Vehicle system and program

Abstract

To provide a radar detecting device which performs output control of voice to a driver of a vehicle and also properly provides information required by each driver by voice.SOLUTION: A radar detecting device 1 comprises a database 100 which stores information such as voice output information and GPS content including position information about a control point where traffic control is carried out and others. On the basis of a plurality of types of acquired information including personal information of a driver, the radar detecting device outputs voice by selecting one of the voice output information stored in the database 100 according to a combination of information contents of the acquired information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle system that performs control to output sound toward a driver of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a driving support device for supporting the driving of a vehicle, in-vehicle devices such as a navigation device that displays a map and guides a route, and a radar detector that presents traffic control information are known. A general navigation device includes a route calculation function to a destination and a GPS function for measuring the current position of the own vehicle. Some of such navigation devices also have a device that guides the driving direction along the calculated route by voice (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] As a radar detector, there is a device that has a database regarding the installation points of a speed control system and a GPS function for acquiring the current position, in addition to a function of receiving radar waves for speed control. Such a radar detector detects the approach of a vehicle to the installation point of the speed control system and warns the driver of that fact by sound or light (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] However, the conventional driving support devices have the following problems. That is, the driving support information output by these driving support devices is uniform information based on a combination of information internally held by the driving support device such as route information and installation points of the speed control system, and vehicle information such as the current position. Therefore, there is a problem that it is insufficient from the viewpoint of appropriately providing the information required by each driver without excess or deficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and is a vehicle system that performs control to output voice to a driver of a vehicle, and provides a vehicle system that appropriately provides information required by each driver by voice. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle system that performs control to output voice to a driver of a vehicle, based on a plurality of types of acquired information including the personal information of the driver, and selects and outputs by voice any one of a plurality of types of voice output information to be output by voice according to the combination of the information contents of the plurality of types of acquired information (Claim 1).

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program for controlling a vehicle system that performs control to output voice to a driver of a vehicle, and is a program for a computer for realizing the functions of the vehicle system of the present invention (Claim 30).

[0009] The vehicle system of the present invention outputs by voice any voice output information corresponding to the combination of the information contents based on the plurality of types of acquired information including the personal information. The plurality of types of acquired information includes the personal information of the driver. Therefore, according to this vehicle system, appropriate voice output information can be output to each driver. If voice output information can be provided in this way, it is possible to support driving in detail corresponding to each driver, and it is also possible to soothe or entertain the driver by voice output.

[0010] As the personal information of the driver in the present invention, there is information such as the latitude and longitude of the location of the driver's home, information on the location of organizations such as the company or school to which the driver belongs, information on the routes frequently traveled by the driver, information on the driver's hobbies, interests, and preferences, information on the driver's behavior patterns, information on the driver's date of birth and anniversary, etc. Regarding these personal information, it is preferable to register according to the operation by the driver or automatically generate according to the driving history of the vehicle, etc.

[0011] For example, when the plurality of types of acquired information are information on the location of the driver's home, which is personal information, information on the current location of the vehicle, information on the current time, and information on whether the vehicle ignition is on or off, examples of the combination of the information contents are as follows. A combination of information contents such as the time when the ignition of the vehicle parked at home is switched on is 7:00 in the morning. In such a combination of information contents, for example, it is preferable to output voice output information such as "Good morning. Please work hard today." Also, when the combination of the information contents is a combination such as the time when the ignition of the vehicle arriving home is switched off is 10:00 at night, for example, it is preferable to output voice output information such as "Welcome home. Thank you for your hard work until late."

[0012] As the voice output information in the vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is information for assisting the driving of the vehicle and information not related to the driving of the vehicle (Claim 2). Examples of the information for assisting driving include information on traffic control, route guidance information for reaching the destination, etc. Examples of the information not related to driving among the voice output information include the above-mentioned morning greetings, topics related to current events, etc., and information that entertains or soothes the driver, corresponding to "chat".

[0013] If information corresponding to "chatting" that is not related to driving is appropriately output according to the driver, the driver can be entertained without getting bored over the long-term usage period of the vehicle system of the present invention. In the vehicle system of the present invention that outputs information of a well-mannered (appropriate) "chat" reflecting the information content of the personal information, the user can use it while enjoying and is less likely to feel bored. Many users who have used this vehicle system over a long period of time are likely to purchase a new product designed with the same concept as that vehicle system when the replacement time of the vehicle system approaches. It is possible to increase so-called repeat users and be able to surround the users.

[0014] In a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for the plurality of types of voice output information, a plurality of groups with different voice output conditions serving as opportunities for voice output are formed, and combinations of the types of the plurality of types of acquired information when selecting any voice output information are set for each of the plurality of groups (Claim 3). For example, for the group of the voice output information set with the start of driving (at the opening) as the voice output condition, a combination of types of personal information such as the information of the home position, the information of the current time, the information of the current position of the vehicle, and the information of the on / off of the ignition can be set. In this case, the voice output information for the morning greeting as described above can be output.

[0015] On the other hand, for the group of the voice output information set with the approach to the enforcement point, which is a traffic enforcement point, as the voice output condition, a combination of types of the information of the position of the enforcement point, the information of the current position of the vehicle, and the information of the speed of the vehicle can be set. For example, when the speed is equal to or higher than the speed limit, it is possible to alarm the approach to the enforcement point and appropriately output the voice output information such as "Slow down!".

[0016] In a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any one of a plurality of output modes with different output frequencies of the voice output information can be set (Claim 4). If the output frequency of the voice output information is changed according to the setting of the output mode, it becomes possible to widely support a variety of drivers, improving versatility. As the output mode, for example, a "quiet" mode with a low output frequency, a "talkative" mode with a high output frequency, an intermediate "normal" mode, etc. can be set. The steps of the output frequency may be further subdivided.

[0017] In a vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, voice output conditions that trigger voice output are predetermined for each of the plurality of types of output modes (Claim 5). As these voice output conditions, it is also possible to set conditions such as at the start of driving, during driving, and at the end of driving. For example, for the start of driving, it is good to determine when a predetermined driving start determination condition is satisfied, such as when the ignition of the vehicle is switched on. For example, for the end of driving, it is good to determine when a predetermined driving end determination condition is satisfied, such as when the ignition of the vehicle is switched off. Also, for example, for the period from when the driving start determination condition is satisfied until the driving end determination condition is satisfied, it is good to determine that it is during driving. Note that during driving, it is good to make it conditional on the vehicle approaching a predetermined position or the state of the vehicle becoming a predetermined state. As the voice output conditions, for example, the following conditions can be set. (1) The ignition of the vehicle has been switched on. (2) Approaching the position of an object to be warned, alerted, or informed, such as a traffic control point. (3) Approaching a viewpoint, such as a scenic spot. (4) A specific situation has occurred, such as the remaining amount of energy, such as gasoline, falling below a predetermined amount. (5) The ignition of the vehicle has been switched off. And so on.

[0018] For example, in the case of a vehicle system whose main function is traffic control warnings, when in the "quiet" output mode, the main function is ensured by outputting voice only triggered by the voice output condition in (2) above. On the other hand, when in the "chatty" output mode, it may be set to output voice triggered by all the voice output conditions in (1) to (5) above.

[0019] In a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of voice output conditions that can trigger voice output are set, and an output mode can be set for each voice output condition (Claim 6). In this case, for example, voice output triggered by the voice output condition in (1) above is unnecessary, but fine-tuned responses can be made to the driver's needs such as voice output triggered by (3) above being necessary. Further, for example, the voice output condition may be configured to be appropriately switched according to driving situations such as whether it is a weekday or a holiday, whether it is near or far from home, etc., including driving scenes and driving positions.

[0020] Among the plurality of types of voice output information in a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is specific support information related to driving assistance that is output regardless of the output mode. Any one of a plurality of types of driving assistance modes with different output frequencies of the specific support information can be set (Claim 7). Examples of the specific support information include information related to traffic control and route guidance information to the destination.

