System and Program

Abstract

To provide a system that allows a user to know a fact that the existence of a warning target is reported, without failing to notice it.SOLUTION: As means for issuing a warning, there is provided a light emission unit which uses a display unit 5 and a color LED 22 as light sources. A control unit 18 controls the state of the light emission of the light emission unit with an LED as a light source and issues a warning when a condition is satisfied. In that time, the control of the state of the light emission causes the light emission unit to emit light of an appropriate color to a warning target which satisfies the warning condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a program that issue notifications when alarm conditions are met.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a large number of speed measurement devices for measuring the speed of automobiles have been installed on the roadside and the like. As an example of a speed measurement device, microwaves in a predetermined frequency band are emitted toward a vehicle, and the reflected wave is received to measure the traveling speed of the vehicle.

[0003] On the other hand, in order to detect the presence of such a speed measurement device, a microwave detector configured to detect microwaves emitted from the speed measurement device and output an alarm has been conventionally known. However, depending on the installation position of the speed measurement device, the road conditions, and other surrounding environments, some conventional microwave detectors can detect from a relatively long distance, while others are difficult to detect unless they are relatively close.

[0004] In addition, some speed measurement devices cannot be detected by conventional microwave detectors. For example, as called a loop type, a loop-shaped coil is embedded in the ground, and when a vehicle passes over the coil, the vehicle speed is detected and determined. There are also devices that detect the speed of a vehicle using light other than microwaves.

[0005] Therefore, recently, in-vehicle electronic devices have been developed that store in advance the installation position information of speed measurement devices and issue warnings regardless of the detection of microwaves when the current position approaches the installation position stored using GPS (Global Positioning System) information (when a predetermined relationship is established) (Patent Document 1).

[0006] For example, a first warning is issued when the current location is within 1000m of the speed measuring device's installation location, and a second warning is issued when the location is within 500m of the speed measuring device's installation location.

[0007] Specific notification methods include, for example, outputting voice information from a speaker that indicates relative locations, such as "Highway H system 1km ahead to the left" or "General road N system immediately ahead," or displaying text or images that directly represent the warning target on a display unit. Images that directly represent the warning target may be actual photographs of the warning target, such as speed measuring devices, or images that mimic them.

[0008] Furthermore, as the display unit's screen size has increased and it is now in color, the types and amount of information that can be output using the display unit have also increased. One example of the information that can be output is a map of the area around the vehicle's position. By overlaying a marker indicating the vehicle's position and markers (2D, 3D) indicating the warning target on this map, the specific positional relationship can be recognized. In addition, the background color is changed depending on the type of warning target being reported, and the background color is changed to red when the distance to the warning target falls below a certain threshold. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-64588 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Conventional devices have increased the amount of information they can provide as the screen size of the display unit increases. However, drivers need to look ahead and around the vehicle while driving, making it difficult for them to focus on the display unit and understand the information provided instantly. For example, if a large amount of information is displayed on the screen at once, the user may not be able to see all of it and may miss important information. Also, when a map is displayed on the screen, if the distance between the current location and the warning target falls below a standard distance and the background color is changed to red, the map becomes difficult to see. In particular, with maps, roads and other features are color-coded, and if the road color and the changed background color are similar, it becomes even more difficult to see, among other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a system comprising (0) a function for displaying information on a display screen and a function for controlling the luminescence state of a light-emitting unit to provide an alarm notification when alarm conditions are met, wherein the control of the luminescence state comprises a function for emitting light in a light-emitting color corresponding to the alarm target that has met the alarm conditions and a function for displaying a color of the same type as the luminescence color of the light-emitting unit on the display screen when the alarm conditions are met, and the light-emitting unit is configured such that the logo emits light in the luminescence color. The present invention provides a system comprising a function for displaying information on a display screen and a function for controlling the luminescence state of a light-emitting unit to provide an alarm notification when alarm conditions are met, wherein the control of the luminescence state comprises a function for emitting light in a light-emitting color corresponding to the alarm target that has met the alarm conditions and a function for displaying a color of the same type as the luminescence color of the light-emitting unit on the display screen when the alarm conditions are met, and the light-emitting unit is configured such that the surrounding area including the logo emits light in the luminescence color. (1) A system equipped with a control means that controls the light emission state of a light-emitting part using an LED as a light source to issue an alarm when an alarm condition is met, wherein the control of the light emission state is such that the light is emitted in a color corresponding to the alarm target that has met the alarm condition.

[0012] A light-emitting section equipped with an LED means that the light source of the light-emitting section is an LED. If the LED is exposed, the LED itself becomes the light-emitting section. If the LED is built into the case (enclosure) of the device, the area where the light is visible from outside the case becomes the light-emitting section. In the latter case, for example, a predetermined area on the surface of the case becomes the light-emitting section. This predetermined area can be configured, for example, by making the wall surface of the case thin so that light from the LED can pass through, or by making a window in the wall surface of the case and attaching a cover made of a translucent or other light-transmitting material to the window.

[0013] The light-emitting unit emits light in a color corresponding to the alarm target that has met the alarm conditions. For example, relational information linking the alarm target and the light-emitting color information is stored in a predetermined storage means. The light-emitting color information is information that identifies what the light-emitting color is. When the alarm conditions are met, the control means accesses the storage means and retrieves the alarm target that has met the alarm conditions from the stored relational information. The system acquires corresponding light emission color information and controls the LED's illumination to match the specified light emission color. Alarm conditions include those based on location information, such as the proximity of the alarm target and the current location, and those not based on location information, such as the reception of a predetermined radio wave / wireless signal, vehicle status, and driving status. Non-location-based conditions include those based on external information from the vehicle, such as the reception of a predetermined radio wave, as exemplified above, and those based on information from within the vehicle (the vehicle itself and the driver), such as dangerous driving like sudden acceleration or sudden steering (accelerometer sensor value above a standard value), or driving with poor fuel efficiency.

