keywords may be set in advance, or users may be allowed to register them. For example, keywords such as "public bath," "sexual activity," and "food tasting" may be registered, and messages containing these keywords may be hidden, or they may be displayed only once.

[0427] Additionally, the message output unit 107 may hide messages that contain bullet points.

[0428] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may hide messages that are not in the direction of travel. For example, suppose vehicle 50 is traveling on the Tomei Expressway from Tokyo towards Nagoya. In this case, if the vehicle is traveling within Shizuoka Prefecture, the message output unit 107 will output information related to Shizuoka Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture. However, the message output unit 107 may choose not to output information related to Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

[0429] As described above, since the service contains many messages, simply extracting them would result in outputting far more messages than necessary. However, according to this embodiment, only the necessary messages can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. Furthermore, because messaging services are easily used by young people and others, they often include messages that do not generally need to be displayed, such as messages between friends. In this embodiment, by excluding such messages, it is possible to obtain and output only the necessary information.

[0430] [1.4.9 Example of generating new messages from periodically acquired messages] This embodiment is one in which the message acquisition unit 106 periodically acquires messages and generates new messages.

[0431] In other words, the messages acquired by the message acquisition unit 106 are stored in the message information storage area 196. The message generation unit 104 generates a new message (posted message) from the messages stored in the message information storage area 196.

[0432] The newly generated message may then be posted to the service by the message posting unit 105. Alternatively, the control unit 100 (message generation unit 104 or message posting unit 105) may collect related messages from among those acquired by the message acquisition unit 106 and generate them as a single message.

[0433] Here, related messages refer to messages that the control unit 100 has determined to be similar, messages associated with the service (for example, reply messages), and reposted messages (for example, retweet messages).

[0434] Messages are considered similar if they contain, for example, some of the same wording. For instance, the control unit may determine that messages are similar if they share the same type of event (keywords indicating the category) and location (time of occurrence, road name, city / ward / town / village). The control unit 100 may also score the number of words contained in a message, and determine that messages are similar if the score is high. For example, the control unit 100 may determine that messages are similar if they share the keywords "traffic jam" and "Hakozaki," but their posting times are different. The control unit 100 may also determine that messages are similar if they contain the same wording as messages from highly reliable accounts. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may use machine learning to determine whether messages are similar.

[0435] For example, the control unit 100 may add a link to a newly generated message so that a summary message, which displays related messages together, can be viewed. By selecting the link, the user can view one or more original messages that created the new message. On the site where this summary message is displayed, related messages may be displayed as a thread, for example. A QR code for the site where this summary message can be viewed may also be displayed.

[0436] Furthermore, newly generated posts may be output by the message output unit 107. For example, the new message may be displayed on the display unit 120 or output as audio by the audio output unit 130.

[0437] The mechanism by which the message retrieval unit 106 retrieves messages is explained below. For example, the message retrieval unit 106 periodically retrieves messages from the service using predetermined keywords. For example, the message retrieval unit 106 may iterate through all the messages provided by the service and retrieve messages that match the keywords. Alternatively, it may retrieve messages that match the keywords from the messages of accounts associated with the user's account (for example, the user's followers or accounts registered as favorites) (the user's timeline).

[0438] For example, traffic-related keywords can be set as predefined keywords (categories) for the service's API search. Traffic-related keywords are keywords related to traffic information or keywords that are useful when driving a car. Specifically, these are keywords such as "traffic congestion," "accident-related congestion," "road closure," "speed enforcement," and "dangerous driving," and these keywords are used as search keys for iterative searches.

[0439] Alternatively, keywords (for example, "road closed") may be used to construct a message using pre-registered road names or strings that match the interchange. In other words, the control unit 100 generates a new message to post.

[0440] Then, the message generation unit 104 retrieves an event from the message and generates a message that includes the event.

[0441] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 prefers that the new message include a phrase related to a region. For example, it is preferable that the message include one or more phrases related to a region, such as the name of the city or town where the event occurred, the name of the intersection, the name of the road, the name of the interchange or service area / parking area, or the section where the event occurred.

[0442] The categories corresponding to these keywords represent the types of events, and may be predetermined or added by users. Furthermore, new events can be added to the categories. For example, if "pedestrian obstruction" is a topic of discussion in the news, "pedestrian obstruction" can be added as a new category.

[0443] An example of the message format in this case is shown in Figure 12(A). An example of a message generated by this embodiment includes, for example, "Category," "Time," "Street Name," "Address," "Mention," "Hashtag," and "Signature."

[0444] Furthermore, an example of the control unit 100 in this embodiment is shown in Figure 12(B), and an example of the configuration of the storage unit 190 is shown in Figure (C). The configuration in Figure 12 is an addition to the configurations shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B).

[0445] The message control unit 109 generates or processes new messages from acquired messages, etc. At this time, the message control unit 109 generates messages using the dictionary database (DB) 199 stored in the memory unit 190.

[0446] In this embodiment, when the user selects or enters a category, the message control unit 109 generates a new message based on the message obtained from the service.

[0447] Here, the user inputs categories by voice input or by selecting them via touch. Alternatively, the user may input categories by operating the control buttons. In the case of the in-car electronic device 10, it is not possible to type text like on a smartphone. Therefore, by selecting categories by voice or touch, the message (for example, a tweet article) is automatically constructed. Furthermore, the remaining message content, excluding the category, can be automatically generated using location information (for example, GPS information from GPS) and map information acquired by the electronic device 10 to create separate frames.

[0448] Furthermore, to make it easier for users to post, a dedicated posting screen may be provided on the home screen. For example, a screenshot of the posting screen can be taken and posted as an image. The following explains each item shown in Figure 12(A).

[0449] (1) Creating categories The categories for posts should preferably be related to traffic. For example, it is preferable to list words that are easy to recognize by voice, such as "traffic jam," "driving the wrong way," "aggressive driving," and "police enforcement," as well as search terms commonly used in messaging services. The categories may also coincide with the keywords mentioned above.

[0450] Additionally, when using speech recognition, you may want to register words that tend to yield high scores for speech recognition.

[0451] For example, for "traffic jam," you can register "Jūtai" as well as "Jūtai." Similarly, for "road closed," you can register "Tsūkōdome" as well as "Tsūkōdome," for "driving in the wrong direction," you can register "Gyakusō" as well as "Gyakusō," and for "running recklessly," you can register "Bōsō." These are stored in the category dictionary 1982 of the dictionary DB 198, which is stored in the memory unit 190 shown in Figure 12(C).

[0452] Additionally, you can add keywords corresponding to the categories. In this case, extract keywords that are being crawled or keywords that correspond to the messages and use them as keywords. In this case, you can enclose the keywords in parentheses to make them stand out, or enclose them in commands (for example, HTML tags) that can be identified later.

[0453] (2) Time The time used is the time managed by the electronic device 10. In this case, the time is automatically generated using, for example, the date information from the GPS or the time managed by the timekeeping unit 103 of the electronic device 10.

[0454] (3) Road names The road name is automatically generated, for example, by referring to the Road Dictionary 1988. The Road Dictionary 1988 stores road link data, latitude and longitude, and road name in an associated manner. The control unit 100 uses the road name on which the vehicle 50 is currently traveling, based on the acquired location information (latitude and longitude information). The road name may be automatically generated.

[0455] (4) Address The address is automatically generated, for example, by referring to an address dictionary 1986. The address dictionary 1986 stores administrative boundary polygons on a map, latitude and longitude information, and city / ward / town names. The control unit 100 then uses the address where the vehicle 50 is currently traveling, based on the acquired location information (latitude and longitude information). The address may be automatically generated.

