JP7659879B2 - Systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, a program, etc.

Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose electronic devices that receive microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed enforcement device and output an alarm if they detect the presence of a vehicle speed enforcement device.

JP 2008-64588 A JP 2017-96728 A

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide technology related to vehicle speed enforcement.

The purpose of the invention of this application is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that aim to obtain effects from parts of the configurations disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrase "can be" in this specification is read as "the problem is that...". The problems are described as independent, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configurations for solving each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problems are implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configurations described in this specification in the scope of the patent claim by amendment or divisional application. In addition, the applicant has disclosed a configuration that solves a problem that combines these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to it.

(1) A system is provided that is installed in a vehicle and has a control unit that performs alarm control to warn of approach to a location where a speed enforcement device is attached to a fixed part.

This allows the user to be aware of approaching a location where speed enforcement devices may be installed and enforcement may take place.

In particular, it is preferable that the speed control device performs an alarm control to warn of approach to the "installation point of the detachable fixed part", and the content of this alarm should not be an alarm indicating approach to a speed control device, but an alarm indicating approach to a location where a fixed part where a speed control device can be installed is located. For example, instead of "500m ahead there is an ORBIS. Watch your speed!", it is preferable to warn "500m ahead there is a pole where an ORBIS can be installed. Watch your speed!" or "500m ahead there is a semi-fixed ORBIS pole. Watch your speed!". Although "500m ahead is a location where an ORBIS can be installed. Watch your speed!" is also acceptable, it is preferable to provide something that indicates a specific structure, such as "500m ahead there is a pole where an ORBIS can be installed. Watch your speed!", and in particular to provide something that indicates at least a part of the structure of the fixed part. In this way, it becomes possible for the user to focus on the structure, pay attention to the location, and easily check whether or not a speed control device has actually been installed on the fixed part. The warning content may be stored in the system's storage means and output as a voice, a character string, an image, or the like. Conventional systems store the location of the speed enforcement device itself and issue a warning indicating the approach of the speed enforcement device, but in the case of a semi-fixed speed enforcement device, such as a semi-fixed speed enforcement device, where a detachable fixed part is installed in advance on the roadside or the like, and the installation of the speed enforcement device on the fixed part can be changed as needed, the inventors have found that it is inappropriate to issue a warning indicating the approach of a speed enforcement device as the warning content. The installation location of the fixed part may be investigated and grasped in advance, and the position information of the fixed part may be associated with information indicating that it is a fixed part and stored in the storage means, and the system may determine whether or not to issue the warning based on the position information of the fixed part and the information indicating that it is a fixed part. The speed enforcement device may be one that is equipped with at least a vehicle speed measurement unit, and may further be equipped with an imaging unit that captures images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

(2) The control unit may perform warning control to warn of approach to the installation location based on location information of the installation location of the fixed unit and location information of the vehicle.

This allows the user to be aware of approaching a location where speed enforcement devices may be installed and enforcement may take place.

In particular, instead of the installation location of the speed enforcement device as in the past, it is advisable to perform warning control to inform the approach to the installation location based on the location information of the "installation location of the detachable fixed part" of the speed enforcement device and the location information of the vehicle. For example, it is advisable to memorize the positions of the posts installed on routes such as urban expressways to install semi-fixed speed cameras, and when each post is approached, a warning is issued to inform the approach of the position of the post for installing the semi-fixed speed camera.

(3) The fixed unit may have at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power to the speed enforcement device and a line unit through which the speed enforcement device communicates.

In this way, the user can know locations where speed enforcement devices are installed and enforcement may be carried out, based on the installation location of the fixed unit that has the power supply unit or line unit for operating the speed enforcement device.

(4) When the control unit determines that the speed enforcement device is installed in the fixed part, it may perform a first warning control.

This allows the user to know if a speed enforcement device is currently installed.

In particular, after issuing an alarm indicating the approach to the installation location of the fixed part based on the location information of the installation location of the fixed part to which the speed enforcement device is detachable, rather than the installation location of the speed enforcement device, and the location information of the vehicle, if it is determined that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed part on the way to the installation location of the fixed part, an additional alarm indicating the approach to the speed enforcement device may be issued. This additional alarm indicating the approach to the speed enforcement device may simply be an alarm indicating the reception of a speed measurement signal from the speed enforcement device, but it is particularly preferable that it be an alarm indicating that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed part. For example, the positions of posts installed on urban expressways and other routes to install semi-fixed speed cameras as speed enforcement devices are stored, and when approaching each post, an alarm is issued to indicate that the vehicle is approaching the position of a post for installing a semi-fixed speed camera (for example, an alarm saying "Approaching a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed!"), and if a speed measurement signal is received before reaching the position of the post that issued the alarm, an alarm may be issued simply to indicate that a speed measurement signal has been received, saying "Enforcement laser has been received." However, it is also possible to issue an alarm that indicates that a speed enforcement device is present on the fixed part, such as "There is an speed camera on a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Watch your speed!", or an alarm that includes information that a speed enforcement device is present on the fixed part and information that a speed measurement signal has been received, such as "There is an speed camera on a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Laser received! Watch your speed!". The speed measurement signal is a signal for speed measurement emitted by the speed enforcement device, and may also be called a measurement wave for speed enforcement.

The determination that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed part may be made by detecting the reception of radio waves, light, etc. for measuring the vehicle's speed. For example, if the laser of a laser-type speed camera is detected after a warning of approaching the post position, a warning may be issued to indicate that a semi-fixed speed camera is present on the post. The determination that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed part may also be made when it is recognized that a speed enforcement device is captured in an image captured by a camera. In particular, it may be made when the position of the camera image corresponding to the position of the fixed part is identified, and a speed enforcement device is captured in the vicinity of the identified position. For example, if the camera detects that a semi-fixed speed camera is installed on the post while approaching the post position, a warning may be issued to indicate that a semi-fixed speed camera is present on the post.

The distance at which an approach warning is issued when approaching the fixed part within a specified distance should be set to a distance longer than the reach of the speed measurement signal of the speed enforcement device fixed to the fixed part. For example, if the speed enforcement device measures the vehicle speed using a laser, the distance should be set to a distance longer than the reach of the laser. For example, if the reach of the laser is 200 m, the approach warning to the fixed part should be set to a distance longer than 200 m, such as 500 m.

