Devices and programs

Abstract

To utilize function built in separate instruments in collaboration.SOLUTION: A device is equipped with a first electric power consumption part that performs either or both of control for outputting information to a user and control for receiving operation from the user, and a second electric power consumption part that performs control different from the control by the first electric power consumption part. In a case that currents exceed rating currents of an external power source when voltages are applied to the first electric power consumption part and the second electric power consumption part at the same time, when supply of power from the external power source is started, the device performs first-1 application by which voltages are applied to the first electric power consumption part, and then performs second application by which voltages are applied to the second electric power consumption part after the first-1 application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device used in a moving body and a program for operating the device used in the moving body.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become common to use a car navigation device that provides driving guidance to users who use moving bodies such as automobiles.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a car navigation device including a position detection means for detecting the current position of the host vehicle by performing positioning using GPS (Global Positioning System), a storage unit for storing road type information and the like, and a display unit for displaying an image.

[0004] The car navigation device described in this Patent Document 1 creates information for driving guidance based on the position of the destination, the current position of the host vehicle, road type information, and the like, and overlays the created driving guidance information on the map information and displays it on the display unit. Thereby, the user can arrive at the destination via an appropriate route.

[0005] On the other hand, for the purpose of situation analysis at the time of an accident or the like, it has also come to be common to install a drive recorder in a moving body such as an automobile.

[0006] The drive recorder includes, for example, a camera for imaging the surroundings of the vehicle, an acceleration sensor for detecting abnormalities such as a collision accident, sudden braking, or sudden steering, and a storage medium for storing image data acquired by the camera imaging.

[0007] Furthermore, the camera continuously records images of the surroundings while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, based on the output from the acceleration sensor, if an anomaly such as a collision, sudden braking, or sudden steering is detected, image data for a predetermined period before and after that point is saved to a storage medium. This allows the user to check the situation around the vehicle when an anomaly such as a collision, sudden braking, or sudden steering occurs. An example of such a drive recorder is described, for example, in Patent Document 2.

[0008] Furthermore, image data stored on a storage medium by a dashcam can be played back by inserting the storage medium into a playback device such as a personal computer. It is also possible to display the locations where the image data was stored on a map by inserting the storage medium into a playback device such as a personal computer. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-160679 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-235395 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] As mentioned above, when driving a car or other vehicle, devices such as car navigation systems and dashcams are used. In addition, playback devices such as personal computers are used to play back image data stored on a storage medium, for example, by a dashcam.

[0011] While these devices share some overlapping functions, such as having a display function, each also possesses unique features. For example, car navigation systems have positioning functions and functions for providing driving guidance using map information, drive recorders have recording functions and measurement functions using acceleration sensors, and external devices have functions to play back image data stored on the storage medium by the drive recorder and to display the locations where the image data was stored on a map.

[0012] However, car navigation systems, drive recorders, and playback devices are each implemented as separate devices, and it was not anticipated that these devices used in the mobile vehicle, or the devices used after the mobile vehicle has been used, would work together to utilize their unique functions.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a device and a program that enable the coordinated use of functions previously implemented in separate devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] (1-1) When the measurement information that changes as the moving object moves becomes information that satisfies one of the conditions set in stages (hereinafter referred to as "an event occurred"), The device is characterized by outputting two pieces of information for each event, associated with each event: information that identifies the location where the event occurred and information that indicates which of the multiple conditions set in stages was met.

[0015] By doing so, not only the device itself, but also the output destination can obtain information such as "that an event was determined to have occurred," "the location where the event occurred," and "which of the multiple conditions was met that led to the determination that an event had occurred."

[0016] (1-2) When the above event occurs, control is performed to store the two pieces of information or to cause the two pieces of information to be stored. The system is characterized by outputting the two pieces of information that are stored or have been stored, associated with each event, when predetermined output conditions are met.

[0017] By doing this, whether the information is stored or made to be stored, it becomes possible to read and use these two pieces of information when it becomes necessary to use them later. Furthermore, in the former case, for example, even if the storage medium inserted into the device is removed, it becomes possible to read and use these two pieces of information. In the latter case, for example, if the writable capacity of the storage medium inserted into the device becomes full, it becomes possible to replace it with a new storage medium.

[0018] As a control for storing the two pieces of information mentioned above, for example, it is possible to write these two pieces of information to a memory unit provided by the device itself. As a control for storing the two pieces of information mentioned above, for example, it is possible to write these two pieces of information to a storage medium inserted into the device or to a memory device connected to the device.

[0019] (1-3) The predetermined output conditions are characterized by either or both of the following: the moving object approaching the location where the event occurred, and outputting information related to the location surrounding the event, including the location where the event occurred.

[0020] In this way, by setting a predetermined output condition for outputting information to the mobile body approaching the location where the event occurred, information about past events can be output when the mobile body approaches a location where an event occurred in the past while it is in operation. Furthermore, by setting the output destination to, for example, a display unit or speaker, the user can understand that they are currently approaching a location where an event occurred in the past.

[0021] Also, when outputting information related to the surrounding area of the event occurrence including the location where the event occurred, by outputting such predetermined output conditions for outputting information, it is possible to output information related to past events. Further, outputting information related to the surrounding area of the event occurrence including the location where the event occurred may mean outputting a surrounding map including the location where the event occurred. By doing so, for example, when a user using a car navigation function searches for a route, it is possible to output the locations of past event occurrences on the route together with the surrounding map.

[0022] (1-4) When the event occurs, by performing control for storing the image data captured at any one or a combination of two or more of the time of the event occurrence, before the event occurrence, and after the event occurrence, or control for storing the image data, it is possible to reproduce the image data after the event occurrence.

[0023] By doing so, for example, since the image data captured during a certain period before and after the event can be stored, it is possible to reproduce the image data captured during a certain period before and after the event thereafter. Also, since there are such combinations of two or more of these, combinations such as a certain period before the event occurrence and at the time of the event, or a certain period at the time of the event and after the event occurrence may be used. Further, the image data may be a still image. Also, the image data may be a moving image. Also, the image data may include other data other than still images and moving images. For example, it is preferable that the image data includes audio data.

[0024] Also, the image data may be generated by imaging by imaging means. The imaging means may be connected to the device. Further, a device included in the same housing as the device may be a control target of the device. And the imaging means may be included in such a control target device.

[0025] Also, for the control for storage or the control for causing storage, it may be performed in the same manner as the writing of the two pieces of information described above in the item (1-2).

[0026] (1-5) In addition to the two pieces of information, information indicating the existence of the stored image data or the image data to be stored is also output in association.

[0027] The output destination can grasp which event has corresponding image data. Also, for example, by setting the output destination to a display unit or a speaker, the user who refers to the output information can, in addition to where the event occurred, also grasp whether "the image data corresponding to the event is currently in a state where it can be played back".

[0028] (1-6) When it is determined that the event has occurred, control is performed so that a function executed by the device controlled by the device, which is an obstacle to the imaging of the image data, is not executed.

[0029] By doing so, it becomes possible to capture image data in a state without obstacles. For example, if the device controlled by the device is a device capable of playing back TV video, a function executed by the device controlled by the device, which is an obstacle to the imaging of the image data, may be the audio output function of the TV. By doing so, at least after it is determined that an event has occurred during the imaging of image data, the TV audio is stopped, and it is possible to prevent the TV audio from being mixed into the image data. Also, for example, if the device controlled by the device is an automobile wiper, a function executed by the device controlled by the device, which is an obstacle to the imaging of the image data, may be the operation of the wiper. By doing so, at least after it is determined that an event has occurred during the imaging of image data, the operation of the wiper is stopped, and it is possible to prevent the operating wiper from being reflected in the image data.

[0030] (1-7) The system includes a deletion function for deleting the image data that is stored or has been stored, Even if image data corresponding to a certain event becomes unplayable due to being deleted by the aforementioned deletion function, The system is characterized by outputting two pieces of information: information that identifies the location where the aforementioned event occurred, and information that indicates which of the multiple conditions set in stages was met.

[0031] By doing this, two pieces of information can be output even after the image data has been deleted. Furthermore, these two pieces of information can be used at the output destination. Therefore, even if the image data has been deleted and cannot be played back, the user can still confirm the location where the event occurred and the degree of impact at the time of the event.

[0032] (1-8) When the first of the above multiple conditions is met, control is performed to store the image data or to cause the image data to be stored. When the second of the aforementioned multiple conditions is met, no control is performed to store the image data or to cause the image data to be stored. However, the system is characterized in that it outputs two pieces of information: information that identifies the location where a certain event occurred, and information that indicates which of the aforementioned stepwise set of multiple conditions was met.

[0033] In this way, it is advisable to prevent the storage of image data even if one of the conditions is met. This means that, for example, if an event is frequently judged to have occurred based on a minor impact, the image data will not be stored even if an event is judged to have occurred based on a minor impact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the amount of image data becomes too large and the capacity of the storage medium is quickly used up. For example, depending on the vehicle type, road conditions, driving habits, etc., if an event is frequently judged to have occurred at the most sensitive threshold, recording every time would quickly overwrite the important recording data. Therefore, in such cases, it is advisable to prevent the storage of image data even if an event is judged to have occurred at the most sensitive threshold. In addition, in this case, although the image data is not stored, two pieces of information are output, so the user can check the location where the event occurred and the degree of impact at the time the event occurred.

[0034] (1-9) The system is characterized by performing control to display a symbol that identifies the location where the event occurred, and by performing control to change the display manner of the symbol depending on whether or not the image data is stored.

[0035] By doing this, the output information can be visualized, allowing users who refer to it to understand the content of the information. Specifically, users who refer to the symbols can understand not only where the event occurred, but also whether or not image data is stored for each event. Here, the specific nature of the symbols is arbitrary, but for example, they could be icons displayed on a map. This allows users to easily recognize where the event occurred by comparing the map with the location where the event occurred.

[0036] Furthermore, while the method of differentiating the display of the aforementioned symbols is arbitrary, for example, a circular icon could be used to identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is stored, and a rectangular icon could be used to identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is not stored. It is also advisable to use different colors for the symbols that identify the location where an event occurred and the symbols that identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is not stored. Additionally, it is advisable to use different shapes and colors for the icons that identify the location where an event occurred and the symbols that identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is not stored.

[0037] (1-9-1) The present invention is characterized by controlling the display of a symbol that identifies the location where an event for which the image data is stored occurred, so that the size of the symbol that identifies the location where an event for which the image data is not stored occurs is larger than the size of the symbol that identifies the location where the event occurred.

[0038] By doing so, the output information can be visualized, allowing users who refer to it to understand the content of the information. Here, the symbols are the same as in (1-9) above, and for example, the symbols can be icons displayed on a map.

[0039] Furthermore, while the method of differentiating the shapes of the aforementioned symbols is arbitrary, for example, a circular icon of a certain size may be used to identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is stored, and a circular icon smaller than this certain size may be used to identify the location where an event occurred for which image data is not stored.

[0040] Furthermore, by combining this with (1-9) above, it is also possible to make both the size and shape of the icons different.

[0041] In either case, users who refer to this information will be able to understand not only where the event occurred, but also which event the image data for is stored.

[0042] (1-10) The present invention is characterized in that control is performed to stop the imaging of the image data when the image data is being played back, and control is performed to resume the imaging of the image data after the playback of the image data is finished, without requiring any input from the user.

[0043] This prevents situations where the currently playing image data is overwritten if a new event is detected during image data playback.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, in cases where each image data is assigned a number and managed in a list, if a new event is detected during image data playback, it becomes possible to prevent situations where the number assigned to the new image data overlaps with the number assigned to the image data currently being played. For example, if the currently playing recorded data is managed as the latest image data, and new image data is generated, it becomes possible to prevent situations where it becomes impossible to determine which data is the latest data after playback ends.

[0045] Furthermore, by resuming image data capture without requiring any user input after preventing such a situation, recording can be resumed even if the user forgets to initiate recording. This also eliminates the need for the user to perform any further operations.

[0046] (1-11) The device controlled by the said device is equipped with imaging means for capturing the image data, Even after the device to be controlled is installed on the moving body, the incident part that incidents light onto the imaging means can be moved in such a way that either or both of the incident position and orientation of the incident part can be adjusted.

[0047] This allows for adjustment of the incident position even after the controlled device has been installed on the moving object. This makes it possible to adjust the imaging range to accommodate the shape and installation position of the moving object, and to capture image data within the desired range. The controlled device may also be a device contained in the same housing as the device in question. The controlled device may include an imaging means. The imaging means may be, for example, a camera, and the incident part may be, for example, a camera lens.

[0048] (1-12) The system is characterized by providing control for displaying a symbol that identifies the location where the event occurred, and providing control to change the display manner of the symbol depending on which of the multiple conditions set in stages has been met.

[0049] By doing so, the output information can be visualized, and for example, a user who refers to it can understand which conditions were met for each event to occur. Here, the symbols are the same as in (1-9) and (1-9-1) above, and for example, the symbols can be icons displayed on a map.