[0456] (5) Mention A mention includes a user account in the message, for example, so that it is clear who the poster is. In other words, a link to the user account (sometimes called a mention) is added in the messaging service. For this user account, the account information stored in the account information storage area 192 can be used.

[0457] Furthermore, by including a link to the user's account, a third party can view the user's profile page. This can lead to the development of a relationship of trust between the third party and the user who made the post.

[0458] Furthermore, the person posting the message may use the account of a user using the electronic device 10, or, if posting the message via a management device, it may use the account associated with the management device.

[0459] Furthermore, while it was explained that you should include a mention of the user to indicate that a message has been posted to them, you may also send the posted message via direct message or email.

[0460] (6) Hashtags Include city / town names or road names as hashtags in your message. For example, hashtags can be created by adding specific characters (or sequences of characters) to the city / town or road name string. For instance, combining the character "#" with the road name "National Route 1" will create the hashtag "#NationalRoute1" in your message. Hashtags can also be automatically generated. Note that hashtags are just one example of tags.

[0461] (7) Signature An arbitrary string can be added as a signature. For example, pre-registering the name of the manufacturer of electronic device 10 can serve as a way to showcase the manufacturer's technical capabilities. Alternatively, a string created by the user can be added as a signature each time.

[0462] In this way, by circulating and grouping messages together, a new, easier-to-understand message is generated compared to simply displaying the messages.

[0463] Furthermore, the user may be allowed to select which of the above items (1) to (7) are included in the message. For example, item (6) may be omitted from the message. The order in which the items are generated in the message may also be changed.

[0464] Furthermore, the message generation unit 104 may include the number of related messages if there are multiple related messages. For example, the message generation unit 104 may display something like, "There are 10 other messages regarding the accident involving XX."

[0465] Furthermore, if this number is displayed, it may also represent the number of summary messages. In this case, the user may select the number of items included in the message or select a link included in the message, and a page where they can view the summary message may be displayed.

[0466] Furthermore, multiple messages may be grouped by event or by region. For example, a message such as "There are ○ messages related to accidents" or "There are ○ messages around Nagoya Station" may be generated. Messages with the same event may also be grouped together. For example, a message such as "There are ○ messages related to traffic congestion at the Dangozaka Service Area on the Chuo Expressway" may be generated.

[0467] Furthermore, the newly generated message may include a portion of the retrieved message. For example, it may include the most recent message, or a message posted from a highly reliable account, or a portion of a highly reliable message. Whether an account or message is highly reliable will be explained in another example.

[0468] Thus, in this embodiment, messages can be processed and displayed in a format as needed, rather than being retrieved as is. In particular, messaging services receive many messages, and there are both necessary and unnecessary messages. Furthermore, even messages that appear necessary at first glance may only contain partial information, for example, if they are simply reposts (retweets). In such cases, by generating a new message, it is possible to post or display messages with high informational value.

[0469] Furthermore, users can post messages to the messaging service based on traffic-related keywords such as "traffic jam," "accident," or "driving the wrong way," and share these messages with other users through posting to the messaging service. They can also generate new messages related to traffic jams, accidents, or driving the wrong way. These keywords are considered to be of high importance to third parties, making it easier for users to post messages that are relevant to them.

[0470] Furthermore, for users, this eliminates the problem of multiple related messages being displayed on electronic devices, allowing them to view them all together as a single posted message. For example, messages scattered across a messaging service can be consolidated into a single posted message and then posted. This makes it easier for third parties to access the relevant information by referring to that single posted message.

[0471] Furthermore, users can include information that identifies their account in their posted messages and share those messages with other users through the messaging service. The information used to identify a user's account can be information handled by the messaging service, such as an account ID or account name. In this way, a third party can identify who a message is from, even if the account posting the message and the account of the person who received the message are different.

[0472] Furthermore, users can share their posted messages with third parties through the messaging service, including the account of the message's poster as identifying information. Therefore, third parties can easily verify who the message's poster is. Furthermore, the user account may be the same account used to log in to the management device. In this way, users can clearly identify to third parties even if the user account used to log in to the management device is different from the account used by the management device to send messages. Furthermore, users who post messages using the management device can be aware that the message was posted by the management device.

[0473] [1.4.10 Example of adding an image to a message] In addition to the embodiments described above, this embodiment also includes the posting of images. Specifically, the message control unit 109 attaches an image to the message it generates. Then, the message posting unit 105 posts the message generated by the message control unit 109 to the service, thereby enabling the posting of a message with an image. This embodiment is particularly effective when the message posting unit 105 posts the message generated by the message control unit 109 to the service.

[0474] The images to be posted can be, for example, if a dashcam is connected to the electronic device 10, images can be obtained from the dashcam. Alternatively, if the electronic device 10 is equipped with an imaging device, images can be obtained from the imaging device. Furthermore, if the electronic device 10 can be connected to other devices, such as a user's smartphone or other terminal device, images can be obtained from that terminal device. Images captured from the display screen of the display unit 120 of the electronic device 10 may also be used. Additionally, images showing map information that the electronic device 10 can acquire (for example, a map including the current location) may also be used.

[0475] Here, the screen displayed on the display unit 120 of the electronic device 10 may be a display screen for assisting the driving of the vehicle. For example, the display screen may include traffic regulations (speed limits, content of road signs). The display screen may also include vehicle information (e.g., vehicle information obtained by OBDII). The display screen may also include the location and content of traffic enforcement. Furthermore, the display screen may display a combination of this information. For example, the display screen may include a map including the current location, information on traffic regulations, and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle speed).

[0476] Furthermore, the electronic device 10 may add information to the images described above. For example, the electronic device 10 may include information indicating the current location (e.g., town name including city / ward / town / village), road name, status of vehicle 50, and date and time in one or more images.

[0477] If the service has limitations on image size, the image size and resolution may be converted to fit within those limitations. For example, the image may be converted so that the width is a maximum of 600 pixels, the height is unlimited, the aspect ratio is 16:9, the extension is PNG, JPG, or GIF, and the file size is 5MB or less.

[0478] In this way, users can include information about images captured from the display screen used to assist with driving a vehicle in a message, and then share that message with other users by posting it to a messaging service. The device that displays the display screen used to assist with driving a vehicle may be an information processing terminal carried by the user, such as a smartphone, but it is preferable to use the display screen of an electronic device that provides functions to assist with driving a vehicle.

[0479] Examples of electronic devices include a drive recorder that provides shooting and recording functions, a navigation system that provides navigation functions such as route guidance, and a detector (e.g., radar detector, laser detector) that has a notification function that notifies the driver of a predetermined proximity to a speed enforcement point. Display screens that assist in driving a vehicle often display maps. For example, a display screen that includes a map can be captured as a display screen that assists in driving a vehicle, and a message containing an image including that map can be generated. A display screen that includes a location (e.g., address or road name) can be captured, and a message containing an image including that location can be generated. In this way, a third party can confirm the map of the vicinity where an event that could cause the vehicle's progress to be obstructed is occurring, or the location from the image, by looking at the image included in the message. The capture can be instructed by the user's manual input, for example, by making it a one-touch operation. The capture can also be performed without explicit instruction from the user, for example, by being performed when a predetermined event occurs or by being performed periodically. The image used in the post can be specified by the user, or it can be selected without such instruction.

[0480] Furthermore, when posting an image, the standby screen of the electronic device 10 may be set to a posting standby state where posting is possible. For example, the electronic device 10 can provide an environment in which a message including an image can be posted immediately without a voice recognition activation phrase.