(5) The speed enforcement device may have a receiving unit that receives a measurement wave speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device, and the control unit may perform the first alarm control when the measurement wave speed measurement signal is received.

In this way, an alarm is issued upon receiving a measurement wave speed measurement signal from a speed enforcement device, allowing the user to more accurately recognize the presence of a speed enforcement device.

(6) The control unit may perform the first warning control when the speed enforcement device or a specified signboard installed at a speed enforcement point is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle.

In this way, even if a measurement wave speed measurement signal is not received from a speed enforcement device, the user can obtain information about the location where the speed enforcement device is installed.

(7) The control unit performs a second warning control when the vehicle's location information is in a predetermined proximity relationship with the installation point location information registered in the database.

In this way, the user can be informed of locations where speed enforcement devices may be installed based on the results of actually driving in those areas.

(8) When the control unit determines that the speed enforcement device is not fixed to the fixing unit, the control unit may perform the second warning control.

In this way, users can get information about locations where enforcement may occur, even if enforcement devices are not currently installed.

(9) The control unit performs the second warning control when the fixed part is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle.

In this way, the user can get information about locations where enforcement may occur based on images captured from the vehicle.

(10) The control unit may be configured not to perform the second alarm control if the speed enforcement device or a specified sign installed at a speed enforcement point is not recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle.

In this way, speed enforcement devices and designated signs will be installed at speed enforcement points, and an alarm will be sounded if these are included in the image captured from the vehicle, so the user can be made aware that a speed enforcement device is actually installed.

(11) The control unit may perform control to register location information corresponding to the installation location of the fixed unit in a database in which location information corresponding to the installation location collected from each of a plurality of vehicles is registered, and may perform the second alarm control based on the location information registered in the database and the location information of the vehicle.

In this way, an alert can be issued in response to changes in the location of speed enforcement points.

(12) If the speed control device is not fixed to the fixing part, the control unit may register information to that effect in the database.

In this way, an alert can be issued in response to changes in the location of speed enforcement points.

(13) The control unit may register in the database information specifying the time when the presence of the fixed part was confirmed in the location information of the installation point of the fixed part, and may perform control to issue a second alarm when the location information of the vehicle is in a predetermined proximity relationship with the location information of the installation point of the fixed part, the time being within a predetermined period going back from the current time.

This allows the user to know with greater accuracy that they are approaching the installation point of the fixed part.

(14) The control unit may perform a process of posting to other devices that no speed enforcement device is installed in the fixed unit.

In this way, other devices can be made aware that no speed enforcement device was installed in the fixed section. It is advisable to provide a function for posting to other devices that no speed enforcement device was installed in the fixed section. For example, it is advisable to provide a function for posting that no speed enforcement device was installed on the support pole. An approaching speed enforcement device warning may be issued for fixed sections that have recently been posted to have a speed enforcement device installed. For example, an approaching speed enforcement device warning may be issued for posts that have recently been posted to have a speed enforcement device installed on the support pole. It is advisable to provide another device (e.g., a server, etc.) that estimates the next movement time and movement location based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device is installed in the fixed section and distributes this information to this device. For example, it is advisable to estimate the next movement time (and movement location) based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device is installed on the support pole and distribute this information from the server, etc. to this device.

(15) If the installation location of the fixed part or the installation location of the speed enforcement device is on or beyond a curve, the control unit may perform control to notify the driver of this and to warn of the approach to the installation location.

In this way, users can get information about where the fixed parts are installed, even on curved routes with poor visibility.

(16) The control unit may perform a third alarm control that issues an alarm including a notification of the type of speed enforcement device.

This allows the user to understand the type of speed enforcement device.

(17) The vehicle may have a receiving unit that receives a measurement wave velocity measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device, and the control unit may suppress control to issue an alarm when the fixed portion is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle and the measurement wave velocity measurement signal is not received by the receiving unit.

By doing this, even though there is a fixed section, speed enforcement is not taking place, so the provision of unnecessary information to the user can be reduced.

(18) The vehicle may have a receiving unit that receives a speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device, and when the fixed part is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle and the speed measurement signal is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit may issue a notification indicating that it is highly likely that the speed enforcement device was not operating.

In this way, the user can be made aware that, although the speed enforcement device was installed at the installation location, it is highly likely that it was not in operation. For example, if a speed enforcement device is detected to be installed at the fixed part from an image captured by a camera in front of the vehicle, but a speed measurement signal is not received, a notification can be issued indicating that it is highly likely that the speed enforcement device was not in operation. For example, if a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera is recognized to be installed on a pillar from the image from the camera, but the laser is not received, a notification can be issued indicating that it is highly likely that the speed enforcement device was not in operation, such as, "There was a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera on the pillar, but the laser was not detected. It appears to be out of operation."

(19) The control unit may determine the attributes of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and if the attributes of the road are predetermined attributes, perform a fourth warning control to warn of a speed difference of the vehicle.

In this way, when the road attributes are predetermined attributes, a notification can be given to encourage the user to drive more safely.
It is possible.

(20) It is preferable that the system has an attribute of the road as zone 30.

In this way, it is possible to send an alert even in Zone 30, a place where people tend to think that enforcement will not take place.

(21) A program is provided for causing a computer to realize the functions of a control unit of any of the above systems.

This allows users to know where speed enforcement devices are installed and where enforcement may occur.

The inventions shown in (1) to (20) above can be combined in any way. For example, it is preferable to add at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onwards to all or a part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, it is preferable to add at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onwards to the invention shown in (1). In addition, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (20) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of this application intends to acquire rights to the inventions including these configurations. In addition, even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", it is not intended to describe the configuration as being limited to that case or time. These are examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to acquire rights to configurations other than these cases or times. In addition, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to acquire rights.

The present invention provides technology related to vehicle speed enforcement.

The effects of the invention of this application are not limited to this, and effects achieved from the configuration parts disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and it is the intention to obtain rights to the configuration that achieves said effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, the phrase "can..." is a description that clearly indicates the effect achieved, and there are also parts that show the effect even without the phrase "can...". Also, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such a description.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating installation points of fixing parts according to the first embodiment. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating installation points of fixing parts according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a third embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system according to the fifth embodiment.