[0014] The light color corresponds to the alarm target. In the case of alarm targets based on location information, for example, a light color may be set (associated) for each alarm target for which location information is registered, or a light color may be set for each type of alarm target. Furthermore, if the light color is set for each type of alarm target, as partially illustrated in the embodiment, it may be set for detailed types such as fixed speed measuring devices (radar), N-systems, traffic monitoring points, checkpoints, and roadside rest areas. Alternatively, they may be divided into multiple groups according to their importance (danger level), and a light color may be set for each group, with alarm targets belonging to the same group having the same light color. For example, when associating light colors based on importance, high-importance items such as speed measuring devices may be set to red, medium-importance items such as N-systems to be given attention to be set to blue, and low-demand items such as roadside rest areas to be provided with information to be set to green.

[0015] While driving, drivers need to pay attention to the area around them, including the vehicle in front and other vehicles. In this invention, when the alarm conditions are met, the light-emitting part emits light in a color corresponding to the alarm target. Therefore, even if the device (light-emitting part) of this system is not in the driver's field of vision, the driver will know that it has emitted light, and by slightly shifting their gaze, they can bring the light-emitting part into their field of vision and confirm its color. This allows the driver to know that there is an alarm target nearby that meets the alarm conditions, as well as what that alarm target is. Because the alarm is simple, consisting of light emission in a predetermined color rather than a large amount of alarm information being broadcast, the driver can understand the content of the alarm without staring at the light-emitting part for a long time, allowing them to concentrate on gathering information necessary for driving inside and outside the vehicle.

[0016] (2) The LED is a color LED, and the control means may change the emitted color in steps according to the alarm level. By using a color LED, a single LED can express many different colors. For example, if RGB primary color LEDs are used and color intensity control is performed using PWM, and R is 5 bits, G is 5 bits, and B is 5 bits for a total of 15 bits, then 32,768 colors can be controlled. If R is 8 bits, G is 8 bits, and B is 8 bits for a total of 24 bits, then 16,777,216 colors can be controlled. Therefore, by performing smooth gradation control from low to high alarm levels, an alarm can be provided in which the emitted color changes gradually. In conventional displays, when displaying information about alarm levels, for example, to indicate the signal level of a received radio wave, the alarm level was divided into, for example, five levels, and the illuminated area was increased (extended) by one unit for each level increase, similar to a level meter. However, by controlling the illumination color to gradually change according to the alarm level, the alarm level can be represented in an analog manner, increasing the sense of luxury. For example, the illumination color should change from blue to red as the alarm level increases.

[0017] (3) The control means may change the light emission intensity of the LED according to the alarm level. The change in light emission intensity can be achieved, for example, by changing the brightness or luminance of the light emission color. Such changes can be made, for example, by changing the luminance using a PWM for luminance, or the color and brightness of the LED can be set by other known methods (methods specified by the LED manufacturer). Alternatively, the amount of light emitted itself can be changed by adjusting the voltage applied to the LED. The same effect as above can be expected by changing the light emission intensity instead of changing the light emission color as in the invention of (2). Alternatively, the change in light emission color and the change in light emission intensity can be performed together. For example, the light emission intensity should be changed from a dark color to a bright color or the amount of light emitted should be increased as the alarm level rises.

[0018] (4) The alarm condition is the reception of radio waves, and the alarm level is the signal level of the received radio waves. For example, when a radio wave of a predetermined frequency that is subject to alarm, such as microwaves emitted from a speed measuring device, is received, the color and intensity of the emitted light can be changed in accordance with the signal level of the received radio waves, so that the received signal level can be represented in an analog manner rather than by an impersonal digital radar level meter.

[0019] (5) The alarm condition is that the current location and the alarm target are in close proximity, and the alarm level may be the degree of proximity. The degree of proximity can be controlled such that the alarm level increases as the distance decreases. This is preferable because it allows for an understanding of the approximate remaining distance to the alarm target.

[0020] In addition to the radio wave reception (4) and proximity (5) mentioned above, the alarm levels can also be determined by various other factors, such as the degree of dangerous driving (the higher the sensor value of the acceleration sensor, the higher the degree of dangerous driving) and fuel consumption (high fuel consumption per unit time, sudden acceleration, etc.).

[0021] (6) The emission color can be changed by gradually changing the frequency of the emission color in accordance with the alarm level. The emission color can be changed continuously by changing the frequency. In this case, it is good to control the gradation smoothly by setting the alarm level to 1 for lower frequencies and the alarm level to the maximum for higher frequencies.

[0022] (7) The control means has a function of giving an audible alarm when the alarm condition is satisfied, and the control means may change the light emission intensity of the LED according to the strength of the sound. When the alarm condition is satisfied, for example, when information about the alarm target such as "There is a loop coil 1 km ahead. The speed limit is 60 kilometers per hour" or "The N system is just ahead" is audibly notified, it is preferable because the driver can know the content while facing forward or the like. In this case, by changing the light emission intensity (brightness, luminance, etc.) according to the strength (e.g., volume) of the pronunciation of the sound, it gives the feeling that the device itself is talking with intention, increasing the sense of luxury and also the interest. It is good to make the light emission intensity stronger (larger) as the sound is stronger (larger).

[0023] (8) The control means has a function of notifying information by a display screen, and when the alarm condition is satisfied, the control means may control the light emission state of the light emitting part without changing the background color of the display screen. When the alarm condition is satisfied while various information is being output on the display screen, for example, if the background color of the display screen is changed to red or the like, the whole display screen becomes red, so it is possible to notify that there is an alarm, but the information originally provided becomes difficult to see, which is not preferable. On the contrary, in the present invention, by changing the light emission state of the light emitting part without changing the background color of the display screen, it notifies the driver of the existence of the alarm target and, at the same time, it is preferable because the information originally displayed and provided using the display screen does not become difficult to see.