[0481] Furthermore, when posting to a service, the message posting unit 105 may post messages under conditions within the service's constraints. For example, if the use of an API access key for posting to a service is combined with a process to verify that the retrieved message is 200, the posting interval may be set to 10 minutes or more, in accordance with the service's constraints. The message posting unit 105 may also impose constraints such as not sending the same message (data) consecutively.

[0482] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to post messages that include images. Generally, the screen (timeline) on which service messages are displayed includes images. Therefore, when other users view shared messages, messages that include images are more appealing to other users than messages that contain only text.

[0483] When posting an image, you may include information such as the image's link in the message. Even if you include this link, you may still include a character limit in the service's terms of service. For example, you may compose the message so that it is 140 characters or less, including the link information.

[0484] [1.4.11 Example of converting and outputting acquired messages in an easily understandable format] In this embodiment, when the message output unit 107 outputs a message, it does not output the original message it received, but rather converts it into a message that is easy for the user to understand before outputting it.

[0485] In other words, the control unit 100 generates and outputs a new message based on the newly acquired message information.

[0486] For example, the message output unit 107 may not be able to reuse the message as is, in which case it will determine the event from the message and display the message on the display unit 120.

[0487] For example, if the message output unit 107 is referring to an "accident," it will display "Information about traffic congestion due to an accident." Similarly, if the message output unit 107 is referring to a "road rage" incident, it will display "A road rage incident has been reported." In this way, the system may automatically analyze the content of the text and output a converted message. This is because directly quoting the message may lead to complaints, so the wording can be changed before output. Furthermore, since displaying the original message may contain various expressions, the system may create and output its own custom wording.

[0488] Additionally, related messages may be combined into a single message. For example, messages about the same accident in the same region may be combined into one message. Similarly, messages related to a message (e.g., replies) may also be combined into a single message.

[0489] These messages may be managed as grouped messages. Grouped messages can be displayed as a single thread. Grouped messages may, for example, be related to a single topic and group together messages about a single event (e.g., an accident or traffic jam).

[0490] Alternatively, a list of correspondences between a word list column and an array of texts could be maintained, and if a string in the message matches, the replaced message could be displayed.

[0491] The replaced message may also be posted to the service by the message posting unit 105. In this case, the posted message may also include information about the posting user's account (for example, account name or account ID).

[0492] For example, as shown in Figure 12(D), the message output unit 107 may generate new search terms, elapsed time, address, road name, detailed information, account, hashtags, etc., and output the message to the display unit 120.

[0493] In this case, the electronic device 10 may also display the above-mentioned message along with the existing enforcement information. For example, when the existing enforcement information is displayed as a ticker, the above-mentioned message may be displayed consecutively or alternately.

[0494] Furthermore, since the municipality is known, the message output unit 107 may display only the content for the same municipality, similar to existing enforcement information.

[0495] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may not only simply display the message, but may also combine it with other displays. For example, if the message output unit 107 contains information that identifies a location, such as an address, latitude and longitude, road name, IC / JCT / SA / PA name, or landmark name, it may flash, change the color of, or display a pin on the map for the location or road.

[0496] The message output unit 107 may also output the elapsed time. The elapsed time may be the time elapsed since the date and time the message was posted. Alternatively, the elapsed time may be determined by identifying the time the event in the message occurred and calculating the time elapsed since the time of occurrence. For example, if the message contains "15:10 Accident occurred", then "15:10" may be used as the time of occurrence.

[0497] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change its display mode according to the elapsed time. For example, in addition to displaying "X minutes ago" or "X minutes elapsed" from the time of occurrence or message posting, the system may express the deterioration of information by making the flashing color of the road lighter or changing its brightness. The time range of the displayed messages may also be limited to a specific range. For example, messages from up to 10 hours after the time of occurrence or posting may be the target of display.

[0498] Furthermore, if the content of the message (incident) refers to something that happened in the past, it does not need to be displayed. It is also possible to determine whether the content of the message (incident) refers to the time when the incident occurred or the time when the incident ended. In this case, the message output unit 107 may determine this by considering both the content of the message and the posting date and time.

[0499] For example, if a message saying "The traffic jam at Tenmabashi yesterday was terrible" is posted today, the message output unit 107 may display the message as is, provided that the posting date is today. In this case, the posting date and time may be clearly displayed, and the message may be displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 hours).

[0500] Additionally, messages about past events may be excluded from display. In this case, the message "The traffic jam at Tenmabashi yesterday was terrible" would be excluded from display because it contains the keyword "yesterday."

[0501] Alternatively, related messages may be retrieved from a single piece of information to determine the date and time of the incident. For example, if the message is "The traffic jam at Tenmabashi was terrible due to an accident," new messages may be retrieved from the service based on the keywords "Tenmabashi" and "traffic jam due to accident" contained in that message. In this case, if the content of the retrieved message or the posting date is from the past, that message may be excluded from being displayed.

[0502] Furthermore, in order to identify the date and time of the incident based on keywords, the search targets may include information from different services, news sites, weather information, traffic information (VICS information), etc.

[0503] The message output unit 107 may also analyze the content of the message and determine whether to display it. For example, if the message is expressed as "Could not pass" rather than "Not passable," it may be excluded from display.

[0504] Here, the message acquisition unit 106 acquires related messages from the search word, for example, by using the API of the service. The message acquisition unit 106 stores the acquired messages in the storage unit 190 in a predetermined format (for example, CSV format).

[0505] Subsequently, consider the quotations (keywords) that are likely to be caught in the search and search for accurate messages. Specifically, store the keywords in the storage unit 190 in advance and perform a search with the keywords. The message output unit 107 creates a display message from the messages including the keywords.

[0506] A specific example will be described. For example, in the case of Twitter as a messaging service, output created_at, user.location, user.name, user.name, user.screen_name, user.followers_count, text, etc. from the extraction source tweets.json in CSV format. Then, the message output unit 107 extracts and analyzes the data corresponding to "date and time", "twitter name", "account", "location of occurrence", "tweet" from the output CSV file to create a display message. As a result, the electronic device 10 can handle it in the same way as the data of the existing public regulation information and display it in the same way.

[0507] Here, the message output unit 107 analyzes the message in the following method. First, as the analysis of the address data, the message output unit 107 checks the prefectures (47 cases) and municipalities (1718 cases) from the message. Also, since there may be a town name, if it is "town" as the terminal symbol, it is adopted as the name of the municipality. Here, the address dictionary 1996 shown in FIG. 12(C) may be used.

[0508] The analysis of the road data determines whether the names of roads across the country are included in the message. Here, the road dictionary 1998 shown in FIG. 12(C) may be used.

[0509] Frequently used strings may be registered in advance as a dictionary. The message output unit 107 may, for example, select a message if it contains strings such as "single-vehicle accident, multi-vehicle accident, personal injury accident, collision accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, etc." for the message "accident traffic jam". Alternatively, the word dictionary 1994 shown in Figure 12(C) may be used.

[0510] The message output unit 107 may, for example, use the message control unit 109 in Figure 12 to analyze the message and output the message in the format shown in Figure 12(D).

[0511] The message output unit 107 may also display related information. For example, it may output news information obtained from a news site or weather forecast information as part of the message.

[0512] According to this embodiment, the acquired message can be converted into a message in a predetermined format and then posted. As a result, when other users check the message on the service, they can easily obtain the information because it is output in a fixed format.