The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols (symbols with A, B, etc. added after the numbers), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in each figure referred to in the following description, the scale may be different from the actual scale in order to make each component, each area, etc. recognizable. Below, a case will be described in which the system of the present disclosure is applied to a system mounted on a vehicle and detects a speed enforcement device. The vehicle is preferably an automobile, but is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile, and may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels.

[1. First embodiment]
<1-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. An electronic device 10 is an electronic device to which the system according to the present disclosure is applied. The electronic device 10 is a detector that receives laser light emitted by a speed enforcement device 30 as a speed measurement signal measurement wave and detects the speed enforcement device 30. The speed measurement signal is a signal for speed measurement emitted by the speed enforcement device, and may be called a measurement wave for speed enforcement. The appearance of the speed enforcement device shown in FIG. 1 is one example, and may have a different appearance. The laser light is a pulse laser with a specific wavelength of light and a specific pulse width. The specific wavelength belongs to, for example, an infrared light region, and is, for example, any of 850 nm, 905 nm, 950 nm, and 1900 nm. The pulse width is, for example, approximately 20 ns or approximately 15 ns. The pulse interval is, for example, approximately 80 ms. The "approximately" may be within a predetermined range that can be regarded as being the same as a reference value or substantially the same as that value.

The electronic device 10 is, for example, a monitor-type device having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electronic device 10 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 40. The electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41 using, for example, double-sided tape. An opening is provided on the front side of the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 has a display unit 13 for displaying an image at the position of this opening. The housing of the electronic device 10 is formed of resin or other material.

The speed enforcement device 30 is installed at a speed enforcement point, which is a point where the speed of a vehicle is enforced. The speed enforcement point is determined taking into consideration the vehicle's driving conditions (e.g., whether the vehicle is likely to speed) and the occurrence of traffic accidents (e.g., a point where a large number of accidents occur). An example of a speed enforcement point is a curve or a point beyond a curve on a route (road) on which a vehicle is traveling. The speed enforcement device 30 is also called a semi-fixed laser orbis, and is installed on a fixed unit 50 that is installed on the shoulder of a route such as an urban expressway or other expressway. The fixed unit 50 is, for example, a support pole on which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed. However, the form of the fixed unit 50 as a structure is not limited to this.

When the speed enforcement device 30 is installed, the fixed unit 50 provides the functions necessary for the operation of the speed enforcement device 30. The fixed unit 50 has, for example, a power supply unit 51 and a line unit 52. The power supply unit 51 supplies power for operation to the speed enforcement device 30. The power supply unit 51 is connected to the speed enforcement device 30 via a wire to supply power, but may also supply power wirelessly. The line unit 52 connects the speed enforcement device 30 to a specified communication line. The communication line may be, for example, a network of a specified communication method or a dedicated line.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the speed enforcement device 30 is fixed to the fixed part 50, the installation point of the fixed part 50 becomes a speed enforcement point. As shown in FIG. 3, when the speed enforcement device 30 is not fixed to the fixed part 50, the installation point of the fixed part 50 is not a speed enforcement point at that time. In this way, the fixed part 50 is installed at a point where vehicle speed enforcement may be carried out or a candidate point for speed enforcement. The sign 60 shown in FIG. 2 is a sign that may be installed at a speed enforcement point, and is installed, for example, a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 to 2 km) before the installation point of the speed enforcement device 30 in the driving direction (forward direction) of the road.

The speed control device 30 includes a speed measurement unit 31, an imaging unit 32, and a strobe 33. The speed measurement unit 31 measures the speed of the vehicle, for example, by a laser scanning method. Specifically, the speed measurement unit 31 emits a laser light Lout, and when it reaches the vehicle 40 and is reflected, receives the reflected light Lref. The speed measurement unit 31 measures the distance to the vehicle 40 based on the time it takes from emitting the laser light Lout to receiving the reflected light Lref. The speed measurement unit 31 repeatedly measures the distance to the vehicle 40, and measures the speed of the vehicle 40 based on the moving distance of the vehicle 40 per unit time. The speed measurement unit 31 emits the laser light Lout within a sector-shaped range T with a central angle of angle θ, for example, while changing the direction in a counterclockwise direction. The emission direction of the laser light Lout is, for example, approximately horizontal. The speed measurement unit 31, for example, emits laser light to a mirror rotating at a constant speed. The laser light reflected by the mirror and emitted from the light emitting window is the laser light Lout.

The imaging unit 32 captures an image of the target vehicle when the speed measured by the speed measurement unit 31 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The imaging unit 32 is used to capture an image of a vehicle that has violated the speed limit. The strobe 33 emits light when an image is captured by the imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 32 may capture an image based on light in the infrared region so that it can capture images even at night. In this case, the strobe 33 may emit light that has energy in the infrared region. The speed enforcement device 30 transmits data related to speed enforcement, such as the measured speed and captured images, to an external computer via the line unit 52.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic device 10. Note that the imaging device 70 is a configuration related to the second embodiment and is omitted in this embodiment. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuit. The memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into the memory and performing arithmetic processing.

The light receiving unit 12 is an example of a receiving unit that receives a speed measurement signal (measurement wave). The light receiving unit 12 receives light incident through a window provided on the back side of the electronic device 10 and outputs a signal corresponding to the received light to the control unit 11. The window may be provided with an optical member such as a visible light cut filter or a lens. The signal output by the light receiving unit 12 changes, for example, according to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 12. The light receiving unit 12 includes, for example, a photodiode as a light receiving element, but may also be a phototransistor or other light receiving element. The light receiving unit 12 is sensitive at least in the infrared light region. The light receiving unit 12 may include an A/D conversion circuit that converts an analog signal from the light receiving element into a digital signal.

The display unit 13 displays an image. The display unit 13 is, for example, a 3.2-inch color TFT liquid crystal display. The display unit 13 may be an organic EL display or other display device. The speaker 14 outputs sound. The microwave receiving unit 15 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit and receives microwaves. The microwave receiving unit 15 also has a function of receiving radio waves (e.g., microwaves) from a speed enforcement device compatible with the radar system. The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 16 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit and receives signals from GPS satellites. The GPS receiving unit 16 processes the received signal and outputs position information. The position information includes, for example, latitude information and longitude information, and may also include altitude information. The position information is position information indicating the current position of the electronic device 10, but it is preferable to consider it as position information indicating the current position of the electronic device 10. The communication unit 17 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 17 performs wireless communication using, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other methods.

