JP7846930B2 - Systems and programs, etc. - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to systems and programs, etc.

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

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-64588 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-96728

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

The purpose of the present invention is not limited thereto. The applicant intends to obtain rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc., for configurations that aim to achieve the effects derived from the components disclosed in this specification and the drawings. For example, problems disclosed in this specification can be reinterpreted as "the problem is..." where "it is possible to..." is used instead. Each problem is described independently, and the applicant intends to obtain rights through separate divisional applications, amendments, etc., for configurations that solve each of these problems. Even if a problem is implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include a portion of the configuration described in this specification in the claims through amendment or a divisional application. Furthermore, configurations that solve problems combining these independent problems are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

(1) A system is provided that includes a control unit that performs warning control to alert the vehicle to approach the installation point of a fixed part to which a speed enforcement device is fixed.

This allows users to be aware of their approach to locations where speed enforcement devices are installed and enforcement is likely to occur.

In particular, it is desirable for speed enforcement devices to implement warning control that alerts the driver when approaching a "location where a detachable fixed part is installed." The content of this warning should not be a warning indicating approach to a speed enforcement device itself, but rather a warning indicating approach to a location where a fixed part where a speed enforcement device can be installed is located. For example, instead of "There is a speed camera 500m ahead. Watch your speed!", it would be better to warn, "There is a pole where a speed camera can be installed 500m ahead. Watch your speed!" or "There is a pole for a semi-fixed speed camera 500m ahead. Watch your speed!". "There is a location where a speed camera can be installed 500m ahead. Watch your speed!" is also acceptable, but it is especially good to include something that indicates a specific structure, such as "There is a pole where a speed camera can be installed 500m ahead. Watch your speed!", and in particular, something that indicates at least a part of the fixed part. In this way, the user can focus on this structure, pay attention to its location, and easily confirm whether or not a speed enforcement device was actually installed at the fixed part. The warning content should be stored in the system's memory and output via voice, text, images, etc. Conventional systems memorized the location of the speed enforcement device itself and issued warnings indicating approach to that device. However, in cases like semi-fixed speed cameras, where the speed enforcement device has a detachable mounting point pre-installed on the roadside, and the installation of the speed enforcement device on this mounting point is changed as needed, the inventors found that issuing a warning indicating approach to the speed enforcement device is inappropriate. Therefore, the installation location of the mounting point should be investigated and known in advance, and the location information of the mounting point, along with information indicating that it is a mounting point, should be stored in the memory. The system should then determine whether or not to issue the warning based on this location information and the information indicating that it is a mounting point. Furthermore, the speed enforcement device should at least include a vehicle speed measuring unit, and preferably also include an imaging unit to image vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

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

This allows users to be aware of their approach to locations where speed enforcement devices are installed and enforcement is likely to occur.

In particular, it is preferable to implement warning control based on the location information of the "location of the detachable fixed part" of the speed enforcement device, rather than the installation location of the speed enforcement device itself, and the location information of the vehicle, to indicate that the vehicle is approaching the installation location. For example, it is preferable to store the locations of the support poles installed on routes such as urban expressways for the installation of semi-fixed speed cameras, and then implement control to issue a warning when approaching each pole, indicating that the vehicle is approaching a support pole for a semi-fixed speed camera.

(3) The fixed unit may have at least one of the following: a power supply unit for supplying power to the speed enforcement device, and a communication line unit for the speed enforcement device to communicate.

In this way, based on the installation location of the fixed unit containing the power supply or circuit unit for operating the speed enforcement device, the user can be made aware of locations where speed enforcement devices are likely to be installed and enforcement will be conducted.

(4) If the control unit determines that the speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed part, it may perform the first alarm control.

This method allows users to be aware of the presence of speed enforcement devices in their area.

In particular, based on the location information of the fixed mounting point to which the speed enforcement device can be attached (rather than the location of the speed enforcement device itself) and the location information of the vehicle, it is preferable to issue a warning indicating that the vehicle is approaching the fixed mounting point, and then, if it is determined that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed mounting point before reaching that point, an additional warning indicating that the vehicle is approaching the speed enforcement device should be issued. This additional warning indicating approach to the speed enforcement device may simply be a warning indicating the reception of a speed measurement signal from the speed enforcement device, but it is preferable to specifically indicate that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed mounting point. For example, the system could store the locations of poles installed on urban expressways and other routes for the installation of semi-fixed speed cameras (Orbis), and when approaching each pole, it could issue a warning indicating that the vehicle is approaching a pole suitable for semi-fixed speed cameras (e.g., "Approaching a pole suitable for semi-fixed speed camera installation!"). If a speed measurement signal is received before reaching the location of the warned pole, the system could simply issue a warning stating "Speed measurement signal received," but it would be better to include content indicating the presence of a speed enforcement device at the fixed part, such as "Speed camera on pole suitable for semi-fixed speed camera installation! Speed caution!" or "Speed camera on pole suitable for semi-fixed speed camera installation! Laser received! Speed caution!", including both the presence of a speed enforcement device at the fixed part and the receipt of a speed measurement signal. Note that the speed measurement signal is a speed measurement signal emitted by a speed enforcement device and may also be called a speed measurement wave.

