Vehicle information processing device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle information processor for quickly and accurately transmitting the result of information processing related with a vehicle to a driver or the like by suppressing any erroneous alarm (the notification or display of erroneous information).SOLUTION: An aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information on a vehicle and performs output based on a processing result, the vehicle information processing device including a reception unit that receives a signal, an output unit that outputs information, and a control unit that performs information processing on the signal received by the reception unit and performs control to cause the output unit to output a processing result obtained by the information processing, in which the control unit starts identification processing for identifying which of a plurality of types the signal received by the reception unit corresponds to, and causes the output unit to output information indicating that the identification processing is being executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information processing device that acquires, processes, and displays information related to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Devices such as a radar detector, a drive recorder, a vehicle information monitor, and a navigation device are attached to a dashboard or the like of a vehicle to acquire various information, process the information, and display it on a display.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a detection system for a traffic control device that can accurately issue an alarm even when a vehicle approaches a mobile traffic control device. This detection system includes a detection means for detecting a speed detection wave emitted from the traffic control device, a first alarm means for issuing an alarm when the detection means receives the speed detection wave, a current position recognition means for recognizing the current position, and when the detection means detects the speed detection wave, transmission means for transmitting the position information of the current position recognized by the current position recognition means at the time of this detection via a public communication line, a traffic control information storage means for storing the position information received from a plurality of transmission means as traffic control information, a reception means for receiving the traffic control information stored in the traffic control information storage means via a public communication line, and a second alarm means for issuing an alarm when the current position is within a predetermined first range from the position indicated by the traffic control information received by the reception means by comparing the position indicated by the traffic control information received by the reception means with the current position recognized by the current position recognition means.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a drive recorder having a function of recording an image from a camera on a removable medium, and including a function of initializing the removable medium and a function of notifying the degree of deterioration of the removable medium.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a vehicle information display device that ensures sufficient visibility so that measured values ​​can be viewed instantly and detailed measured values ​​can be provided as needed. This device comprises a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires measured values ​​of vehicle information, a display unit that displays the measured values ​​of vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and a control unit that controls the display of the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-181897 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-137079 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-118578 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In a vehicle information processing device that is installed in a vehicle to acquire information about the vehicle and output the results of information processing, it is desirable that the information processing is performed accurately and that the processing results are communicated quickly and accurately to the driver or other relevant parties.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle information processing device that can quickly and accurately transmit the results of vehicle-related information processing to the driver, etc., while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of incorrect information). [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information relating to a vehicle and outputs based on the processing results, comprising: a receiving unit that receives signals; an output unit that outputs information; and a control unit that performs information processing on the signals received by the receiving unit and controls the output unit to output the processing results obtained from the information processing, wherein the control unit starts an identification process to identify which of a plurality of types the signals received by the receiving unit belong to, and causes the output unit to output information indicating that the identification process is being performed.

[0010] With this configuration, information indicating that the receiving unit is performing identification processing to identify the type of signal received is output, thus accurately informing the vehicle driver or others that identification processing is underway.

[0011] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the control unit may, in the identification process, sequentially perform individual identification processing for each of the multiple types of signals to identify each type, and may also output an image to the output unit that represents the object that is the source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification processing. This suppresses false detection by sequentially performing individual identification processing for each of the multiple types of signals to identify each type, and the fact that individual identification processing is being performed sequentially for each type is accurately conveyed by the image that represents the object that is the source of the signal corresponding to the type of signal.

[0012] The above-described vehicle information processing device may further include a position acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information, which is the absolute or relative position of the vehicle, and the control unit may select an identification process to identify the type of signal based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit. This ensures that an appropriate identification process is selected according to the vehicle's current position based on the vehicle position information, thereby suppressing false detections and allowing the identification result to be quickly communicated to the vehicle's driver or other relevant parties. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a vehicle information processing device that can quickly and accurately transmit the result of information processing related to a vehicle to a driver or the like while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of incorrect information).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an external appearance example of the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal discrimination process (Part 1) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal discrimination process (Part 2) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal discrimination process (Part 3) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal discrimination process (Part 4) executed by the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing display examples of images in the discrimination process. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of images indicating that the discrimination is in progress corresponding to the types of the discrimination process.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the members once described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] (Configuration of Vehicle Information Processing Device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle information processing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance example of the vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The vehicle information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an in-vehicle device that is attached to, for example, a dashboard or a front window of a vehicle and processes and outputs various types of information regarding the vehicle. In the present embodiment, a radar detector (including a laser detector) will be described as an example of the vehicle information processing apparatus 1.