[0021] In a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any one of a plurality of types of expression modes with different expression modes when the voice output information is output by voice can be set (Claim 8). For example, while setting an expression mode similar to that of a conventional in-vehicle device as the "normal" expression mode, it is also possible to set expression modes corresponding to intimate expression modes such as when a passenger in the passenger seat talks, expression modes full of a sense of urgency such as commands in a fighter plane cockpit, expression modes imitating popular anime characters, etc. By incorporating amusement elements into the vehicle system, the marketability can be improved.

[0022] In a vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of expression modes with different expression modes when outputting the voice output information by voice are prepared, and the settable output modes among the plurality of types of output modes are predetermined for each expression mode (Claim 9). For example, among drivers who set the "quiet" output mode, there is a tendency for a high proportion of drivers who do not prefer an amusement expression mode. Considering such a tendency, it is also possible to limit the settable expression mode for the "quiet" output mode to the "normal" expression mode. In this case, when used by users who do not require amusement elements, the setting effort can be reduced and the usability can be improved.

[0023] The acquisition information incorporated by a vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes at least information representing the current position of the vehicle and information representing a specific area with which the driver is personally involved. The output mode of the voice output information differs according to whether or not the vehicle is located within the specific area (Claim 10).

[0024] As the output mode, there are modes such as whether to output the voice output information, which of the plurality of types of voice output information to output, and the volume at the time of voice output. As a specific area with which the driver is personally involved, for example, in addition to the area around the driver's home or the commuting destination, or a tourist destination visited by the driver, it may also be an area set by the driver himself / herself. For example, if the area around the home is set as the specific area, it is possible to suppress the output of voice output information that the driver is likely to know naturally. On the other hand, if the area around a tourist destination visited for the first time is set as the specific area, the driver can be appropriately assisted by outputting as much voice output information as possible.

[0025] Among the multiple types of voice output information in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is tourist information including the location information of the location of the tourist destination, and according to whether the vehicle is located within the specific area, it is switched whether to output the tourist information (Claim 11). For example, if the area around the home is set as the specific area, it is advisable to suppress the output of the tourist information. On the other hand, if the area visited for tourism is set as the specific area, it is advisable to actively output the tourist information.

[0026] The vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes registration means for registering the specific area (Claim 12). The registration means included in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention registers a predetermined range based on a point specified by an external operation as the specific area (Claim 13). As the predetermined range, for example, it is good to adopt a configuration in which the range is within a radius of 5 km centered on the specified point, or an arbitrary value can be set within the range of a radius of 2 km to 10 km. For example, for a housewife who usually just goes shopping at a nearby store, places more than 2 km away are places where she doesn't know the details well. Also, for a person who drives a car for work, it is considered that they have detailed information within a range of about 10 km.

[0027] The registration means included in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention registers a predetermined range based on a line segment with these two points at both ends as the specific area, based on the point corresponding to the driver's home and the point corresponding to the driver's commuting or school-going destination (Claim 14). As the predetermined range, for example, a range that combines a range within a distance of 5 km from the line segment and a range within a radius of 5 km centered on the end points, or a range with a radius of 2 km to 10 km may be set as a preferable configuration.

[0028] In the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the point corresponding to the home and the point corresponding to the commuting or school-going destination can be input in response to an external operation (Claim 15). The vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention estimates the point corresponding to the home and the point corresponding to the commuting or school-going destination according to the past history of the current position (Claim 16). For example, for a driver who has a daytime job, a point where the vehicle is frequently parked on weekdays at night can be estimated as the home. On the other hand, the point where the driver goes every day during weekdays in the daytime can be estimated as the commuting or school-going destination.

[0029] The registration means included in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention selects a route with a high running frequency from the history of the route traveled by the vehicle, and registers a predetermined range based on that route as the specific area (Claim 17). In this case, the specific area can be automatically generated and registered according to the use of the vehicle system. As a route with a high running frequency, a route that has moved a predetermined number of times or more during the past month may be used. Furthermore, a route that has moved during the past week can also be treated as a route with a high running frequency. In this way, a route that has moved a predetermined number of times or more during a predetermined period is preferably set as a route with a high running frequency. Note that the predetermined period and the predetermined number of times may be configured to be settable by the user. Also, even if the normal route is detoured to avoid traffic jams, etc., it is considered that the vehicle rarely leaves the original road beyond a predetermined range such as 1 km or more. Therefore, when using a nearby road within the predetermined range, it is preferable to register it as passing through the same route.

[0030] The acquisition information acquired by the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least information representing a specific position and information representing the current position where the vehicle is located. The output mode of the voice output information differs according to the positional relationship between the current position and the specific position (Claim 18). As the specific position in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a traffic control point where traffic violations are enforced, and among the plurality of types of voice output information, traffic control information for notifying approach to the traffic control point is included (Claim 19). The acquisition information acquired by the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes information representing the speed of the vehicle, and the output mode of the traffic control information differs according to the speed of the vehicle (Claim 20). For example, when the speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, it is also possible to increase the output frequency of the traffic control information or increase the volume when outputting.

[0031] As the specific position in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a location of a facility where a parking space for the vehicle is provided and the driver can take a rest, and among the plurality of types of voice output information, rest information for guiding to the facility is included. The acquisition information includes information representing the continuous driving time, which is the elapsed time since the vehicle was switched from off to on and driving was started, and the output mode of the rest information differs according to this continuous driving time (Claim 21). In this case, the rest information can be presented at an appropriate timing when the driver may feel fatigued.

[0032] As the specific position in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a location of a facility where energy required for the operation of the vehicle engine can be replenished, and among the plurality of types of voice output information, replenishment information for guiding to the facility is included. The acquisition information includes information representing the remaining amount of energy stored in the vehicle, and the output mode of the replenishment information differs according to this remaining amount (Claim 22).

[0033] In this case, it is possible to present the replenishment information at an appropriate timing when energy replenishment is required while avoiding the unnecessary presentation of the replenishment information in a situation where there is sufficient remaining energy. Further, when the distance from the current position to the location of the nearest facility is long, it is also effective to advance the presentation timing of the replenishment information according to the distance, such as presenting the replenishment information when the remaining energy is relatively large.

[0034] The acquisition information incorporated by the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least information representing the current time, and among the plurality of types of voice output information, there is voice output information related to the driving situation of the vehicle and general information output according to the time regardless of the driving situation of the vehicle (Claim 23). Examples of the general information include greetings in the morning and evening, seasonal greetings, and topics related to current events. Examples of the voice output information related to the driving situation of the vehicle include information notifying attention to road conditions depending on the time of day, such as during the morning and evening rush hours for commuting and returning home.

[0035] The acquisition information incorporated by the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least information representing the on / off state of the vehicle, information representing the position of a point corresponding to the driver's home or the commuting destination, and position information representing the current position where the vehicle is located. Any one of the plurality of types of voice output information is selected and output according to the combination of the time when the vehicle is switched from off to on and whether or not the current position at the time of the switch is the home or the commuting destination (Claim 24).

[0036] For example, when the current position is home when the vehicle is switched on in the early morning, a scene of going to work can be assumed. At this time, if voice output information such as "Good morning. Keep up the good work today." is output as voice, it can wake up the driver and arouse enthusiasm. On the other hand, when the current position is the commuting destination when the vehicle is switched on in the evening or at night, a scene of returning home can be assumed. At this time, the driver's fatigue can be alleviated by outputting voice output information such as "Thank you for your hard work. Be careful on your way home."

[0037] In a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the output mode of the voice output information is different according to whether there is a passenger other than the driver in the vehicle (Claim 25). By changing the output mode of the voice output information according to the presence or absence of a passenger, the possibility that the voice output will interfere with the conversation can be suppressed in advance. As a method for detecting a passenger, there are various methods such as detecting by an occupant sensor, detecting using setting information regarding an air conditioning area of an air conditioner having a zone air conditioning function, and detecting the presence or absence of a passenger by voice recognition.

[0038] A vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention randomly selects any one of a plurality of pieces of voice output information extracted as candidates when selecting any one of the plurality of types of voice output information (Claim 26). In this case, it is possible to give an element of surprise to the voice output and realize a vehicle system that does not make the driver bored.