The determination of whether a speed enforcement device is installed on a fixed structure should be made by detecting the reception of radio waves, light, etc., used to measure vehicle speed. For example, if a laser from a laser-type speed camera is detected after a warning about approaching the pole, it would be good to issue a further warning indicating the presence of a semi-fixed speed camera on the pole. Alternatively, the determination of whether a speed enforcement device is installed on a fixed structure can be made when the camera recognizes that a speed enforcement device is visible in the image it captures. In particular, it would be good to identify the location of the camera image corresponding to the location of the fixed structure and make the determination when the speed enforcement device is recognized as being near that identified location. For example, if the camera detects that a semi-fixed speed camera is installed on a pole while approaching the pole, it would be good to issue a warning indicating the presence of a semi-fixed speed camera on the pole.

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

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

This approach allows the system to issue an alarm upon receiving a speed measurement signal from a speed enforcement device, thus enabling users to more accurately recognize the presence of the device.

(6) The control unit may perform the first alarm control when it recognizes a speed enforcement device or a predetermined sign installed at a speed enforcement point from an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle.

This approach allows users to understand the location of speed enforcement devices even if the measurement signal from the speed enforcement device is not received.

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

This method allows us to inform users about potential locations where speed enforcement devices may be installed, based on their actual driving experiences in those areas.

(8) If the control unit determines that the speed enforcement device is not fixed to the fixed part, it may perform the second alarm control.

This approach allows users to be informed about locations where enforcement devices are not currently installed, but where enforcement may potentially occur.

(9) When the control unit recognizes the fixed part from the image captured of the front of the vehicle, it performs the second alarm control.

This allows users to understand potential enforcement locations based on images captured from their vehicles.

(10) The control unit may refrain from performing the second alarm control if the speed enforcement device or a predetermined sign installed at a speed enforcement point is not recognized from the image taken in front of the vehicle.

This system ensures that speed enforcement devices and designated signs are installed at speed enforcement points. If these are included in the images captured by the vehicle, an alert is issued, allowing users to be aware of the presence of speed enforcement devices.

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

This approach allows the system to issue warnings even when the location of speed enforcement points changes.

(12) The control unit may register information to the database if the speed enforcement device is not fixed to the fixed part.

This approach allows the system to issue warnings even when the location of speed enforcement points changes.

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

This method allows users to more accurately determine when they are approaching the installation point of the fixed part.

(14) The control unit may perform a process to report to other devices that a speed enforcement device was not installed on the fixed part.

This allows other devices to be aware that no speed enforcement device was installed at a fixed location. It would be beneficial to have a function to report to other devices that no speed enforcement device was installed at a fixed location. For example, a function to report that no speed camera was installed on a pole would be beneficial. It would also be beneficial to provide proximity warnings for fixed locations where the presence of a speed enforcement device has recently been reported. For example, it would be beneficial to provide speed camera proximity warnings for poles where the presence of a speed camera has recently been reported. It would be beneficial to have other devices (e.g., a server) that estimate the next relocation time and location based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device is installed at a fixed location, and distribute this information to this device. For example, it would be beneficial to estimate the next relocation time (and location) based on the installation period for each location where a speed camera is installed on a pole, and distribute this information from the server to this device.

(15) The control unit may, if the installation location of the fixed part or the installation location of the speed enforcement device is located on or beyond a curve, provide a notification to that effect and perform control to warn of approach to the installation location.

This method allows users to understand the location of the fixed mounting points, even on curved routes with poor visibility.

(16) The control unit may perform a third alarm control that includes issuing an alarm that indicates the type of speed enforcement device.

This method allows users to understand the type of speed enforcement device being used.

(17) The control unit has a receiving unit that receives the speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device. When the fixed unit is recognized from an image taken of the area in front of the vehicle, and the receiving unit does not receive the speed measurement signal, the control unit should suppress the control that issues an alarm.

In this way, although a fixed section exists, speed enforcement is not being conducted, thus minimizing the provision of unnecessary information to the user.

(18) The control unit has a receiving unit that receives the speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device. When the fixed unit is recognized from an image taken of the area in front of the vehicle, and the speed measurement signal is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit should issue a notification indicating that there is a high probability that the speed enforcement device was not operating.

This approach allows users to understand that, even at a location where a speed enforcement device is installed, it is highly likely that the device was not operational. For example, if a camera captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle and detects the presence of a speed enforcement device on a fixed structure, but no speed measurement signal is received, a notification should be issued indicating that the speed enforcement device was likely not operational. Similarly, if a camera image identifies a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera on a pole, but no laser is received, a notification should be issued indicating that the speed enforcement device (speed camera) was likely not operational, such as, "A laser-type semi-fixed speed camera was found on a pole, but no laser was detected. It appears to be inactive."

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

In this way, when the road characteristics are predetermined, notifications can be provided to encourage users to drive more safely.
It is possible.

(20) The system should be such that the road has the attribute of Zone 30.

This approach allows for notification even in areas where enforcement is likely to be avoided, such as Zone 30.

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

This allows users to be aware of locations where speed enforcement devices are installed and enforcement is likely to occur.

The inventions described in (1) through (20) above can be combined in any way. For example, a configuration may be created by adding at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward to all or part of the configuration of the invention described in (1). In particular, an invention may be created by adding at least part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions described in (2) and onward to the invention described in (1). Alternatively, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions described in (1) through (20) and combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", these are not meant to be descriptions that limit the configuration to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that do not fall under these cases or times. Also, even if there is a sequence of descriptions, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them as well.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide technology related to vehicle speed enforcement.