[0513] Furthermore, users can receive messages containing addresses or road names instead of the messages they have received. For example, each user of a messaging service posts messages with various contents. Users can view messages posted to the messaging service not as they are, but in an output format that clearly shows the necessary information. Here, the address may be a combination of city / ward / town name and town name, but it is preferable to use the prefecture name and city / ward / town name. Also, the address may represent a region, such as an intersection name, facility name, or landmark name. Additionally, the address may include information that indicates a region or location, such as latitude and longitude information or a map code. Road names may include names such as National Route X, Prefectural Route X, road names such as Meiji-dori and Yasukuni-dori, or names of expressways such as Chuo-do, Tomei-dori and Shuto-dori.

[0514] Furthermore, users can receive messages containing traffic-related information. For example, traffic-related information could include information about congestion such as "traffic jam," "traffic congestion," "accident-related congestion," and "construction-related congestion," as well as information related to congestion such as "construction," "accident," and "closure," and information related to safe driving such as "aggressive driving," "dangerous driving," "enforcement," and "police car." In addition, traffic-related information should include content that affects traffic, and it would be good to include information about disasters such as "heavy rain," "flooding," "fire," and "earthquake."

[0515] Furthermore, users can see how much time has passed since a message was posted. Therefore, along with the message itself, users can see when the message was posted and how old it is. For example, if a message describes a traffic-related event such as a traffic jam, it would be good to display the elapsed time along with the event. In this way, users can not only know that a traffic-related event has occurred, but also see when the event occurred and how much time has passed since the event was reported.

[0516] Here, the time elapsed since the message was posted can be calculated, for example, by determining the difference between the time the message was posted and the present time, if the time the message was posted can be obtained. Alternatively, the elapsed time can be calculated from keywords indicating time in the message (e.g., "yesterday," "last night," "today," "just now"). The control unit should also analyze the message and output that it is past information if it is determined to be past text (e.g., past tense text). The elapsed time can be expressed specifically as X minutes ago, X hours ago, etc., but it can also be approximate information (e.g., "yesterday" or "previously"). Furthermore, the output style of the message should be changed based on the time elapsed since it was posted. For example, when displaying a message, the output style should be changed based on the time elapsed since the message contained in the output message was posted. For example, the display style should be changed by making the display fainter or reducing the font size as the elapsed time increases.

[0517] [1.4.12 Example of determining the reliability of acquired messages] This embodiment is an example in which the control unit 100 determines whether a message acquired by the message acquisition unit 106 is reliable. The control unit 100 may calculate the reliability of the message and the reliability of the account based on information obtainable from the message and the account information of the poster. The control unit 100 may then determine the reliability of the message and the reliability of the account based on the calculated reliability.

[0518] For example, the messages acquired by the message acquisition unit 106 may include messages related to misinformation or rumors. The control unit 100 may, for example, use the account information of the person who posted the message to determine if it is fake information.

[0519] For example, the control unit 100 determines that a message is highly reliable if the posting account is a corporate account. It also determines that a message is reliable if the posting account is an influencer account (for example, an account with 3000 or more followers).

[0520] These highly reliable accounts may be listed and stored in the storage unit 190. The control unit 100 determines that a message posted from one of these highly reliable accounts is valuable information. The message output unit 107 displays the message if it is from a highly reliable account.

[0521] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may change the output mode according to the reliability of the message. For example, the message output unit 107 may display highly reliable messages in blue and less reliable messages in yellow. In addition, the message output unit 107 may change the font color, size, or scroll speed according to the reliability of the message.

[0522] Furthermore, if the account is an official account, the control unit 100 may determine that it is a highly reliable account. In this case, the message output unit 107 may also output that it is an official account.

[0523] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may determine a message to be highly reliable if it is posted from an account with relatively low activity. For example, if information such as an accident is suddenly obtained from a message from an account with relatively low activity, it may be determined to be more reliable than information from an account with high activity.

[0524] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may determine that messages with location information attached are highly reliable. Also, the control unit 100 may determine that messages with predetermined keywords attached are highly reliable. For example, the control unit 100 may determine that messages with a signature indicating that they were output by the electronic device 10 are highly reliable.

[0525] Thus, according to this embodiment, processing can be performed based on highly reliable messages. In a service, various messages are included, and therefore not all of them are necessarily highly reliable. However, according to this embodiment, reliability can be determined based on the account or the reliability of the posted message, and processing can be limited to those that are determined to be highly reliable.

[0526] Alternatively, the system could simply retrieve and output the number of accounts associated with the account that posted the message (follower count). It could also retrieve and output the number of accounts followed by the account that posted the message. A suitable messaging service would be a social networking service such as Twitter. In this way, the user can receive the number of followers and following of the first account.

[0527] Furthermore, users can determine that an account is more reliable if it has a large number of accounts associated with the account that posted it. For example, if the messaging service is a social networking service such as Twitter, a user can determine that a message was posted from a reliable account if the account that posted the message has more followers than a certain number. Also, a user may determine that a message was posted from a highly reliable account if, for example, the first account is identified as an influencer's account.

[0528] In this way, users can receive the number of followers or followings of the account that posted the message, along with the posted message itself. For example, users can determine the reliability of the message and the account based on the influence of the account that posted the message (e.g., an influencer's account with a large number of followers). It would also be beneficial to have a function that determines the reliability of an account and the messages posted by that account based on the number of followers and followings of the account, and outputs this information. For example, if the number of followers is more than a certain percentage greater than the number of followings, the account can be determined to be highly reliable. In this way, users can know whether the account that posted the message is a designated corporate account or an official account authenticated by the messaging service. Users can determine that messages from corporate accounts are more reliable than those from accounts owned by individuals. By displaying that the account that posted the message is a corporate account or a pre-configured corporate account, users can determine that the message is reliable. For example, it would be good to have a function that allows users to pre-configure corporate accounts, so that users can know that the user who posted the message is a corporate account. Here, a corporate account is often defined as an account owned by a company for the purpose of promotion or public relations activities, and it is best to define it as an account officially operated by the company or operated by one or more employees in the company name. Furthermore, corporate accounts may be accounts of private companies, but it is also good to define them as accounts of organizations such as government offices and institutions of the national and local governments, foundations, medical corporations, school corporations, NPOs, etc.

[0529] For example, it would be beneficial to have a database (DB) located inside or outside the device where users can register specific accounts (e.g., NEXCO) as trusted accounts. Additionally, it would be helpful to identify corporate accounts by analyzing their profile information.

[0530] Furthermore, messaging services should use a different output format for authenticated official accounts (for example, accounts displaying an official badge). This allows users to use the information about the official account status to determine the trustworthiness of a message, especially if they already trust that the sender's account is an official one.

[0531] Furthermore, users can prioritize reviewing highly reliable messages. For example, messages posted on messaging services contain a mix of accurate and inaccurate information. Also, messages posted on messaging services may include both factual information and the opinions or irrelevant messages of the user who posted them. Thus, messages posted on messaging services may contain unreliable messages such as messages unrelated to traffic or messages that are contrary to the facts, as well as so-called noise messages, such as messages that are factual but contain information that is outdated. By determining the reliability of messages, it is possible to suppress the output of noise messages and increase the priority of non-noise messages. In this way, users can prioritize reviewing messages that are relevant to them and are not noise.

[0532] [1.4.13 Example of evaluating users based on submitted messages] This embodiment is an example of evaluating a user (driver) based on the messages they post. The control unit 100 determines the user's mental cycle (psychological state) based on the number of messages they post and the timing of those messages.

[0533] For example, the message posting unit 105 stores the posted message in the message information storage area 196. The control unit 100 then analyzes the message to determine the possibility of traffic accidents or dangerous driving, and to evaluate the driving. In other words, since the messages posted in this embodiment are often traffic-related, it is possible to determine the cycle of periods when traffic accidents and dangerous driving are frequent. For example, quantitative changes can be restructured into a time series, for example, determining that there is a risk X minutes after driving, or determining the risk for each type of road (e.g., highway, general road). Specifically, the control unit 100 extracts messages that contain the word "frustrated". If such messages are frequent while driving on a highway, the control unit 100 may issue a notification to encourage caution while driving on the highway. This can serve as a trigger for accident prevention for the user.