[0039] A vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention estimates the driver's arousal level using the acquired information, and the output mode of the voice output information is different according to the driver's arousal level (Claim 27). Examples of acquisition information that can be used to estimate the level of alertness include vehicle information such as changes in the rotational steering angle of the steering wheel and changes in the accelerator opening (throttle opening). Furthermore, by combining information regarding the elapsed time since the ignition of the vehicle or the like was switched on with these vehicle information, it may be possible to estimate the level of alertness with even higher accuracy. It is also possible to estimate the level of alertness according to whether or not the driver responds to voice output called from the vehicle system side. Examples of the voice output to be called include calls that request a response from the driver, as well as calls such as "Please slow down." In the former case, the level of alertness can be estimated based on whether or not a response from the driver could be input through a sound collection microphone or the like. In the latter case, the level of alertness can be estimated based on whether or not a change has occurred in the vehicle information in response to the call.

[0040] A vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention calculates the degree of energy consumption when the vehicle is operated using the acquisition information, and outputs eco information representing the degree of energy consumption as the information for voice output (Claim 28). Output of the eco information, which is effective for energy saving, can motivate the driver to perform fuel-efficient driving (eco driving) while enjoying it in a game-like manner.

[0041] A vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention outputs any of the information for voice output by voice when a pattern deviating from a pattern obtained in a past predetermined period occurs as a combination of the information contents (Claim 29). When the combination of the contents of the acquisition information is different from the normal pattern, there is a possibility that the driver may be unfamiliar with the surrounding geography. If the information for voice output is output when a combination of the contents of the acquisition information different from the normal pattern occurs, it is highly likely to help the driver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below using the following examples. (Example 1) This example is an example related to a radar detector which is a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention. This content will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. The radar detector 1 in this example, whose main function is to give an alarm related to traffic control, has a talking function for outputting voice (hereinafter referred to as pronunciation) such as greetings.

[0044] The radar detector 1 in this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a thin rectangular case body 2, and is an in-vehicle device that is attached to a vehicle dashboard or the like via a bracket 28 attached from the lower back side of the case body 2. Note that this radar detector 1 can also be installed on the back side of the sun visor, the back side of the rearview mirror, etc. according to the change of the bracket 28.

[0045] On the front surface of the case body 2 facing the driver during installation, a touch panel 15 of a 3.2-inch color screen is provided. This touch panel 15 is a display panel in which a transparent sheet-like touch screen 151 (FIG. 3) for detecting the touch position is laminated on a TFT dot matrix liquid crystal display 152 (FIG. 3). On the right outer side of the touch panel 15 as viewed from the driver side, a volume adjustment button 21 is arranged, and on the left outer side, various operation buttons 22 such as a power button, and a light emitting portion 23 in which a full-color LED 127 is embedded are arranged. On the lower right of the touch panel 15, a light receiving surface 25 of an infrared light receiving portion 128 for receiving the infrared rays of an operation remote control (not shown) is provided. The radar detector 1 in this example can be operated by a touch operation of a fingertip on the touch panel 15, a button operation, a remote control operation, etc.

[0046] On the right side of the case body 2 as viewed from the driver's side, there is provided a card insertion slot 27 for inserting a memory card 171 such as an SD card, which is an insertable recording medium. At the lower part of the back surface of the case body 2, a USB connector 20 is provided. To this USB connector 20, a cigarette plug cord extending from the cigarette socket of the vehicle, an OBD adapter cord including an OBD (On-board Diagnostics) connector described later, a USB cable, etc. are connected. The radar detector 1 operates by receiving power supply through these cords connected to the USB connector 20.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the radar detector 1 is electrically configured around the control unit 10. In addition to the above-described configuration, a GPS receiver 121, a microwave receiver 122, a wireless receiver 123, an acceleration sensor 124, a gyro 125, a clock unit 126, a speaker 16, a memory card reader 17, etc. are electrically connected to the control unit 10. Further, in the radar detector 1, a database 100 accessible from the control unit 10 is provided.

[0048] The GPS receiver 121 is a receiver that receives GPS signals flying from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current position information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. The GPS receiver 121 is incorporated in the case body 2 so as to be located above the center on the back side of the radar detector 1. It should be noted that it is also possible for the control unit 10 that has acquired the position information of the current position from the GPS receiver 121 to calculate the speed of the vehicle based on the change in the current position.

[0049] The microwave receiver 122 is a receiver that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from a speed measuring device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as a radar). The wireless receiver 123 is a receiver that receives wireless at a predetermined frequency. The wireless receiver 123 in this example can be selectively set to any one of a plurality of frequencies so as to be compatible with various radio waves. The microwave receiver 122 and the wireless receiver 123 are incorporated into the case body 2 so as to be located on the back side of the radar detector 1. Such an incorporation position is suitable for receiving radio waves flying from the front of the vehicle and the like. In the microwave receiver 122, five levels of Lv1 to Lv5 are set as the electric field intensity of the microwave, with the lower intensity being the first level.

[0050] The clock unit 126 is a clock that outputs calendar information. The calendar information includes data representing the year, month, and day and data representing the current time. When the current time can be obtained from the GPS receiver 121 once a day, the current time (including the date and time) of the clock unit 126 is calibrated to the current time obtained from the GPS receiver 121. The speaker 16 is assembled into the case body 2 so that sound and the like can be output through a speaker hole (not shown) that opens on the bottom surface of the case body 2. The memory card reader 17 reads the data recorded on the memory card 171 and transfers it to the read control unit 10. The memory card 171 inserted into the card insertion slot 27 is attached to the memory card reader 17.

[0051] The control unit 10 is composed of 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 and the like to be executed by the CPU. In the storage area of the non-volatile memory such as the EEPROM, a history storage area for storing the movement history of the vehicle (history of the current position) and the like, a setting information storage area for storing setting information such as alarm settings and chatting settings, and a personal information storage area for storing personal information about the driver who is the user are provided.

[0052] The database 100 is composed of a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 10 or externally attached to the microcomputer. At the time of product shipment, the database 100 stores map data, GPS content including position information of alarm targets, various facilities, tourist attractions, etc., regulation information such as speed limits, and various voice output information. Furthermore, the database 100 stores a large number of voice data used for text-to-speech (TTS). The voice data includes data corresponding to frequently used phrases such as "Good morning" and data corresponding to phonemes. The voice output information of the database 100 includes information for assisting driving and information not directly related to driving. Among the former information for assisting driving, there is alarm information which is specific assistance information and other driving assistance information. Among the latter information not directly related to driving, there is general information that is pronounced according to the time regardless of the driving status of the vehicle and other information.

[0053] The stored data in the database 100 can be updated using the memory card 171. If a memory card 171 storing update data such as map data, GPS content, and voice output information is inserted into the memory card reader 17, the update data can be read under the control of the control unit 10, and the data in the database 10 can be updated. In particular, by adding or updating the voice output information, it is possible to change the pronunciation mode or increase the variations. It is also possible to update the database 100 by connecting a PC storing update data to a hard disk, etc. via USB.

[0054] The radar detector 1 realizes various functions by causing the CPU to execute a software program read from the ROM. The functions of the radar detector 1 in this example include a display function for displaying various screens on the touch panel 15, an alarm function for issuing various alarms, a log function, a chatting function, an OBD function, a setting function, a registration function, etc. The alarm functions include a GPS alarm function, an RD alarm function, a wireless alarm function, etc. In the control unit 10, means corresponding to each function are respectively formed.

[0055] The display function is the function of displaying various display screens on the touch panel 15. As the display screens, in addition to the standby screen 31 and the map screen 32 that are selectively displayed when waiting for an event to be alarmed (described later), there are also a GPS alarm screen 35, an RD alarm screen 36, a wireless alarm screen (not shown) and the like that are switched and displayed according to the occurrence of the event to be alarmed. Regarding the specific configuration of each screen, it will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0056] The log function is the function of storing the current position detected by the GPS receiver 121 every second in the history storage area and recording it as a position history. The current position is stored in association with the detection time and the speed (vehicle speed) at that time. This position history is recorded in, for example, the NMEA format.

