JP7717396B2 - Vehicle system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle system that controls the output of audio to the vehicle driver.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as driving assistance devices for assisting vehicle driving, there have been known in-vehicle devices such as navigation devices that display maps and provide route guidance, and radar detectors that provide traffic enforcement information.
A typical navigation device has a function for calculating a route to a destination and a GPS function for determining the current position of the vehicle. Some such navigation devices provide voice guidance on the direction of travel along the calculated route (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Some radar detectors not only have the ability to receive speed enforcement radar waves, but also have a database of speed enforcement system installation points and a GPS function to acquire the current location. Such radar detectors detect when a vehicle is approaching a speed enforcement system installation point and warn the driver of this with sound or light (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

However, the above-mentioned conventional driving assistance devices have the following problem: The driving assistance information output by these driving assistance devices is standardized information based on a combination of information held internally by the driving assistance device, such as route information and the location of speed enforcement systems, and vehicle information such as the current location. This means that the information output is insufficient in terms of providing each driver with the information they need in an appropriate manner, without excess or deficiency.

JP 2012-56396 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-248180

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems with the conventional system, and aims to provide a vehicle system that controls the output of audio to the vehicle driver, and that appropriately provides the information required by each individual driver via audio.

One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle system that controls output of audio to a driver of a vehicle,
Based on multiple types of acquired information, including the driver's personal information,
The vehicle system selects one of a plurality of types of voice output information to be output as voice in accordance with the combination of the contents of the plurality of types of acquired information (claim 1).

One aspect of the present invention is a program for controlling a vehicle system that controls output of audio to a driver of a vehicle, the program comprising:
The present invention resides in a computer program for realizing the functions of the vehicle system (claim 30).

The vehicle system of the present invention outputs, by voice, one of the voice output information items corresponding to the combination of information content based on the multiple types of acquired information, including the personal information. The multiple types of acquired information include the driver's personal information. Therefore, this vehicle system can output voice output information appropriate for each driver. Providing voice output information in this way not only enables detailed driving support tailored to each individual driver, but also makes it possible to soothe and entertain the driver through voice output.

In the present invention, the driver's personal information includes information such as the latitude and longitude of the driver's home location, information about the location of organizations such as the company or school to which the driver belongs, information about routes the driver frequently travels, information about the driver's preferences, interests, and tastes, information about the driver's behavioral patterns, and information about the driver's date of birth and anniversaries. This personal information can be registered in response to operations by the driver, or automatically generated based on the vehicle's driving history, etc.

For example, when the multiple types of acquired information include personal information such as the location of the driver's home, the current location of the vehicle, the current time, and whether the vehicle's ignition is on or off, the following are examples of combinations of information content: A combination of information content such as the time when the ignition of a vehicle parked at home was switched on is 7:00 a.m. When this combination of information content occurs, it is appropriate to output voice output information such as, "Good morning. Please do your best at work today." Furthermore, when the combination of information content occurs such as the time when the ignition of a vehicle that has arrived at home is switched off is 10:00 p.m., it is appropriate to output voice output information such as, "Welcome home. Thank you for working so late."

The information to be output as audio in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes information to assist driving of the vehicle and information not related to driving of the vehicle (claim 2).
Examples of information that assists driving include information about traffic enforcement, route guidance information for reaching a destination, etc. Examples of information that is not related to driving among the voice output information include the aforementioned morning greetings, current topics, and other information that is equivalent to "chatter" and that entertains and soothes the driver.

By appropriately outputting information equivalent to "chat" unrelated to driving according to the driver, the vehicle system of the present invention can keep the driver entertained and not bored throughout the long period of use. A vehicle system of the present invention that outputs clever (appropriate) "chat" information that reflects the content of the personal information allows users to enjoy using it and is less likely to become bored. Many users who have used this vehicle system for a long period of time are likely to purchase a new product designed with a similar concept to their vehicle system when it is time to replace their vehicle system. This can increase the number of so-called repeat users and help retain users.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, a plurality of groups are formed for the plurality of types of audio output information, each group having different audio output conditions that trigger audio output, and a combination of the types of the plurality of types of acquired information when selecting any of the audio output information is set for each of the plurality of groups (claim 3).
For example, for a group of voice output information in which the voice output condition is set to the start of driving (opening), a combination of the following types of information can be set: personal information such as information on the location of the home, information on the current time, information on the current location of the vehicle, and information on whether the ignition is on or off. In this case, voice output information such as the morning greeting mentioned above can be output.

On the other hand, for a group of audio output information where the audio output condition is set to be when approaching a traffic control point, a combination of information on the location of the control point, information on the vehicle's current location, and information on the vehicle's speed can be set. For example, when the speed is above the speed limit, an alarm is issued that the vehicle is approaching a control point, and audio output information such as "Slow down!" can be appropriately output.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, one of a plurality of output modes having different output frequencies of the audio output information can be set (claim 4).
By changing the output frequency of the voice output information according to the setting of the output mode, it is possible to respond to a wide variety of drivers and improve versatility. As the output mode, for example, a "quiet" mode with a low output frequency, a "talkative" mode with a high output frequency, an intermediate "normal" mode, etc. can be set. The output frequency may be further subdivided.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, audio output conditions that trigger audio output are determined in advance for each of the plurality of output modes (claim 5).
As the audio output condition, it is possible to set conditions such as when driving starts, while driving, and when driving ends. For example, the start of driving may be determined when a predetermined driving start determination condition, such as the vehicle ignition being switched on, is satisfied. For example, the end of driving may be determined when a predetermined driving end determination condition, such as the vehicle ignition being switched off, is satisfied. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to determine that driving is in progress during the period from when the driving start determination condition is satisfied to when the driving end determination condition is satisfied. Note that, as for when driving is in progress, it is possible to set conditions such as when the vehicle approaches a predetermined location or when the vehicle state becomes a predetermined state. For example, the following conditions can be set as the audio output condition.
(1) The vehicle ignition is turned on.
(2) Approaching a location that is subject to an alert, warning, or notification, such as a traffic enforcement point.
(3) Being close to scenic spots and other viewpoints.
(4) A specific situation occurs, such as the remaining amount of gasoline or other energy falling below a specified amount.
(5) The vehicle ignition is turned off.
etc.

For example, in the case of a vehicle system whose primary function is to issue traffic enforcement alerts, in the "quiet" output mode, the primary function can be ensured by outputting sound triggered only by the sound output condition (2) above, while in the "talkative" output mode, sound can be output triggered by all of the sound output conditions (1) to (5) above.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, a plurality of audio output conditions that can trigger audio output are set, and an output mode can be set for each audio output condition (claim 6).
In this case, it is possible to precisely meet the driver's needs, for example, where audio output triggered by the audio output condition (1) above is not necessary, but audio output triggered by the audio output condition (3) above is necessary. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the audio output condition to be switchable as appropriate depending on the driving situation, such as whether it is a weekday or a holiday, whether the driver is near or far from home, and the driving scene and driving location.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of types of audio output information in the vehicle system include specific assistance information related to driving assistance, which is output regardless of the output mode,
It is possible to set one of a plurality of driving assistance modes that have different output frequencies of the specific assistance information (claim 7).
The specific support information includes information on traffic enforcement, route guidance information to a destination, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, one of a plurality of expression modes can be set, which differ in the manner of expression when the audio output information is output by audio (claim 8).
For example, while the same expression style as that of a conventional in-vehicle device can be set as the "normal" expression mode, it is also possible to set expression modes corresponding to an intimate expression style like a passenger in the front passenger seat talking to you, an expression style full of tension like a commander in the cockpit of a fighter jet, an expression style imitating a popular anime character, etc. By incorporating an amusement element into the vehicle system, the marketability can be improved.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, multiple expression modes are provided which have different expression patterns when outputting the audio output information by audio, and the settable output modes among the multiple output modes are predetermined for each expression mode (claim 9).
For example, among drivers who set the "quiet" output mode, there tends to be a high proportion who do not like amusement-oriented display modes. Taking this tendency into consideration, it may be advisable to limit the display modes that can be set for the "quiet" output mode to the "normal" display mode. In this case, the effort required for setting can be reduced and usability can be improved for users who do not require amusement-oriented elements.

