System, notification terminal, server equipment and program

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving support system that supports the driving of a vehicle by providing information related to various traffic monitoring activities such as traffic control and checkpoint inspections.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a driving support system for supporting the driving of a vehicle, in-vehicle devices such as a radar detector that alarms when receiving a radar wave for speed control and alerts the driver have been realized. Among such in-vehicle devices, there are also devices that have a GPS function for measuring the current position of the vehicle and a database of GPS contents such as the installation points of speed control systems, and that detect approaching a specific GPS content and notify the driver of that fact (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] As GPS contents for which the above in-vehicle devices notify approaching, in addition to permanent points such as the installation points of speed control systems and police stations, there are also temporary points where traffic monitoring activities such as speed control by mobile orbis and drunk driving inspections are frequently carried out. By notifying the driver of approaching various GPS contents, the in-vehicle device is trying to alert the driver's attention to traffic safety.

[0004] However, the conventional driving support system has the following problems. That is, unlike a permanent point where a notification target always exists, even if approaching a temporary point is notified, it is unknown whether traffic monitoring activities are currently being carried out at that temporary point, and there is a problem that the driver has to individually judge the degree of risk based on the notification content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the aforementioned conventional problems, and is a system that provides information on various traffic monitoring activities such as traffic enforcement and checkpoints to support driving, and aims to provide a driving support system with enhanced real-time capabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a posting terminal capable of posting posting information including type information representing the type of traffic monitoring activity carried out to promote traffic safety, and location information representing the monitoring location where the traffic monitoring activity is being conducted. A server device that generates and distributes distribution information including type information and location information related to traffic monitoring activities by integrating multiple posts from multiple posting terminals that share the same traffic monitoring activity, The system includes a driver assistance information distribution system that includes a notification terminal that receives and notifies distribution information distributed from a server device.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a posting terminal that constitutes the driving support information distribution system, which is capable of posting posting information including type information representing the type of traffic monitoring activity carried out to promote traffic safety, and location information representing the monitoring location, and which constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a notification terminal that constitutes the driver assistance information distribution system, which is capable of acquiring and notifying distribution information including type information and location information of monitoring locations for traffic monitoring activities carried out to promote traffic safety, and which constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a program to be executed by a computer, The present invention relates to a server program for realizing the functions of a server device constituting the driver assistance information distribution system, which is another aspect of the present invention.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a program to be executed by a computer, The present invention also includes a posting program for realizing the functions of the posting terminal, which constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a program to be executed by a computer, The present invention also includes a notification program for realizing the functions of the notification terminal, which constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0013] By using the posting terminal according to the present invention, posting information can be generated that includes type information representing the type of traffic monitoring activity carried out to promote traffic safety, and location information representing the monitoring location, and can be posted to a server device. The server device generates distribution information including type information and location information related to traffic monitoring activities by integrating multiple posting information that share common traffic monitoring activities. The notification terminal can notify the distribution information distributed from the server device.

[0014] The aforementioned distributed information can be, for example, highly real-time information generated based on the aforementioned posted information. However, the accuracy of the posted information varies, and some information may be correct while others may be incorrect. If multiple pieces of posted information of uncertain veracity are distributed as is, it may cause confusion on the notification terminal side as to which information to believe. In particular, if the notification terminal is installed inside a vehicle, or if a portable notification terminal is brought into a vehicle, for example, if such posted information is distributed as is while the driver is driving, it may interfere with driving.

[0015] On the other hand, the distributed information in this invention may be information whose accuracy has been improved by, for example, integrating multiple posted pieces of information. This distributed information achieves both real-time information based on posted information and accuracy improved by information integration. Distributed information that achieves both real-time information and accuracy can be useful information for drivers.

[0016] As described above, the present invention is a system that provides information on traffic monitoring activities such as traffic enforcement and checkpoints to support driving, and is a useful invention for realizing a driving support system with improved real-time capabilities.

[0017] Traffic monitoring activities that are the target of posted information in this invention include traffic enforcement such as speed enforcement, parking prohibition enforcement, and seat belt enforcement, as well as checkpoints such as drunk driving checkpoints and seat belt checkpoints. The server device in the present invention may have both the function of receiving the posted information and the function of transmitting the distributed information, or the server that receives the posted information and the server that receives the distributed information may be connected by a dedicated line, a dedicated communication line, or a public communication line, etc.

[0018] A server device in a driver assistance system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention handles multiple posted information, where the time of posting the posted information falls within a predetermined time period and the monitoring location falls within a predetermined range, as posted information targeting the same traffic monitoring activity.

[0019] The time of posting the aforementioned posted information may be the time the posted information was generated, the time the posted information was submitted, or the time the traffic monitoring activity related to the posted information was observed. By combining the temporal proximity, where the time of posting falls within a predetermined time frame, with the spatial proximity, where the monitoring location falls within a predetermined range, it is possible to reliably extract posted information targeting the same traffic monitoring activity and generate highly accurate distribution information. The time the posted information was generated and the time the target traffic monitoring activity was observed must be identified on the posting terminal side. Regarding the posting time, the time the posted information was sent may be identified on the posting terminal side, or the time the posted information was received may be identified on the server device side. When the server device uses the time identified on the posting terminal side, it is advisable to include time information representing that time in the posted information.

[0020] In the operation system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position information indicating the monitoring position is information that can identify the traveling direction of the vehicle targeted by the traffic monitoring activity, in addition to the monitoring position where the traffic monitoring activity is being carried out. Except for one-way roads, it is common for roads where vehicles can travel in both reverse directions. Among the traffic monitoring activities carried out on roads, there are, for example, those targeting only one traveling direction, such as road speed control and vehicle inspections. If the distribution information can identify the traveling direction targeted by the traffic monitoring activity, it will be more useful for the driver during driving on the road where the traffic monitoring activity is being carried out. This is because the degree of importance of the distribution information varies completely depending on whether the driver is traveling in the direction targeted by the traffic monitoring activity or in the reverse direction.

[0021] The server device in the driving support system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention evaluates the certainty of the submitted information, which is the degree of reliability, and changes the handling of each submitted information according to the certainty when integrating a plurality of submitted information to generate the distribution information. Examples of the handling of submitted information according to certainty are as follows. For example, the distribution information is generated using only the submitted information with a certain level of certainty or higher. For example, for submitted information that does not meet a certain level of certainty, when multiple similar submitted information are submitted, they are treated as one piece of submitted information. For example, the same type of submission within a radius of 100 m is counted as one piece.

[0022] The server device in the driving support system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention evaluates the certainty of the corresponding submitted information according to whether the submitter of the submitted information is an identifiable person and the submission record of the submitter. Generally, it is possible to estimate that the submitted information from a specific person has a higher level of certainty than the submitted information from an unspecified person. For a specific submitter, the record such as the number of times of submitting correct submitted information can be quantified, and this point can be used when evaluating the certainty of the submitted information by that specific person.

[0023] As the posting terminal in the driving line-of-sight system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are a dedicated device in which the posting function of the posting information is pre-installed, and a general-purpose device in which the user can select and install various application programs including an application program for incorporating the posting function of the posting information. The server device evaluates the accuracy of the posted information according to whether the posted information is information posted from a dedicated device or information posted from a general-purpose device.

[0024] The introduction cost on the user side for using the posting function and the degree of expectation for the distribution information differ between the dedicated device and the general-purpose device. For example, when the application program of the general-purpose device is free software or the like, there is a possibility that users who are not very interested in the distribution information may post it as a prank. On the other hand, considering that a dedicated device has been purchased, it can be estimated that the poster from the dedicated device has an expectation for the distribution information. For this reason, for example, when the degree of detail of the posted information itself and the quality of the information are substantially the same, it is better to evaluate the accuracy of the posted information from the dedicated device higher than that from the general-purpose device.

[0025] The server device in the driving support system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention evaluates the accuracy of the posted information by referring to information on the implementation status of past traffic monitoring activities. For example, in the case where posting information regarding speed enforcement is posted at a location where speed enforcement by a mobile orbis is frequently conducted, the accuracy of the posted information can be evaluated highly. On the other hand, in the case where posting information regarding speed enforcement is posted at a location where speed enforcement by a mobile orbis has never been conducted, first, the accuracy of the posted information is evaluated low, and it is also good to review the evaluation of the accuracy of the first posted information when the same posted information is posted repeatedly. Information regarding past traffic monitoring activities may include, for example, a history of past traffic monitoring activities, or pre-recorded traffic information related to traffic monitoring activities. In particular, pre-recorded traffic information already accumulated by in-vehicle devices such as radar detectors, without relying on submitted information, may also be used as information regarding past traffic monitoring activities. Furthermore, information obtained by adding past submitted information to this already accumulated pre-recorded traffic information may also be used as "information regarding past traffic monitoring activities."

[0026] In a server device in a driving system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handling of the posted information differs depending on whether the posting of the information is received before or after the distribution of the distribution information related to the corresponding traffic monitoring activity. Before distribution, for any poster, the traffic monitoring activity in question appears unexpectedly, and they need to determine its type and other details in the short time before passing it. Registration of the location of the traffic monitoring activity tends to occur after passing the location, and the registered location may be shifted forward in the direction of travel compared to the actual location. On the other hand, after distribution, it is known in advance that the type of traffic monitoring activity related to the distribution information is taking place, so the accuracy of judging whether the actual traffic monitoring activity is the type described in the distribution information tends to be higher. Also, because posters approach the location with a high level of interest in whether traffic monitoring activity is actually taking place at the location related to the distribution information, the registered location is more likely to be a perfect match for the actual location. Alternatively, an impatient poster may shift it to a location further forward than the actual location. By considering these circumstances when handling post-distribution information of the aforementioned distribution information, the accuracy of the distribution information, including location accuracy, can be improved.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server device in the driver assistance system determines whether or not to distribute the distribution information and the distribution time for which distribution will continue, according to the type of traffic monitoring activity. For example, traffic surveillance activities such as speed enforcement using mobile speed cameras have a generally known duration and do not continue for 24 hours. Based on this knowledge, it is best to determine the timing of information distribution. On the other hand, information regarding fixed speed enforcement devices and N-systems tends to require near 100% accuracy rather than real-time accuracy. Therefore, for submitted information targeting fixed speed enforcement devices and N-systems, it is better for staff from the system operators to visit the site, visually verify the information, and then provide it to users as verified information, rather than immediately distributing the information upon receipt.

[0028] A posting terminal in a driver assistance system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of posting cancellation information indicating that a traffic monitoring activity corresponding to the distribution information has not been carried out. The server device evaluates the accuracy of the posted cancellation information and decides whether or not to terminate the distribution of the corresponding distribution information according to that accuracy. Accepting the aforementioned cancellation information submissions will allow the distribution to be terminated as soon as possible after the corresponding traffic monitoring activity has ended. This will minimize the situation where the corresponding information continues to be distributed even though the target traffic monitoring activity is not taking place. Furthermore, the cancellation information is also useful for promptly stopping the distribution of erroneous information based on false submissions, or for assigning a negative rating to the person who submitted the false information.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a server device in a driver assistance system distributes information relating to a corresponding traffic monitoring activity after receiving the submission of the cancellation information, it includes information indicating that the cancellation information has been submitted in the distributed information. When users assess the accuracy of the distributed information, they will be able to take into account whether or not cancellation information has been posted. The failure to conduct corresponding traffic monitoring activities is the biggest factor undermining users' trust in the distributed information. If the distribution of the information also includes notification of the posting of cancellation information, even if corresponding traffic monitoring activities have not been conducted, the damage to users' trust in the distributed information can be minimized. The information regarding the posting of cancellation information could be, for example, information indicating whether or not there is any cancellation information posted in the integrated posted information. In particular, it would be good to include information indicating the number of cancellation information posts. For example, it would be good to distribute the total number of posts in the integrated posted information and the number of cancellation information posts among those posts.