[0057] The OBD function is the function of acquiring vehicle information via an OBD port (fault diagnosis port) provided on the vehicle side based on the OBD2 standard which is the vehicle inspection standard. This OBD function functions only when the radar detector 1 is connected to the vehicle side via an OBD adapter cord including an OBD connector connected to the OBD port on the vehicle side. Examples of the vehicle information that can be acquired from the OBD port of the vehicle include vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load rate, ignition timing, intake manifold pressure, intake air volume (MAF), injection opening time, engine coolant temperature (coolant temperature), temperature of the air taken into the engine (intake temperature), outside air temperature, fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening (throttle opening), turn signal information (operation information of the left and right turn signals), brake opening, steering wheel rotation steering angle information, etc. Note that the acquisition of vehicle information by the OBD function is executed every 0.5 seconds.

[0058] The setting function is the function of performing various settings related to the operation of the radar detector 1. The settings can be roughly classified into alarm settings, chat settings, and personal information settings. The alarm setting is the setting of the driving support mode regarding the alarm by the alarm function. The alarm information, which is specific support information, is emitted according to this alarm setting. The chatter setting is the setting regarding the emission of voice output information other than the alarm information. The personal information setting is the setting regarding the personal information of the driver who is the user. When executing the emission by the chatter function, the emission mode may be determined, such as whether the personal information set as the personal information setting is referred to and executed.

[0059] The registration function is a function for the driver who is the user to register a specific area with which the driver has a personal connection, and is executed by a registration means realized software-wise in the control unit 10. Examples of the specific area include the area around the home, a predetermined range of area based on the line segment connecting the home and the workplace such as the company, and the area around the my point registered by the user. For example, a specific area that is the area around the home or the my point is registered as an area within a predetermined radius circle centered on the home or the my point. As this radius, for example, about 5 km to 10 km may be set.

[0060] The chatter function is a function for the CPU to emit the voice synthesized by voice synthesis from the speaker 16. The voice output information targeted by the chatter function is other voice output information than the alarm information (specific support information) regarding traffic control according to the alarm setting. Examples of the voice output information targeted by the chatter function include various information such as driving support information including information supplementing the content of the alarm information and information not directly related to driving.

[0061] The GPS alarm function is a function for alarming the approach to an alarm target such as the Obis (automatic speed violation suppression device). In the GPS alarm function, the arithmetic processing for obtaining the distance between the position of the alarm target and the current position is repeatedly executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). When this distance reaches a predetermined approach distance and an event called alarm point approach occurs, a GPS alarm indicating that fact is executed.

[0062] As alarm targets with the GPS alarm function, as shown in Fig. 8, there are orbis, restricted areas, checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, no-parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, signal violation suppression systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas with frequent carjacking, sharp curves, merging and diverging points, ETC lanes, etc. In the database 100, these target object type information, position information (latitude and longitude) indicating their positions (specific positions), data of schematic diagrams or photos to be displayed on the touch panel 15, and voice data are stored as GPS contents in an associated state. As alarm targets, it may also include drowsy driving accident locations, radars, speed limit switching points, etc.

[0063] In addition, as GPS contents other than the alarm targets of the GPS alarm function, there are service areas (highways), parking areas (highways), highway oases (highways), smart interchanges (highways), gas stations within PA / SA (highways), tunnels (highways), highway radio reception areas (highways), prefecture boundary notifications, road stations, viewpoint parking lots, etc. The voice output information regarding these GPS contents is pronounced by the chatting function.

[0064] The RD alarm function is a function that alarms the incidence of radar waves (microwaves) emitted from a radar-type enforcement device. When an event of receiving radar waves (hereinafter referred to as RD reception) by the microwave receiver 122 occurs, an RD alarm indicating that is executed.

[0065] The wireless alarm function is a function that alarms so as not to interfere with the running of emergency vehicles, etc. When an event of receiving radio waves emitted by emergency vehicles, etc. (hereinafter referred to as wireless reception) occurs, a wireless alarm that prompts the driver to pay attention is executed. Alarm targets include enforcement wireless, car audio wireless, digital wireless, very small wireless, police activity wireless, police telephone, police activity wireless, radar wireless, helicopter wireless, fire helicopter wireless, fire wireless, emergency wireless, highway wireless, security wireless, etc.

[0066] The main functions of the radar detector 1 of this example configured as described above, and the basic operations of the warning function realized by the control of the control unit 10 and the like will be described. In the standby state where no events to be warned about, such as RD reception, wireless reception, and approach to the warning location, have occurred, the standby screen 31 (Fig. 4) or the map screen 32 (Fig. 5) is displayed in the standby state. When any event occurs in this standby state, among the GPS warning function, the RD warning function, and the wireless warning function, the process of executing the corresponding function is executed. Note that the priority order of each function when two or more events occur simultaneously is, from the highest, the RD warning function, the wireless warning function, and the GPS warning function in that order.

[0067] On the standby screen 31 of Fig. 4, the speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude of the own vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 121 are displayed. On the map screen 32 of Fig. 5, a map around the current position detected by the GPS receiver 121 is displayed. In response to a single touch operation on the standby screen 31 or the map screen 32, a menu screen (not shown) including a screen switching button is pop-up displayed. By touching the screen switching button, the standby screen 31 and the map screen 32 can be switched and displayed mutually.

[0068] On the map screen 32, as shown in Fig. 5, a map is displayed in the main display area R1 that almost entirely covers the touch panel 15. On the map screen 32, the map is displayed such that the traveling direction of the own vehicle always faces upward, and the lower center of the main display area R1 is the current position of the own vehicle. An own vehicle icon 301 is displayed at the own vehicle position. At the uppermost stage of this map screen 32, a horizontally long status area R2 for displaying status information is arranged. The status information displayed in the status area R2 is, in order from the left, the current time 321, a reception level display icon 322 that indicates the reception level of GPS radio waves by the number of up to three bars, a parking prohibited area icon 323 that indicates being within a parking prohibited most important area or a parking prohibited important area, a reception sensitivity mode display icon 324 that indicates the reception sensitivity of the radar, the current vehicle speed (vehicle speed) 325, and a compass 326. In the status area R2 that is superimposed and displayed on the main display area R1, characters and symbols are displayed within a transparent frame so that the map information in the main display area R1 can be seen through. Note that the LH display 302 in the main display area R1 indicates an LH type orbis.

[0069] On the map screen 32, a scale display area R3 for displaying scale information (map scale) is provided on the left side of the main display area R1. In this scale display area R3, with the own vehicle position as the reference (0 m), the distances of the upper end position and the middle position of the main display area R1 are displayed numerically. In Fig. 5, scale information with the upper end position being 1000 meters and the middle position being 500 meters is illustrated. Note that the scale of the map on the map screen 32 can be changed using a map scale change button (not shown) that is pop-up displayed in response to two consecutive touch operations on the main display area R1. By touching this map scale change button, the scale of the map screen 32 can be changed as appropriate. When the scale of the map screen 32 is changed, the scale information in the scale display area R3 is changed accordingly.

[0070] In the standby state, when an event to be alerted such as RD reception, wireless reception, or approach to an alarm location occurs, an alarm screen is overlaid and displayed on the standby screen 31 or the map screen 32, and alarm information to that effect is sounded. At this time, the emission color of the light emitting unit 23 changes from blue indicating the standby state to red, thereby indicating that attention is required. In the case of a GPS alarm, a GPS alarm screen 35 illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed. The GPS alarm screen 35 is a display screen in which a GPS alarm display 350 showing a schematic diagram of the object to be alarmed, the remaining distance, etc. is interruptedly displayed in the main display area R1. In the case of an RD alarm, an RD alarm screen 36 illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed. The RD alarm screen 36 is a display screen in which an RD alarm display 360 including a schematic diagram or a photograph of a radar is interruptedly displayed in the main display area R1. Note that in the distance display 365 to the radar at the lowermost stage of the RD alarm display 360, the distance estimated from the electric field strength (Lv1 to Lv5) of the received radar wave is displayed. In the case of a wireless alarm, a wireless alarm screen which is substantially the same as the RD alarm and thus not shown in the figure is displayed.

