Devices, etc.

Abstract

To provide a system capable of reporting monitoring information relating to traffic monitoring activities in an easy-to-understand manner. [Solution] The radar detector 1, which is a system for reporting monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities, is equipped with two LCD displays 15R and 15L with screens, and a control unit that acquires monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities and executes control to display the monitoring information on the screen of at least one of the displays.One screen 15L can display monitoring location information indicating the location where the traffic monitoring activity is being carried out, and the other screen 15R can display monitoring type information indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for assisting vehicle operation by providing information on various traffic monitoring activities such as traffic enforcement and checkpoints. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in-vehicle devices such as radar detectors that warn the driver when they receive radar waves for speed enforcement have been realized as systems for supporting vehicle driving. Some of these in-vehicle devices have a GPS function for locating the current position of the vehicle and a database of GPS targets such as installation points of speed enforcement systems, and detect the approach to a specific GPS target and notify the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such in-vehicle devices can prevent the driver from unwittingly driving too fast by notifying the driver of the approach to a location where traffic monitoring activities are being carried out.

[0003] The GPS targets that the in-vehicle device configured as described above reports the approach of include permanent points such as speed enforcement system installation points and police stations, as well as temporary points where traffic monitoring activities such as speed enforcement by mobile speed cameras and drunk driving checkpoints are frequently carried out. The in-vehicle device aims to raise the driver's awareness of safe driving by reporting the approach of various GPS targets.

[0004] In particular, vehicle speed measuring devices and the like used for speed enforcement are often installed at dangerous points where excessive speeding is easily induced. Notification of approach to such points is very effective in raising the driver's awareness of safe driving before a danger occurs and in avoiding danger before it occurs. Vehicle-mounted devices such as radar detectors are extremely useful in motivating drivers to drive safely, and are devices that contribute to ensuring traffic safety and support driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-248180 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned conventional vehicle-mounted devices have the following problems: On the one hand, there are users who want to be presented with a lot of information, such as the type of traffic monitoring activity to be warned about, the location of the activity, and the distance to the activity point, but on the other hand, there are also quite a few users who find the warning difficult to understand because the amount of information presented is too much.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and is an invention for providing a system capable of notifying monitoring information relating to traffic monitoring activities in an easily understandable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a system for reporting monitoring information regarding traffic monitoring activities, comprising: A plurality of displays having screens; The system includes a control means for acquiring monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities and for executing control for displaying the monitoring information on the screen of at least one of the displays.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention resides in a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to the first aspect.

[0010] The system according to the present invention is equipped with multiple displays for displaying monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities. By using multiple displays to display monitoring information, the amount of information displayed per display can be reduced, making it possible to notify monitoring information in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0011] The number of displays included in the system according to the present invention may be two, or may be three or more. The system according to the present invention may be used, for example, for in-vehicle applications, and may also be used for non-in-vehicle applications. The control means provided in a system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of executing control to display monitoring location information indicating the location where traffic monitoring activity is carried out on one of the displays, and to display monitoring type information indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity on another display. In this case, by separating the display device that displays the monitoring location information from the display device that displays the monitoring type information, each piece of information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, when plotting and displaying the implementation points on a scope surface that imitates a map or a radar scope, the size of the map or scope surface is very important for grasping the monitoring location information. Since it is no longer necessary to display the monitoring type information by overlaying it on the map or scope surface, or to narrow the map or scope surface to secure space to display the monitoring type information, the monitoring location information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0012] The control means of the system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention displays a scope surface representing a predetermined area around the vehicle on any one of the displays, and plots and displays icons representing implementation points of traffic monitoring activities on the scope surface; It is possible to execute control to display on any one of the other displays text information indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity related to the icon plotted on the scope surface. In this case, the positional relationship between the vehicle and the implementation point can be clearly displayed using any one of the above-mentioned displays. Furthermore, by displaying the text information on any of the other displays, the type of traffic monitoring activity can be displayed very clearly.

[0013] The multiple displays provided in the system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention are capable of displaying a predetermined standby screen when the monitoring information is not being notified, and the standby screen can be selectively set for each display. If a standby screen can be set for each display unit, the number of combinations of standby screens that can be displayed will be extremely large. For example, if 10 types of standby screens can be set for each of the two displays, then 10 x 10 = 100 possible combinations will be possible. If there are multiple displays, multiple types of standby screens can be displayed in parallel, increasing the variety of information that can be presented. For example, if a standby screen that displays the time and a standby screen that displays the vehicle speed are set, a standby state in which the time and vehicle speed can be known at a glance can be realized.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention is provided with at least two setting modes differing in the number of selectable display screen types as setting modes for selectively setting the types of display screens to be displayed on the multiple display devices, and is equipped with an operating means for selecting one of the setting modes.

[0015] In a system with multiple displays, the user has a very high degree of freedom in settings. Users who enjoy mastering such a system can make in-depth, highly advanced settings. On the other hand, users who place more importance on basic functions than on mastering the system may find it difficult to master due to the high degree of freedom in settings. Therefore, by providing multiple setting modes with different degrees of freedom in settings as described above, users can select the degree of freedom in settings according to their preferences, and a wide range of user needs can be met, from heavy users to general users.

[0016] The setting modes in the system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention include a setting mode in which the type of display screen to be displayed on the multiple display devices can be selectively set, as well as a simple setting mode in which the type of display screen to be displayed on the multiple display devices is predefined and the type of display screen cannot be changed. If the easy setting mode is available, you can use the basic functions immediately after purchase, making it a relatively easy-to-install, user-friendly system. Later, when you need to master more in-depth usage, you can select the setting mode that allows for more detailed settings.

[0017] In a system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gap is provided between at least any two of the plurality of displays that are arranged adjacent to each other, and a detection sensor for detecting a human body approaching is disposed in the gap. A detection sensor arranged between adjacent displays is suitable for detecting, for example, hand-waving operations over a screen. When only one display is provided, it is very difficult to arrange a detection sensor in a middle position of the screen, and it is difficult to realize an operation feeling like waving a hand over the screen. Even when there are multiple displays, adjacent screens are easily recognized as if they were a single screen. By arranging a detection sensor in the gap, it is possible to realize an operation feeling like waving a hand over the screen.

[0018] A system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an operation unit having a lighting means for lighting an operation area, The control means is capable of executing control to switch the operation area to an illuminated state in response to detection of a human body by the detection sensor. In this case, a novel operational feeling can be realized, in which the system can be started by waving a hand, etc. The operational fun of operating with hand power can be realized.

[0019] A system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an operation unit having a lighting means for lighting an operation area, The control means is capable of executing blinking control for the operation area, which alternates between a lit state and an unlit state or a dimmed state. By executing the blinking control, it is possible to highlight a specific operation area. Furthermore, for example, the cycle of the blinking control may be changed. For example, the cycle may be made faster to express information that the situation is urgent. For example, it is possible to execute the blinking control for a plurality of operation areas and change the phase of the blinking control to realize control in which light moves between the plurality of operation areas. In this case, a two-dimensional movement of moving light is generated, which can create visual enjoyment.

[0020] The control means included in the system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention obtains a degree of notification necessity for the monitoring information, and changes a cycle for blinking the operation area according to the degree of notification necessity. For example, by making the cycle faster as the degree of necessity for notification increases, it is possible to intuitively convey that the situation requires urgency, making it possible to present information that is easy to understand at a glance.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, an operation unit having a lighting means for lighting an operation area is provided on both the left and right sides of an area in which the screens of the plurality of displays are arranged, The control means can execute control to notify the direction of the location where traffic monitoring activities are to be carried out by lighting up the operation area of ​​one of the operation units disposed on both the left and right sides.

[0022] In this case, it becomes possible to notify the direction of the implementation location using the operation unit. Notifying the direction by lighting up the operation unit is an extremely simple notification method, and can be a notification that the user can intuitively understand at a glance. Furthermore, if the operation unit can be used to notify the direction of the implementation location, for example, there is no need to display the direction on the display unit. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of information displayed on the display unit, and the display on the display unit can be made even easier to understand.

[0023] In a system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of displays has a screen whose normal direction has an angle different from that of the other displays. When there is only one display, even if the screen size can be enlarged by changing the display, it is difficult to set multiple types of screen orientations (normal directions). When multiple display devices are provided as in the system of the present invention, a configuration in which the screen orientations are different can be relatively easily realized. For example, it is also possible to provide displays on multiple faces of a dice-shaped case and have each display display different information. In this case, it becomes possible to switch the display information visible to the user by changing the orientation of the dice-shaped case.