[0030] A posting terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes means for generating posting information in which the level of detail of the type information differs depending on the user's level of knowledge regarding traffic monitoring activities. For example, if the traffic monitoring activity in question is speed enforcement, the types include speed traps, mobile speed cameras, and pursuit. Furthermore, mobile speed cameras, for instance, have different types such as radar, stealth, and photoelectric sensors. Users who have a deep interest in traffic monitoring activities such as speed enforcement and can recognize the type of equipment and devices at a glance can post detailed information. On the other hand, users who recognize that the activity is related to speeding violations but lack knowledge of speed measurement may find it difficult to post if detailed information is required, and are likely to hesitate to post. Therefore, if users with knowledge of traffic monitoring activities can generate detailed posts, while other users can simply post information with a level of detail such as "speed enforcement," it will encourage posts from a diverse range of users. An increase in the amount of posted information available will improve the real-time nature and accuracy of the distributed information.

[0031] A posting terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring the current location and generates posting information by combining the type information generated by user operations with location information based on the acquired current location. In this case, the accuracy of the location information included in the posted information can be improved. Configurations that can acquire the current location include, for example, a configuration equipped with a GPS positioning function, or a configuration that acquires the current location information from an external terminal equipped with a GPS function.

[0032] A posting terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first terminal capable of generating posting information in response to user operations, and a second terminal that acquires posting information from the first terminal and transmits it to the server device. The first terminal is a terminal that can acquire the current location and display a code image that records the posted information. The second terminal is preferably a terminal capable of taking a picture of the code image displayed by the first terminal and reading the recorded post information. The second terminal can be a smartphone (multifunctional mobile device) equipped with a camera, or a mobile device such as a game console equipped with both a camera and communication functions. The first terminal only needs to display the code image on which the posted information is recorded. Such a first terminal can be realized with a display screen of about 3 to 4 inches, as well as with the hardware configuration of an existing radar detector equipped with GPS functionality.

[0033] A posting terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of displaying a map of a predetermined area including a point of interest, and allows the user to register the point of interest as a specific point of interest through user operation. The posting information is generated by associating location information representing a pre-registered specific point with the type of traffic monitoring activity selected by the user. On the displayed map, specific locations can be registered with high positional accuracy. Posted information generated through such registration of specific locations will be highly accurate and reliable in terms of location.

[0034] A posting terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring the current location and setting the current location as the point of interest. In this case, if the registration operation for the specific location is performed when passing the location of the traffic monitoring activity, that is, when the current location is very close to that location, the location of the traffic monitoring activity can be registered easily and with good positional accuracy.

[0035] A notification terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring the current location and current time, and selects which of the acquired distribution information to announce according to the current location and current time. In this case, appropriate information can be provided according to the driving situation. For example, if information about traffic monitoring activities at a location far from the user's current location, and where the user may not even be heading, is provided, it will be of little value to that user. On the other hand, information about traffic monitoring activities being conducted near the user's current location is of high value to that user and should be provided. Furthermore, if the system has a navigation function and its route calculation function calculates a route, it is best to provide early notification of traffic monitoring activities at locations along that route, even if the distance is far.

[0036] The distribution information acquired by the notification terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes accuracy information representing the accuracy of the distribution information, The notification method will be changed according to the accuracy of the acquired distribution information. By changing the notification method according to the accuracy of the distributed information, users who receive notifications can judge the accuracy of the distributed information and take appropriate action. If traffic monitoring activities corresponding to the distributed information are not actually carried out, there is a risk that the users' trust in the distributed information will be severely damaged. However, if the low accuracy is also communicated, the damage to trust can be mitigated.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the notification terminal allows the relationship between the notification method of the distribution information and the accuracy of the distribution information to be set by user operation. While some users do not want to receive notifications about information whose veracity is uncertain, others want to receive all notifications, regardless of their veracity, so that they can make their own judgments. By configuring the system to allow users to select which information they receive based on their actions, it becomes possible to appropriately notify a variety of users of the information they receive.

[0038] A notification terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring vehicle information representing the status of the vehicle to which it is attached, and changes the notification mode of the distributed information according to the acquired vehicle information. A notification terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring speed as vehicle information, and the notification method for speed enforcement-related distribution information is changed according to the acquired speed. For example, when approaching a location where speed enforcement traffic monitoring activities are taking place, if the vehicle is traveling too fast, it is advisable to provide a notification to encourage the driver to reduce their speed, such as by outputting an audio notification of the corresponding information or emitting a warning sound. On the other hand, if the vehicle is traveling at a low speed due to congestion, providing a similar notification may increase frustration among drivers who are unable to speed at all. In such situations, it is advisable to refrain from providing the aforementioned notification of the information in response to the approach.

[0039] A notification terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of notifying the aforementioned distribution information and is also capable of notifying pre-stored traffic information related to traffic monitoring activities. The aforementioned notification of regulated traffic information is suitable for notifying traffic monitoring activities such as fixed speed enforcement. On the other hand, the aforementioned notification of distributed information is suitable for notifying traffic monitoring activities that require real-time information, such as mobile speed cameras, checkpoints, and patrols by police cars. By combining the two, it is possible to provide detailed support for safe driving by the user, the driver.

[0040] A notification terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of acquiring the current location and can notify information relating to traffic monitoring activities carried out within a predetermined area based on the current location. When providing information regarding traffic monitoring activities, the information should be provided in a way that allows users to distinguish whether the information is based on the aforementioned distribution information or on the aforementioned existing traffic information. While the aforementioned distributed information is superior to the aforementioned traffic regulation information in terms of real-time availability, it is inferior in terms of accuracy. If the distributed information is reported separately from the aforementioned traffic regulation information, users will be able to make informed decisions on how to effectively utilize the distributed information, taking into account the characteristics of the distributed information described above.

[0041] A notification terminal according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is integrated with a posting terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this case, users can use a single device to post information and view distributed information, which is convenient for them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the system configuration of the driver assistance system in Example 1. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing the server configuration in Example 1. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing the post evaluation for each member in Example 1. [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating the evaluation method for the overall assessment in Example 1. [Figure 5] A front view showing the mobile terminal in Example 1. [Figure 6] A rear view showing the mobile terminal in Example 1. [Figure 7] A diagram showing how a mobile device is mounted in a vehicle in Example 1. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal in Example 1. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the screen transitions of the posting software (posting application) in Example 1. [Figure 10] A front view showing various setting screens in Example 1. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the standby / posting screen of a mobile device in Example 1. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the pin list screen in Example 1. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 1. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 1. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 1. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 1. [Figure 17] A diagram showing a list of posted information regarding a traffic monitoring activity in Example 1. [Figure 18] Diagram illustrating the temporal proximity conditions in Example 1. [Figure 19] A diagram illustrating the method for setting the reference point for spatial proximity in Example 1. [Figure 20] This figure shows the standby / posting screen during traffic monitoring activity while an alert is being issued, as in Example 1. [Figure 21] This figure shows the data display screen for post target information in Example 1. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the alarm screen (standby / posting screen) in Example 1. [Figure 23] A diagram showing the alarm screen (standby / posting screen) in Example 1. [Figure 24] This figure shows the notification screen (waiting / posting screen) for public enforcement information in Example 1. [Figure 25] A front perspective view showing the radar detector in Example 2. [Figure 26] A rear perspective view showing the radar detector in Example 2. [Figure 27] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the radar detector in Example 2. [Figure 28] A diagram showing the alarm settings for the radar detector in Example 2. [Figure 29] A diagram showing the map screen displayed by the radar detector in Example 2. [Figure 30] A diagram showing the alarm screen (map screen) in Example 2. [Figure 31] A diagram showing the alarm screen (map screen) in Example 2. [Figure 32] A diagram illustrating the data specifications of the posted information in Example 2. [Figure 33] A diagram illustrating the content of each data item that constitutes the posted information in Example 2. [Figure 34] Diagram illustrating the data values ​​for the enforcement direction in Example 2. [Figure 35] A diagram showing the menu screen in Example 2. [Figure 36] A diagram showing the pin setting screen in Example 2. [Figure 37] A diagram showing the menu screen in Example 2. [Figure 38] A diagram showing the menu screen in Example 2. [Figure 39] A diagram showing the GPS search screen in Example 2. [Figure 40] A diagram showing the screen transitions when starting a post in Example 2. [Figure 41] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 2. [Figure 42] A diagram showing the screen transitions when generating post information in Example 2. [Figure 43] This diagram shows the screen transitions when a post pin is deleted in Example 2. [Figure 44] A front view showing the map screen displaying public enforcement information in Example 2. [Figure 45] A front view showing the notification screen for posted information in Example 3. [Figure 46] An explanatory diagram showing the scrollable message configuration in Example 3. [Figure 47] A front view showing another notification screen for posted information in Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. (Example 1) This example concerns a driver assistance system that distributes target information (distribution information) based on submitted information. This will be explained with reference to Figures 1 through 24. The driver assistance system 1 in this example consists of a posting server (server device) 11, a member management server (My Yupiteru server) 12, and a mobile terminal 2 that combines the functions of a posting terminal and a notification terminal, as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, reference numeral 101A indicates the configuration of the posting terminal in this example, and reference numeral 101B indicates the configuration of the notification terminal in this example. Reference numerals 102A and 102B indicate the configuration of the posting terminal or notification terminal described in Example 2. In this example, the posting server 11 and the member management server 12 may be integrated, or they may be connected via a dedicated line for communication. The posting server 11 and the member management server 12 may be installed in the same location or in different locations.

[0044] (Membership management server) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the member management server 12 is a server device that manages members registered on the driver assistance system 1 side in this example. This member management server 12 is equipped with a control board (control unit) on which a CPU for performing calculations, memory elements such as ROM and RAM are mounted, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc., and is also equipped with a communication port such as a LAN port as an external interface. The member management server 12 is connected to a public communication line via the communication port and is able to communicate information with the posting server 11.

[0045] A user management database 121 for managing members is provided in the storage area of ​​the hard disk drive accessible from the control unit. The user management database 121 stores and manages information for each member, including member ID (My Yupiteru ID) which is identification information, login password, poster ID which is identification information when posting, user personal information, and location information (My Yupiteru Points) that the member has personally registered. The member management server 12 in this example, which has the user management database 121, also functions as an authentication means for authenticating the member ID queried from the posting server 11.

[0046] (Posting server) The posting server 11 is a server device that distributes posting target information, which is an integrated collection of posting information. This posting server 11 is equipped with a CPU for performing calculations, a control board (control unit) with memory elements such as ROM and RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), and other components, as well as communication ports such as a LAN port as an external interface. The posting server 11 is connected to a public communication line via its communication port, enabling information communication between the posting server 11 and mobile terminals 2, etc.

[0047] The storage area of ​​the hard disk drive accessible from the control unit includes a GPS target information database 111 for storing information related to traffic monitoring activities, and a user status database 113 for managing post evaluations for each member. The GPS target information database 111 includes a storage area for existing GPS information, which is information on traffic monitoring activities that have been verified by the system; a posting area for temporarily storing posting information for each traffic monitoring activity; a distribution area for storing posting target information to be distributed; and a new information area for storing past posting target information that has finished being distributed. The posting target information in the new information area becomes a candidate for existing traffic information to be newly added to the existing GPS area. The GPS target information database 111 may be formed using a single storage means such as a hard disk, or it may be formed using multiple storage means such as a hard disk and flash ROM.

[0048] Existing traffic information in existing GPS areas is driver assistance information (POI data) that combines location information representing the location or area with information such as the location of traffic monitoring facilities such as installed speed cameras, past traffic enforcement activities such as seat belt enforcement and drunk driving checkpoints, and accident frequency. The posted information in the posting area is unprocessed information as it was posted from mobile device 2. As will be explained later in Figure 17, in this posting area, posted information for each traffic monitoring activity is managed in a list in the order it was posted. The target information for posts within the distribution area is ongoing information that integrates multiple posts related to traffic monitoring activities. The target information for posts in the "New Information" area consists of past target information whose distribution has ended. This target information may be newly registered as existing traffic information after being reviewed by the system administrator. For example, if post information about the N system (vehicle license plate recognition system) that is not yet registered as existing traffic information is stored, the system can operate by having system staff visually verify it on site and then registering it as existing traffic information. For example, if post information or target information about checkpoints that are not yet registered as existing traffic information is frequently recorded, the system administrator can consider registering it as existing traffic information depending on the frequency, etc.

