JP7668571B2 - Systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

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

There are various types of systems that measure the speed of vehicles traveling on roads. In the case of the radar type, a speed measuring device installed along the road emits microwaves in a specific frequency band toward the vehicle, receives the reflected waves from the vehicle, and measures the vehicle's traveling speed.

It may be useful for users, such as vehicle drivers, to know in advance the presence of a speed measurement device. Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose electronic devices that receive microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measurement device and output an alarm if they detect the presence of a vehicle speed measurement device.

JP 2008-64588 A JP 2017-96728 A

The moving speed of an object can also be measured using light. In this optical method, a light emitting device emits light toward an object and receives the reflected wave from the object to measure the moving speed. Even when such an optical speed measuring device is installed, it is desirable to be able to notify the user of its presence. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technology for notifying the user of the presence of a light emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength.

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

(1) A system for detecting a light-emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength is provided, the system comprising: a light-receiving unit that receives light of a selected wavelength from among incident light; and a control unit that performs control to notify the presence of the light-emitting device based on a first amount of received light when the light-receiving unit selects and receives the specific wavelength, and a second amount of received light when the light-receiving unit selects and receives light of a wavelength different from the specific wavelength.

The light receiving unit may receive not only the light intended to be received, but also light other than the intended light (hereinafter referred to as "disturbance light"). This disturbance light may be mistaken for the intended light to be received. For this reason, simply selecting and receiving light of a specific wavelength may not be enough to eliminate the effects of disturbance light. A light emitting device emits light with energy concentrated at a specific wavelength, but disturbance light often has energy distributed over a wider wavelength range. Therefore, by using the above system, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of a light emitting device emitting light of a specific wavelength while reducing notifications of disturbance light being mistaken for light from a light emitting device compared to when light of a specific wavelength is simply selected and received.

The light emitting device may be a device that emits light whose energy is distributed in at least a narrower wavelength range than ambient light. The specific wavelength may be a wavelength at which the energy of the light emitted by the light emitting device is at its peak. The specific wavelength may be a wavelength that is not perceptible to humans, and may have energy at a specific wavelength outside the visible light range, for example. The specific wavelength may belong to the infrared light range, and may be 850 nm, for example. The specific wavelength is not limited to this, and may be 950 nm, 1900 nm, or other wavelengths. The wavelength different from the specific wavelength may be a wavelength different from the wavelength at which the energy of the light emitted by the light emitting device is at its peak. The wavelength different from the specific wavelength may be a wavelength included in the visible light range. The first amount of received light may indicate the amount of light of the specific wavelength selected and received by the light receiving unit. Selecting a wavelength means selecting some wavelengths from a certain wavelength range and not selecting at least some other wavelengths. The second amount of received light may indicate the amount of light of a wavelength different from the specific wavelength selected and received by the light receiving unit. The first light receiving element is used to obtain the first amount of received light, and the second light receiving element is used to obtain the second amount of received light, but there may also be cases where a single light receiving element is used to obtain both the first amount of received light and the second amount of received light.

(2) The light emitting device may emit pulsed light of the specific wavelength, and the control unit may control the notification in accordance with the number of pulses determined based on at least the first amount of received light.

The number of pulses received by the light receiving unit may vary depending on the positional relationship between the light receiving unit and the light emitting device. In this way, the user can be notified according to the positional relationship between the light receiving unit and the light emitting device.

(3) The light emitting device may be a system in which the light receiving unit is provided in a vehicle, and the control unit stops the control of the notification according to the number of pulses when another vehicle is present within a predetermined range from the vehicle. Stopping the control of the notification according to the number of pulses may mean not changing the content of the control related to the notification according to the number of pulses.

If another vehicle is present within a specified range from the vehicle's position, some or all of the light from the light emitting device may be blocked by the other vehicle, reducing the number of light pulses received by the light receiving unit. This can reduce false alarms caused by the presence of another vehicle.

(4) The light emitting device may emit pulsed light of the specific wavelength, and the control unit may control the notification in accordance with a pulse width or pulse interval determined based on at least the first amount of received light.

Referring to the pulse width or pulse interval of the received light can be useful in detecting a light-emitting device that emits a specific pulse of light. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of reports where ambient light is mistaken for light from a light-emitting device.

(5) The control unit may be a system that controls the notification depending on the magnitude of the first amount of received light.

The amount of light of a specific wavelength received by the light receiving unit increases the closer it is to the light emitting device. This reduces the number of alerts that mistakenly identify ambient light as light from the light emitting device.

(6) The control unit may be a system that controls the notification when location information of the current location satisfies a predetermined condition.

In this way, it is possible to report the presence of a light-emitting device that is identified based on the current location, even if light from the light-emitting device is not received.

(7) The control unit may be a system that controls the notification when the current location is on a road of a predetermined type.

In this way, the presence of a light-emitting device can be notified on a road type where a light-emitting device may be present, even if light from the light-emitting device is not received.

(8) The control unit may be a system that controls the notification so as to notify the presence of the light-emitting device by a first method according to the first amount of received light and the second amount of received light, and to notify the presence of the light-emitting device by a second method different from the first method according to the current location.

In this way, the method of notification can be changed depending on whether the presence of the light-emitting device is notified based on the amount of received light or based on the current location, making it easier for the user to understand the event that caused the notification.

(9) The system may include a radio wave receiving unit that receives a specified radio wave, and the control unit may control the notification to notify the presence of the light emitting device by a first method depending on the first amount of received light and the second amount of received light, and to notify the presence of the radio wave generating device by a third method different from the first method depending on the reception of the specified radio wave.

In this way, the method of notification is different depending on whether the presence of a device emitting a specific radio wave is notified or the presence of a device emitting radio waves is notified, making it easier for the user to understand the event that caused the notification. The specific radio wave should preferably be a microwave.

(10) After performing the control to notify, the control unit may perform control to notify that an image has been captured or that an image has not been captured depending on whether or not a predetermined light has been received by the light receiving unit.

In this way, when the presence of a light-emitting device is notified, the user can also be notified as to whether or not an image of the user has been captured.

(11) The light receiving unit may be a system having a first wavelength selection unit that selects light of a specific wavelength from the incident light and transmits it; a first light receiving element that receives the light transmitted by the first wavelength selection unit and outputs a first signal corresponding to the first amount of received light; a second wavelength selection unit that selects light of a wavelength different from the specific wavelength from the incident light and transmits it; and a second light receiving element that receives the light transmitted by the second wavelength selection unit and outputs a second signal corresponding to the second amount of received light.

In this way, the presence of a light-emitting device can be notified by using a configuration that uses at least two sets of wavelength selection units and light-receiving elements.

(12) The system may include a differential amplifier that amplifies the voltage difference between the first signal and the second signal.

In this way, the presence of a light-emitting device can be accurately notified based on the difference between the first amount of received light and the second amount of received light.