[0534] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may evaluate the user's activity pattern from the activity cycle based on the time the messages were posted. For example, if there are many messages posted between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, the control unit 100 can determine that the user was active during that time. Also, if there are many messages posted during the daytime, the control unit 100 may determine that the user was on a lunch break.

[0535] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 analyzes messages posted by the message posting unit 105, but it may also analyze messages acquired by, for example, the message acquisition unit 106. In this case, it may analyze messages from accounts in the account information stored in the electronic device 10, or it may analyze messages based on another person's account.

[0536] According to this embodiment, various evaluations can be made based on messages posted to the service, such as the user's psychological state and whether they are driving safely. For example, by including multiple evaluation targets, it is possible to create rankings for safe driving, for instance. Users can also easily analyze their driving tendencies and other factors based on the content of their posts.

[0537] [1.4.14 Example of performing speech recognition in conjunction with message output] This embodiment combines message display with speech recognition. For example, when posting a message from the electronic device 10, in addition to automatically creating a message, it is possible to input an arbitrary message. Furthermore, when outputting a message to the electronic device 10, it is possible not only to display the message but also to output it as audio.

[0538] In this case, the message posting unit 105 posts messages that the user has entered from the software keyboard of the electronic device 10, or messages that have been generated based on the words selected from the selection list.

[0539] Furthermore, the message posting unit 105 may generate the message to be posted using speech recognition. For example, the control unit 100 may perform speech recognition on the words input as voice, convert them into a string, and generate a message. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may display categories such as "accident," "traffic jam," "dangerous driving," and "disaster" on the display unit 120, and create a message by selecting from a list of words on the screen. In this case, the control unit 100 may select a category based on the voice input from the user. Also, if the message is recognized as "There is a traffic jam at the intersection," the control unit 100 may select the "traffic jam" category from the keyword "traffic jam."

[0540] Furthermore, if a word that could potentially belong to a category but is not included in the above-mentioned list of words is entered via voice input, the message posting unit 105 may perform voice recognition on the entered word and select it as a new category.

[0541] Furthermore, screen transitions and other actions may be performed using voice commands. For example, if the user inputs "next message" as voice input while the message output unit 107 is outputting a message, the output of the current message may be interrupted and the next message may be output.

[0542] Additionally, while an audio message is being output or immediately after it has been output, the user may input via voice whether or not they wish to receive further updates regarding the current message.

[0543] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may output the message as audio in addition to displaying it (for example, as a ticker). The user may be able to choose whether to display the message or output it as audio. Also, the message output unit 107 may switch between displaying the message and outputting it as audio depending on the content of the message.

[0544] Furthermore, when outputting a message as audio, the message output unit 107 may also output the posting category as audio each time.

[0545] Furthermore, voice recognition may be performed by another device. For example, if the electronic device 10 can connect to a smartphone, the smartphone may input voice and recognize the voice. The result of the voice recognition may then be transmitted from the smartphone to the electronic device 10.

[0546] Thus, according to this embodiment, the electronic device 10 can not only display information but also output audio and operate via voice recognition. In particular, when the electronic device 10 is an in-vehicle device used by a driver, the number of screens that can be operated is limited. Therefore, by using voice recognition, the driver can operate the device without taking their hands off it, which contributes to safe driving.

[0547] Furthermore, users can confirm messages via audio. Because users can confirm messages via audio, they can do so without having to look at an electronic device, even while driving. Therefore, users can safely confirm messages. Changing the output mode and method described above can be done by changing the volume of the voice output from the voice unit, changing the tone of voice, or changing the speed at which the voice is output. The method of outputting the voice can be, for example, a warning sound or music.

[0548] [1.4.15 Example of outputting detailed and related messages] This embodiment is an example of a method in which the message output unit 107 displays more detailed messages or related messages.

[0549] For example, when the message output unit 107 outputs a message, it outputs a combined message. For instance, in the case of an accident message that includes the hashtag "#Chuo Expressway", the control unit 100 may output a combined message such as "Chuo Expressway Accident X cases".

[0550] In this case, the control unit 100 also displays the hashtag "#Chuo Expressway". If the user selects a hashtag, the message output unit 107 may sequentially display the messages before they are combined.

[0551] Furthermore, if a message itself is selected, the control unit 100 may switch and display the message that is the basis of the grouped message.

[0552] Furthermore, if the display area of ​​the display unit 120 is limited (narrow), the control unit 100 may enable display on another device. For example, the control unit 100 may display a two-dimensional code that includes information guiding the user to a screen for displaying all information together. The user may then view the details of the message by scanning this two-dimensional code with a terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0553] Additionally, the QR code may include a link to display a list of summary messages. A summary message is, for example, a message that compiles replies to a given message. The QR code should include a URL that allows users to view a list of these summary messages.

[0554] By scanning this 2D code on a terminal device such as a smartphone, the summary messages can be displayed as a list on the terminal device.

[0555] Furthermore, if a new message is added to the summary message, the electronic device 10 may display that a message has been added. For example, if the message acquired by the message acquisition unit 106 is one of the summary tweets, the display unit 120 may display that a new message has been added. A 2D code may also be displayed at this time.

[0556] According to this embodiment, it is possible to group related messages together as a summary message. A messaging service can group messages together, for example, by utilizing a reply function. This embodiment makes it possible to group related messages together by utilizing a reply function.

[0557] Furthermore, for users, this eliminates the problem of multiple related messages being displayed on electronic devices, allowing them to view them all together as a single posted message. For example, messages scattered across a messaging service can be consolidated into a single posted message and then posted. This makes it easier for third parties to access the relevant information by referring to that single posted message.

[0558] Furthermore, if you want users to see related messages, they can select a link to view those related messages. When a link is selected, it's a good idea to display a list of related messages. It's also a good idea to display related messages in a thread. In this way, users can view messages in a highly readable format.

[0559] Furthermore, users can view related messages associated with a link by scanning a 2D code with a terminal device such as a smartphone. For example, the link contained in the 2D code could jump to a site that displays a list of related messages, which could then be displayed on the terminal device. Alternatively, encoded images containing information other than 2D codes could also be used.

[0560] Furthermore, users can check the content of retrieved messages by referring to the posted messages. While it's possible to include all of the content in the retrieved message, it's also possible to include only a portion of it. Since the retrieved message is included in the posted message, users can easily see what content the user who posted the message intended.

[0561] Furthermore, users can view related messages in an aggregated state. Related messages can be defined as messages that have some kind of relationship to a given message in a messaging service. For example, a social networking service like Twitter could be used as an example, and in this case, replies, retweets, etc., could be relevant. By aggregating related messages, users do not have to view similar messages multiple times. For example, in the case of reposted messages, the same message would be output multiple times. Therefore, if the original message that was reposted is output only once, the user can view only one of the related messages.

[0562] Furthermore, "aggregating and outputting" here means that multiple messages may be output together. Outputting together could, for example, mean displaying only one representative message. Alternatively, the first message posted could be selected as the representative message, or a new message could be generated and output.

[0563] Furthermore, users can view all replies to a single message in a consolidated format. For example, when a message is replied to, only the original message is displayed, but it is also advisable to hide the replied message. As a way to use messaging services, for instance, the original message often contains more important information than the reply. Therefore, it is advisable to display both the reply and the original message. Also, even when multiple messages are replied to a single message in a thread-like fashion, it is advisable to consolidate them as related messages.