[0050] Furthermore, the choice of colors to differentiate the symbols is arbitrary, but for example, if an event is determined to have occurred due to a minor impact, it would be appropriate to use green for that event. Similarly, if an event is determined to have occurred due to a major impact, it would be appropriate to use red for that event. And if an event is determined to have occurred due to an impact that falls somewhere between minor and major, it would be appropriate to use yellow for that event. You may also vary the size and shape of the icons according to the magnitude of the impact.

[0051] Furthermore, by combining this with (1-9) and (1-9-1) mentioned above, it is also possible to make both the size and shape of the icon different depending on whether or not image data is available.

[0052] Furthermore, when relating this to the structures described in (1-9) and (1-9-1) above, it is advisable to vary the way the icons are differentiated depending on the content. For example, the "shape" of the icon could be varied depending on whether or not image data exists, and the "color" of the icon could be varied depending on the magnitude of the impact.

[0053] (1-13) When a predetermined operation is received, control is performed to store information identifying the location where the predetermined operation was received separately from information identifying the location where the event occurred, or control is performed to store information identifying the location where the predetermined operation was received separately from information identifying the location where the event occurred. The system is characterized by providing control to display a symbol that identifies the location where the operation was received in a different display manner than the symbol that identifies the location where the event occurred.

[0054] This makes it possible to store (or have stored) location information even when an event has not been detected. Furthermore, by doing so, the output information can be visualized, allowing users who refer to it to distinguish between the location where an event was detected and the location where an action was performed.

[0055] Here, the symbols are the same as those described above in (1-9), (1-9-1), and (12), and for example, the symbols may be used as icons to be displayed on a map.

[0056] Furthermore, the choice of colors to differentiate the symbols is arbitrary, but for example, it would be good to use blue text for the symbol that identifies the location where the operation was received.

[0057] Furthermore, by combining this with (1-9) and (1-9-1) above, it is also possible to make both the size and shape of the icons different depending on whether or not image data is available. Furthermore, by combining this with (1-12) above, it is also possible to make the color of the icons different depending on which conditions were met for each event to be determined to have occurred.

[0058] Furthermore, the control for storing or enabling storage should be performed in the same manner as the writing of the two pieces of information described above in item (2), for example.

[0059] (1-14) The output information is further characterized in that it includes information indicating the order in which the events were determined to have occurred.

[0060] This allows the output destination to identify which events are considered to have occurred recently and which events are considered to have occurred some time ago.

[0061] For example, it would be good to overwrite and delete older event image data. In this case, by making the information output destination the display unit, the user can see which event data will soon be deleted. Therefore, it becomes possible to prioritize playback of data that is about to be deleted.

[0062] It is also a good idea to combine these with the aforementioned (1-9), (1-9-1), (1-12), and (1-13).

[0063] For example, combining it with the above (1-9-1), one could use, for instance, circled numbers to display icons in chronological order.

[0064] (1-15) The measurement information that changes with the movement of the moving body includes measurements taken by an acceleration sensor, and it is characterized in that it is determined which of the multiple conditions has been met based on which of the thresholds set in stages the measurement taken by the acceleration sensor exceeds.

[0065] By doing so, users can not only determine that a moving object has collided with another moving object or installed object, but also assess the degree of impact during the collision.

[0066] (1-16) Even if the measurement information that changes with the movement of the moving body becomes information that satisfies any of the multiple conditions set in stages, if the information that satisfies that condition becomes information within a predetermined period including the time when the operation is received, the event is not considered to have occurred, or the event is judged to have occurred, but no control is performed to output a warning that the event has occurred.

[0067] An operation is an action performed by the user, and there is a risk of mistakenly determining that an event has occurred based on the impact received when this operation is accepted. However, by doing so, it becomes possible to prevent mistakenly determining that an event has occurred when no event has actually occurred.

[0068] Depending on how the device is used, the accelerometer reading may increase in a given direction, regardless of whether an event has occurred. For example, if the front of the device is a touch panel, pressing the touch panel by the user will cause the accelerometer reading to increase along the measurement axis corresponding to the direction from the front to the rear of the device. Since this is unrelated to the occurrence of an event, it is best not to assume that an event has occurred in such cases.

[0069] Therefore, if the event occurs within a predetermined period including the time the operation is received, it is not considered to have occurred. This prevents the system from making an incorrect judgment that an event has occurred based on the impact measured by the acceleration sensor accompanying the operation.

[0070] However, there may be cases where an event actually occurs before or after an operation. In such cases, instead of not determining that an event has occurred, it is better to determine that an event has occurred but not issue a warning. This ensures that the processing performed in response to the event is carried out reliably. The processing performed in response to the event could be, for example, the storage of image data. On the other hand, this also prevents situations where a warning is issued even though the accelerometer has incorrectly determined that an event has occurred by measuring an impact associated with the operation.

[0071] (1-17) The device controlled by the said device comprises a first storage medium usage unit and a second storage medium usage unit, and is characterized in that it controls the storage medium used in one storage medium usage unit so that it can be used in the other storage medium usage unit.

[0072] This makes it possible to effectively utilize the two storage medium usage sections.

[0073] For example, a device to be controlled may have two circuit boards that perform two functions, and each of these boards may be able to use a storage medium that conforms to the same standard. This makes it possible to use the same storage medium on each circuit board.

[0074] For example, one board could implement the functions of a car navigation system, and the other could implement the functions of a dashcam. For instance, image data captured by the dashcam board could be played back using the capabilities of the car navigation system board, or if the storage medium used by one board becomes full, the other board's storage medium could be used.

[0075] (1-18) When the event occurs, measurement information measured before the event occurs, after the event occurs, or a combination of two or more of these will also be output.

[0076] This allows the destination to obtain measurement information taken during a certain period before and after an event. Furthermore, since it refers to a combination of two or more of these, it is advisable to use combinations such as a certain period before and after the event, or a certain period after and after the event.

[0077] For example, the measurement information could be set to the speed of the moving object, and the output destination could be a display unit. This would allow the user to prove, for example, that they were below the legal speed limit or were driving slowly when the event occurred. The speed of the moving object can be calculated using, for example, GPS location information. Alternatively, the speed of the moving object can be obtained using, for example, OBD (On-board diagnostics).

[0078] (1-19) The program is characterized in that it causes the computer to function as the device described in (1) to (1-18) above.

[0079] All or at least part of the functions of the devices described above as (1-1) to (1-18) can be implemented by computer.

[0080] (1-a) When a predetermined number of the image data is stored, or when a predetermined number of the image data has been stored, if it is determined that the event has occurred, the stored image data or part or all of the stored image data is deleted.

[0081] For example, the maximum number of image data items that can be stored can be determined based on the capacity of the storage medium, and the state in which a number of image data items close to this maximum number are stored (or are stored) can be defined as the state in which a predetermined number of image data items are stored (or are stored).

[0082] By doing this, image data is deleted when the maximum number of items that can be stored is approached. This prevents situations where the maximum number of items can be stored and image data cannot be stored for the next event.

[0083] (1-b) The apparatus is characterized in that the threshold value can be set to a different value for each measurement axis, and the threshold value of the measurement axis corresponding to the direction of travel of the moving body is higher than the threshold values ​​of the other measurement axes.

[0084] By doing this, thresholds can be used that are appropriate to the device's usage, preventing the system from mistakenly determining that an event has occurred when no event has actually occurred.

[0085] In this regard, depending on the usage of the device, there may be cases where the measurement value from the acceleration sensor increases in a predetermined direction, regardless of the occurrence of an event. For example, if the front of the device is a touch panel, when the user presses the touch panel, the measurement value from the acceleration sensor increases in the measurement axis corresponding to the direction from the front to the rear of the device. Since this is unrelated to the occurrence of an event, it is preferable not to judge that an event has occurred in such cases. Therefore, for example, it is advisable to raise the threshold in the measurement axis corresponding to the direction from the front to the rear of the device. This makes it possible to avoid judging that an event has occurred even if a slight impact is detected.

[0086] Furthermore, when installing a device in a car, for example, the front of the device with the touch panel faces the user, and the rear of the device faces the direction of travel of the car. In this case, for example, if the direction of travel of the moving object is forward, the measurement axis corresponding to the direction of travel of the moving object should be the X direction (front and back), the measurement axis corresponding to the left and right of the moving object should be the Y direction (left and right), and the measurement axis corresponding to the up and down of the moving object should be the Z direction (left and right), and the threshold for the measurement axis in the X direction (front and back) should be set high.

[0087] (1-c) When it is determined that the above event has occurred, the notification unit is controlled to light up, and the notification unit is installed in a location where the illumination by the notification unit is reflected on the windshield of the moving body.

[0088] This allows the user to see the illuminated or flashing light reflected on the windshield, making it easy to recognize that an event has occurred. For example, the notification light should illuminate when driving a moving vehicle at night.

[0089] (1-d) When the moving object is located near the location where the event occurred, the device is characterized in that it restricts at least a portion of the functions performed by the device that it controls.

[0090] This allows the user to concentrate on driving the vehicle at the location where the previous event occurred.

[0091] It is often advisable to drive with extra caution in areas where events have occurred in the past. For example, suppose there is a location where an event was determined to have occurred because the driver had to brake suddenly last time. In this case, the functions of the controlled device should be partially restricted in the vicinity of this location. For example, as in (6) above, the controlled device should be a device capable of playing television images, and the function that the controlled device performs that interferes with the capture of the image data should be the television's audio output function. By doing this, the output of the television's audio, which would interfere with driving, can be turned off near the location where the driver previously braked suddenly, allowing the user to concentrate on driving the vehicle.

[0092] (2-1) A first power consumption unit that controls either or both of the following: control for outputting information to the user and control for receiving operations from the user; and a second power consumption unit that performs different control from the first power consumption unit. When voltage is applied simultaneously to the first power consumption unit and the second power consumption unit, if the voltage exceeds the rated current of the external power supply, the system is characterized in that, when power supply from the external power supply is started, a first-1 application is performed to apply voltage to the first power consumption unit, and after the first-1 application, a second application is performed to apply voltage to the second power consumption unit.

[0093] In this way, by applying voltage sequentially and gradually increasing the current flow, the maximum value of the total current required can be reduced. This makes it possible to start the device even with a low-current power supply. Furthermore, since the first power consumption unit, which controls either or both of the following—controlling the output of information to the user and / or the operation to receive input from the user—is the first to receive the voltage, the user can quickly begin to access information and perform operations.

[0094] Alternatively, power can be supplied externally using, for example, a mobile car charger. This allows the use of a low-current car charger, which can reduce costs. Also, the cables of low-current car chargers are thin, making them easier for the user to handle.

[0095] (2-2) The second power consumption unit includes a part that needs to receive power from a capacitor and perform a predetermined operation termination process when the power supply from the external power source is interrupted, The method is characterized by performing the first and second applications, which involve applying voltage to the capacitor, before performing the second application.

[0096] By doing so, power is supplied to the storage capacitor before the second power consumption unit is activated, allowing the storage capacitor to store enough charge for the second power consumption unit to perform its predetermined shutdown process. Therefore, the necessary predetermined shutdown process can be reliably executed.

[0097] The operation termination process can be, for example, the process of storing the data being processed by the second power consumption unit to the storage medium. This prevents the file from being corrupted while it is being processed.

[0098] (2-3) The device is equipped with a secondary battery for continuing operation when it is disconnected from the external power supply, and is characterized in that a third application of voltage is performed to the secondary battery after the second application.

[0099] Immediately after the application of power to the second power consumption section begins, a large amount of current is still being consumed. Therefore, if current is supplied to the secondary battery at this stage, it will exceed the rated current of the external power supply.

[0100] Therefore, by not immediately applying the third current in this manner, it is possible to prevent the current from exceeding the rated current of the external power supply.

[0101] For example, if you wait for the voltage of the capacitor to rise before applying the current, you can start applying the current at the appropriate time when the capacitor's voltage has risen. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a supercapacitor as the capacitor.

[0102] (2-4) The time required for the device to perform a predetermined function by the first power consumption unit to which voltage is applied is longer than the time required for the device to perform a predetermined function by the second power consumption unit to which voltage is applied.

[0103] When providing various functions to the user, power consumption units that take time to perform their functions should be given voltage before power consumption units that take relatively less time to perform their functions. Therefore, voltage is applied to the first power consumption unit, which takes relatively longer to perform its predetermined function, before the second power consumption unit. This allows the user to use the function performed by the first power consumption unit sooner. As described in section (2-1) above, the first power consumption unit performs either control for outputting information to the user or control for receiving operations from the user, or both. By applying voltage to the first power consumption unit first, the user can quickly begin to access information or perform operations.

[0104] (2-5) The device is characterized in that the first power consumption unit enables the device to perform a map display function, the second power consumption unit enables the device to perform a drive recorder function, and the information output in relation to the drive recorder function is displayed on the map.

[0105] Furthermore, since power is applied to the first power consumption unit first, the map display function can be activated quickly. It is likely that users of mobile vehicles often check the map before starting to drive. Also, if driving has not started, the need to activate the drive recorder is lower than when driving. Therefore, for example, instead of activating the drive recorder function first, it would be better to activate the map display function first, and then the drive recorder function. This makes it possible to set up an activation order that is appropriate for the user's usage situation.