[0024] (9) Based on the above invention of (8), the information may be map information. The map information, for example, shows roads in different colors. When the warning condition is satisfied, if the background color is set to a color similar to the color of the road, it will be difficult to see the road. In particular, in the case of warning notifications, the background color is often set to red for notification, and the color of the road, especially for arterial roads such as national highways, is also often shown in red. Therefore, the two are likely to be of the same color system, and changing the background color will cause the problem that it becomes difficult to confirm the arterial road. In contrast, in the present invention, since the background color of the display screen is not changed, it is preferable because the content of the map such as roads can be easily and accurately understood even during an alarm (when the light-emitting part is emitting light).

[0025] (10) Based on the above invention of (8) or (9), the control means may display warning information on the display screen when the warning condition is satisfied. By displaying warning information on the display screen, more specific and detailed content can be notified to the user. In this case, the presence of the warning target can be notified to the user by the light emission of a light-emitting part provided separately from the display screen. That is, instead of multiple pieces of information being mixed in the same screen, the presence of the warning target is indicated by a display part provided outside the display screen, and detailed content is presented using the display screen. Therefore, a user who only wants to know the presence of the warning target can achieve the purpose without looking at the display screen, and a user who wants to know the detailed content can also achieve the purpose by viewing the warning information displayed on the display screen.

[0026] (11) Based on the above invention of (10), the warning information is character information, and the color of the character information and the light emission color of the light-emitting part may be of the same color system. Using character information makes the content easier to understand. At this time, making the light emission color of the light-emitting part and the color of the character information the same color system strengthens the association between the display part and the warning information (character information), and it is preferable because the user can easily find the position of the character information as warning information displayed within the display screen.

[0027] (12) The alarm conditions consist of multiple conditions, and the control means should make the illumination state when all of the conditions are met different from the illumination state when some of the conditions are met. When some of the conditions are met, there is a possibility that all of the conditions will be met later. Therefore, it is good to give the user attention by issuing a warning when some of the conditions are met. The illumination state when some of the conditions are met should be less conspicuous and more subdued than the illumination state when all of the conditions are met.

[0028] For example, if multiple conditions are met, such as "reception of microwaves (radio waves) of a predetermined frequency" (Condition 1) and "the received signal level is above a reference value" (Condition 2), then when both conditions are met, an alarm is triggered by a predetermined light emission state (e.g., red light emission) indicating that radio waves emitted from the alarm target have been received. If only Condition 1 is met (signal level is below the reference value), an alarm is triggered by a different light emission state (e.g., blue light emission). Even if the level is below the standard value, it is common for the signal level to rise above the standard value as the driver continues driving and approaches the warning target. In such cases, issuing a preliminary warning allows the user to prepare mentally, enabling them to drive safely without panicking even when a warning is issued that meets all the conditions.

[0029] (13) The light-emitting part is preferably configured to emit light of a single color when viewed from the outside. Emitting light of a single color when viewed from the outside means that the light-emitting part visible from the outside emits only one color, and even if multiple light sources are built in, they will not emit light at the same time, or if they emit light at the same time, they will emit the same color to achieve a single color. Alternatively, for example, LEDs of different colors may be placed close together and their surfaces covered with a white (translucent) cover. Then, one or a predetermined number of LEDs may be made to emit light, and the light that passes through the cover and is emitted to the outside will be a single color, which is the composite color of the emitting LEDs. By making the emitted color a single color, it is easy to understand what alarm is being issued for.

[0030] (14) The program of the present invention is a program for a computer to realize the function of the control means in any of the systems described in (1) to (13) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, when alarm conditions are met, a light-emitting unit using an LED as a light source emits light in a predetermined color corresponding to the alarm target, thereby sounding an alarm. As a result, even without intently looking at the light-emitting unit, the user can recognize the presence or absence of such light emission and the state of the light emission (color), and thus be aware of the presence of the alarm target. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a radar detector, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a block diagram of a radar detector. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the functions of the control unit. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a modified example. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of display colors related to the type of alarm being triggered. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of display colors related to the type of alarm being triggered. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] "Basic Configuration of Electronic Devices" Figures 1 and 2 show the configuration of a radar detector, which is a suitable embodiment of the electronic equipment constituting the system of the present invention. The radar detector 1 comprises a thin, rectangular case body 2, and is attached and fixed to the dashboard of a vehicle or the like using a bracket 3 mounted on the lower rear side of the case body 2.

[0034] The front of the case body 2 (the side facing the rear of the vehicle (driver side)) is equipped with a display unit 5. The display unit 5 consists of a 3.2-inch color TFT liquid crystal display. Above this display unit 5 is a touch panel 6 that detects which part of the display unit 5 is touched. In addition, volume adjustment buttons 7 are located on the right side of the front of the case body 2, and various operation buttons 8 are located on the left side.

[0035] The right side of the case body 2 is provided with a card slot 9 for inserting a memory card as a removable recording medium, and a memory card reader 10 is built into the inside of the card slot 9 within the case body 2. By inserting a memory card 11 through this card slot 9, the memory card 11 is inserted into the memory card reader 10. The memory card reader 10 passes the data stored on the inserted memory card 11 to the control unit 18. More specifically, if the control unit 18 has updated information such as new alarm target information (location information such as longitude and latitude, type information, etc.) as data stored on the memory card 11, it updates the data by storing (downloading) that updated information into the database 19.

[0036] The database 19 can be implemented using non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM) attached to the microcontroller of the control unit 18 or externally to the microcontroller. The database 19 initially contains map data and information on certain alarm targets, and subsequent data updates are performed as described above to include information on newly added alarm targets.