[0017] The vehicle information processing apparatus 1 includes a receiving unit 16 that receives a signal, an output unit 12 that outputs information, and a control unit 14 that performs information processing on the signal received by the receiving unit 16 and performs control to output the processing result by the information processing to the output unit 12. The vehicle information processing apparatus 1 may further include an acquisition unit 11 that acquires operation information of the vehicle, a storage unit 13, an input unit 15, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 17.

[0018] The acquisition unit 11 acquires at least one of the speed and acceleration of the vehicle during travel as operation information. In the present embodiment, it includes a speed acquisition unit 111 that acquires the speed information of the vehicle and an acceleration acquisition unit 112 that acquires the acceleration information of the vehicle. The speed acquisition unit 111 may calculate the speed from the position information of the vehicle acquired by the GPS sensor 17 described later, or may obtain the speed information from information output from the vehicle side such as OBD (On Board Diagnostics) 18. Further, the acceleration acquisition unit 112 may obtain the acceleration by a built-in acceleration sensor (not shown), may calculate the acceleration from the position information of the vehicle acquired by the GPS sensor 17, or may obtain the acceleration information from information output from the vehicle side such as OBD 18.

[0019] The output unit 12 includes a display 121 for displaying information and a speaker 122 for outputting information as sound. As shown in the external appearance example in Figure 2, the display 121 is provided on the front of the housing 10 of the vehicle information processing device 1. The speaker 122 is provided, for example, on the rear of the housing 10. The output unit 12 may also be an LED lamp provided on the housing 10. Furthermore, the output unit 12 may have a function to output information to external devices (for example, a mobile terminal or a network).

[0020] The storage unit 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 13 stores condition setting information, which will be described later. The storage unit 13 may be built into the housing 10 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or it may be connected to the outside of the housing 10 or via a network.

[0021] The input unit 15 consists of a touch panel on the display 121 and buttons on the housing 10. The input unit 15 is used to start up the vehicle information processing device 1, configure various settings, and allow the user to make selections.

[0022] If the vehicle information processing device 1 is a radar detector, the receiving unit 16 receives signals sent to the moving vehicle, for example, from a vehicle speed measuring device. In this embodiment, the signals include not only speed measurement signals (radio waves or light) transmitted from the vehicle speed measuring device, but also various signals such as signals output from vending machines, ticket machines, automatic door sensors (such as motion sensors), and vehicle safety functions (backup sensors).

[0023] The GPS sensor 17 may be built into the housing 10, or it may be provided outside the housing 10 and connected to the housing 10 by a cable. The GPS sensor 17 can obtain the vehicle's location information. In addition, the vehicle's speed information and acceleration information can be calculated based on changes in the vehicle's location information.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle information processing device 1 is connectable to the OBD18. By connecting to the OBD18, various types of information sent from the vehicle can be obtained. When connected to the OBD18, vehicle speed information and acceleration information can be obtained. Note that the means of obtaining information from the vehicle is not limited to the OBD18.

[0025] The control unit 14 performs various information processing related to the vehicle and controls the output of the processing results from the output unit 12. The control unit 14 includes an identification processing unit 141 and an arithmetic unit 142. The identification processing unit 141 performs processing to identify which of several types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 belongs to.

[0026] The arithmetic unit 142 performs information processing and arithmetic processing to control each unit in accordance with the processing performed by the identification processing unit 141. For example, the arithmetic unit 142 may output information to the output unit 12 indicating that the identification processing unit 141 is performing signal identification processing, or output information corresponding to the type of identified signal to the output unit 12. The output from the output unit 12 of information indicating that identification processing is being performed and information corresponding to the type of identified signal may include not only the display of an image, but also sound and audio output.

[0027] In the identification process performed by the identification processing unit 141 of the control unit 14, individual identification processing may be performed sequentially for each of the multiple types of signals to identify each type. In this case, the calculation unit 142 may output an image to the output unit 12 that is a picture representing the source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification processing.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 14 may select an identification process to identify the type of signal based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit (GPS sensor 17, etc.). If the position acquisition unit is a GPS sensor 17, the absolute position of the vehicle is acquired. The position acquisition unit may be something other than a GPS sensor 17. For example, a reference position (address, map code, region, etc.) may be set in advance, and the direction and amount of movement of the vehicle may be acquired from an acceleration sensor or vehicle speed sensor to acquire the relative position with respect to the pre-set reference position. The identification processing unit 141 of the control unit 14 may switch the identification process to identify the type of signal based on the absolute position or relative position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition unit.