The memory unit 18 stores data. The memory unit 18 stores, for example, programs that allow the control unit 11 to perform various controls. The control unit 11 reads the programs from the memory unit 18 into memory and executes them. The memory unit 18 also stores map data showing maps, data showing the types and locations of various facilities, data for notifying the presence of objects that are the subject of an alarm, data for implementing a route guidance function, and the like. Examples of objects to be warned include locations of accidents caused by drowsy driving, speed enforcement devices (radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photocell type, mobile type, etc.), speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoints, parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, signal ignoring prevention systems, police stations, areas where accidents frequently occur, areas where vehicle thefts frequently occur, sharp/continuous curves (expressways), branching/merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), PA/SA gas stations (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio receiving areas (expressways), prefectural border notices, roadside stations, and viewpoint parking. The memory unit 18 stores information on the type of object to be warned, location information indicating its location, data on an image (e.g., a schematic diagram or a photograph) to be displayed on the display unit 13, and audio data in association with each other.

The storage unit 18 has a database 181 that stores location information of the installation point of the fixed unit 50. The location information stored in the database 181 may be information that has already been stored at the stage of product shipment of the electronic device 10, or location information distributed by a server device of a specified business operator, as described below.

The storage unit 18 may include a storage medium that permanently stores data. The storage unit 18 may include, for example, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor recording medium, or other recording media. The data stored in the storage unit 18 may be stored in cloud computing or other external storage means as appropriate.

The operation unit 19 accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 19 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a volume adjustment button, and a task button. The touch sensor is provided on the surface of the display unit 13 and detects the position touched by the user. The volume operation button is operated to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 14. The task button is a button for performing various tasks.

The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors. For example, the sensor unit 20 includes a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The geomagnetic sensor is a sensor that detects geomagnetism to detect which direction north is in relative to the direction of travel. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward/backward, left/right, and up/down directions. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects the illuminance, which indicates the brightness inside the vehicle cabin.

The mounting unit 21 is a mounting unit into which an external storage medium is mounted, and the external storage medium is, for example, a memory card. In this case, the mounting unit 21 is a memory card slot. Data stored in the memory unit 18 may be imported via the external storage medium. This data includes updated information on new alarm targets (location information such as longitude and latitude, type information, etc.).

The power supply unit 22 supplies power from a power source to each component within the electronic device 10. The power supply unit 22 includes, for example, a power switch and a DC jack. The DC jack is for connecting a cigarette plug cord, and is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle via the cigarette plug cord to receive power. The power switch is a switch for turning the power of the electronic device 10 on and off.

The light-emitting unit 23 emits light in various colors. The light-emitting unit 23 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode.

The cable terminal section 24 is a terminal to which an external connection cable is connected. For example, the connection cable is a cable that connects the electronic device 10 to an OBD-II connector mounted on a vehicle. The OBD-II connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector, and is connected to the vehicle's ECU to output various vehicle information.

In addition to the above, electronic device 10 may have the functions of well-known laser detectors and radar detectors. For example, there are many types of speed enforcement devices, such as fixed and mobile. Mobile devices include portable devices and devices mounted on vehicles. Electronic device 10 may have the function of receiving laser light from such speed enforcement devices other than semi-fixed types and sounding an alarm.

<1-2. Operation>
The operation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10. When the operation of the electronic device 10 starts, the control unit 11 executes the process described below. There is no particular limit to the trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10, but it is preferable that the trigger be, for example, the power supply of the electronic device 10 being turned on or the execution of a route guidance function in a navigation function being started.

<1-2-1. Alarm based on receiving laser light>
The control unit 11 acquires a signal from the light receiving unit 12 (step S1). Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not laser light has been received based on the acquired signal (step S2). The control unit 11 may judge whether or not laser light has been received based on the pulse width, pulse interval, pulse number, wavelength, waveform, and other characteristics. If the judgment in step S2 is "YES", the control unit 11 performs control to warn of approach to the speed enforcement device 30 (first warning control) (step S3). The first warning control may be performed by a method that allows the user to recognize the presence of the speed enforcement device 30, and for example, at least one of outputting a sound, displaying a warning screen on the display unit 13, and controlling the light emission of the light emitting unit 23 is used. Note that in this embodiment, the warning is to notify the user of the presence of a speed enforcement point or an installation point of the fixed unit 50.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm screen. The alarm screen shown in Figure 6 is a screen in which a window W1 is superimposed on a map screen M1. The control unit 11 issues an alarm by displaying the window W1 superimposed on the map M. The map M is identified based on map data and position information from the GPS receiver unit 16. An icon I indicating the position of the vehicle 40 (the vehicle's position) is placed on the map M. The vehicle's position is identified based on the position information from the GPS receiver unit 16. Note that the icon in this embodiment may be replaced with a character, a symbol, a figure, or other object.

In the example shown in FIG. 6(A), the window W1 displays a message saying "This is a speed enforcement point", indicating the presence of a speed enforcement device 30. The control unit 11 may also output a voice saying "This is a speed enforcement point" from the speaker 14. If the control unit 11 can determine the type of speed enforcement device (e.g., semi-fixed, fixed, mobile) based on the characteristics of the received laser wave signal or other methods, it may perform control to issue an alarm including a notification of the type of speed enforcement device (an example of a third alarm control). For example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the control unit 11 may notify with a message saying "This is a semi-fixed speed enforcement point". For example, a fixed or mobile speed enforcement device is an example of a speed enforcement device that is installed without being fixed to the fixed unit 50.

Next, the control unit 11 judges whether to end the process of FIG. 5 (step S4). The trigger for ending the process is not particularly important, but it may be, for example, that the power of the electronic device 10 is turned off by operating the operation unit 19, or that the route guidance function is stopped. If the control unit 11 judges "NO" in step S4, it returns to the process of step S1 and repeats the above process. If the control unit 11 no longer receives laser light, or a predetermined time has passed since it stopped receiving it, or if it is no longer in a predetermined proximity relationship with the installation point of the fixed unit 50, the control unit 11 stops the alarm. If the control unit 11 judges "YES" in step S4, it ends the process of FIG. 5 (step S5).