(13) The system may include a housing that houses the light receiving unit and has a first window corresponding to the first light receiving element and a second window corresponding to the second light receiving element.

In this way, the presence of a light-emitting device can be notified by using a configuration that uses at least two sets of light-receiving elements housed in a housing.

(14) The system may include a visible light cut filter provided in the first window and the second window to block visible light. Blocking visible light may at least attenuate the visible light.

In this way, since the first and second windows are provided with filters that block visible light, the wavelength selection unit and the light receiving element housed in the housing are less likely to be visible to the user.

(15) The first light receiving element and the second light receiving element may be a system that does not have a lens.

In this way, the light receiving angle of the light receiving unit can be made larger than when a lens is provided.

(16) The housing may be a system having a partition between the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element to block light.

In this way, the possibility that light transmitted through the first light receiving element is received by the second light receiving element, or light transmitted through the second light receiving element is received by the first light receiving element, is reduced compared to when no partition is provided between the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element.

(17) It is preferable that the light receiving unit is a system that is shielded with a conductive material.

In this way, the signal output by the light receiving element is less susceptible to the effects of electromagnetic noise than if the housing were not made of a conductive material.

(18) It is preferable for the system to have multiple light receiving units.

In this way, multiple light receiving units can be used to notify the presence of a light emitting device.

(19) The multiple light receiving units may be a system having a first light receiving unit in which the specific wavelength is a first wavelength, and a second light receiving unit in which the specific wavelength is a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

In this way, even if there are multiple light-emitting devices that emit light with different wavelengths, or if the wavelength of light emitted by a light-emitting device has been changed, the presence of the light-emitting device can be notified.

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

This will reduce the number of alerts where ambient light is mistaken for light from a light-emitting device.

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

In the systems (1) to (20), it is preferable to control the notification of the presence of the light emitting device based on a third amount of received light when the light receiving unit selects and receives light of a specific wavelength, instead of the second amount of received light. In this case, it is preferable that each of two or more light receiving elements receives light of the same specific wavelength. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of a light emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength.

A system may be provided that has a light receiving unit that receives incident light, and a control unit that performs control to notify the user of the presence of a light emitting device based on a pulse width or pulse interval that is determined based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of a light emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength.

The present invention makes it possible to notify a user of the presence of a light-emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength.

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

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of pulsed light emitted by the speed measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of schematic characteristics of a first wavelength selecting section and a second wavelength selecting section according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a waveform of pulsed light received by an electronic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an electronic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a reason why the number of pulses of pulsed light received by an electronic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment decreases. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of an electronic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a third embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of schematic characteristics of a first wavelength selecting section and a second wavelength selecting section according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of an arrangement of light receiving units in a system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a light receiving unit according to a modified example. 1A to 1C are six views illustrating an example of an external configuration of an electronic device. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of characteristics of a first wavelength selecting section and a second wavelength selecting section according to a modified example. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light receiving section according to a modified example. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control performed by a control unit according to a modified example.

The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in the present embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of only A, B, etc. added after a number), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in each figure referred to in the following explanation, the scale may be different from the actual scale so that each component, each area, etc. is of a recognizable size. Below, a case will be described in which the system of the present disclosure is applied to a system mounted on a vehicle and detects a speed measuring device that emits light of a specific wavelength.

[1. First embodiment]
<1-1. Configuration of the first embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. The electronic device 10 is an electronic device to which the system according to the present disclosure is applied. The electronic device 10 is a detector compatible with optical and radar methods. The electronic device 10 detects a speed measurement device 30. The optical method is a method of detecting light emitted by the speed measurement device 30. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the speed measurement device 30 is pulsed light. More specifically, the light emitted by the speed measurement device 30 is a pulse laser having a certain pulse width. In this case, the optical method can also be called a laser method. The radar method is a method of receiving a predetermined radio wave emitted by a speed measurement device (not shown). In this embodiment, the predetermined radio wave is a microwave.

The electronic device 10 is a monitor-type device having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electronic device 10 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 40. The electronic device 10 is installed on the dashboard 41, for example, using double-sided tape. The housing of the electronic device 10 is the housing 100. An opening is provided on the front of the housing 100. The electronic device 10 has a display unit 13 for displaying an image at the position of this opening. The housing 100 is formed of resin or other materials.

The speed measurement device 30 is installed at a vehicle speed control point. The speed measurement device 30 may be, for example, either fixed or mobile, but is preferably mobile. Mobile includes, for example, portable and vehicle-mounted types. In the case of a mobile type, the electronic device 10 can detect the speed measurement device 30 by an optical method even if the location information of the speed control point is not known. In the example of FIG. 1, the speed measurement device 30 is installed on a sidewalk adjacent to a roadway and measures the speed of vehicles traveling on this roadway. The speed measurement device 30 measures the distance to vehicles within a predetermined distance (for example, 70 m), and further measures the speed of vehicles at a point that is a predetermined distance closer to the device (for example, 20 m).

The speed measurement device 30 includes a speed measurement unit 31, an imaging unit 32, and a strobe 33. The speed measurement unit 31 measures the speed of the vehicle by a laser scanning method. Specifically, when the pulsed light Lout reaches the vehicle 40 and is reflected, the speed measurement unit 31 receives the reflected light Lref. The speed measurement unit 31 measures the distance to the vehicle 40 based on the time it takes from emitting the pulsed light Lout to receiving the reflected light Lref. The speed measurement unit 31 repeatedly measures the distance to the vehicle 40, and measures the speed of the vehicle 40 based on the distance traveled by the vehicle 40 per unit time.

The speed measurement unit 31 emits pulsed light Lout while changing the direction within a sector-shaped range T with a central angle of angle θ. θ is, for example, 110 degrees. The range T includes a wider range upstream of the position where the speed measurement device 30 is installed in the traveling direction of the vehicle 40 than the range downstream. The speed measurement unit 31 changes the emission direction of the pulsed light Lout in the counterclockwise direction. For example, the speed measurement unit 31 emits pulsed light Lout in the direction of arrow D1, and then emits pulsed light Lout in the direction of arrow D2. The emission direction of the pulsed light Lout is, for example, approximately horizontal. For example, the speed measurement unit 31 emits pulsed light to a mirror rotating at a constant speed. The pulsed light reflected by the mirror and emitted from the light-emitting window is the pulsed light Lout.

The pulsed light Lout has energy concentrated at a specific wavelength. The specific wavelength may be a wavelength at which the energy of the light emitted by the light emitting device is at its peak. The pulsed light Lout desirably has energy at a specific wavelength outside the visible light range, for example. The specific wavelength may be a wavelength that is not perceptible to humans, for example, the pulsed light Lout may have energy at a specific wavelength outside the visible light range. The specific wavelength may be, for example, 850 nm, which belongs to the infrared light range. However, the specific wavelength is not limited to this, and may be 950 nm, 1900 nm, or other wavelengths.