[0564] Furthermore, users can receive reposted messages in a consolidated manner. For example, when a reposted message (e.g., a retweet) is treated as a single message, it is often best to output only the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted), and in this case, the reposted message (e.g., the retweet) can be hidden. Generally, since reposted messages (e.g., retweeted messages) are almost identical in content to the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted), it is best to display the original message (e.g., the one that was retweeted).

[0565] Furthermore, users can receive some or all of the source messages from which the messages were aggregated. For example, it would be good to output all of the source messages (e.g., exactly as they were) from the aggregated messages, but it would also be acceptable to include some of the wording from the source messages in the output. For example, when messages are aggregated, users can see which messages were aggregated by whether the source messages are output exactly as they were or only partially output.

[0566] Furthermore, users can also see the aggregated number of messages. For example, it would be good to output the number of times a message has been reposted (e.g., retweeted) or the number of replies it has received (e.g., replies) along with the message count. By seeing the message and the aggregated number of messages, users can recognize which messages have received a greater response. For example, users can recognize that a message with a large response is an important or highly reliable message.

[0567] Furthermore, users can recognize how many times a message has been reposted, depending on the message's output format. The control unit may, for example, change the font type or size of the message, or change the color of the text, if the message has been reposted (replied) many times. Alternatively, the output format of the message may be gradually changed according to the number of reposts (replies). In this way, users can see how many times a message has been reposted. For example, the text color may change from white to red as the number of reposts increases. In this case, users can recognize that the closer the text color is to red, the more times the message has been reposted (the more replies).

[0568] Furthermore, users can recognize how many times a message has been reposted based on its size. For example, the number of reposts can be displayed alongside the message, or the size of the text or the display area can be used to indicate whether the message has been reposted many or few times. Users can also recognize that messages that have been reposted many times are messages that have been shared with many people and are therefore important. Thus, by displaying important messages with a high number of reposts in a larger size, users can intuitively grasp the importance of the message.

[0569] Furthermore, users can view aggregated messages using a 2D code. For example, a user scans the 2D code with another device (such as a smartphone or tablet). The device then displays the aggregated messages based on the information (e.g., a URL) shown in the 2D code. The 2D code may contain, for example, a URL that displays a list of aggregated messages. The aggregated messages may be displayed sequentially, one by one, or they may be displayed in a threaded format. It is also possible to use encoded images that encode information other than 2D codes.

[0570] [1.4.16 Example of switching the message output method] This embodiment demonstrates how to switch the output method when outputting messages.

[0571] The message output unit 107 switches the output method based on the hashtags included in the message. The messages to be retrieved may include hashtags indicating the type of incident to distinguish it, or hashtags indicating the location where the incident occurred. Here, only messages containing place names, etc., that are included in the hashtags may be targeted.

[0572] For example, messages informing people about current road conditions often use hashtags that indicate the location.

[0573] Message A: "#TrafficJamDueToAccident #HanshinExpressway #MoriguchiLine" Message B: "#Osaka #Rinkai #TrafficJam #PrefecturalRoad29Southbound" #Near Takaishi Bridge Message C: "#MatsumotoCity #TrafficJamDueToAccident #WhatADay" Message D: "#AquaLine #TrafficJamDueToAccident" Message E: "#HimejiBypass #TrafficJam #PeopleWhoForgotItWasAPublicHoliday" #Saturday holiday" In response to such messages, the control unit 100 performs both hashtag searches and non-hashtag searches for the same keyword. The control unit may then output information based on messages with hashtags and information based on messages without hashtags in different notification modes.

[0574] Furthermore, the range of posting dates and times that the message output unit 107 targets (targets for notification) may differ for each type (for example, each hashtag). This range of posting dates and times may be set for each type. For example, the range of messages to be retrieved may be set to 1 day for "#accident_traffic_jam" and 7 days for "#police_enforcement".

[0575] Furthermore, if the message sender is an account associated with the user of the electronic device 10 (a message from someone they follow), the message output unit 107 may output it in a different manner. For example, the voice quality of the text-to-speech (TTS) may be changed, the reading speed may be changed, or the volume may be changed.

[0576] Furthermore, when using the light-emitting unit 180 to provide notification, the message output unit 107 may change the color or light-emitting pattern of the LED that emits light.

[0577] This allows users to easily distinguish between messages about accidents or other incidents, and messages from people they follow, even while driving. Furthermore, users can easily pay attention to information about accidents and other incidents.

[0578] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may output actions on its own message (for example, replies (reply tweets), reposts (retweets), ratings (likes)) in a different manner than other actions.

[0579] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may also play music (play a predetermined audio file) in response to its own message. In this case, the message output unit 107 does not need to play music when simply outputting a message.

[0580] This embodiment allows for notifications to be sent based on tags included in messages and actions taken. Many messages are posted to messaging services, and simply displaying them makes it highly likely that some will be overlooked. Therefore, by providing different notifications for actions directed at the user, for example, it's possible to prevent users from missing important messages. Furthermore, utilizing hashtags within messaging services allows for quick retrieval of information. In particular, hashtags are likely to contain related messages, so effectively using hashtags enables effective notifications.

[0581] In this embodiment, a user can receive information on whether the account of the user who posted the message is associated with their own account. The messaging service should be a social networking service such as Twitter. In this way, the user can find out whether they are following the user who posted the message, or whether the user is following them. The information on whether accounts are associated should be information that identifies whether it is a friend's account or an acquaintance's account. In this way, if the user's second account and first account are associated, the user will know that the post is not from a completely unrelated account. Therefore, the user can follow accounts that are considered trustworthy. At that time, if the account that posted the second message is an account that the user follows, the user can determine that the message was posted from a trustworthy account.

[0582] Furthermore, it is often beneficial to output audio from the audio output unit as the destination for messages, and to vary the output characteristics such as volume, tone of voice, and output speed. This makes it easier for users to understand account information. Specifically, for example, messages could be output in a male voice for accounts unrelated to the user, and in a female voice for accounts related to the user.

[0583] Furthermore, if a message is posted while the poster is driving, this fact may be displayed. When a user receives a message, they can confirm that it was posted while the poster was driving. For example, this message could be about traffic congestion. If a user determines that a message sent by someone actually driving is more reliable, they can identify the most reliable message from among the displayed traffic congestion messages.

[0584] Furthermore, users can recognize the number of messages retrieved based on the message output method. For example, when displaying retrieved messages with a scroll, it is advisable to adjust the scroll speed. Also, when displaying retrieved messages in a designated area, it is advisable to change the font size or the size of the display area according to the number of messages. Additionally, when outputting retrieved messages as audio, it is advisable to adjust the audio output speed according to the number of messages retrieved. In this way, the message output method changes according to the number of messages, allowing users to recognize whether the number of retrieved messages is large or small when viewing or listening to them.

[0585] Furthermore, users can recognize how many times a message has been reposted based on the light pattern of the light-emitting part. This means that when the device is equipped with a light-emitting part, the way the light-emitting part emits changes according to the number of reposts. For example, the emission method could be to change the number of blinks, the brightness, or the color. For instance, for messages that have been reposted many times, the frequency of emission should be increased. This way, the user can be alerted. In addition, users can recognize an estimate of how many times a message has been reposted based on the light pattern of the light-emitting part. For example, when a message that has been reposted many times is displayed, a light pattern indicating that it has been reposted many times should be emitted. In this way, the user can recognize whether a message has been reposted many times or not without having to read the message.