[0106] (2-6) The system is characterized by providing control to guide drivers to a location identified by the location information acquired in connection with the drive recorder function.

[0107] This allows users to receive driving directions to locations related to the dashcam function. For example, they can easily revisit locations where accidents have occurred in the past, places where events frequently happen, or places where the user has manually recorded footage.

[0108] (2-7) The system is characterized by performing controls to continue providing route guidance even when the map is not displayed.

[0109] For example, even when a map is not displayed, that is, when real-time video footage from a camera or television is being shown, it would be good to continue providing voice guidance for train operations.

[0110] (2-8) The device is characterized in that if the voltage of the capacitor exceeds a first predetermined voltage, the second application of power is started, and if the voltage of the capacitor exceeds a second predetermined voltage, the second power consumption unit is controlled to perform a predetermined function.

[0111] If the second power consumption unit were to immediately execute its predetermined function after the startup process is complete, it is possible that the battery storage would be insufficient. Therefore, by doing this, the startup process is initiated when the voltage required for startup is reached, and the execution of the predetermined function only begins after the voltage is sufficient to perform the predetermined function. This prevents the predetermined function from being executed even if the battery storage is insufficient. The predetermined function could be, for example, a dashcam function.

[0112] (2-9) The second power consumption unit is controlled to apply the third power when it becomes capable of performing the predetermined function.

[0113] Immediately after the power is applied to the second power consumption unit, the storage in the capacitor is still insufficient, and a large amount of current is being consumed. Therefore, if current is supplied to the secondary battery, another device, at this stage, the maximum value of the total current will exceed the expected value.

[0114] Therefore, by doing this, it becomes possible to supply current to the secondary battery, which is another device, only after the device is in a state where it can perform its predetermined function, that is, after sufficient charge has been stored in the storage device. This prevents the maximum value of the total current from exceeding the rated current of the power supply.

[0115] (2-10) The first power consumption unit is characterized in that it performs control to output an indication that the second power consumption unit is not in a state capable of performing the predetermined function during any or all of the period from when the supply of power from the external power source is started until when the application of the third power is started.

[0116] As described in section (2-1) above, it is preferable to first activate the first power consumption unit to output information to the user. Therefore, current is first supplied to the first power consumption unit. By doing so, the first power consumption unit can output a message indicating that the predetermined function of the second power consumption unit is not yet available. For example, the display unit may output a message such as "The drive recorder function is currently unavailable." This allows the user to recognize that power has been properly supplied and that the predetermined function of the second power consumption unit is in the process of starting up.

[0117] (2-11) The second control unit is characterized in that it controls the operation of a predetermined function when the external power supply is interrupted.

[0118] This reduces power consumption when the external power supply is cut off. For example, when the device is removed from the car charger of a mobile vehicle, the function as a dashcam becomes unnecessary. By doing so, unnecessary functions can be disabled, reducing the consumption of the secondary battery.

[0119] (2-12) The device is characterized in that it stops both the function operating on the first power consumption unit and the function operating on the second power consumption unit when the device is receiving power from the predetermined external power supply.

[0120] This reduces power consumption and allows for more efficient charging of the secondary battery.

[0121] For example, when power is supplied from a device other than a mobile device, it is not being used by the mobile device and is likely connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on a personal computer or to a power outlet. In this case, the map display function, in addition to the dashcam function, becomes unnecessary. By doing this, unnecessary functions can be disabled, and the consumption of the secondary battery can be reduced.

[0122] (2-13) The program is characterized in that it causes the computer to function as the device described in (2-1) to (2-13) above.

[0123] It is possible to implement all or at least part of the functions of the devices described above as (2-1) to (2-13) using a computer.

[0124] (2-a) A device characterized in that, when the power supply from the external power source is interrupted, the secondary battery is controlled to apply voltage to the first power consumption unit. If the power supply is interrupted, for example, if the device is removed from the car charger of a mobile vehicle, the function as a dashcam becomes unnecessary. Therefore, voltage is applied from the secondary battery to the first power consumption unit that provides the map display function, rather than to the second power consumption unit that provides the dashcam function. By doing so, the map display function can be used immediately even if the external power supply is interrupted. Furthermore, it would be desirable to make the device portable so that users can carry and use it on the go. [Effects of the Invention]

[0125] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to utilize functions that were previously implemented in separate devices in a coordinated manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0126] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is an illustrative diagram illustrating three recordings in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an example display showing a list of icons corresponding to manual recording and event recording in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of a pop-up display shown when an event occurs, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of how event icons can be displayed on a map in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an example of how the icons corresponding to manual recording and event recording, along with a map, are displayed in the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an example of how history icons can be displayed on a map in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram (1 / 3) illustrating the screen transitions in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is Figure (2 / 3) illustrating the screen transitions in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is Figure (3 / 3) illustrating the screen transitions in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the power supply control unit in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart (1 / 2) illustrating the basic operation during power control in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart (2 / 2) illustrating the basic operation during power control in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is an example of the display when the drive recorder is not activated in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an example of the display when the navigation function is in operation in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a six-view drawing showing an example of an implementation of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]This diagram illustrates a notch provided in an implementation example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a diagram illustrating a speaker slit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows the state in which the cradle and base portion are connected in an implementation example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0127] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0128] <Function Block> First, the configuration of the integrated device 1000, which is this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks included in the integrated device 1000.

[0129] Referring to Figure 1, the integrated device 1000 includes a first control unit 100, a touch panel 110, a speaker 120, an alert LED 130, a button 140, a TV tuner 150, a GPS sensor 160, an acceleration sensor 170, a first memory unit 180, a main memory unit 190, a second control unit 200, a camera 210, a microphone 220, a second memory unit 230, a power supply unit 310, and a USB terminal 320.

[0130] Here, the first control unit 100 is a control unit that exclusively implements the functions of a car navigation system. On the other hand, the second control unit 200 is a control unit that exclusively implements the functions of a drive recorder. The first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 work together to control the integrated device 1000. In other words, the integrated device 1000 is a device that combines the functions of both a car navigation system and a drive recorder. In the following description, it is assumed that the integrated device 1000 is installed and used on the dashboard of a car.

[0131] Next, we will explain the functions of each of these parts in more detail.

[0132] The first control unit 100 controls, in particular, the touch panel 110, speaker 120, notification LED 130, button 140, TV tuner 150, GPS sensor 160, acceleration sensor 170, first memory unit 180, and main memory unit 190 among the above-mentioned parts.

[0133] Specifically, the first control unit 100 inputs the content of the operation received by the touch panel 110. It also outputs image data to be displayed to the touch panel 110. Furthermore, the first control unit 100 outputs music, voice, or other sounds to be output to the speaker 120. In addition, the first control unit 100 provides notifications to the user by lighting or flashing the notification LED 130 (Light Emitting Diode).

[0134] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 controls the TV tuner 150 in response to the operation received by the touch panel 110.

[0135] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 receives location information obtained by the GPS sensor 160. In addition, the first control unit 100 receives acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 170.

[0136] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 writes information to the first storage unit 180. The first control unit 100 then reads information from the first storage unit 180.

[0137] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 writes information to the main memory unit 190. The first control unit 100 then reads information from the main memory unit 190.

[0138] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 is connected to the second control unit 200 by communication lines mounted on the circuit board and communicates with it.

[0139] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 communicates with an external device connected via the USB terminal 320.

[0140] The touch panel 110 receives input when the user presses on the screen and outputs the content of the received operation to the first control unit 100. Here, the content of the operation is information that identifies the location on the touch panel 110's screen where the press was received. The touch panel 110 also displays image data input from the first control unit 100 on its screen. Furthermore, the touch panel 110 displays image data input from the TV tuner 150 on its screen.

[0141] The speaker 120 outputs sound such as music or voice input from the first control unit 100.

[0142] The notification LED 130 lights up or flashes based on the control of the first control unit 100.

[0143] Button 140 is a physical button 140 provided on the housing of the integrated device 1000, and accepts user input.

[0144] Here, as described above, when the integrated device 1000 is installed and used in a vehicle, the touch panel 110, speaker 120, and notification LED 130 are positioned so that the user can detect the output of the touch panel 110, speaker 120, and notification LED 130. In addition, the touch panel 110 and button 140 are positioned so that the user can operate them.

[0145] The TV tuner 150 receives a television signal, converts the received television signal into image data in a predetermined format, and outputs it to the touch panel 110. In the following explanation, the image data converted by this TV tuner 150 will be referred to as "television video."

[0146] The GPS sensor 160 uses GPS to determine the current position of the integrated device 1000 and outputs the determined position information to the first control unit 100. Here, the position information is realized, for example, by coordinate information compliant with GPS standards.

[0147] The acceleration sensor 170 measures acceleration and inputs the measured acceleration to the first control unit 100. The acceleration sensor 170 is sometimes also called a "G sensor".

[0148] The first storage unit 180 is a part into which a user-removable storage medium is inserted. For example, a storage medium containing music files in MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) format or television images written by the first control unit 100 is inserted into the first storage unit 180. Then, under the control of the first control unit 100, these music files and television images are read from the storage medium and output from the speaker 120 and touch panel 110.

[0149] The main memory unit 190 stores information necessary for car navigation. Specifically, it stores map information, information about certain landmarks, information for identifying road types, facility information, and address information. The main memory unit 190 also stores software for implementing control by the first control unit 100.

[0150] Furthermore, the software of the main memory unit 190 can also be updated using the latest software data and target data updated after the integrated device 1000 has been shipped. For example, a storage medium containing the latest data is inserted into the first storage unit 180, and the first storage unit 180 reads the additional data from this storage medium to update the software of the main memory unit 190. Here, the main memory unit 190 is implemented, for example, by flash memory.

[0151] Furthermore, as described above, when the integrated device 1000 is installed and used in a vehicle, the current position determined by the GPS sensor 160 represents the current position of the vehicle, and the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 170 represents the acceleration of the vehicle. The first control unit 100 then compares the current position determined by the GPS sensor 160 with map information stored in the memory unit to create a navigation map that includes the current position of the vehicle, and displays this navigation map on the touch panel 110. It also outputs predetermined information, warnings, and messages using the touch panel 110, speaker 120, and notification LED 130. The first control unit 100 performs these processes to realize the car navigation function.

[0152] Meanwhile, the second control unit 200 controls the camera 210, microphone 220, and second storage unit 230 in particular among the above-mentioned components.

[0153] The second control unit 200 receives the video signal captured by the camera 210 and the audio signal collected by the microphone 220, converts the input video signal and audio signal into image data in a predetermined format, and stores it in the memory unit. In the following description, the image data converted by this second control unit 200 will be referred to as "real-time video."

[0154] Furthermore, the second control unit 200 outputs real-time video to the first control unit 100. The outputted real-time video is displayed on the touch panel 110.

[0155] The camera 210 includes an inlet section 211.

[0156] The incident section 211 is the part into which light enters. The light that enters the incident section 211 is converted into a video signal and output to the second control unit 200.

[0157] Furthermore, the microphone 220 collects sound. The sound collected by the microphone 220 is converted into an acoustic signal and output to the second control unit 200.

[0158] In this case, when the integrated device 1000 is installed and used in a car, the light incident on the incident section 211 and the sound collected by the microphone 220 become the objects to be captured as a drive recorder. The objects to be captured as a drive recorder are, for example, the scenery in the direction of travel and the surrounding sounds captured from inside the car through the windshield. The second control unit 200 then realizes the function of a drive recorder by storing these objects to be captured as a drive recorder in the second storage unit 230 in a predetermined video format.

[0159] The power supply unit 310 supplies power to each functional block included in the integrated device 1000. Power to the power supply unit 310 is supplied from an external device via the USB terminal 320. Note that the wiring for the power supply unit 310 to supply power to each functional block is not shown in Figure 1.

[0160] The USB terminal 320 is a terminal compliant with the USB standard. The USB terminal 320 is connected to an external device via a USB-compliant cable. Power is supplied from the external device via this cable. Furthermore, the first control unit 100 and the external device can communicate via this cable.

[0161] In this case, when the integrated device 1000 is installed and used in a car, the cable connected to the car's car charger is connected to the USB terminal 320. The integrated device 1000 is then powered by the car's car charger.

[0162] The functional blocks of this embodiment have been described above.

[0163] The first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 described above are implemented by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (read-only memory), respectively. The CPU reads the software stored in the ROM and main memory unit 190, loads it into the RAM, and performs calculations, thereby enabling control by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. <Processing in this embodiment> Next, each of the processes performed by this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the figures. <Recording of real-time video> First, the recording of real-time video, which is controlled by the second control unit 200, will be explained with reference to Figure 2. In this embodiment, there are three recording methods: continuous recording, manual recording, and event recording.

[0164] First, as a prerequisite, the acquisition of real-time video footage begins when the engine of the vehicle on which the integrated device 1000 is installed is started. Then, the acquisition of real-time video footage ends when the vehicle's engine is stopped.