[0037] A GPS receiver 13 is located inside the case body 2, in the upper center of the rear side, and a microwave receiver 14 and a wireless receiver 15 are located next to it. The GPS receiver 13 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs current position (longitude and latitude) information. The microwave receiver 14 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency emitted from a speed measuring device. The wireless receiver 15 receives incoming radio waves of a predetermined frequency. A speaker 16 is also built into the lower part of the case body 2. The speaker opening is located on the bottom surface of the case body 2.

[0038] A DC jack 17 is located on the lower rear side of the case body 2. This DC jack 17 is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), which can be connected to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 18 is a microcontroller equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, I / O, etc., and as shown in Figure 2, it is connected to each of the above-mentioned parts and executes predetermined processing based on information input from the various input devices (touch panel 6, GPS receiver 13, microwave receiver 14, wireless receiver 15, etc.) and outputs predetermined alarms and messages using output devices (display unit 5, speaker 16, etc.). These basic configurations can basically be the same as those of conventional systems.

[0040] The functions of the radar detector 1 in this embodiment are realized by storing the programs executed by the computer in the control unit 18 on the EEPROM of the control unit 18, and then executing these programs. Functions realized by the computer in the control unit 18 through the programs in the control unit 18 include GPS logging, standby screen display, radar scope display, GPS warning, radar wave warning, and wireless warning functions.

[0041] The GPS logging function is a function in which the control unit 18 stores the current location detected by the GPS receiver 8 every second as a location history in non-volatile memory, associated with the time of detection and speed (vehicle speed). This location history is recorded in, for example, NMEA format.

[0042] The standby screen display function displays a predetermined standby screen on the display unit 5. Figure 3(a) shows an example of a standby screen, which displays the vehicle's speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude detected by the GPS receiver 13.

[0043] The MAP display function, as shown in Figure 3(b), accesses the database 19 based on the current location detected by the GPS receiver 13, reads the map data stored therein, and displays it. The MAP display function also searches for alert targets in the vicinity of the current location based on the location information stored in the database 19, and if an alert target exists in the vicinity, it overlays information indicating that alert target (such as a target icon 112) on the map at the corresponding location. The specific display modes are as follows.

[0044] The control unit 18 displays a map in the main display area R1, which covers almost the entire surface of the display unit 5, such that the direction of travel of the vehicle is always facing upwards. The control unit 18 displays the map so that the lower center of the main display area R1 is the current position of the vehicle, and displays the vehicle icon 111 at that position.

[0045] The control unit 18 displays status information in the status area R2, which is set above the main display area R1. The status information displayed in the status area R2, from left to right, is: current time 121 (shown as "15:10" in the diagram), GPS signal reception level display icon 122 (shown as the maximum reception level with three parallel lines of different lengths in the diagram), no parking area icon 123 (displayed when in a parking priority area or a high-priority parking area), reception sensitivity mode display icon 124 (shown as "SE" for maximum sensitivity in the diagram), vehicle speed 125 (shown as "30km / h" in the diagram), and compass needle 126. The status area R2 is a transparent area and is positioned using a layer above the main display area R1. This allows the map located below to be visible even in areas of the status area R2 where status information is not displayed.

[0046] The control unit 18 displays the current scale information (scale) in the scale display area R3, which is set on the left side of the main display area R1. The scale displays the distance from the vehicle's position (0m) to the midpoint of the main area R1 vertically (500 in the diagram) and the distance to the upper position (1000 in the diagram). The unit is "m". When the control unit 18 detects that the main display area R1 has been touched twice in a row, it displays a map scale change button at a predetermined position within the main display area R1 (a position aligned with the scale display area R3) (not shown), and changes the map scale in response to touches to that map scale change button. In other words, the control unit 18 changes the scale of the map displayed in the main display area R1 to match the scale of the changed map scale, and also changes the scale information displayed in the scale display area R3.

[0047] When the standby screen display function, as shown in Figure 3(a), is being executed, the control unit 18 detects a single touch on the display unit 5 and displays a predetermined menu screen. When the control unit 18 detects that a screen switching button provided on that menu screen has been touched, it switches to the MAP display function, as shown in Figure 3(b). Similarly, when the MAP display function is being executed, the control unit 18 detects a single touch on the display unit 5 and displays a predetermined menu screen. When the control unit 18 detects that a screen switching button provided on that menu screen has been touched, it performs the process of switching back to the standby screen display function.

[0048] The control unit 18 executes processing to implement various functions such as GPS warning function, radar wave warning function, and wireless warning function in response to events that occur while the standby screen display function and the MAP display function (hereinafter these functions are collectively referred to as the standby function) are being executed, and returns to the original standby function processing when the processing of the said function is completed. The priority of each function is set in the following order from highest to lowest: radar wave warning function, wireless warning function, and GPS warning function.

[0049] The GPS warning function is a process that is executed at predetermined time intervals (1-second intervals) in response to an event from a timer in the control unit 18. It calculates the distance between the latitude and longitude of the warning target stored in the database 19 and the latitude and longitude of the current position detected by the GPS receiver 13. When the calculated distance reaches a predetermined proximity distance, it displays a GPS warning 130 (a schematic diagram of the warning target, remaining distance, etc.) on the display unit 5 as shown in Figure 4(a), and outputs an approach warning sound from the speaker 16 to indicate this.

[0050] These warnings target locations such as: locations where drowsy driving accidents occur, radar, speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, parking violation monitoring areas, N-systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, red light violation prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, car break-in-prone areas, sharp / consecutive curves (expressways), junction / merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance warnings (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), and within PA / SA areas. The system includes gas stations (on expressways), tunnels (on expressways), highway radio reception areas (on expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside rest areas, viewpoint parking areas, etc. Information on the type of these warning targets, their latitude and longitude information indicating their location, and schematic diagrams or photographs displayed on the display unit 5, along with audio data, are associated and stored in the database 19.