2 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of the pulsed light Lout emitted from the speed measuring device 30. Here, the pulsed light Lout is a rectangular wave. However, the pulsed light Lout may be a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, or other waveforms. The pulsed light Lout is light in which periods T1 and T2 alternate. Period T1 is a period during which pulsed light of a specific wavelength λout is emitted. In period T1, the pulsed light Lout alternates between a high level (H) and a low level (L). Period T2 is a period during which light of this pulse waveform is not emitted. As described above, the speed measuring device 30 emits pulsed light to a mirror rotating at a constant speed, and emits pulsed light Lout reflected by this mirror. Therefore, the period during which the pulsed light from the mirror is not directed toward the light emitting window of the speed measuring device 30 is period T2.

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

Figure 3 is a rear view of the electronic device 10. As shown in Figure 3, a first window 101 and a second window 102 are formed on the rear surface of the housing 100. The first window 101 and the second window 102 are openings for guiding external light into the inside of the housing 100. The first window 101 and the second window 102 are arranged with a predetermined distance between them in the left-right direction. The first window 101 and the second window 102 are, for example, rectangular, but may be of other shapes. A light receiving unit 12 is provided inside the housing 100. The light receiving unit 12 receives light incident through the first window 101 and the second window 102.

Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the electronic device 10. Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view I-I in Figure 3) of the electronic device 10 cut in the vertical direction at a position including the first window 101. Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view II-II in Figure 3) of the electronic device 10 cut in the vertical direction at a position including the second window 102. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view III-III in Figure 3) of the electronic device 10 cut in the horizontal direction at a position including the first window 101 and the second window 102. Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of the general characteristics of a wavelength selection unit (described later) of the light receiving unit 12. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis corresponds to wavelength, and the vertical axis corresponds to transmittance.

As shown in Figs. 4(a) and (b), the first window 101 is provided with a visible light cut filter 126. The second window 102 is provided with a visible light cut filter 127. The visible light cut filters 126 and 127 block at least a portion of visible light. The visible light cut filters 126 and 127 transmit light of a specific wavelength λout. Blocking visible light is preferably at least equivalent to attenuating the visible light. The visible light region is, for example, 400 to 700 nm. The presence of the visible light cut filters 126 and 127 makes it difficult for the components housed inside the housing 100 to be visually recognized from the outside. In addition, the presence of the visible light cut filters 126 and 127 can reduce the adverse effects of the light receiving unit 12 receiving strong visible light such as direct sunlight.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first wavelength selection unit 121 and the first light receiving element 122 are provided facing the first window 101. The first wavelength selection unit 121 selects and transmits light of a specific wavelength λout from the incident light. Selecting a wavelength may mean selecting some wavelengths from a certain wavelength range and not selecting at least some other wavelengths. The first wavelength selection unit 121 is a band pass filter here. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 6, it transmits light of wavelengths in a wavelength range including the specific wavelength λout, here the wavelength range from wavelength λ1a to wavelength λ1b, and blocks light of other wavelength ranges. Blocking light means at least attenuating that light, and the amount of attenuation of the wavelength that blocks light is greater than the amount of attenuation of the wavelength that transmits light. The characteristics of the first wavelength selection unit 121 are determined from the viewpoint of transmitting only light of the same wavelength as the pulse light from the speed measurement device 30 as much as possible. The width of the wavelength region from wavelength λ1a to wavelength λ1b is, for example, 20 nm, but it is more desirable for it to be narrower than this.

In FIG. 6, the transmittance of the frequency region through which light passes is shown as 100%, and the frequency region through which light is blocked is shown as nearly 0%, but it is sufficient if the transmittance is tolerable for practical use. It is preferable that the wavelength selection section exhibits a steep characteristic as exemplified in FIG. 6, but it may also exhibit a broader characteristic. For example, there may be wavelengths for which the transmittance of both the first wavelength selection section 121 and the second wavelength selection section 123 is not 0%.

The first light receiving element 122 receives the light transmitted by the first wavelength selection unit 121 and outputs a first signal according to the first amount of received light, which is the amount of received light. The first light receiving element 122 is preferably a photodiode, for example, but may be a phototransistor or other light receiving element. The first light receiving element 122 has sensitivity at least in the infrared light region. The first light receiving element 122 includes, for example, a resin mold that transmits infrared light. It is preferable that the first light receiving element 122 does not receive light in the wavelength region of 700 nm or less. The first light receiving element 122 is a so-called lensless type light receiving element that does not have a lens. This increases the light receiving angle of the first light receiving element 122 (for example, 120 to 180 degrees), making it possible to receive light from multiple directions. Alternatively, the light receiving angle of the first light receiving element 122 may be increased by combining a lens or a mirror.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the second wavelength selection unit 123 and the second light receiving element 124 are provided facing the second window 102. The second wavelength selection unit 123 is a filter that selects and transmits light in a wavelength region different from the specific wavelength λout from the incident light. The wavelength different from the specific wavelength may be a wavelength different from the wavelength at which the energy of the light emitted by the light emitting device is at its peak. The wavelength different from the specific wavelength may be a wavelength included in the visible light region. The second wavelength selection unit 123 is, for example, a band elimination filter. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6, the second wavelength selection unit 123 blocks light in a wavelength region including the specific wavelength λout, here, the wavelength region from wavelength λ2a to wavelength λ2b, and transmits light in other wavelength regions. It is desirable that the wavelength region from wavelength λ2a to wavelength λ2b does not include the specific wavelength λout, and preferably includes a wide wavelength region other than the specific wavelength λout. The characteristics of the second wavelength selection unit 123 are determined from the viewpoint of transmitting only light with a wavelength different from that of the pulse light Lout from the speed measurement device 30 as much as possible.

The second light receiving element 124 receives the light that has passed through the second wavelength selection unit 123 and outputs a second signal corresponding to the second amount of received light, which is the amount of received light. The second light receiving element 124 is, for example, a photodiode, but may be a phototransistor or other light receiving element. It is preferable that the second light receiving element 124 is a light receiving element with the same characteristics as the first light receiving element 122, for example, the same product (for example, model number). This is because when the second light receiving element 124 and the first light receiving element 122 receive the same light, the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2 become the same signal. The second light receiving element 124, like the first light receiving element 122, is a so-called lensless type sensor that does not have a lens.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 100 includes a partition 103 between the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124 to block light. It is desirable that the distance between the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124 is as small as possible. This is to prevent a difference in the timing of light incidence between the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124. Even in this case, the presence of the partition 103 reduces the possibility that light transmitted through the first wavelength selection unit 121 is received by the second light receiving element 124 and that light transmitted through the second wavelength selection unit 123 is received by the first light receiving element 122.

The light receiving unit 12 is preferably shielded using a conductive material. This shield is made of, for example, a metal case. This reduces the effects of electromagnetic noise on the electronic components inside the housing 100.