[0049] The posting evaluation stored in the user status database 113 includes the following evaluation items, as shown in Figure 3: total number of posts, number of correct posts, number of incorrect posts, percentage of correct posts among all posts (correct posting rate), and overall evaluation. The points for the overall evaluation are awarded according to the number of correct posts and the correct posting rate, as shown in Figure 4. In the user status database 113, data for each evaluation item is managed for each poster (member). For members who have been prohibited from posting based on their past posting record, a posting prohibition flag is set in the overall evaluation data area. In this example, the points for the overall evaluation are treated as the accuracy of the posting information by that poster.

[0050] In this example, the posting server 11 implements the following functions by having the CPU execute a server program, which is a pre-installed computer program. (1) Means of receiving posts A means of receiving posted information from mobile devices such as mobile terminals via a public communication network. (2) Method of granting permission for posting A means for determining whether to allow or deny the acceptance of received posted information. The posting permission means uses the member ID included in the posted information to refer to the user status database 113 (Figure 2) and determines whether to allow or deny the submission. Posts from members with a posting prohibition flag are rejected, while all other posts are permitted. (3) Sorting means A means for sorting the received submission information by traffic monitoring activity and storing it in the submission area of ​​the GPS target information database 111 (Figure 2). The sorting means sorts the received submission information based on three conditions: spatial proximity of the location of the submission target (monitoring location or monitoring area of ​​the traffic monitoring activity), temporal proximity regarding the time when the location was recorded, and commonality of the type of traffic monitoring activity. (4) Means for generating target information for posting A means of integrating multiple posts that have been categorized as having common traffic monitoring activities to generate target posting information. The generated target posting information is stored in the distribution area of ​​the GPS target information database 111 (Figure 2). (5) Distribution methods A means of distributing target information for posting. The distribution means distributes traffic support information to members registered with the driver assistance system 1 who wish to receive the information and who have a terminal device that can connect directly or indirectly to a public communication line.

[0051] In this example, instead of the posting server 11 which combines the functions of receiving posting information, generating posting target information, and distributing posting target information, each function may be configured on a separate server. These servers, each possessing a separate function, only need to be connected in a communication-enabled state and may be located in the same location, but they can also be located in different locations.

[0052] (Mobile device) The mobile terminal 2 in this example is a palm-sized, flat smartphone (multifunctional mobile phone), as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The majority of its front surface is occupied by a touch panel 21, which consists of a liquid crystal display 212 (Figure 8) with a touch sensor sheet 211 laminated on top. Only a home button 2H for displaying the home screen (not shown) is located beside the touch panel 21. The back of the mobile terminal 2 is provided with a lens hole 220 fixed to a camera substrate 22 (Figure 8), which constitutes the imaging means. Although not shown in Figures 5 and 6, a power button 200 (Figure 8), etc., are located on the outer periphery. In the driver assistance system 1 of this example, the preferred usage mode of the mobile terminal 2 is when it is fixed to the vehicle's dashboard or the like using a vehicle mount holder 19, as shown in Figure 7.

[0053] Inside the mobile terminal 2, as shown in Figure 8, is a control board on which an electrical circuit forming the control unit 20 is formed. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to a camera board 22 on which CMOS elements and lenses are mounted, an amplifier board 23 that drives the speaker 230, as well as a power button 200, a touch sensor sheet 211, a liquid crystal display unit 212, a wireless transceiver 241, a GPS receiver 242, a clock unit 243, and the like.

[0054] The wireless transceiver 241 is a means for performing wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band. In this example, the wireless transceiver 241 can transmit and receive digital voice data, which is digitized telephone voice, via circuit switching, and can also transmit and receive digital data such as posted information, target information for posting, application programs, and map data via packet communication.

[0055] The GPS receiver 242 is a receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current location information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. As shown in Figure 7, the GPS receiver 242 is built into the mobile terminal 2 so that it is located at the upper center of the back when the device is in a vertical orientation.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 20 includes a CPU 201, memory elements such as ROM 202, flash ROM 203, and RAM 204, and an I / O unit 205 that forms an input / output interface. ROM 202 stores various control programs, including the BIOS. Flash ROM 203 stores various installed processing programs. RAM 204 is a read / write memory element used for the CPU 201's work area and for temporary writing.

[0057] The control unit 20 causes the CPU 201 to execute programs read from the ROM 202 and flash ROM 203, thereby realizing telephone and data communication functions, as well as a map display function that displays a map on the touch panel 21, a posting information generation function that generates posting information, a posting function that posts posting information, and an alarm function related to traffic monitoring activities. Each means for realizing these functions is formed in the control unit 20.

[0058] The posting information generation function and posting function are incorporated by installing dedicated posting software. This posting software can be downloaded from the application server 15, provided that the user has registered as a member on the driver assistance system 1 side (see Figure 1). The posting software installed on the mobile terminal 2 contains encrypted data of the member ID and login password assigned to the registered member. In order to launch the posting software on the mobile terminal 2, the user is required to enter the member ID and password assigned during registration, and the posting software will only launch if the information embedded as encrypted data matches the information entered. In this example, the driver assistance system 1 prevents postings from unspecified individuals other than members by requiring the input of the member ID, etc., when launching the posting software.

[0059] The memory area of ​​the flash ROM 203 contains a map database that stores map data and a GPS target information database 111 that stores GPS target information related to traffic monitoring activities. GPS target information includes existing traffic information such as N-system installation information and submitted target information distributed from the submission server. Map data can be downloaded from the server that provides the maps (see Figure 1). In this example, one of the application servers 15 of the posting software also serves as the map server. Existing traffic information is stored in the GPS target information database 111 when the posting software is installed. The target information for posting is stored in the GPS target information when the message is received, and is then deleted after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0060] The memory area of ​​the flash ROM 203 is further provided with a posting pin storage area for storing information about the traffic monitoring activity to be posted. The posting pin storage area can store posting pin information for up to four traffic monitoring activities to be posted. The posting pin information consists of the following pieces of information: • Time information representing the time the pin was registered on the map (the time the location of the post was registered). • Location information of the monitoring location where traffic monitoring activities are conducted (registered location of the posting pin) (latitude and longitude, address, and direction of enforcement with the vehicle's direction of travel reversed by 180 degrees) • Activity details (including type information) that describe the type, implementation, and method of traffic monitoring activities.

[0061] This section explains the basic operation of mobile device 2 in this example. On the home screen (not shown) of the mobile terminal 2 on which the posting software is installed, an icon for the posting software (not shown) is displayed. When the control unit 20 of the mobile terminal 2 detects a touch operation on this icon, it displays a startup splash screen 21A on the touch panel 21, as shown in Figure 9, and then displays a login screen 21B. The login screen 21B is a screen that prompts the user to enter the member ID and login password registered on the driver assistance system 1 side.

[0062] The control unit 20 verifies whether the member ID and login password entered via the login screen 21B exactly match the member ID and login password recorded in the posting software. When the control unit 20 successfully verifies the member ID and login password, it switches the display on the touch panel 21 to the home screen 21C. This home screen 21C displays a map of the area of ​​interest, and the lower part of the screen has a pin setting button 251 and a setting button 252, as well as a web guidance button 255 that directs the user to the product site of the radar detector on the internet.

[0063] On the home screen 21C, the map display area is set so that the point of interest aligns with a predetermined position at the bottom center of the screen. Typically, the point of interest is set to the current location acquired by the GPS receiver. Unless a user input is received to change the point of interest, the control unit 20 sets the current location as the point of interest and displays the surrounding map on the home screen 21C. While the vehicle is in motion, the map display area is adjusted as needed so that the vehicle mark 250, which represents the current location, is positioned at the predetermined position at the bottom center of the screen. The settings button 252, marked with a "wrench" icon, located in the lower right corner of the home screen 21C, is an operation button for displaying the various settings screens 21D shown in Figure 10. The various settings screens 21D allow users to change settings such as the warning display mode, audio output mode, warning priority, and map display mode. The pin setting button 251, located to the left of the settings button 252, is an operation button for registering a post pin to a point of interest (usually the current location). Home screen 21C is the default screen displayed when no post pins 262 have been registered. On the other hand, if one or more post pins have been registered, the standby / post screen 21E (Figure 11), which includes a post button 253 for starting a post, becomes the default screen.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, when the control unit 20 displays the home screen 21C or the standby / posting screen 21E, it refers to the GPS target information database 111 and obtains existing traffic information or posting target information around the current location. The control unit 20 scrolls and displays this information in the information display area 254 and also displays target icons 261 at the corresponding locations on the map. Text information warning of nearby traffic monitoring activities is displayed in the information display area 254. In Figure 11, among the target icons 261, a circled H indicates the new H system, a circled N indicates the N system, and a circled P indicates parking. The display of this existing traffic information or posting target information will be explained in detail later.

[0065] Next, we will explain the operation of the driver assistance system in this example, which is configured as described above. The following will be explained in this order: (1) the operation of posting information by the mobile terminal 2 (posting terminal 101A in Figure 1), (2) the operation of generating and distributing posting target information by the posting server 11 that receives the posting information, and (3) the alarm operation by the mobile terminal 2 (notification terminal 101B in Figure 1) that receives the distribution of posting target information.

[0066] (1) Posting information via mobile device 2 This section describes the posting process while the vehicle is in motion and a map of the area around the current location is displayed on the home screen 21C or the waiting / posting screen 21E. When a user of the posting software witnesses traffic monitoring activities such as mobile speed cameras, they can register their current location by touching the pin setting button 251 (Figure 11) on the home screen 21C or the standby / posting screen 21E. Upon detecting the touch operation of the pin setting button 251, the control unit 20 first obtains and temporarily stores the time, the latitude and longitude of the current location, and the direction of travel from the GPS receiver 242.

[0067] The control unit 20 checks for available space in the submission pin memory area and stores new submission pin information in that available space. When a submission pin 262 is registered, time information and location information, which form part of the submission pin information, are stored based on the temporarily stored time, latitude and longitude, and direction of travel. The time information is the temporarily stored pin registration time. The location information is the temporarily stored latitude and longitude, the corresponding address, and the enforcement direction obtained by inverting the temporarily stored direction of travel by 180 degrees. If there is no space in the submission pin memory area, the submission pin 262 that is earliest in time is deleted, and the corresponding submission pin information stored in the submission pin memory area is deleted to free up space. On the map displayed by the standby / submission screen 21E, the submission pin 262 is set at the position corresponding to the location information of the submission pin information. Up to four submission pins 262 can be set, and they are numbered sequentially from the earliest registration time. The submission pin information in the submission pin memory area is stored with the pin number of the corresponding submission pin associated with it.

[0068] When the control unit 20 detects a touch operation of the post button 253, it displays a pin list screen 21F (Figure 12) on the touch panel 21, which displays a list of post pin information stored in the post pin memory area. The pin list screen 21F has four pin selection buttons 256 for each post pin, as well as a return button 257. To the right of each pin selection button 256, the corresponding post pin information is displayed as text. This text display shows the post pin information excluding the activity details information for traffic monitoring activities, and includes the pin registration time, as well as the latitude and longitude, address, and enforcement direction. In this example, since the enforcement direction is set as required information for post information, in Figure 12, the unregistered pin button 4 256 and the pin button 3 256 with an undetermined direction are inoperable.