[0051] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the radar wave warning function display. This radar wave warning function is a warning function that displays a warning screen 131 on the display unit 5 and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 20 when the microwave receiver 14 detects a signal corresponding to microwaves in the frequency band emitted from a speed measuring device (mobile radar, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "radar")). For example, when microwaves in the frequency band of microwaves emitted by a radar are detected by the microwave receiver 4, as shown in Figure 4(b), a schematic diagram or photograph of the radar stored in the database 19 is displayed on the display unit 5 as a warning screen, and the voice data stored in the database 19 is read out and the voice "Radar. Speed ​​caution" is output from the speaker 16.

[0052] The wireless warning function is a function that, when the wireless receiver 15 receives radio waves emitted by emergency vehicles, etc., issues a warning to prevent interference with their driving. The wireless warning function scans the frequencies of radio signals used for speed enforcement radio, car location radio, digital radio, low-power radio, police station activity radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter telemetry radio, fire helicopter telemetry radio, fire radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, security radio, etc. When a radio signal is received at a scanned frequency, a schematic diagram indicating that a radio signal corresponding to that frequency has been received, stored in the database 19 for each type of radio, is displayed on the display unit 5 as a warning screen, and audio data stored in the database 19 for each type of radio is read out and an alarm sound indicating the type of radio is output from the speaker 16. For example, when speed enforcement radio is received, an audio message such as "Speed ​​enforcement radio. Be careful of speed" is output.

[0053] [Alarm function using color LEDs] The following describes the alarm function using a color LED, which is a feature of the present invention. A light-emitting unit 21 is provided at a predetermined position on the front of the case body 2. The installation position of this light-emitting unit 21 is in the center above the display screen of the display unit 5. A color LED 22 is arranged inside the case body 2, opposite the light-emitting unit 21. The color LED 22 is an RGB 3 primary color LED, that is, an LED with built-in chips for the three primary colors. If R is 5 bits, G is 5 bits, and B is 5 bits, for a total of 15 bits, it can control 32,768 colors. The light-emitting unit 21 is designed so that the color emitted by the built-in color LED 22 can be seen from the outside, for example, by thinning the corresponding area of ​​the front wall surface that constitutes the case body 2, or by fitting a translucent material. Furthermore, it is designed so that the light-emitting unit 21 appears to be emitting a single color when viewed from the outside.

[0054] The control unit 18 controls the illumination state of the color LED 22. Specifically, the database 19 stores relationship information that links the alarm target with the illumination color information. This relationship information is registered at the time of shipment as one of the pieces of information related to the alarm target. In this embodiment, instead of associating illumination color information with each individual alarm target, it is associated with each type of alarm target. That is, illumination color information that specifies the illumination color to be displayed is associated with each type of alarm target in the GPS alarm function, such as the fixed speed measuring device (radar), N system, traffic monitoring point, checkpoint area, and roadside station exemplified above. Furthermore, illumination color information that specifies the illumination color corresponding to the speed measuring device (alarm condition: detection of a signal corresponding to microwaves in a predetermined frequency band) which is the alarm target in the radar wave alarm function, and illumination color information that specifies the illumination color corresponding to each type of wireless device that is the detection target in the wireless alarm function are associated.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the function of the control unit 18, which controls the illumination state of the light-emitting unit 21 (color LED 22). The control unit 18 controls the illumination state of the light-emitting unit 21 (color LED 22) by illuminating the color LED 22 with the corresponding light color when there is an alarm target that satisfies the alarm conditions. If there are multiple alarm targets that satisfy the alarm conditions, one of them is designated as the alarm target to be notified (target), and the color LED 22 is illuminated with the corresponding light color for that targeted alarm target. Specifically, the control unit 18 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0056] First, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a predetermined microwave has been received by the microwave receiver 14 (S1). If a microwave is received (S1 is Yes), the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 and obtains the emission color information corresponding to the speed measuring device associated with microwave reception, which is recorded in the relationship information that links the alarm target with the emission color information. The control unit then controls the color LED 22 to emit light in emission color A, which is specified by that emission color information. This emission color A should be a color that indicates a high level of urgency, such as red.

[0057] On the other hand, if the predetermined microwave is not received (S1 is No), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the predetermined radio signal has been received by the radio receiver 15 (S3). If the predetermined radio signal has been received (S3 is Yes), the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 and obtains the emission color information corresponding to the radio type of the received radio signal recorded in the relationship information that associates the alarm target with the emission color information, and controls the color LED 22 to emit light in emission color B specified by that emission color information. This emission color B actually varies depending on the radio type, and an appropriate color is set according to the level of urgency of the radio type, for example.

[0058] Furthermore, while some wireless communication types are associated with colors that indicate high urgency, such as red, in this case, it is preferable to use a color that indicates lower urgency than the emission color associated with the microwave reception speed measuring device mentioned above. A color that indicates lower urgency would, for example, have less redness, or have reduced brightness and / or luminance.

[0059] On the other hand, if the predetermined wireless signal is not received (S3 is No), the control unit 18 acquires the current location information detected by the GPS receiver 13 and determines whether or not there is a warning target in the vicinity that is in a predetermined proximity relationship (S5). That is, based on the acquired current location, the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 and determines whether or not there is a target warning target in the vicinity of the current location. The target warning target is determined when there is one warning target in the vicinity of the vehicle (for example, within a sector-shaped area with radius Xm (where X is the reference distance) within a predetermined angular range with respect to the direction of travel (for example, an angle of 90 degrees or less to the left and right of the direction of travel, and especially 45 degrees or less)), and when there are multiple warning targets, the one that satisfies the conditions becomes the target. The conditions are that it is within a predetermined angular range with respect to the direction of travel and is the closest.

