JP2006298027A - Communication control system for vehicle and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a specific movement according to the distance between a terminal and a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: The terminal 1000 and the vehicle 2000 are equipped with transmitting receiving means capable of controlling a mutual communication distance in stages. When the communication is possible in the distance between the terminal 1000 and the vehicle is several tens meters or more, several meters, or several tens centimeters, or several centimeters, the communication control system receives images of a camera 270 by detecting mischief with a vibration detection means 260, starts (S600) an engine 220 from remote place, transmits the car navigation information obtained by a personal computer to a car navigation 290, transmits the information related to the image and sound to AV equipment 280, controls (S570) a door locking and unlocking means 250, and controls (S540) a lighting 230 and an air conditioner 240. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle communication control system that communicates with a vehicle wirelessly and a program thereof.

A technique for wirelessly communicating with a vehicle is already in widespread use, and it has also been proposed to detect a mischief on a vehicle and notify the owner, and store an image in the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . Also, a technique for remotely monitoring and controlling a vehicle is generally known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, information is received from the center using a mobile terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In addition, wireless is also used to realize keyless entry (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
JP 2001-338378 A JP-A-5-157030 JP-A-11-53376 JP 2000-352243 A

  However, in these methods, a communication method suitable for each function such as using PHS, using wireless communication, or using mobile phone communication is prepared. It has not been possible to use various methods ranging from applications to bidirectional long-distance applications such as engine starters and mischievous alarms using a single wireless means, and new communication means have been added for each function.

  If it is assumed that various uses from short-range applications such as keyless entry to bidirectional long-range applications such as engine starters and mischief alarms are performed with a single wireless method, the following issues exist: . In other words, keyless entry wants to open the vehicle door when approaching the vehicle (short distance). On the other hand, the mischief alarm wants to receive an alarm even at home (long distance) away from the vehicle. As described above, since the communication distance varies depending on the purpose and situation, how to solve this becomes a problem.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the vehicle communication control system and the program thereof according to the present invention include transmission / reception means capable of controlling the communication distance in stages in the terminal and the vehicle, respectively. For each communication distance, a unique operation was performed.

  This makes it possible to perform optimal operations according to the distance between the terminal and the vehicle, detect mischief, send video, start the engine remotely, or route information obtained from a personal computer Or, it is now possible to transmit car navigation information including store information and information related to video and audio to in-vehicle devices, control door locking and unlocking devices, and control lighting devices and air conditioning devices. .

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle communication control system, each of the terminal and the vehicle includes transmission / reception means capable of controlling the communication distance in stages, and performs a unique operation for each of the communication distances controlled in stages. I did it.

  As a result, it is possible to perform optimal operations according to the distance between the terminal and the vehicle, detect mischief to the vehicle, transmit images inside or around the vehicle, or start the engine remotely. , Route information acquired by a personal computer, car navigation information including store information, and information related to video and audio are transmitted to in-vehicle devices, door locking and unlocking devices are controlled, lighting devices and air conditioners are installed. Now you can control.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle communication control system of the first aspect of the invention, the transmission / reception means is a contact mode in which communication can be performed in a contact state (for example, within several centimeters), and a little apart (for example, tens of centimeters) At least two of a short-distance mode in which communication is possible within a range, a medium-distance mode in which communication is possible further away (for example, within a few meters), and a long-distance mode in which communication is possible remotely (for example within a few tens of meters) The communication distance was controlled by switching the above.

  As a result, when the distance between the terminal and the vehicle is several tens of meters or more, or several meters, or several tens of centimeters, or several centimeters, communication can be performed, For example, it detects mischief and sends a video, starts an engine remotely, sends route information acquired by a personal computer, car navigation information including store information, and information related to video and audio to in-vehicle devices. It is now possible to control door locking and unlocking devices, lighting devices, and air conditioning devices.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the vehicle communication control system of the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes vibration detection means and vehicle photographing means, and when the vibration detection means detects vibration due to mischief or the like, The video acquired by the vehicle photographing means and the information that vibration has been detected are transmitted to the terminal using the long-distance mode, and the notification and video display are provided by the notification means and the video display means provided in the terminal. .