[0165] Here, whether or not the car engine is running can be determined, for example, by whether or not power is being supplied from the car via the USB port 320. In other words, if power is supplied, real-time video acquisition should start, and if power is supplied, real-time video acquisition should stop.

[0166] Next, let's explain continuous recording. From the start of real-time video acquisition until the end of real-time video acquisition, the real-time video is stored in the second storage unit 230. In other words, continuous recording is performed as long as the car engine is running. The recorded real-time video is divided into multiple files of predetermined length and stored in the second storage unit 230. The predetermined length can be arbitrary, but for example, one file can be made in units of 30 seconds. In the following explanation, these files will be referred to as "video files".

[0167] As shown in the upper left of Figure 2, "From startup until the capacity of the second memory unit 230 is full," video files continue to be saved until the capacity of the second memory unit 230, specifically the capacity allocated for continuous recording, is full. The capacity allocated for continuous recording is arbitrary, but it is advisable to allocate enough capacity to record video files corresponding to a length of 20 minutes, for example.

[0168] Furthermore, even after the capacity of the second memory unit 230, which is allocated for continuous recording, is full, video files will continue to be saved. However, if this continues, there will be insufficient capacity, and it will not be possible to save new video files. Therefore, when saving new video files, it is best to delete the oldest video files first.

[0169] Next, let's explain manual recording. Manual recording is initiated when the system detects that button 140 has been pressed by the user. The video file containing the footage at the moment button 140 was pressed, and the video file immediately preceding that file, are then protected. In other words, two video files are protected in response to a single press. Here, "protected" means that the protected video files are excluded from the deletion of the oldest video file during continuous recording.

[0170] The two protected video files, the date and time the two video files were captured, and location information identifying the location where the two video files were captured are linked and stored as a pair in the second storage unit 230. An identification code also needs to be added to the pair to identify it, and it is preferable to use the date and time the two video files were captured not only to confirm the date and time, but also as an identification code. Furthermore, for the location information, it is preferable to request coordinate information determined by the GPS sensor 160 from the first control unit 100, and use the coordinate information transmitted from the first control unit 100 in response to the request.

[0171] Furthermore, the second control unit 200 notifies the first control unit 100 that manual recording has occurred. Specifically, it transmits to the first control unit 100 a set of information, linking the fact that manual recording has occurred, the date and time the manual recording took place, and location information that identifies the location where the manual recording took place. The first control unit 100 then stores this received set of information in the main memory unit 190.

[0172] The number of items that can be protected can be arbitrarily determined according to the capacity of the second storage unit 230, but for example, it is advisable to set it to a maximum of 10 incidents, or the capacity of 20 video files. When 20 video files are protected, and the system detects that the user has pressed button 140 to start manual recording, or to start event recording as described later, the two oldest video files are removed from protection and deleted. This makes it possible to protect new video files.

[0173] Next, we will explain event recording. When the first control unit 100 determines that an event has occurred, event recording is executed. The criteria by which the first control unit 100 determines that an event has occurred will be explained after this explanation of event recording.

[0174] Then, the video file containing the moment the event occurred, and the video file immediately preceding that file, are protected. In other words, two video files are protected for each event that occurs.

[0175] The two protected video files, the date and time the two video files were captured, and location information identifying the location where the two video files were captured are linked and stored as a set in the second storage unit 230. Furthermore, similar to manual recording, the date and time the two video files were captured may also be used as an identification code. Additionally, similar to manual recording, the coordinate information transmitted from the first control unit 100 may be used as the location information.

[0176] Similar to manual recording, the number of items that can be protected can be arbitrarily determined according to the capacity of the second storage unit 230, but for example, it is advisable to set the capacity to a maximum of 10 incidents, or 20 video files, when combined with the number of manual recordings. Similar to manual recording, if recording is performed again while 20 video files are protected, it is advisable to exclude the two oldest video files from protection and delete them.

[0177] The recorded video files are made playable according to user input. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the date and time the protected video files were captured are used as identifiers and displayed in a list on the touch panel 110. The touch panel 110 then accepts the user's selection and plays the corresponding video file on the touch panel 110. To allow the user to distinguish between manual recording and event recording, manual recordings are marked with an icon like i1 in Figure 3, while event recordings are marked with an icon like i2 in Figure 3, which has a different shape from i1.

[0178] <Event Occurrence Determination> In this embodiment, the first control unit 100 determines that an event has occurred.

[0179] To determine the occurrence of this event, the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 170, which is measurement information that changes as the vehicle moves, and a threshold value are used. If the measured acceleration exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an event has occurred. In this way, it can be determined that an event has occurred, such as the vehicle colliding with another moving object or installation, or that there was a sudden stop, sudden acceleration, or sharp turn due to the driver's actions.

[0180] Furthermore, instead of just one threshold, multiple thresholds are set in stages. By determining which of these stages the measured value from the acceleration sensor 170 exceeds, it is possible to determine not only whether the car has collided with another moving object or installation, but also the extent of the impact at the time of the collision.

[0181] For example, the threshold for the most sensitive stage could be set at 0.5G, and then progressively less sensitive from there. That is, the threshold for the second least sensitive stage could be 0.8G, the threshold for the intermediate stage at 1.1G, the threshold for the second least sensitive stage at 1.4G, the threshold for the least sensitive stage at 1.7G, and so on, setting up, for example, five stages.

[0182] Furthermore, if the accelerometer 170's measurement is, for example, less than 0.5G, it is not determined that an event has occurred. Also, if the accelerometer 170's measurement is, for example, 0.9G, it exceeds the threshold for the second least sensitive stage, so it is determined that a Level 2 event has occurred. Also, if the accelerometer 170's measurement is, for example, 1.9G, it exceeds the threshold for the least sensitive stage, so it is determined that a Level 5 event has occurred. In this way, the higher the accelerometer 170's measurement, the higher the level of the event that is determined to have occurred. In other words, the higher the event level, the greater the impact detected.

[0183] If an event is determined to have occurred, the first control unit 100 stores in the main memory unit 190 a set of location information to identify the location where the event occurred, the level of the event, and the date and time the event occurred, linked together. Furthermore, similar to what the second control unit 200 does during manual recording or event recording, the date and time the event occurred may also be used as an identification code to identify each event.

[0184] Furthermore, if it is determined that an event has occurred, the first control unit 100 notifies the user of the event by lighting or flashing the notification LED 130. In addition, the first control unit 100 also displays a message such as "***** event has occurred" as a pop-up on the touch panel 110.

[0185] For example, when using the navigation function, a message will pop up on the map. An example of this message display is shown in Figure 4.

[0186] First, as shown in Figure 4, a map for route guidance is displayed across the entire touch panel 110. Then, i3, shown in Figure 4, is a message that pops up to indicate the occurrence of an event. The "*****" in this message indicates the level of the event that occurred. For example, it should be displayed as "A level 3 event has occurred." Furthermore, such messages are urgent and of high importance to convey to the user. Therefore, even when using functions other than navigation, for example, when playing television footage, it is good practice to display the message as a pop-up on the television screen.

[0187] Furthermore, the i4 area shown in Figure 4 is provided with an area for displaying various information used for route guidance. In the example shown in Figure 4, this area contains, from top to bottom, the current time obtained from GPS satellites, the GPS signal reception strength and direction, a value representing the map scale, and a shortcut button 140.

[0188] Here, shortcut button 140 is a button that switches screens each time it is pressed. Screen switching, or screen transitions, will be explained later, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0189] Furthermore, i5, shown in Figure 4, displays the current driving speed of the vehicle to which the integrated device 1000 is installed.

[0190] Furthermore, i6, shown in Figure 4, displays the address, road name, latitude, and longitude of the location where the vehicle with the integrated device 1000 installed is currently traveling. It would also be beneficial to have a menu screen displayed when i6, shown in Figure 4, is pressed.

[0191] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if an event is detected, event recording will be performed. <Display method> Next, the display method in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the location where an event recording was performed due to an event occurring, or the location where manual recording was performed in response to user operation, is displayed as an icon, for example, on the navigation map displayed by the car navigation system function. In the following description, this icon will be referred to as the "event icon".

[0192] Then, when the user presses the event icon on the touch panel 110, the corresponding image data is played back. Here, the corresponding image data is captured by the drive recorder function. In other words, in this embodiment, the car navigation function and the drive recorder function are linked.

[0193] Event icons can be a single color, but it's a good idea to use different colors depending on the event level, for example. This way, users who refer to the event icon can not only see where the event occurred, but also understand what level the event was.

[0194] Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between locations where event recording was performed because an event occurred, and locations where manual recording was performed in response to user action. Therefore, the event icon color representing locations where manual recording was performed should be different from the event icon color representing locations where event recording was performed. In addition, it would be good to assign colors in a manner similar to traffic signals so that users can intuitively recognize them.

[0195] For example, the event icon for a Level 1 event, which is caused by a minor impact, will be green. The event icon for a Level 1 event, which is caused by an intermediate level impact, will be yellow. Furthermore, the event icon for a Level 5 event, which is caused by a major impact, will be red. Additionally, the event icon for events corresponding to manual recording will be indigo.

[0196] Table 1 below shows an example of this color assignment. The following explanation will be based on this assignment.

[0197] [Table 1]

[0198] Then, the event icons with assigned colors are overlaid on the route guidance map and displayed on the touch panel 110, as shown in Figure 5.

[0199] Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figure 2, in this embodiment, there is an upper limit on the number of recordings that can be made for both manual recording and event recording. For example, the total limit for manual recording and event recording is 20 video files, or 10 recordings in total. When a new recording is made, the oldest recording is deleted first, even if the user has not yet viewed it. Therefore, it is preferable to let the user know which recordings are old and about to be deleted. It is also preferable to encourage the user to view them before they are deleted.

[0200] Furthermore, it is preferable to allow users to understand which event icon corresponds to an event recording that just occurred, which event icon corresponds to a manual recording that was performed, for example, three times ago, and so on.

[0201] Therefore, instead of simply color-coding each event icon, we could, for example, use a circled number that includes a chronological number for each event icon. This would allow users to understand which event icons are new, which are old, and how many years ago they are from.

[0202] To display these event icons, the first control unit 100 uses map information stored in the main memory unit 190. It also uses information received from the second control unit 200 when manual recording occurs and stored in the main memory unit 190, which is a set of information linking "that manual recording occurred, the date and time the manual recording took place, and location information identifying the location where the manual recording took place." Furthermore, it uses information stored in the main memory unit 190 when an event occurs, which is a set of information linking "location information to identify the location where the event occurred, the level of the event that occurred, and the date and time the event occurred."

[0203] Figure 5 shows a concrete example of how event icons can be displayed with these contents.

[0204] Referring to Figure 5, we first see that a map for route guidance is displayed on the touch panel 110. The i8 on the map is blue and represents an event icon indicating the location where manual recording was performed. Furthermore, its number is 1, indicating that it represents the most recent location where manual recording took place.

[0205] Furthermore, i9 on the map is yellow, indicating that it is an event icon representing the location where a Level 3 event recording took place. Its number 2 also indicates that it represents the location of the event recording that occurred immediately before the manual event at i8 on the map.

[0206] Furthermore, i10 on the map is red, indicating that it is an event icon representing the location where a Level 5 event recording occurred. Its number, 3, also indicates that it represents the location of the event recording immediately preceding the one corresponding to i9 on the map.

[0207] Furthermore, i11 on the map is green, indicating that it is an event icon representing the location where a Level 1 event recording took place. Its number 4 also indicates that it represents the location of the event recording immediately preceding the one corresponding to i10 on the map.

[0208] Furthermore, i12 on the map is an event icon representing the current location and direction of travel of the vehicle on which the integrated device 1000 is installed.

[0209] By referring to the information displayed in Figure 5, users can make decisions such as, "I'm approaching a place where I previously triggered a Level 5 event, so I should avoid driving in a way that would trigger an event this time," or "If I continue on this path, I won't pass a place where I previously performed manual recording." In other words, it becomes possible to present users with useful information.

[0210] Additionally, when a user clicks an event icon, the corresponding video file will be played.

[0211] Specifically, when any event icon is pressed, a list of event icons, including the pressed event icon, is displayed on the right half of the touch panel 110, for example, as shown in i13 of Figure 6. To this end, the map is displayed on the left half, for example, as shown in i14 of Figure 6.

[0212] The first control unit 100 then determines which event icon in the event list was pressed by the user based on where on the touch panel 110 was pressed. It then reads from the main memory unit 190 the date and time when event recording of the event corresponding to the pressed event icon was performed, or the date and time when manual recording of the event corresponding to the pressed event icon was performed. Finally, it transmits the read date and time to the second control unit 200.

[0213] The second control unit 200 searches the second storage unit 230 using the received date and time as a search key. It then reads the video file corresponding to the date and time. Here, since the video files are in pairs for each manual recording and each event recording, the two video files in this pair are read. The second control unit 200 then decodes these two read video files into image data. Finally, it transmits the image data to the first control unit 100.

[0214] The first control unit 100 plays back the received image data by outputting it to the touch panel 110. By referring to the played-back image data, the user can check what happened when manual recording or event recording was performed.