[0071] Next, the specifications and contents of the sound emission that characterize the radar detector 1 of this example will be described. The sound emission is executed by the talking function and the alarm functions (GPS alarm function, RD alarm function, and wireless alarm function). Any of these functions is a function realized by the control of the control unit 10 or the like. First, the sound emission of alarm information (specific support information) by the alarm function is executed according to the alarm setting in FIG. 8. The driving support modes by the alarm setting are a normal mode, a minimum mode, a special mode, an all-on mode, and a manual mode. The normal mode is the initial setting mode at the time of product shipment. In each mode other than the manual mode, operations (on / off) corresponding to each alarm target are defined in advance. In the manual mode, the user can manually set the operations corresponding to the alarm targets.

[0072] The minimum mode is a setting that alerts only the minimum necessary targets for all of the RD warning function, wireless warning function, and GPS warning function. The normal mode is a mode that emphasizes the balance between functions, and is a setting that alerts, as warning targets, the items of high importance among the items related to regulation in addition to the items of the minimum mode. The special mode is a setting that alerts, as warning targets, all of the items related to regulation in addition to the items of the normal mode.

[0073] The pronunciation by the chatting function is executed according to the chatting settings and the personal information settings. Examples of personal information by personal information settings include (1) location information of the home location, (2) location information of the workplace (company, government office, etc.), (3) location information of the school commute destination, (4) location information of the my point which is the registration point by the user, (5) personal information such as the birthday, preferences, and hobbies of the driver who is the user. Note that these personal information can be set using a personal information setting screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel 15.

[0074] Among the chatting settings, there are various settings such as pronunciation frequency (output mode), character setting (expression mode), pronunciation conditions (voice output conditions), etc. Note that the chatting settings can be set using a chatting setting screen (not shown). As for the pronunciation frequency, as shown in FIG. 9, there are settings for three levels of output frequencies of chatting, normal, and quiet, from the highest frequency. The chatting mode is an output mode suitable for driving alone, and pronunciation is frequently executed. The quiet mode is an output mode suitable for driving when there are passengers, and the pronunciation is suppressed to the minimum so as not to interfere with the conversation. The normal mode is an output mode in which pronunciation is executed at the same level as a conventional radar detector. As for the character setting, as shown in FIG. 10, there are Normal with a calm character similar to a conventional radar detector, Co-Pilot with an intimate character like a friend, lover, or family member talking from the co-pilot seat, Cockpit with a character that utters words full of a sense of urgency imagining the cockpit of a fighter plane or a spaceship, and Lei, a character of a popular anime. As for the setting of pronunciation conditions, as shown in FIG. 11, five types of pronunciation conditions are preset. Regarding the pronunciation conditions, it is designed such that it is almost impossible for the user to make manual settings. The pronunciation conditions are as follows: (1) phrases at the opening, (2) phrases when an event targeted for warning occurs, (3) phrases when approaching other content, (4) phrases using vehicle information, etc., and (5) phrases when arriving at a specific registered location. Five types of conditions are set.

[0075] In the radar detector 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the pronunciation conditions for which voice output is executed differ for each pronunciation frequency. For example, in the chat mode, pronunciation is executed for all pronunciation conditions, while in the quiet mode, only the occurrence of the event (2) targeted for warning is set as the pronunciation condition. Thus, when the quiet mode is set, the same pronunciation as that of a conventional radar detector without a chat function is realized. Note that the triangle in pronunciation condition 5 of the normal mode means that the user can select whether or not to have pronunciation. Furthermore, in the radar detector 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 13, the modes of pronunciation frequency that can be set differ for each character. For example, for the normal character, the quiet mode and the normal mode can be set, while the chat mode cannot be set. For the cockpit character, the chat mode and the normal mode can be set, while the quiet mode cannot be set.

[0076] Regarding the specific examples of pronunciation by the radar detector 1 of this example, an explanation will be given for each pronunciation condition. As shown in FIG. 11, the information for voice output in the radar detector 1 of this example is classified into five groups: the first phrase group to the fifth phrase group for each pronunciation condition. Among these, the information for voice output belonging to the second phrase group is warning information (specific support information) pronounced by the warning function. The information for voice output belonging to the first and third to fifth phrase groups is information for voice output by the chat function. The radar detector 1 of this example selects and pronounces any one of the information for voice output according to the combination of the information contents of multiple types of acquired information such as the current position and time, but there are differences in the combination of the types of acquired information referred to for each phrase group.

[0077] (1) Phrases at opening (first phrase group) Depending on the combination of the vehicle's ignition information, current time, current vehicle position, and acquisition information such as personal information according to personal information settings, any of the voice output information belonging to the first phrase group is pronounced. The first phrase group includes voice output information that has nothing to do with the driving operation of the vehicle. Such voice output information is useful for calming down or not boring the driver who is the user.

[0078] For example, the first phrase group includes voice output information corresponding to the date and time as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is voice output information regarding greetings for each time zone of a day. Using the voice output information in the figure, for example, when the ignition is turned on at 10:30 am on June 11 (Monday), it is also possible to pronounce "Good morning. Today is Monday, June 11." FIG. 15 is voice output information regarding greetings related to the calendar within a year. Using the voice output information in the figure, for example, on a holiday, it is also possible to pronounce the name of the holiday. It is also possible to execute a pronunciation related to personal information set by the user, such as a specific day with an event or the driver's birthday. FIG. 16 is voice output information for prompting attention in relation to a specific period such as Golden Week or Obon. Using the voice output information in the figure, for example, during a consecutive holiday period, if it is pronounced that it is a period with a risk of traffic congestion, the driver can be prompted to drive carefully. It is also effective to inform the driver of the Traffic Safety Week and encourage safe driving. When it is a weekday and not a specific period, it is also possible to pronounce a prompt for driving attention according to the time zone. For example, if it is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, it can be pronounced "This is the commuting rush hour. Also pay attention to pedestrians going to school." If it is from 16:00 to 19:00, it can be pronounced "This is the rush hour for going home. Also pay attention to pedestrians going home." If it is from 23:00 to 5:00 am the next day, it can be pronounced "Pay full attention to driving at night."

[0079] Next, an example of the pronunciation of the phrases at opening will be described. (1-1) Home When the ignition (power source) of the vehicle parked at home is switched on, the pronunciation process illustrated in FIG. 17 is executed. Along with the switching on of the vehicle ignition, the pronunciation process is started (S101). First, a greeting corresponding to the current time at that time is pronounced (S102). Subsequently, the date is determined (S103), and the subsequent pronunciation content varies according to whether the day is a weekday, a weekend, a holiday, or a special day (S104, S114, S124). Furthermore, if it is a specific time period when the vehicle is assumed to be used for commuting or the like, an appropriate pronunciation for the usage situation is made (S105). Also, if the day falls within a specific period, a pronunciation for providing that information is made (S115), and the pronunciation process ends (S106).

[0080] For example, in the case of a combination of information content where the current time when the vehicle ignition is switched on belongs to the time period from 6:00 am to 8:00 am, and the current position is at home, the scene of going to work can be assumed. Depending on the chatting setting, for example, it is good to execute a pronunciation such as "Good morning. Let's work hard today too." Furthermore, it is also good to pronounce the date. (1-2) Workplace In the case of a combination of information content where the current time when the vehicle ignition is switched on belongs to the time period from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm, and the current position is at the workplace, the scene of going home can be assumed. Depending on the chatting setting, for example, a pronunciation such as "Thank you for your hard work. Let's go home carefully." is made. Also, in the case of a combination of information content where the current time is replaced with a time belonging to the time period from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, the scene of coming home from overtime work can be assumed. In this case, a pronunciation such as "Thank you for your hard work until late. Let's drive carefully and go home." is possible. (1-3) School As a school destination using a vehicle, universities and vocational schools can be assumed. In the case of universities and vocational schools, there is a large variation in the end times of classes and extracurricular activities, making it difficult to assume going home, etc. according to the time. Therefore, in the case of a combination of information content where the current position when the vehicle ignition is switched on is the school destination, it is also good to randomly pronounce voices such as "Did you have a good time today? How was your study?" and finally add a pronunciation such as "Please drive carefully."