  This makes it possible to use the long-distance mode to acquire information such as the appearance of the criminal and the state of the crime in a vehicle storage environment that is likely to cause harm, such as outdoor parking at night. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle communication control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes the second control means and the engine, and the second mode is provided by an instruction from a terminal using a long-distance mode. The control means starts the engine.

  As a result, warm-up operation can be performed in advance at a place away from the vehicle by using the long-distance mode.

  In a fifth aspect of the invention, in the vehicle communication control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the terminal is connected to a personal computer, and the route information acquired by the personal computer or the car navigation information including the store information is displayed in the long distance mode. Thus, information related to video and audio acquired by the personal computer is transmitted to the AV device in the vehicle in the long-distance mode.

  This eliminates the need to operate the in-vehicle device after getting into the vehicle, and it is possible to set necessary information in the in-vehicle device in advance by using the long-distance mode.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the vehicle communication control system of the second aspect of the invention, the second control means provided in the vehicle at the time when communication with the terminal is possible in the medium distance mode capable of communication in several meters, The lighting device and the air conditioner were controlled.

  As a result, when the vehicle approaches the vehicle, it is possible to make the minimum necessary preparation by using the medium distance mode.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the vehicle communication control system of the second aspect of the invention, the second control means provided in the vehicle at the time when communication with the terminal is possible in the short-distance mode capable of communicating at several tens of centimeters. The door locking and unlocking device was controlled.

  As a result, the door locking / unlocking device is controlled after sufficiently approaching the vehicle, so that another person does not get into the vehicle before himself / herself or gets into the vehicle immediately after he / she leaves the vehicle. In addition, it has become possible to use the short distance mode to lock and unlock the door more safely.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the vehicle communication control system of the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle control system further comprises an installation location for installing the terminal inside the vehicle, and the contact mode is used when the terminal is installed at the installation location. It communicated with the terminal and controlled so that the engine can be started by the second control means.

  As a result, when the terminal is securely installed in the vehicle, the engine can be started, and a safer vehicle can be provided by using the contact mode.

  A ninth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute at least one means, particularly in the vehicle communication control system of any one of the first to eighth inventions, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a storage device, and an I / O. A part or all of the present invention can be easily realized as a program by cooperating hardware resources such as an electrical information device, a computer, and the like. Also, by distributing the program on a recording medium or using a communication line, program distribution can be realized very easily compared to other means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the basic operation in the long distance mode will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle communication control system configuration according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a terminal 1000 is a terminal that is operated or notified by a user's hand, and is assumed to communicate with a vehicle 2000 by low-power radio.

  The terminal 1000 includes a first transmission / reception unit 100, a first control unit 110 that controls the entire unit including the first transmission / reception unit 100, a notification unit 120 that notifies the user by physical means such as sound, light, or vibration, and video Display means 130 for displaying information in the form of letters and characters and transmitting it to the user, and a serial interface 140 for exchanging information with an external personal computer.

  The vehicle 2000 includes a second transmission / reception unit 200 that communicates with the first transmission / reception unit 100, a second control unit 210 that controls the whole including the second transmission / reception unit 200, and an engine 200 that is controlled by the second control unit 210. Lighting 230, air conditioning 240, door locking / unlocking means 250, vibration detecting means 210 (detecting mischief on the vehicle), camera 270 (capturing the situation inside and outside the vehicle), and audio to the user AV equipment 280 (providing a video environment) and car navigation 290 (detecting and displaying a position and guiding a destination) are provided.

  An example of operation during vehicle storage will be described. The fact that the vehicle is being stored can be easily known in the vehicle 2000 (by means of a side brake, a locked state of the vehicle, a stopped state of the engine, etc., not shown). And set the long-distance mode so that communication is possible even over several tens of meters.

  At this time, the second control unit 210 constantly monitors the vibration detection unit 260 of the vehicle 2000, and when the vibration detection unit 260 detects vibration due to mischief or the like to the vehicle 2000, the second control unit 210 detects that the camera 270. Then, a video around the vehicle 2000 is acquired, and the video and information that vibration is detected are transmitted from the second transmission / reception means 200 to the first transmission / reception means 100 of the terminal 1000. As a result, at the terminal 1000, the first control means 110 can notify the notification means 120, display the image on the image display means 130, and issue a warning to the user.