[0029] (Identification process) Next, we will explain the signal identification process performed by the vehicle information processing device 1. The identification process is performed by the identification processing unit 141 and the calculation unit 142 of the control unit 14. The identification process may also be implemented as a program (vehicle information processing program) that causes a computer to execute each step.

[0030] (Identification process: Part 1) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal identification process (part 1) performed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S101, a standby image (an image indicating that the vehicle information processing device 1 is in a standby state) is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S102, the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1 determines whether or not it has received a signal from outside the vehicle. If a signal is received, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0031] In step S103, the identification processing unit 141 performs the identification process of the signal received by the receiving unit 16. The identification process is the process of determining which of several types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 belongs to. A specific example of the signal identification process will be described later.

[0032] While the identification process is being performed, the output unit 12 outputs information indicating that the signal is being identified, as shown in step S104. For example, the text information "Identifying" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice indicating that identification is in progress may be output from the output unit 12.

[0033] Next, as shown in step S105, it is determined whether or not the type of signal could be identified. If it cannot be identified (No in step S105), the process returns to step S103 and continues the identification process, and the output unit 12 that indicates the identification process is in progress continues to output information as shown in step S104.

[0034] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S105), information corresponding to the identified type is output to the output unit 12, as shown in step S106. For example, information indicating the type of signal identified (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0035] Next, as shown in step S107, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is not below the predetermined threshold (No in step S107), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S106 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S107), it is determined as shown in step S108 whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has disappeared (including when the signal strength falls below a certain threshold). If the signal has not disappeared, the process returns to step S103 and the subsequent processing is repeated. This allows for re-identification processing to be performed to reconfirm the type of signal if the strength of a signal that was initially identified weakens. On the other hand, if the signal has disappeared, the system returns to standby mode and displays a standby image on the display 121 as shown in step S109.

[0036] This type of identification process (method 1) allows the vehicle driver or other relevant parties to be accurately informed that the system is in the process of receiving a signal and identifying its type.

[0037] (Identification process: Part 2) Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal identification process (part 2) performed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S201, a standby image is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S202, the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1 determines whether or not it has received a signal from outside the vehicle. If a signal is received, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0038] In step S203, the variable n is set to 1. Next, as shown in step S204, the identification process for the nth type of signal is performed. The identification process for the nth type of signal is an example of individual identification. When n=1, the identification process for the first type is performed by the identification processing unit 141.

[0039] While the nth type identification process is being performed, the output unit 12 outputs information indicating that the nth type signal identification process is underway, as shown in step S205. For example, the text information "Identifying the nth type" corresponding to the nth type identification process is displayed on the display 121, or the output unit 12 outputs a sound or voice to indicate that the identification is underway.

[0040] Next, as shown in step S206, it is determined whether or not the nth type of signal has been identified. If it has not been identified (No in step S206), the variable n is incremented by one in step S207 and the process returns to step S204, and the identification process from step S204 to step S206 is continued. In this embodiment, multiple identification processes are prepared in advance, and by adding one by one to the variable n, the identification processes for multiple types of signals can be performed sequentially. As a result, the identification processes for different types of signals, such as the first type, the second type, the third type, and so on, are performed sequentially until the type can be identified.

[0041] While the identification process for the first type, second type, third type, and so on is being performed sequentially, information indicating that the identification process is currently underway for that type is output from the output unit 12. This makes it easy to understand which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0042] If the nth type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S206), information corresponding to the identified nth type is output to the output unit 12, as shown in step S208. For example, information indicating the nth type of the identified signal (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0043] Next, as shown in step S209, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is not below the predetermined threshold (No in step S209), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S208 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S209), it is determined as shown in step S210 whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has disappeared (including when the signal strength falls below a certain threshold). If the signal has not disappeared, the process returns to step S204 and sends back the subsequent processing. This allows for re-identification processing to reconfirm the type of signal if the strength of a signal that was initially identified weakens. On the other hand, if the signal has disappeared, the process returns to standby mode and a standby image is displayed on the display 121 as shown in step S211.