[0069] In this example, the GPS function of mobile terminal 2 measures direction using GNSS space segments (artificial satellites such as GPS, SBAS, GLONASS, COMPASS), or by measuring the Doppler shift amount of radio waves broadcast from multiple broadcasting stations such as mobile terminal base stations, or by using a relative method with past positioning points. After 1st Fix is ​​completed (after the initial positioning is achieved), the position is confirmed when the vehicle speed reaches 10 km / h or more. Thereafter, although the measured direction value fluctuates according to the driving, the direction measurement remains confirmed until the power is turned off. After the direction measurement is confirmed, even if the current location is not determined, the pin setting button 251 on the standby / posting screen 21E can be operated, but since the current location cannot be obtained, the posting pin 262 is not set on the map and the display shows "Searching" (not shown in the diagram). Subsequently, the current location is obtained as the positioning state is restored, and the posting pin 262 is set.

[0070] When an operable pin selection button 256 (pin selection buttons 1 and 2 in Figure 12) on the pin list screen 21F is touched, the control unit 20 displays the posting screen 21G~K (Figures 13~16) on the touch panel 21 as appropriate and generates activity content information to be stored as posted pin information. Posting screen 21G is for selecting the type (category) of traffic monitoring activity. Posting screens 21H and 21I are for selecting the implementation method and format of the traffic monitoring activity. Posting screen 21J is a confirmation screen for the generated posting information. Posting screen 21K is a screen indicating that the posting has been completed. Here, the types of traffic monitoring activities are speed cameras (Orbis), N-systems (N-systems), checkpoints, and enforcement activities. The variations in the implementation and methods of traffic monitoring activities differ depending on the type of traffic monitoring activity. For example, there are no variations in the implementation or methods of N-systems. On the other hand, enforcement activities include variations such as speed traps and mobile speed cameras, and mobile speed cameras have further variations such as radar type and stealth type. Whether or not the posting screen 21H and I are displayed during the posting operation depends on the type of traffic enforcement activity, etc.

[0071] Of the posting screens 21G to K, posting screens 21G, 21J, and 21K are always accessed regardless of the type of traffic monitoring activity. On the other hand, posting screens 21H and I are not accessed depending on the type of traffic monitoring activity. For example, as shown in Figure 14, if the type of traffic monitoring activity is the N system (vehicle license plate reading system), there are no variations in the embodiment or method, so posting screens 21H and I are not displayed. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, if the type of traffic monitoring activity is enforcement, the embodiment and method are subdivided, so it is necessary to display posting screens 21H and I to allow the user to input information.

[0072] The control unit 20 generates activity content information corresponding to the operation button selected by the user during the process of passing through posting screens 21G to I, and stores it in the posting pin memory area as needed. The activity content information, which forms part of the posting pin information, is finalized when the user reaches posting screen 21J. This posting screen 21J displays the generated posting information as text, along with a posting button 259 and a return button 257. When the control unit 20 detects a touch operation of the posting button 259, it reads the corresponding posting pin information from the posting pin memory area and generates posting information by adding the poster's member information, such as member ID and registrant ID. The control unit 20 sends the generated posting information to the posting server 11, and when the transmission is complete, switches the display on the touch panel 21 to posting screen 21K. This posting screen 21K is displayed for a few seconds, and then the display ends when the user returns to the home screen 21C or the standby / posting screen 21E.

[0073] Furthermore, posting screens 21H and 21I, excluding posting screen 21G which allows the user to select the implementation method and type of traffic monitoring activity, are all equipped with a selection button 258 labeled "Other / Unknown". When this "Other / Unknown" selection button 258 is pressed, the control unit 20 confirms the activity content information stored in the posting pin memory area without going through the sequence of posting screens 21 illustrated in Figures 13 to 16, and immediately switches to display posting screen 21J. With this specification, the mobile terminal 2 in this example can, for example, enable even a user who is unaware of the differences between speed camera (Orbis) systems to generate detailed posting information such as "An Orbis is installed" relatively easily, according to their level of knowledge. On the other hand, a user with a high level of knowledge who is familiar with the differences between Orbis systems can generate highly detailed posting information by selecting one of the systems on posting screen 21I.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, if the type is enforcement, the user can skip the posting screen 21I by selecting the "Other / Unknown" button 258 on the posting screen 21H. While users with a lower level of knowledge may find the successive posting screens 21 cumbersome, the feature that allows users to skip parts of the posting screen 21, as described above, is also effective in stimulating posting activity by less knowledgeable users.

[0075] The information posted by the operation of the mobile device 2 as described above includes the following information, as shown in the text display on the posting screen 21J. Of this, the time information and location information are stored in the posting pin memory area when the posting pin 262 is registered, and the activity content information is stored in the posting pin memory area during the process of passing through posting screens 21G to 21I. Member information is added to the posting pin information read from the posting pin memory area when posting. • Time information representing the time of PIN registration • Location information (latitude, longitude, address, direction) of the monitoring location where traffic monitoring activities will be conducted. • Activity details describing the type, implementation, and methods of traffic monitoring activities. • Member information of the poster, such as member ID or registered ID.

[0076] (2) Generation and distribution of posting target information by posting server 11 When the posting server 11 receives posting information from the mobile terminal 2, it first requests authentication from the member management server 12. Upon receiving the authentication request, the member management server 12 uses the member information received from the posting server 11 to refer to the user management database 121 (Figure 2) and determines whether the relevant member exists. If the relevant member is valid, the member management server 12 returns the poster ID of that member.

[0077] When the posting server 11 receives authentication from the member management server 12, it refers to the user status database 113 to check whether the posting prohibition flag is set for that poster. The posting server 11 deletes posting information with the posting prohibition flag set without accepting it, while it accepts posting information without the posting prohibition flag set. In this acceptance process, the posting information is first temporarily stored with its posting time (received time) associated with it, and sorting is performed for each traffic monitoring activity. In this sorting, other posting information that satisfies all of the following conditions is searched from the posting area: the condition of commonality of type (the type of traffic monitoring activity is the same), the condition of spatial proximity (located within a radius of 100m (a predetermined range)), and the condition of temporal proximity (the posting information was posted within a predetermined time). When other posting information that satisfies all conditions is found, the newly accepted posting information is sorted as having the same traffic monitoring activity as the other posting information, and is sequentially assigned a posting number in the order of acceptance and stored in the posting area, as shown in the posting information list in Figure 17. On the other hand, if no past posting information that satisfies the conditions of commonality of type, spatial proximity, and temporal proximity is stored in the posting area, the posting server 11 generates a new list of posting information similar to that in Figure 17, starting with the newly received posting information as the starting point (post number 001).

[0078] When the posting server 11 adds new posting information to the posting information list in Figure 17, it uses the poster ID of the new posting information to refer to the user status database 113 and queries the poster's posting evaluation. As mentioned above with reference to Figure 3, the posting evaluation items for each poster include the total number of posts, the number of correct posts, the number of incorrect posts, the correct posting rate, and the overall evaluation. When the posting server 11 adds new posting information to the posting information list in the same figure, it calculates and stores the cumulative points by accumulating the points of the poster's overall evaluation (Figure 3). As will be explained in more detail later, these cumulative points are used as an evaluation value for the accuracy of the posting target information based on the posting information. In this example, all posting information is recorded as shown in Figure 17, but instead, posting information whose overall evaluation points fall below the threshold may be deleted without being registered in the list in Figure 17.

[0079] In the list of posted information in Figure 17, the information detail level represents the degree of detail of the activity information included in the posted information. In posting screens 21H and I (Figures 13 to 16), the detail level of posted information generated by making a significant selection other than "other" is 3, the detail level of posted information generated by making a significant selection in only one of posting screens 21H or I is 2, and the detail level of posted information generated by making a significant selection in only posting screen 21G is 1. Naturally, in the N system, where there is no distinction between embodiments and methods and posting screens 21H and I are not presented, the information detail level of all posted information is level 1. On the other hand, for mouse traps and other similar activities with various types, embodiments, and methods, and where posting screens 21H and I are presented, the information detail level varies from level 1 to 3 depending on the posted information.

[0080] Here, we will explain the temporal proximity and spatial proximity conditions, which are the criteria used when sorting newly received submission information. The condition for temporal proximity is that the pin registration time of a new post falls within a predetermined time frame based on the pin registration time of a preceding post. This predetermined time frame is set differently for each post, as shown in Figure 18, depending on the overall evaluation of the poster of the preceding post (Figure 3) and the traffic volume at the monitoring location. Posts with higher overall evaluation points are assigned a longer predetermined time frame. Furthermore, the predetermined time frame is set shorter for posts with higher traffic volume, and longer for posts with lower traffic volume, depending on whether the monitoring location is in an urban or rural area, whether it is on a main road or not, and the number of vehicles in the jurisdiction of the police station to which the monitoring location belongs.

[0081] As shown in Figure 18, for example, if a second post is received after the first post, satisfying the two conditions of spatial proximity and commonality of type, and its arrival time falls within the predetermined time set for the first post (indicated by the downward arrow in the figure), then the second post is classified as sharing traffic monitoring activities. Similarly, for example, if a fifth post satisfies the two conditions mentioned above after the fourth post is received, its arrival time falls after the predetermined time set for the fourth post, but within the predetermined time set for the third post. As a result, the fifth post is classified as sharing traffic monitoring activities with the third post, just like the fourth post.

[0082] The spatial proximity condition is that the location of the newly posted information is within a 100m radius centered on the reference point. The location of this reference point changes as the posted information is sorted sequentially, as shown in Figure 19. Here, B1, B2, B3, etc. represent the posted information before the distribution of the corresponding target posting information, and A1, A2, A3, etc. represent the posted information after the distribution of the corresponding target posting information. The numbers following A or B indicate the order in which the posts were made. For example, the posted information in B1 is the starting point, the very first posted information. A1 is the posted information that was made first after the distribution of the corresponding target posting information. In the same figure, the vertical direction represents the passage of time. The horizontal direction represents the position in the direction of advancement or retreat on the road where the traffic monitoring activity for the target of posting is carried out. With respect to the direction of travel of a vehicle, the right side indicates the reverse direction, and the left side indicates the forward direction.

[0083] When the posting server 11 receives the initial posting information B1, it first sets the corresponding monitoring location as the initial reference point 1 (the circled point 1 in Figure 19). Subsequently, when it receives new posting information B2 concerning traffic monitoring activities of the same type and within a radius of 100m centered on this reference point 1, it sets a new reference point 2 at a location midway between the monitoring location of posting information B2 and reference point 1. When it receives new posting information B3 concerning traffic monitoring activities of the same type and within a radius of 100m centered on this reference point 2 (the circled point 2), it sets a new reference point 3 (the circled point 3) at a location that is one-third the distance between the monitoring location (B3) of posting information B3 and reference point 2, and is located on the monitoring location (B3) side of reference point 2. Since reference point 2 is based on two pieces of submitted information, while monitoring position (B3) is based on only one piece of submitted information, the position of reference point 3 is determined as an intermediate position based on the concept of weighted average. Furthermore, if submitted information B4 is grouped after reference point 3 has been set in response to the receipt of submitted information B3, a new reference point 3 is set at a position that is four times the distance between the monitoring position (B4) of submitted information B4 and reference point 2, and is moved from reference point 3 towards the monitoring position (B4).

[0084] Note that the weighted average coefficient differs before and after the distribution of the target post information. Specifically, for the monitoring position of the post information before distribution, the weighted average coefficient is set to 1. For example, if the reference point is based on 4 posts, the new monitoring position is shifted towards the new monitoring position by a distance equal to 5 times the distance between the new monitoring position and the reference point. On the other hand, for the monitoring position of the post information after distribution, the weighted average coefficient is set to 2. For example, if the reference point is based on 6 posts, the new monitoring position is shifted towards the new monitoring position by a distance equal to twice the distance between the new monitoring position and the reference point, divided into 8 equal parts.