  Although not shown in the figure, an application may be considered in which a terminal 1000 is equipped with a microphone and threatens a criminal by outputting a user's voice from a speaker provided in the vehicle 2000.

  In addition to the above, since the vehicle 2000 is instructed to issue a command to the terminal 1000 from the vehicle 2000 and is set to a long-distance mode in which communication is possible even at several tens of meters or more, the second command is sent from the terminal 1000. The control unit 210 can start the engine 220, and it can be expected that the warm-up operation in winter is started remotely.

  Furthermore, the terminal 1000 is connected to an external personal computer via the serial interface 140, and the car navigation information including the route information acquired in advance by the personal computer or the store information acquired via the Internet or the like is used for the first control of the terminal 1000. The information is transmitted to the car navigation 290 via the means 110, the first transmission / reception means 100, the second communication means 200 of the vehicle 2000, and the second control means 210. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that information relating to video and audio acquired by a personal computer is transmitted to the AV device 280 through a similar route.

  This makes it possible to transmit useful information to the in-vehicle device remotely in advance without getting into the vehicle. In this case, it is preferable to transmit in a long-distance mode in which communication is possible even over several tens of meters. It is also effective to reduce the consumption of the in-vehicle battery by introducing a mechanism to turn on the power in response to an instruction from the terminal 1000 so that the AV device 280 and the car navigation 290 do not consume extra electricity (illustrated). Not)

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a method for changing the communication distance will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed internal configuration of the first transmission / reception unit 100 and the second transmission / reception unit 200. In FIG. 2, the first transmission / reception unit 100 includes a first attenuation unit 10 (attenuating a transmission signal), a first transmission unit 11, a first reception unit 12, and a first transmission / reception control unit 13. The second transmitting / receiving unit 200 includes a second attenuating unit 20 (attenuating the received signal), a second transmitting unit 21, a second receiving unit 22, and a second transmitting / receiving unit. And a control means 23.

  The first attenuation means 10 and the second attenuation means 20 can change the intensity of attenuation by external control, and the attenuation intensity is changed stepwise in each attenuation means. For example, a long-distance mode (no attenuation) that enables communication even over several tens of meters, a medium-distance mode (medium attenuation) that allows communication within a few meters, and a communication that is within tens of centimeters It is possible to set a communication distance control mode based on radio wave strength such as a short distance mode (attenuation strength) and a contact mode (attenuation strongest) that can communicate only within several centimeters.

  A sufficient effect can be obtained only by the first attenuation means 10, but the second attenuation means 20 may be used at the same time in order to realize a stricter contact mode.

  Even if communication is only possible in the contact mode after attenuation, the transmission signal of the second transmission / reception means 200 and the reception signal of the first transmission / reception device 100 are attenuated at all so that the long distance mode can be restored without any problem. It is configured so that communication is always possible without any problems.

  That is, since the first transmission / reception device 100 can always communicate with the first transmission / reception device 100 from the transmission signal of the second transmission / reception unit 200, the first transmission / reception device 100 receives the instruction from the second transmission / reception unit 200. The intensity of the transmission radio wave from the first transmission / reception device 100 can be changed by controlling the second attenuation means 20.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a mechanism for knowing the distance between the terminal 1000 and the vehicle 2000 and its application will be described with reference to FIG. First, the case where the terminal 1000 approaches the vehicle 2000 first will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flow of processing performed by the second control unit 210 when the terminal 1000 approaches the vehicle 2000.

  In the first embodiment, the explanation of the long-distance mode during storage of the vehicle has been mainly described. However, even during storage of the vehicle, in order to know the distance between the terminal 1000 and the vehicle 2000, a certain time (for example, 1 second) from the terminal 1000 ) Every time. When this signal is constantly monitored (S500) and the vehicle 2000 in the vehicle storage state receives (S500), the terminal 1000 is set to the medium distance mode (communication is possible within a few meters). (S520).

  It is monitored whether or not the vehicle 2000 in the vehicle storage state receives a signal from the terminal 1000 within a certain time (S530). If the signal is not received (S530), communication is possible even in the original state (several tens of meters or more). To such a long distance mode) (S510). If communication is possible even in the intermediate distance mode (S530), it can be determined that the user is approaching the range of the intermediate distance mode.