[0024] In a system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the screen of at least one of the plurality of displays is substantially parallel to the screens of the other displays but is not flush with them and is positioned at a different position in the depth direction. In this case, it is possible to give the display a sense of depth. While the information that can be displayed on a screen is flat, two-dimensional information, by using multiple displays at different depth positions, it is possible to give the displayed information a sense of depth. For example, it is possible to control the display so that important information is displayed on the display in the foreground, and less important information is displayed on the display in the background. In this case, the user can intuitively recognize important information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of one side of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is another side view of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment, seen from the left. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment, seen from the right side. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bracket in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an OBD adapter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an assembly structure of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the touch screen sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the front frame in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing the front frame in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the case as seen from the front side in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rib provided on a case in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view of the radar detector before the touch screen sheet is attached in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radar detector according to the first embodiment with the front frame virtually removed. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for accommodating a rib into a slit hole of a substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the front frame to which the first substrate is screwed in the first embodiment. [Diagram 25] 4 is a front view showing the rear surface (case side surface) of the second substrate in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a case that accommodates a second substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure for accommodating a rib in a slit hole of a second substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for setting a standby screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a radarscope screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 31]FIG. 4 is a front view showing a clock screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a speed screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a front view showing an eco-driving screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an altitude screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an air pressure screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a positioning information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a satellite information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a display example of an OBD meter screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an OBD fuel consumption information screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of status icons displayed on the screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of target icons in the first embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dual-screen warning screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first one-screen warning screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen of a single-screen warning, part 2, in the first embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen without a warning screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an alarm operation when a radar wave is received in the first embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an increase in the tempo of an electronic sound (alarm sound) according to the reception level of a radar wave in the first embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an alarm operation when a target approaches in the first embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a left / right direction discrimination voice in the first embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a first warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a second warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a third warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Diagram 53] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth warning voice list in the first embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a setting menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an easy mode setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for changing an alarm mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the contents of each warning mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an alarm setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a screen and LED setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of an LED in the first embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of audio settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an audio output (alert voice) in the first embodiment. [Figure 63] An explanatory diagram of the distance-linked speed camera sonar sound specifications in Example 1. [Figure 64] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a system setting in the first embodiment. [Figure 65] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of OBD settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 70]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 71] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 72] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 73] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 74] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 75] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another radar detector in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. Example 1 This example is one aspect of the system, and is an example of a radar detector (device) 1 whose main function is to issue an alarm regarding traffic enforcement. This radar detector 1 is a device suitable for use on-board a vehicle. This radar detector 1 notifies various information that is useful when driving a vehicle, including monitoring information regarding traffic monitoring activities such as speed enforcement. The contents will be described in the following order with reference to Figs. 1 to 65.

[0027] 1.Shape 2. Structure 3. Electrical configuration 4.Basic operation 5. Standby screen 6. Warning screen 7.Alarm action 8. Various settings

[0028] ■ 1. Shape ■ As shown in Figs. 1 to 12, the radar detector 1 of this example has a horizontally long and wide case body (housing) 2, and is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle or the like via a bracket 28 (Figs. 9 to 12). This radar detector 1 can also be installed behind a sun visor or a rearview mirror, etc., by changing the bracket 28. The radar detector 1 can also be used with the bracket 28 removed. When the bracket 28 is removed, it is also possible to directly install the radar detector on the dashboard or the like by utilizing the adhesive power of double-sided tape or the like affixed to the bottom surface of the case body 2.

[0029] The front (front face) of the radar detector 1 is formed with a screen area 15A (FIG. 1) in which two 1.8-inch color screens 15L and 15R are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Above and below the boundary between the left and right screens 15L and 15R, label areas 210 on which the model number and model name of the radar detector 1 are printed are provided so as to intrude into the screen area 15A. On both sides of the screen area 15A as a display area, operation buttons (operation means) 24 forming an operation area (predetermined area) are arranged. On the right outer side of the right screen 15R as seen from the driver's side, a ▲ button 242, a ▼ button 244, and a MUTE (silence) button 248, which are volume adjustment buttons, are arranged. On the left outer side of the left screen 15L, a MEMO button 241 and a VIEW button 243 are arranged.

[0030] A card insertion port 251 is provided on the right side surface of the case body 2 when viewed from the driver's side for inserting a memory card 171 (FIG. 28) such as an SD card, which is a removable recording medium. A USB connector 252, a power switch 253, a mounting portion 258 for the bracket 28, etc. are provided on the lower back surface of the case body 2. A cigarette plug cord extending from the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, an OBD adapter (FIG. 13), a USB cable, etc. are connected to the USB connector 252. The radar detector 1 operates by receiving power supply via a cord connected to the USB connector 252.

[0031] The OBD adapter in FIG. 13 is a communications cable that connects to an OBD connector installed on the vehicle side in accordance with the OBD (On-board Diagnostics)-II (II is the Roman numeral "2"; hereafter referred to as "OBD") standard, which is a vehicle inspection standard. This OBD connector, also known as a fault diagnosis connector, is electrically extended from the vehicle ECU (not shown) and is capable of outputting various types of vehicle information. A connector that can be detachably attached to the vehicle's OBD connector is attached to the tip of the OBD adapter on the vehicle side.

[0032] ■ 2. Structure ■ 14, the radar detector 1 is configured by attaching a touch screen sheet 151 to the front surface of the front side of the case body 2 that houses the first and second boards 31, 32. The case body 2 has a two-part structure combining a front frame 21 on the front side and a case 22 on the rear side.

[0033] 14 and 15 is a horizontally long sheet disposed over nearly the entire width of the case body 2 in the left-right direction. A constricted shape 151D that protrudes upward or downward from the outer periphery toward the inner periphery is provided in the left-right middle portion of the touchscreen sheet 151 (FIG. 15), forming a narrow portion that is narrow in the up-down direction. The touchscreen sheet 151 provided with this narrow portion has an overall shape like glasses.

[0034] In the touch screen sheet 151, touch areas (detection areas) 151S are formed in two vertical rows on the left and right sides of the screens 15L and 15R, respectively. Note that instead of the configuration of this example, a touch area may be provided in the middle of the two rows of touch areas 151S on the left and right. If three rows of touch areas are provided on the screen 15 in this way, for example, it becomes possible to detect a touch operation in which the touch position moves from the right touch area to the left side via the center, enabling a so-called flick operation.

[0035] At both ends of the touch screen sheet 151, watermarks 151V such as letters like "MEMO" or triangular shapes (▲ and ▼) are provided at positions corresponding to the operation buttons 24 (FIG. 1). The watermarks 151V of the touch screen sheet 151 transmit light from the white LEDs (illumination means) 137 housed inside, making it possible to clearly indicate the operation areas of the operation buttons 24.

[0036] 16 and 17 has a shape similar to that of a frame with an opening 218. The opening 218 is an opening for arranging two liquid crystal displays (displays) 152L, R mounted on the first substrate 31. Through holes 29 are drilled in the frame portion of the front frame 21 at positions corresponding to each of the operation buttons 24. Note that the through hole 29 on the left side as viewed from the front side is missing one side surface in the circumferential direction, making it an incomplete hole that communicates with the opening 218.

[0037] A shallow recess 210A that matches the sheet shape of the touch panel 151 is formed on the outer surface that contacts the front side. The bottom surface of this shallow recess 210A is approximately flush with the surfaces of the liquid crystal displays 152L, R in the assembled state. The touch screen sheet 151 is attached to the recess 210A in a state where it fits along the surfaces of the liquid crystal displays 152L, R.

[0038] On the top and bottom of the front surface of the front frame 21, label areas 210 are formed that protrude from the outer periphery toward the opening 218. The upper label area 210 is formed so as to protrude downward in the vertical direction, and the lower label area 210 is formed so as to protrude upward in the vertical direction. Each label area 210 is formed so as to be raised higher than the bottom surface of the recessed portion 210A by the thickness of the touch screen sheet 151. In the assembled state where the touch screen sheet 151 is attached to the front frame 21, the combination of the label areas 210 protruding from the vertical direction and the glossy touch screen sheet 151 forms a front appearance like glasses.

[0039] The label area 210 of the front frame 21 matches the constricted shape 151D (FIG. 15) of the touch panel 151 described above, and serves as a positioning shape when attaching the touch screen sheet 151. In the radar detector 1 of this example, the positioning shape is located in the middle part in the left-right direction of the case body 2, so there is no need to start attaching the touch screen sheet 151 from either the left or right end side. For example, it is possible to start attaching it from either the top or bottom.

[0040] If there is a misalignment in the angle of the touchscreen sheet 151 when starting to attach the touchscreen sheet 151 from either the left or right end, the misalignment will increase as it moves toward the opposite end, and there is a risk of a very large misalignment occurring at the end of attachment. On the other hand, if the positioning shape is provided in the middle part in the left-right direction, it is possible to start attaching the touchscreen sheet 151 from, for example, about the middle in the left-right direction and continue attaching it to both the left and right sides.

[0041] If the touch screen sheet 151 is attached starting from the middle on both the left and right sides, the distance from the start of attachment to the end of attachment is approximately half, so misalignment at the left and right ends is reduced. It is also possible to start attaching the touch screen sheet 151 in the vertical direction from either the top or bottom side, for example. Since the width of the touch screen sheet 151 in the vertical direction is narrow, for example, even if some angle misalignment occurs when attachment is started from the top side, there is little risk of a large misalignment occurring at the bottom side.

[0042] On the back side of the front frame 21 (see FIG. 17), screw posts 213 are erected at the four corners, and screw holes 211 are drilled in two places each at the top and bottom. A seat portion that abuts against the first board 31 is formed on the outer periphery of the screw holes 211. A cylindrical portion is extended from the through holes 29 corresponding to each operation button 24, and its end face is flush with the seat portion of the screw hole 211 so that it can abut against the first board 31.

[0043] The outer periphery of the screw support 213 is provided with a seat 213A extending linearly in the radial direction. This seat 213A is formed at a circumferential position corresponding to the outer periphery of the front frame 21 in the up-down direction and at a circumferential position corresponding to the outer periphery of the front frame 21 in the left-right direction. For example, the lower right screw support 213 (see FIG. 17) when viewing the front frame 21 from the back side is provided with a seat 213A extending downward and a seat 213A extending to the right. This seat 213A is formed to be lower in height than the screw support 213, and the difference in height is approximately the same as the thickness of the second substrate 32 (slightly smaller than the thickness of the substrate 32).

[0044] 18 is a bottomed member that is screwed to the front frame 21. A switch hole 253H, a USB connector hole 252H, etc. are drilled in the bottom surface of the case 22. Support posts 221 with through holes are provided at the four corners on the inside of the case 22.

[0045] An end face of the support pillar 221 forms a seat that abuts against the second board 32. In addition, a cylindrical portion and a seat (hereinafter referred to as the cylindrical portion, etc.) are provided in each hole such as the speaker hole 254, the switch hole 253H, the USB connector hole 252H, etc. Furthermore, a seat 226 is provided on the upper inside of the case 22. The support pillar 221, the cylindrical portion, etc., and the seat 226 are formed at the same height so as to be substantially flush with each other. In the assembled state, the support pillar 221, the cylindrical portion, etc., and the seat 226 abut against the second board 32.