[0085] This explains why the handling of target information differs before and after distribution. Before distribution, traffic monitoring activities appear unexpectedly to all posters, and they need to determine the type of activity in the short time before passing by. Therefore, registration of the location of the traffic monitoring activity tends to occur after passing that location, and there is a high possibility that the registered target location will be shifted forward in the direction of travel (the direction of passing) compared to the actual location. On the other hand, after distribution, it is known in advance that a traffic monitoring activity of the type related to the target information is being conducted, so the accuracy of determining whether the type of traffic monitoring activity actually being conducted matches the target information tends to be higher. Also, since posters approach the location with a high level of interest in whether traffic monitoring activities are actually being conducted at that location, the registered location is more likely to be a perfect match for the actual location. As described above, by differentiating the weighted average coefficient when determining the reference point before and after distribution, and by increasing the coefficient for the monitoring location of the post-distribution information, the post-distribution information, which is expected to have high accuracy in monitoring location, can be quickly reflected in the reference point location, thereby improving the accuracy of the location.

[0086] The posting server 11 integrates the posting information and starts generating posting target information for distribution for traffic monitoring activities where the cumulative points in the posting information list in Figure 17 exceed a predetermined threshold point. This posting target information includes the following information: • Time information representing the earliest pin registration time among the posted information. • Location information (latitude, longitude, address, direction) of the monitoring location where traffic monitoring activities will be conducted. • Activity details indicating the type, implementation, and method of traffic monitoring activities. • Accuracy information indicating the degree of certainty of the target information being posted.

[0087] The location information within the target posting information includes the latitude and longitude of the average location of the most recent 10 posts, the address corresponding to that latitude and longitude, and the average direction of the most recent 10 posts. Alternatively, the reference point for determining geographical proximity (Figure 19) can be set to the latitude, longitude, and address included in the location information of the posts. When generating activity content information for the target posting information, the posting server 11 refers to the posting evaluation (Figure 3) for each poster and selects posting information from posters whose overall evaluation score is 7 points or higher and whose correct posting rate is 70% or higher. If the only difference in the activity content information of the selected posting information is the level of detail, and there are no differences in the implementation or method, the activity content information of the posting information with the highest level of detail is set as the activity content information to be included in the target posting information. On the other hand, if there are differences in the implementation or method, the activity content information decided by majority vote is included in the target posting information. If a decision cannot be made by majority vote, the activity content information of posters with detailed information and a high correct posting rate among the selected posting information is prioritized. The accuracy information within the target information for posts will be set to the latest accumulated points.

[0088] In this example, the posting server 11 stores all the posting target information generated as described above in the new information area, and also distributes posting target information other than fixed speed cameras and N-systems using a public communication line. The posting server 11 stores posting target information related to fixed speed cameras and N-systems without distributing it, and then outputs it in response to output operations by the system administrator, etc. Posting target information, which is also information on the installation of fixed speed cameras and N-systems, is visually confirmed by the system staff, and when visual confirmation is successful, it is registered in the existing GPS area (GPS target information database 111 in Figure 2). The existing traffic information registered in this way is distributed to users of radar detectors, etc., that warn of approaching GPS content such as speed cameras and N-systems, and is then included in posting software downloaded to the mobile terminal 2.

[0089] (3) Alarm operation by mobile terminal 2 Next, we will explain the alerts provided by the mobile terminal 2. In this example, the mobile terminal 2 can issue alerts using existing traffic information incorporated into the GPS target information database 111 during the installation of the posting software, and posting target information stored in the GPS target information database 111 after being distributed. Such alerts are issued while the home screen 21C (Figure 9) or the standby / posting screen 21E (Figure 11) is displayed. On the home screen 21C or standby / posting screen 21E after receiving posting target information, as shown in Figure 20, the target icon 261C for existing traffic information is displayed as a circular mark, and the target icon 261R for posting target information (distributed information) is displayed as a square mark.

[0090] The rectangular target icon 261R in the post target information is displayed in different colors according to the accuracy information contained in the post target information. Lower accuracy is displayed in cool colors, and as the accuracy increases, the colors change to warm colors, with high accuracy being displayed in red. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the size of the rectangular mark may be changed according to the accuracy of the post target information.

[0091] When the control unit 20 of the mobile terminal 2 detects a touch operation on the rectangular target icon 261R, it displays a data display screen 21L showing detailed data of the target posting information, as shown in Figure 21. In addition to the detailed data of the target posting information, this data display screen 21L displays the accuracy, number of posts, the percentage of high-rated posters, past performance of similar traffic monitoring activities, and a list of posters. When the control unit 20 detects a touch operation on any of the posters in the poster list, it switches to displaying a screen (not shown) showing the content of the post made by that poster and the points of that poster's overall evaluation. When a touch operation is made on the circular target icon 261C corresponding to existing traffic information, detailed information of the corresponding existing traffic information is also displayed.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, when the mobile terminal 2 is displaying the home screen 21C or the standby / posting screen 21E, it will issue an alarm according to the type of traffic monitoring activity (GPS target) for existing traffic information or post target information as the vehicle moves. The control unit 20, while displaying the home screen 21C or the standby / posting screen 21E, refers to the GPS target information database 111 and obtains existing traffic information or post target information in the vicinity of the current location. The control unit 20 continuously calculates the distance from the current location to the GPS targets of the surrounding existing traffic information or post target information and detects approach to the corresponding GPS target according to this distance.

[0093] Figure 22 shows examples of warnings issued when approaching an N-system installation location (monitoring location) and when approaching a seatbelt enforcement area (monitoring area). The former is an example of a warning for traffic monitoring activities conducted at specific points rather than areas. The latter is an example of a warning for traffic monitoring activities conducted within an area. When the standby / posting screen 21E is displayed and the system reaches a point 340m away from the N-system installation location, the control unit 20 displays text such as "N-system 340m" in the information display area 254, and also displays an illustration 265 representing the N-system as a pop-up on the screen. When the vehicle reaches a point 340m before a seatbelt enforcement area, the control unit 20 displays text such as "Seatbelt Enforcement 340m" in the information display area 254 and pops up a corresponding illustration 265 on the screen. Furthermore, when the vehicle is driving within a seatbelt enforcement area, i.e., when the current location is within that area, the control unit 20 displays text such as "Seatbelt Enforcement" in the information display area 254. When the vehicle passes through that area, i.e., when the current location is outside that area, the text display in the information display area 254 is cleared and the vehicle returns to the original state where the standby / posting screen 21E is displayed.

[0094] Figure 23 shows an example of a warning issued when approaching a highway speed camera. The timing of the warning when approaching a highway speed camera differs depending on whether the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit. If the speed limit is exceeded, the control unit 20 displays text such as "Highway Speed ​​Camera 2000m" in the information display area 254 when the vehicle reaches the point 2000m away, as shown in the leftmost diagram of the figure, and also displays a corresponding illustration 265 as a pop-up. In addition, the control unit 20 issues an audio warning such as "2 kilometers ahead, on XX Road, there is a loop coil speed camera."

[0095] On the other hand, when the vehicle is within the speed limit, the control unit 20 displays text such as "Highway speed camera 1000m" in the information display area 254 when the vehicle reaches the point 1000m away, as shown in the central diagram of the figure, and also displays a corresponding illustration 265 as a pop-up. Furthermore, it issues an audio warning such as "1km ahead, on XX Road, there is a radar speed camera." After that, when the vehicle reaches the point 500m away, it outputs an audio message such as "The camera is on the right" from the speaker 230. Furthermore, when the vehicle reaches the point 300m away, it displays a text message in information display area 254 and also issues a voice warning such as, "There is a radar-type speed camera 300m ahead on XX Road. Your speed is 120km / h."

[0096] Furthermore, it is also possible to include public enforcement information in the posting target information distributed by the posting server 11. In this case, it becomes possible to notify or warn about public enforcement information as shown in Figure 24. The figure shows an example where the text "Seatbelt Enforcement Week starts from August 1st" is scrolled in the information display field 254.

[0097] As described above, using the mobile terminal 2 in this example, it is possible to generate posting information that includes type information representing the type of traffic monitoring activity conducted to promote traffic safety, and location information representing the monitoring location, and to post it to the posting server 11. The posting server 11 generates posting target information (distribution information) that includes type information and location information related to the traffic monitoring activity by integrating multiple posting information that have the same traffic monitoring activity as the target of the posting. Other mobile terminals 2 can then execute notifications, warnings, etc., using the posting target information from the posting server 11.

[0098] While the information posted from mobile device 2 includes highly real-time information, the accuracy of the posted information varies, with some information being correct and others incorrect. If multiple pieces of information of uncertain veracity are distributed as is, it may cause confusion on mobile device 2, which receives the information, as it will be unsure which information to believe. On the other hand, according to the posting server 11 in this example, it is possible to deliver posting target information with increased accuracy by integrating multiple posting pieces of information. This posting target information is easy to use and useful, as it combines real-time information based on posting information with increased accuracy through information integration.

[0099] In particular, in this example, the submitted information to be integrated is sorted by judging three conditions: temporal proximity, commonality of the type of traffic monitoring activity, and spatial proximity. This sorting method allows for the accurate extraction of submitted information for specific traffic monitoring activities. Furthermore, when integrating the sorted submitted information to generate target submission information, the accuracy of each submitted piece of information is evaluated, and the submitted information with the highest accuracy is selectively used. Since the target submission information is generated by integrating highly accurate submitted information, its accuracy is also high. In addition, the target submission information generated by integrating submitted information that has undergone accuracy evaluation is easy to evaluate in terms of accuracy, making it easier to manage for both the distributor and the recipient. The distributor may selectively distribute target submission information according to its accuracy. The recipient of the target submission information may selectively implement notifications or warnings according to its accuracy.

[0100] As described above, the driving system 1 in this example is a system for supporting driving by distributing target information based on posted information related to traffic monitoring activities such as traffic enforcement and checkpoints, and is an excellent system that achieves both real-time accuracy and reliability (reliability) of the target information distributed.

[0101] The system may be configured to generate cancellation information as posted information indicating that traffic monitoring activities related to the distributed target information have not been carried out. For example, a cancellation posting button for sending cancellation information may be added to the data display screen 21L shown in Figure 21, which is displayed by touching the rectangular target icon 261R (Figure 20) on the waiting / posting screen 21E. On the posting server 11 side, authentication of the received cancellation information should be performed in the same way as for posted information. When distributing target information after receiving cancellation information, it may be good to include information such as the fact that cancellation information has been received and the number of cancellation posts. A cancellation posting display field for displaying this information may be added to the data display screen 21L shown in Figure 21. Furthermore, the accuracy of the cancellation information may be evaluated based on the number of similar cancellation information posts and the proportion of highly rated posters, and the distribution of the corresponding target information may be stopped when the accuracy exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0102] Furthermore, after discontinuing the distribution of target posting information, it is also advisable to store the original posting information in the new information storage area. This posting information is useful as reference information when considering whether or not to register target posting information as a new entry in the existing traffic information database. After the distribution of target posting information has ended, it is advisable to evaluate the poster for each posting in the list of posting information in Figure 17 and reflect the evaluation results in the content of the evaluation items. Posters who make correct postings will have their posting evaluations steadily increasing, while posters who make incorrect postings will have their posting evaluations steadily decreasing, resulting in a difference in posting evaluations. When the difference in posting evaluations becomes significant, the posting server 11 will be able to easily decide how to handle the posted information when it receives it, facilitating the integration of integrated information and improving the accuracy of target posting information. Alternatively, the system could accept submissions from users that cannot be identified, while treating submissions from unspecified users as having low reliability. In this case, the number of submissions could be increased.

[0103] In this example, the target information for posting is displayed using color coding or other methods depending on its accuracy. In addition, the threshold for whether or not to display the target information for posting may be adjustable by the user. Furthermore, the display method of the target information for posting may be configured to be configurable by the user.

[0104] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the mobile terminal 2 to allow users to modify the position of the posting pin 262 on the map through operations such as dragging, between the time the posting pin 262 is registered and the time the posting information is sent. In this case, it is also possible to include pin modification information indicating that the position of the posting pin 262 has been modified in the posting information. The posting server 11 may assume that posting information containing pin modification information has higher positional accuracy than posting information without pin modification information and may reflect this in the location information of the posting target information.