  If it is detected by such a method and it is found that the user is approaching the middle distance mode, for example, the second control means 210 provided in the vehicle 2000 controls the lighting 230 and the air conditioning 240 to the user. A service can be provided (S540). Furthermore, it is also effective to stop the function of the vibration detection means 260 at this time and interrupt the mischief detection function.

  In this state, assuming that the user further approaches, the vehicle 2000 is set to the short distance mode (communication is possible within a few tens of centimeters) with respect to the terminal 1000 (S550). A signal sent at regular intervals is monitored (S560), and when this signal is finally detected (S560), it can be detected that the user has approached within several tens of centimeters.

  Since the user has approached such a position, for example, the second control unit 210 provided in the vehicle 2000 can control the door locking / unlocking unit 250 to unlock the door. (S570).

  Next, assuming that the user gets into the vehicle 2000, if the vehicle 2000 is within a few centimeters of the terminal 1000, the communication mode is set to be communicable (S580). The signal to be sent is monitored, and when this signal is finally detected (S590), it is determined that the user has entered the vehicle 2000.

  In this state, for example, the second control unit 210 can perform control so that the engine 220 can be started (S600).

  Up to this point, the description has been made assuming that the user enters the vehicle 2000 and shifts to the long-distance mode, the medium-distance mode, the short-distance mode, and the contact mode. However, the user simply passes near the vehicle. For example, if the signal sent from the terminal 1000 is monitored at regular intervals, and the signal is not detected after a certain period of time, reset it to the long distance mode. It is also effective to prevent the unintentional operation by returning and repartitioning from the beginning (door locking, light extinguishing, etc.) (not shown).

  Although the case where the terminal 1000 approaches the vehicle 2000 has been described, the case where the terminal 1000 moves away from the vehicle 2000 will be described conversely.

  FIG. 4 shows a flow of processing performed by the second control unit 210 when the terminal 1000 moves away from the vehicle 2000.

  Similarly, in order to know the distance between the terminal 1000 and the vehicle 2000, a signal is sent from the terminal 1000 at regular intervals. When this signal is constantly monitored (S700) and the driving vehicle 2000 does not receive it (S700), the terminal 1000 is out of the contact area, so the engine is turned off (S710) and the short distance mode is set. An instruction is issued to set (S720).

  It is monitored whether or not the vehicle 2000 in the vehicle storage state receives a signal from the terminal 1000 within a certain time (S730), and when it receives the signal (S730), it repeats from the beginning (S700) and does not receive the signal. In the case (S730), since the terminal 1000 has come out of the short distance Yanagio area, the door is locked (S740), and the medium / long distance mode is set (S750).

  If communication is possible even in the medium-distance mode (S760), the second control provided in the vehicle 2000 because the terminal has entered the long-distance area when the signal is not received (760) is repeated from the beginning (S700). The means 210 provides services to the user such as controlling the lighting 230 and the air conditioning 240 (S770). At this time, it is also effective to operate the vibration detection means 260 that has been stopped so far to function the mischief detection function.

  Finally, when the long distance mode is set (S780) and a signal is received (S790), the process is repeated from the beginning (S700) and no signal is received (S790). It starts from the beginning (S700).

  When the signal is received, the same processing is repeated from the beginning (S700), but since a reliable operation can be obtained, it is meaningful to repeat the same processing.

  Note that the algorithms in FIGS. 3 and 4 are only examples, and when a signal is received, the mode is shifted to one farther away, and when no signal is received, the mode is returned to a mode closer to one or optimally equipped with a mode switching learning means. A different mode may be selected.

  Note that the terminal 1000 holds a unique ID code in the first control unit 110 and is assumed to be able to communicate only with a specific vehicle 2000. For this reason, the second control unit 210 is used. The ID code is also stored inside and the code authentication is performed. However, the number of terminals 1000 is not limited to one, and a plurality of terminals 1000 having different unique ID codes may be able to communicate with only one vehicle 2000. With such a mechanism, for example, it is also useful to use ID code information as information for performing different operations (change of seat position, change of handle height) while the terminal 1000 has an authenticated ID code. .