[0081] (2) Phrases when an event targeted for warning occurs (second phrase group) Depending on the combination of information content of acquired information such as the type of event that occurred, information on the speed limit, the current position of the vehicle, and the vehicle speed information, any of the warning information (specific support information) belonging to the second phrase group is pronounced. Examples of events targeted for warning include the approach to the warning location, the RD reception, and the wireless reception, etc. Regarding the warning information, it is pronounced according to the warning setting regardless of the pronunciation frequency during the chatting setting, and only the expression mode differs according to the character setting during the chatting setting. With such a setting, the pronunciation frequency by the main warning function of the radar detector 1 in this example can be made consistent regardless of the chatting setting. If there is consistency in pronunciation, the timing of the pronunciation by the warning, etc. will be constant, so it is possible to avoid the driver, who is the user, from missing the warning.

[0082] For example, in the case of a combination of information content where the speed is above the speed limit when the current position of the vehicle approaches 1 km to the orbis (automatic speed violation control device), warning information (traffic control information) such as "Locked on to the enemy 1 kilometer ahead! Immediately reduce your speed!" is pronounced under the character setting of the cockpit. Also, in the case of a combination of information content where the speed is within the speed limit, warning information such as "Enemy detected 1 kilometer ahead! Proceed while maintaining the current status!" is pronounced.

[0083] (3) Phrases when approaching other content (third phrase group) Depending on the combination of information content such as the location information (GPS content) of a specific facility, the current position of the vehicle, and the continuous driving time since the driver, who is the user, started driving, any voice output information belonging to the third sentence group is pronounced. (3-1) Rest facility When driving on a highway and approaching a rest facility such as a service area, a parking area, or a highway oasis, if the continuous driving time exceeds 2 hours, rest information such as "You've been driving for a long time. Wouldn't you like to take a break? There's a service area 1 kilometer ahead." is pronounced. Instead of the continuous driving time, in the case of a combination of information content where traffic congestion has exceeded a certain time, it is also good to pronounce rest information such as "Are you tired from the traffic congestion?" Furthermore, when the continuous driving time becomes excessive, it is also good to pronounce strong rest encouragement information such as "Continuous operation like this poses a risk to the mission! Take a break at the service area 1 kilometer ahead!!". Note that even when driving on a general road, it is also possible to pronounce the same rest information when approaching a rest facility such as a roadside station.

[0084] Whether it is a highway or a general road can be determined by a well-known map matching operation to determine whether the current position of the vehicle is on a highway or a general road, or it can be determined by discriminating the road type according to the situation of the vehicle's speed, acceleration, deceleration, etc. In the latter determination method, since it is difficult to completely discriminate the road type, it is advisable to clearly state in the product manual that there may be cases where the highway or general road cannot be automatically determined. While providing a means for setting the type of road being traveled in the radar detector 1, it is also advisable to describe in the product manual that accurate rest information can be presented if the road type is set. Also, as a method for detecting traffic congestion, for example, there is a detection method that determines traffic congestion when the speed is less than 30 km / h while driving on a highway. (3-2) Viewpoint parking (tourist parking lot) When the current position of the vehicle is outside the specific area registered based on the home location and the work location, and the current position is near the viewpoint parking, tourist information such as the name and highlights of the viewpoint is pronounced. As the specific area, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is good to set and register an area that combines a circular area with a radius of 5 km centered on the home, a circular area with a radius of 5 km centered on the work location, and a rectangular area with a width of 10 km centered on the straight line connecting the home and the work location. By registering such a specific area, it is possible to avoid the pronunciation of tourist information that is near the home or work location and unnecessary for the user in advance. (3-3) Others In the case of a combination of information content such as approaching a long tunnel or a continuous tunnel while driving on a highway, pronunciations such as "There is a long tunnel. Turn on the lights and drive carefully." are executed. Also, in the case of a combination of information content such as driving near a parking lot, pronunciations such as "There is a parking lot nearby." are possible. In the case of a combination of information content such as driving near a fire truck, pronunciations such as "There is a fire station nearby. Be careful of emergency vehicles." are possible.

[0085] (4) Phrases using vehicle information, etc. (Fourth phrase group) According to the combination of the content of the acquired information including vehicle information, etc., any of the voice output information belonging to the fourth phrase group is pronounced. Vehicle information, etc. includes vehicle information acquired by the OBD function, internal information acquired by internal devices such as the acceleration sensor 124, the gyro 125, and the clock unit 126 (FIG. 3), etc. (4-1) Fueling information When the remaining amount in the fuel tank estimated using the fuel flow rate obtained by the OBD function is less than the specified amount and the vehicle is running near a gas station, it is advisable to execute pronunciations such as "The gasoline is running low. There is a gas station 1 kilometer ahead. Won't you stop by?" The remaining amount in the fuel tank can be estimated by subtracting the fuel consumption, which is the cumulative fuel flow rate, from the fuel tank capacity registered by the user in advance. When the fuel tank capacity is unknown, it is also advisable to pronounce refueling information (supply information) according to the fuel consumption. This example illustrates a vehicle running using gasoline as an energy source. In the case of an electric vehicle or the like, the energy required for running is electricity. (4-2) Drowsiness warning: Estimate the driver's wakefulness according to the rotational steering angle of the steering wheel, the accelerator opening degree, etc., and when the wakefulness falls below the threshold value, pronounce the voice output information warning that the wakefulness is decreasing. (4-3) Eco information Aggregate eco points representing the degree of achievement of eco-driving based on the accelerator opening degree, fuel flow rate, etc., and pronounce the voice output information for praising or encouraging according to the eco points. As the pronunciation timing, random timing may be used, or the timing when the eco points reach a specific point may be used. As the degree of achievement of eco-driving, in addition to the degree of fuel consumption per distance, the occurrence rate of the situation where the accelerator is depressed beyond a predetermined accelerator opening degree (ratio to the driving distance, driving time, etc.), the occurrence rate of sudden braking, the occurrence rate of sudden steering, the degree of low occurrence rate of sudden acceleration, etc. can be used. Furthermore, the degree of eco-driving may be obtained by comprehensively considering these degrees. (4-4) Others It is also advisable to pronounce various voice output information at random timing. Especially, if it is pronounced randomly when the cumulative driving time within a certain period becomes long, it can relieve the driver's drowsiness and make it enjoyable. In addition to the public notice information, if a memory card 171 that stores various types of information including news and weather is set, voice output information such as "On [date], [event] occurred at [location]", "It's raining today. Do you have an umbrella?", and "It seems that [event] will be held at [location] this weekend." can be pronounced. At this time, it is advisable to keep track of the data update date and time and configure it so that information based on old data is not pronounced by comparing it with the current time. Furthermore, for users who do not frequently rewrite the public notice information, voice output information such as "The data remains old. If you update it, it will be more useful for you..." that prompts the update of the public notice information may also be pronounced.

[0086] (5) Phrases (the fifth phrase group) when arriving at a specific registration point (specific location) Depending on the combination of the location information of the specific registration point and information contents such as the current position of the vehicle, any of the voice output information belonging to the fifth phrase group is pronounced. (5-1) When arriving at the registered workplace When the current position of the vehicle matches the registered workplace position, voice output information such as "Please work hard today." is pronounced. After that, when the ignition of the vehicle is switched off, it is also good to pronounce information such as the mileage, driving time, fuel consumption, and fuel efficiency at that time. (5-2) When arriving at the registered home When the current position of the vehicle matches the registered home position, voice output information such as "Thank you for your hard work today. Please rest well." is pronounced. If the current time is included in the combination of the types of acquired information, more considerate and comfortable phrases can be pronounced. For example, in the case of arriving home at 2 pm, the user's sense of discomfort can be suppressed by avoiding the usual greeting when arriving home. (5-3) When arriving at the user-registered my point location When the current position of the vehicle matches the my point, voice output information such as "Arrived at the my point." can be pronounced.