[0046] The case 22 has two ribs 222, 223 on each of the top, bottom, left and right inner peripheral side surfaces for supporting the first and second substrates 31, 32. Each rib 222, 223 is erected on the bottom surface while being connected to the inner peripheral side surface of the case 22. As will be described in detail later, the ribs 222 on both the left and right sides are received in slit holes 312, 322 provided on the outer periphery of the substrates 31, 32 (FIGS. 20 and 25). The upper and lower ribs 223 are received in slit holes 313, 323 provided on the outer periphery of the substrates 31, 32.

[0047] The left and right ribs 222 have a constant cross-sectional shape in the depth direction of the case 22. On the other hand, of the upper and lower ribs 223, the three ribs 223 at the upper left, upper right, and lower left (Fig. 18) have staggered end faces on the opening side, with the height from the bottom surface being lower on the inner periphery side (see Fig. 19). The lower end face forming a shelf surface is the abutment surface against the first board 31 in the assembled state. The rib 223Z located at the lower right (Fig. 18) has a constant cross-sectional shape in the depth direction of the case 22, and does not form a shelf surface.

[0048] In the following description, the end face of rib 223 on the opening side is formed in a stepped shape and the protruding width at the tip is narrowed, and the base side portion is referred to as rib main body portion 223B, and the portion with the narrow protruding width at the tip is referred to as rib tip portion 223A.

[0049] The first substrate 31 in Fig. 20 is a double-sided mounting substrate. Liquid crystal displays 152L, R are mounted on the mounting surface (see Fig. 20) on the front frame 21 side (front side) of the first substrate 31. A memory card reader 17 (see Fig. 24) is mounted on the mounting surface on the back side facing the second substrate 32. Two notches 319 are provided on the underside of the first substrate 31, and connectors 319C for connecting control cables (flexible flat cables) of the liquid crystal displays 152L, R are attached facing the notches 319.

[0050] On the surface of the substrate 31 on which the liquid crystal displays 152L, R are mounted, an operation unit 315 including a capacitive touch sensor 315A and a white LED 315B (FIG. 28) is disposed at each position corresponding to the operation buttons 24. In the assembled state, as described above, the cylindrical portion of the through hole 29 of the front frame 21 abuts against the first substrate 31, and the operation unit 315 is located inside this cylindrical portion (FIG. 21).

[0051] The white LEDs 315B are lighting means that illuminate the operation area of ​​the operation button 24 from the back side. The light of the white LEDs 315B passes through the watermark 151V (see FIG. 15) of the touch screen sheet 151 to clearly indicate the operation area. Each white LED 315B can be controlled to change the brightness of the illumination. Note that a multi-color LED can be used instead of the white LEDs 315B. If a multi-color LED is used, it becomes possible to control the color in addition to changing the brightness.

[0052] A proximity sensor (detection sensor, electronic component) 125 (not shown) for detecting a human body such as a hand is disposed in the gap 152S between the left and right liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R. This proximity sensor 125 is used to detect a hand-waving operation over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1) in which the screens 15L and 15R are disposed. The proximity sensor 125 is illustrated in FIG. 28, but is omitted in FIG. 20. In this example, the proximity sensor 125 is disposed in the gap 152S, but instead of or in addition to this, electronic components such as LEDs can be disposed. If a physical gap 152S is formed at the boundary between the two liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, it becomes possible to dispose wiring for transmitting various signals and electronic components in the middle of the screen area 15A (FIG. 1).

[0053] Slit holes 312, 313 for accommodating ribs 222, 223 (FIGS. 18 and 19) of case 22 are formed on the outer periphery of first substrate 31 (FIG. 20). These slit holes 312, 313 are incomplete holes that open to the outer periphery of substrate 31. Slit holes 313 provided on the top and bottom of substrate 31 are provided at positions corresponding to ribs 223 of case 22, and are formed to accommodate rib tip portions 223A located on the tip side of each rib 223 (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

[0054] The extension width of the slit hole 313 from the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 31 is set narrow enough not to accommodate the rib main body 223B. In the assembled state, the shelf surface between the rib tip 223A and the rib main body 223B abuts against the first substrate 31. Since the cutout portion 319 is provided at a position on the outer peripheral shape of the first substrate 31 corresponding to the rib 223Z of the case 22, no structure for accommodating the rib 223 is formed.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 24, the first board 31 is fixed to the front frame 21 with screws. Notches 318 (Fig. 20) are provided at the four corners of the screwed first board 31. These notches 318 are shaped to avoid interference with the screw posts 213 and seat 213A of the front frame 21. The first board 31 having these notches 318 is screwed in a state in which it abuts against the seat of the screw hole 211 (Fig. 17) and the end face of the tube extending from the through hole 29 (Fig. 17) corresponding to each operation button 24.

[0056] In addition, because the first board 31 is screwed to the front frame 21, it is not possible to remove only the front frame 21 while leaving behind the first board 31. In order to explain the housing structure for the board 31, Figures 22 and 23 are virtual diagrams showing the state in which only the front frame 21 has been removed while leaving behind the first board 31.

[0057] The second board 32 (FIG. 25) on the rear side is a board on which a one-chip microcomputer (not shown), a USB connector 328, a speaker 16, an RF module (wireless module) 321, a GPS module 325, a power switch 253, etc. are mounted. The electronic components other than the one-chip microcomputer are mounted on the mounting surface shown in FIG. 25, and the one-chip microcomputer (not shown) is mounted on the mounting surface on the rear side. The second board 32 is electrically connected to the first board 31 via a control cable (not shown). The control cables between the first board 31 and the second board 32 include two control cables that are connected to the connector 319C (FIG. 20) of the first board 31 extended from the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R.

[0058] The one-chip microcomputer is an electronic component that integrates a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like into a single chip. In particular, the one-chip microcomputer of this example has a control function for the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, and is an electronic component that is shared between the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R. The mounting position of the one-chip microcomputer on the second substrate 32 is inside the area where the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R of the first substrate 31 are projected onto the second substrate 32 in the thickness direction of the case body 2. Bus lines for transferring display data and the like to the liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R are laid on both the left and right sides of the one-chip microcomputer. It is also possible to place the one-chip microcomputer at a position intermediate between the two connectors 319C (FIG. 20) of the first substrate 31. In this case, the lengths of the electrical paths from the one-chip microcomputer to the connectors 319C are made close to the same distance, thereby suppressing adverse effects due to differences in electrical delay times.

[0059] The RF module 321 is a wireless module that houses a microwave receiver 122 (FIG. 28) that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from a speed measurement device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as radar), and a wireless receiver 123 (FIG. 28) that receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The RF module 321 is provided with an antenna for receiving radio waves, a detection circuit, and the like. The GPS module 325 is a module that houses a GPS receiver 121 (FIG. 28) that receives GPS radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current position information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc.

[0060] An RF module 321 housing the microwave receiver 122 and the wireless receiver 123, and a GPS module 325 housing the GPS receiver 121 are built into the case body 2 so as to be located on the rear side of the radar detector 1. Such a built-in position is suitable for receiving radio waves and the like coming from the front of the vehicle.

[0061] In the radar detector 1, the RF module 321, which is covered with a metal housing to reduce noise, is disposed in a position overlapping the gap 152S (see FIG. 20) between the two left and right liquid crystal displays 152L, R in the thickness direction (normal direction of the screen) of the case body 2. By disposing the RF module 321, which is a heavy object, so as to overlap the gap 152S between the liquid crystal displays 152L, R, the center of gravity is positioned near the center in the left-right direction of the case body 2, and a good weight balance can be achieved when the case body 2 is supported by the bracket 28. By achieving such a weight balance, the weight of the case body 2 can be supported reliably by the bracket 28, and shaking of the case body 2 in response to vehicle vibrations, etc. can be suppressed.

[0062] At the four corners of the second board 32, through holes 326 are drilled for passing the screw posts 213 (FIG. 17) of the front frame 21 through. The through holes 326 are formed to have a smaller diameter than the posts 221 (FIG. 18) of the case 22. In the assembled state, the second board 32 is supported in a state of abutment against the end faces of the posts 221 of the case 22 (FIG. 18), the end faces of the tubes of the holes such as the switch hole 253H, and the seat 226. On the other hand, from the front frame 21 side, the seat 213A (FIG. 17) provided on the outer periphery of the screw posts 213 abuts against the second board 32. In the assembled state, the second board 32 is fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the case 22 and the front frame 21 in this manner.

[0063] Slit holes 322, 323 for accommodating the ribs 222, 223 of the case 22 are formed on the outer periphery of the second substrate 32. The slit holes 322, 323 are incomplete through holes that open to the outer periphery of the substrate 32. The slit holes 323 are provided at positions corresponding to the ribs 223 provided on the top and bottom of the case 22, respectively, and are formed to accommodate the rib main body portions 223B of the respective ribs 223 (FIGS. 26 and 27).

[0064] ■ 3. Electrical configuration ■ 28, the radar detector 1 is electrically configured with a control unit (control means) 10 as the center. The control unit 10 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver 121, a microwave receiver 122, a wireless receiver 123, an air pressure sensor 128, a clock unit 129, a proximity sensor 125, a touch screen sheet 151, liquid crystal displays 152L and 152R, a touch sensor 315A, a white LED 315B, a speaker 16, a memory card reader 17, etc. Furthermore, the radar detector 1 is provided with a database 100 accessible from the control unit 10.

[0065] The GPS receiver 121 is a receiver that receives GPS radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current position information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. The control unit 10 that acquires the current position information from the GPS receiver 121 can calculate the speed of the vehicle based on the fluctuation of the current position.