  In the explanation so far, long-distance mode that can communicate even over several tens of meters, medium-range mode that can communicate within several meters, short-range mode that can communicate within several tens of centimeters, and contact mode that can communicate within several centimeters However, it is not always necessary to be concerned with this, and it may be replaced with a form such as a medium-distance mode that does not exceed several meters as a long-distance mode.

  Note that the means described in this embodiment causes hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electric / information device including an I / O, a computer, a server, and the like to cooperate. You may implement with the form of a program. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media, or distributing them using a communication line such as the Internet.

  In this embodiment, the low power wireless communication is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  As described above, the vehicle communication control system and the program thereof according to the present invention can each perform an optimum operation according to the distance between the terminal and the vehicle, detect a mischief, transmit a video, Start the engine remotely, send route information acquired with a personal computer, car navigation information including store information, and information related to audiovisual information to in-vehicle devices, control the door locking and unlocking device, The lighting device and the air conditioner can be controlled.

An example diagram of a vehicle communication control system configuration according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention FIG. 3 is an example of a detailed internal configuration of a first transmission / reception unit and a second transmission / reception unit in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. An example of the flow of processing when terminal 1000 approaches vehicle 2000, performed by second control means 210 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention An example of the flow of processing performed by second control means 210 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention when terminal 1000 moves away from vehicle 2000

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 1st attenuation means 11 1st transmission means 12 1st reception means 13 1st transmission / reception control means 20 1st attenuation means 21 1st transmission means 22 1st reception means 23 1st transmission / reception control means 100 First transmission / reception means 110 First control means (holds a unique ID code)
120 Informing means 130 Display means 140 Serial interface 200 Second transmission / reception means 210 Second control means (only a specific ID code registered in advance is authenticated)
220 Engine 230 Lighting (lighting device)
240 Air conditioning
250 Door locking / unlocking means (door locking / unlocking device)
260 Vibration detection means 270 Camera (vehicle photographing means)
280 AV equipment 290 Car navigation (Car navigation equipment)
1000 terminals 2000 vehicles

Claims (9)

A vehicle communication control system comprising transmission / reception means capable of controlling a communication distance stepwise in a terminal and a vehicle, and performing a unique operation for each stepwise controlled communication distance. The transmission / reception means includes a contact mode in which communication is possible in a contact state (for example, within a few centimeters), a short-distance mode in which communication is possible at a little further distance (for example, within several tens of centimeters), and a further distance (for example, a few The vehicle communication control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication distance is controlled by switching at least two or more of a medium-distance mode communicable within a meter) and a long-distance mode communicable remotely (for example, within several tens of meters). . The vehicle has vibration detection means and vehicle photographing means, and when the vibration detection means detects vibration due to mischief or the like, an image acquired by the vehicle photographing means and information that vibration has been detected,
Transmit to the terminal using long-distance mode,
3. The vehicle communication control system according to claim 2, wherein notification and video display are performed by a notification means and a video display means provided in the terminal. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a second control unit and an engine, and the second control unit starts the engine by an instruction from a terminal using a long-distance mode. Communication control system. When the terminal is connected to a personal computer, route information acquired by the personal computer or car navigation information including store information is transmitted to the car navigation device in the vehicle in the long-distance mode, or acquired by the personal computer. The vehicle communication control system according to claim 2, wherein the information relating to the video and audio is transmitted to an AV device in the vehicle in a long-distance mode. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the lighting device and the air conditioner are controlled by the second control means provided in the vehicle when communication with the terminal becomes possible in the medium distance mode in which communication is possible with several meters. Communication control system. 3. The door locking / unlocking device is controlled by the second control means provided in the vehicle when communication with the terminal becomes possible in a short-distance mode capable of communication at several tens of centimeters. Vehicle communication control system. An installation place for installing the terminal inside the vehicle is provided, and when the terminal is installed at the installation place, the terminal is communicated with the terminal using the contact mode, and the engine can be started by the second control means. The vehicle communication control system according to claim 2, wherein control is performed. 9. The vehicle communication control system according to claim 1, wherein the program causes a computer to execute at least one means.

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