The effects of the present invention are not limited thereto. Effects derived from the components disclosed in this specification and the drawings are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to those components through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, sections in this specification that state "can do..." are intended to clearly indicate the effects that can be achieved, and there are components that demonstrate effects even without such a statement. Furthermore, there are effects that can be understood through the component even without such a statement.

This diagram shows the configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. This diagram illustrates the installation location of the fixed part according to the first embodiment. This diagram illustrates the installation location of the fixed part according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of a display screen for an electronic device according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of a display screen for an electronic device according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the system according to the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the system according to the fifth embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system according to the fifth embodiment. This 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 embodiments of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referenced in these embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals (simply numbers followed by A, B, etc.) are used for identical parts or parts with similar functions, and repeated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings referenced in the following description, the scale may differ from the actual scale in order to make each component, area, etc., recognizable. The following description will explain the application of the system of this disclosure to a system mounted on a vehicle that detects speed enforcement devices. The vehicle may be an automobile, but is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile; for example, it may be a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels.

[1. First Embodiment]
<1-1. Structure>
Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to the first embodiment. Electronic device 10 is an electronic device to which the system according to this disclosure is applied. Electronic device 10 is a detector that detects the speed enforcement device 30 by receiving laser light emitted by the speed enforcement device 30 as a speed measurement signal measurement wave. The speed measurement signal is a speed measurement signal emitted by the speed enforcement device, and may also be called a speed enforcement measurement wave. The appearance of the speed enforcement device shown in Figure 1 is an example, and it may have a different appearance. The laser light is light of a specific wavelength and is a pulsed laser having a predetermined pulse width. The specific wavelength belongs to the infrared light region, for example, and is one of 850 nm, 905 nm, 950 nm, or 1900 nm. The pulse width is, for example, approximately 20 ns or approximately 15 ns. The pulse interval is, for example, approximately 80 ms. "Approximately" means within a predetermined range that can be considered to be the same as or substantially the same as a reference value.

The electronic device 10 is, for example, a monitor-type device with a roughly rectangular shape. The electronic device 10 is installed inside the vehicle 40. The electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41, for example, using double-sided tape. An opening is provided on the front of the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 has a display unit 13 for displaying an image at the location 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 speed enforcement points, which are locations where vehicle speed enforcement is conducted. Speed enforcement points are determined considering factors such as vehicle driving conditions (e.g., areas where vehicles tend to speed) and accident occurrences (e.g., locations with a high number of accidents). An example of a speed enforcement point is a curve or the area around a curve on a road. The speed enforcement device 30, also known as a semi-fixed laser speed camera, is installed on a fixed section 50 located on the shoulder of a road such as an urban expressway or other highway. The fixed section 50 is, for example, a support pole on which the speed enforcement device 30 is installed. However, the structural form of the fixed section 50 is not limited to this.

The fixed unit 50 provides the necessary functions for the speed enforcement device 30 to operate once it is installed. The fixed unit 50 includes, for example, a power supply unit 51 and a circuit unit 52. The power supply unit 51 supplies power to the speed enforcement device 30 for operation. The power supply unit 51 is connected to the speed enforcement device 30 by a wired connection for power supply, but it may also be powered wirelessly. The circuit unit 52 connects the speed enforcement device 30 to a predetermined communication line. The communication line may be, for example, a network or dedicated line of a predetermined communication method.

As shown in Figure 2, when the speed enforcement device 30 is fixed to the fixed part 50, the installation location of the fixed part 50 becomes a speed enforcement location. As shown in Figure 3, when the speed enforcement device 30 is not fixed to the fixed part 50, the installation location of the fixed part 50 is not a speed enforcement location at that time. Thus, the fixed part 50 is installed at locations where vehicle speed enforcement is likely to occur, or at candidate locations for speed enforcement. The sign 60 shown in Figure 2 is a sign that may be installed at a speed enforcement location, and is installed, for example, at a predetermined distance (for example, 1 to 2 km) before the installation location of the speed enforcement device 30 in the direction of travel on the road (forward direction).

The speed enforcement device 30 comprises a speed measuring unit 31, an imaging unit 32, and a strobe 33. The speed measuring unit 31 measures the speed of a vehicle, for example, by a laser scanning method. Specifically, the speed measuring unit 31 emits a laser beam (Lout), and when it reaches the vehicle 40 and is reflected, it receives the reflected light (Lref). The speed measuring unit 31 measures the distance to the vehicle 40 based on the time taken from the emission of the laser beam (Lout) to the reception of the reflected light (Lref). The speed measuring unit 31 repeatedly measures the distance to the vehicle 40 and measures the speed of the vehicle 40 based on the distance traveled by the vehicle 40 per unit time. The speed measuring unit 31 emits a laser beam (Lout) within a sector-shaped range T with a central angle of angle θ, changing direction, for example, counterclockwise. The direction of emission of the laser beam (Lout) is, for example, approximately horizontal. The speed measuring unit 31, for example, emits laser light onto 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 output.