[0060] If the control unit 18 finds a target alarm object based on location information (S5 is Yes), it accesses the database 19, retrieves the light emission color information corresponding to the type of target alarm object recorded in the relationship information which associates the alarm object with the light emission color information, and controls the color LED 22 to emit light in the light emission color C specified by that light emission color information. In practice, this light emission color C differs depending on the type of alarm object. For example, high-priority objects such as speed measuring devices should be red, medium-priority objects such as N systems (which require attention) should be blue, and low-priority objects such as roadside stations (which only require information) should be green.

[0061] While driving, drivers need to pay attention to the area around them, including the vehicle in front and other vehicles. In this embodiment, when the alarm conditions are met, the light-emitting unit 21 emits light in a predetermined color corresponding to the alarm target. Therefore, even if the radar detector (light-emitting unit 21) is not in the driver's field of vision, the driver will know that it has emitted light, and by slightly shifting their gaze, they can bring the light-emitting unit 21 into their field of vision and confirm its color. This allows the driver to know that there is an alarm target nearby that meets the alarm conditions, and what that alarm target is. Since this alarm using a predetermined color emits light, the light-emitting unit 21 uses a color LED 22 as its light source, and because it is a simple alarm that emits light in a predetermined color, rather than broadcasting a large amount of alarm information, the driver can understand the content of the alarm without staring at the light-emitting unit for a long time, allowing them to concentrate on gathering information necessary for driving inside and outside the vehicle.

[0062] [Alarm function using display unit] As described above, when an alarm is issued using the color LED 22 (light-emitting part 21), an alarm is not required to be issued by the display unit 5, or it may be issued in conjunction with it. When both are used, the target of the alarm that is notified by displaying the target icon 112, GPS alarm display 130, and alarm screen 131 on the display unit 5 is the same as the target of the alarm that is issued using the predetermined light color of the color LED 22 (light-emitting part 21).

[0063] The control unit 18 then controls the display unit 5 to a predetermined illumination state without changing the background color when the alarm conditions are met. Because the background color is not changed in this way, the map information and other information displayed on the display unit 5 does not become difficult to see, and the information that was originally displayed on the display unit 5 and provided to the user can be notified as is.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 18 displays various alarm information on the display unit 5 when the alarm conditions are met, allowing the user to be informed of more specific and detailed information. In this case, the presence of an alarm target can be notified to the user by the illumination of a light-emitting unit 21, which is provided separately from the display screen. In other words, instead of multiple pieces of information being mixed on the same screen, the presence of an alarm target is indicated on a display unit provided outside the display screen, while detailed information is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, users who only want to know the presence of an alarm target can achieve their goal by observing the illumination status of the light-emitting unit 21 without looking at the display screen, and users who want to know the detailed information can achieve their goal by looking at the alarm information displayed on the display screen.

[0065] Furthermore, when the control unit issues an alarm using the display unit 5, it is preferable to use text information. In this case, it is preferable to use the same color for the text information as the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 21. Using text information makes the content easier to understand. At this time, by using the same color for the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 21 as the color of the text information, the association between the light-emitting unit 21 and the alarm information (text information) is strengthened. Therefore, it is preferable because the user can easily find the location of the text information as alarm information displayed on the display unit 5.

[0066] [Other examples of changing the light color depending on the alarm target] In the embodiments described above, the emission color was changed according to the type of alarm target, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of alarm targets based on location information, an emission color may be set (associated) for each alarm target for which location information is registered, or the alarm targets may be divided into multiple groups according to their importance (risk level), and an emission color may be set for each group, with alarm targets belonging to the same group having the same emission color.

[0067] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, when red is used for the emission color B of the wireless warning function, the color was chosen to indicate a lower level of urgency than the red of the emission color B of the radar wave warning function, but the same color may be used.

[0068] [Changes in illumination status based on alarm level] In the embodiment described above, the light emission state is controlled to change the light emission color in response to the alarm target, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the light emission state may be changed according to the alarm level. By using a color LED, multiple colors can be expressed with a single LED. Therefore, by smoothly controlling the gradation from a low alarm level to a high alarm level, an alarm can be made in which the light emission color gradually changes. Furthermore, instead of changing the light emission state according to the alarm level as described above, the light emission intensity of the color LED 22 may be changed along with the change in light emission color. The light emission intensity can be changed, for example, by the control unit 18 changing the brightness or luminance of the light emission color (for example, by using a PWM for brightness), or by adjusting the applied voltage to the LED to change the amount of light emitted itself. When changing the light emission intensity, for example, it is good to change from a dark color to a bright color, or increase the amount of light emitted, as the alarm level increases.

[0069] Regarding the alarm level, for example, if the alarm condition is the reception of radio waves, it is appropriate to use the signal level of the received radio waves. When a radio wave of a predetermined frequency that is subject to alarm, such as microwaves emitted from a speed measuring device, is received, the received signal level can be represented analogously by changing the emission color and intensity in accordance with the signal level of the received radio waves, rather than using an impersonal digital radar level meter.

[0070] Furthermore, if the alarm condition is that the current position and the alarm target are in close proximity, the alarm level may be determined by the degree of proximity. Control based on the degree of proximity means, for example, that the alarm level increases as the distance decreases. In this way, the approximate remaining distance to the alarm target can be understood. That is, when emitting light of color C in Figure 5, the control unit 18 uses the light emission color based on the alarm target as a base and controls the emission color based on the remaining distance to the alarm target.