[0105] It is also good to configure the mobile terminal 2 so that the position of the target icon 261R (Figure 20) of the post target information can be corrected by user operation. Furthermore, it is also good to include icon correction information indicating that the position of the target icon 261R has been corrected in the post information. On the posting server 11 side, it is good to handle the post information including the icon correction information as having high positional accuracy and reflect it in the position information of the post target information. It would also be beneficial to equip the posting server 11 with a map database. By using map data to perform a well-known map matching process so that the monitoring locations related to the posted information are located at specific points, the accuracy of the monitoring locations can be ensured, and the accuracy of the location of the posted target information can be improved. Specific points used in map matching could, for example, be locations on roads or locations where enforcement or other actions have been carried out in the past.

[0106] In this example, the mobile device 2 displays a data display screen 21L, as shown in Figure 21, which shows detailed data of the posting target information, in response to a touch operation on the target icon 261R (Figure 20) related to the posting target information. This data display screen 21L lists the posters in chronological order of the posting information, but it would also be acceptable to display a ranking of posters with high overall evaluation points instead.

[0107] In this example, as shown in Figure 4, the overall evaluation points for each poster are determined by the number of positive posts and the positive post rate, thereby evaluating the accuracy of each poster's posted information. Alternative methods for evaluating the accuracy of posted information include evaluations from other users or evaluations based on the degree of proximity to previously collected past enforcement location data. For example, it would be good to configure the system so that when the target icon 261R (Figure 20) of the posted target information is touched (e.g., double-tapped), the monitoring location of the original, integrated posted information is displayed. Furthermore, if the system is configured so that the evaluation screen of the corresponding poster is switched and displayed by touching each monitoring location, each poster can be evaluated relatively easily from the mobile device 2.

[0108] (Example 2) The driver assistance system 1 in this example is an example in which the configuration of the posting terminal has been changed based on the driver assistance system of Example 1. This will be explained using Figures 1, 2, and 25 to 44. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the posting terminal 102A in this example consists of a combination of a mobile terminal 2 with a camera function and a radar detector 4. In the driver assistance system 1 in this example, posting information recorded in the code image 670 (Figure 42) displayed by the radar detector 4 can be posted by taking a picture of the code image 670 with the mobile terminal 2. Membership registration with the driver assistance system 1 is not required for this posting. In the driver assistance system 1 in this example, the source of the posting is verified using the product information (serial number, etc.) of the radar detector 4 instead of a member ID, etc.

[0109] In this example, the user management database 121 of the member management server 12 manages personal information such as name, address, age, and occupation provided during user registration after product purchase, in addition to the data management similar to that in Example 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is associated with the serial number. In this example, the user status database 113 of the posting server 11 stores and manages posting ratings for each member (see Figure 3), as well as posting ratings of the same type as those shown in Figure 3 for each purchaser. The serial number of the radar detector 4 is associated with each purchaser's posting rating.

[0110] The mobile terminal 2 in this example has the same hardware configuration as the mobile terminal in Example 1. An additional function is a code reading function that reads digital information from a code image. As will be described later, this function is used to read the posting target information, which is digital information recorded in the code image 670 (Figure 42) displayed by the radar detector 4.

[0111] The function of reading posting target information from the code image 670 displayed by the radar detector 4 and posting it to the posting server-11 is realized by installing a different posting software than the posting software in Example 1. The posting software in this example can be downloaded by anyone without requiring member registration, and does not require the input of a member ID or anything like that when launched. In the driving assistance system 1 of this example, posting is permitted by product authentication of the radar detector 4 that generated the posting target information, instead of authentication of the poster.

[0112] The radar detector 4 in this example, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, is an in-vehicle device that consists of a thin, rectangular case body 5 and is attached to the dashboard of a vehicle via a bracket 58 mounted on the lower rear side of the case body 5. This radar detector 4 can also be installed on the back of the sun visor, the back of the rearview mirror, etc., depending on the bracket 58.

[0113] A 3.2-inch color touch panel 45 is provided on the front of the case body 5, which faces the driver when installed. This touch panel 45 is a display panel in which a transparent sheet-like touchscreen 451 (Figure 27) that detects the touch position is laminated on a TFT dot matrix liquid crystal display 452 (Figure 27). A volume control button 51 is located on the right outer side of the touch panel 45 when viewed from the driver's side, and various operation buttons 52 such as a power button, and a light-emitting section 53 with embedded full-color LEDs 427 are located on the left outer side. A light-receiving surface 55 of an infrared light-receiving section 428 that receives infrared light from an operation remote control (not shown) is provided on the lower right of the touch panel 45. The radar detector 4 in this example can be operated by touch operation of the touch panel 45 with a fingertip, button operation, remote control operation, etc. The upper memory button 522 of the operation buttons 52 is an operation button for displaying four registered menu buttons 63 (Figure 35) as pop-ups on the map screen 62.

[0114] On the right side of the case body 5, as viewed from the driver's side, there is a card slot 57 for inserting a memory card 471 such as an SD card, which is a removable recording medium. A USB connector 50 is provided on the lower back of the case body 5. A cigarette lighter plug cord extending from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, an OBD adapter cord including the OBD (On-board Diagnostics) connector described later, and a USB cable are connected to this USB connector 50. The radar detector 4 operates by receiving power through these cords connected to the USB connector 50.

[0115] As shown in Figure 27, the radar detector 4 is electrically configured around a control unit 40. In addition to the above configuration, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver 421, a microwave receiver 422, a wireless receiver 423, an accelerometer 424, a gyroscope 425, a clock unit 426, a speaker 46, a memory card reader 47, and the like. Furthermore, the radar detector 4 is provided with a database 400 that can be accessed from the control unit 40.

[0116] The GPS receiver 421 is a receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current location information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. The GPS receiver 421 is built into the case body 5 so that it is located in the upper center of the back side of the radar detector 4. The control unit 40, which has acquired the current location information from the GPS receiver 421, can also calculate the vehicle's speed based on the changes in the current location.

[0117] The microwave receiver 422 is a receiver that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from speed measuring devices such as mobile radars (hereinafter simply referred to as radars). The wireless receiver 423 is a receiver that receives radio waves of a predetermined frequency. In this example, the wireless receiver 423 can be selectively set to one of several frequencies in order to respond to various types of radio waves. The microwave receiver 422 and the radio receiver 423 are incorporated into the case body 5 so as to be located on the rear side of the radar detector 4. This mounting position is suitable for receiving radio waves and other signals coming from the front of the vehicle. The microwave receiver 422 has five levels of microwave field strength, from Lv1 to Lv5, from lowest to highest.

[0118] The clock unit 426 is a clock that outputs calendar information. The calendar information includes data representing the year, month, and day, and data representing the current time. Once a day, if the current time can be obtained from the GPS receiver 421, the current time (including date and time) of the clock unit 426 is calibrated using that time. The speaker 46 is installed inside the case body 5 so that it can output sound and other signals through a speaker hole (not shown) that opens on the bottom surface of the case body 5. The memory card reader 47 reads the data recorded on the memory card 471 and transfers it to the control unit 40. The memory card 471 inserted into the card slot 57 is mounted on the memory card reader 47.

[0119] The control unit 40 is composed of a microcontroller (not shown) equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, EEPROM and other non-volatile memory, I / O, etc. ROM stores software programs and other data that the CPU will execute. The storage area of ​​non-volatile memory such as EEPROM is provided with a setting information storage area for storing setting information such as alarm settings.

[0120] The database 400 is comprised of non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) located within or outside the microcontroller of the control unit 40. At the time of product shipment, the database 400 stores various voice output information, including map data, GPS content containing location information such as alert targets, various facilities and tourist destinations, and regulatory information such as speed limits. Furthermore, the database 400 stores a large amount of voice data used for text-to-speech (TTS).

[0121] The data stored in the database 400 can be updated using the memory card 471. By inserting the memory card 471, which contains update data such as map data, GPS content, and audio output information, into the memory card reader 47, the control unit 40 reads the update data, and the data in the database 400 can be updated. In particular, by adding or updating audio output information, it is possible to change the pronunciation style or increase the variations. It is also possible to update the database 400 by connecting a PC with the update data stored on a hard disk or the like via USB.

[0122] The non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) within the microcontroller of the control unit 40, or externally connected to the microcontroller, is further provided with a posting pin storage area for storing information related to the traffic monitoring activity to be posted. The posting pin storage area can store up to four pieces of posting pin information related to the traffic monitoring activity to be posted. Note that the data specifications for the posting pin information in this example differ slightly from those in Example 1. The data specifications for the posting pin information will be explained later with reference to Figure 32, etc.

[0123] The radar detector 4 implements various functions by having the CPU execute a software program read from ROM. These functions include a display function that shows various screens on the touch panel 45, an alarm function that issues various warnings, an OBD function, a setting function, and a registration function. The alarm function includes GPS alarms, RD alarms, and wireless alarms, which are common features of radar detectors. Furthermore, the radar detector 4 in this example includes a posting information generation function that generates posted information and a code display function that converts posted information into code images for display. The means for implementing these functions are formed in the control unit 40.

[0124] The OBD function is a function that acquires vehicle information via the OBD port (fault diagnosis port) provided on the vehicle side, based on the OBD2 standard, which is the vehicle inspection standard. This OBD function works only when the radar detector 4 is connected to the vehicle side via an OBD adapter cord that includes an OBD connector connected to the vehicle's OBD port. Vehicle information that can be acquired from the vehicle's OBD port includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load ratio, ignition timing, intake manifold pressure, intake air volume (MAF), injection opening time, engine coolant temperature, temperature of air drawn into the engine, ambient temperature, fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening (throttle opening), turn signal information (operation information of left and right turn signals), brake opening, steering wheel rotation angle information, etc. Note that vehicle information acquisition by the OBD function is performed every 0.5 seconds.

[0125] The settings function allows you to configure various settings related to the operation of the radar detector 4. As shown in Figure 28, the settings include alarm settings, which determine whether or not to execute various alarms. The driving assistance modes based on alarm settings are Normal Mode, Minimum Mode, Special Mode, All-On Mode, and Manual Mode. Normal Mode is the initial setting mode at the time of product shipment. In each mode other than Manual Mode, the operation (on / off) according to each alarm target is predetermined. In Manual Mode, the user can manually set the operation according to the alarm target. Minimum Mode is a setting that alerts only the minimum necessary alarm targets for all RD alarm functions, wireless alarm functions, and GPS alarm functions. Normal Mode is a mode that emphasizes the balance between functions, and in addition to the items in Minimum Mode, it is set to alert high-priority items related to enforcement as alarm targets. Special Mode is a setting that alerts all items related to enforcement as alarm targets in addition to the items in Normal Mode.

[0126] The registration function allows the user (driver) to register personal locations (My Points) and areas (My Areas), and is performed by a registration means implemented in software within the control unit 40.

[0127] The GPS warning function alerts the driver when approaching a target such as an Orbis (automatic speed enforcement device). The GPS warning function repeatedly calculates the distance between the current location and the target location at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 1 second). When this distance reaches a predetermined approach distance and an event called "warning point approach" occurs, a GPS warning is issued to indicate this.

[0128] The GPS warning function can alert you to speed cameras, enforcement areas, checkpoints, intersection monitoring points, parking violation monitoring areas, N-systems, traffic monitoring systems, red light violation prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, car break-in-prone areas, sharp curves, junctions and merge points, ETC lanes, etc. Database 400 stores GPS content (POI data) that associates information on the type of these targets, location information (latitude and longitude) indicating their location (specific location), schematic diagrams or photographs displayed on the touch panel 45, and audio data. The warning targets may also include locations of drowsy driving accidents, radar, speed limit change points, etc.

[0129] In addition to the GPS alert function's alert targets, other GPS content includes service areas (on expressways), parking areas (on expressways), highway oases (on expressways), smart interchanges (on expressways), gas stations within PAs / SAs (on expressways), tunnels (on expressways), highway radio reception areas (on expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside stations, and viewpoint parking areas. Information regarding these GPS contents for voice output is provided via the voice output function.