The imaging unit 32 images the target vehicle when the speed measured by the speed measuring unit 31 is above a threshold. The imaging unit 32 is used to image vehicles that have committed speeding violations. The strobe 33 emits light when the vehicle is imaged by the imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 32 should ideally use infrared light to enable imaging even at night. In this case, the strobe 33 should emit light with 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 communication unit 52.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic device 10. Note that the imaging device 70 is a configuration relating to the second embodiment and is omitted in this embodiment. The control unit 11 controls each part of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and 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 circuits. The memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into 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 optical elements such as a visible light cut filter or 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 may include, for example, a photodiode as a light-receiving element, but may also include a phototransistor or other light-receiving element. The light-receiving unit 12 has sensitivity in at least the infrared light region. The light-receiving unit 12 may also have an A/D conversion circuit or the like that converts the 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 also be an organic EL display or another type of display device. The speaker 14 outputs sound. The microwave receiver 15 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit and receives microwaves. The microwave receiver 15 also has the function of receiving radio waves (e.g., microwaves) from a radar-compatible speed enforcement device. The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 16 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit and receives signals from GPS satellites. The GPS receiver 16 processes the received signals and outputs position information. The position information includes, for example, latitude and longitude information, and may also include altitude information. The position information indicates 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®, Bluetooth®, or other methods.

The memory unit 18 stores data. For example, the memory unit 18 stores programs for 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 indicating the types and locations of various facilities, data for notifying the presence of alarm targets, and data for realizing route guidance functions. Examples of objects that trigger warnings include locations of accidents caused by drowsy driving, speed enforcement devices (radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photoelectric sensor type, mobile type, etc.), speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoint areas, parking violation monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, red light violation prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, car break-in-prone areas, sharp/continuous curves (expressways), junction/merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance notice (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), gas stations within PA/SA areas (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio reception areas (expressways), prefectural border notices, roadside stations, viewpoint parking areas, etc. The memory unit 18 stores the type information of these warning objects, location information indicating their position, image data (e.g., schematic diagram or 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 locations of the fixed unit 50. The location information stored in the database 181 may include information already stored at the product shipment stage of the electronic device 10, as well as location information distributed by a server device of a designated business operator, as will be described later.

The storage unit 18 may include a storage medium for permanently storing 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, as appropriate, be stored in cloud computing or other external storage means.

The control unit 19 receives user input. The control unit 19 includes, for example, a touch sensor, volume control buttons, and operation buttons. The touch sensor is provided on the surface of the display unit 13 and detects the position touched by the user. The volume control buttons are operated to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 14. The operation buttons are 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 detects the Earth's magnetic field to determine which direction north is relative to the direction of travel. The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward, backward, left, right, and up and down directions. The illuminance sensor detects the illuminance, indicating the brightness inside the vehicle's interior.

The mounting section 21 is a mounting section into which an external storage medium is mounted. The external storage medium is, for example, a memory card. In this case, the mounting section 21 is a memory card slot. The data stored in the storage section 18 may be acquired 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 the power source to each part of 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 lighter plug cord, which is connected to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power. The power switch is for turning the electronic device 10 on or off.

The light-emitting section 23 emits light in various colors. The light-emitting section 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 one that connects the electronic device 10 to the OBD-II connector installed in the vehicle. The OBD-II connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector and is connected to the vehicle's ECU, outputting various vehicle information.

The electronic device 10 may also have functions similar to those found in well-known laser and radar detectors. For example, there are many types of speed enforcement devices, including fixed and mobile types. Mobile devices include, for example, portable and vehicle-mounted types. The electronic device 10 may also have the function of receiving laser light from speed enforcement devices other than semi-fixed types and issuing a warning.

<1-2. Operation＞
The operation of this embodiment will now be described. Figure 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. The trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use, for example, the power of the electronic device 10 being turned on, or the execution of the route guidance function in the navigation function starting.

<1-2-1. Alarm 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 determines whether or not laser light has been received based on the acquired signal (step S2). The control unit 11 may determine whether or not laser light has been received based on pulse width, pulse interval, number of pulses, wavelength, waveform and other characteristics. If "YES" is determined in step S2, 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 can be performed in a way that allows the user to recognize the presence of the speed enforcement device 30, and at least one of the following can be used: outputting sound, displaying a warning screen on the display unit 13, and controlling the light emission of the light emission unit 23. In this embodiment, the warning is to inform the user of the presence of a speed enforcement point or the installation point of the fixed unit 50.

Figure 6 shows an example of an alarm screen. The alarm screen shown in Figure 6 is a screen where window W1 is overlaid on the map screen M1. The control unit 11 issues an alarm by displaying window W1 overlaid on the map M. Map M is identified based on map data and location information from the GPS receiver 16. An icon I indicating the location of the vehicle 40 (vehicle position) is placed on map M. The vehicle position is identified based on location information from the GPS receiver 16. Note that the icon in this embodiment may be replaced with characters, symbols, graphics, or other objects.