[0215] Next, we will explain the history icon, which is a separate icon from the event icon. As mentioned above, there is a limit to the number of video files that can be protected for manual recording and event recording. For example, if the number exceeds 10, the video files will be deleted in order from oldest to newest. Therefore, the event icons corresponding to deleted video files will also be deleted.

[0216] The reason for deleting video files here is to take into consideration the capacity of the second storage unit 230, and if possible, it is preferable to display information on manual recordings and event recordings older than 10 on the map.

[0217] In this regard, the data size of information such as the location of occurrence for manual recording and event recording stored in the main memory unit 190 is small compared to the data size of the video files.

[0218] Therefore, this information is left stored in the main memory 190 without being deleted. This information is then used to display icons on the map that indicate the location of manual recording and event recording, as well as the level of event recording. In the following explanation, these icons will be referred to as "history icons" to distinguish them from event icons.

[0219] As mentioned above, the amount of data required to display the history icons is small. However, if we were to display history icons for too many past manual recordings and event recordings, the screen would be cluttered with too many icons, which would interfere with the operation guidance.

[0220] Therefore, we will set a limit on the number of icons that can be displayed. For example, 10 event icons and 490 history icons, for a total of 500 icons.

[0221] Furthermore, it is necessary to distinguish between history icons and event icons. To achieve this, for example, the shape and size of the history icon and the event icon should be different. For example, they could be round and rectangular. Alternatively, both could be round, but the event icon could be larger and the history icon smaller. In any case, the color of each history icon should be distinguishable by its shape and size. The following explanation will assume that the history icon is displayed as a diamond shape.

[0222] Specifically, the information used to display the history icon is the information received from the second control unit 200 when manual recording occurs and stored in the main memory unit 190, which is a set of information linking "the fact that manual recording occurred, the date and time the manual recording was performed, and location information that identifies the location where the manual recording was performed." Furthermore, the information stored in the main memory unit 190 when an event occurs, which is a set of information linking "location information to identify the location where the event occurred, the level of the event that occurred, and the date and time the event occurred," is also used.

[0223] Figure 7 shows a concrete example of how event icons are displayed with these contents. In the example in Figure 7, the video file corresponding to the event icon shown in the example in Figure 5 has been deleted due to being outdated and replaced with a history icon.

[0224] Referring to Figure 7, the touch panel 110 first displays a map for route guidance. The i15 on the map is indigo and is a history icon representing the location where manual recording was performed.

[0225] Additionally, i16 on the map is yellow and is a history icon indicating the location where a Level 3 event recording occurred.

[0226] Furthermore, i17 on the map is red and is a history icon indicating the location where a Level 5 event recording occurred.

[0227] Furthermore, i18 on the map is green and is a history icon representing the location where a Level 1 event recording took place.

[0228] Furthermore, i19 on the map is an icon representing the current location and direction of travel of the vehicle on which the integrated device 1000 is installed.

[0229] By displaying not only event icons but also history icons, users can easily identify areas where events frequently occur. <Screen transition> Next, we will explain how the screen transitions depending on the vehicle's status and user actions, referring to the transition diagrams in Figures 8 to 10.

[0230] First, refer to Figure 8. When the first control unit 100 is activated, the main menu is displayed as shown in screen S1. On the main menu screen, various functions such as navigation, television, music, picture, and drive recorder can be selected. Of these, the navigation and drive recorder functions, which are features of this embodiment, will be described below.

[0231] When the [Navigation] button 140 is selected on screen S1, the navigation function is activated and the screen transitions to screen S2.

[0232] On screen S2, as explained with reference to Figures 5 and 7, event icons and history icons are displayed on the map for route guidance, and route guidance is performed with audio output. The content of this display is as described in the <Display Method> section above. The method by which the first control unit 100 determines the occurrence of an event, and the actions taken when an event occurs, are as described in the <Event Occurrence> section above. Now, suppose the user presses the [Shortcut] button 140. Here, suppose the [Shortcut] button 140 is associated with "Camera 210 Video". In this case, the screen transitions to screen S3, and the real-time video currently being captured by camera 210 is displayed on the screen. In this state, if the user presses the [End] button 140, the screen transitions to screen S2, and route guidance is performed again.

[0233] Furthermore, if any of the [icon] buttons 140 are pressed while the screen is in state S2, processing is initiated to play the video file corresponding to the pressed event icon or history icon. Specifically, the screen transitions to state S4, a message is displayed indicating that continuous recording will be temporarily suspended, and the user is prompted to select either [Yes] or [No] from button 140.

[0234] The reason for temporarily suspending continuous recording is to prevent situations where the currently playing image data is overwritten if a new event is detected during image data playback.

[0235] Furthermore, in cases where each image data is assigned a number and managed in a list, if a new event is detected during image data playback, it becomes possible to prevent situations where the number assigned to the new image data overlaps with the number assigned to the image data currently being played. For example, if the currently playing recorded data is managed as the latest image data, and new image data is generated, it becomes possible to prevent a situation where it becomes impossible to determine which data is the latest data after playback ends.

[0236] If the user presses the [No] button 140 at this point, the screen will transition to screen S2 and the route guidance will continue.

[0237] On the other hand, if the user presses the [Yes] button 140, the screen transitions to screen S5, and the event list is displayed on the right half of the screen as explained with reference to Figure 6. Here, the user wants to play the video file corresponding to the icon selected on screen S2, rather than playing the video file corresponding to the icon selected on screen S5 from the event list.

[0238] Therefore, the entire event list is treated as the [Event Item] button 140, and when this [Event Item] button 140 is pressed for the first time, the map moves to the coordinate value of the icon selected on screen S2. Then, when the [Event Item] button 140 is pressed for the second time, the screen transitions to screen S6 and video playback begins.

[0239] On screen S6, the message "Playing video" is displayed while processing is being done to generate the video. If the message "Playing video" is displayed for a longer period than the predetermined time required to process the video, it is determined that a timeout has occurred and the system transitions to screen S7. On screen S7, the video file corresponding to the icon selected on screen S2 is played.

[0240] Then, if the user presses the [Back] button 140 during or after recording, the screen transitions to screen S5. If the [Back] button 140 is pressed again on screen S5, the screen transitions to screen S2 and the operation guidance continues. In addition, continuous recording resumes without requiring any user action.

[0241] Next, as described above, when any [icon] button 140 is pressed while the screen is in state S2, instead of playing the video file corresponding to the pressed icon, we will explain the operation when the user selects an icon from the event list and the video file corresponding to the selected icon is played.

[0242] When the [MENU] button 140 located at the bottom of the screen is pressed while the screen is in the state of screen S2, the screen transitions to screen S8, which is the menu screen for the navigation function.

[0243] Subsequently, if the [Register / Edit] button 140 is pressed while the screen is on S8, the system transitions to screen S9, which is the registration / edit menu screen.

[0244] Then, when the [Event] button 140 is pressed while the screen is in state S9, the screen transitions to state S10 in Figure 9.

[0245] On screen S10, similar to screen S4, a message is displayed indicating that continuous recording will be temporarily suspended, and the user is prompted to select either [Yes] or [No] using button 140. The reason for the temporary suspension of continuous recording is as explained in the description of screen S4.

[0246] If the user presses the [No] button 140, the system transitions to screen S9 in Figure 8, which is the registration / editing menu screen.

[0247] On the other hand, if the user presses the [Yes] button 140, the screen transitions to screen S11, and the event list is displayed on the right half of the screen as explained with reference to Figure 6. Unlike screen S5, the user has not selected an icon on screen S2, so the screen accepts the user's selection of an icon from the event list on screen S5.

[0248] Then, playback of the video file corresponding to the icon selected by the user begins. The processing on screens S6 and S7 is the same as the processing when transitioning from screen S5 to screen S6, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Note that in Figure 9, when the back button 140 is pressed on screen S7, the system returns to screen S5, but it would also be better to return to screen S11 instead of screen S7.

[0249] The above explains the screen transitions when using the car navigation function. Next, we will explain the screen transitions when using the dashcam function.

[0250] First, when the [Drive Recorder] button 140 is pressed on screen S1, the system transitions to either screen S12 or screen S13 as shown in Figure 10. The conditions for which screen is transitioned are as follows: If the integrated device 1000 is not installed in the vehicle and is powered by the secondary battery included in the power supply unit 310, the system transitions to screen S12. On the other hand, if the integrated device 1000 is installed in the vehicle and is powered by the vehicle, the system transitions to screen S13.

[0251] First, let's explain the case where the integrated device 1000 is not installed in the vehicle and is powered by a secondary battery included in the power supply unit 310, leading to a transition to screen S12. In this case, since there is an upper limit to the capacity of the secondary battery, it is necessary to reduce power consumption. Also, in this case, the user is carrying the integrated device 1000 around and using it, and the camera 210 is not fixed, making it difficult to effectively utilize the drive recorder function. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive recorder function is not operated when power is supplied from the secondary battery. To inform the user of this, when transitioning to screen S12, a message such as "The drive recorder recording and playback functions will not operate while the device is powered by the internal battery" is displayed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, during which it is considered that the user can recognize this message, it is determined that a timeout has occurred and the system transitions to screen S1.

[0252] Next, we will explain the case where the integrated device 1000 is installed in a car and receives power from the car, leading to a transition to screen S13.

[0253] On screen S13, the real-time video captured by camera 210 is played back in full screen. When the user presses the touch panel 110 in this state, that is, when any part of the screen is touched, the system transitions to screen S14.

[0254] Then, on screen S14, the [End Application] button 140 is displayed. When the user presses this [End Application] button 140, the application that implements the drive recorder function terminates and the screen transitions to screen S1. On the other hand, when the screen on screen S14 is pressed, the screen returns to screen S13 and plays the real-time video in full screen. Furthermore, on screen S14, for example, a settings change button 140 is displayed, and when this settings change button 140 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for making various settings related to the drive recorder function.

[0255] Furthermore, when user input is received while screens S13 and S14 are displayed, manual recording is initiated, as explained in the middle section of Figure 2. In other words, the real-time video played on screens S13 and S14 is used as a preview image for manual recording. <Battery control> Next, the control of the battery in this embodiment will be described.

[0256] As described with reference to Figure 1, the power supply unit 310 of the integrated device 1000 in this embodiment receives power from an external device via the USB terminal 320. Here, the external device is, for example, the automobile in which the integrated device 1000 is installed.

[0257] Specifically, one end of the cigarette lighter plug cord is inserted into the car's cigarette lighter socket. The other end of the cigarette lighter plug cord is then connected to the USB 320 terminal. A cigarette lighter plug cord with a converter should be used. The cigarette lighter plug cord and converter are assumed to have a rated voltage of 5V and a rated current of 2A, for example.

[0258] Subsequently, when the car engine starts, power is supplied from the cigarette lighter socket in conjunction with the engine starting. Then, when the car engine stops, power is also supplied from the cigarette lighter socket.

[0259] Next, the detailed configuration of the power supply unit 310 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Referring to Figure 11, the power supply unit 310 includes a power control unit 311, a lithium-ion battery 312, and a supercapacitor 313 (registered trademark). The power supply unit 310 is also connected to the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. Note that functional blocks shown in Figure 1 that are not directly related to the explanation of battery control are omitted from Figure 11.

[0260] Furthermore, the supercapacitor 313 corresponds to the "energy storage device" of the present invention. The lithium-ion battery 312 corresponds to the "secondary battery" of the present invention. In addition, the power supply provided from the car's cigarette lighter socket corresponds to the "external power supply" of the present invention.

[0261] Here, the power control unit 311 has the function of controlling which device to apply voltage to. The power control unit 311 is implemented, for example, by a power management IC. Alternatively, the first control unit 100 may perform some or all of the control of the power control unit 311. In Figure 11, the signal lines for the first control unit 100 to send and receive signals to control the power control unit 311 are shown as dashed lines. On the other hand, the lines for applying voltage are shown as solid lines in Figure 11.

[0262] The lithium-ion battery 312 is a rechargeable battery that stores electricity through charging and can then be used as a battery. The lithium-ion battery 312 is charged under the control of the power control unit 311. The first control unit 100 is driven by the power supplied from the external device when the integrated device 1000 is receiving power from the external device.

[0263] On the other hand, when the integrated device 1000 is not receiving power from an external device, the first control unit 100 is powered by the lithium-ion battery 312. Also, as mentioned above in the explanation section of <Screen Transition>, when the integrated device 1000 is not receiving power from an external device and is powered by the lithium-ion battery 312, the drive recorder function is stopped. The purpose of this is to reduce power consumption, so instead of simply shutting down the software running in the second control unit 200, the application of voltage to the second control unit 200 is stopped altogether.

[0264] The supercapacitor 313 is an energy storage device that stores energy when the integrated device 1000 receives power from an external device.

[0265] In this embodiment, when the integrated device 1000 is removed from the automobile, the second control unit 200 performs a shutdown process, such as storing the information it has cached in the second storage unit 230, which is a non-volatile memory, to prevent data corruption.