[0087] According to the radar detector 1 of this example configured as described above, it is possible to appropriately pronounce useful information required by the driver who is the user. This radar detector 1 pronounces any information according to the combination of the information contents based on a plurality of types of acquired information including the location of home or workplace, personal information such as date of birth, preferences, and hobbies. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately pronounce information useful for individual drivers. For example, in the surrounding areas of home, workplace, or commuting routes, sightseeing information and rest information are judged not to be useful for the user and the pronunciation is restricted. On the other hand, in an area where the user is expected to be unfamiliar, sightseeing information and rest information are judged to be potentially useful for the user and are actively pronounced. Also, for a driver who has just taken a break, rest information is not useful, so rest information is appropriately presented considering factors such as continuous driving time and time (3:00 pm, etc.). The information thus appropriately presented can finely support driving corresponding to individual drivers, and is also very useful for calming and entertaining the driver through voice output.

[0088] The radar detector 1 of this example pronounces information not directly related to driving in addition to information for supporting driving including warning information. Among the information not directly related to driving, there is also information that is pronounced according to the time regardless of the driving status of the vehicle. In this radar detector 1, warning information is pronounced according to the warning setting, and other information is pronounced according to the chatter setting. Such a specification is a very effective specification for giving consistency to the warning function, which is the main function of the radar detector 1, regardless of the chatter setting regarding the chatter function which is an additional function. The driver who is the user can enjoy the chatter function with their preferred chatter setting without worrying about the impact on the warning function which is the main purpose of purchasing the radar detector 1.

[0089] For the chatting function that provides appropriate information for individual drivers, unexpected information when in an unusual behavior pattern, or different information even with the same behavior pattern every day, various devices are incorporated to enable users to enjoy using it without getting bored and to provide useful information for users. For users who are accustomed to using such a chatting function, in addition to the main warning function that motivates purchases, this chatting function becomes an essential function and can be the added value of the radar detector 1 in this example. For users who consider the chatting function as added value, the radar detector 1 in this example equipped with the chatting function becomes a very attractive product. If the number of such users increases, it can be expected that the number of repeaters who, when replacing, will choose a new product that inherits the design concept of the radar detector 1 in this example without hesitation among other radar detectors will increase.

[0090] Regarding the chatting settings (settings for characters and pronunciation frequency), it is advisable to make them common for all pronunciation conditions. This is because consistency in pronunciation can be achieved for each pronunciation condition. In particular, if a common chatting setting is applied throughout the start, during, and end of driving, a consistent pronunciation mode can be realized from when the user gets into the vehicle until getting out. Instead of this, regarding the setting of the pronunciation frequency, it is possible to have different settings for each pronunciation condition, while it is also good to make the characters common for each pronunciation condition.

[0091] It is advisable to prepare multiple types of voice output information for combinations of the same information content. For example, as the voice output information for the first phrase group, which is the phrase at the opening, if about 30 phrases are prepared for combinations of the same information content, different phrases can be pronounced every day even if the combination of the same information content is repeated for a month. By pronouncing different phrases every day, it becomes possible to surprise the driver who is the user. The driver who is the user will want to hear what phrase will be pronounced this time and will look forward to it every day. If such enjoyment is generated, the chatting function of this product can be used without getting bored over a long period.

[0092] When the vehicle is traveling on a route different from the driving route of the movement history stored in the history memory area, since the driver may be unfamiliar with the surrounding geography, it is advisable to pronounce geographical information such as town information like "There is a convenience store in this neighborhood." and tourist information. Furthermore, the pronunciation frequency of the geographical information may be changed according to the degree of the distance from the most recent position to the current position among the stored movement history. As this distance becomes larger, it can be assumed that the driver, who is the user, is farther from their hometown and is unfamiliar with the geography, so it is advisable to increase the pronunciation frequency of the geographical information.

[0093] It may also be good to provide an information pattern storage area in the memory area of the non-volatile memory to store the pattern of the combination of the information contents of the acquired information. When the driver, who is the user, acts in a pattern different from usual, a new pattern that is not stored in the information pattern storage area appears. On the side of the radar detector 1, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of an action different from usual in response to the appearance of such a new pattern. For example, in the case of the opening phrase (the first phrase group), store the pattern of the combination of the information contents of the acquired information such as the ignition information of the vehicle, the current time, the current position of the vehicle, personal information, etc., and when a new pattern different from the pattern obtained in the most recent one month or one week is obtained, it may also be good to execute the pronunciation according to the combination of the information contents. While the pattern of the combination of the information content that the ignition of the vehicle at home is switched on around 6 o'clock every morning is stored, if the ignition is switched on at a later time, it may also be good to execute the pronunciation of "Good morning. It's a little later than usual, so please drive carefully slowly." Or, when the ignition of the vehicle at home is switched on at 5 o'clock in the morning, it may also be good to execute the pronunciation of "You're early today. The road is relatively empty, but please be very careful not to drive too fast."

[0094] In this example, it is an example of a stand-alone vehicle system in which the radar detector 1 alone makes various sounds. Instead of this example, while equipping the radar detector 1 with a network function, it is also possible to configure a vehicle system including a base station that has a database of voice output information and is accessible via a network.

[0095] While adding means for detecting the presence or absence of passengers and the like, it is also possible to change the character settings and pronunciation frequency according to the presence or absence of passengers. For example, even if a chatting mode is set as the pronunciation frequency, when there are passengers, it is also possible to temporarily set a quiet mode. In this case, it is possible to avoid in advance a situation where the radar detector 1 interferes with the conversation with the passengers. As means for detecting passengers, means using a pressure sensor embedded in the seat or means for detecting passengers by performing image processing or the like on an image obtained by an imaging camera installed facing the interior of the vehicle can be adopted.

[0096] (Example 2) This example is an example in which pronunciation specifications are added based on the radar detector 1 of Example 1. This content will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. In the radar detector of this example, the pronunciation specification of FIG. 19 is set. Note that the specification in the figure includes specifications overlapping with those of Example 1. Note that in this example, the setting of the pronunciation frequency is slightly different from that of Example 1. While it is the same as Example 1 in that there are three output mode settings of chatting, normal, and quiet from the higher frequency side, it is different in that the pronunciation frequency is the same as that of a conventional radar detector in the quiet mode. The chatting mode is an output mode for drivers who want to hear all warnings and various information. The quiet mode is an output mode for drivers who want to drive quietly with satisfactory warnings similar to those of conventional radar detectors. The normal mode is an intermediate mode between the two and is an output mode for drivers who want to receive more information such as orbis and checkpoints than conventional radar detectors.

[0097] The pronunciation based on the event combination in FIG. 19 is the pronunciation specification when any two or more types of events among a plurality of types of events such as approaching GPS content (GPS content approach), RD reception, and wireless reception occur simultaneously (FIG. 20), and it is an additional specification for Example 1. As the target events, in addition to the above, there are events of capturing vehicle information such as the excess speed over the restricted speed being 10 km / h or more, and capturing specific vehicle information such as capturing vehicle information where traffic congestion is assumed. The pronunciation specification of the orbis countdown is the pronunciation specification when approaching the orbis (FIG. 21). The pronunciation according to the RD reception level (Lv) is the specification when pronouncing according to the change in the Lv intensity (FIG. 22). The pronunciation according to the vehicle information is the pronunciation specification based on the vehicle information acquired by the radar detector, etc. (FIG. 23).

[0098] As known from FIG. 19, when the pronunciation frequency during the chat setting is set to the quiet mode, the pronunciation by the event combination and the pronunciation according to the vehicle information are not executed. For users who desire the same pronunciation as the conventional radar detector 1, the pronunciation frequency can be suppressed by setting the quiet mode, and the pronunciation specification will be the same as that of the conventional radar detector 1 except for the pronunciation according to the RD reception level. On the other hand, when setting the chat mode, the pronunciation by the event combination, the pronunciation according to the vehicle information, etc. will all be executed. For example, if the all-on mode is set as the alarm setting and the pronunciation frequency during the chat setting is set to the chat mode, a very high and lively pronunciation specification will be realized.