The acquired information acquired by the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least information representing the current location of the vehicle and information representing a specific area in which the driver has a personal connection,
The output mode of the information for voice output differs depending on whether the vehicle is located within the specific area (claim 10).

The output mode includes whether or not to output audio output information, which of the multiple types of audio output information to output, and the volume of audio output.
The specific area with which the driver has a personal connection may be, for example, the area around the driver's home or workplace, a tourist spot that the driver visits, or an area set by the driver himself/herself. For example, if the area around the driver's home is set as the specific area, it is possible to suppress the output of voice output information that the driver is likely to be familiar with. On the other hand, if the area around a tourist spot that the driver is visiting for the first time is set as the specific area, it is possible to appropriately support the driver by outputting as much voice output information as possible.

Among the multiple types of audio output information in a vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is tourist information including location information of tourist destinations, and whether or not to output the tourist information is switched depending on whether or not the vehicle is located within the specific area (claim 11).
For example, if the area around the user's home is set as the specific area, it is advisable to suppress the output of the tourist information, whereas if the area is set as the specific area, it is advisable to actively output the tourist information.

The vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a registration unit for registering the specific area (claim 12).
The registration means provided in the vehicle system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention registers a predetermined range based on a point designated by an external operation as the specific area (claim 13).
The predetermined range may be, for example, within a 5 km radius from a specified point, or may be set to any value within a 2 km to 10 km radius range. For example, a housewife who normally only goes shopping at a nearby store will not know the details of places with a radius of more than 2 km. For someone who drives a car for work, an area with a radius of about 10 km is likely to have detailed information.

The registration means provided in a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention registers a specified range based on a line segment having two points, one at the driver's home and the other at the driver's place of work or school, as the specific area (Claim 14).
The specified range may be, for example, a range that combines a range within a distance of 5 km from the line segment and a range within a radius of 5 km centered on the end point, or a range with a radius of 2 km to 10 km.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, the location of the user's home and the location of the user's commute to work or school can be input in response to an external operation (claim 15).
A preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention estimates the location of the home and the location of the commuter or school based on the past history of the current location (claim 16).
For example, for a driver who has a daytime job, the location where the vehicle is frequently parked at night on weekdays can be estimated as the driver's home, while the location where the driver goes every day during the day on weekdays can be estimated as the driver's commute to work or school.

The registration means provided in a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention selects a route that has been driven most frequently from the history of routes traveled by the vehicle, and registers a specified area based on that route as the specific area (claim 17).
In this case, the specific area can be automatically generated and registered depending on the use of the vehicle system. A route with a high driving frequency may be a route that has been traveled a predetermined number of times or more in the past month. Furthermore, a route that has been traveled within the past week may also be treated as a route with a high driving frequency. In this way, a route that has been traveled a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period of time may be considered a route with a high driving frequency. The predetermined period and the predetermined number of times may be configured to be user-configurable. Furthermore, even if a user detours from a normal route to avoid traffic congestion, it is considered unlikely that the user will deviate from the original route by more than a predetermined distance, such as 1 km, so that when a nearby road within a predetermined distance is used, the detour may be registered as having traveled the same route.

The acquired information acquired by the vehicle system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes at least information representing a specific position and information representing a current position where the vehicle is located,
The output mode of the information for audio output differs depending on the positional relationship between the current position and the specific position (claim 18).
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a specific location in a vehicle system is a traffic control point where speeding violations are regulated, and the multiple types of audio output information include traffic control information that notifies of approach to a traffic control point (Claim 19).
The acquired information taken in by the vehicle system in one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes information indicating the vehicle speed, and the traffic enforcement information is output in a different manner depending on the vehicle speed (claim 20).
For example, if the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit, the traffic control information may be output more frequently or at a louder volume.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specific location in the vehicle system is a location of a facility where a parking space for the vehicle is provided and where the driver can take a rest, and the plurality of types of voice output information includes rest information for guiding the driver to the facility,
The acquired information includes information representing the continuous driving time, which is the elapsed time since the vehicle was switched from off to on and driving began, and the output manner of the rest information differs depending on this continuous driving time (claim 21).
In this case, the rest information can be presented at an appropriate timing when the driver is likely to feel fatigued.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specific location in the vehicle system is the location of a facility where energy necessary for the operation of the vehicle's engine can be replenished, and the plurality of types of voice output information includes replenishment information for guiding the vehicle to the facility,
The acquired information includes information indicating the remaining amount of energy stored in the vehicle, and the output mode of the replenishment information varies depending on this remaining amount (claim 22).

In this case, it is possible to prevent unnecessary presentation of the replenishment information when there is sufficient remaining energy, while presenting the replenishment information at the appropriate time when energy replenishment is necessary. Furthermore, if the distance from the current location to the location of the nearest facility is long, it is also effective to advance the timing of presenting the replenishment information depending on the distance, such as presenting the replenishment information when there is a relatively large amount of remaining energy.

The acquired information taken in by a vehicle system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least information representing the current time, and the multiple types of audio output information include audio output information related to the vehicle's driving status and general information that is output according to the time regardless of the vehicle's driving status (Claim 23).
The general information includes morning and evening greetings, seasonal greetings, current topics, and the like.
Examples of information to be outputted by voice relating to the driving conditions of a vehicle include information to warn drivers of road conditions during certain time periods, such as rush hour traffic.

The acquired information acquired by the vehicle system of a preferred aspect of the present invention includes at least information indicating whether the vehicle is on or off, information indicating the location of the driver's home or commute location, and location information indicating the current location of the vehicle,
One of the multiple types of voice output information is selected and output depending on the combination of information content, such as the time when the vehicle was switched from off to on and whether the current location at the time of switching was home or commute (claim 24).

For example, if the current location is at home when the vehicle is switched on early in the morning, the driver may be heading to work. In this case, outputting voice output information such as "Good morning. Do your best at work today" can cheer up the driver and motivate him/her. On the other hand, if the current location is at the destination of work when the vehicle is switched on in the evening or at night, the driver may be heading home. In this case, outputting voice output information such as "Thank you for your hard work. Be careful on your way home" can soothe the driver's fatigue.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, the output mode of the information for audio output differs depending on whether or not there is a passenger other than the driver in the vehicle (claim 25).
By changing the output mode of the voice output information depending on whether or not there is a passenger, it is possible to prevent the voice output from interfering with conversation. There are various methods for detecting passengers, such as using an occupant sensor, using setting information related to the air conditioning area of an air conditioner with a zone air conditioning function, or detecting the presence or absence of a passenger by voice recognition.

In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention, when selecting one piece of audio output information from the multiple types of audio output information, one piece of audio output information is randomly selected from the multiple pieces of audio output information extracted as candidates (claim 26).
In this case, it is possible to provide an unexpected sound output, and to realize a vehicle system that does not tire the driver.

A preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention uses the acquired information to estimate the driver's level of alertness, and varies the output mode of the information for audio output depending on the driver's level of alertness (claim 27).
Acquired information that can be used to estimate the level of alertness includes, for example, vehicle information such as changes in steering wheel rotation angle and changes in accelerator opening (throttle opening). Furthermore, by combining this vehicle information with information regarding the elapsed time since the vehicle ignition or the like was switched on, it may be possible to estimate the level of alertness with even greater accuracy. The level of alertness can also be estimated based on whether or not the driver responds to a voice output called out from the vehicle system. The voice output called out can include calls requesting a response from the driver as well as calls to slow down. In the former case, the level of alertness can be estimated based on whether or not the driver's response can be input through a sound-collecting microphone or the like. In the latter case, the level of alertness can be estimated based on whether or not a change occurs in the vehicle information in response to the call.

A preferred embodiment of the vehicle system of the present invention uses the acquired information to calculate the degree of energy consumption when the vehicle is operating, and outputs eco-information representing the degree of energy consumption as the audio output information (Claim 28).
The output of the eco-information, which is effective for saving energy, can motivate the driver to drive in a fuel-efficient manner (eco-driving) while having fun like playing a game.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle system outputs one of the voice output information by voice when a pattern that deviates from a pattern obtained during a predetermined period of time in the past occurs as a combination of the information content (claim 29).
When the combination of the acquired information content differs from a normal pattern, there is a possibility that the driver is unfamiliar with the surrounding geography. If voice output information is output when a combination of the acquired information content differs from a normal pattern occurs, there is a high possibility that it will be helpful to the driver.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the radar detector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a standby screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a map screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a GPS warning screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an RD warning screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an alarm mode in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the pronunciation frequency in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a character in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of sound generation conditions in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between sound production conditions and sound production frequencies in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between pronunciation frequency and characters in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting phrases for each time period in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting words and phrases according to a calendar in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting a phrase corresponding to a specific period in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of sound generation processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of registration of a specific area in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating sound generation specifications in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating sound generation specifications based on event combinations in the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram illustrating the sound specifications of the Orbis countdown in Example 2. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating sound generation specifications according to an RD reception level in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating sound generation specifications according to vehicle information in the second embodiment.

The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
Example 1
This example relates to a radar detector, which is a preferred embodiment of a vehicle system according to the present invention, and will be described with reference to FIGS.
The radar detector 1 of this example, whose main function is to issue warnings regarding traffic enforcement, is equipped with a talking function that outputs greetings and the like by voice (hereinafter referred to as "pronunciation").

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the radar detector 1 in this example is an in-vehicle device that has a thin, rectangular case body 2 and is attached to the dashboard of a vehicle via a bracket 28 that is attached to the lower rear side of the case body 2. Note that this radar detector 1 can also be installed behind a sun visor or rearview mirror, for example, by changing the bracket 28.

A 3.2-inch color touch panel 15 is provided on the front of the case body 2, which faces the driver when installed. This touch panel 15 is a display panel in which a transparent sheet-like touch screen 151 (Figure 3) that detects touch positions is laminated on a TFT dot matrix liquid crystal display 152 (Figure 3). When viewed from the driver's side, a volume adjustment button 21 is located on the outer right side of the touch panel 15, and various operation buttons 22 such as a power button and a light-emitting section 23 with an embedded full-color LED 127 are located on the outer left side. A light-receiving surface 25 of an infrared light-receiving section 128 that receives infrared rays from an operation remote control (not shown) is located on the lower right side of the touch panel 15. The radar detector 1 in this example can be operated by touching the touch panel 15 with a fingertip, operating the buttons, operating the remote control, etc.

A card insertion slot 27 is provided on the right side of the case body 2 when viewed from the driver's side, for inserting a memory card 171 such as an SD card, which is a removable recording medium. A USB connector 20 is provided on the lower back of the case body 2. This USB connector 20 can be connected to a cigarette plug cord extending from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, an OBD (On-board Diagnostics) adapter cord including an OBD connector (described below), a USB cable, etc. The radar detector 1 operates by receiving power via these cords connected to the USB connector 20.

As shown in Figure 3, the radar detector 1 is electrically configured with the control unit 10 at its core. In addition to the components described above, the control unit 10 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver 121, microwave receiver 122, radio receiver 123, acceleration sensor 124, gyro 125, clock unit 126, speaker 16, memory card reader 17, etc. Furthermore, the radar detector 1 is provided with a database 100 that can be accessed from the control unit 10.

The GPS receiver 121 is a receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs the current time, current position information (latitude and longitude), current speed, altitude, etc. The GPS receiver 121 is incorporated into the case body 2 so that it is located at the top center of the rear side of the radar detector 1. The control unit 10, which obtains current position information from the GPS receiver 121, can also calculate the vehicle speed based on fluctuations in the current position.

The microwave receiver 122 is a receiver that receives radar waves in the microwave wavelength band emitted from a speed measurement device such as a mobile radar (hereinafter simply referred to as radar).
The wireless receiver 123 is a receiver that receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency. The wireless receiver 123 in this example can be selectively set to one of a plurality of frequencies so as to be compatible with various types of wireless radio waves.
The microwave receiver 122 and the wireless receiver 123 are built into the case body 2 so as to be located on the rear side of the radar detector 1. This built-in position is suitable for receiving radio waves and the like coming from the front of the vehicle. The microwave receiver 122 has five levels of microwave field strength set, from Lv1 to Lv5, from lowest to highest.

The clock unit 126 is a clock that outputs calendar information. The calendar information includes data indicating the year, month, and date, and data indicating the current time. Once a day, when the current time is acquired from the GPS receiver 121, the current time (including the date and time) of the clock unit 126 is calibrated to the current time acquired from the GPS receiver 121.
The speaker 16 is mounted inside the case body 2 so as to be able to output sound and the like through a speaker hole (not shown) that opens on the bottom surface of the case body 2 .
The memory card reader 17 reads data recorded on the memory card 171 and transfers it to the control unit 10. The memory card 171 inserted into the card insertion slot 27 is attached to the memory card reader 17.

The control unit 10 is configured by a microcomputer (not shown) including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, an I/O, and the like.
The ROM stores software programs to be executed by the CPU.
The storage area of the non-volatile memory such as EEPROM includes a history storage area for storing the vehicle's movement history (history of current location), a setting information storage area for storing setting information such as alarm settings and chat settings, and a personal information storage area for storing personal information about the user (driver).

The database 100 is configured as a non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 10 or external to the microcomputer. The database 100 at the time of product shipment stores map data, GPS content including location information of warning targets, various facilities, and tourist spots, regulatory information such as speed limits, and various information for voice output. Furthermore, the database 100 stores a large amount of voice data used for voice synthesis (TTS: Text To Speech). The voice data includes data corresponding to frequently used phrases such as "Good morning," data corresponding to phonemes, and the like.
The voice output information in the database 100 includes information that assists driving and information that is not directly related to driving. The former information that assists driving includes warning information, which is specific assistance information, and other driving assistance information. The latter information that is not directly related to driving includes general information that is pronounced according to the time regardless of the vehicle's driving situation, and other information.

The data stored in the database 100 can be updated using a memory card 171. When a memory card 171 storing updated data such as map data, GPS content, and audio output information is inserted into the memory card reader 17, the updated data is read out under the control of the control unit 10, and the data in the database 100 can be updated. In particular, by adding or updating audio output information, it is possible to change the pronunciation style and increase the variety. It is also possible to update the database 100 by connecting a PC with updated data stored on a hard disk or the like via USB.

The radar detector 1 realizes various functions by having the CPU execute software programs read from the ROM. The functions of the radar detector 1 in this example include a display function that displays various screens on the touch panel 15, an alarm function that issues various alarms, a log function, a chat function, an OBD function, a setting function, and a registration function. Alarm functions include a GPS alarm function, an RD alarm function, and a wireless alarm function. The control unit 10 is provided with means corresponding to each function.