[0066] Microwave receiver 122 is a receiver that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from a speed measurement device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as radar). In microwave receiver 122, five levels of microwave field strength are set, from L (reception level) 1 to L5, from lowest to highest. The wireless receiver 123 is a receiver that receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The wireless receiver 123 in this embodiment can be selectively set to one of a plurality of frequencies so as to be compatible with various types of wireless radio waves.

[0067] The clock unit 129 is a clock that outputs calendar information. The calendar information includes data representing the date, the day of the week, and the current time. The control unit 10 uses the current time acquired from the GPS receiver 121 to calibrate the current time (including the date and time) of the clock unit 129 once a day.

[0068] The speaker 16 is mounted inside the case body 2 so as to be able to output sound and the like through a speaker hole 254 that opens on the rear side of the case body 2 . The memory card reader 17 reads data recorded in the memory card 171 and transfers it to the control unit 10. The memory card reader 17 has the memory card 171 inserted into the card insertion slot 251 attached thereto.

[0069] The control unit 10 is configured by a microcomputer (not shown) including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, an I / O, and the like. The ROM stores software programs to be executed by the CPU, etc. The control unit 10 executes these programs to realize various functions. The storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM is provided with storage areas for storing various setting information such as alarm settings and screen settings.

[0070] The database 100 is composed of a non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 10 or external to the microcomputer. In the database 100 at the time of product shipment, POI data of targets (GPS targets) including location information such as the implementation points of traffic monitoring activities to be alerted and the locations of various facilities and tourist spots, regulation information such as speed limits, illustration data of illustrations showing the types of traffic monitoring activities, various audio data (record data) such as alert voices, etc. are stored. In the database 100, the POI data of targets is stored in a state in which the illustration data, audio data, etc. are associated with each other.

[0071] The data stored in the database 100 can be updated using a memory card 171. When the memory card 171 storing update data such as POI data and audio data is inserted into the memory card reader 17, the update data is read out under the control of the control unit 10, and the data in the database 100 can be updated. It is also possible to update the database 100 by connecting a PC having update data stored on a hard disk or the like via USB.

[0072] ■ 4.Basic operation ■ The radar detector 1 realizes various functions by having the CPU execute software programs read from the ROM. The functions of this radar detector 1 include a current information display function, a GPS log function, an alarm function that issues various alarms, an OBD function, a setting function, a registration function, etc. The alarm functions include functions that are common to radar detectors, such as a GPS alarm function, an RD alarm function, and a wireless alarm function. The means for realizing these functions are formed in the control unit 10.

[0073] The current information display function is a function that displays current information by displaying a preset standby screen on the screen 15. Current information includes various types of information such as position information of surrounding targets (monitoring position information), time information, tide information, various types of vehicle information such as vehicle speed, fuel efficiency information, eco-driving information, satellite information, and altitude information. The current information to be displayed can be selectively set by selecting a standby screen. Setting of the standby screen is realized by a setting function described later.

[0074] The OBD function is a function for acquiring vehicle information. This OBD function only works when the radar detector 1 is connected to the vehicle via an OBD adapter (Fig. 13) that is connected to the vehicle's OBD connector. If the radar detector 1 is connected to the vehicle using the OBD adapter, various vehicle information can be acquired every 0.5 seconds. Examples of vehicle information that can be obtained from the vehicle include speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, outside air temperature, maximum outside air temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption on ordinary roads, average fuel consumption on expressways, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h minimum acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h Vehicle data includes average acceleration, minimum acceleration from 0-40km / h, acceleration time from 0-60km / h, average acceleration from 0-60km / h, minimum acceleration from 0-60km / h, acceleration time from 0-80km / h, average acceleration from 0-80km / h, minimum acceleration from 0-80km / h, driving time from 0-20km / h, driving time from 20-40km / h, driving time from 40-60km / h, driving time from 60-80km / h, driving time over 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, lifetime engine mileage ratio, etc.

[0075] The GPS log function is a function that stores the current position output from the GPS receiver 121 every second as a position history in the database 100. This position history is recorded in, for example, the NMEA format. The time and speed (vehicle speed) at which the control unit 10 detected the current position are associated with the current position that is stored. The registration function is a function for a driver, who is a user, to register personal locations (my points) and areas (my areas), and is executed by a registration means realized in the control unit 10 as software.

[0076] The GPS warning function warns of approaching an object to be warned, such as an automatic speed violation enforcement device (ORBIS). In the GPS warning function, a calculation process is repeatedly performed at a specified time interval (for example, 1 second) to calculate the distance between the location of the object to be warned (implementation point) and the current location. When this distance reaches a specified approach distance and an event called approach to the warning point occurs, a GPS warning to that effect is executed.

[0077] The targets of the GPS warning function include speed cameras, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, red light ignoring prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas with high rates of vehicle theft, sharp curves, junctions, ETC lanes, etc. Warning targets may also include locations of drowsy driving accidents, radar, speed limit change points, etc.

[0078] Targets other than those that are subject to warning by the GPS warning function include service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations in PAs / SAs (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio receiving areas (expressways), prefectural borders, roadside stations, viewpoint parking, etc. In the radar detector 1 of this example, the user can register or cancel any location as My Area by performing a specific operation. Locations registered as My Area are treated as targets, and a notification is issued when the user approaches.

[0079] The RD warning function is a function that warns of the reception of radar waves (microwaves) emitted from a radar-type enforcement device. When an event occurs in which the microwave receiver 122 receives radar waves (hereinafter referred to as RD reception), an RD warning is issued to indicate this.

[0080] The wireless warning function is a function that issues a warning so as not to interfere with the driving of emergency vehicles, etc. When an event occurs in which a wireless signal emitted by an emergency vehicle, etc. (hereinafter referred to as wireless reception) is received, a wireless warning is issued to alert the driver. The targets of the warning include police radio, car location radio, digital radio, special low-power radio, police station radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter radio, fire helicopter radio, fire radio, emergency radio, highway radio, security radio, etc.

[0081] The setting function is a function for making various settings related to the radar detector 1. The settings include standby settings related to the standby screen, mode settings, alarm settings related to alarm operations, screen and LED settings related to the screen 15 and the white LED 315B (operation button 24), audio settings, system settings, OBD settings, etc. The contents of each setting will be explained in detail later.

[0082] Next, the basic operation of the radar detector 1 will be described. When the power supply is started in response to the vehicle ignition being switched on, the control unit 10 first displays an opening animation (not shown), and then displays a positioning information screen (not shown) until the current position can be determined by receiving GPS radio waves from a GPS satellite.

[0083] When it becomes possible to determine the current position, the control unit 10 outputs a voice message saying "Location has been determined" and switches the display screens 15L and 15R to a predetermined standby screen. Note that in the radar detector 1, the left and right screens 15L and 15R can each be set to a desired standby screen by performing a setting operation described later.

[0084] In a standby state where no events that are subject to warning, such as RD reception, wireless reception, or approach to a warning point, are occurring, the control unit 10 displays a standby screen on the left and right screens 15L, R. When any of the events of approach to a warning point, RD reception, or wireless reception occurs in the standby state, the control unit 10 executes a process to execute the corresponding function among the GPS warning function, RD warning function, and wireless warning function, and displays a warning screen on the screens 15L, R. Note that when two or more events occur simultaneously, the priority of each function is, from highest to lowest, the RD warning function, the wireless warning function, and the GPS warning function. Furthermore, when the vehicle ignition is switched on or when an alarm operation is executed, the control unit 10 causes the white LEDs 315B built into each operation button 24 to execute various light emitting operations (described later).

[0085] ■ 5. Standby screen ■ In the radar detector 1, the standby screen of the screen 15 that is touched can be changed by touching the left or right touch area 151S (FIG. 29) of each screen 15L, R. When the control unit 10 detects a touch operation on any of the screens 15, it changes the standby screen of that screen 15 in accordance with the circular arrangement order as shown in FIG. 29. When the left touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed counterclockwise in the circular arrangement order, and when the right touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed clockwise in the circular arrangement order.

[0086] For example, in the case of a screen 15 in which a clock screen is set as a standby screen, when the left touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed to the adjacent calendar screen on the left, and when the right touch area 151S is touched, the standby screen is changed to the adjacent speed screen on the right.

[0087] Each standby screen in FIG. 29 can be set on either the left or right screen 15L, R. For example, it is possible to set the same standby screen on the left and right screens 15L, R. When the same display screen is displayed on the left and right screens 15L, R, when sunlight falls on the screen area and one of the screens 15 is difficult to see, it is possible to view the screen 15 that is easier to see. Since the left screen 15L is located close to the passenger seat in a right-hand drive vehicle, it is also good to display the same display screen on the left and right screens 15L, R when there is a passenger.

[0088] Next, the specifications of each display screen that can be set as the standby screen will be described. (1) Radarscope screen The radarscope screen in Fig. 30 is a display screen that conceptually shows information (monitoring position information) indicating the positional relationship with the current position when approaching a target registered in the radar detector 1. The radarscope screen displays a scope surface corresponding to the surrounding area of ​​the current position, and a target icon indicating the location where traffic monitoring activities are being carried out, and the vehicle icon indicating the current position are plotted on the scope surface. The upper section displays target information, which is text information on the type of target, and the distance to the target. The current driving speed (vehicle speed) is displayed on the lower left, and the speed limit is displayed above the display field.

[0089] In the case of the radar scope screen on the right, 15R, the current time is displayed on the bottom right. The color (text color) of the speed display changes depending on whether the vehicle is speeding or not, and when the vehicle is speeding the text turns red.