[0071] Furthermore, in addition to the reception and proximity of the predetermined radio waves mentioned above, there are various other warning levels, such as the degree of dangerous driving and fuel consumption. For example, the degree of dangerous driving can be determined by installing an acceleration sensor, and the higher the sensor value of the acceleration sensor, the higher the degree of dangerous driving, i.e., the higher the warning level. Also, since fuel consumption worsens with rapid acceleration, the system determines that the driving is fuel-inefficient based on the sensor value of the acceleration sensor, with a higher sensor value indicating poor fuel efficiency. It is also preferable to determine fuel efficiency from vehicle information provided by the vehicle. The OBD-II (II is the Roman numeral "2", and hereafter "OBD-II" will be written as "OBD2") connector installed in the vehicle is also called a fault diagnosis connector and is connected to the vehicle's ECU, outputting various vehicle information. Therefore, a connection cable that connects to the OBD2 connector is attached to the case body, and vehicle information such as MAF value (mass air flow), injection opening time, throttle opening, fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, remaining fuel amount, and accelerator opening is acquired. The control unit 18 can, for example, determine fuel consumption from the MAF value, or determine the current fuel consumption based on instantaneous fuel consumption output as vehicle information.

[0072] On the other hand, regarding the change in the illumination state corresponding to the alarm level, it is advisable to change the illumination color by, for example, gradually changing the frequency of the illumination color. By changing the frequency, the illumination color can be changed continuously. In this case, it is advisable to use a lower frequency for alarm level 1 and a higher frequency for maximum alarm level to achieve smooth gradation control.

[0073] [In conjunction with voice alarms] The control unit has a function to issue an audible warning from speaker 16 when the alarm conditions are met. The control unit should change the light intensity of the LED in accordance with the strength of the voice. When the alarm conditions are met, it is preferable to announce information about the warning target by voice, such as "Loop coil 1km ahead, speed limit is 60km / h" or "N system just ahead," so that the driver can understand the content while looking ahead. In this case, changing the light intensity (brightness, luminance, etc.) according to the strength of the voice (e.g., volume) gives the impression that the device itself is speaking with a will of its own, which is desirable as it increases the sense of luxury and makes it more interesting. It is preferable that the stronger (louder) the voice, the stronger (louder) the light intensity should be.

[0074] [Alarms based on multiple conditions] It is preferable for the alarm conditions to be multiple conditions (compound conditions). In this case, the control unit 18 should make the illumination state different when all of the conditions are met compared to when only some of the conditions are met. When some of the conditions are met, there is a possibility that all of the conditions will be met later. Therefore, it is good to alert the user by issuing a warning when some of the conditions are met. The illumination state when some of the conditions are met should be less conspicuous and more subdued than the illumination state when all of the conditions are met.

[0075] For example, if multiple conditions are met, such as "reception of microwaves (radio waves) of a predetermined frequency" (Condition 1) and "the received signal level is above a standard value" (Condition 2), then when both conditions are met, the system will emit a predetermined light (e.g., red light) to warn that radio waves emitted from the alarm target have been received. If only Condition 1 is met (signal level is below the standard value), a different light (e.g., blue light) will warn. It is common for the signal level to rise above the standard value as the vehicle moves further and approaches the alarm target, even if the distance to the alarm target is far and the received signal level is below the standard value. In such cases, providing a preliminary warning allows the user to prepare mentally, enabling them to drive safely without panicking even when a warning is issued that meets all conditions.

[0076] <Other> In the embodiment described above, the LED is described as being color-controlled with a total of 15 bits, consisting of 5 bits for R, 5 bits for G, and 5 bits for B. However, the number of bits is not limited to this and can be more or less. As the number of bits for each component increases, the number of colors that can be controlled increases. For example, if R is 8 bits, G is 8 bits, and B is 8 bits, totaling 24 bits, then 16,777,216 colors can be controlled.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, a display unit 5 is provided and a map is displayed on the display unit 5, but it is also possible not to display a map, or even to have no display unit at all.

[0078] Furthermore, although the color LED 22 is built into the case body 11, the present invention is not limited to this, and the color LED 22 may be exposed to the outside. Also, the number of color LEDs installed is arbitrary. In short, it is sufficient that the light-emitting part 21 appears to be emitting a single color when viewed from the outside.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the light-emitting unit 21 is located in the center above the display screen of the display unit 5, but it is not limited to this. It may also be located above the outside of the display screen, off to the left or right, or outside the display screen, to the side or below it.

[0080] Furthermore, although the light-emitting section 21 is shown as a rectangular area in Figure 1, its shape is arbitrary and can take various shapes such as elliptical, circular, or other. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the light-emitting section 21 may be a predetermined character (string of characters), symbol, mark, etc. Figure 6 shows an example in which the light-emitting section 21 is provided on the left side of the display screen 5, and further shows an example in which the light-emitting section 21 is composed of the manufacturer's name of a trademark or other logo. Then, a color LED 22 is placed on the back side (inside the case body 2) of the light-emitting section 21 consisting of this logo. In this example, only the logo portion emits light in various colors depending on the situation. For example, the case body 2 is formed from a material that does not transmit light, such as black plastic, and slits or holes that penetrate from the inside to the outside are provided in the logo portion. Then, a sealing member made of a light-transmitting material (transparent or translucent plastic, etc.) is fitted and sealed in this hole. This prevents dust and dirt from entering the case body 2 through the hole, while the light from the color LED 22 passes through the sealing member and reaches the outside. Therefore, from the user's perspective, the blocking element, i.e., the logo portion, appears to be emitting light.

[0081] Here, only the logo and other elements are made to light up, but the entire surrounding area including the logo and other elements may also be made to light up. For example, the logo and other elements are printed on the rectangular light-emitting section 21 shown in Figure 1. As a result, the entire rectangular area of ​​the light-emitting section 21 lights up in various colors depending on the situation, and the light makes the logo stand out and become more prominent.