The first window 101, the second window 102, and the light receiving unit 12 may be arranged to face diagonally forward (e.g., forward left) with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 40 when the display unit 13 of the electronic device 10 is facing the driver's seat of the vehicle 40. This may make it easier for the light receiving unit 12 to receive the pulsed light Lout from the speed measurement device 30.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of electronic device 10. Control unit 11 controls each unit of electronic device 10. Control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuit. The memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into the memory and performing arithmetic processing.

The light receiving unit 12 includes a first wavelength selection unit 121, a first light receiving element 122, a second wavelength selection unit 123, a second light receiving element 124, and an interface 125. The first wavelength selection unit 121, for example, selects a wavelength region from wavelength λ1a to wavelength λ1b from the incident light and transmits it as light Lin1. The first light receiving element 122 receives the light Lin1 and outputs a first signal Sig1 corresponding to the first amount of received light. The first amount of received light may indicate the amount of light of a specific wavelength selected and received by the light receiving unit 12. The first signal Sig1 indicates the amount of received light of the light Lin1. The second wavelength selection unit 123 selects a wavelength region different from the wavelength region from wavelength λ2a to wavelength λ2b and transmits it as light Lin2. The second light receiving element 124 receives the light Lin2 and outputs a second signal Sig2 corresponding to the second amount of received light. The second amount of received light may indicate the amount of light of a wavelength different from the specific wavelength selected and received by the light receiving unit 12. The second signal Sig2 indicates the amount of received light Lin2. The interface 125 processes the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2, and outputs the processed signals to the control unit 11. The interface 125, for example, converts the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2 into a digital format and outputs them.

The display unit 13 displays an image. The display unit 13 is, for example, a 3.2-inch color TFT liquid crystal display. However, the display unit 13 may be an organic EL display or other display device. The speaker 14 outputs sound. The microwave receiver 15 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit, and receives microwaves. 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 signal and outputs position information. The position information includes, for example, latitude information and longitude information, and may also include altitude information. The communication unit 17 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 17 performs wireless communication, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other methods.

The memory unit 18 stores data. The memory unit 18 stores, for example, programs that allow the control unit 11 to perform various controls. The control unit 11 reads the programs from the memory unit 18 into memory and executes them. The memory unit 18 also stores map data showing maps, data showing the types and locations of various facilities, data for notifying the presence of objects to be notified, data for implementing a route guidance function, and the like. Examples of the objects to be notified include the location of a drowsy driving accident, a speed measuring device (radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, photocell type, mobile type, etc.), a speed limit change point, a crackdown area, a checkpoint area, a parking prohibition monitoring area, an N system, a traffic monitoring system, an intersection monitoring point, a signal ignoring prevention system, a police station, an accident-prone area, a vehicle theft-prone area, a sharp/continuous curve (expressway), a branch/merging point (expressway), an ETC lane advance guide (expressway), a service area (expressway), a parking area (expressway), a highway oasis (expressway), a smart interchange (expressway), a gas station in a PA/SA (expressway), a tunnel (expressway), a highway radio receiving area (expressway), a prefectural border notice, a roadside station, a viewpoint parking, etc. The memory unit 18 stores the type information of these objects to be notified, the position information indicating the position, the data of an image (e.g., a schematic diagram or a photograph) to be displayed on the display unit 13, and the voice data in association with each other.

The storage unit 18 may include a storage medium that permanently stores data. The storage unit 18 may include, for example, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor recording medium, or other recording media.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the above, the electronic device 10 may also have functions that are common to radar detectors.

<1-2. Operation of the First Embodiment>
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
<1-2-1. Optical Notification>
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10. Fig. 8 shows the operation when detecting the speed measuring device 30 by an optical method. When the electronic device 10 starts operating, the control unit 11 executes the process described below. There is no particular limit to the trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10, but it is preferable that the trigger be, for example, the power being turned on for the electronic device 10 or the start of execution of a route guidance function.

The control unit 11 first starts displaying a map screen on the display unit 13 (step S1). The map screen is a screen showing the vehicle's position on a map. The map displayed on the display unit 13 is identified based on map data and position information from the GPS receiver unit 16. The vehicle's position is identified based on position information from the GPS receiver unit 16. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen. In the map screen shown in FIG. 9, an icon I1 showing the vehicle's position is arranged on a map M. The map screen shows the address of the current position, the distance to a specified object to be notified (here, "1960 m to H system"), the speed limit, and a photo of the area around the speed control point. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a map screen. The map screen shown in FIG. 10 also shows an icon I1 showing the vehicle's position on a map M. Below, an example of control when the map screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed will be described. The icons in this embodiment may be replaced with characters, symbols, figures, or other objects.

Next, the control unit 11 acquires the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2 from the light receiving unit 12 (step S2). Next, the control unit 11 calculates the difference between the first amount of received light corresponding to the first signal Sig1 and the second amount of received light corresponding to the second signal Sig2 (step S3). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a threshold (step S4). If the difference is less than the threshold, the control unit 11 determines "NO" in step S4 and returns to the processing of step S2. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the speed measurement device 30 has not been detected and does not notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30.

On the other hand, if the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 11 determines "YES" in step S4 and performs notification control (step S5). Notification control is control that notifies the user of the presence of the speed measurement device 30. Notification control can be said to be control that issues an alarm to make the user aware of what the speed measurement device is doing. Notification control here is control that notifies the user of the presence of the speed measurement device 30 using a first method. Notification control includes, for example, control to display a notification screen on the display unit 13.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. The notification screen shown in FIG. 11 is a screen in which a window W1 is arranged on top of the map screen described above. In the window W1, an icon M1 indicating the presence of the speed measurement device 30 and a message indicating the presence of the speed measurement device 30, such as "Approaching a speed control point. Please be careful," are arranged. The icon M1 is an icon that allows the user to recognize that the speed measurement device 30 is compatible with the optical method. The notification control may include control to output a notification sound from the speaker 14. In this case, the control unit 11 may output a sound from the speaker 14 saying, "Approaching a laser speed control point. Please be careful." The notification control may include other controls, such as control to cause the light-emitting unit 23 to emit light. The notification control may be control that notifies the user of the presence of the speed measurement device 30 in a manner that allows the user to recognize it.

Next, the control unit 11 judges whether to end the process of FIG. 8 (step S6). The trigger for ending the process is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the power supply of the electronic device 10 being turned off by the operation of the operation unit 19, or the route guidance function being stopped. If the result of the judgment in step S6 is "NO", the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S2 and repeats the above process (step S4). For example, if the difference changes from a threshold value or more to a value less than the threshold value, the control unit 11 judges "NO" in step S4 and stops the notification control. In this case, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display the map screen shown in FIG. 12. This is because it means that a speed control point has been passed. If the result of the judgment in step S6 is "YES", the control unit 11 ends the process of FIG. 8 (step S7).