[0044] This type of identification process (part 2) suppresses false detections by receiving a signal and sequentially identifying multiple types of that signal. It also allows for accurate communication to the vehicle driver or other relevant parties about the processing (identification) status and which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0045] (Identification process: Part 3) Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal identification process (part 3) performed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S301, a standby image (an image indicating that the vehicle information processing device 1 is in a standby state) is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1. Next, as shown in step S302, the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1 determines whether or not it has received a signal from outside the vehicle. If a signal is received, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0046] In step S303, the identification processing unit 141 performs a signal identification process for the signal received by the receiving unit 16. The signal identification process is a process that divides (separates) the signal received by the receiving unit 16 into multiple types of signals.

[0047] While the identification process is being performed, the output unit 12 outputs information indicating that the signal type identification process is underway, as shown in step S304. For example, the text information "Identifying" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice indicating that identification is underway may be output from the output unit 12.

[0048] Next, as shown in step S305, it is determined whether or not the type of signal could be identified. If it could not be identified (No in step S305), the process returns to step S303 and continues the identification process, and the output unit 12 that indicates the identification process is in progress continues to output information as shown in step S304.

[0049] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S305), the necessary signals are selected as shown in step S306. Here, from the multiple types of signals that have been separated by identification, only the necessary types of signals are extracted, and the unnecessary types of signals are canceled. After selecting the necessary signals, information corresponding to the selected signal types is output to the output unit 12 as shown in step S307. For example, information indicating the type of selected signal (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or audio.

[0050] Next, as shown in step S308, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is not below the predetermined threshold (No in step S308), the output of information corresponding to the selected signal type shown in step S307 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S308), it is determined as shown in step S309 whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has disappeared (including when the signal strength falls below a certain threshold). If the signal has not disappeared, the process returns to step S303 and the subsequent processing is repeated. This allows for re-identification processing to be performed to reconfirm the signal type if the strength of a signal that was initially identified weakens. On the other hand, if the signal has disappeared, the system returns to standby mode and displays a standby image on the display 121 as shown in step S310.

[0051] This identification process (part 3) identifies multiple types of signals from the received signal, extracts only the necessary types of signals, and cancels out unnecessary types of signals. This suppresses false detections and allows for accurate communication to the vehicle driver, etc., about the processing (identification) in progress and which type of signal is currently being identified.

[0052] (Identification process: Part 4) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the signal identification process (part 4) performed by the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S401, a standby image is displayed on the display 121 of the vehicle information processing device 1.

[0053] Next, as shown in step S402, information about the vehicle's position is acquired. This information can be obtained, for example, by using the GPS sensor 17 to acquire the vehicle's absolute current position, or by setting a reference position (address, map code, region, etc.) in advance and acquiring the vehicle's direction and amount of movement from the acceleration sensor and vehicle speed sensor to obtain the relative position to the pre-set reference position. Furthermore, the vehicle's position information may also be the region or area where the vehicle is currently located (prefecture, city, town, or village; regional divisions such as Kanto or Kansai; urban or suburban area; general road or highway; mountainous or plain area, etc.).

[0054] Next, as shown in step S403, the receiving unit 16 of the vehicle information processing device 1 determines whether or not it has received a signal from outside the vehicle. If a signal is received, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, a decision is made as to whether or not to perform the identification process. Whether or not to perform the identification process is determined based on the vehicle's position information obtained in step S402. That is, the system refers to a database that associates the vehicle's position information with whether or not to perform the identification process, and determines whether or not to perform the identification process based on the current vehicle position.

[0055] This database may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or it may be stored on an external server (such as a cloud server) via a network. If it is determined in step S404 not to perform the identification process (No in step S404), the process proceeds to step S412 and returns to the standby state.

[0056] If it is determined in step S404 to perform the identification process (Yes in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the identification process is selected. The selection of the identification process is determined based on the vehicle's position information obtained in step S402. That is, the system refers to a database where the vehicle's position information (location information) and the type of identification process are associated, and the type of identification process is selected based on the current vehicle position. This database may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the vehicle information processing device 1, or it may be stored on an external server (such as a cloud server) via a network and can be accessed or downloaded using the communication function of the vehicle information processing device 1.

[0057] Next, as shown in step S406, the identification processing unit 141 performs the signal identification process according to the type of identification process selected in step S405. The identification process is the process of identifying which of several types the signal received by the receiving unit 16 belongs to. As a result, the optimal signal identification process is automatically selected and executed according to the vehicle's position.