The display function is a function for displaying various display screens on the touch panel 15. The display screens include a standby screen 31 and a map screen 32, which are alternatively displayed when the device is in standby mode for an event that is the subject of an alert (described below), as well as a GPS alert screen 35, an RD alert screen 36, and a wireless alert screen (not shown), which are switched depending on the occurrence of an event that is the subject of an alert. The specific configuration of each screen will be described later with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

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

The OBD function acquires vehicle information through an OBD port (fault diagnosis port) installed on the vehicle in accordance with the OBD2 standard, a vehicle inspection standard. This OBD function only functions when the radar detector 1 is connected to the vehicle via an OBD adapter cord including an OBD connector that connects to the vehicle's OBD port. Vehicle information that can be acquired from the vehicle's OBD port includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load factor, ignition timing, intake manifold pressure, MAF (Major Air Flow), injection open time, engine coolant temperature (coolant temperature), air temperature drawn into the engine (intake temperature), outside vehicle temperature (outside air temperature), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel economy, accelerator position (throttle position), turn signal information (operation information for left and right turn signals), brake position, and steering wheel rotation angle. Vehicle information acquisition via the OBD function is performed every 0.5 seconds.

The setting function is a function for making various settings related to the operation of the radar detector 1. The settings can be broadly classified into alarm settings, chat settings, and personal information settings.
The warning setting is a setting of a driving assistance mode related to a warning by the warning function. The warning information, which is specific assistance information, is sounded in accordance with the warning setting.
The chatter setting is a setting related to the pronunciation of voice output information other than alarm information.
The personal information setting is a setting related to the personal information of the user (driver). When executing pronunciation using the chat function, the personal information set as the personal information setting may be referenced to determine the pronunciation mode, such as whether to execute the function.

The registration function allows the user (driver) to register specific areas with which he or she has a personal connection, and is executed by a registration means implemented as software in the control unit 10. Specific areas include the area surrounding the user's home, a specified area based on a line connecting the user's home and workplace, or the area surrounding a personal point registered by the user. For example, a specific area surrounding the user's home or personal point is registered as an area within a specified radius circle centered on the user's home or personal point. This radius can be set to, for example, approximately 5 to 10 km.

The chat function is a function that outputs voice synthesized by the CPU from the speaker 16. The voice output information targeted by the chat function is other voice output information other than warning information (specific assistance information) related to traffic enforcement according to the warning setting. The voice output information targeted by the chat function includes various information, such as driving assistance information, including information that supplements the content of warning information, as well as information that is not directly related to driving.

The GPS warning function warns of approaching objects such as speed cameras (automatic speed enforcement devices). The GPS warning function repeatedly performs calculations at predetermined intervals (e.g., every second) to determine the distance between the location of the object to be warned and the current location. When this distance reaches a predetermined approach distance and an event known as approaching a warning point occurs, a GPS warning indicating this is issued.

As shown in Figure 8, the targets that may be alerted by the GPS alert function include speed cameras, enforcement areas, checkpoints, intersection monitoring points, no-parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, red light ignorance prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas prone to vehicle theft, sharp curves, junctions and merging points, ETC lanes, etc. Database 100 stores GPS content that associates information about the type of these targets, location information (latitude and longitude) indicating their location (specific position), diagram or photograph data to be displayed on touch panel 15, and audio data. Alert targets may also include locations of drowsy driving accidents, radar, speed limit change points, etc.

Note that GPS content other than those alerted by the GPS warning function includes service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations inside PAs/SAs (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural border announcements, roadside stations, and viewpoint parking. Audio output information for these GPS contents is spoken using the chat function.

The RD alarm function alerts you to the incidence of radar waves (microwaves) emitted by a radar enforcement device. When an event occurs in which the microwave receiver 122 receives radar waves (hereinafter referred to as RD reception), an RD alarm is issued to indicate this.

The radio warning function issues warnings so as not to interfere with the operation of emergency vehicles, etc. When an event occurs in which radio waves emitted by an emergency vehicle, etc. are received (hereinafter referred to as radio reception), a radio warning is issued to alert the driver. Warnings can be issued for police radio, car location radio, digital radio, special small radio, police station radio, police telephone, police activity radio, towing radio, helicopter radio, fire helicopter radio, fire department radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, security radio, etc.

The main function of the radar detector 1 of this example configured as described above is the basic operation of the alarm function, which is realized by control of the control unit 10, etc. In standby mode, when no alarm-related events such as RD reception, radio reception, or approach to an alarm point have occurred, the standby screen 31 (Figure 4) or map screen 32 (Figure 5) is displayed. When an event occurs in this standby mode, processing is executed to execute the corresponding function from the GPS alarm function, RD alarm function, or radio alarm function. Note that when two or more events occur simultaneously, the priority of each function is, from highest to lowest, RD alarm function, radio alarm function, and GPS alarm function.

The standby screen 31 in FIG. 4 displays the vehicle's speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude detected by the GPS receiver 121. The map screen 32 in FIG. 5 displays a map of the area around the current location detected by the GPS receiver 121. A single touch on the standby screen 31 or map screen 32 causes a menu screen (not shown) including a screen switching button to pop up. Touching the screen switching button allows the standby screen 31 and map screen 32 to be switched back and forth.

As shown in Figure 5, the map screen 32 displays a map in the main display area R1, which occupies almost the entire surface of the touch panel 15. On the map screen 32, the map is displayed so that the vehicle's direction of travel is always facing upward, and the current vehicle position is located at the bottom center of the main display area R1. A vehicle icon 301 is displayed at the vehicle's position. At the top of the map screen 32 is a horizontally elongated status area R2 displaying status information. The status information displayed in the status area R2, from left to right, includes the current time 321, a reception level display icon 322 showing the GPS radio wave reception level using up to three bars, a no-parking area icon 323 indicating the vehicle is in a no-parking zone or a no-parking zone, a reception sensitivity mode display icon 324 indicating the radar reception sensitivity, current vehicle speed (vehicle speed) 325, and a compass 326. In the status area R2, which is displayed overlaid on the main display area R1, letters and symbols are displayed within a transparent frame so that the map information in the main display area R1 can be seen through the status area R2. Note that the LH display 302 in the main display area R1 indicates an LH-type speed camera.

On the map screen 32, a scale display area R3 for displaying scale information (map scale) is provided to the left of the main display area R1. In this scale display area R3, the vehicle position is used as the reference (0 m) and the distance between the top and middle positions of the main display area R1 is displayed numerically. Figure 5 shows an example of scale information where the top position is 1000 meters and the middle position is 500 meters. The scale of the map on the map screen 32 can be changed using a map scale change button (not shown) that pops up when the main display area R1 is touched twice consecutively. By touching this map scale change button, the scale of the map screen 32 can be changed as needed. When the scale of the map screen 32 is changed, the scale information in the scale display area R3 changes accordingly.

In the standby state, when an event requiring an alarm, such as an RD reception, a radio reception, or approaching an alarm point, occurs, an alarm screen is displayed superimposed on the standby screen 31 or the map screen 32, and alarm information to that effect is sounded. At this time, the color of the light-emitting element 23 changes from blue, which indicates the standby state, to red, thereby indicating that caution is required.
When a GPS alarm occurs, a GPS alarm screen 35, as shown in Fig. 6, is displayed. The GPS alarm screen 35 is a display screen in which a GPS alarm display 350, which shows a schematic diagram of the target of the alarm, the remaining distance, etc., is displayed in an inset manner in the main display area R1.
In the case of an RD warning, an RD warning screen 36, as shown in Fig. 7, is displayed. The RD warning screen 36 is a display screen in which an RD warning display 360, including a schematic diagram or photograph of a radar, is displayed in an interrupted manner in the main display area R1. Note that a distance display 365 to the radar at the bottom of the RD warning display 360 displays the distance estimated from the electric field strength (Lv1 to Lv5) of the received radar wave.
In the case of a wireless alarm, a wireless alarm screen (not shown) is displayed, which is almost the same as the RD alarm.