[0090] In addition, when a radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15 and a standby screen other than the radarscope screen is displayed on the other screen 15, it is also possible to omit display of target information, etc. on the radarscope screen and display a telop (e.g., reference numeral 41 in FIG. 42) containing target information on the other standby screen. In this case, a wide display area for the scope surface can be secured and the radarscope screen can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0091] (2) Clock screen The clock screen in Fig. 31 is a display screen that displays the current time. In the case of the right screen 15R, the speed is displayed at the bottom of the clock screen. However, if GPS positioning is not performed, the speed is not displayed. The control unit 10 adjusts the time displayed on the clock screen.

[0092] (3) Speed ​​screen The speed screen in FIG. 32 is a display screen that displays the vehicle speed. In the case of the right screen 15R, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the speed screen. To the right of the display field that displays the speed numerically, a vertical segment display that indicates the degree of speed is arranged. As the speed increases, the control unit 10 increases the number of segments displayed in this segment display. Note that since the control unit 10 calculates the speed using GPS radio waves, the speed display becomes 0 km / h in places such as tunnels where GPS radio waves cannot be received.

[0093] (4) Eco-driving screen The eco-driving screen in FIG. 33 is a display screen that displays eco-points, which are an index of the degree of achievement of fuel-efficient driving. The control unit 10 calculates the eco-points from sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, idling time, economical speed, and the like. A speed display field is located to the right of the eco-point display field. This speed becomes 0km / h when GPS positioning is not performed. In the case of the right screen 15R, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the eco-driving screen. The control unit 10 calculates the eco-points using GPS radio waves.

[0094] (5) Altitude screen The altitude screen in Fig. 34 is a display screen that displays the altitude of the vehicle. The control unit 10 displays the change in altitude in a graph. In the case of the screen 15R on the right, a clock is displayed at the bottom of the altitude screen. The control unit 10 calculates the altitude using GPS signals, so in places such as tunnels where GPS signals cannot be received, the altitude display is fixed to the previous value.

[0095] (6) Barometric pressure screen The atmospheric pressure screen in Fig. 35 is a display screen that displays the current atmospheric pressure. The control unit 10 displays the past changes in atmospheric pressure in a graph together with the current atmospheric pressure value.

[0096] (7) Positioning information screen The positioning information screen in Fig. 36 is a display screen that displays the reception status of GPS radio waves. The control unit 10 displays the satellite number and reception level for the satellite from which the GPS radio waves are being received. The satellite number is a number assigned to each satellite.

[0097] (8)Satellite information screen The satellite information screen in Fig. 37 is a display screen that displays information about satellites being received. The control unit 10 displays the satellite number, type (GPS, QZSS (Michibiki), SBAS, GLONASS), elevation angle (Elev.), and azimuth angle (Azim.). The control unit 10 periodically switches the display screen to display the satellites in order.

[0098] (9) OBD meter screen The OBD meter screen in FIG. 38 is a display screen that displays vehicle information acquired via the OBD adapter (FIG. 13). The OBD meter screen can be selected when the OBD adapter is connected. For example, when the OBD adapter is connected, the OBD meter screen is displayed when the touch area 151S on the left of the screen 15 that displays the satellite information screen is touched, whereas when the OBD adapter is not connected, the OBD meter screen and the next OBD fuel consumption information screen are skipped without being displayed. Examples of vehicle information that can be selectively displayed on the OBD meter screen include vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load, throttle opening, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake temperature, outside air temperature, engine oil temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, and current fuel consumption, as shown in FIG. 38.

[0099] (10) OBD fuel economy information screen The OBD fuel efficiency information screen in FIG. 39 is a display screen that displays the instantaneous fuel efficiency and average fuel efficiency calculated by the control unit 10 using vehicle information. Since the vehicle information is acquired via the OBD adapter, when the OBD adapter is not connected, the display is not switched, as with the OBD meter screen. On the OBD fuel efficiency information screen, two types of fuel efficiency are displayed in two rows, one above the other. On each row, a numerical display of fuel efficiency and a segment display of the degree of fuel efficiency are arranged above and below. Combinations of the two types of fuel efficiency include a combination of instantaneous fuel efficiency and average fuel efficiency, a combination of instantaneous fuel efficiency and current fuel efficiency, and a combination of current fuel efficiency and average fuel efficiency. In addition to the above, the standby screen also includes a calendar screen that displays the date, etc., and an OFF screen that makes the screen 15 completely black (Figure 29).

[0100] The control unit 10 displays various status icons, as shown in Fig. 40, at the bottom of the standby screen. The control unit 10 normally displays the status icons on the left screen 15L. However, when the left screen 15L is a radar scope screen, an OBD meter screen, or an OFF screen, the status icons are displayed on the right screen 15R. When both the left and right screens 15L and 15R are either a radar scope screen or an OBD meter screen, the status icons are not displayed.

[0101] The target icons displayed by the control unit 10 on the radarscope screen include the icons shown in Fig. 41. The display color of each target icon varies according to the level of attention (degree of necessity for notification), with the level of attention increasing in the order of green → blue → yellow → red. The allocation of the levels of attention is predefined according to the type (content) of the traffic monitoring activity related to the target.

[0102] In addition, in some standby screens, the text display color can be selected from six pre-prepared colors. Furthermore, it is possible to set the standby screen to automatically switch between the different screens at regular intervals (for example, every minute).

[0103] ■ 6. Warning screen ■ In the radar detector 1, the control unit 10 can set the display pattern of the warning screen that is displayed when a warning occurs. When the VIEW button 243 is pressed and held while the standby screen is displayed, the control unit 10 switches to displaying the warning screen. The warning screen display patterns include a dual-screen warning, a single-screen warning 1, a single-screen warning 2, and no warning screen. Note that in each display pattern, it is also possible to switch the left and right screens 15L and R and display them interchangeably.

[0104] (1) Two-screen warning The dual-screen warning display pattern, as shown in Fig. 42, simultaneously displays a radar scope screen that displays the positional relationship between the vehicle's position and the target, and a notification panel screen that notifies the target type and distance to the target. On the notification panel screen, a caption (text information) 41 that displays the target type (monitoring type information) and distance in text is displayed at the top, and an illustration 42 that represents the target type is displayed in the center. Furthermore, the time is displayed at the bottom right. The illustration 42 is displayed based on illustration data stored in the database 100.

[0105] There are three methods for displaying the dual-screen warning display pattern. The first method is to display it by pressing and holding the VIEW button 243. The second method is to select "Radar Scope" for the left screen 15L, and set "Display Switching Distance -> No Switching" and "Target Information -> Notification Panel" for the right screen 15R. Here, for example, " " in "Display Switching Distance -> No Switching" indicates the setting items in the radar detector 1. The third display method is to set "Radar Scope" for the left screen 15L, and set "Display Switching Distance -> Set Distance" and "Target Information -> Notification Panel" for the right screen 15R. In this method, the display pattern switches to the dual-screen warning when the distance between the vehicle and the target reaches the distance set in the display switching distance.

[0106] In the dual screen warning, a radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15, while a notification panel screen is displayed on the other screen 15. For example, other radar detectors with only one screen need to use part of the radarscope screen to display target information such as the target type and distance. With the dual screen warning, target information can be displayed separately from the radarscope screen. With this type of display specification, a wide display area for the scope surface on the radarscope screen can be secured, making it easier to grasp the target position and making the display of target information much easier to understand.

[0107] (2) One-screen warning number 1 The display pattern of this single screen warning no. 1 is set to display a radar scope screen that displays the vehicle position and the target position, and a caption 41 that notifies the type and distance of the target at the top of the standby screen, as shown in Fig. 43. In the radar detector 1 of this example, the display pattern of the single screen warning no. 1, in which a clock screen is set as the standby screen, is the initial setting.

[0108] There are two methods for displaying the display pattern of the one-screen warning No. 1. The first method is to set "radar scope" for the left screen 15L, and to set "display switching distance -> no switching" and "target information -> caption" for the right screen 15R. The second method is to set "radar scope" for the left screen 15L, and to set "display switching distance -> set distance" and "target information -> caption" for the right screen 15R. In this method, when the distance between the vehicle and the target reaches the distance set in the display switching distance, a warning screen like that shown in FIG. 43 is switched to and displayed. Note that it is possible to selectively set whether the caption 41 is displayed on the left or right screen 15L, R by a user operation.

[0109] (3) One-screen warning No. 2 The display pattern of this single screen warning No. 2 is a display pattern in which the left screen 15L displays the standby screen, and when an alarm occurs, the right screen 15R displays the notification panel screen, as shown in Figure 44. This single screen warning No. 2 can be displayed by setting a standby screen other than the radar scope screen to the left screen 15L, and setting "Display switching distance -> No switching" and "Target information -> Notification panel" for the right screen 15R. Note that it is possible to set whether the notification panel screen is displayed on the left or right screen 15L,R in the "Notification display" setting item.

[0110] (4) No warning screen A display pattern without a warning screen, as shown in Fig. 45, displays a standby screen on both the left and right screens 15L,R, and when an alarm occurs, only the caption 41 is displayed on one of the left or right screens 15 (the right screen 15R is shown as an example). A display pattern without a warning screen can be displayed by setting a standby screen other than the radarscope screen for both the left and right screens 15L,R, and setting "Display switching distance -> No switching" and "Target information -> Caption" for the right screen 15R. It can be set by "Notification display" which screen 15 the caption 41 is displayed on.

[0111] ■ 7.Alarm action ■ (1) Alarm operation when receiving surveillance radio waves When the control unit 10 receives radar waves, stealth waves, or other enforcement radio waves, it executes an alarm operation such as displaying a warning screen on the screen 15 and outputting an alarm sound. FIG. 46 shows an example of an alarm using the left screen 15L in which the radarscope screen is set as the standby screen. The control unit 10 executes a dual alarm that issues an alarm using both sound (electronic sound / alarm voice) and screen display. The control unit 10 changes the scope surface of the radarscope screen to red, and displays a telop 41 indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity at the top of the radarscope screen. This telop 41 includes an indication of the reception level of the radio waves such as radar waves (e.g., L5).