[0082] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of the correspondence between the type of alarm target and the corresponding color (LED emission color). As shown in the figures, the alarm targets associated with the LED emission color can be broadly categorized into radar (corresponding to the "radar wave alarm function" in the embodiment), wireless (corresponding to the "wireless alarm function" in the embodiment), GPS (corresponding to the "GPS alarm function" in the embodiment), and system. The system category includes everything else that does not fall under radar, wireless, or GPS, and its emission color is white. Therefore, when the LED is set to emit light in conjunction with sound, the control unit 18 controls the color LED to emit white light when outputting all sounds that do not fall under the three categories.

[0083] Furthermore, specific warning targets within the radar category include a normal warning when a predetermined microwave is received, and a stealth warning when stealth waves, which are characterized by the instantaneous emission of strong radio waves, are detected. The normal warning is color-coded into five levels based on the reception level (signal strength of the received signal). The lowest reception level is "Normal Warning Level 1," and the light color is "yellow-green." As the reception level increases, the corresponding colors are "yellow" for "Normal Warning Level 2," "light orange" for "Normal Warning Level 3," "orange" for "Normal Warning Level 4," and "red" for "Normal Warning Level 5." Thus, when the reception level is low at Level 1, a relatively safe color such as green (yellow-green) is used, and as the level increases slightly (Level 2), "yellow" is used to draw attention. From Level 3 onwards, a red color that represents danger and warning is used to alert the user. Furthermore, the stealth warning system is now controlled to gradually change its emission color from blue to red, and then gradually return to blue.

[0084] The relationship between specific types of alarms (alarm items) and the corresponding light colors in the radio category is as follows: "Traffic enforcement radio: pink", "Vehicle location proximity: pink", "Vehicle location distance: yellow", "Digital radio: yellow", "Vehicle location out of range: light blue", "Low-power radio: light blue", "Station activity radio: light blue", "Police radio: light blue", "Tow truck radio: light blue", "Helicopter telemetry radio: yellow-green", "Fire department helicopter telemetry radio: yellow-green", "Fire department radio: yellow-green", "Ambulance radio: yellow-green", "Highway radio: yellow-green", "Security radio: yellow-green".

[0085] The relationship between specific types of warnings (warning items) in the GPS category and the corresponding light colors is as follows: "Speed ​​camera: Red", "Speeding: Red", "Speed ​​limit change: Yellow", "Enforcement area: Yellow", "Checkpoint area: Yellow", "High-priority parking violation area: Yellow", "High-priority parking violation area: Yellow", "Highway traffic police unit: Yellow", "Intersection monitoring point: Yellow", "Traffic light violation prevention system: Yellow", "My area: Yellow", "N system: Blue", "Traffic monitoring system: Blue", "Police station: Blue", "Accident-prone area: Blue", "Area with a high incidence of car break-ins: Blue", "Highway sharp / continuous curves: Blue", "Highway merging / diverging points: Blue", "ETC lane: Green", "Service area: Green", "Parking area: Green", "Highway oasis: Green", "Highway Long / continuous tunnels: green, Highway radio reception area: green, Prefectural border: green, Roadside station: green, Viewpoint parking: green.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the system of the present invention was described using an Eve radar detector as an example, as it is fixedly installed by attaching it to a predetermined location in the vehicle, such as the dashboard, using a bracket 3. However, it can also be applied to mirror-type radar detectors that are attached to the rearview mirror. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to radar detectors and can be implemented as a function of various in-vehicle electronic devices. For example, it may be incorporated as a function of a navigation system or the like.

[0087] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the device is equipped with a database 19 that stores various types of information, and the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 to read the necessary information and perform various processes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, some or all of the information to be registered in the database 19 is registered in a server. The radar detector and other electronic devices and equipment are equipped with a function to communicate with the server, and the control unit 18 may be configured to access the server as appropriate, obtain the necessary information, and execute processing. Some or all of the control unit may be implemented in the server, and some of the processing may be performed on the server side, with the in-vehicle device obtaining the results and displaying them as prescribed. Furthermore, the display device may be one of another in-vehicle device or a device installed in the vehicle.

[0088] While the embodiments include a built-in GPS receiver for detecting current location information, the present invention does not require a GPS receiver. It may also acquire current location information from the vehicle or another in-vehicle device and use that information to determine whether or not there is a proximity relationship with the alarm target. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 5 Display 6 Touch panel 7. Volume and adjustment buttons 8. Work Buttons 10. Memory card reader 11 Memory card 13 GPS receiver 14 Microwave receiver 15 Wireless receiver 16 speakers 18 Control Unit 19 Databases 21 Light-emitting part 22-color LED

Claims

1. A radar detector mounted on a vehicle, The case body and A color LED, which serves as a light source, is placed inside the case body, The case body is provided with a slit or hole that penetrates to the inside and outside, A sealing member that is fitted into and closes the slit or hole, the sealing member being made of a light-transmitting material, Equipped with, The light from the color LED that passes through the blocking member and reaches the outside makes the blocking member appear to be emitting light, and also prevents dust or dirt from entering the case body through the slit or hole. A storage means for storing and maintaining relational information that associates the alarm target with the light emission color information, A control means that, when an alarm condition is met, accesses the storage means to obtain emission color information corresponding to the alarm target that has met the alarm condition from the related information, and controls the emission of light from the color LED so that it becomes the emission color specified by the emission color information, A radar detector equipped with [feature / feature].

2. The control means changes the light emission color in stages according to the alarm level. The radar detector according to claim 1.

3. The control means includes a function to issue an audible alarm when alarm conditions are met, and changes the light emission intensity of the color LED in accordance with the strength of the audible alarm. A radar detector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The alarm conditions consist of multiple conditions, and the control means distinguishes the illumination state when all of the conditions are met from the illumination state when some of the conditions are met, with the illumination state when some of the conditions are met being less conspicuous than the illumination state when all of the conditions are met. A radar detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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