<1-2-2. Location-based alerts>
7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10. When the operation of the electronic device 10 starts, the control unit 11 executes the process described below. The trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10 may be the same as that in <1-1. Alarm control based on reception of laser light>.

The control unit 11 acquires location information of the current location of the vehicle 40 (electronic device 10) from the GPS receiving unit 16 (step S11). Next, the control unit 11 compares the acquired location information with the location information of the fixed unit 50 stored in the database 181 (step S12). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 40 and the installation point of the fixed unit 50 are in a predetermined proximity relationship based on the location information acquired in step S11 and any of the location information stored in the database 181 (step S13). The predetermined proximity relationship may be, for example, a distance between the location information of the installation point and the location information of the vehicle 40 that is a predetermined distance or less (for example, 1 km or less). The predetermined proximity relationship may be determined based on the location relationship between the vehicle 40 and the fixed unit 50, such as the presence of the installation point in the direction of travel of the vehicle or the presence of the installation point on the road on which the vehicle travels.

If the answer is "YES" in step S13, the control unit 11 performs control (second alarm control) to warn the vehicle 40 of approaching the installation point of the fixed unit 50 (step S14). In this way, when the vehicle 40 approaches each fixed unit 50 (for example, each support), the control unit 11 can warn the vehicle 40 of approaching the installation point of the fixed unit 50. The alarm in step S14 is issued when the vehicle 40 is approaching the installation point but the electronic device 10 has not received the laser light. Therefore, the electronic device 10 may not be currently enforcing the law at the installation point, or may be enforcing the law but has not been able to receive the laser light for some reason. Therefore, the control unit 11 may issue an alarm different from that in step S3 in step S14. More preferably, the control unit 11 may issue an alarm that allows the user to recognize that the vehicle 40 is an installation point of the fixed unit 50. The control unit 11 may further display an image (e.g., an icon or other object) indicating the presence of the installation point of the fixed unit 50 on the map M based on the position information of the installation point of the fixed unit 50.

8 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm screen. The alarm screen shown in FIG. 8 is a screen in which a window W2 is superimposed on a map M. The window W2 displays a message indicating the presence of an installation point, saying, "This is a point where a speed enforcement device can be installed." The control unit 11 may also output a voice saying, "This is a point where a speed enforcement device can be installed," from the speaker 14. In this way, the presence of the installation point of the fixed unit 50 can be notified based on the position information of the electronic device 10, so that the presence can be notified even if the electronic device 10 does not receive laser light from the speed enforcement device 30. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 makes the alarm when it does not receive laser light different from the alarm when it receives the laser light, so that it is expected to have the effect of reducing misunderstanding and dissatisfaction of the user caused by the fact that the speed enforcement device 30 is not actually present.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether to end the process of FIG. 7 (step S15). The process may be ended at any time, but may be ended, for example, when the electronic device 10 is turned off by operating the operation unit 19, or when the route guidance function is stopped. If the control unit 11 determines "NO" in step S15, it returns to the process of step S11 and repeats the above process. If the position information of the vehicle 40 and the position information of the installation point of the fixed unit 50 are no longer in a predetermined proximity relationship, the control unit 11 may stop the alarm. If the control unit 11 determines "YES" in step S15, it ends the process of FIG. 8 (step S16).

<1-2-3. Combination of alarms based on laser light reception and alarms based on location information>
This operation example is based on a combination of <1-1. Alarm control based on reception of laser light> and <1-2-2. Alarm based on location information>. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10. When the operation of the electronic device 10 starts, the control unit 11 executes the process described below. The trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10 may be the same as that of <1-1. Alarm control based on reception of laser light>.

The control unit 11 acquires a signal from the light receiving unit 12 (step S1). Next, the control unit 11 executes the processing of steps S11 to S13. If the determination in step S13 is "YES", the control unit 11 determines whether or not the laser light has been received (step S2). If the determination in step S2 is "YES", the control unit 11 performs control to warn of approach to the speed enforcement device 30 (first warning control) (step S3). After executing the processing of step S3, the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing of step S4. If the determination in step S2 is "NO", the control unit 11 performs control to warn of approach to the installation point of the fixed unit 50 of the vehicle 40 (second warning control) (step S14). In this way, when the vehicle 40 approaches each fixed unit 50 (for example, each pillar), the control unit 11 can warn of approach to the installation point of the fixed unit 50. After executing the processing of step S14, the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing of step S4. The processing of steps S4 and S5 may be the same as in <1-1. Alarm control based on reception of laser light>.

As described above, the electronic device 10 issues an alarm regarding the speed enforcement device 30 or the fixed unit 50, thereby encouraging the user, such as the driver of the vehicle 40, to pay attention to speed enforcement, which contributes to safe driving.

The above-mentioned alarm regarding approach to a speed enforcement device 30 may be an alarm simply indicating receipt of a speed measurement signal from the speed enforcement device, but may also be an alarm indicating that a speed enforcement device is installed in a fixed part. For example, the electronic device 10 stores the position information of a post (an example of a fixed part) installed on a route such as an urban expressway to install a semi-fixed speed enforcement device such as an ORBIS. When the vehicle 40 approaches each post, the control unit 11 issues an alarm indicating that it is approaching the location of a post for installing a semi-fixed speed camera (for example, an alarm stating "Approaching a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed!"), and if it receives a speed measurement signal from a speed enforcement device (speed camera) before reaching the position of the post that issued the alarm, it may simply issue an alarm indicating that a speed measurement signal has been received, saying "Enforcement laser received." However, it is also preferable to issue an alarm that indicates that a speed enforcement device is located on the fixed part, such as "There is a speed camera on a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Watch your speed!", or an alarm that includes information indicating that a speed enforcement device is fixed to the fixed part 50 and information that a speed measurement signal has been received, such as "There is a speed camera on a post where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Laser received! Watch your speed!".

In this way, in the first embodiment described above, the electronic device 10 may determine that a speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed part 50 by detecting the reception of a speed measurement signal such as laser light. For example, if the electronic device 10 detects laser light from a speed enforcement device 30 that is a laser-type speed camera after issuing a warning of approach to the post position (the position of the fixed part 50), it may further issue a warning indicating that a semi-fixed speed camera is present on the post.