[0112] When a specific mute operation is performed during an alarm, the control unit 10 executes control to temporarily mute the alarm sound until the radar waves being received are no longer received. Mute operations include a hand-waving operation of waving a hand over the screen area 15A (FIG. 1) for a certain period of time (one second) and a long press of the MUTE button 248. Also, when radar waves are received for approximately 30 seconds or more, the control unit 10 executes control to automatically reduce the volume of the alarm sound. In addition, as shown in Figure 47, when an alarm is issued upon receiving enforcement radar waves, the control unit 10 executes control to increase the tempo of the electronic sound in response to the change (L1 → L5) in the reception level (radio wave intensity) that accompanies the approach to the source of the radar waves.

[0113] (2) Alarm operation when target approaches When the distance between the vehicle and the target becomes small (when the vehicle approaches the target), the control unit 10 displays a telop 41 indicating target information and distance in text on the upper part of the screen 15 as shown in FIG.

[0114] Figure (a) is an example when "Display caption" is set for the clock screen set as the standby screen. Figure (b) is an example when "Display caption" is set for the radarscope screen. Note that the time is not displayed on the radarscope screen on the left screen 15L, but the time is displayed in the bottom right corner on the radarscope screen on the right screen 15R. Figure (c) shows the change in background color of screen 15 controlled by control unit 10 according to the level of attention of the alarm. Figure (d) is an example when "Display caption" is set on the notification panel screen.

[0115] (3) Warning voice When outputting an alarm voice for a target located approximately 25° or more to the right or left of the traveling direction (see FIG. 49), the control unit 10 executes control to add the phrase "left direction" or "right direction" to notify the direction (azimuth of the implementation point). The voices "right direction" and "left direction" refer to the direction of the target at the time of notification. Note that if the distance to the target is very close, the phrase to identify the left or right direction may not be added. Here, " " refers to the audio output of the alarm voice.

[0116] The warning voice is output at each timing shown in Figure 50 to Figure 53. In Figure 50, a warning voice about an Orbis (speed violation enforcement) is shown in the upper part, and a warning voice about a speed enforcement area is shown in the lower part. For example, in the case of an speed camera warning voice, stages are set: 2 km ahead (expressways only), 1 km ahead, 500 m ahead, immediately ahead, and passed, and a warning voice is output for each stage under the control of the control unit 10. At each stage up to 500 m ahead, a distance such as "2 km ahead" is output as a voice. Furthermore, at 1 km ahead, in addition to the voice output of the distance, a warning voice is output notifying the speed limit or speeding, and at 500 m ahead, a warning voice is output notifying the camera position. If the speed is exceeded immediately ahead, the control unit 10 executes control to output a warning voice notifying of speeding in addition to a notification of the immediately ahead driving speed.

[0117] For example, in the case of a warning voice for a control area, the following stages are set: 1 km ahead, entering the area, and leaving the area, and a warning voice is output for each stage under the control of the control unit 10. At the stage of 1 km ahead, a warning voice is also output indicating whether the area is on the left or right. When a display screen other than the radarscope screen is being displayed, the control unit 10 displays an icon (see FIG. 40) corresponding to the control / checkpoint area at the bottom of the display screen.

[0118] The audio output (speech) of the warning voice and the like can be muted (silenced) by waving a hand over the screen area 15A (Fig. 1). When the proximity sensor 125 arranged in the gap 152S (Fig. 20) between the left and right liquid crystal displays 152L, R detects a human body and the duration of the detection state reaches one second, the control unit 10 controls to mute the audio output so that it is not output. If a threshold value such as one second is set for the duration of the detection state, there is little risk of erroneously detecting the movement of the driver's hands when, for example, they have taken their hands off the steering wheel to operate an audio device or the like.

[0119] ■ 8. Various settings ■ The radar detector 1 is provided with a number of different operating specifications, and the user can set the desired operating specifications through operation on the user side. The setting method will be described below. When the MUTE button 248 is pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 10 executes control to display a setting menu. The left diagram in Fig. 54 illustrates the items in the setting menu, and the right diagram is an example of a display screen during a selection operation of the setting menu.

[0120] The setting menus include (1) easy mode setting, (2) mode setting, (3) alarm setting, (4) screen / LED setting, (5) audio setting, (6) system setting, and (7) OBD setting, as well as a menu for ending settings. The control unit 10 changes the selected menu in response to the operation of the ▲ button 242 and ▼ button 244, and when the MUTE button 248 is operated, executes control to display a setting screen corresponding to the selected menu. The right diagram in the figure shows the display screen when the easy mode setting menu is selected, and the current settings are displayed below the easy mode setting menu (normal mode is set in the figure).

[0121] (1) Easy mode setting When the easy mode (easy setting mode) is set to on as shown in Figure 55, the setting mode becomes a simple one with only easy settings, and easy settings become possible. When the easy mode is on, the control unit 10 greatly restricts the selectable setting menu as shown in the left diagram of Figure 55. The easy setting allows only changing the settings for the brightness of the display screen and the type of radar warning sound (electronic sound / voice), as well as viewing the software version, making it a very simple setting.

[0122] (2) Mode setting The radar detector 1 has four preset alarm modes (normal, minimum, special, all on) as well as a manual mode. Users can set their preferred alarm mode. Normal mode is an alarm mode with settings that emphasize balance. Minimum mode is an alarm mode in which only the minimum number of items are set on. Special mode is an alarm mode with settings that emphasize items related to enforcement. All on mode is an alarm mode in which all functions are set on. Manual mode is an alarm mode in which each function can be set individually.

[0123] When the MUTE button 248 is pressed and held while the standby screen (top left diagram) is displayed as shown in Fig. 56, the control unit 10 switches to display the setting screen (top right diagram). When "Mode" is selected from the setting menu, the control unit 10 switches to display the mode screen (bottom left diagram). When the desired alarm mode is selected and then "End Settings" is selected (bottom right diagram), the control unit 10 executes control to return to the state where the original standby screen is displayed. The contents of each alarm mode are as shown in Fig. 57.

[0124] (3) Alarm settings In the warning settings, as shown in FIG. 58, it is possible to set the following items: reception sensitivity mode, road selection, display switching distance, target information, and notification display. The reception sensitivity mode can be selected from "City," which is suitable for urban areas, "Extra," which is suitable for suburban areas and highways, and "AAC / ASS," which automatically cuts out unnecessary alarms and sets the optimum reception sensitivity.

[0125] In the road selection, the target roads for GPS warning can be selected from "general road", "expressway", "ALL", "AUTOGPS priority", and "AUTO air pressure priority". In the "general road" setting, only targets on general roads are warned. In the "expressway" setting, only targets on expressways are warned. In the "ALL" setting, all targets on general roads and expressways are warned. In the "AUTOGPS priority" setting, priority is given to using GPS position information, and the control unit 10 automatically identifies the type of road (general road or expressway). In the "AUTO air pressure priority" setting, priority is given to using changes in air pressure, and the control unit 10 automatically identifies the type of road (general road or expressway). When the control unit 10 is able to identify a general road, it executes control to warn only of targets on general roads, and when it is able to identify a expressway, it executes control to warn only of targets on expressways. Other setting items are as shown in the figure.

[0126] The display switching distance can be selectively set to any one of "no switching", "500m", "1000m", and "1500m". By setting the display switching distance, as explained in "6. Warning screen", when the distance from the vehicle to the target becomes close, the display can be switched from a preset standby screen to a notice panel screen or the like. For example, in the two-screen warning of FIG. 42, if "radar scope" is set for the left screen 15L and "display switching distance -> set 1000m" and "target information -> notice panel" are set for the right screen 15R, the control unit 10 executes control to display a notice panel screen including a caption 41 of target information instead of the standby screen when the distance to the target becomes 1000m. The initial setting of the display switching distance is "1500m".

[0127] (4) Screen / LED settings In the screen / LED settings, as shown in Figure 59, you can set the following items: screen brightness, whether to turn the screen on or off, screen color settings, LED mode, and LED brightness. For example, you can selectively set screen brightness to "minimum," "dark," "normal," or "bright." You can set LED mode to "alarm / touch ON," "always ON," or "OFF." Other setting items are as shown in the figure.

[0128] Here, the contents of each setting of the LED mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 60. As described above, there are three types of LED mode settings: "Alarm / Touch ON", "Always ON", and "OFF". This figure explains the operation of the white LED 315B for each of the three settings (control modes) in each of the operating states 1 to 3.

[0129] In the LED mode of "Alarm-Touch ON", the control unit 10 executes the following control. In the standby state of State 1, the control unit 10 normally controls each white LED 315B to be turned off (OFF state). When the screen 15 is touched or a hand is held over the screen area 15A (Fig. 1), the control unit 10 controls the white LEDs 315B of all the operation buttons 24 to be turned on. A touch operation on the screen 15 is detected by the touch area 151S of the touch screen sheet 151. A hand-holding operation over the screen area 15A (Fig. 1) is detected by a proximity sensor 125 (Fig. 28) arranged in the gap 152S (Fig. 20) between the liquid crystal displays 152L and R.

[0130] In the standby state, the hand waving operation for turning on the white LED 315B and the hand waving operation for muting the audio output are both determined by the control unit 10 to have been performed when the detection state of a human body or the like by the proximity sensor 125 continues for a predetermined duration. As the predetermined duration, one second is set for the mute hand waving operation as described above. For the hand waving operation in the standby state, it is preferable to set a time shorter than one second, for example. This is because, for the mute hand waving operation, it is necessary to avoid the risk of the hand operating the car audio or the like being erroneously detected and the alarm voice or the like being muted, while for the hand waving operation in the standby state, it is necessary to prioritize the operation response so as not to create an impression of sluggishness.