[0586] [1.4.17 Example of a case where the retrieved message is a reposted message] This embodiment is one in which, as information regarding accidents, messages are output as they are, using at least a portion of the original text, while reposts are not output as they are.

[0587] The message output unit 107 may output the message as is, or output only a portion of the message, if the acquired message information is a reposted message. Furthermore, if the acquired message includes a quote from another user's message, the message output unit 107 may not output the quoted portion, may omit part of the message, or may replace it with predetermined wording before outputting the message.

[0588] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may switch the message output method depending on the type of repost (retweet). For example, when there is a repost of a message about an accident, the control unit 100 may output a message along with the number of reposts, which has been tallied using a predetermined method. The control unit 100 may also tally the reposts at regular time intervals.

[0589] For example, the message output unit 107 is "There's a message that says, 'Looks like there was an accident on Yahagi Bridge. I'm going to be late because of the huge traffic jam.'" You could also output something like, "The message about the accident at Yahagi Bridge has been reposted three times in the last five minutes."

[0590] Furthermore, five minutes later, the message output unit 107 will output: "The message from earlier about the 'accident at Yahagi Bridge' has been reposted 30 times in the last 10 minutes." You can also periodically output messages like this.

[0591] Furthermore, if messages containing the same keyword (for example, proper nouns such as place names) are within a predetermined time range, the message may be output (notified) as a related message.

[0592] For example, after the notification mentioned above, the message output unit 107 will: There was a related tweet from 12 minutes ago about an accident at Yahagi Bridge. It said, "An ambulance has arrived at Yahagi Bridge but is having trouble getting to the scene." You can also output the following message.

[0593] Furthermore, if there are a predetermined number or more new messages containing the same keyword (for example, a proper noun such as a place name) within a certain time period, the message output unit 107 may output (notify) that number as related tweets.

[0594] At this point, the user may choose whether or not to repost the message or output the original message from which it was quoted.

[0595] For example, if the user instructs the system to output a message aloud, the message output unit 107 may determine that the user has instructed it to read the message aloud and output the message aloud.

[0596] For example, the control unit 100 outputs from the voice output unit 130, "There are 12 related messages about the accident at Yahagi Bridge 5 minutes ago. Shall we read them aloud?" If the user inputs "read aloud" via voice command or touch operation, the voice output unit reads out the related messages.

[0597] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may display the temporal transition of the number of reposted messages, related messages, etc., in graphs such as by type or cumulative total. The message output unit 107 may display this graph when reading the message aloud. Also, when displaying a message, the message output unit 107 may display the graph or other graph along with the message to be displayed.

[0598] Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may output (notify) messages in a way that makes them more prominent the more frequently a message has been reposted or related.

[0599] For example, the message output unit 107 may enlarge the font size of the message to be displayed, or increase the frequency of the light emission unit 180. The message output unit 107 may also change the color of the LED of the light emission unit 180 from blue to yellow to red, or change the sound output from the sound output unit 130 from "poom" to "piroriropiroriro".

[0600] Furthermore, if the location where the incident described in the message occurred is known, it would be beneficial to make the notification more noticeable by taking into account the approach status to that location, in addition to the notification control described above.

[0601] Thus, according to this embodiment, if the acquired message is a reply (repost), the message may be output together. In particular, in a service, a message that has been reposted many times may be judged to be of high importance. Furthermore, by outputting information such as the number of times it has been reposted, other users may be able to recognize how important the message is.

[0602] Furthermore, users can choose to hide the content of reposted messages from their posted messages. Generally, reposted messages contain the same content as the original message. Therefore, including reposted messages prevents the same content from being displayed repeatedly. A good messaging service for this purpose would be a social networking system like Twitter. On Twitter, reposted messages are simply retweets.

[0603] Furthermore, if a user finds a message among the retrieved messages that has been reposted, they can see how widely that message has been shared by checking the number of reposts. Generally, a higher number of reposts indicates a more reliable message.

[0604] Furthermore, users can easily visually understand the progression of the spread of content by seeing the changes in the number of times it has been reposted displayed in a graph.

[0605] Furthermore, users can choose not to receive reposted messages, thereby reducing the amount of duplicate messages they receive. For example, a function to retrieve messages other than reposted messages could be provided. This would prevent situations where users are unable to see messages other than reposted messages. For instance, if a post is reposted multiple times, the reposted messages will not be output, thus preventing users from receiving duplicate messages. Also, if a message is reposted by various users, the same message will be output repeatedly. Users can avoid having to repeatedly check the same reposted messages.

[0606] A suitable messaging service would be a social networking service like Twitter, and a reposted message would be a retweet message. A message containing a specific string such as "RT" would also be considered a retweet message. Furthermore, a reposted message could include quoted retweets. For example, a message containing other messages besides the one following "RT," or a message containing "QT," could be identified as a quoted retweet. Additionally, the part of the message that should not be output could be configured so that the part following "RT" is not output as a message.

[0607] [1.4.18 Example of outputting newly generated messages] This embodiment outputs a new message excluding messages that have already been output previously.

[0608] For example, the control unit 100 may output new messages at regular intervals (for example, once a day), excluding search results that have already been output and reported, from the messages obtained in the service using keywords registered by the user.

[0609] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may output any new messages acquired between the last time and the current time, for example, when the electronic device 10 is powered on. For example, when the power is turned on, the control unit 100 may output (read aloud) any new messages as audio.

[0610] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may output a preface before outputting the message. For example, it may output "Reading today's new message for the registered keyword 'construction traffic congestion'" first.

[0611] According to this embodiment, notifications can be sent at regular intervals based on predetermined keywords. Therefore, traffic-related information may be delivered when the vehicle is first used, or information related to general news may be delivered.

[0612] [1.4.19 Example of performing operations on an account] This embodiment is an example in which, when outputting a message, an additional message is output or processing is performed on the account depending on the poster (account) of the message being output.

[0613] For example, if the account that posted the message to be output is not associated with the user account of electronic device 10 (for example, if the user account does not follow the account), the text from the profile of that account may be output as voice.

[0614] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may either instruct the message output unit 107 to associate (follow) the account that posted the message with the user's account while the message is being output or after the message has been output, or it may automatically associate (follow) them.

[0615] As a result, for example, when a message acquired by the electronic device 10 is output as audio, the control unit 100 determines whether the account of the user using the electronic device 10 is following (associated with) the account that posted the message. If the control unit 100 determines that the user's account is not following the account, it may notify the user that the account is not following, either during or after the audio output of the message, or output the profile of the user that is not being followed as audio. The control unit 100 may also ask the user whether to follow the user that is not being followed, or it may follow the user automatically. In addition, the control unit 100 may, for example, add the user that is not being followed to a list.

[0616] Furthermore, users can change how they associate (follow) others according to their settings. For example, with normal following, people often select those they want to continue receiving messages from, such as those related to their hobbies. Therefore, once someone follows someone, they rarely unfollow them. On the other hand, there are periods when users are interested in news information such as accidents.

[0617] Therefore, the control unit 100 may extract the relevant accounts and temporarily register them in a group (for example, a follow group or a list).

[0618] In other words, in addition to the association (follow) function provided by the service, the memory unit 190 may also store information about related accounts.

[0619] According to this embodiment, the user can receive information about the first account that posted the message. The information about the first account may be information handled by the messaging service, and may include, for example, at least one of the following: information that can identify the account, such as the account name and account ID; an image associated with the account; detailed information about the account; and profile information of the account. In this way, the user can find out who posted the message or information about the owner of the account.