Next, we will explain the specifications and content of the sounds that characterize the radar detector 1 of this example. Sounds are produced by the chatter function and the alarm functions (GPS alarm function, RD alarm function, and wireless alarm function). All of these functions are realized by the control of the control unit 10, etc.
First, the sounding of alarm information (specific assistance information) by the alarm function is executed according to the alarm setting in FIG. 8. Driving assistance modes according to the alarm setting include normal mode, minimum mode, special mode, all-on mode, and manual mode. Normal mode is the initial setting mode at the time of product shipment. In each mode except manual mode, an operation (on/off) corresponding to each alarm target is predefined. In manual mode, the user can manually set an operation corresponding to the alarm target.

Minimum mode is a setting that alerts only to the minimum necessary items for all RD alert functions, radio alert functions, and GPS alert functions. Normal mode is a mode that emphasizes balance between functions, and in addition to the items in minimum mode, it is set to alert on items related to enforcement that are of high importance. Special mode is a setting that alerts on all items related to enforcement in addition to the items in normal mode.

The speech function produces speech according to the speech settings and personal information settings.
Examples of personal information set by personal information setting include (1) location information of home location, (2) location information of workplace (company, government office, etc.), (3) location information of school, (4) location information of My Points, which are registered locations by the user, and (5) personal information such as the birthday, preferences, hobbies, etc. of the driver who is the user. Note that these personal information can be set using a personal information setting screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel 15.

The chat settings include various settings such as pronunciation frequency (output mode), character settings (expression mode), pronunciation conditions (voice output conditions), etc. The chat settings can be set using a chat setting screen (not shown).
As shown in Figure 9, there are three output frequency settings for the pronunciation frequency: chatty, normal, and quiet, in descending order of frequency. Chatty mode is an output mode suitable for driving alone, in which pronunciation is executed frequently. Quiet mode is an output mode suitable for driving with a passenger, in which pronunciation is kept to a minimum so as not to disturb the conversation. Normal mode is an output mode in which pronunciation is executed at the same level as that of a conventional radar detector.
As shown in Figure 10, the character settings include Normal, a calm character similar to that of a conventional radar detector; Passenger Seat, an intimate character like a friend, lover or family member who speaks from the passenger seat; Cockpit, a character who speaks with a sense of urgency, reminiscent of the cockpit of a fighter jet or spaceship; and Lei, a character from a popular anime.
As shown in Figure 11, five types of pronunciation conditions are preset. The pronunciation conditions are designed so that it is almost impossible for the user to manually set them. Five types of pronunciation conditions are set: (1) opening phrase, (2) phrase when an event that requires an alarm occurs, (3) phrase when approaching other content, (4) phrase using vehicle information, etc., and (5) phrase when arriving at a specific registered location.

In the radar detector 1 of this example, as shown in Figure 12, the sound output conditions for sound output differ depending on the sound output frequency. For example, in the chat mode, sound is output for all sound output conditions, while in the quiet mode, the sound output condition is set to the occurrence of an event that triggers an alarm (2). As a result, when the quiet mode is set, sound is output in the same way as in conventional radar detectors that do not have a chat function. Note that the △ in the sound output condition 5 in the normal mode indicates that the user can select whether or not to output sound.
Furthermore, in the radar detector 1 of this example, the voice frequency modes that can be set for each character differ, as shown in Figure 13. For example, for a normal character, the quiet mode and normal mode can be set, but the chatty mode cannot be set. For a cockpit character, the chatty mode and normal mode can be set, but the quiet mode cannot be set.

Specific examples of pronunciation by the radar detector 1 of this example will be described for each pronunciation condition. As shown in Figure 11, the voice output information in the radar detector 1 of this example is classified into five groups, the first word group to the fifth word group, for each pronunciation condition. Of this, the voice output information belonging to the second word group is warning information (specific support information) pronounced by the warning function. The voice output information belonging to the first and third to fifth word groups is voice output information by the chatter function. The radar detector 1 of this example selects and pronounces one of the voice output information depending on the combination of information content from multiple types of acquired information, such as the current location and time, but there are differences in the combination of types of acquired information referenced for each word group.

(1) Opening phrases (first group of phrases)
According to a combination of information contents of acquired information such as vehicle ignition information, current time, current vehicle location, personal information set by personal information setting, etc., one of the voice output information belonging to the first phrase group is pronounced. The first phrase group includes voice output information unrelated to vehicle driving operations. Such voice output information is useful for relaxing the driver's mood and preventing boredom.

For example, the first phrase group includes voice output information corresponding to dates and times, as shown in Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 shows voice output information related to greetings for different time periods throughout the day. Using the voice output information in Figure 14, for example, when the ignition is turned on at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 11, a message such as "Good morning. Today is Monday, June 11" can be pronounced. Figure 15 shows voice output information related to greetings related to the calendar throughout the year. Using the voice output information in Figure 15, for example, the name of a national holiday can be pronounced. It can also be used to pronounce personal information set by the user, such as a specific date when an event is held or the driver's birthday. Figure 16 shows voice output information that warns drivers of specific periods, such as Golden Week and Obon. Using the voice output information in Figure 14, for example, by announcing that there is a risk of traffic congestion during consecutive holidays, drivers can be encouraged to drive carefully. It is also effective to inform drivers of Traffic Safety Week to encourage safe driving. Furthermore, when it is a weekday and not a specific period, it is also possible to use pronunciations that urge driving caution depending on the time of day. For example, from 7:00 to 9:00 (in the morning), it is possible to pronounce "This is rush hour for commuting people. Please be careful of pedestrians commuting to school.", from 16:00 to 19:00, it is "This is rush hour for commuting people. Please be careful of pedestrians commuting home.", and from 23:00 to 5:00 the next morning, it is possible to pronounce "Please be very careful when driving late at night.".

Next, examples of pronunciation of words and phrases at the opening will be described.
(1-1) Home When the ignition (power supply) of a vehicle parked at home is turned on, the pronunciation process illustrated in FIG. 17 is executed. The pronunciation process begins when the vehicle's ignition is turned on (S101). First, a greeting corresponding to the current time is pronounced (S102). Next, the date is determined (S103). The pronunciation content varies depending on whether the day is a weekday, weekend, national holiday, or special day (S104, S114, S124). Furthermore, if it is a specific time period during which the vehicle is expected to be used for commuting, etc., a pronunciation appropriate to that usage situation is produced (S105). If the day falls within a specific period, a pronunciation to provide that information is produced (S115), and the pronunciation process is terminated (S106).

For example, if the current time when the vehicle ignition is turned on is between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM and the current location is at home, it is possible to imagine a scene of the driver going to work. Depending on the conversation setting, it is recommended to pronounce, for example, "Good morning. Good luck at work today." It is also recommended to pronounce the date.
(1-2) Workplace When the current time when the vehicle ignition is switched on is between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, and the current location is the workplace, a scene of returning home can be assumed. Depending on the conversation settings, for example, a message such as "Thank you for your hard work. Be careful on your way home" can be pronounced. Furthermore, when the current time is replaced with a message between 6:30 PM and 11:00 PM, a scene of returning home from overtime work can be assumed. In this case, a message such as "Thank you for your hard work until late. Be careful on your way home" can be pronounced.
(1-3) Commuting destinations Commuting destinations using a vehicle can be considered to be universities or vocational schools. At universities and vocational schools, the end times of classes and extracurricular activities vary widely, making it difficult to predict when a person will return home depending on the time. Therefore, in the case of a combination of information content in which the current location when the vehicle ignition is turned on is the commuting destination, it is a good idea to randomly pronounce voice prompts such as "Did you have fun today? How was your studies?" and add a final prompt such as "Please drive carefully."