[0131] As described above, when any of the operation buttons 24 is touched after a hand-waving operation or the like is performed in the standby state (state 1), the control unit 10 executes control to turn off the white LEDs 315B of only the operated operation button 24, and to return the white LEDs 315B to the lit state when the touch operation ends. After that, when a non-operation period during which none of the operation buttons 24 is operated exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit 10 executes control to switch all the white LEDs 315B to the off state. Instead of this example, it is also possible to make the operation button 24 blink for a predetermined time when the touch operation ends. This makes it easier for the user to know that the operation has been accepted.

[0132] In state 2, which corresponds to an alarm in progress, the control unit 10 executes control to blink all the white LEDs 315B. If the position (implementation point) of the traffic monitoring activity to be alarmed has a directionality such as the left side, the right side, or the front, it is also effective to execute control to blink only the left white LED 315B or only the top two white LEDs 315B, for example. During the warning, for example, control may be executed to cause all the white LEDs 315B to blink according to the level of caution (degree of necessity for notification) of the target of the warning. Control may also be executed such that the lighting positions of the operation buttons 24 arranged at five locations on the outer periphery of the screen area 15A rotate around the screen area 15A during the warning by slightly varying the timing of lighting. Furthermore, the higher the level of caution, the faster the rotation period may be made to create a sense of urgency. Alternatively, when entering an area where traffic accidents frequently occur, the five operation buttons 24 may be randomly lit to intuitively express a high-risk situation.

[0133] In state 3, which corresponds to when the power is turned on in response to switching on the vehicle ignition, the control unit 10 executes control to blink all the white LEDs 315B, and then executes control to turn off all of them after a predetermined time has elapsed. The blinking of the white LEDs 315B is achieved by controlling to periodically change the brightness, rather than by completely switching them on and off periodically. By controlling to periodically change the brightness, it is possible to achieve blinking of the light like a firefly (it is preferable to make the blinking cycle faster than that of a firefly), which creates a sense of luxury for the device.

[0134] In the "always on" LED mode, the control unit 10 executes control to turn on each white LED 315B in the standby state (state 1), and executes control to blink the white LEDs 315B during an alarm (state 2) or when the power is on (state 3).

[0135] In the "OFF" LED mode, the control unit 10 executes control (blinking control) to blink the white LED 315B when the power is ON (state 3), and controls the white LED 315B to be in an off state in other states.

[0136] (5) Audio settings The audio settings are settings related to the output mode (output mode) of various sound information such as warning voices and sound effects. In the audio settings, as shown in Figure 61, it is possible to set each item such as speech speed, narrator switching, radar warning sound, positioning announcement, RELAX chime, time signal, operation sound, and target approach sound. The speech speed can be switched between four levels: "Slow", "Normal", "Fast", and "Alarm-linked". In particular, in "Alarm-linked", the speech speed is changed depending on the type of alarm. In narrator switching, the alarm voice can be switched between "female" and "male". In radar warning sound, the alarm when receiving a radar signal can be switched between "voice" and "electronic sound".

[0137] The positioning announcement can be turned on or off. For example, when the GPS signal reception is poor, such as between buildings, the positioning announcement may be repeated, such as "GPS cannot be received" and "GPS has been received." By turning off the positioning announcement, such repetition can be avoided. The RELAX chime is a function that prompts you to take a break at regular intervals, and the time interval for the voice output of "You've been driving for a long time. Would you like to take a break?" can be selected. The hourly chime is a function that notifies you of the time on the hour, and you can select whether or not to have the hourly chime. The operation sound can be set to whether or not to generate a confirmation sound when operating a button. The target approach sound is the sound that is output when approaching the target, and the target approach sound is output depending on the on setting.

[0138] The speech speed of the audio settings (Fig. 62) can be selectively set to one of four types, "Slow", "Normal", "Fast" and "Alarm-linked", as described above. When "Normal" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the alarm voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 100% (average speed). When "Slow" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the alarm voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 90%. When "Fast" is set, the control unit 10 outputs the alarm voice of all notifications at a speech speed of 120%.

[0139] A speech rate of 100% means a normal speaking speed, and a speech rate of 120% means that the speaking speed is 120%. In the radar detector 1 of this example, audio data that is a digital recording of an actual speech by a narrator is recorded in the database 100. The audio data in the database 100 is record data that corresponds to a speaking rate of 120%. If the audio data is played back as is, the speaking rate will be 120%. If the audio data is played back about 20% slower, the speaking rate will be 100%, and if played back even slower, the speaking rate will be 90%.

[0140] In the radar detector 1 of this embodiment, voice data corresponding to a speaking rate of 120% is recorded in the database 100, thereby reducing the data size of the voice data stored in the database 100. Naturally, voice data corresponding to a speaking rate of 100% may be recorded in the database 100, and voice data that exceeds the speaking rate that is actually output, such as a speaking rate of 130%, may also be recorded in the database 100.

[0141] When "alarm linkage" is set, the control unit 10 changes the speech speed according to the type and situation of the traffic monitoring activity to be alerted, as shown in FIG. 62. In the figure, the stealth notification and RD notification are (1) the alarm action when a crackdown radio wave is received, as explained in "7. Alarm Action". The stealth notification is the alarm action when a stealth wave is received, and the RD notification is the alarm action when a radar wave is received. The speed camera notification, the checkpoint / crackdown notification, and the My Area notification are 2) the alarm action when a target approaches in "7. Alarm Action". In the figure, "all sound effects" (fourth row from the bottom) in the notification content column means sound effects (e.g., "pon~~n") in the phrase "(sound effect) stealth reception stealth reception" in the phrase example column. For example, in the case of a stealth notification, the control unit 10 outputs the phrase "stealth reception stealth reception" at 120% speech speed, following the output of a sound effect at 100% speed.

[0142] For example, in the case of RD notification, the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by a phrase such as "Watch your speed". At this time, the control unit 10 changes the speech speed of the phrase such as "Watch out for speed enforcement" according to the reception level (L1 to 5) of the radar wave. For example, in the case of reception level 1 or 2, the degree of caution is not so high, so the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by a phrase "Watch out for speed enforcement" at 90% speech speed. In the case of reception level 3, the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by a phrase "Watch your speed" at 100% speech speed. In the case of reception level 4 or 5, the degree of caution is high, so the control unit 10 outputs a sound effect at 100% speed followed by a phrase "Watch your driving" or "Slow down" at 120% speech speed. The control unit 10 outputs a warning voice every time the reception level changes, such as from reception level 2 to 3.

[0143] Note that reception levels 1 and 2, which set the speech rate of the latter phrase to 90%, correspond to the reception level from a radio wave source such as an automatic door. In radar detector 1, the speech rate is kept below 100% because there is a possibility of a false alarm for the RD notification at such a reception level.

[0144] The control unit 10 controls the speed of the sound effect to be 100% constant regardless of the speech speed of the following phrase. In this way, by setting the output mode of the sound effect that triggers the alarm operation to the exact same specifications regardless of the speech speed of the phrase, the sound effect that signifies the start of the alarm operation can be left with a strong impression on the user, and the risk of the alarm being overlooked can be reduced.

[0145] Changing the speech speed of a phrase as described above can change the user's impression of the speech. For example, setting a fast speech speed can create a sense of urgency and give the impression that the user is highly cautious. In this example, the level of caution is determined according to the type of traffic monitoring activity that is the target of the alarm, and the display color of the target icon is set according to the level of caution (FIG. 41). It is also possible to change the speech speed according to the display color of the target icon. For example, for traffic monitoring activities with a low level of caution and a target icon display color of green, it is possible to apply control such as always setting a slow speech speed and not changing the speech speed.

[0146] For example, in the case of an speed camera notification, the control unit 10 changes the speech speed depending on the distance to the speed camera and whether or not the driver is speeding. The closer the distance, the faster the speech speed of the phrase following the sound effect is set, and if the driver is speeding, the speech speed of the phrase is set faster than if the driver is not speeding. For example, in the case of a checkpoint / policy notice, the control unit 10 changes the speech rate of the phrase depending on whether the vehicle speed is 52 km / h or more or less. When the vehicle speed is 52 km / h or more, the speech rate is made faster than when the vehicle speed is less than 52 km / h.

[0147] The target approach sound in the audio settings (distance-linked speed camera sonar sound shown in Figure 63) can be selectively set to "on" or "off." When the target approach sound is set to "on," the control unit 10 outputs a sonar sound when a speed camera approaches, as shown in the figure. After the control unit 10 executes a speed camera notification when the distance to the speed camera is 1 km or 2 km and there are no other notifications, it outputs the speed camera sonar sound with an emission cycle of 1 Hz. At this time, the volume of the speed camera sonar sound is set to minus 8 dB compared to the volume of the speed camera notification. When the distance to the speed camera is 800 m and there are no other notifications, the control unit 10 changes the emission cycle of the speed camera sonar sound to 1.25 Hz.

[0148] In this way, the control unit 10 gradually increases the transmission frequency of the speed camera sonar sound according to the distance, increasing it to 2.5 Hz when the speed camera is 200 m, and then terminating the output of the speed camera sonar sound when the speed camera passes. By changing the transmission frequency of the speed camera sonar sound in conjunction with the distance to the speed camera in this way, it becomes possible to grasp the degree of caution based on the speed camera sonar sound alone. Even if you miss the distance notification from the speed camera, you can grasp the degree of distance from the speed camera sonar sound.

[0149] (6) System Settings In the system settings, various system settings are possible, as shown in Figure 64. (7)OBD Settings In the OBD settings, as shown in FIG. 65, it is possible to set each of the following items for each screen 15: OBD meter setting, fuel consumption information, coefficient correction, and data deletion. When the OBD meter is set, the vehicle information to be displayed can be selectively set from among vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load, throttle opening, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, outside air temperature, engine oil temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, and current fuel consumption. For example, regarding the OBD meter, it is possible to select whether or not to set the OBD meter on each of the left and right screens 15L and R. The other items are as shown in the same figure.