[0620] Furthermore, if the account that posted the message is not associated with the user's account, the user can receive information about the account that posted the message. "Not associated with the user's account" means, for example, that the users are not friends or following each other on a social networking service. Because the account that posted the message is not associated, the user can obtain information about that account. This allows the user to see who posted the message. This account information could include, for example, the user's place of residence, birthday, hobbies, etc.

[0621] Furthermore, users can receive one or more pieces of information about the account that posted the message, such as profile information, follower count information, and following count information, and thus gain an understanding of the first account.

[0622] For example, it would be good to output the profile of the user who posted the message (e.g., place of residence, hobbies, likes). Alternatively, information about the number of followers and the number of people being followed could be output separately, or multiple pieces of information could be output together. In this way, users can obtain information about the account that posted the message.

[0623] Furthermore, if the user's account is not associated with the user who posted the message, the user can receive information recommending or suggesting that they associate the first account that posted the message. Based on this information, the user can decide whether or not to associate the account. For example, if a user sees a message and determines that the user posts useful messages, they can easily follow that user. For example, using a social networking service like Twitter, if the user is not following the second account, it would be good to recommend that they do so. Alternatively, if the user is not following the second account, it would be good to automatically follow it. It would also be good to have a function that prioritizes retrieving messages posted by accounts that the user follows, or to change the output format.

[0624] In this way, users can verify that the account that posted the message meets certain criteria. These criteria could include, for example, that if the user has entered a specific keyword, that keyword must be included in the profile information of the account that posted the message. Another criterion could be that the account's attributes, specifically the number of followers / following, must be above a certain threshold. Furthermore, another criterion could be that the account is certified by the messaging service. Knowing that these criteria are met allows users to decide whether to associate the account (e.g., follow it). Additionally, knowing that these criteria are met allows users to determine whether the message is trustworthy.

[0625] [1.4.20 Example of having multiple account information] This embodiment describes a case where there are multiple user accounts for the electronic device 10. The account information storage area 192 can store one or more user account information.

[0626] For example, when the message output unit 107 retrieves a message from a service, it may output the message in a different manner depending on the account from which it was retrieved. For instance, when the message output unit 107 displays a message, it may switch the display color (text color, background color), font, and scrolling speed of the message depending on the account. Also, when the message output unit 107 outputs a message as audio, it may use a different voice tone. This allows the user to easily determine which account the message was retrieved from.

[0627] Furthermore, if the message acquisition unit 106 acquires messages from multiple accounts, it may choose not to output duplicate messages. Also, the message output unit 107 may choose not to output messages that are the same even if they are from different accounts. Furthermore, the message output unit 107 may choose not to output messages if the strings contained in the messages are the same or nearly the same, even if they are from different accounts.

[0628] For example, different accounts may follow accounts belonging to the same user. If electronic device 10 notifies the user of each of these, the user may find it annoying. Therefore, duplicate messages may be output only once, and the other messages may not be output.

[0629] Additionally, the message posting unit 105 may post from at least one predetermined account.

[0630] In this way, users can store their login information for messaging services on their electronic devices. For example, because users' login information is stored on their own electronic devices, they can use messaging services without worrying about the leakage of their login information. Also, for example, users can reduce the effort required to enter their login information when using messaging services.

[0631] Furthermore, users can store multiple login credentials on their electronic devices and switch between them to receive messages from the messaging service. Because multiple login credentials can be stored, users can, for example, store two login credentials: a private account they normally use and another account used for collecting traffic-related information on their electronic devices. The control unit may use multiple stored login credentials simultaneously, but it is preferable to have a function to switch between them. For example, the control unit could output only messages obtained after the user logs in using the first login credentials, or only messages obtained after logging in using the second login credentials. Alternatively, if the user uses both, they can log in using both the first and second login credentials and output messages obtained from both together.

[0632] Furthermore, even if a user receives messages based on multiple different accounts, they will only receive one duplicate message from each account. For example, if a user receives messages from different accounts and each user's account follows the same other user's account, they may receive duplicate messages. Therefore, the control unit should display duplicate messages as a single message rather than outputting each one separately, thus preventing the user from receiving the same message repeatedly. Also, since duplicate messages are not output, the control unit can, for example, output other messages instead. Additionally, the control unit should change the display format of a message when it combines duplicate messages into one.

[0633] [1.4.21 Example of posting according to the service's posting conditions] This embodiment is an example in which the message posting unit 105 posts a message to the service in response to the service's posted information.

[0634] For example, a service provider may provide terms and conditions for using the service. The message posting unit 105 posts messages in accordance with those terms and conditions. For example, if the service has a rule that there should be a 10-minute interval between posts, the message posting unit 105 will post a message after a 10-minute interval.

[0635] Furthermore, the message acquisition unit 106 may acquire messages in accordance with the service terms and conditions. For example, if the service specifies 10 acquisitions in 10 minutes, it should avoid acquiring messages at intervals shorter than that number, and should acquire messages only within that specified number.

[0636] According to this embodiment, even if the service provider imposes restrictions on the use of the system, it is possible to operate the system in accordance with those restrictions.

[0637] [1.4.22 Example of changing the message display method according to the size of the display unit] This embodiment is one in which the message display method changes according to the size of the display unit.

[0638] When the message output unit 107 outputs a message to the display unit or display device, the display mode of the message may be changed according to the size and resolution of the display unit.

[0639] For example, in the case of a display unit 120 or display device with a wider horizontal resolution, the message output unit 107 may scroll the message horizontally. Alternatively, in the case of a display unit 120 or display device with a wider vertical resolution, the message output unit 107 may scroll the message vertically.

[0640] Furthermore, ...

Claims

1. The system includes a control unit that retrieves message information containing traffic-related information from a messaging service and controls the output of the message information to the vehicle user. The control unit, An electronic device characterized by changing the output mode of the message in accordance with the message or information related to the message.

2. The message information includes information about the first account that posted the message. The control unit controls the output mode of the message according to the information of the first account. The electronic device according to feature 1.

3. The message information includes attributes related to the message, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit outputs the attribute together with the message.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that the attribute is at least one of the number of times the message has been reposted, the number of times a reply message has been attached to the message, or the number of times the message has been evaluated.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit outputs information relating to the first account together with the message.

6. It further includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires the location information of the device itself, The aforementioned message information includes the location information of the message. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit acquires message information included in the surrounding range of the location information of the device, and adjusts the size of the surrounding range so that the number of acquired message information items falls within a predetermined range.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit compares the location information of the device itself with the location information of the message and changes the output mode of the message.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit changes the output mode of messages that fall within a predetermined distance range from the position information of the device itself.

9. The control unit, Identify the address or street name from the aforementioned message, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it outputs the message as an output message including the address or the road name.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit further includes keywords included in the message as traffic-related information in the output message.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control unit further includes in the output message the time elapsed since the acquired message was posted.

12. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control unit aggregates a plurality of related messages and outputs them as an aggregated message.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit aggregates and outputs one or more messages in which replies have been made to one message.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit aggregates and outputs messages that have been reposted from message 1.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control unit outputs a message including part or all of the message that is the source of aggregation.

16. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the control unit also outputs the number of messages aggregated from the messages.

17. The control unit, The number of times the message has been reposted is obtained, and The display method of the message is changed according to the repost count information. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, characterized in that the control unit displays the size of the message in proportion to the number of reposts.

19. It is further equipped with a light-emitting section, The electronic device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the control unit changes the method of emitting light from the light-emitting unit according to the repost count information.

20. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the control unit outputs an aggregated message when the outputted message is selected.

21. The electronic device according to claim 20, characterized in that the control unit outputs a two-dimensional code for displaying the aggregated message.

22. A program for a computer to implement the functions of the control unit of the electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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