[2. Second embodiment]
The electronic device 10 may determine the presence of the speed enforcement device 30 by a method using an imaged image instead of or in addition to determining the presence of the speed enforcement device 30 by receiving laser light. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment communicates with the imaging device 70 (see FIG. 4) via the communication unit 17. The imaging device 70 captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle 40. The imaging device 70 is, for example, a drive recorder, but may also be a device having an imaging function such as a smartphone. The algorithm for analyzing the captured image does not matter, and may be, for example, a method using deep learning or a method using machine learning (such as a pattern matching method). The control unit 11 analyzes the image acquired from the imaging device 70 and performs a process of recognizing a predetermined image indicating the installation location of the fixed unit 50 or a speed enforcement location. The predetermined image indicating the installation location of the fixed unit 50 may be an image of the exterior of the fixed unit 50. The predetermined image indicating the speed enforcement location may be an image of the exterior of the speed enforcement device 30, or may be a signboard (in this embodiment, the signboard 60 shown in FIG. 2) that may be installed at the installation location. On routes where speed enforcement is currently taking place, a signboard 60 warning of upcoming enforcement may be installed approximately 1-2 km before the route, and this signboard can be used as a landmark for the speed enforcement point. In this way, even if the fixed unit 50 or the speed enforcement device 30 has just been installed and their position information has not yet been registered in the database 181, the control unit 11 can issue an alarm.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 in this case. The control unit 11 acquires an image from the imaging device 70 via the communication unit 17 (step S21). Next, the control unit 11 analyzes the image (step S22). The control unit 11 analyzes the image acquired from the imaging device 70 and performs processing to recognize a predetermined image that indicates an installation location of the fixed unit 50 or a speed enforcement location.

Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a fixed unit 50 installation point or a speed control point exists based on the image recognition result (step S23). If the control unit 11 judges "YES" in step S23, it judges whether or not it is a speed control point (step S24). If the speed enforcement device 30 or signboard 60 is recognized, the control unit 11 performs control to issue an alarm (first alarm control) for approaching a speed enforcement point where speed enforcement is currently being carried out (step S25). If the control unit 11 judges "NO" in step S24, it performs control to issue an alarm when the fixed unit 50 is installed (second alarm control) (step S26). The alarm in step S25 may be the same as in step S3, and the alarm in step S26 may be the same as in step S14.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether to end the process of FIG. 10 (step S27). If the determination in step S27 is "NO", the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S21 and repeats the above process. If the determination in step S27 is "YES", the control unit 11 ends the process of FIG. 10 (step S28).

According to this embodiment, even if the electronic device 10 cannot receive the laser light for some reason, it is possible to issue an alarm, and the possibility that the electronic device 10 will mistake other light for laser light and issue a false alarm can be reduced. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10. Also, the determination that the speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed part 50 is made when it is recognized that the speed enforcement device is shown in the image captured by the imaging device 70. In particular, it is preferable to determine the position of the image of the imaging device 70 corresponding to the position of the fixed part 50, and to perform this determination when it is recognized that the speed enforcement device is shown in the vicinity of the specified position. For example, when the control unit 11 detects that the speed enforcement device 30, which is a semi-fixed speed camera, is installed on the post by the imaging device 70 while approaching the post position, which is the position of the fixed part 50, it is preferable to issue a warning indicating that a semi-fixed speed camera is present on the post.

In this embodiment, since there is a possibility that the user will find the warning too loud if the warning is given too early, the control unit 11 may change the content of the warning by gradually increasing the tempo with a predetermined time lag (for example, a time lag of about 500 m), and may end the warning several seconds after the speed enforcement device is captured on screen.

[3. Third embodiment]
In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 performs control (fourth alarm control) to issue an alarm regarding the speed difference from a reference speed while traveling on a road with a specific attribute. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, there are various types of roads. In particular, on a road called a zone 30 shown as an area Ar1 in FIG. 11, there is a possibility that speed enforcement will occur more frequently, and it is particularly important to observe the speed limit of the vehicle 40. Therefore, when the vehicle 40 (i.e., the electronic device 10) is in the zone 30, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 also notifies (in other words, informs the user) of the speed overage (i.e., the speed difference between the speed of the vehicle 100 and 30 km/h).

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. The control unit 11 acquires location information (step S31). Next, the control unit 11 judges whether the location information indicates that the vehicle is within the zone 30 (step S32). If the judgment in step S32 is "YES", the control unit 11 performs control to issue an alarm regarding the speed difference (fourth alarm control) (step S33). The control unit 11 issues a message by voice, for example, "This is the nearby zone 30. You are currently 10 km/h over. Please reduce your speed." The control unit 11 may notify the speed over in increments of 1 km/h, for example, or may notify in increments of 5 km/h to call attention to the speed. It would be even better if the selection of whether or not to notify the speed over, and the number of km/h above which the alarm should be issued, can be freely set by the user's settings or other methods. On the other hand, if the result of step S32 is "NO," that is, if the current location is in Ar1 outside of zone 30, or is not close to Ar1 within a predetermined distance range, the control unit 11 turns off the function for issuing an alarm regarding the speed difference. In this way, the possibility of the speed difference being frequently notified is reduced.

The present embodiment was conceived by the inventors in consideration of the fact that until now there has been a kind of unfounded common sense that you cannot be caught at speeds below 15km/h, and that this common sense is no longer valid in Zone 30, and also as an educational activity to appeal to users, and considering the actual driving conditions, Zone 30 is more suitable. Note that if the road attribute is a road where the standard speed such as the speed limit is known, the configuration may be such that the speed difference with roads of other attributes (green belts) is notified. However, if it is to be applied to roads other than Zone 30, it may be turned off until the user explicitly turns the function on.

[4. Fourth embodiment]
The speed enforcement device 30 described in the first and second embodiments is, for example, a laser-type speed camera capable of monitoring up to two lanes simultaneously, and can be operated by installing fixed parts 50 (e.g., posts) at multiple points on the expressway where speed control is required, and periodically (every month in an example) changing the fixed parts 50 to which the laser-type speed enforcement device 30 body is attached, taking into account accident occurrence status, etc. Another problem with conventional speed enforcement devices is that they are expensive and therefore difficult to use on urban expressways with many curves and many places where speed control is required. In light of this problem, the following configuration may be adopted.