[0150] The radar detector 1 of this embodiment configured as described above is equipped with screens 15L and 15R for displaying monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities. For example, it is possible to realize a two-screen warning display pattern in which a radarscope screen is displayed on one screen 15 while a caption is displayed on the other screen 15. In this display pattern, in addition to the radarscope screen, a caption indicating the type of traffic monitoring activity, etc. is displayed on the notification panel screen, thereby reducing the amount of information displayed on the radarscope screen and improving the ease of understanding of the monitoring location information. By using multiple screens 15L and 15R in this way, it is possible to notify the monitoring information in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0151] Furthermore, the radar detector 1 can control the operation area of ​​the operation button 24 to blink. By blinking the operation button 24, it is possible to effectively attract the user's attention by creating a movement in the form of a change in brightness. If the user's attention can be attracted, it is possible to reduce the risk that the user will not notice the monitoring information being reported and will miss it.

[0152] The radar detector 1 changes the output mode of sound information, such as an alarm voice, depending on the level of attention (degree of need for notification) of the monitoring information to be notified. By changing the output mode of sound information depending on the monitoring information, it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be output compared to when sound information is output in exactly the same output mode. For example, by changing the speech speed, information indicating a difference in the level of attention can be notified. Furthermore, differences in the output mode of sound information can be intuitively recognized by the user. As described above, the radar detector 1 of this embodiment has excellent characteristics that allow it to notify monitoring information related to traffic monitoring activities in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0153] In the radar detector 1, a housing structure is realized in which the rib is housed in a slit hole provided on the outer periphery of the substrate. In this housing structure, an abutment structure is realized between the outer periphery of the rib and the inner periphery of the slit hole in the substrate. By providing such an abutment structure, it is expected that the rigidity (particularly the torsional rigidity) of the housing (case body 2) can be improved by utilizing the strength of the substrate. The rib may be configured to stand on the bottom surface without being connected to the inner periphery side surface of the case 22. The through hole on the substrate side that houses such a rib may be a closed hole that does not open to the outer periphery.

[0154] In the radar detector 1 of this embodiment, the screens 15L and 15R are arranged side by side on the same plane. Instead of this configuration, the positions of the screens 15L and 15R may be changed in the thickness direction (depth direction) of the case body 2. For example, the screen 15R may be arranged on the rear side of the screen 15L. Furthermore, the screens 15L and 15R may be arranged so as to overlap in the depth direction, and the screen 15 on the front side may be formed transparent. In this case, image information with a sense of depth can be displayed by the two screens overlapping in the depth direction.

[0155] Furthermore, it is also possible to place the screens on different sides of a dice-shaped housing. Furthermore, it is also possible to employ a bracket that supports the housing so that it can rotate. In this case, the image information visible to the user can be switched depending on the orientation of the dice-shaped housing.

[0156] It is also possible to form an inclined surface on the front surface of the case body 2 such that the center in the left-right direction is raised and positioned toward the front side in the depth direction, and that the left and right sides are positioned toward the back side in the depth direction. If a screen is installed on each of the inclined surfaces formed on both sides of the center in the left-right direction, for example, when a radar detector is installed in the middle of the dashboard, one screen faces the driver and the other screen faces the passenger in the passenger seat, so that visibility for the driver and the passenger can be achieved at the same time. In this case, it is also possible to display the same display screen on each screen. Also, when the orientations (normal directions) of the screens are different in this way, for example, in a situation where sunlight is reflected in one screen, it is more likely that the sunlight reflected in the other screen can be avoided.

[0157] In the radar detector 1 of this embodiment, operation buttons 24 by an operation unit 315 having white LEDs 315B are arranged on both the left and right sides of a screen area 15A in which screens 15L and R are arranged. For example, the direction of a target may be indicated by turning on or blinking any of the operation buttons 24. For example, if the target is to the left of the vehicle's traveling direction, the left operation buttons 241 and 243 may be made to blink, and if the target is ahead, the upper left and right operation buttons 241 and 242 may be made to blink. If the direction is indicated by blinking the operation buttons 24, an easy-to-understand notification that allows the user to grasp the direction at a glance can be realized.

[0158] Furthermore, in the radar detector 1, five operation buttons 24 are arranged to surround the screen area. By using the five operation buttons 24 on the periphery of the screen area, it is possible to control the operation buttons 24 in the lit state to rotate around the screen area 15A, for example. For example, when issuing an alarm regarding traffic monitoring activities, it is also possible to change the period for rotating the lit position according to the level of caution, and to rotate faster the higher the level of caution. In this case, the user can recognize the level of caution at a glance.

[0159] The easy mode of the radar detector 1 in this example is an easy setting mode in which the standby screen of each screen 15 cannot be selected. In the easy setting, a radar scope screen is displayed on the left screen 15L, a clock screen as a standby screen is displayed on the right screen 15R, and when the distance to the target becomes a predetermined distance, a telop 41 is displayed at the top of the clock screen (Fig. 43). In this way, in the easy setting of this example, the display screen of each screen 15 is fixed, but it is also good to add an intermediate easy setting mode that allows the selection of two or three types of standby screens, for example. This can meet the needs of users who feel that the easy setting of this example is not enough, but the mode that allows all settings is too complicated. While the display screen of the left screen 15L is fixed to the radar scope screen, the standby screen of the right screen 15R can be selected.

[0160] In addition, the radar detector 1 of this example has a touch sensor for detecting a touch operation corresponding to each operation button 24, and also has a proximity sensor for detecting a hand-waving operation, etc. It is also possible to employ a capacitive touch sensor for each operation button 24 and detect a hand-waving operation using these touch sensors. In this case, it is preferable to change the detection distance of the touch sensor between a state waiting for a hand-waving operation and a state waiting for a touch operation. For example, the detection distance is set long in the state waiting for a hand-waving operation, while the detection distance is set close to zero after the detection of the hand-waving operation, so that the touch operation on each operation button 24 can be detected with high reliability.

[0161] It is also possible to navigate the operation by sequentially lighting the operation button 24 to be operated next, utilizing a configuration in which the lighting of each operation button 24 can be controlled individually. For example, various setting contents such as "Set dual screen warning" and "Set alarm-linked speech speed" can be displayed as a selectable list, and when one of the setting contents is selected, the operation buttons 24 to be operated to set that setting can be lit in sequence. In this case, the user can perform the desired setting simply by operating the lit operation buttons 24 in sequence.

[0162] The radar detector 1 of this embodiment may include a map display function. A map on which a target icon is plotted may be displayed on one screen, and a caption showing information about the target icon may be displayed on the other screen. For example, maps of different scales may be displayed on multiple screens. A wide-range map display is suitable for grasping the positional relationship between the target and the vehicle, and a narrow-range map display is suitable for grasping the distance to the target with high accuracy. For example, a target icon with a specified implementation point may be displayed on a map on one screen, and a target with a specified area may be displayed on a map on the other screen. In general, a target with a specified implementation point needs to be pinpointed, so plotting on a narrow-range map is suitable, whereas a target with a specified area needs to show the entire area, so a wide-range map display is suitable.

[0163] 66 to 76 are diagrams showing variations in appearance with different designs, dimensional specifications, etc. In Figure 66, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 67, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-feeling design. In Figure 68, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the plain shape with large corner R (chamfered R of the corners). In Figure 69, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the hard-looking design that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 70, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-feeling design. In Figure 71, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the light and airy black and white coloring. In Figure 72, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the design with a hard feel that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 73, key features of the exterior include simultaneous two-screen display that makes use of the dual LCDs, a wide and low form that is possible because two small LCDs are used, and a design that emphasizes the image of an aftermarket meter. In Figure 74, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-feeling design. In Figure 75, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the plain shape with large corners and radius. In Figure 76, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form made possible by using two small LCDs, and the design with a hard feel that makes extensive use of chamfered edges. In Figure 77, key features of the appearance include the simultaneous display of two screens by taking advantage of the dual LCDs, the wide and low form possible by using two small LCDs, and the asymmetrical, hard-feeling design.

[0164] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are obtained by variously modifying, changing, or appropriately combining the specific examples by utilizing publicly known technologies and the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1. Radar detector 2 Case body 21 Front Frame 22 cases 24 Operation button (operation means) 222, 223 Ribs 31 First substrate 32 Second Board 312, 322, 313, 323 Slit holes (through holes) 10 Control section (control means) 100 Databases 121 GPS receiver 122 Microwave Receiver 123 Radio Receiver 125 Proximity Sensor 128 Barometric pressure sensor 129 Clock section 15 screens 15A screen area 151 Touch Screen Sheet 152 LCD display 152S Gap 16 Speakers 17 Memory card reader 171 Memory Card 24 Operation buttons 315 Operation section 315A Touch Sensor 315B White LED

Claims

1. A display device; displaying a preset standby screen in the first and second areas of the display; An event that the distance between the location of the alarm target and the current location reaches a predetermined approach distance; The event of receiving radar waves emitted by a radar enforcement device. a control means for controlling, when any one of events of receiving a radio wave emitted by an emergency vehicle occurs, to display a standby screen preset in the first area and the second area, the standby screen displaying the speed of the vehicle in the first area and also in the second area, while controlling notification of information corresponding to the one event by displaying in the second area; An apparatus having the above configuration.

2. the standby screens preset in the first and second areas of the display device each include a character; The control means controls the display of a telop in a position not overlapping with the characters on the standby screen preset in the second area.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. The control means controls the display of the time in characters on a standby screen preset in the second area, and controls the display of the information corresponding to the one event in the second area while keeping the time displayed before and after acquiring the information corresponding to the one event.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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