In the example shown in Figure 6(A), window W1 displays the message "Speed enforcement point," indicating the presence of a speed enforcement device 30. The control unit 11 may also output the voice message "Speed enforcement point" from speaker 14. If the control unit 11 can determine the type of speed enforcement device (e.g., semi-fixed, fixed, or mobile) based on the characteristics of the received laser wave signal or other methods, it may perform control to issue an alarm that includes notification of the type of speed enforcement device (an example of a third alarm control). For example, as shown in Figure 6(B), the control unit 11 may notify with the message "Semi-fixed speed enforcement point." For example, fixed and mobile speed enforcement devices are examples of speed enforcement devices that are not fixed to the fixed unit 50.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether to terminate the process shown in Figure 5 (step S4). The trigger for terminating the process is not particularly limited, but it may be triggered, for example, by the operation of the control unit 19, when the power to the electronic device 10 is turned off, or when the route guidance function is stopped. If "NO" is determined in step S4, the control unit 11 returns to the process in step S1 and repeats the above process. The control unit 11 stops the alarm if it stops receiving laser light, or if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since reception stopped, or if the fixed unit 50 is no longer in a predetermined proximity to its installation point. If "YES" is determined in step S4, the control unit 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 5 (step S5).

<1-2-2. Location-based warnings>
Figure 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 can be the same as in <1-1. Alarm control based on reception of laser light>.

The control unit 11 acquires location information of the current position of the vehicle 40 (electronic device 10) from the GPS receiver 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). Then, based on the location information acquired in step S11 and any of the location information stored in the database 181, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle 40 and the installation point of the fixed unit 50 are in a predetermined proximity relationship (step S13). The predetermined proximity relationship may be, for example, defined as the distance between the location information of the installation point and the location information of the vehicle 40 being less than or equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 1 km or less). The predetermined proximity relationship may be determined based on the positional relationship between the vehicle 40 and the fixed unit 50, such as the installation point being in the direction of the vehicle's travel or the installation point being on a road the vehicle is traveling on.

If "YES" is determined in step S13, the control unit 11 performs a control (second alarm control) to warn of the vehicle 40 approaching the installation point of the fixing part 50 (step S14). In this way, the control unit 11 can warn of the vehicle 40 approaching each fixing part 50 (for example, each support column) and its approach to the installation point of the fixing part 50. The alarm in step S14 is issued when the vehicle is approaching the installation point, but the electronic equipment 10 is not receiving the laser beam. Therefore, either enforcement is not actually being carried out at the installation point, or enforcement is being carried out, but the laser beam could not be received for some reason. For this reason, it is preferable for the control unit 11 to issue a different alarm in step S14 than in step S3. More preferably, the control unit 11 should issue an alarm that allows the user to recognize that it is the installation point of the fixing part 50. The control unit 11 may further display an image (e.g., an icon or other object) on the map M indicating the presence of the installation location of the fixed unit 50, based on the location information of the installation location of the fixed unit 50.

Figure 8 shows an example of an alarm screen. The alarm screen shown in Figure 8 is a screen where window W2 is overlaid on map M. Window W2 displays the message, "This is a location where a speed enforcement device can be installed," indicating the presence of an installation location. Furthermore, the control unit 11 should output the voice message, "This is a location where a speed enforcement device can be installed," from speaker 14. In this way, the presence of the installation location of the fixed unit 50 can be notified based on the position information of the electronic device 10, so the presence can be notified even if the electronic device 10 does not receive laser light from the speed enforcement device 30. Also, since the alarm when the electronic device 10 does not receive laser light differs from the alarm when it does receive light, it is expected that user misunderstanding and dissatisfaction due to the absence of a speed enforcement device 30 can be reduced.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether to terminate the process shown in Figure 7 (step S15). The trigger for terminating the process is not particularly limited, but it may be triggered, for example, by the operation of the control unit 19, when the power to the electronic device 10 is turned off, or when the route guidance function is stopped. If "NO" is determined in step S15, the control unit 11 returns to the process in step S11 and repeats the above process. The control unit 11 may stop the alarm if the position information of the vehicle 40 and the position information of the installation point of the fixing unit 50 are no longer in a predetermined proximity relationship. If "YES" is determined in step S15, the control unit 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 8 (step S16).

<1-2-3. Combination of alarms based on laser light reception and alarms based on location information>
This example of operation is based on a combination of <1-1. Alarm control based on laser light reception> and <1-2-2. Alarm based on location information>. Figure 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 can be the same as in <1-1. Alarm control based on laser light reception>.

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

As described above, the electronic device 10 issues a warning regarding the speed enforcement device 30 or the fixed part 50, thereby drawing the attention of the driver or other user of the vehicle 40 to speed enforcement, and this contributes to safe driving.

The warning indicating approach to the speed enforcement device 30 described above may simply be a warning indicating the reception of a speed measurement signal from the speed enforcement device, but it is preferable to have a warning that specifically indicates that the speed enforcement device is installed in a fixed location. For example, the electronic device 10 stores location information of a support pole (an example of a fixed location) installed on a route such as an urban expressway for the installation of a semi-fixed speed enforcement device (Orbis). When the vehicle 40 approaches each support pole, the control unit 11 issues a warning indicating that it is approaching a support pole for a semi-fixed speed camera (for example, a warning such as "Approaching a support pole where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed!"). If the control unit 11 receives a speed measurement signal from a speed enforcement device (speed camera) before reaching the location of the warned support pole, it may simply issue a warning such as "Speed enforcement laser received." However, it is preferable to include a warning indicating the presence of a speed enforcement device on the fixed part, such as "Speed camera on a support pole where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Speed caution!", or a warning that includes both the information that a speed enforcement device is fixed to the fixed part 50 and that a speed measurement signal has been received, such as "Speed camera on a support pole where a semi-fixed speed camera can be installed! Laser received! Speed caution!".