(2) Phrases to be used when an event to be alerted occurs (second group of phrases)
Any of the warning information (specific assistance information) belonging to the second phrase group is pronounced depending on the combination of the information content of the acquired information, such as the type of event that has occurred, speed limit information, current vehicle position, vehicle speed information, etc. Events that are the subject of a warning include the approach to the warning point, the RD reception, the radio reception, etc.
The alarm information is pronounced according to the alarm setting, regardless of the pronunciation frequency in the chat setting, and only the expression style differs depending on the character setting in the chat setting. With such a setting, the pronunciation frequency of the main alarm function of the radar detector 1 of this example can be made consistent regardless of the chat setting. If the pronunciation is consistent, the timing of the alarm pronunciation will be constant, which can prevent the user (driver) from missing the alarm.

For example, if the combination of information indicates that the vehicle's current location is within 1 km of an Orbis (automatic speed enforcement device) and that the vehicle's speed is above the speed limit, the cockpit character settings will sound an alarm (traffic enforcement information) such as "You've been locked on by an enemy 1 km ahead! Slow down now!". Also, if the combination of information indicates that the speed is within the speed limit, an alarm will sound such as "An enemy has been spotted 1 km ahead! Continue driving at the same speed!".

(3) Phrases used when approaching other content (third group of phrases)
Depending on a combination of information content such as location information (GPS content) of specific facilities, the current location of the vehicle, and the continuous driving time since the user/driver started driving, any of the voice output information belonging to the third phrase group is pronounced.
(3-1) Rest Facilities While driving on a highway, when approaching a rest facility such as a service area, parking area, or highway oasis, if the information indicates that the continuous driving time exceeds two hours, rest information such as "Thank you for driving for a long time. Shouldn't you take a break? There is a service area one kilometer ahead." may be pronounced. If the information indicates that traffic congestion has exceeded a certain time instead of the continuous driving time, rest information such as "Aren't you tired from the traffic jam?" may also be pronounced. Furthermore, when the continuous driving time becomes excessive, rest information strongly urging the driver to take a break may be pronounced, such as "Continuing to drive any longer will put the mission at risk! Take a rest at the service area one kilometer ahead!!" It is also possible to pronounce similar rest information when driving on a public road and approaching a rest facility such as a roadside station.

Whether the vehicle is on a highway or a local road may be determined by using a well-known map matching calculation to determine whether the vehicle's current position is a highway or a local road, or by determining the road type based on the vehicle's speed, acceleration, deceleration, and other conditions. Since the latter determination method makes it difficult to completely determine the road type, it is advisable to clearly state in the product manual that there are cases where automatic determination of whether the vehicle is on a highway or a local road is not possible. While the radar detector 1 may be provided with a means for setting the type of road the vehicle is traveling on, it is also advisable to state in the product manual that setting the road type enables the display of accurate rest information. Another method for detecting congestion is, for example, determining that a congestion has occurred when the vehicle's speed drops below 30 km/h while traveling on a highway.
(3-2) Viewpoint Parking (tourist parking lot)
When the vehicle's current location is outside a specific area registered based on the home and workplace locations and the current location is near a viewpoint parking lot, tourist information such as the name of the viewpoint and its attractions is announced. A good example of a specific area is one that combines a circular area with a 5-kilometer radius centered on the user's home, a circular area with a 5-kilometer radius centered on the workplace, and a rectangular area with a width of 10 km centered on the line connecting the home and workplace, as shown in Figure 18. Registering such a specific area can prevent the announcement of tourist information that is unnecessary for the user and is located near the user's home or workplace.
(3-3) Others When the information content is combined with information that the vehicle is approaching a long tunnel or a series of tunnels while driving on a highway, a pronunciation such as "There is a long tunnel. Please turn on your lights and drive carefully" is executed. When the information content is combined with information that the vehicle is driving near a parking lot, a pronunciation such as "There is a parking lot nearby" is possible. When the information content is combined with information that the vehicle is driving near a fire engine, a pronunciation such as "There is a fire station nearby. Please watch out for emergency vehicles" is possible.

(4) Phrases using vehicle information, etc. (fourth phrase group)
Any of the voice output information belonging to the fourth phrase group is pronounced according to a combination of the contents of the acquired information including vehicle information, etc. The vehicle information, etc. includes vehicle information acquired by the OBD function and internal information acquired by internal devices such as the acceleration sensor 124, the gyro 125, and the clock unit 126 ( FIG. 3 ).
(4-1) Refueling Information When the remaining amount of fuel in the tank estimated using the fuel flow rate acquired by the OBD function is lower than the specified amount and the information indicates that the vehicle is traveling near a gas station, a message such as "You're running low on gas. There's a gas station about 1 kilometer away. Would you like to stop by?" may be issued. The remaining amount of gas in the tank can be estimated by subtracting the amount of fuel used, which is the cumulative fuel flow rate, from the tank capacity registered by the user in advance. When the tank capacity is unknown, refueling information (refilling information) may be issued according to the amount of fuel used. This example illustrates a vehicle that runs on gasoline as its energy source. In the case of an electric vehicle, the energy required for driving is electricity.
(4-2) Drowsiness warning The driver's level of alertness is estimated based on the steering wheel rotation angle, accelerator opening, etc., and when the level of alertness falls below a threshold, audio output information is sounded to warn that the level of alertness is decreasing.
(4-3) Eco Information Eco points, which represent the degree of eco-driving achievement, are tallied based on the accelerator pedal stroke, fuel flow rate, etc., and audio output information is generated to praise or encourage the driver according to the eco points. The timing of the audio output may be random or when a specific eco point is reached. The degree of eco-driving achievement may be determined by the degree of fuel consumption per distance, the rate at which the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a predetermined accelerator pedal stroke (e.g., the rate relative to the mileage or driving time), the rate at which sudden braking occurs, the rate at which sudden steering occurs, the rate at which sudden acceleration occurs, etc. Furthermore, the degree of eco-driving achievement may be determined by combining these rates.
(4-4) Others It is also good to pronounce various voice output information at random timing. In particular, if the accumulated driving time within a certain period of time becomes long, random pronunciation can relieve the driver's drowsiness and provide enjoyment.
By inserting a memory card 171 that stores various information, including not only public enforcement information but also news and weather, voice output information such as "△△ happened at XX on XX/XX,""It's raining today, do you have an umbrella?", or "△△ will be held at XX this weekend" can be output. It is advisable to keep track of the data update date and time and compare it with the current time to avoid outputting information based on old data. Furthermore, for users who do not frequently update their public enforcement information, voice output information such as "The data is outdated. If you could update it, we could be more helpful to you..." can be output to encourage users to update their public enforcement information.