[0130] The RD warning function is a function that warns of the incoming radar waves (microwaves) emitted from radar-type speed enforcement devices. When an event occurs in which the microwave receiver 422 receives radar waves (hereinafter referred to as RD reception), an RD warning is issued to indicate this.

[0131] The radio warning function is a function that warns drivers to avoid interfering with the operation of emergency vehicles, etc. When an event occurs in which radio waves emitted by emergency vehicles, etc. are received (hereinafter referred to as radio reception), a radio warning is issued to alert the driver. The types of radios that can be warned include enforcement radios, car location radios, digital radios, low-power radios, police station activity radios, police telephones, police activity radios, tow truck radios, helicopter telemetry radios, fire department helicopter telemetry radios, fire department radios, ambulance radios, highway radios, security radios, etc.

[0132] The posting information generation function is a function that generates posting information, similar to the posting information generation function of the mobile device in Example 1. The procedure for generating posting information will be explained later. The code display function converts the generated post information into a two-dimensional code image and displays it on the touch panel 45. In this example, a QR code (registered trademark) is used as the two-dimensional code image. Various code images, such as one-dimensional barcodes, can be used as the code image. Although a two-dimensional code was used as the code image, various code images such as one-dimensional barcodes may also be used. Instead of a code image, characters may be displayed and recognized using character recognition. Alternatively, wireless communication such as IRDA, IRDX, NFC, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. These can be combined. It is recommended to configure the system to exchange posted information using functions that correspond to the display and communication functions implemented in mobile devices.

[0133] The basic operation of the warning function, which is the main function of the radar detector 4 configured as described above and is realized by the control unit 40, will now be explained. In the standby state, when no warning target events such as RD reception, radio reception, or warning point approach have occurred, the map screen 62 (Figure 29) is displayed. When any of the events of warning point approach, RD reception, or radio reception occurs in the standby state, the control unit 40 executes the process to perform the corresponding function from the GPS warning function, RD warning function, and radio warning function. When two or more events occur simultaneously, the priority of each function is, from highest to lowest, in the order of RD warning function, radio warning function, and GPS warning function.

[0134] On map screen 62, a map of the area surrounding the current location is displayed, as shown in Figure 29. On map screen 62, the vehicle's direction of travel is always oriented upwards, and the map is displayed so that the current location is at the bottom center of the screen. The vehicle icon 601 is displayed at the current location. In the upper left corner of map screen 62, there is a compass 626 that illustrates the vehicle's direction of travel and a vehicle speed display 625, and in the upper right corner, there is a time display 621. In the lower left corner of map screen 62, there is an address display 622 that shows the town name, etc., of the current location.

[0135] When an event that triggers an alarm, such as RD reception, wireless reception, or approach to an alarm point, occurs while the system is in standby mode, the control unit 40 displays the alarm information overlaid on the map screen 62 (pop-up display) and also outputs the alarm content as audio. At this time, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 53 changes from blue, which indicates standby mode, to red, thereby indicating that attention is required. In GPS alerts, as shown in Figure 30, a photograph of the enforcement location 628, including a symbolic display 629 of the alert content, and a radar display icon (mini radar) 627 indicating the remaining distance and direction are displayed as a pop-up on the map screen 62. In RD warnings, as shown in Figure 31, a photograph of the enforcement location 628, including a symbolic display 629 of the warning content, and a radar display icon 627 indicating the remaining distance and direction are displayed as a pop-up on the map screen 62. The remaining distance displayed on the radar display icon 627 is estimated from the electric field strength (Lv1~Lv5) of the received radar waves. For wireless alarms, the wireless alarm screen is displayed, which is almost identical to that of RD alarms, so its illustration is omitted.

[0136] Next, we will explain the data specifications of the posted information (including posted pin information) handled by the driver assistance system in this example, and the operation of the system. The data specifications for the posted information handled by the driver assistance system in this example are shown in Figure 32. Note that the header information and other information necessary for communication are omitted from the illustration in the same figure. In the posted information of this example, the member information of Example 1 is replaced with the product information (serial number, etc.) of the radar detector 4. In addition, the posted pin information of this example has freshness information indicating the timing of the traffic monitoring activity that was the subject of the post, and direction type information indicating the type of enforcement direction (Figures 32 to 34) added to the posted pin information of Example 1. Note that the breakdown of each data, such as X, Y, A, etc., that constitute the posted pin information in Figure 32 is shown in Figure 33(a). The contents of each data, T, R, and M, among the data in Figure (a) are shown in Figures (b), (c), and (d).

[0137] Freshness information indicates the timing of the traffic monitoring activity being reported. Depending on the timing of the traffic monitoring activity, a data value representing freshness is defined, as shown in Figure 33(c). For example, if the reported information concerns a traffic monitoring activity currently underway, the freshness value will be zero. If the reported information concerns a traffic monitoring activity that took place more than one week but within one month, the freshness value will be 20. On the other hand, for reported information concerning permanently installed speed cameras, the freshness data value will be 255. Directional type information supplements the enforcement direction included in the location information. By using directional type information, it is possible to specify the enforcement direction for monitoring activities on the opposite lane, as well as specify whether the traffic monitoring activity is on the right or left side of the driving lane. For example, for traffic monitoring activities targeting the driving lane, the enforcement direction type will be 0x01, which is obtained by inverting the direction of travel (vehicle direction) of 0x02 in Figure 34 by 180 degrees. For example, when a submission pin is registered in front of a speed camera installed in the median strip, it means that the speed camera is set diagonally to the right of the driving lane. In this case, the enforcement direction type will be the direction of 0x10 in the same figure.

[0138] In this example, the driver assistance system 1 differs from the driver assistance system of Example 1 in the following operations: (1) generation of posting target information using the radar detector 4, (2) transmission of posting information by the mobile terminal 2, and (3) authentication of posting information by the member management server 12. The details of each operation from (1) to (3) will be explained below.

[0139] (1) Generating posting information When the control unit 40 of the radar detector 4 detects the operation of the memory button 522 while the map screen 62 shown in Figure 29 is displayed, it displays four registration menu buttons 63, including the pin setting button 634, as a pop-up on the screen, as shown in Figure 35. In addition to the pin setting button 634 for registering a posted pin 64 (Figure 36), the registration menu buttons 633 include an ITY map button 631 that displays the latitude and longitude of the vehicle's positioning location at the time the button is pressed as a 2D barcode, a My Area button 632 for registering a My Area, and a Cancel button 633 for canceling a registered area.

[0140] When the pin setting button 634 is touched, the control unit 40 sets a posting pin 64 at the current location on the map screen 62, as shown in Figure 36, and registers the location information (latitude and longitude, address, enforcement direction) and pin registration time of the posting target and the posting pin memory area. In this example, the radar detector 4 can register up to four posting pin information entries in the posting pin memory area, and up to four posting pins 64 can be registered, from the first to the fourth pin. The figure shows an example where, because all pins were empty, the first pin was set as the posting pin 64 at the current location, and the location information and pin registration date and time were stored in association with the first pin. Activity content information, such as the type, embodiment, and method of traffic monitoring activity, is generated according to subsequent user operations (Figures 40 to 42) and stored in the posting pin memory area.

[0141] If all four posting pins 64 are already registered and four posting pin information entries are stored in the posting pin memory area, the registration menu button 63 shown in Figure 37 will pop up in response to the operation of the memory button 522. Here, the registration menu button 634A, which includes the message "Pins are full," will display a message indicating that posting pin 64 (Figure 36) cannot be registered. In this example, since the direction of enforcement is essential information for the posted information, as in Example 1, the registration of the posting pin 64 is disabled when the direction of travel determined by the GPS function is not yet determined. When the memory button 522 is operated while the direction of travel is not yet determined, the control unit 40 displays a pop-up registration menu button 63, including the registration menu button 634B that indicates the direction is not yet determined (Figure 38). Also, when the memory button 522 is operated while the GPS function is not being used for positioning, the control unit 40 displays a ticker at the top of the map screen 62 indicating that GPS search is in progress (Figure 39).

[0142] When the control unit 40 detects a touch operation on the map screen 62 (Figure 29, etc.), it displays the settings screen 67A at the top of Figure 40. This settings screen 67A has various menu buttons, including a post button 670 for posting information. When the post button 670 is touched, the control unit 40 switches to displaying the post pin menu screen 67B in the middle of the same figure. This post pin menu screen 67B is a screen where a confirmation button 671A and a delete button 671B are arranged for each post pin. For unregistered post pins, the operation buttons 671A and 671B are displayed as shadows and become inoperable. When the control unit 40 detects a touch operation on the pin confirmation button 671A, it reads the post pin information corresponding to that post pin from the post pin storage area. The control unit 40 displays a pin confirmation screen 67C which includes a text display of the location information (latitude and longitude, address, enforcement direction) and time information (pin registration date and time) from the read-out posted pin information, as well as a post button 672 for starting the posting process. The generation of posted information is started in response to a touch operation of this post button 672.

[0143] As shown in Figure 41, when the control unit 40 detects a touch operation of the post button 672 on the pin confirmation screen 67C, it displays the post screens 67D to 67I shown in Figures 41 and 42 on the touch panel 45 as appropriate, depending on the type of traffic monitoring activity. The post screens 67D to 67F in Figure 41 are screens that generate activity content information (Figure 32), such as the type (category) of the traffic monitoring activity to be posted, its embodiment, and method. The post screens 67D to 67F correspond to the post screens 21G to 21I (Figures 13 to 16) of Embodiment 1, respectively. The control unit 40 adds the activity content information generated in response to the user operation on the post screens 67D to 67F to the post pin information stored in the post pin storage area. Note that, except for the post screen 67D which selects the type of traffic monitoring activity to be posted, the post screens 67E and 67F which select the embodiment and method have operation buttons for selecting "Other" or "Unknown". The purpose of providing buttons to select options such as "Other" on the posting screens 67E and 67F is to make it easier for users who are not very familiar with traffic enforcement to post, thereby stimulating posting activity.

[0144] The posting screen 67G in Figure 42 is an operation screen for inputting freshness information (Figure 32) that indicates when the traffic monitoring activity to be posted was conducted. In addition to the operation button to select "currently in progress," this posting screen 67G has operation buttons for "within one week," "within one month," "within three months," etc. While the driver support system 1 in Example 1 is a system that assumes postings targeting traffic monitoring activities currently in progress, the system in this example also allows postings targeting past traffic monitoring activities. The control unit 40 adds the freshness information corresponding to the operation button selected on the posting screen 67G to the posting pin information stored in the posting pin memory area. The posting screen 67H is a posting screen for selecting the type of enforcement direction. This posting screen 67H has operation buttons for "driving lane," "opposite lane," "right direction," "left direction," "right side of driving lane," "left side of driving lane," "left side of opposite lane," and "right side of opposite lane." The control unit 40 adds direction type information (Figures 32 to 34) corresponding to the operation button selected on the posting screen 67H to the posting pin information stored in the posting pin memory area.

[0145] As described above, when any operation button is pressed on the posting screen 67H, the generation of posting pin information (Figure 32) is completed. The control unit 40 reads the posting pin information from the posting pin storage area, adds product information (Figure 32), and generates posting information. Then, it generates a code image 670 in which this posting information is recorded, and displays the posting screen 67I, including this code image 670, on the touch panel 45, as shown in Figure 42. The user who submits the post simply needs to take a picture of the code image 670 with a mobile device 2 running a posting software that supports code images. When the mobile device 2 takes a picture of the code image 670, it performs image processing, extracting the code image 670 from the captured image and reading the posting information recorded in the code image 670. The control unit of the mobile device 2 immediately sends the posted information it has read to the posting server 11.