[0266] However, as mentioned above, when the integrated device 1000 is removed from the automobile, the voltage applied to the second control unit 200 is stopped. Therefore, the second control unit 200 uses the charge stored in the supercapacitor 313 to perform this shutdown process. For this reason, the supercapacitor 313 is used with a capacity that can guarantee that this shutdown process will be performed.

[0267] The information cached by the second control unit 200 is, for example, real-time video that has already been cached and has not yet been converted into a video file.

[0268] The first control unit 100 also controls the power supply. For example, among the various components shown in Figure 1, the first control unit 100 controls the power supply of the touch panel 110, speaker 120, notification LED 130, button 140, TV tuner 150, GPS sensor 160, acceleration sensor 170, first memory unit 180, and main memory unit 190. Alternatively, the first control unit 100 may perform some or all of the control of the power supply control unit 311.

[0269] On the other hand, the second control unit 200 controls the power supply of the camera 210, microphone 220, and second memory unit 230, among the various components shown in Figure 1.

[0270] Next, the basic concept of battery control in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of performing all of the activation of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200, and the charging of the supercapacitor 313 and the lithium-ion battery 312 in parallel, they are performed step by step by controlling the timing. This is to perform the activation of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200, and the charging of the supercapacitor 313 and the lithium-ion battery 312 without exceeding the rated current of the cigarette plug cord.

[0271] Here, the rated current of the cigarette plug cord is, for example, 2A. In this regard, it is also conceivable to use a cigarette plug cord with a rated current exceeding 2A. However, as the rated current increases, it becomes necessary to thicken the cigarette plug cord. This is because although there is a small resistance in conductors such as the electric wire forming the cord, there is a risk that the insulating coating will melt due to its heat generation, so the cord needs to be thickened as the current increases.

[0272] However, if the cord is thickened, it becomes difficult to handle the cord, which is very inconvenient for a user who uses the integrated device 1000 in the limited space inside the automobile. There is also a problem that the manufacturing cost increases when using a thick cord.

[0273] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, instead of performing all of the activation of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200, and the charging of the supercapacitor 313 and the lithium-ion battery 312 in parallel, they are performed step by step by controlling the timing. Thereby, in this embodiment, the maximum value of the current at the time of starting the integrated device 1000 is suppressed.

[0274] Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12 and the flowchart of FIG. 13, the power supply control process of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0275] First, with the integrated unit 1000 in a shut-down state and connected to the car charger, the car engine is started. Consequently, power is supplied to the integrated unit 1000 (Yes in step A1).

[0276] Then, the power control unit 311 starts applying voltage to the first control unit 100. This causes the first control unit 100 to start up (step A2). This startup process includes, for example, the process of starting up the touch panel 110 and the GPS sensor 160.

[0277] The first control unit 100, which performs the startup process, displays a message on the touch panel 110. The message displayed at this time is screen S1, as shown in Figure 8. Then, in response to the pressing of the [Navigation] button 140, the navigation function is executed (step A3). Even if the [Drive Recorder] button 140 is pressed, the drive recorder function is not yet executed. Therefore, a message such as "Starting up the drive recorder. Please wait a moment." is displayed on the screen, as shown in screen S14, as shown in Figure 14. After a predetermined time has elapsed, during which it is considered that the user can recognize this message, it is determined that a timeout has occurred and the system transitions to screen S1. In this way, by first starting up the first control unit 100 and displaying a message on the touch panel 110, it is possible to inform the user that the startup process is underway.

[0278] Furthermore, the power control unit 311 begins applying voltage to the supercapacitor 313. As a result, the supercapacitor 313 begins to store energy, and the voltage of the supercapacitor 313 increases (step A4).

[0279] Next, it is determined whether the current voltage of the supercapacitor 313 has become greater than a predetermined first voltage (step A5). If the current voltage of the supercapacitor 313 is greater than the predetermined first voltage (Yes in step A5), the power supply control unit 311 starts applying voltage to the second control unit 200. As a result, the second control unit 200 starts the startup process. This startup process also includes the process for starting up the camera 210 and the microphone 220.

[0280] However, if the drive recorder function is activated, the maximum current may exceed the rated current of the cigarette lighter plug cord. Therefore, the second control unit 200 performs the startup process, but does not yet activate the drive recorder function. Consequently, even if the [Drive Recorder] button 140 is pressed at this point, a message like screen S14 shown in Figure 14 will be displayed, similar to step A3, and the drive recorder function will not be activated.

[0281] Next, it is determined whether the current voltage of the supercapacitor 313 has become greater than a predetermined second voltage (step A7). Here, the predetermined second voltage is a value greater than the predetermined first voltage.

[0282] Then, when the current voltage of the supercapacitor 313 becomes greater than a predetermined second voltage (Yes in step A7), the supercapacitor 313 is sufficiently charged, and a large current is no longer required to charge it. Therefore, triggered by the Yes response in step A7, the process moves to step A8, and the second control unit 200 executes the drive recorder function (step A8). Furthermore, the power control unit 311 starts applying voltage to the lithium-ion battery 312. This starts charging the lithium-ion battery 312 (step A9).

[0283] As described above, in this embodiment, the timing of applying voltage to each part included in the integrated device 1000 is controlled. This has the effect of suppressing the maximum current when the integrated device 1000 is started up, and eliminating the need to make the cigarette lighter plug cord unnecessarily thick.

[0284] Let's explain this point using specific values. For example, let's assume that when voltage is applied to the first control unit 100 in step A2, for example, 1.3A is used. Also, let's assume that when voltage is applied to the supercapacitor 313 in step A4, for example, 0.5A is used at least until Yes is reached in step A5. Furthermore, let's assume that when voltage is applied to the second control unit 200 in step A6, for example, 0.2~0.3A is used. Furthermore, let's assume that when voltage is applied to the lithium-ion battery 312 in step A9, for example, 0.35A is used.

[0285] When these currents are added together, a total of 2.35 to 2.36 A is required, which exceeds the rated current of 2 A for the cigarette lighter plug cord mentioned above. However, in this embodiment, by controlling the timing of applying voltage to each part included in the integrated device 1000, it is possible to start the integrated device 1000 without exceeding the rated current of 2 A.

[0286] Next, we will explain the battery control after the integrated device 1000 has been started, referring to Figure 13.

[0287] The integrated device 1000, which operates the navigation and drive recorder functions, continues to monitor whether the power supply from the car charger has been interrupted due to the vehicle's engine being stopped. It also continues to monitor whether the integrated device 1000 has been removed from the car charger when the cigarette lighter plug cord is disconnected from the USB terminal 320, or when the cigarette lighter plug cord is disconnected from the car charger (No in step A10 and No in step A12).

[0288] If the power supply from the car charger is interrupted due to the vehicle engine stopping (Yes in step A10), the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 are shut down. In this case, the shutdown process for the first control unit 100 is performed by power supply from the lithium-ion battery 312, and the shutdown process for the second control unit 200 is performed by power supply from the supercapacitor 313. Then, the process returns to step A1 and waits until power is supplied again.

[0289] On the other hand, if the integrated device 1000 is removed from the car charger by disconnecting the cigarette lighter plug cord from the USB terminal 320, or by disconnecting the cigarette lighter plug cord from the car charger (Yes in step A12), the second control unit 200 starts the shutdown process by power supply from the supercapacitor 313. In this way, the user will not be able to use the drive recorder function, but the first control unit 100 will not shut down, and the navigation function will continue to be used. In other words, the integrated device 1000 can be used as a portable navigation system. The first control unit 100 will continue to operate by power supply from the lithium-ion battery 312. In this way, since only one of the two control units can be shut down, the other control unit does not need to perform a shutdown process and restart, and can continue to operate as is.

[0290] Next, it is determined whether it is connected to the vehicle charger of the automobile again and whether it is connected to an external device other than the automobile. Here, the external device is, for example, a personal computer connected to the USB terminal 320 via a USB cable. Whether it is connected to the vehicle charger of the automobile or a personal computer can be determined, for example, by a signal output from the USB cable. For example, the USB connector has five wires (VBus / D- / D+ / ID / GND). And when this ID wire is short-circuited to the GND wire, it can be determined that it is connected to a personal computer. On the other hand, if the ID wire is open (not connected), it can be determined that it is connected to the charger.

[0291] When connected to the automobile (Yes: automobile in step A14), return to step A1 and wait until the power supply is resumed.

[0292] On the other hand, when connected to an external device (Yes: external device in step A14), proceed to step A15 and shut down the first control unit 100. This is because when the integrated device 1000 is connected to a personal computer, it is considered that there is no need to execute the navigation function any more. Also, the output of the USB terminal 320 of the personal computer may not be able to supply the current required to drive the integrated device 1000.

[0293] And after shutting down the first control unit 100, in preparation for using the integrated device 1000 as a portable navigation again, charging of the lithium ion battery 312 is started (step A1).

[0294] [[ID=1,6]]After that, it is monitored whether it is removed from the external device (step A17). And when it is removed from the external device (Yes in step A17), in order to realize the function of the portable navigation, the first control unit 100 starts the startup process by power supply from the lithium ion battery 312 (step A18).

[0295] The first control unit 100 then displays information on the touch panel 110 and performs navigation functions.

[0296] As described above with reference to Figure 13, in this embodiment, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 can be driven or shut down appropriately in each of the following cases: when the automobile engine stops and the power supply from the car charger is interrupted, when the car charger is disconnected, and when an external device is connected. <Car Navigation> Next, the car navigation function of the first control unit 100 will be explained in more detail. The first control unit 100 outputs a predetermined alarm when the current position detected by the GPS sensor 160 and the position of a target object such as a traffic monitoring point stored in the main memory unit 190 are in a predetermined positional relationship. For this reason, the main memory unit 190 contains information about the target object to be detected (location information of the target object including longitude and latitude, and type information of the target object, etc.), traffic safety information to drive safely with greater caution, such as accident-prone areas and traffic enforcement information, and various information useful for driving, such as landmarks. Each piece of information is registered in association with location information and specific information types (type of target object, type of traffic enforcement, accident-prone area, name of landmark, etc.).

[0297] The distance to the target object when an alarm is issued can be changed depending on the type of target object. The types of alarms include, as described above, voice alarms using the speaker 120 and alarms using the touch panel 110. In this embodiment, the integrated device 1000 implements a car navigation function and therefore has map data.

[0298] Therefore, as the basic screen, the first control unit 100 has the function of reading road network information around the current location and displaying a map of the area around the current location on the touch panel 110. Then, it displays a warning screen on the touch panel 110 overlaid on the currently displayed screen. When the map is displayed, if the distance between the current location and an LH system, which is a type of speed measuring device that is one of the traffic monitoring points, becomes, for example, 500m, the warning screen is displayed. Furthermore, the first control unit 100 processes a warning voice message from the speaker 120 that indicates the type of warning and the distance, such as "LH system 500m ahead."

[0299] On the other hand, the first control unit 100, which implements the navigation function, also performs the following operations. First, the main memory unit 190 stores road network information for navigation.

[0300] The first control unit 100 has the function of reading road network information around the current location from the main memory unit 190 and displaying a map of the area around the current location on the touch panel 110. This first control unit 100 can use this road network information to search for a route from one location to another. The main memory unit 190 also includes a telephone number database that stores telephone numbers associated with the location information and names of residences, companies, facilities, etc. associated with those telephone numbers, and an address database that stores addresses associated with the location information of those addresses. The main memory unit 190 also stores location information of traffic monitoring points, such as speed measuring devices, along with their types.

[0301] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 has the function of performing general navigation device processing. Specifically, it displays a map of the area around the current location on the touch panel 110 and displays a destination setting button 140. When the first control unit 100 detects a touch on the touch panel 110 at a location corresponding to the display position of the destination setting button 140, it performs destination setting processing. In the destination setting processing, a destination setting menu is displayed on the touch panel 110 and prompts the user to select a method for setting the destination. The destination setting menu includes a telephone number search button 140 and an address search button 140 that prompt the user to select a method for setting the destination. When it detects that the telephone number search button 140 has been touched, it displays a telephone number input screen and obtains location information corresponding to the entered telephone number from the main memory unit 190. When it detects that the address search button 140 has been touched, it displays an address selection input screen and obtains location information corresponding to the entered address from the main memory unit 190. Then, the acquired location information is set as the destination location information, and a recommended route from the current location to the destination is determined based on the road network information stored in the main memory unit 190. For calculating this recommended route, a known method such as Dijkstra's algorithm can be used.

[0302] The first control unit 100 then displays the calculated recommended route along with a map of the surrounding area. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the route i23 from the current location i21 to the destination i22 is displayed as the recommended route in a predetermined color (e.g., red). This is similar to a typical navigation system. In this embodiment, the first control unit 100 compares the location information on the route i23 with the location information of target objects such as traffic monitoring points stored in the main memory unit 190, and displays the locations of the traffic monitoring points located on the route i23.