In the first embodiment described above, the electronic device 10 can determine whether 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 laser light of a laser-type speed enforcement device 30 is detected after an approach warning to the support pole (position of the fixed part 50), it is preferable to issue a further warning indicating the presence of a semi-fixed speed camera on the support pole.

[2. Second Embodiment]
The electronic device 10 may determine the presence of the speed enforcement device 30 by means of, or in addition to, receiving laser light, an image captured. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 communicates with the image capture device 70 (see Figure 4) via the communication unit 17. The image capture device 70 captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle 40. The image capture device 70 is, for example, a drive recorder, but may also be a device with an image capture function such as a smartphone. The algorithm for analyzing the captured image is not limited, but examples include methods using deep learning and methods using machine learning (such as pattern matching). The control unit 11 analyzes the image acquired from the image capture device 70 and performs processing to recognize a predetermined image that indicates 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 a speed enforcement location may be an image of the exterior of the speed enforcement device 30, or a sign that may be installed at the installation location (in this embodiment, the sign 60 shown in Figure 2). On routes where speed enforcement is currently being carried out, a sign warning of the enforcement, 60, is sometimes installed about 1-2 km before the enforcement point, so this sign can be used as a landmark for the speed enforcement location. In this way, even if, for example, the fixed unit 50 or the speed enforcement device 30 has just been installed and their location information has not yet been registered in the database 181, the control unit 11 can still issue an alarm.

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

Next, the control unit 11 determines, based on the image recognition results, whether a location for the fixed unit 50 or a speed enforcement location exists (step S23). If "YES" is determined in step S23, the control unit 11 determines whether it is a speed enforcement location (step S24). If a speed enforcement device 30 or sign 60 is recognized, the control unit 11 performs control to warn of approaching a speed enforcement location where speed enforcement is currently taking place (first warning control) (step S25). If "NO" is determined in step S24, the control unit 11 performs control to issue a warning if it is a location for the fixed unit 50 (second warning control) (step S26). The warning in step S25 may be the same as in step S3, and the warning in step S26 may be the same as in step S14.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether to terminate the process shown in Figure 10 (step S27). If "NO" is determined in step S27, the control unit 11 returns to the process in step S21 and repeats the above process. If "YES" is determined in step S27, the control unit 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 10 (step S28).

According to this embodiment, even if the electronic device 10 is unable to receive the laser light for some reason, an alarm can be issued, and the possibility of the electronic device 10 mistaking other light for the laser light and issuing a false alarm can be reduced. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10... Furthermore, the determination that a speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed part 50 is made when the imaging device 70 recognizes that a speed enforcement device is visible in the image it captures. In particular, it is preferable to identify the position of the image of the imaging device 70 corresponding to the position of the fixed part 50, and then make the determination when it recognizes that a speed enforcement device is visible near that identified position. For example, if the control unit 11 detects that a semi-fixed speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the support pole while approaching the support pole position, which is the position of the fixed part 50, it is preferable to issue a warning indicating the presence of a semi-fixed speed camera on the support pole.

In this embodiment, since an alarm sounding too early might be perceived as annoying by the user, the control unit 11 may gradually increase the tempo and change the alarm content over a predetermined time difference (for example, a time difference of about 500m), and the alarm may end a few seconds after the speed enforcement device is displayed on screen.

[3. Third Embodiment]
In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 performs control (fourth warning control) to issue a warning regarding the speed difference from a reference speed when driving on a road with specific attributes. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the system in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, there are various types of roads. In particular, on roads called Zone 30, shown as Area Ar1 in Figure 11, there is a possibility of increased opportunities for speed enforcement, and it is especially important to adhere to the speed limit for the vehicle 40. Therefore, 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 vehicle 100's speed and 30 km/h) when the vehicle 40 (i.e., the electronic device 10) is in Zone 30.

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 determines whether the location information indicates that the location is within zone 30 (step S32). If "YES" is determined in step S32, the control unit 11 performs control to issue a warning regarding the speed difference (fourth warning control) (step S33). For example, the control unit 11 issues a voice message such as, "This area is zone 30. You are currently 10 km/h over the speed limit. Please slow down." The control unit 11 may, for example, notify the user of the speed limit in increments of 1 km/h, but it may also notify the user in increments of 5 km/h to draw attention to the speed limit. It would be even better if the user could freely set whether or not to notify the user of the speed limit, and at what speed the notification is issued, through user settings or other methods. On the other hand, if the result in step S32 is "NO," that is, if the current location is outside zone 30 (Ar1) or not close to Ar1 (e.g., within a predetermined distance), the control unit 11 turns off the function to issue a speed difference warning. This reduces the possibility of frequent speed difference warnings.