(1) The control unit 11 may issue an alarm including a notification that a fixed unit 50 is present at or beyond a curve. This alarm may include a notification that the vehicle 40 is about to travel or is currently travelling around a curve, and a notification that a fixed unit 50 is present at the end of the curve. The control unit 11 may issue an alarm by outputting a message stating, "There is a semi-fixed speed camera post ahead of the right curve." This alarm may be issued not only by semi-fixed speed enforcement devices 30, but also by various types of speed enforcement devices (e.g., fixed, mobile, etc.). In this way, the user can quickly identify the installation location or enforcement point, even when driving on a route with poor visibility.

(2) The control unit 11 may issue an alarm indicating that the vehicle is approaching the installation point of the fixed unit 50, and may set the approach distance for issuing an alarm to the installation point of the fixed unit 50 to a distance longer than the reach of the laser light of a laser-type speed enforcement device. In this case, if the control unit 11 detects laser light after issuing an alarm indicating that the vehicle is approaching the installation point of the fixed unit 50, it may further issue an alarm indicating that a speed enforcement device 30 fixed to the fixed unit 50 is present. The distance for issuing an approach warning when the vehicle approaches the fixed unit 50 within a predetermined distance may be set to a distance longer than the reach of the speed measurement signal of the speed enforcement device 30 fixed to the fixed unit 50. When the speed enforcement device 30 measures the speed of the vehicle using laser light as a speed measurement signal, it may be set to a distance longer than the reach of the laser light. For example, if the reach of the laser light is 200 m, the approach warning to the fixed unit 50 may be set to a distance longer than 200 m, such as 500 m.

(3) When the control unit 11 determines that the speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed unit 50 using the imaging device 70 while approaching the installation location of the fixed unit 50, the control unit 11 may issue an alarm to the effect that the speed enforcement device 30 is present on the fixed unit 50. In this case, if the control unit 11 detects that the speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed unit 50 using the imaging device 70 but does not receive a laser, the control unit 11 may notify the user that it is highly likely that the speed enforcement device 30 was not operating.

(4) If the control unit 11 detects from an image captured in front of the vehicle 40 by the imaging device 70 that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed unit 50 but does not receive a speed measurement signal, it may issue a notification indicating that it is highly likely that the speed enforcement device was not in operation. For example, if the control unit 11 recognizes from an image captured by the imaging device 70 that a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera is installed on a pillar but does not receive a laser, it may issue a notification indicating that it is highly likely that the speed camera was not in operation, such as, for example, "There was a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera on the pillar, but the laser was not detected. It appears to be out of operation."

[5. Fifth embodiment]
The electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may perform a process of posting to another device that the speed enforcement device was not installed in the fixed unit 50. Assuming the configuration of the fifth embodiment described above, the other device may be the server device 200, but it may also be the electronic device 10A mounted on another vehicle. The control unit 11 may issue an alarm indicating that the fixed unit 50 in which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed is approaching, for example, for the fixed unit 50 in which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed and it has been recently posted, the control unit 11 may issue an alarm (speed enforcement device approach alarm). Based on the installation period of each location in which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed in the fixed unit 50, another device (e.g., a server, etc.) may be provided that estimates the next movement time and movement location and delivers information to the electronic device 10. For example, based on the installation period of each location in which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed in the fixed unit 50, the next movement time (and movement location) may be estimated and delivered from the server device 200 to this device. In this way, other devices can be made aware that no speed control device is installed on the fixed portion 50.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of system 2 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, system 2 has multiple electronic devices 10A and a server device 200. Electronic device 10A is different from each of the above-mentioned embodiments in that it can communicate with server device 200 and controls in cooperation with server device 200. Multiple electronic devices 10A are used by different users. Multiple electronic devices 10A communicate wirelessly with server device 200 via public communication lines, dedicated lines, or other communication lines. Multiple electronic devices 10A have a function of transmitting location information of the installation point of fixed unit 50 to server device 200 and receiving location information of the installation point of fixed unit 50 distributed from server device 200, and registering it in database 181.

The server device 200 is managed and operated by a specified business operator. The server device 200 has a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a database 230. The control unit 210 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory, and controls each unit of the server device 200. The communication unit 220 communicates with each of the multiple electronic devices 10A. The database 230 accumulates data collected from the multiple electronic devices 10A and data to be distributed to the multiple electronic devices 10A. The database 230 is realized by a hard disk or other storage device, but may also be realized using a cloud computing environment or other external storage means.

14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the system 2 when transmitting data from the electronic device 10A to the server device 200. When the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10A determines that the fixed unit 50 is installed (step S101), it transmits location information corresponding to the installation location to the server device 200 (i.e., performs posting processing) (step S102). In the server device 200, the control unit 210 registers the received location information (posted location information) in the database 230 (step S103). The method of determining the installation location of the fixed unit 50 in step S101 can adopt the method described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. The location information corresponding to the installation location of the fixed unit 50 may be the location information of the vehicle 40 when the control unit 11 determines that the installation location is an installation location, may be the location information of the installation location estimated therefrom, or may be the location information input by the user. The electronic device 10A may transmit location information of the installation location that is not registered in the database 181. This eliminates the need to transmit unnecessary data, and the server device 200 does not need to store unnecessary data.

Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of system 2 when electronic device 10A receives data from server device 200. Control unit 210 of server device 200 generates distribution information (step S111). The distribution information may include location information of installation points that are not registered in electronic device 10A. Control unit 210 transmits the generated distribution information to electronic device 10A via communication unit 220 (step S112). Control unit 11 of electronic device 10A obtains location information of the installation point from the received distribution information and registers it in database 181 (step S113). Thereafter, control unit 11 uses this location information for warning control of the installation point. In this way, even if the installation points are increased or changed, a warning can be issued to the effect that electronic device 10A is approaching the installation point.

In steps S101 and S102, the control unit 11 may post that no speed enforcement device 30 has been installed in the fixed unit 50. The control unit 11 may also issue an alert for any recent posts about speed enforcement devices 30 in the fixed unit 50. For example, this alert may be issued when there is a post that no speed enforcement device 30 has been installed for a specified period of time prior to the current date and time. In addition, the server device 200 may estimate the next movement time (and/or movement location) based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device 30 is installed in the fixed unit 50, and distribute the information to the electronic device 10A.