[0303] As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 15, a bubble is displayed from the location on the road, and the type of traffic monitoring point at that location, stored in the main memory 190, is displayed in the bubble. For example, Figure 15(a) is an example of the warning point search screen display, showing an example of displaying traffic monitoring points i25a to i25f. Traffic monitoring point i25a displays the letter "N" indicating an N system in the bubble. Traffic monitoring points i25b, i25c, and i25e display the letter "LH" indicating an LH system in the bubble. Traffic monitoring point i25d displays the letter "Loop" indicating a loop coil in the bubble. Traffic monitoring point i25f displays the letter "H" indicating an H system in the bubble. When the touch panel 1108 detects a touch at the location of a bubble in this simplified display state, the simplified display is switched to a detailed display, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0304] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), the lower right side of the touch panel 110 displays the traffic monitoring point type designation section i26. The traffic monitoring point type designation section i26 displays buttons 140 that list the types of traffic monitoring points present on route i23. In the example in Figure 4(a), it displays the "N" type button 140i27a indicating the N system of traffic monitoring point i25a, the "LH" type button 140i27b indicating the LH system of traffic monitoring points i25b, i25c, and i25e, the "Loop" type button 140i27c indicating the loop coil of traffic monitoring point i25d, and the "H" type button 140i27d indicating the H system of traffic monitoring point i25f. When the first control unit 100 detects a touch of the type button 140 on the display unit from the touch panel 1108, it inverts the display of the touched type button 140 and switches the display mode of the traffic monitoring point corresponding to the touched type button 140 from simplified display to detailed display, and from detailed display to simplified display.

[0305] The integrated device 1000 of this embodiment is equipped with a nearby search function as a method for setting a destination (including waypoints). When this nearby search function is selected and activated, the first control unit 100 extracts facilities that match the specified conditions and are close to the current location, and displays the extraction results on the touch panel 110. The user can then select one of the candidates displayed on the touch panel 110 and confirm it to designate it as a destination (including waypoints).

[0306] In other words, in order to realize this function, the main memory unit 190 of this embodiment stores information about each facility, along with its location information, in association with information regarding the classification of the facility. The information regarding the classification of the facility consists of multiple types of items, grouped by the name of the genre to which each facility belongs.

[0307] In this embodiment, when any item is specified, the first control unit 100 extracts facilities that match the specified item and are close to the current location, and displays the extraction results as destination candidates on the touch panel 110. The user can specify a destination by selecting one of the candidates displayed on the touch panel 110.

[0308] If any of the items are selected, the first control unit 100 accesses the main memory unit 190 and extracts facilities that are located within a reference distance (for example, 10 km) from the current location and that match the classification of the specified item. Then, it draws a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the closest facilities on the map displayed on the touch panel 110, overlaying icons (marks) representing those facilities. The facility information stored in the main memory unit 190 is registered with each facility associated with its respective icon, and when drawing, the associated icon is read and drawn at the predetermined location on the touch panel 110.

[0309] Furthermore, if the current location exists on the map displayed on the touch panel 110, a vehicle icon representing the vehicle will be overlaid and drawn at the corresponding location. In addition, when drawing such facility icons, numbers will be added to display them in order of proximity to the vehicle. The numbers will be updated as the vehicle moves.

[0310] Then, when the user selects a desired facility, the first control unit 100, recognizing this, determines a recommended route with that facility as the destination and overlays the result onto the map on the touch panel 110.

[0311] Furthermore, the first control unit 100 has a function to provide route guidance to a set destination. In other words, in response to the user's selection to start guidance, the first control unit 100 sequentially detects the vehicle's position using GPS or autonomous navigation, draws map information representing roads and other elements on the touch panel 110, and provides route guidance to the destination using images and voice.

[0312] The above-mentioned user-inputted instructions, such as specifying or selecting items, can be performed when the first control unit 100 detects that the user has touched a button 140 displaying the name of an item or function, or an icon of a facility on the touch panel 110. <Implementation Example> The integrated device 1000 described above can be implemented in electronic equipment, for example, as follows.

[0313] Figure 16 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the external appearance of an electronic device with the integrated device 1000 mounted. In Figure 16, the front view is shown in the second row of the center column. Here, in Figure 16, the front view is the side that faces the touch panel 110 when the integrated device 1000 is installed. The touch panel 110 is positioned on the front of the integrated device 1000. Furthermore, no buttons 140 or the like are placed on the bezel surrounding the touch panel 110, so as not to obstruct the view of the touch panel 110.

[0314] To the left of the front view is a left side view. On the left side of the integrated device 1000 are the first storage unit 180, an indicator LED 130b, and a USB terminal 320. The first storage unit 180 is implemented by an SD slot into which an SD card, which is the storage medium, is inserted. The indicator LED 130b is an LED that indicates whether power is being supplied or not, and lights up green, for example, when power is being supplied. A cigarette lighter plug cord 504 is connected to the USB terminal 320, and as described in the <Battery Control> section, the integrated device 1000 receives power from a car charger via this cigarette lighter plug cord 504. Note that in order to clearly show the shape of the integrated device 1000, the cord portion extending from the socket of the cigarette lighter plug cord is omitted from the illustration in Figure 15.

[0315] To the right of the front view is a right side view. A second storage unit 230 is located on the right side of the integrated device 1000. The second storage unit 230 is implemented by an SD slot, into which an SD card, which is the storage medium, is inserted.

[0316] A top view is shown above the front view. On the top surface of the integrated device 1000 are an indicator LED 130a, buttons 140a, 140b, and 140c. The indicator LED 130a is used to indicate whether or not continuous recording is being performed by the integrated device 1000; for example, it lights up red when continuous recording is not being performed. Button 140a is a button 140 for starting manual recording, and pressing button 140a triggers event recording. Button 140b is a button 140 for stopping or restarting continuous recording, and each time it is pressed, continuous recording is stopped or restarted. Button 140c is a button 140 for turning the integrated device 1000 ON or OFF; when the power is ON, pressing it turns the integrated device 1000 OFF, and when the power is OFF, pressing it turns the integrated device 1000 ON.

[0317] The third row of the central column shows a rear view. The camera 210 and the joint section 502 are located on the rear of the integrated device 1000. Edges 501a, 501b, 501c, and 501d are formed on the rear of the integrated device 1000. The camera 210 unit is incorporated into the integrated device 1000 by a ball joint, and the camera 210 is movable. The range of motion of the camera 210 is, for example, 15 degrees in each direction. That is, if the camera 210 is in the center, it can move, for example, 15 degrees upward and 15 degrees downward. The joint section is the part for attaching the integrated device 1000 to the cradle for fixing the integrated device 1000. Edges 501a, 501b, 501c, and 501d are ridges formed on the rear. Edges 501a, 501b, 501c, and 501d are curved and shaped so as not to catch on the hand of a user carrying the integrated device 1000.

[0318] The third row in the center column shows a bottom view. A speaker slit 503 is provided on the bottom surface of the integrated device 1000. The speaker slit 503 is a slit through which the sound output from the speaker 120 of the integrated device 1000 is emitted. Details of the speaker slit 503 and speaker 120 will be described later.

[0319] Here, as described above, the integrated device 1000 has four surfaces on its back surface by providing four edges, namely edge 501a, edge 501b, edge 501c, and edge 501d. Also, as can be seen by referring to, for example, the bottom view, top view, left side view, and right side view, the shape has a downward slope from each end of the back surface with the camera 210 as the vertex.

[0320] In this regard, it is conceivable to make the housing of the integrated device 1000 a flat rectangular shape by making the thickness of each end and the camera 210 section equal without providing such a slope. However, if it were to be this shape, the entire integrated device 1000 would become large and lose its portability.

[0321] Furthermore, the reason why the camera 210 portion is thick and forms the apex is due to the size of the camera 210 unit that makes up the camera 210. Therefore, it is not possible to make the camera 210 portion thinner. On the other hand, the other circuits can be made thinner compared to the camera 210 portion. Thus, even if the thickness of each end and the camera 210 portion were made the same, it would only result in wasted space within the housing of the integrated device 1000. From this perspective as well, there is no need to make the housing of the integrated device 1000 a flat rectangular shape.

[0322] Therefore, in this implementation example, the thickness of the back is reduced by creating a downward slope from each edge of the back with the camera 210 as the apex. This has the effect of preventing the device from becoming unnecessarily thick, compromising portability, and preventing wasted space within the casing.

[0323] Furthermore, other features of this implementation example will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17(a) shows the left side of the integrated device 1000. As explained with reference to Figure 16, a USB terminal 320 for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord 504 is located on the left side of the integrated device 1000. A notch 505 is formed in the right half of the area around the USB terminal 320 when viewed from the left side. Here, the notch 505 when viewed from the left side is almost vertical from top to bottom up to the height where the USB terminal 320 is located, but below the height where the USB terminal 320 is located, it curves to the left in an arc shape.

[0324] Figure 17(b) also shows the rear view of the integrated device 1000. When viewed from the rear, the cutout 505 has different lengths on the left and right sides of the upper part (for example, approximately two-thirds of the whole) and the lower part (for example, approximately one-third of the whole). Specifically, the left and right lengths of the lower part are shorter.

[0325] The reason for the shape of the notch 505 will be explained with reference to Figure 17(c). Figure 17(c) is a left side view showing the state in which the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 is attached to the USB terminal 320. Referring to Figure 17(c), the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 and the cord portion 504-1 extending from the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 are shown.

[0326] First, as explained with reference to Figure 17(b), when viewed from the rear, the notch 505 has shorter lengths on the left and right sides of its lower portion, corresponding to the thickness of the cable. Therefore, when viewed from the rear, the cord section 504-1 does not shift from side to side, but follows the shape of the notch 505. Furthermore, when viewed from the left side of the notch 505, the cord section 504-1 hangs down along a curved shape that curves to the left. In other words, the curved shape that curves to the left when viewed from the left side of the notch 505 does not cause the cord section 504-1 of the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 to hang down, but rather guides it in the desired direction.

[0327] This design prevents the cord section 504-1 from moving in an unintended direction. Furthermore, its curved shape prevents the cord from bending at a sharp angle. This, in turn, extends the lifespan of the cord.

[0328] Furthermore, the width of the cutout 505 when viewed from the rear of the integrated device 1000 should be such that the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 and the cord section 504-1 are not visible to the user when the integrated device 1000 is viewed from the front. This ensures that only the rectangular shape of the front of the integrated device 1000 is visible to the user, creating a sense of unity.

[0329] Furthermore, the width of the cutout 505 when viewed from the rear of the integrated device 1000 should be such that the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 and the cord section 504-1 are visible to the user when the integrated device 1000 is viewed from the front. This allows the user to confirm that the cigarette lighter plug cord 504 is connected to the USB terminal 320.

[0330] Furthermore, other features of this implementation example will be explained with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a rear view of the integrated device 1000, showing the shape when the rear part of the cover that makes up the housing of the integrated device 1000 is removed.

[0331] Figure 18 shows the speaker unit 506, the speaker holder 507, and the speaker slit corresponding position 508, which represents the position corresponding to the speaker slit 503.

[0332] The speaker unit 506 corresponds to the speaker 120 in Figure 1 and generates sounds such as voice announcements for train operation, warning sounds, and music using a diaphragm. Generally, a sound vent is provided on the back of the cover that makes up the housing of the integrated device 1000, in the part corresponding to the speaker unit 506, to guide the sound generated by the diaphragm to the outside of the cover.

[0333] However, in this implementation example, the integrated device 1000 is intended to be carried around, and it is possible that the user will see the back of the device. In such a case, the presence of sound vents would detract from the aesthetic appearance.

[0334] Therefore, in this implementation example, the speaker holding part 507 not only holds the speaker unit 506 but also surrounds the speaker unit 506. However, the lower part of the speaker unit 506 is not surrounded. As a result, the sound generated by the diaphragm is guided from the lower part of the speaker unit 506 to the speaker slit corresponding position 508 and finally exited through the speaker slit 503. This makes it possible to output sound to the outside without providing a sound vent on the part of the back of the cover that realizes the housing of the integrated device 1000 that corresponds to the speaker unit 506. This prevents the aesthetics from being spoiled by the sound vent.

[0335] Next, with reference to Figure 19, a diagram showing the integrated device 1000 mounted on the cradle 2000 and base 3000 for fixing the integrated device 1000 to the dashboard or the like will be described. In this implementation example, the cradle 2000 is detachable from the joint 502 shown in Figure 16, and can be used by installing it together with the cradle 2000 on the vehicle's dashboard, or the integrated device 1000 can be removed from the cradle 2000 and used as a portable navigation system.

[0336] The cradle 2000 is further connected to the base unit 3000. The base unit 3000 is The cradle 2000 is supported in any orientation. The base 3000 is attached to and fixed to a dashboard or the like by suction cups or adhesive sheets provided on its bottom surface. The base 3000 and the cradle 2000 are connected via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint so that they can rotate within a predetermined angular range. Because it is a ball joint, the base 3000 and the cradle body 2000 can rotate relative to each other within any angular range in three dimensions, and the frictional resistance at the joint allows them to remain in any angular position. Therefore, the integrated device 1000 attached to the cradle 2000 can also be positioned in any orientation on the dashboard. <Variation> The embodiments and implementation examples described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0337] For example, in the embodiment described above, the shape of the icons displayed on the map differed depending on whether or not a video file was present. Furthermore, the color of the icons displayed on the map differed depending on the event level. In addition, events were assigned numbers according to their chronological order, and their sequence was displayed numerically. In other words, the display manner of each icon differed according to these conditions. Here, differentiating the display manner includes, for example, differentiating the color, shape, size, and number display of the icons.