(5) Phrases for arriving at a specific registered point (specific location) (fifth phrase group)
Depending on the combination of information content such as the location information of a specific registered point and the current location of the vehicle, any one of the voice output information belonging to the fifth phrase group is pronounced.
(5-1) When arriving at a registered workplace When the current location of the vehicle matches the registered workplace location, voice output information such as "Please work hard today" is pronounced. After that, when the vehicle ignition is turned off, information such as the mileage, driving time, fuel consumption, and fuel economy at that time may also be pronounced.
(5-2) When arriving at a registered home When the vehicle's current location matches the registered home location, voice output information such as "Thank you for your hard work today. Please have a good rest." can be pronounced. If the current time is included in the combination of types of acquired information, more thoughtful and pleasant phrases can be pronounced. For example, if the user arrives home at 2:00 p.m., the usual greeting for arriving home can be avoided to reduce discomfort for the user.
(5-3) When the vehicle arrives at a location of a user-registered My Point When the vehicle's current position coincides with a My Point, voice output information such as "You have arrived at My Point" can be announced.

The radar detector 1 of this example, configured as described above, is capable of appropriately announcing useful information needed by the driver. Based on multiple types of acquired information, including the location of the driver's home or workplace, date of birth, preferences, hobbies, and other personal information, the radar detector 1 annunciates information according to a combination of these information contents. Therefore, information useful to each individual driver can be appropriately annunciated. For example, in areas surrounding the driver's home, workplace, or commute, tourist information and rest information are deemed not useful to the user and are therefore restricted from being annunciated. On the other hand, in areas where the user is expected to be unfamiliar, tourist information and rest information are deemed potentially useful to the user and are actively annunciated. Furthermore, since rest information is not useful to a driver who has just finished a break, rest information is appropriately presented taking into account factors such as continuous driving time and the time of day (e.g., 3:00 PM). This appropriately presented information not only provides detailed driving support tailored to each individual driver, but is also extremely useful for entertaining and relaxing the driver through audio output.

The radar detector 1 in this example not only sounds warning information and other information that assists driving, but also sounds information that is not directly related to driving. Some of the information that is not directly related to driving is sounded according to the time of day, regardless of the vehicle's driving conditions. In this radar detector 1, warning information is sounded according to the warning setting, and other information is sounded according to the chat setting. This specification is extremely effective in ensuring consistency in the warning function, which is the main function of the radar detector 1, regardless of the chat setting for the chat function, which is an additional function. The driver, who is the user, can enjoy the chat function with their preferred chat setting without worrying about the impact on the warning function, which is the main purpose for purchasing the radar detector 1.

The chat function, which provides information appropriate for each individual driver, unexpected information for unusual behavioral patterns, and different information every day even for the same behavioral patterns, is designed with various features to keep users entertained and to provide them with useful information. For users who are accustomed to using this chat function, it becomes an essential function in addition to the main alarm function that motivates them to purchase, and can be an added value of the radar detector 1 of this example. For users who consider the chat function to be an added value, the radar detector 1 of this example with the chat function is an extremely attractive product. If the number of such users increases, it can be expected that more repeat customers will choose new products that inherit the design concept of the radar detector 1 of this example without having to choose between other radar detectors when replacing their existing ones.

It is recommended that the speech settings (character and pronunciation frequency settings) be common across all pronunciation conditions. This is because this allows for consistency in pronunciation across each pronunciation condition. In particular, if common speech settings are applied at the start, during, and end of driving, a consistent style of pronunciation can be achieved from the time the user gets into the vehicle until they get out. Alternatively, it is possible to allow different pronunciation frequency settings for each pronunciation condition, while keeping the character common across all pronunciation conditions.

It is a good idea to prepare multiple types of voice output information for similar combinations of information content. For example, if you prepare around 30 phrases for similar combinations of information content as voice output information for the first phrase group, which are the opening phrases, it will be possible to pronounce a different phrase every day, even if the same combinations of information content are repeated for a month. By pronouncing a different phrase every day, it is possible to surprise the driver/user. The driver/user will want to hear what phrase will be pronounced next, and will look forward to it every day. If this kind of enjoyment is created, the chat function of this product can be used for a long period of time without getting bored.

When the vehicle is traveling on a route different from the route of the travel history stored in the history storage area, it is possible that the driver is unfamiliar with the surrounding geography, so it is a good idea to pronounce geographical information such as town information or tourist information, such as "There is a convenience store in this neighborhood." Furthermore, the frequency with which the geographical information is pronounced may be changed depending on the degree of distance from the most recent location in the stored travel history to the current location. The greater this distance, the further away the user/driver is from their hometown, and it is likely that they are unfamiliar with the geography, so it is a good idea to increase the frequency with which the geographical information is pronounced.

A non-volatile memory storage area may also be provided with an information pattern storage area for storing patterns of combinations of acquired information content. When the user/driver behaves in an unconventional manner, a new pattern not stored in the information pattern storage area will emerge. The radar detector 1 can recognize the occurrence of unusual behavior in response to the emergence of such a new pattern. For example, in the case of opening phrases (first phrase group), patterns of combinations of acquired information content, such as vehicle ignition information, current time, current vehicle location, and personal information, may be stored. When a new pattern different from the patterns obtained over the past month or week is obtained, a pronunciation corresponding to that combination of information content may be executed. For example, a pattern of combinations of information content may be stored in which the ignition of the vehicle at home is turned on around 6:00 a.m. every morning. If the ignition is turned on later than that, the pronunciation may be, "Good morning. It's a little later than usual, but please drive carefully and slowly." Or, when the ignition of your vehicle at home is turned on at 5am, you could say, "It's early today. The roads are relatively empty, but please be careful not to drive too fast."

This example is an example of a standalone vehicle system in which the radar detector 1 alone produces various sounds. Alternatively, the vehicle system may be configured by equipping the radar detector 1 with network functionality, and including a base station that has a database of audio output information and is accessible via a network.

While adding a means for detecting whether a passenger is present, it is also possible to change the character settings and pronunciation frequency depending on whether a passenger is present. For example, even if the pronunciation frequency is set to chatty mode, it is also possible to temporarily set it to quiet mode when a passenger is present. In this case, it is possible to prevent situations in which the radar detector 1 interferes with conversations with passengers. Passenger detection means can include a means that uses a pressure sensor embedded in the seat, or a means that detects passengers by applying image processing to images taken by an imaging camera installed facing the interior of the vehicle.

Example 2
This example is an example in which a sound generation feature is added to the radar detector 1 of Example 1. The details of this example will be described with reference to Figs.
The radar detector of this example is set to the sound generation specifications shown in Fig. 19. The specifications in Fig. 19 include specifications that overlap with those in the first embodiment.
In this example, the sound frequency setting is slightly different from that of Example 1. While it is similar to Example 1 in that there are three output mode settings, namely chatty, normal, and quiet, in descending order of frequency, it differs in that the quiet mode has the same sound frequency as conventional radar detectors. The chatty mode is an output mode for drivers who want to hear all warnings and various information. The quiet mode is an output mode for drivers who want to drive quietly and be satisfied with the same warnings as conventional radar detectors. The normal mode is an intermediate mode between the two, and is an output mode for drivers who want to receive more information about speed cameras, checkpoints, etc. than conventional radar detectors provide.

The pronunciation based on the event combination in Fig. 19 is a pronunciation specification when two or more of a plurality of types of events such as approaching GPS content (GPS content approach), RD reception, and radio reception occur simultaneously (Fig. 20), and is an additional specification to Example 1. In addition to the above, target events include events of specific vehicle information acquisition, such as acquisition of vehicle information indicating that the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h or more, or acquisition of vehicle information indicating that a traffic jam is expected.
The sound specifications for the speed camera countdown are set to sound when you approach a speed camera (Figure 21).
The sound produced in response to the RD reception level (Lv) is a specification for producing a sound in response to changes in Lv intensity (FIG. 22).
The pronunciation according to the vehicle information is based on the vehicle information acquired by the radar detector (FIG. 23).