[0099] Regarding the pronunciation examples based on event combinations, reference will be made to FIG. 20 for explanation. For example, when the event of GPS content approach due to approaching the orbis and the event of RD reception due to receiving radar waves occur simultaneously, the pronunciation reflecting the two events is executed. This is a new point not present in the radar detector 1 of Example 1 where the RD alarm is pronounced preferentially over the GPS alarm. Specifically, the pronunciation reflecting both the event of GPS content approach, "Radar alarm confirmed within the orbis area! Pay attention to speed", and the event of RD reception is executed. Also, when the event of GPS content approach due to approaching the mouse trap area and the event of specific vehicle information capture where the speed exceeds the speed limit by 10 to 20 km / h occur simultaneously, the pronunciation reflecting the two events, "Attention to speed enforcement! Exceeding the speed limit by 10 km", is executed. Further, when the wireless reception event due to receiving the enforcement radio occurs in addition to these two events, the pronunciation reflecting the three events, "Within the speed enforcement measurement area, exceeding the speed limit by 10 km", is executed.

[0100] Also, when the event of GPS content approach due to approaching the accident-prone area and the event of wireless reception due to receiving the car stereo radio occur simultaneously, the pronunciation reflecting the two events, "There is a risk of traffic accidents in this vicinity. Please drive carefully.", is executed. When the event of GPS content approach due to approaching the parking area and the event of specific vehicle information capture assuming traffic congestion where driving at a speed of 30 km / h or less continues for a predetermined time occur simultaneously, the pronunciation, "There is a parking area 2 km ahead. Are you tired due to traffic congestion? We recommend taking a break.", is executed. When the event of GPS content approach due to approaching the service area with a gas station and the event of specific vehicle information capture where the remaining amount in the gasoline tank is less than 20% occur simultaneously, the pronunciation, "The remaining gasoline is low. There is a gas station at the ○○ service area 2 km ahead. We recommend refueling.", is executed.

[0101] Regarding the pronunciation specification of the orbis countdown according to the approach to the orbis, it will be described with reference to FIG. 21. This specification varies according to the pronunciation frequency during the chatting setting. In the quiet mode, the countdown pronunciation every 100 m is not performed, and the same alarm as the conventional radar detector 1 is given. On the other hand, when setting the chatting mode or the normal mode, it is also possible to execute the countdown pronunciation every 100 m. In particular, when setting the chatting mode, the count 2 in the figure where the countdown is performed at a distance of 1000 m to 100 m is applied. On the other hand, when in the normal mode, when approaching up to 500 m, the count 1 in the figure where the countdown every 100 m starts is applied. In addition, as traffic control information for notifying the approach to the control point (a specific position such as the installation position of the orbis) by voice, in addition to the alarm information pronounced according to the alarm setting, there is voice output information pronounced by the orbis countdown.

[0102] Regarding the pronunciation specification according to the RD reception level, it will be described with reference to FIG. 22. This pronunciation specification is common regardless of the pronunciation frequency (chatting mode, normal mode, quiet mode) during the chatting setting as shown in FIG. 19. When the reception level gradually increases from Lv1 to Lv5, when the reception levels are Lv1, Lv3, and Lv5 respectively, the pronunciations of "Radar wave received.", "Radar wave transmission area, approaching!", and "This is the radar wave transmission area." are executed. On the other hand, when the reception level gradually decreases from Lv5 to Lv1, when the reception levels are Lv5, Lv3, and zero level respectively, the pronunciations of "This is the radar wave transmission area.", "Radar wave transmission area, leaving!", and "Outside the radar wave transmission area." are executed.

[0103] Regarding the pronunciation example according to the vehicle information, it will be described with reference to FIG. 23. In the figure, the internal information means information acquired by internal devices such as the acceleration sensor 124 and the clock unit 126. For example, when the occupancy time of low-speed driving or idling with a vehicle speed of zero is long and the vehicle is being driven on a highway, a pronunciation such as "There is a parking area 1 kilometer ahead. Don't you want to take a break?" is executed before a parking area, a service area, etc. When the throttle opening degree by the OBD function is sustained at 80% or more for several seconds, a pronunciation such as "You are overloading the engine. It's not good for fuel consumption." is executed. When the integrated value of the fuel flow rate by the OBD function reaches a preset alarm value, a pronunciation such as "There is not enough gasoline. Please refuel." is executed. In the reminder setting, vehicle information by the OBD function is used, and when the set number of days or the set distance is reached, pronunciations such as "It's time to replace the battery." and "It's time to replace the tires." are executed.

[0104] Also, if pronunciations are executed according to the internal acquired information of the radar detector such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and inclination, and the vehicle information acquired by the OBD function, it becomes possible to notify changes in the driving state, the surrounding situation, the vehicle situation, etc. at all times by voice. For example, in the case of the output of the acceleration sensor 124, for acceleration G, deceleration G, and lateral G, when a preset threshold value is exceeded for a predetermined time, the value can be pronounced at all times. For example, it is in the form of "Acceleration G ○○", "○○"... "Lateral G ○○", "○○"... In the case of the OBD output (vehicle information by the OBD function), when the output value of the set item exceeds the threshold value for a predetermined time, the output value can be pronounced at all times. For example, it is in the form of "Engine load ○○", "○○"... "Full throttle", "○○"...

[0105] As described above, according to the radar detector of this example having a pronunciation specification based on an event combination, when a plurality of events occur overlappingly during driving, appropriate information reflecting the contents of those events can be pronounced or the like. For example, when the approaching speed to the mouse-catching area is over 10 to 20 km / h, useful information necessary to avoid a traffic violation such as "Caution for speed limit! You are over the speed limit by 10 km / h." can be pronounced. Also, for example, when approaching a service area with a gas station, if the remaining amount in the gasoline tank is less than 20%, useful information necessary to avoid running out of gas such as "The remaining amount of gasoline is low. There is a gas station at ○○ Service Area 2 kilometers ahead. It is recommended to refuel." can be pronounced.

[0106] In this way, the radar detector of this example enables the provision of information required by the driver in that situation by pronouncing information corresponding to a combination of a plurality of overlappingly occurring events. This radar detector is a "thoughtful" in-vehicle device that can provide appropriate information reflecting the situation of each driver. Note that regarding other configurations and operational effects, they are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0107] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the first and second embodiments, but these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be construed restrictively by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims include technologies obtained by variously modifying or changing the specific examples using known technologies and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 1 Radar detector (vehicle system) 10 Control unit 100 Database 121 GPS receiver 122 Microwave receiver 123 Wireless receiver 124 Acceleration sensor 125 Gyro 126 Clock section 15 Touch panel 16 Speaker 17 Memory card reader 171 Memory card 2 Case body 28 Bracket 31 Standby screen 32 Map screen 35 GPS warning screen 36 RD warning screen

Claims

1. A system having a function of making a predetermined sound when the vehicle is switched on, wherein as the predetermined sound, different sounds are made depending on whether the date is a weekday or not. When the date is a weekday, pronunciation processing is performed for each time zone in which a predetermined sound is made when the current time falls within a specific time zone. On the other hand, when the date is not a weekday, the pronunciation processing for each time zone is not performed. A system characterized by the above.

2. As the predetermined sound, when the date falls within a preset specific period, it has a function of outputting a sound based on voice output information for the specific period. The voice output information for the specific period includes the content indicating that it is the specific period and the content prompting attention related to the specific period. The system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. As the predetermined sound, when the current time when the vehicle is switched on belongs to the first time zone and the current location is the home, it has a function of making a sound assuming the commuting scene. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. As the predetermined sound, when the current time when the vehicle is switched on belongs to the second time zone and the current location is the workplace, it has a function of making a sound assuming the going-home scene. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. It has a function of making a sound of voice output information for when the current position of the vehicle matches the registered workplace position. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. When the vehicle is switched off after arriving at the registered workplace, it has a function of making a sound of at least any one of the travel distance, travel time, fuel consumption, or fuel efficiency at that time. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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