This embodiment was conceived by the inventor with the aim of raising awareness that the unfounded common sense notion that speeds below 15 km/h are not enforceable in Zone 30 areas, and also as an appeal to users, as it serves as an educational tool to show that this common sense no longer applies in Zone 30 areas. Considering the actual driving conditions, Zone 30 areas are more suitable. Furthermore, if the road attributes include a known speed limit or other standard speed, the system may be configured to notify the speed difference compared to roads with other attributes (green belts). However, if the system is to be applied to roads other than Zone 30 areas, it may be best to keep that function off until the user explicitly turns it 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 simultaneously monitoring up to two lanes. Fixed units 50 (e.g., support poles) are installed at multiple points on the highway where speed reduction is necessary, and based on accident occurrences, etc., the fixed units 50 to which the laser-type speed enforcement device 30 is attached are changed periodically (every month in this example). Furthermore, a challenge with conventional speed enforcement devices is that they are expensive, making them difficult to use on urban expressways with many curves and numerous points where speed reduction is necessary. Given these challenges, the following configuration may be adopted.

(1) The control unit 11 may issue a warning that includes notification of the presence of a fixed unit 50 on or beyond a curve. This warning includes notification that the vehicle 40 is about to travel on or is currently traveling on a curve, and that a fixed unit 50 is located beyond this curve. The control unit 11 may issue a warning by outputting the message, "There is a semi-fixed speed camera pole beyond the right curve." This warning can be issued not only for the semi-fixed speed enforcement device 30, but also for various types of speed enforcement devices (e.g., fixed, mobile, etc.). In this way, even when driving on a road with poor visibility, the user can quickly identify the installation location or enforcement location.

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

(3) When the control unit 11 is approaching the installation point of the fixed unit 50, if the imaging device 70 determines that a speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed unit 50, it may issue an alarm indicating the presence of a speed enforcement device 30 fixed to the fixed unit 50. In this case, if the control unit 11 detected that a speed enforcement device 30 was installed on the fixed unit 50 using the imaging device 70 but did not receive a laser beam, it may also notify that there is a high probability that the speed enforcement device 30 was not operating.

(4) If the control unit 11 detects from the image captured by the imaging device 70 of the area in front of the vehicle 40 that a speed enforcement device is installed on the fixed unit 50, but does not receive a speed measurement signal, it should issue a notification indicating that there is a high probability that the speed enforcement device was not operating. For example, if the image captured by the imaging device 70 recognizes that a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera is installed on the pole, but does not receive a laser beam, the control unit 11 should issue a notification indicating that there is a high probability that the speed camera was not operating, such as, "There was a laser-type semi-fixed speed camera on the pole, but no laser was detected. It appears to be inactive."

[5. Fifth Embodiment]
One embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device, may perform the process of posting to another device that a speed enforcement device was not installed at the fixed unit 50. Assuming the configuration of the fifth embodiment described above, the other device may be a server device 200, but it can also be an electronic device 10A mounted on another vehicle. The control unit 11 may issue a warning indicating that it is approaching a fixed unit 50 that has recently been posted to have a speed enforcement device 30 installed at it. For example, for a fixed unit 50 that has recently been posted to have a speed enforcement device 30 installed at it, the control unit 11 may issue a warning (speed camera approach warning). It is also good to provide another device (e.g., a server) that estimates the next movement time and location based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device 30 is installed at the fixed unit 50 and distributes the information to the electronic device 10. For example, the server device 200 may estimate the next movement time (and location) based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device 30 is installed at the fixed unit 50 and distribute the information to this device. In this way, other devices can be made aware that no speed enforcement device was installed on the fixed part 50.

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of System 2 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, System 2 comprises a plurality of electronic devices 10A and a server device 200. The electronic devices 10A differ from the embodiments described above in that they can communicate with the server device 200 and perform control in cooperation with the server device 200. Each of the plurality of electronic devices 10A is used by a different user. The plurality of electronic devices 10A communicate wirelessly with the server device 200 via public communication lines, dedicated lines, or other communication lines. The plurality of electronic devices 10A have the function of transmitting location information of the installation locations of the fixed unit 50 to the server device 200, and receiving location information of the installation locations of the fixed unit 50 distributed from the server device 200, and registering it in the database 181.

The server device 200 is managed and operated by a designated operator. The server device 200 includes 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 memory, which controls each part of the server device 200. The communication unit 220 communicates with each of the multiple electronic devices 10A. The database 230 stores data collected from the multiple electronic devices 10A and data distributed to the multiple electronic devices 10A. The database 230 is implemented using a hard disk or other storage device, but may also be implemented using a cloud computing environment or other external storage means.

Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of System 2 when data is transmitted from the electronic device 10A to the server device 200. When the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10A determines that it is the installation location of the fixed unit 50 (step S101), it transmits location information corresponding to that 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 for determining the installation location of the fixed unit 50 in step S101 can be the method described in each embodiment described above. 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 it to be the installation location, or it may be the location information of the installation location estimated from there, or it may be location information entered by the user, etc. The electronic device 10A may transmit location information of the installation location that is not registered in the database 181. This avoids sending unnecessary data, and the server device 200 does not need to store unnecessary data.

Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of System 2 when the electronic device 10A receives data from the server device 200. The control unit 210 of the server device 200 generates distribution information (step S111). The distribution information should preferably include location information of installation locations not yet registered in the electronic device 10A. The control unit 210 transmits the generated distribution information to the electronic device 10A via the communication unit 220 (step S112). The control unit 11 of the electronic device 10A obtains the location information of the installation locations from the received distribution information and registers it in the database 181 (step S113). The control unit 11 then uses this location information for alarm control of the installation locations. In this way, even if the number of installation locations increases or changes, the electronic device 10A can issue an alarm indicating that it is approaching an installation location.