[0058] While the identification process is being performed, the output unit 12 outputs information indicating that the signal is being identified, as shown in step S407. For example, the text information "Identifying" may be displayed on the display 121, or a sound or voice indicating that identification is in progress may be output from the output unit 12.

[0059] Next, as shown in step S408, it is determined whether or not the type of signal could be identified. If it cannot be identified (No in step S408), the process returns to step S406 and continues the identification process, and the output unit 12 that indicates that the identification process is in progress continues to output information as shown in step S407.

[0060] On the other hand, if the type of signal can be identified (Yes in step S408), information corresponding to the identified type is output to the output unit 12, as shown in step S409. For example, information indicating the type of signal identified (information indicating the frequency band, an image of the object that is the source of the signal, etc.) is displayed on the display 121 or output as sound or voice.

[0061] Next, as shown in step S410, it is determined whether the strength of the received signal has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is not below the predetermined threshold (No in step S410), the output of information corresponding to the identified type shown in step S409 continues. On the other hand, if the signal strength has fallen below the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S410), it is determined as shown in step S411 whether the signal received by the receiving unit 16 has disappeared (including when the signal strength falls below a certain threshold). If the signal has not disappeared, the process returns to step S406 and the subsequent processing is repeated. This allows for re-identification processing to be performed to reconfirm the type of signal if the strength of a signal that was initially identified weakens. On the other hand, if the signal has disappeared, the system returns to standby mode and displays a standby image on the display 121 as shown in step S412.

[0062] This identification process (method 4) automatically determines whether or not to perform signal identification processing based on the vehicle's location information, and switches the signal type identification processing based on the vehicle's location information. This allows for accurate and rapid identification processing according to the vehicle's location, suppressing false detections, and accurately communicating the status and results of the identification process to the vehicle's driver.

[0063] In the identification process described above (Part 4), an example was shown using a database that associates location information with the type of identification process. However, a database that associates location information with the type of target equipment (speed measuring device, etc.) or a database that associates location information with the installation area of ​​the target equipment may also be used. Furthermore, although the type of identification process was selected based on the vehicle's position information, the type of identification process may also be selected based on information other than the vehicle's position, such as the current date and time, or based on both the vehicle's position information and the current date and time.

[0064] (Specific example) Examples of signal type identification processes performed in the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment include identifying the frequency and frequency band of the radio waves in the signal, and identifying the modulation method of the signal. Alternatively, the process may be to identify whether the signal is a modulated wave or an unmodulated wave. If the signal is a modulated wave, the identification process may be to identify the signal type based on the cumulative value of the intensity of a specific modulated wave. In this case, the identification process may identify the signal type by determining the cumulative value of the intensity of a specific modulated wave using a pre-set threshold. Furthermore, when determining the cumulative value of the intensity of a specific modulated wave using a threshold in the identification process, multiple different thresholds may be set, and multiple types of signals may be identified by determining each of the multiple different thresholds.

[0065] In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, an image indicating that identification is in progress may be displayed on the display 121 while the signal type identification process is being performed. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show examples of image display during the identification process. As shown in Figure 7(a), while the signal type identification process is being performed (from the start of the identification process until identification is completed), the display 121 displays, for example, the text "Identifying" T1 along with a predetermined image G1. This allows the vehicle driver or others to be quickly and accurately informed that the signal type identification process is in progress. Once the signal type identification is complete, as shown in Figure 7(b), the display can be switched to show an image G2 corresponding to the identified signal type, thereby accurately communicating the transition from identification in progress to identification completion.

[0066] Furthermore, in the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, when performing signal type identification processing, an image indicating that identification is in progress may be displayed on the display 121 while multiple identification processes are sequentially switched and executed. Figures 8(a) and (b) show examples of images indicating that identification is in progress, corresponding to the type of identification process. Figure 8(a) shows an example image indicating that the type of MSSS in the K-band from 24.07 GHz to 24.17 GHz is being identified. In this example, while the identification process is being performed to determine whether or not the signal is from a vending machine, the words "Identifying" T1 are displayed along with an image of a vending machine G11.

[0067] If the signal is not from the vending machine, an identification process is then performed to determine whether the signal is from another vehicle's sensor. While this identification process is running, the words "Identifying" T1 are displayed along with an image G12 of another vehicle. If the signal is not from another vehicle's sensor, an identification process is then performed to determine whether the signal is from the MSSS radar device. While this identification process is running, the words "Identifying" T1 are displayed along with an image G13 of the MSSS radar device.