Here, the reason why the speed measuring device 30 can be detected by the above-mentioned method will be explained. As explained in FIG. 6, the first wavelength selection unit 121 selects and transmits light of a specific wavelength λout (more specifically, a wavelength region from wavelength λ1a to wavelength λ1b) in which the pulsed light Lout has energy. Therefore, the first signal Sig1 should show a large amount of received light during the period in which the pulsed light Lout is received, and a small amount of received light during other periods. However, the light receiving unit 12 may receive not only the pulsed light Lout that is the object of reception, but also disturbance light. This disturbance light may be mistaken for pulsed light. An example of disturbance light is light that arrives when sunlight is periodically blocked by the branches and leaves of a tree swayed by the wind. Another example of disturbance light is light from traffic lights and advertisements that periodically turn on and off, and light from a rotating warning light that rotates at a constant speed. The light received by the light receiving unit also changes due to the vibration of the light receiving unit. For example, if the vehicle 40 travels on a pier or other place that generates periodic vibrations, the orientation of the light receiving unit 12 (e.g., the first light receiving element 122) may change, causing the light receiving unit 12 to receive sunlight or other light that turns on and off repeatedly at a predetermined cycle. Even in such a case, the first signal Sig1 indicates a relatively large amount of received light.

In contrast, the second wavelength selection unit 123 blocks light of a specific wavelength λout (in this embodiment, the wavelength range from wavelength λ2a to wavelength λ2b) where the pulsed light Lout has energy, and transmits light of other wavelength ranges. Therefore, the amount of light received by the second signal Sig2 is small during the period in which the pulsed light Lout is received. The second light receiving element 124 receives the above-mentioned disturbance light, but such disturbance light generally has a wide wavelength range in which energy is distributed. Therefore, even if the light receiving unit 12 receives disturbance light that is periodically turned on and off, it is considered that the amount of light received by the second light receiving element 124 is large. Therefore, when the amount of light received by the first signal Sig1 is large and the amount of light received by the second signal Sig2 is small, that is, when the difference in the amount of light received is equal to or greater than the threshold, it can be estimated that the pulsed light Lout has been received. On the other hand, when the amount of light received by the first signal Sig1 is large and the amount of light received by the second signal Sig2 is also large, that is, when the difference in the amount of light received is less than the threshold, it can be estimated that the pulsed light Lout is unlikely to have been received. Therefore, according to the electronic device 10, by receiving light using the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124, it is expected that the detection accuracy of the speed measurement device 30 will be improved.

<1-2-2. Radar Notification>
The control unit 11 may further execute the process of FIG. 13 in parallel with the process of FIG. 8 based on the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 15 .

First, the control unit 11 acquires a microwave reception signal from the microwave receiving unit 15 (step S11). Next, the control unit 11 performs a determination process to determine whether or not a radar-type speed measurement device is present based on the microwave reception signal (step S12). In step S12, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not a speed control point is present based on the frequency band of the received microwave. The algorithm for this determination may be, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1 or 2, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a speed measurement device has been detected based on the result of the judgment process (step S13). If the judgment in step S13 is "YES", the control unit 11 performs notification control (step S14). The notification control is a control to notify the user of the presence of a speed measurement device by the third method. The notification control includes, for example, control to display a notification screen on the display unit 13. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. The notification screen shown in FIG. 14 is a screen in which a window W2 is superimposed on the above-mentioned map screen. In the window W2, an icon M2 indicating the presence of a speed measurement device 30 and a message indicating the presence of a speed measurement device, such as "Approaching a speed control point. Please be careful", are arranged. The icon M2 is an icon that allows the user to recognize that the speed control device is compatible with the radar method. In other words, the icon M2 is different from the icon M1. The notification control may include control to output a notification sound from the speaker 14. In this case, the control unit 11 may output a voice from the speaker 14 saying, "You are approaching a radar speed control point. Please be careful." The notification control may be other controls, and may include, for example, control to cause the light-emitting unit 23 to emit light. Here too, the notification control may be control that notifies the user of the presence of the speed measurement device in a manner that allows the user to recognize it.

<1-3. Modification of the first embodiment>
The control unit 11 may further perform the following controls.
<1-3-1. Notification according to the number of pulses>
When the speed measurement device 30 emits light having a pulse waveform, referring to the number of pulses is also useful in detecting the speed measurement device 30. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of the pulse light Lout received by the electronic device 10. FIG. 15(a) shows a case where the distance between the electronic device 10 and the speed measurement device 30 is relatively large, and FIG. 15(b) shows a case where the distance between the electronic device 10 and the speed measurement device 30 is relatively small. As shown in FIG. 15(a), when the distance between the speed measurement device 30 and the electronic device 10 is relatively large, the pulse light Lout traveling in the direction of the electronic device 10 can be received, but the pulse light propagating only in a position close to the speed measurement device 30 on the road (for example, directly to the side of the speed measurement device 30) is not received. Therefore, the light receiving period Rx1 of the pulse light Lout becomes shorter relative to the light non-receiving period Rx2. 15B, when the distance between the speed measurement device 30 and the electronic device 10 is relatively small, the pulsed light Lout traveling toward the electronic device 10 can be received, and the pulsed light propagating only through a position on the road close to the speed measurement device 30 can also be received. Therefore, the light receiving period Rx1 of the pulsed light Lout becomes relatively long compared to the light non-receiving period Rx2. Also, it is considered that the number of pulses decreases immediately after the vehicle 40 passes the position of the speed measurement device 30.

Therefore, the control unit 11 may perform notification control according to the number of pulses. The control unit 11 may change the notification level according to the number of pulses included in the reception period of the pulsed light, for example. The notification level is an index of how important the content of the notification is to the user, and in this embodiment, it may be referred to as an alarm level. The control unit 11 identifies the number of pulses based on at least the amount of light received by the first light receiving element 122. For example, the control unit 11 increases the notification level during a period in which the number of pulses is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or during a period in which the number of pulses is increasing, since the vehicle is approaching the speed measuring device 30. The control unit 11 decreases the notification level during a period in which the number of pulses is less than a threshold value, or during a period in which the number of pulse widths is decreasing, since the vehicle is far from the speed measuring device 30 or is moving away. The control unit 11 changes the notification method according to the notification level. For example, the control unit 11 may change the message displayed on the display unit 13, change the notification sound output from the speaker 14, or change the light emission color of the light emitting unit 23, depending on the notification level.

The control unit 11 may also estimate the distance from the number of pulse widths and notify the user according to that distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 11 may estimate the position of the speed measuring device 30 from the number of pulse widths and display it on a map. In this example, an icon P indicates the position of the speed measuring device 30. As described above, the control unit 11 can notify the user according to the positional relationship between the light receiving unit 12 and the speed measuring device 30.