In steps S101 and S102, the control unit 11 may post a message indicating that no speed enforcement device 30 was installed at the fixed unit 50. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may issue an alarm for fixed units 50 where a speed enforcement device 30 has recently been posted. For example, this alarm may be issued if there is a post indicating that the device was not installed within a predetermined time period from the current date and time. The server device 200 may also estimate the next relocation time (and/or relocation location) based on the installation period for each location where a speed enforcement device 30 is installed at the fixed unit 50, and distribute this information to the electronic device 10A.

When the number of semi-fixed speed cameras owned by a prefectural police force reaches the number of semi-fixed speed cameras that have already issued warnings, it is advisable to suppress one of the aforementioned warnings at the fixed installation locations 50 along that route. Suppressing the warning could, for example, mean not issuing a warning at all.

[6. Variations]
This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.
(Variation 1)
The control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 may suppress the alarm control when the fixed part 50 is recognized from the image captured by the imaging device 70 of the area in front of the vehicle 40, and the light receiving unit 12 does not receive the laser light. In this case, suppressing the alarm control can be done not only by not issuing an alarm, but also by issuing an alarm but reducing the volume, display size, or alarm level compared to when the alarm is issued but not suppressed. In this way, although the fixed part 50 is present, no speed enforcement is being conducted, thus reducing the provision of unnecessary information to the user.

(Variation 2)
In urban areas, if the volume of the electronic device 10 is lowered and then the vehicle moves onto a highway, the low volume can make it difficult to hear the warning sound due to road noise and other factors at high speeds. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 should set the volume of the warning (warning volume) to a preset level when it detects that the vehicle is traveling on a highway. This volume should be set to a level that does not hinder the user's voice recognition even when traveling on a highway. This improves the recognition of the warning sound on highways. For example, the control unit 11 may set the volume by adding a predetermined value to the set volume so that the volume is louder when traveling on a highway than when traveling on roads other than highways, such as general roads. The determination of whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a highway may be based on location information and road information, or various known technologies can be employed.

If it is difficult to detect that the vehicle is traveling on a highway, the control unit 11 may set a variable volume point above a certain speed and set the alarm volume to a preset level. This method allows for improved recognition of the alarm sound by changing the alarm volume when the speed increases, regardless of whether the vehicle is on a regular road or a highway, thereby reducing the likelihood of missing the alarm.

(Variation 3)
Although the case of a semi-fixed speed enforcement device that supports the laser system has been described, the present invention can also be applied to warning of approach to a location where a speed enforcement device that emits radar or other types of speed measurement signals (measurement waves) is installed. For example, the electronic device 10 may determine that a speed enforcement device 30 is installed on the fixed part 50 by detecting the reception of radio waves or other speed measurement signals (measurement waves) for measuring the speed of a vehicle.

(Variation 4)
Some of the configurations and operations described in the embodiments described above may be omitted or modified. For example, the fixed unit 50 does not have to have either the power supply unit 51 or the circuit unit 52, and it may be any device as long as it is used for the operation and 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>, it does not have to have a speed measurement signal receiving unit.

The scope of this invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, we intend to include configurations not currently specified in the claims, as disclosed herein, within the scope of future claims.

Furthermore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, we intend to include configurations not currently specified in the claims, as disclosed herein, within the scope of future claims.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments above. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the invention, or a component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to obtain rights to these combinations as well, through amendments or divisional applications of this application. Even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of..." or "when...", the configuration is not limited to that specific case or time. Configurations that do not fall under these cases or times are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them. Also, even if there is a specific order of description, it is not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and we intend to obtain rights to them.

Furthermore, we intend to acquire rights to the overall design or partial design by converting the application to a design registration application. While the drawing depicts the entire device with solid lines, it encompasses not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for specific parts of the device. For example, it includes not only partial designs for specific components of the device, but also partial designs for parts of the device unrelated to specific components. These parts may be components of the device, or parts of those components. We intend to acquire rights to the overall design, as well as to any partial design where a portion of the solid lines in the drawing is represented by dashed lines. Similarly, we intend to acquire rights to the modules, components, and parts inside the device's casing, as these are all independently traded items as shown in the drawing, by converting the application to a design registration application.

2: System 10: Electronic equipment 10A: Electronic equipment 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 enforcement device 31: Speed measurement unit 32: Imaging unit 33: Strobe 40: Vehicle 41: Dashboard 50: Fixing 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 (3)

A system having a control unit that has a function to issue an alarm when it is determined that the vehicle is approaching a fixed part on the vehicle where a speed enforcement device is fixed, even if the speed enforcement device is not fixed to the fixed part ,
The control unit is characterized by having a function that, when it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the installation point of the fixed part to which the speed enforcement device is fixed, issues a warning in different manner depending on whether it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the speed enforcement device or whether it is determined that the vehicle is not approaching the speed enforcement device. A system having a control unit that has a function to issue an alarm when it is determined that the vehicle is approaching a fixed part on the vehicle where a speed enforcement device is fixed, even if the speed enforcement device is not fixed to the fixed part ,
The system is characterized in that the control unit has a function to issue a warning in a first manner when it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the installation point of the fixed part, and then issue a warning in a second manner when it is determined that the vehicle is subsequently approaching the speed enforcement device. A program for a computer to implement the functions of the system described in claim 1 or 2 .