[0338] In this regard, the correspondence between the way the display is varied and the conditions for varying the display is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the color of the icons displayed on the map may be varied depending on whether or not a video file is present. Alternatively, both the color and shape may be varied. For example, the number of the icons displayed on the map may be varied depending on the level of the event. Furthermore, if there is a first condition such as the presence or absence of a video file, and a second condition such as the level of the event, the way the display is varied may be varied depending on each condition.

[0339] For example, when recording continuously, it's a good idea to avoid deleting the oldest file. This prevents the saving of new real-time footage, but it prevents older real-time footage from being deleted.

[0340] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to start and stop continuous recording in conjunction with the power supply. This would allow for continuous recording without requiring any user intervention.

[0341] Furthermore, in manual recording and event recording, the oldest file may not be deleted even if a new event occurs or a user action is taken. This prevents the deletion of previously protected files, although it does not protect new files.

[0342] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to allow users to delete files that have been protected during manual recording or event recording, based on their actions and settings. This would allow users to review the contents and delete files they deem unnecessary, thereby increasing the free space on the storage.

[0343] Furthermore, in icon lists such as i13, it would be good to place the event icon or history icon that was clicked on the map at the top of the list. It would also be good to sort each event chronologically based on the date and time the event occurred.

[0344] Furthermore, the first recording unit and the second storage unit 230 can use the same type of storage medium. For example, when the storage medium used by the second storage unit 230 reaches its maximum capacity, it can be swapped with the storage medium used by the first storage unit 180. This makes it possible to use the two storage media depending on the situation. Also, the first control unit 100 can play back the video file by inserting the storage medium containing the video file into the first storage unit 180 using the second control unit 200.

[0345] Furthermore, it is advisable to implement control measures to prevent the execution of functions that would interfere with real-time video capture when an event is detected. For example, a function that would interfere with real-time video capture could be the television's audio output function. By doing this, when image data is captured, the television's audio will be stopped at least after an event is detected, preventing the television's audio from being mixed into the captured data.

[0346] Furthermore, when an event is determined to have occurred, event recording may be disabled even if the measurement value of the accelerometer 170 exceeds any of several thresholds. This means that, for example, if an event is frequently determined to have occurred based on a minor impact, the video file will not be stored even if an event is determined to have occurred based on a minor impact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the storage capacity is quickly exhausted due to an excessive number of video files. For example, depending on the vehicle type, road conditions, driving habits, etc., if an event is frequently determined to have occurred at the most sensitive threshold, recording every time would quickly overwrite the important recording data. Therefore, in such cases, it is advisable to disable the storage of the video file even if an event is determined to have occurred at the most sensitive threshold.

[0347] Furthermore, since the camera 210 is movable, it is preferable to make it possible to adjust either the incident position and / or orientation of the incident section 211 of the camera 210. This makes it possible to adjust the incident position even after the vehicle-integrated device 1000 has been installed. As a result, the imaging range can be adjusted to correspond to the shape and installation position of the vehicle, and image data of the desired range can be captured.

[0348] Furthermore, different threshold values ​​can be set for each measurement axis to determine if an event has occurred, and the threshold for the measurement axis corresponding to the direction of travel of the vehicle may be set higher than the thresholds for the other measurement axes. By doing so, thresholds can be used according to the usage status of the integrated device 1000, and it becomes possible to prevent the device from mistakenly determining that an event has occurred when no event has occurred.

[0349] In this regard, depending on the usage of the integrated device 1000, the measurement value from the acceleration sensor 170 may increase in a predetermined direction, regardless of the occurrence of an event. For example, if the front of the integrated device 1000 is a touch panel 110, when the user presses the touch panel 110, the measurement value from the acceleration sensor 170 increases in the measurement axis corresponding to the direction from the front to the rear of the integrated device 1000. Since this is unrelated to the occurrence of an event, it is preferable not to determine that an event has occurred in such cases.

[0350] Therefore, for example, it is advisable to set a higher threshold for the measurement axis corresponding to the direction from the front to the rear of the integrated device 1000. For example, when installing the integrated device 1000 in a car, the front of the integrated device 1000, on which the touch panel 110 is provided, faces the user, and the rear of the integrated device 1000 faces the direction of travel of the car. Therefore, for example, if the direction of travel of the car is forward, the measurement axis corresponding to the direction of travel of the car should be the X direction (front and rear), the measurement axis corresponding to the left and right of the car should be the Y direction (left and right), and the measurement axis corresponding to the up and down of the car should be the Z direction (left and right), and the threshold for the measurement axis in the X direction (front and rear) should be set higher.

[0351] This makes it possible to avoid determining that an event has occurred even if a slight impact is detected.

[0352] Furthermore, even if the measurement value of the acceleration sensor 170 exceeds a threshold, it is preferable not to consider it an event if the threshold was exceeded within a predetermined period including the time when the operation was received by the touch panel 110. As mentioned above, for example, the measurement value from the acceleration sensor 170 increases in the measurement axis corresponding to the front to rear direction of the integrated device 1000. This is unrelated to the occurrence of an event, so it is preferable not to consider it an event in such cases. Therefore, if it occurs within a predetermined period including the time when the operation was received, it is preferable not to consider it an event. This prevents the system from making an incorrect judgment that an event has occurred based on the impact measured by the acceleration sensor 170 accompanying the operation. In addition, in such cases, it is preferable to determine that an event has occurred and record the event, but for example, not to display a pop-up message indicating that an event has occurred or to output a warning sound. This prevents the system from outputting a warning even though it has made an incorrect judgment that an event has occurred due to the impact measured by the acceleration sensor 170 accompanying the operation.

[0353] It is preferable to restrict at least some of the functions performed by the integrated device 1000 that is controlled when the vehicle is located near the location where an event occurred. This allows the user to concentrate on driving the vehicle at the location where the previous event occurred. It is often desirable to drive with extra caution in locations where events have occurred in the past. For example, suppose there is a location where an event was determined to have occurred because the driver braked suddenly last time. In this case, some of the functions of the integrated device 1000 that is controlled should be restricted in the vicinity of this location. For example, the audio output function of the television should be restricted. This allows the output of the television, which may interfere with driving, to be turned off near the location where the driver braked suddenly last time, allowing the user to concentrate on driving the vehicle.

[0354] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to output other measurement information besides acceleration measured at the time of the event, such as the vehicle's speed. This would allow the user to prove, for example, that they were below the legal speed limit or were driving slowly when the event occurred. The vehicle's speed can be calculated using, for example, GPS location information. Alternatively, the vehicle's speed can be obtained using, for example, OBD (On-board diagnostics).

[0355] The above explanation describes how event icons and history icons are displayed on a map that includes the current location of the vehicle on which the integrated device 1000 is installed. In other words, it describes how the map of the area around the vehicle is displayed. In addition to this, it would be beneficial to also display event icons and history icons for manual recordings and event recordings that occurred around the route or destination when performing route searches or destination searches. This would allow users to refer to icons even in locations that do not include the vehicle's current location.

[0356] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to provide directions to the location of the event or history icon when the icon is pressed. This would make it easy to revisit locations where accidents have occurred in the past, locations where events frequently occur, or locations that the user has manually recorded.

[0357] Furthermore, the navigation information stored in the main memory unit 190 may include all nationwide information at the time of shipment. Alternatively, map data and the like may be provided stored on storage media for each region, and the user may prepare a storage medium containing the necessary map data and the like, and insert it into the first storage unit 180 for use. The map data and the like stored on the storage media may also be transferred to and stored in the main memory unit 190. Alternatively, the first control unit 100 may access the storage media and read the data from there for use.

[0358] In the embodiment described above, three storage units were provided, namely the main storage unit 190, the first storage unit 180, and the second storage unit 230. However, it is not necessary to provide three storage units. For example, the first control unit 100 may be omitted.

[0359] In the embodiment described above, the software for realizing control by the first control unit 100 is stored in the main memory unit 190. However, it is also possible to store part or all of the software in the ROM included in the first control unit 100 instead of the main memory unit 190.

[0360] While thresholds could be user-adjustable, considering that it's generally difficult to know how much users will adjust them, it might be better to fix the thresholds. This would prevent users from setting inappropriate thresholds.

[0361] In the explanation above, instead of simply color-coding each icon, the icons were represented by circled numbers that included chronological order. In this case, the numbers could be assigned in descending or ascending order chronologically. That is, the newest icon could be numbered 1 and the oldest icon 10, or vice versa.

[0362] In the above description, the video file was played back via the first control unit 100, but it is also possible to output the video directly to the touch panel 110 from the second control unit 200. Furthermore, the process of decoding the two video files into image data may be performed by the first control unit 100 instead of the second control unit 200.

[0363] In the above explanation, it would also be better to associate the [Shortcut] button 140 with "Television video" rather than "Camera 210 video". Since the user will likely refer to "Camera 210 video" when installing the integrated device 1000, but will refer to "Television video" after installation, this would improve user convenience.

[0364] Furthermore, even if the [Shortcut] button 140 is pressed and the screen transitions to screen S3, the voice guidance should continue. This prevents the inconvenience of the guidance being interrupted.

[0365] Alternatively, a button 140 may be displayed on the screen, i.e., on the touch panel 110, to accept the operation that triggers manual recording. Alternatively, instead of a button 140 displayed on the touch panel 110, the operation that triggers manual recording may be accepted via a physical button 140. This eliminates the need to have a button 140 on the touch panel 110, thus preventing, for example, the real-time video displayed in full screen on screen S13 from being partially obscured by the button 140.

[0366] In the explanation in Figure 12, step A3 was performed before step A4, but if it stays within the rated current range of the cigarette lighter plug cord, steps A3 and A4 can be performed simultaneously. This makes it possible to shorten the time until the second control unit 200 starts up.

[0367] Furthermore, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 170 varies depending on factors such as individual driving style, vehicle type, and the roads regularly traveled. Therefore, in some cases, the threshold used to determine that an event has occurred may be too low. In this case, there is a possibility of a false detection of an event occurring when one has not occurred. On the other hand, in some cases, the threshold used to determine that an event has occurred may be too high. In this case, there is a possibility of a false detection of an event occurring when one has actually occurred.

[0368] Therefore, it is also good to allow users to modify the thresholds that are set at the time of shipment. In this embodiment, multiple thresholds are provided, and the color of the icon displayed on the map is changed depending on which threshold the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 170 exceeds. In this way, users can use the icons with different colors as a guide when setting their own thresholds, taking into account individual differences in their driving style, vehicle type, and the roads they usually drive on.

[0369] Furthermore, if setting thresholds is considered difficult for the user, it would be advisable to prevent users from modifying the thresholds set at the time of shipment.

[0370] Furthermore, when an SD card or the like is inserted as a storage medium into the second storage unit 230, the number of video data files that can be saved is limited depending on the storage capacity of the SD card, so it is not possible to view videos for all icons displayed on the map. However, it is advisable to distinguish between the most recent file that has video data saved and older files that do not have video data saved. This distinction can be achieved, for example, by using different shapes or colors for the icons. For example, the most recent files could be set to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0371] 100 First control unit 110 Touch Panel 120 speakers 130 LEDs for notification 140 buttons 150 TV tuner 160 GPS sensors 170 Accelerometer 180 First Memory Unit 190 Main memory 200 Second control unit 210 Cameras 211 Incidence section 220 microphones 230 Second memory unit 310 Power supply section 320 USB ports 501 Edge 502 Joint section 503 Speaker Slit 504 Cigarette lighter plug cord 504-1 Code Section 505 Notch 506 Speaker Unit 507 Speaker holder 508 Speaker slit corresponding position 1000 integrated devices 2000 Cradle 3000 Base

Claims

1. A system comprising a power storage device and a secondary battery, The system includes a function that, when power supply from an external power source is initiated, waits for the voltage of the storage device to rise to a predetermined voltage at which a large current is no longer required to store power in the storage device before starting to supply power to the secondary battery. The control unit is required to receive power from the capacitor when the power supply from the external power source is interrupted, and to perform data storage processing on the storage medium. The control unit is configured not to receive power from the secondary battery. The control unit is provided separately from the aforementioned control unit, The aforementioned separate control unit is configured to receive power from the secondary battery but not from the capacitor. A system characterized by the following:

2. A system comprising a power storage device and a secondary battery, wherein both the power storage device and the secondary battery are charged from an external power source via the same cord, The system includes a function that, when power supply from an external power source is initiated, waits for the voltage of the storage device to rise to a predetermined voltage at which a large current is no longer required to store power in the storage device before starting to supply power to the secondary battery. Equipped with a control unit, When receiving power from equipment other than the mobile unit, the system has a function to supply power to the capacitor and the secondary battery, but not to the control unit. A system characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned energy storage device is a supercapacitor, and the secondary battery is a lithium-ion battery. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

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