As can be seen from Figure 19, when the pronunciation frequency during the chat setting is set to quiet mode, pronunciation based on event combinations and pronunciation based on vehicle information are not executed. Users who want the same pronunciation as that of conventional radar detectors 1 can suppress the pronunciation frequency by setting quiet mode, resulting in the same pronunciation specifications as conventional radar detectors 1, except for pronunciation based on RD reception levels. On the other hand, when the chat mode is set, pronunciation based on event combinations and pronunciation based on vehicle information are all executed. For example, if the alarm setting is set to all-on mode and the pronunciation frequency during the chat setting is set to chat mode, a very high pronunciation frequency and a very lively specification can be achieved.

Examples of sounds produced by event combinations will be described with reference to Figure 20. For example, if a GPS content approach event due to approaching an Orbis camera and an RD reception event due to receiving radar waves occur simultaneously, a sound reflecting both events will be produced. This is a new feature not found in the radar detector 1 of Example 1, in which an RD warning is given priority over a GPS warning. Specifically, a sound reflecting both the GPS content approach event, "Radar warning confirmed in Orbis area! Watch your speed," and the RD reception event will be produced. Furthermore, if a GPS content approach event due to approaching a speed trap area and a specific vehicle information import event, indicating a speed exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 km/h, occur simultaneously, a sound reflecting both events will be produced: "Watch out for speed enforcement! You are 10 km over the speed limit." Furthermore, if a radio reception event due to receiving a speed enforcement radio signal occurs in conjunction with these two events, a sound reflecting all three events will be produced: "Inside speed enforcement measurement area, you are 10 km over the speed limit."

Furthermore, if a GPS content approach event due to approaching an accident-prone area and a radio reception event due to reception of a car location radio signal occur simultaneously, a pronunciation reflecting these two events will be executed: "There is a risk of a traffic accident in this area. Drive carefully." If a GPS content approach event due to approaching a parking area and a specific vehicle information import event indicating that driving at 30 km/h or less has continued for a specified period of time, which may indicate a traffic jam, occur simultaneously, a pronunciation will be executed: "There is a XX parking area 2 kilometers ahead. Are you tired from the traffic jam? We recommend taking a break." If a GPS content approach event due to approaching a service area with an attached gas station and a specific vehicle information import event indicating that the gasoline remaining in the tank has fallen below 20% occur simultaneously, a pronunciation will be executed: "Your gasoline is low. There is a gas station at the XX service area 2 kilometers ahead. We recommend refueling."

The specifications for the sound of the speed camera countdown in response to approaching a speed camera will be explained with reference to Figure 21. This specification varies depending on the sound frequency during the chat setting. In quiet mode, the countdown every 100 meters is not sounded and an alarm similar to that of a conventional radar detector 1 is issued, while in chat mode or normal mode, the countdown every 100 meters can be sounded. In particular, when chat mode is set, count 2 in the same figure is applied, which counts down from a distance of 1000 meters to 100 meters. On the other hand, in normal mode, count 1 in the same figure is applied, which starts a countdown every 100 meters when the vehicle is within 500 meters. Note that traffic enforcement information used to audibly notify approaching a control point (a specific location such as the location of a speed camera) includes alert information sounded according to the alert setting, as well as audio output information sounded by the speed camera countdown.

The pronunciation specifications according to the RD reception level will be explained with reference to Figure 22. As shown in Figure 19, these pronunciation specifications are common regardless of the pronunciation frequency during the chat setting (chat mode, normal mode, quiet mode). When the reception level gradually increases from Lv1 to Lv5, the following pronunciations are executed when the reception level reaches Lv1, Lv3, and Lv5, respectively: "Radar waves received," "Approaching a radar wave transmission area!", and "You are in a radar wave transmission area." On the other hand, when the reception level gradually decreases from Lv5 to Lv1, the following pronunciations are executed when the reception level reaches Lv5, Lv3, and zero, respectively: "You are in a radar wave transmission area," "Leaving a radar wave transmission area!", and "Out of the radar wave transmission area."

An example of sound produced in response to vehicle information will be described with reference to Fig. 23. In Fig. 23, internal information refers to information acquired by internal devices such as the acceleration sensor 124 and the clock unit 126.
For example, when the vehicle is traveling at low speed or idling at zero speed for a long period of time and is driving on a highway, a message such as "There is a parking area one kilometer ahead. Would you like to take a break?" is emitted before a parking area or service area. When the throttle opening determined by the OBD function is maintained at 80% or more for several seconds, a message such as "You are putting too much strain on the engine. This is not good for fuel economy" is emitted. When the fuel flow rate determined by the OBD function reaches a preset alarm value, a message such as "There is not enough gasoline. Please refuel." is emitted. In the reminder setting, vehicle information from the OBD function is used, and when a set number of days or a set distance is reached, a message such as "It is time to change the battery" or "It is time to change the tires" is emitted.

Furthermore, by producing sounds based on internal information acquired by the radar detector, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and inclination, or vehicle information acquired by the OBD function, it becomes possible to constantly notify changes in driving conditions, surrounding conditions, vehicle status, etc. by voice. For example, in the case of the output of the acceleration sensor 124, the values for acceleration G, deceleration G, and lateral G can be constantly pronounced when they exceed preset thresholds for a specified period of time. For example, "Acceleration G ○○", "○○", etc., "Lateral G ○○", "○○", etc. In the case of OBD output (vehicle information from the OBD function), the output value of a set item can be constantly pronounced when it exceeds a threshold for a specified period of time. For example, "Engine load ○○", "○○", etc., "Full throttle", "○○", etc.

As described above, with this example radar detector equipped with a sound output specification based on event combinations, when multiple overlapping events occur while driving, appropriate information reflecting the content of those events can be output. For example, if the approaching speed to a speed trap area is 10-20 km/h over, useful information needed to avoid being caught can be output, such as "Beware of speed traps! You are 10 km over the speed limit." Also, for example, when approaching a service area with an attached gas station, if the amount of gas remaining in the tank is below 20%, useful information needed to avoid running out of gas can be output, such as "Your gasoline is low. There is a gas station 2 km ahead at the XX service area. We recommend you refuel."

In this way, the radar detector of this example can provide the driver with the information they need in that situation by announcing information according to the combination of multiple overlapping events. This radar detector is a "thoughtful" in-vehicle device that can provide appropriate information that reflects the individual driver's situation.
The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above in Examples 1 and 2, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are variously modified or altered from the specific examples by utilizing publicly known technology and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

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

Claims (7)

A system having a function of making a predetermined sound when a vehicle is turned on,
The system is characterized by having a function that, as the predetermined pronunciation, different pronunciations are made depending on whether the date is a weekday or not, and if the date is a weekday, a pronunciation process is performed for each time period in which a predetermined pronunciation is made when the current time falls within a specific time period, while if the date is not a weekday, the pronunciation process for each time period is not performed. The system of claim 1, characterized in that, as the predetermined pronunciation, if the date falls within a predetermined specific period, it has a function of outputting a voice based on voice output information for that specific period, and the voice output information for the specific period includes content indicating that it is a specific period and content calling attention to the specific period. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined pronunciation has a function of making a pronunciation that simulates a scene of commuting to work when the current time when the vehicle is turned on belongs to a first time zone and the current location is at home. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined pronunciation has a function of making a pronunciation that simulates a scene of returning home when the current time when the vehicle is turned on belongs to a second time zone and the current location is at work. 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of outputting voice information when the current location of the vehicle coincides with the registered location of the workplace. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a function of announcing at least one of information on the mileage, driving time, fuel consumption or fuel economy when the vehicle arrives at the registered workplace and is turned off. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the system described in any one of claims 1 to 6.