As shown in FIG. 17, when there is another vehicle ahead of the vehicle 40, the pulsed light Lout may be blocked in whole or in part by the vehicle C traveling ahead. In this case, even if the number of pulses is referred to, the positional relationship may not be accurately determined. Therefore, the control unit 11 detects the presence or absence of another vehicle C ahead of the vehicle 40 within a predetermined range from the vehicle 40. When there is no other vehicle C, the control unit 11 may perform notification control according to the number of pulses, and when there is a vehicle C, the control unit 11 may stop the notification control. Stopping the notification control according to the number of pulses may mean not changing the content of the notification control according to the number of pulses. In addition, the electronic device 10 may stop the notification control according to the number of pulses when the inter-vehicle distance is less than a threshold value, and perform this notification control when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value. There is no particular limit to the method of detecting the vehicle C, but one method is to use an in-vehicle camera 50. The in-vehicle camera 50 is, for example, a camera used in a drive recorder, and here, captures an image ahead of the vehicle 40.

Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 in this case. The control unit 11 acquires a captured image from the in-vehicle camera 50 via the communication unit 17 (step S21). Next, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image (step S22). The algorithm for analyzing the captured image does not matter, but for example, a pattern matching method is available. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a vehicle ahead (step S23). If the result of the determination in step S23 is "NO", the control unit 11 determines that notification control according to the number of pulses is to be performed (step S24). In this case, the control unit 11 performs a process such as rewriting the flag to a value indicating that control according to the number of pulses is to be performed. If the result of the determination in step S23 is "YES", the control unit 11 determines that notification control according to the number of pulses is to be stopped (step S25). In this case, the control unit 11 performs a process such as rewriting a predetermined flag to a value indicating that control according to the number of pulses is not to be performed. Here, a vehicle ahead of the vehicle 40 is detected, but it may be behind the vehicle 40. The electronic device 10 may also have a built-in vehicle-mounted camera 50. This reduces the possibility of misjudging the positional relationship between the light receiving unit 12 and the speed measuring device 30 due to the presence of another vehicle C.

<1-3-2. Control according to pulse width or pulse interval>
When the speed measuring device 30 emits pulsed light, referring to the pulse width or pulse interval is also useful in detecting the speed measuring device 30. The speed measuring device 30 emits pulsed light of a specific wavelength with a predetermined duty ratio. In addition, from the viewpoint of safety, the duty ratio of the pulsed light is set to a predetermined value or less. Therefore, the control unit 11 may determine whether the speed measuring device 30 exists based on a predetermined pulse width or pulse interval and the pulse width or pulse interval of the received light. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the speed measuring device 30 exists when it is included within a certain range from the reference pulse width or pulse interval, but determines that it does not exist otherwise. The control unit 11 specifies the pulse width or pulse interval based on at least the amount of light received by the first light receiving element 122. As described above, the control unit 11 can reduce notifications that mistakenly identify ambient light as light from a light emitting device.

<1-3-3. Control according to the intensity of pulsed light>
Referencing the intensity of the pulsed light of the received light is also useful in detecting the light emitting device. The closer the vehicle 40 is to the speed measuring device 30, the greater the intensity of the pulsed light becomes, and the further away the vehicle 40 is, the smaller the distance becomes. Therefore, the control unit 11 may change the notification level according to the amount of pulsed light received by the first light receiving element 122. For example, the control unit 11 may notify the user by raising the notification level when the intensity of the pulsed light is increasing, and by lowering the notification level when the intensity of the pulsed light is decreasing. In addition, the control unit 11 may determine that the speed measuring device 30 does not exist when the amount of received pulsed light is equal to or less than a threshold value. As described above, the control unit 11 can notify the user according to the positional relationship between the light receiving unit 12 and the speed measuring device 30.

<1-3-4. Notification of imaging availability>
After performing the notification control, the control unit 11 may perform control to notify the user that an image has been captured or that an image has not been captured, depending on whether a predetermined light has been detected. When an image has been captured by the image capturing unit 32, the strobe 33 emits light. Therefore, after performing the notification control, the control unit 11 may further notify the user that an image has been captured if it detects the light of the strobe 33. Alternatively, after performing the notification control, the control unit 11 may notify the user that an image has not been captured if it does not detect the light of the strobe 33. This allows the user to know whether an image of the vehicle 40 has been captured. The light from the strobe 33 may be received by the light receiving unit 12, or another light receiving unit may be used.

[2. Second embodiment]
In this embodiment, even when the electronic device 10 does not receive pulsed light and microwaves, it has a function of notifying the presence of the speed measurement device 30. The electronic device of this embodiment may have some or all of the functions of the first embodiment described above, or may not have them.

<2-1. Configuration of the second embodiment>
Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the system of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, there are various types of roads. For example, on a road Ar1 that is also used as a school route called a green belt, it is particularly important that the vehicle 40 obeys the speed limit, and it is considered that the possibility of installing a speed measurement device 30 is higher than on a road Ar2 of another type. Therefore, the control unit 11 may notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30 when the electronic device 10 is located on a predetermined type of road.

<2-2. Operation of the Second Embodiment>
20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 acquires location information from the GPS receiving unit 16 (step S31). Next, the control unit 11 judges whether the current location indicated by the location information is within a predetermined area (step S32). Here, the control unit 11 judges whether the vehicle 40 is on a green belt based on the current location and the data stored in the storage unit 18. If the control unit 11 judges "YES" in step S32, it performs notification control (step S33). The notification control includes, for example, control to display a notification screen on the display unit 13.

21 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. The notification screen shown in FIG. 21 is a screen in which a window W3 is arranged over the map screen described above. In the window W3, an icon M3 indicating the presence of a speed measurement device 30 and a message indicating the presence of a speed measurement device, such as "You are in a speed control area," are arranged. The icon M3 is an icon that allows the user to recognize that a speed control point is being set based on location information. That is, for example, the icon M3 is different from the icons M1 and M2. The notification control may include control to output a notification sound from the speaker 14. In this case, the control unit 11 may output a sound from the speaker 14 saying "You are in a speed control area." The notification control may include other controls, such as control to cause the light-emitting unit 23 to emit light. The predetermined area is not limited to a green belt, and may be a one-way road or other types of roads.

In this way, the presence of the light-emitting device can be reported based on the position information, so that its presence can be reported even without receiving pulsed light from the speed measuring device 30.

[3. Third embodiment]
In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 has a plurality of light receiving units that receive pulsed light.

Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of electronic device 10. In this example, electronic device 10 has three light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C. The configuration of each of light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C may be the same as light receiving unit 12, except for the characteristics of the wavelength selection unit. Note that in Figure 22, the display unit 13 to the cable terminal unit 24 described in Figure 6 are omitted from the illustration.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing the characteristics of the first wavelength selection section 121 and the second wavelength selection section 123 of the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C of this embodiment. Figure 23(a) corresponds to the light receiving unit 12A, Figure 23(b) corresponds to the light receiving unit 12B, and Figure 23(c) corresponds to the light receiving unit 12C. As shown in Figures 23(a) to (c), the wavelength of the pulsed light to be received differs in each of the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C. As shown by the solid line in Figure 23(a), the first wavelength selection section 121 of the light receiving unit 12A transmits light in a wavelength range including a specific wavelength λout1, here the wavelength range from wavelength λ11a to wavelength λ11b, and blocks light in a different wavelength range. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 23(a), the second wavelength selection unit 123 blocks light in a wavelength region including the specific wavelength λout1, here the wavelength region from wavelength λ21a to wavelength λ21b, and transmits light in a wavelength region different from this. As shown by the solid line in Fig. 23(b), the first wavelength selection unit 121 of the light receiving unit 12B transmits light in a wavelength region including the specific wavelength λout2, here the wavelength region from wavelength λ12a to wavelength λ12b, and blocks light in a wavelength region different from this. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 23(b), the second wavelength selection unit 123 blocks light in a wavelength region including the specific wavelength λout2, here the wavelength region from wavelength λ22a to wavelength λ22b, and transmits light in a wavelength region different from this. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 23(c), the first wavelength selection unit 121 of the light receiving unit 12C transmits light in a wavelength range including the specific wavelength λout3, here the wavelength range from λ13a to λ13b, and blocks light in other wavelength ranges. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 23(c), the second wavelength selection unit 123 blocks light in a wavelength range including the specific wavelength λout3, here the wavelength range from λ23a to λ23b, and transmits light in other wavelength ranges. λout1, out2, and out3 are, for example, 850 nm, 950 nm, and 1900 nm, but are not limited to these.

When the control unit 11 detects the speed measurement device 30 based on the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2 from any of the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C, it notifies the presence of the speed measurement device 30. According to this embodiment, even if there are multiple speed measurement devices 30 with different wavelengths of light emitted by the electronic device 10, or if the wavelength of light emitted by the speed measurement device 30 has been changed, it is possible to notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30.

The characteristics of the multiple light receiving units 12 may be the same. In this case, as shown in FIG. 24, the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C may be provided at different positions on the vehicle 40. Here, the light receiving unit 12A is provided at the left front portion, the light receiving unit 12B at the center front portion, and the light receiving unit 12C at the right front portion. This makes it possible to estimate the direction from which the laser arrives based on the timing of the laser reception at the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C. For example, if the laser arrives from the left front, the timing of the laser reception at the light receiving unit 12A will be relatively early, and if the laser arrives from the right front, the timing of the laser reception at the light receiving unit 12C will be relatively early. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may notify the user of the direction from which the pulsed light arrives.

The speed measurement unit 31 also emits pulsed light to a mirror rotating at a constant speed, and emits pulsed light Lout reflected by this mirror. Therefore, the timing at which the pulsed light Lout is received by each of the light receiving units 12A, 12B, 12C varies depending on, for example, the rotation speed of the mirror, the positions of the light receiving units 12A, 12B, 12C, and the distance between the light receiving units 12A, 12B, 12C and the speed measurement device 30. Therefore, the control unit 11 may detect the speed measurement device 30 based on the timing at which the pulsed light Lout is received by the light receiving units 12A, 12B, 12C.

The light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C may each receive light in a different direction. For example, the orientation of the light receiving elements may differ by 20 degrees between the light receiving units 12A, 12B, and 12C. This may reduce the decrease in detection accuracy due to the installation position of the speed measurement device 30. In this embodiment, it is preferable to have two or four or more light receiving units.

[4. Configuration of the light receiving unit 12]
Next, a configuration example of the light receiving section 12 applicable to each of the above-mentioned embodiments will be described.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the light receiving unit 12. The first light receiving element 122 is a photodiode PD1 in this embodiment. Light passing through the first wavelength selection unit 121 is incident on the light receiving surface of the photodiode PD1. The cathode of PD1 is connected to a high-potential power supply line, and the anode is connected to one end of the resistor R1. The other end of the resistor R1 is grounded. The input end of the inverter INV1 is commonly connected to the anode of the photodiode PD1 and one end of the resistor R1. The output end of the inverter INV1 is connected to the negative input terminal of the differential amplifier AMP. The second light receiving element 124 is a photodiode PD2 in this embodiment. Light passing through the second wavelength selection unit 123 is incident on the light receiving surface of the photodiode PD2. The cathode of the photodiode PD2 is connected to a high-potential power supply line, and the anode is connected to one end of the resistor R2. The other end of the resistor R2 is grounded. The input terminal of the inverter INV2 is commonly connected to the anode of the photodiode PD2 and one terminal of the resistor R2. The output terminal of the inverter INV2 is connected to the positive input terminal of the differential amplifier AMP. As a result, a signal corresponding to the difference between the amounts of light received by the photodiodes PD1 and PD2 is output from the output terminal of the differential amplifier AMP. The control unit 11 detects the speed measuring device 30 based on this difference. The control unit 11 may detect the speed measuring device 30 based on the signal after it has been amplified by the differential amplifier AMP.

5. External Configuration of Electronic Device 10
FIG. 26 is a six-sided view showing an example of the external configuration of the electronic device 10. In this example, the display unit 13, the light emitting unit 23, and the illuminance sensor 201 of the sensor unit 20 are provided on the front of the housing of the electronic device 10. A speaker 14 is provided to output sound from the upper end surface of the housing 100. A mounting unit 21 (i.e., an SD card slot) for mounting an SD card (registered trademark) is provided on the right end surface of the housing 100. A light receiving unit 12 is provided on the upper right part of the back surface of the housing 100. In addition, a power switch 221 and a DC jack 222 of the power supply unit 22 are provided on the lower left part of the back surface of the housing 100. An area 104 is an area in which the model name and serial number are written.

[6. Modifications]
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

(Variation 1)
The first wavelength selection unit 121 and the second wavelength selection unit 123 may not be band pass filters. The first wavelength selection unit 121 and the second wavelength selection unit 123 may be, for example, a combination of a low pass filter and a high pass filter. The second wavelength selection unit 123 may be a low pass filter as shown by the characteristics in FIG. 27(a). In this example, the second wavelength selection unit 123 transmits light in a wavelength region lower than the wavelength λ2a and blocks light in a wavelength region higher than the wavelength λ2a. The second wavelength selection unit 123 may be a high pass filter as shown by the characteristics in FIG. 27(b). In this example, the second wavelength selection unit 123 transmits light in a wavelength region higher than the wavelength λ2b and blocks light in a wavelength region lower than the wavelength λ2b. Even in this case, the amount of light received by the second signal Sig2 becomes extremely small during the period in which the pulsed light Lout is received. The light receiving unit 12 receives not only the pulsed light Lout, which is the object of the reception, but also disturbance light, but such disturbance light generally has a wide wavelength range in which the energy is distributed. Therefore, even if the light receiving unit 12 receives disturbance light that is periodically turned on and off, it is considered that the amount of received light is large. Therefore, when the amount of received light of the first signal Sig1 is large and the amount of received light of the second signal Sig2 is small, that is, the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, it can be estimated that the pulsed light Lout has been received. On the other hand, when the amount of received light of the first signal Sig1 is large and the amount of received light of the second signal Sig2 is also large, that is, the difference is less than the threshold, it can be estimated that the possibility of receiving the pulsed light Lout is low. Therefore, according to the electronic device 10, by receiving light using the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124, it is expected that the detection accuracy of the speed measuring device 30 can be improved. Furthermore, the first wavelength selecting section 121 and the second wavelength selecting section 123 may be configured using optical elements other than filters, such as prisms.