When the number of semi-fixed speed cameras that have already issued an alarm reaches the number of semi-fixed speed cameras owned by the prefectural police, it is advisable to suppress any of the above-mentioned alarms at the locations where the fixed units 50 are installed on that route. Suppressing an alarm may mean, for example, not issuing an alarm.

[6. Modifications]
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
(Variation 1)
The control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 may suppress control to issue an alarm when the fixed unit 50 is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle 40 by the imaging device 70 and the laser light is not received by the light receiving unit 12. In this case, suppressing control to issue an alarm can be achieved by not issuing an alarm, or by lowering the volume, the display, or the alarm level, compared to when an alarm is issued but not suppressed. In this way, the fixed unit 50 is present but speed enforcement is not being carried out, so that unnecessary information is not provided to the user.

(Variation 2)
In urban areas, when the volume of the electronic device 10 is turned down and the electronic device 10 moves onto a highway, the alarm sound may be difficult to hear due to road noise caused by high-speed driving, etc., because the volume is low. Therefore, when the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 detects driving on a highway, the volume of the alarm (alarm volume) may be set to a preset volume. This volume may be set to a volume that does not interfere with the user's recognition of the voice even while driving on the highway. In this way, it is possible to increase the recognition of the alarm sound on the highway. For example, the control unit 11 may add a predetermined value to the currently set volume so that the volume is louder while driving on a highway than while driving on a road other than the highway, such as a general road. The determination of whether or not the electronic device 10 is driving on a highway may be based on location information and road information, or various known techniques may be adopted.

If it is difficult to detect that the vehicle is traveling on a highway, the control unit 11 may set the volume of the warning (alarm volume) to a preset volume at a speed above a certain level. With this method, the warning volume is changed when the speed increases, regardless of whether the vehicle is on a general road or a highway, thereby increasing the awareness of the warning sound and reducing the number of times the warning sound is missed.

(Variation 3)
Although the case where the semi-fixed speed enforcement device is compatible with the laser system has been described, the present invention can also be applied to cases where an alarm is issued for approaching a location where a speed enforcement device that emits a speed measurement signal (measurement wave) using a radar system or other system is installed. For example, the electronic device 10 may determine that the speed enforcement device 30 is installed in the fixed part 50 by detecting the reception of radio waves or other speed measurement signals (measurement waves) for measuring the speed of the vehicle.

(Variation 4)
Some of the configurations and operations described in the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted or modified. For example, the fixed unit 50 does not need to have either the power supply unit 51 or the line unit 52, and may be any device that is used for the operation or installation of the speed enforcement device 30. For example, when the invention is specified by the function related to <1-2-2. Alarm based on location information>, the fixed unit 50 does not need to have a receiver for speed measurement signals.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, but includes combinations of the various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. The configurations of the invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the accompanying claims, but it is the intention to claim configurations disclosed in this specification in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification. The configurations of the present invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the attached claims, but it is our intention to include configurations disclosed in this specification in the claims in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments. The components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Any components of each of the embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily combined with any components described in the means for solving the invention or any components that embody any components described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to acquire rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. We also disclose configurations that are not in these cases or times, and we intend to acquire rights to them. Furthermore, the parts that are described in order are not limited to this order. We also disclose configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and we intend to acquire rights to them.

In addition, by converting to a design registration application, it is intended to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design. The drawings show the entire device in solid lines, but they include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for a portion of the device. For example, it is not only possible to make a portion of the device a partial design, but it is also intended to include a portion of the device as a partial design regardless of the portion. A portion of the device may be a portion of the device, or a part of that portion. It is intended to obtain rights to not only the overall design, but also partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawing is made into a broken line. In addition, the modules, materials, parts, etc. inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to trade independently, and it is intended to obtain rights to them by converting to a design registration application in the same way.

2: System 10: Electronic device 10A: Electronic device 11: Control unit 12: Light receiving unit 13: Display unit 14: Speaker 15: Microwave receiving unit 16: GPS receiving unit 17: Communication unit 18: Memory unit 19: Operation unit 20: Sensor unit 21: Mounting unit 22: Power supply unit 23: Light emitting unit 24: Cable terminal unit 30: Speed control device 31: Speed measurement unit 32: Imaging unit 33: Strobe 40: Vehicle 41: Dashboard 50: Fixed unit 51: Power supply unit 52: Line unit 60: Signboard 70: Imaging device 100: Vehicle 181: Database 200: Server device 210: Control unit 220: Communication unit 230: Database

Claims (5)

A system having a control unit provided in a vehicle and having a function of performing warning control to warn of approach to a location where a speed control device is fixed ,
the control unit performs control to register position information corresponding to an installation point of the fixed unit in a database in which position information corresponding to the installation point collected from each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles is registered;
a function of performing a second warning control when the vehicle position information is in a predetermined proximity relationship with the installation point position information registered in the database based on the vehicle position information and the vehicle position information registered in the database ;
The control unit has a function of registering information to the database when the speed control device is not fixed to the fixed unit.
system. A system having a control unit provided in a vehicle and having a function of performing warning control to warn of approach to a location where a speed control device is fixed ,
The control unit has a function of performing control to register position information corresponding to an installation point of the fixed unit in a database in which position information corresponding to the installation point collected from each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles is registered.
a function of performing a second warning control when the vehicle position information is in a predetermined proximity relationship with the installation point position information registered in the database, based on the vehicle position information and the vehicle position information registered in the database ;
The control unit registers, in the database, information specifying a time point at which the presence of the fixed unit was confirmed in location information of an installation point of the fixed unit;
The vehicle position information includes a function of controlling the issuance of the second alarm when the vehicle position information is in a predetermined proximity relationship with the position information of the installation point of the fixed part, the time of which is within a predetermined period going back from the current time.
system. A system having a control unit provided in a vehicle and having a function of performing warning control to warn of approach to a location where a speed control device is fixed ,
A receiving unit for receiving a speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device,
The control unit has a function of suppressing control for issuing an alarm when the fixed portion is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle and the speed measurement signal is not received by the receiving unit.
system. A system having a control unit that is provided in a vehicle and performs warning control to warn of approach to a location where a speed control device is fixed ,
A receiving unit for receiving a speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device,
The control unit has a function of notifying the user that it is highly likely that the speed control device was not operating when the speed measurement signal is not received by the receiving unit in a case where the fixed unit is recognized from an image captured in front of the vehicle.
system. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

Images