[0146] When the posting server 11 receives posting information, it first requests authentication from the member management server 12. Upon receiving the authentication request, the member management server 12 uses the product information (serial number, etc.) received from the posting server 11 to refer to the user management database 121 and determine whether the relevant purchaser exists. If the relevant purchaser is valid, the poster ID of that purchaser is returned from the member management server 12. When the posting server 11 has been authenticated by the member management server 12, it refers to the user status database 113 to check whether the posting prohibition flag is set for that poster. The posting server 11 deletes posting information with the posting prohibition flag set without accepting it, while it processes posting information without the posting prohibition flag set.

[0147] In this example, the reception process differs between submissions with a freshness information (Figure 33) data value of zero and other submissions. For submissions with a freshness information of zero, i.e., real-time submissions targeting traffic monitoring activities currently underway, the same treatment as in Example 1 is applied, and these submissions become the source information for distribution target submissions. On the other hand, other posted information, namely information related to permanent traffic monitoring activities such as the N system (with a freshness data value of 255), and information related to past traffic monitoring activities, are stored in the new information area of ​​the posting server 11, similar to Example 1, and serve as the source information for newly registered existing traffic information. The other components and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0148] Furthermore, it is also advisable to provide a "Post Now" button on posting screens 67E to H (Figures 41 and 42) to jump to posting screen 67I. If one of the following buttons—speed camera button, N-system button, enforcement button, or checkpoint button—is selected on posting screen 67D, which corresponds to posting screen 21G (Figures 13 to 16) in Example 1, the type of traffic monitoring activity is determined. Once the type of traffic monitoring activity has been determined in this way, even if the "Post Now" button on posting screens 67E to H is operated afterward, it is possible to generate posting information that includes type information representing the determined type.

[0149] The deletion of registered post pins 64 (Figure 36, etc.) can be performed by operating the delete button 671B on the post pin menu screen 67B in the middle of Figure 40. When this delete button 671B is operated, the deletion of the corresponding post pin is completed via a screen confirming the deletion and a screen indicating that the deletion is complete, as shown in Figure 43(a). By operating the system button located in the lower right corner of the settings screen 67A at the top of Figure 40, the data deletion screen can be switched to display as shown in Figure 43(b). By selecting the post pin button on this data deletion screen, the post pin and its corresponding post pin information can be deleted all at once.

[0150] The target posting information distributed by the driver assistance system 1 in this example is information about traffic monitoring activities currently being conducted, similar to Example 1. Alternatively, or in addition to this, target posting information generated by integrating posting information about past traffic monitoring activities where the freshness information (Figure 33) is other than 255 or zero may also be distributed. In this case, for example, one or more postings targeting traffic monitoring activities conducted two months ago, postings for similar traffic monitoring activities one month ago, and postings for similar traffic monitoring activities within the last week can be integrated to generate target posting information about locations requiring attention where traffic monitoring activities are frequently conducted. Furthermore, in order for one or more of the above posts to be classified as information about a common traffic monitoring activity from two months ago, three conditions must be met: temporal proximity regarding the timing of implementation, spatial proximity, and commonality of type. Also, in order for posts about a traffic monitoring activity conducted similarly one month ago to be classified as information about a common traffic monitoring activity in relation to information about a specific traffic monitoring activity from two months ago, two conditions must be met: spatial proximity and commonality of type.

[0151] In this example, the code image 670 (Figure 42) displayed by the radar detector 4 is used to transfer the posted information to the mobile terminal 2. Alternatively, the radar detector 4 and the mobile terminal 2 may be connected via wireless communication such as WiFi, and the posted information may be transferred (see Figure 1). For example, if the dedicated software is running on the mobile terminal 2, the posting button displayed on the touch panel 45 of the radar detector 4 can be operated, and the posted information will be posted via the mobile terminal 2. To equip the radar detector 4 with WiFi functionality, a WiFi module or the like can be incorporated. The mobile terminal 2 can be any mobile terminal with access point (tethering) functionality.

[0152] If the radar detector 4 is capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal 2, it is possible to receive posted target information via the mobile terminal 2. The radar detector 4 can then notify and warn about the posted target information. Furthermore, if public enforcement information is distributed, the radar detector 4 can notify the public enforcement information, as shown in Figure 44. The radar detector 4 shown as an example in the same figure scrolls and displays the received public enforcement information at the bottom of the map screen 62.

[0153] Furthermore, the driver assistance system may be capable of handling both the posted information in Example 1 and the posted information in this example. The posted information in Example 1 and the posted information in this example may be integrated to generate target posting information. In this case, the accuracy evaluation may differ between the posted information generated by the mobile terminal 2 and the posted information generated by the radar detector 4. For example, a poster who has purchased and is actually using the radar detector 4 is likely to be someone who places importance on warning functions and has extensive knowledge of traffic enforcement. Information posted by such a poster is likely to be evaluated as highly accurate.

[0154] In this example, the cumulative points in the list of posted information (Figure 17) are used as the accuracy of the target information for posting. In addition, the accuracy may also be evaluated based on the history of past traffic monitoring activities. For example, if there is a history of similar traffic monitoring activities being conducted in the past, the accuracy may be set to 120% of the cumulative points (a 20% increase), or history points may be added to the cumulative points. For history points, points that reflect the frequency of implementation, etc., are recommended. When determining the history of past traffic monitoring activities, it is also good to use the target information for posting in the new information area, in addition to using existing traffic information.

[0155] It would also be beneficial to change the notification or warning method for target information based on vehicle information obtained via the OBD function, such as vehicle speed. For example, if the speed exceeds the speed limit, target information related to mobile speed cameras becomes extremely important.

[0156] (Example 3) This example is based on the driver assistance system of Example 1, but includes a feature that allows posted information to be distributed directly. This will be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 45-47.

[0157] Examples of posts that may be targeted for distribution include posts where the poster's rating score is, for example, 8 points or higher but which have not yet been reflected in the target information for posts, and posts where real-time information is important due to changes in the monitoring location, such as patrol cars in motion. Figure 45 shows an example of how posted information about a police motorcycle on patrol is displayed. In this figure, information pins 271 are displayed on a map shown on the touch panel 21 of the mobile terminal 2, corresponding to the monitoring location of the posted information about the police motorcycle on patrol. The figure also illustrates the balloon display 275 that appears when the information pin 271 is tapped (touch operation). The balloon display 275 displays the posting date and time, the details of the traffic monitoring activity related to the posted information, etc. For posted information where real-time is important, it is also possible to set a time limit of 6 hours or so for the display time, manage this time limit on the mobile terminal 2, and delete the information pin 271 as the time limit expires. Furthermore, the illustration of the information pin 271 may be changed depending on the type of traffic monitoring activity, and the display color and size of the information pin 271 may be changed depending on the degree of risk.

[0158] Furthermore, the same figure shows a scrollable display area 278 at the bottom of the display screen of the touch panel 21. This scrollable display area 278 is for displaying posted information that, as described above, does not include the monitoring location within the map area displayed on the touch panel 21. By providing such a display, it is possible to display posted information where the monitoring location is far away and not included in the map area. The range of "far away" can be set to a range such as 20km. It is also possible to selectively display posted information that is located far away in the direction of the vehicle's movement, or posted information that is located far away on the road being driven. It is also possible to display the public enforcement information shown in Figure 24, which was referenced in Example 1, in the scrollable display area 278, but in this case, it is advisable to take measures to make it easy to distinguish between posted information and public enforcement information, such as changing the background color for public enforcement information and posted information.

[0159] For the message structure when scrolling through posted information, for example, the structure shown in Figure 46 can be used. With this message structure, for example, a message such as "Yuppi (35) June 6th 10:30 [Speed ​​enforcement (radar)] Iwatsu-cho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture In front of Yupiteru It's happening in the usual place. Be careful!" can be scrolled out. As for posting experience points, a value that increases in proportion to the number of posts is appropriate. For example, the number of positive posts or overall rating shown in Figure 3 could be used as posting experience points. Furthermore, in order to increase the number of users who enjoy posting, such as posting enthusiasts, events such as awarding prizes to the top 3 users in terms of posting experience points each year are also effective. It would also be good to have a program on the posting server that selects the top 3 users in terms of posting experience points each year around the end of the year. Such events serve as an incentive for posting and contribute to the collection of more accurate posting information.

[0160] Post information can be automatically distributed from the posting server (for example, every 10 minutes). As shown in Figure 45, an update button 272 can be provided, and the system can be configured so that distribution is executed immediately in response to the operation of this update button 272. Furthermore, post information can be selectively distributed only to users who request it, as some users may not want to receive post information that is not sufficiently reliable.

[0161] To distribute posted information, it is also a good idea to use distribution files for each of the 47 prefectures. Using such distribution files, for example, users driving in Aichi Prefecture can receive all of the posted information within that prefecture at once. When distributing distribution files for each prefecture, it is also possible to distribute the distribution files for adjacent prefectures in addition to the distribution file for the prefecture to which the user's current location belongs. Furthermore, the posted information included in the distribution file may be limited to information posted within the last 6 hours from the posting time (the time the posting server received the post). For example, the information for one post may include the following: Latitude and longitude (e.g., 34.794025 degrees, 137.117188 degrees) ·Display period Example: June 6, 2012, 10:25 a.m. to June 6, 2012, 4:25 p.m. • Enforcement methods: Example, speed enforcement (motorcycle police) Address information Prefectures Example: Aichi Prefecture City / town / village name Example: Nishio City Street name and address (e.g., 2nd Street, XX Town) • Detailed location and nearby landmarks (data may not be available) For example, the road from the intersection between the JA and Sugi Pharmacy in Nishihazu towards Koda. • Comments (data may not be available) For example, this is a place where it happens often. Be careful, the speed limit is 40 km / h. • User information Username example: Yuppii Posting experience points: Example, 121

[0162] In this example, the mobile device 2 can start generating post information by touching the post button 273 shown in Figure 45. Touching the post button 273 displays a post page (not shown). This post page may include a text display of the latitude and longitude, date and time, and address information when the post button 273 is touched, as well as a picker view, which is a rotating drum-like operation method for selecting the type of traffic monitoring activity, etc. It is best to allow text input for detailed location and comments. To accommodate posters who find text input troublesome, it may be possible to allow them to skip input for detailed location and comments. If comments are skipped, it is also good to configure the posting server to add a thoughtful comment. The other components and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0163] In this example, information about posts located far away, outside the map area, is displayed by scrolling at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 47, information about posts where the monitoring location is to the right of the map area can be displayed by scrolling in the rectangular space 278R at the right edge of the screen, and information about posts where the monitoring location is above can be displayed by scrolling in the space 278U at the top of the screen. In this case, the direction of the distant posts can be determined according to the scrolled display position.

[0164] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as shown in Examples 1 to 3 above, these examples only disclose an example of the technology covered by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively based on the configuration or numerical values ​​of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies obtained by various modifications or changes to the above examples using prior art or the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1. Driver assistance system 101A, 102A Posting terminal 101B, 102B notification terminals 11. Posting server (server device) 111 GPS Target Information Database 113 User Status Database 12 Member Management Server 121 User Management Database 2 Mobile devices 21C Home Screen 21E Waiting / Posting Screen 21G~K Posting Screen 262 Posts Pin 4. Radar detector 45 Touch panel 62 Map screen 64 Post Pins 67D~I Posting Screen

Claims

1. A posting terminal that has the function to post information related to traffic monitoring activities, A server device that generates and distributes distribution information based on the posted information, The posting terminal in a system including, A function that displays a post button that allows the user to select in order to post the aforementioned information, If the aforementioned post information cannot be posted, a function is provided to display the post button in a different manner than when the aforementioned post information can be posted. Just a posting terminal.

2. Since the number of posts has reached the limit, it may not be possible to post any new information. The system has a function to display the post button in a manner that suggests the number of posts has reached its limit if it is not possible to post new information because the number of posts has reached its limit. The posting terminal according to claim 1.

3. Since the vehicle's direction of travel is not yet determined, it may not be possible to post the aforementioned information. The system has a function to display the post button in a manner that suggests the direction of travel is undetermined if the post information cannot be posted because the direction of travel is undetermined. The posting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for a computer to implement the functions of a posting terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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