(Variation 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the light receiving unit 12 has two elements, the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124, but may have only one. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 10 in this modified example. In this example, the light receiving unit 12 does not have the first light receiving element 122 or the second light receiving element 124, but has a light receiving element 128. The light receiving element 128 may have the same configuration as the first light receiving element 122 or the second light receiving element 124. In addition, the electronic device 10 in this modified example has a driving unit 60. The driving unit 60 moves the first wavelength selecting unit 121 and the second wavelength selecting unit 123 according to the control of the control unit 11. The driving unit 60 has, for example, a motor and a gear. The control unit 11 moves the first wavelength selecting unit 121 and the second wavelength selecting unit 123 so as to alternately cover the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 128 during the operation of the electronic device 10. That is, as shown in Fig. 29(a), the control unit 11 first provides the first wavelength selection unit 121 on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 128. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the signal obtained from the light receiving element 128 at this time as the first signal Sig1. Next, as shown in Fig. 29(b), the control unit 11 first moves the first wavelength selection unit 121 away from the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 128 and provides the second wavelength selection unit 123 on the light receiving surface. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the signal obtained from the light receiving element 128 at this time as the second signal Sig2. Then, the control unit 11 detects the speed measurement device 30 based on the first signal Sig1 and the second signal Sig2.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, the light receiving unit 12 has two light receiving elements, the first light receiving element 122 and the second light receiving element 124, but it is preferable that the light receiving unit 12 has three or more light receiving elements. Even in this case, the control unit 11 can be expected to improve the detection accuracy of the speed measurement device 30 by selecting different wavelength ranges of light for each of the three or more light receiving elements.

(Variation 4)
In the above description, the light receiving unit 12 has at least one set of a wavelength selection unit and a light receiving element. Alternatively, the light receiving unit 12 may have at least one light receiving element without having a wavelength selection unit. For example, the light receiving unit 12 may receive a third amount of light when a specific wavelength is selected and received, instead of the second amount of light received, which is the amount of light received of a wavelength different from the specific wavelength. In this case, the control unit 11 may perform control to notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30 based on the second amount of light received and the third amount of light received.

The light receiving unit 12 may receive the incident light by a single light receiving element. The control unit 11 may then control the notification of the presence of the speed measuring device 30 based on a pulse width or pulse interval determined based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 12. The method using the pulse width or pulse interval may be the same as the modified example of the first embodiment described above.

(Variation 5)
The light receiving element may be an imaging element of a camera such as a drive recorder. For example, the control unit 11 acquires an image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 50 and performs image analysis. The vehicle-mounted camera is preferably a camera without an infrared cut filter. This is to prevent the pulsed light Lout from being blocked. Then, when light of a specific pattern is received as a result of the image analysis, the control unit 11 performs control to notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30. The control unit 11 may detect the light of the specific pattern based on a change in brightness indicating that it is light of a specific wavelength. When light of a specific pattern is received, the control unit 11 may record the captured image for a period corresponding to the light receiving period. The period is, for example, a period of one minute before and after the timing when light of the specific pattern is received, but is not limited to this.

(Variation 6)
The electronic device 10 may detect the speed measuring device 30 behind the vehicle 40. In this case, the light receiving unit 12 may be disposed so as to be able to receive pulsed light from the vehicle 40.

(Variation 7)
When the electronic device 10 detects the speed measuring device 30, it is preferable that the electronic device 10 uploads information such as location information indicating the location of the speed measuring device 30 to a server. The server may be a server that provides a social networking service, or a server that manages and distributes update information regarding the object to be notified.

In addition to detecting speed measuring devices, the system disclosed herein can also be used to detect light emitting devices that emit light of a specific wavelength.

(Variation 8)
A part of the configuration and operation described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted or changed. For example, the electronic device 10 may be an optical device that does not support a radar device. Also, for example, the positions, shapes, and sizes of the components in the electronic device 10 are merely examples. Also, the light receiving unit 12 may be provided outside the electronic device 10. For example, the light receiving unit 12 may be provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle 40, such as the position of the license plate. In this case, the control unit 11 may acquire a signal from the light receiving unit 12 via the communication unit 17.

(Variation 9)
Furthermore, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the speed measurement device 30 is present, and when it determines that at least the speed measurement device 30 is present, may output a signal indicating the determination result to an external device. This external device may notify the presence of the speed measurement device 30. The present invention may also be specified by a control device (e.g., a control module) incorporated in the electronic device 10 and having the same function as the control unit 11.

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

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

In addition, we intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by filing a conversion application to a design application. The drawings show the entire device in solid lines, but they include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for some parts of the device. For example, not only can some components of the device be made into partial designs, but the drawings also include some parts of the device as partial designs regardless of the components. A part of the device may be a part of the device, or it may be part of that component. We intend to obtain rights to not only the overall design, but also partial designs in which any part of the solid line parts of the drawings are made into dashed lines.

10: Electronic device 11: Control unit 12: Light receiving unit 12A: Light receiving unit 12B: Light receiving unit 12C: 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 measuring device 31: Speed measuring unit 32: Imaging unit 33: Strobe 40: Vehicle 41: Dash Board 50: In-vehicle camera 60: Drive unit 100: Housing 101: First window 102: Second window 103: Partition 104: Area 121: First wavelength selection unit 122: First light receiving element 123: Second wavelength selection unit 124: Second light receiving element 125: Interface 126: Visible light cut filter 127: Visible light cut filter 128: Light receiving element 201: Illuminance sensor 221: Power switch 222: DC jack

Claims (4)

A function of performing notification control to notify about speed enforcement according to the number of pulses contained in the laser light for measuring the vehicle speed received by the light receiving unit arranged on the vehicle itself;
A function of determining whether or not there is another vehicle ahead of the host vehicle based on an image captured by a camera mounted on the host vehicle;
having
The function of performing the notification control is
The system stops the notification when there is another vehicle ahead of the vehicle. The notification control includes changing a notification level according to a number of pulses included in a reception period of the received laser light.
The system of claim 1 . a detector having a function of performing the notification control and a function of determining,
The system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the function of determining is based on the image from the camera provided outside the detector. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

Images