[0068] Figure 8(b) shows an example image indicating that the type of JMA signal in the K-band from 24.2275 GHz to 24.2575 GHz is being identified. In this example, while the identification process is being performed to determine whether or not the signal is from a police car, the words "Identifying" are displayed along with an image of a police car.

[0069] If the signal is not from a police car, an identification process is then performed to determine whether or not it is a signal from a JMA radar device. While this identification process is being performed, the words "Identifying" are displayed along with an image of a JMA radar device. If the signal is not from a JMA radar device, an identification process is then performed to determine whether or not it is a signal from another vehicle's sensor. While this identification process is being performed, the words "Identifying" are displayed along with an image of another vehicle.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), depending on the type of identification process, the images of the patterns corresponding to the type of signal being identified in that process are sequentially switched. In other words, the type of signal being identified can be understood by the transitions between images G11-G13 and G21-G23. This allows for quick and accurate communication of the current status of the signal identification process to vehicle drivers, etc. Furthermore, once the identification of the signal type is complete, the display can be switched to an image of the pattern corresponding to the identified signal type, thereby accurately communicating the process from identification in progress to identification completion.

[0071] These images may be displayed as animations (videos) or actual photographs. This will allow the situation to be communicated to drivers and others more clearly.

[0072] Furthermore, when sequentially performing identification processing for multiple signal types, the process may be stopped once the identification of the target signal type has been completed. This eliminates unnecessary processing and allows for the rapid output of identification results.

[0073] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to provide a vehicle information processing device 1 that can quickly and accurately transmit the results of vehicle-related information processing to the driver, etc., while suppressing false alarms (notification or display of incorrect information).

[0074] Although this embodiment and its application examples have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, while the application to a radar detector and a drive recorder has been described as vehicle information processing devices 1, the present invention can also be applied to other devices or in-vehicle equipment that display vehicle information other than radar detectors and drive recorders (for example, devices that process information sent from the vehicle side via OBD18 and information sent from various sensors and display it on the display 121), navigation devices, HUD (Head Up Display), ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), etc. Furthermore, the vehicle is not limited to automobiles, but may also be a two-wheeled vehicle (e.g., motorcycle, bicycle) or a three-wheeled vehicle (e.g., trike). In addition, any additions, deletions, or design changes to the above-described embodiments or their application examples, or combinations of the features of each embodiment as appropriate by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1... Vehicle information processing device 10…Cabinet 11…Acquisition part 12…Output section 13...Storage section 14…Control Unit 15...Input section 16... Receiver 17…GPS sensor 18…OBD 111…Speed ​​acquisition section 112…Acceleration acquisition unit 121…Display 122...Speaker 141...Identification Processing Unit 142...Arithmetic section G1, G11, G12, G13, G2, G21, G22, G23... Images T1... character n...variable

Claims

1. A vehicle information processing device that acquires and processes information about a vehicle and outputs based on the processing results, A receiving unit that receives signals, An output unit that outputs information, A position acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information, which is the absolute or relative position of the vehicle, A control unit that performs information processing on the signal received by the receiving unit and controls the output unit to output the processing result of the information processing, Equipped with, The control unit initiates an identification process to determine which of a plurality of types the signal received by the receiving unit corresponds to, and in control of outputting information indicating that the identification process is being performed to the output unit, the control unit selects the identification process based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit.

2. The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in the identification process, sequentially performs an individual identification process for each of the plurality of types of signals to identify each of the types, and causes the output unit to output an image which is a pattern representing an object that is the source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification process.

3. The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output characters indicating that the identification process is being performed while the identification process is being performed, and stops outputting the characters to the output unit when the identification process is completed.

4. The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit sequentially performs individual identification processing for each of the multiple types of signals of a specific frequency band received by the receiving unit, it causes the output unit to output characters indicating the specific frequency band or characters indicating the type of signal to be identified in the specific frequency band.

5. The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit sequentially performs individual identification processing for each of the multiple types of signals of a specific frequency band received by the receiving unit to identify each of the multiple types, it causes the output unit to output an image to the output unit which is a character indicating the type of signal to be identified in the specific frequency band, along with a picture representing the source of the signal corresponding to the type identified in the individual identification processing.

Images