JP2008300976A - On-vehicle device, relay device and radio communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve radio connection to a connection target device in a cabin. <P>SOLUTION: An on-vehicle device installed on a vehicle performs communications with radio communication equipment in the vehicle. The radio communication equipment includes a connection target device and a relay device for relaying data with the connection target device. The on-vehicle device is provided with: a means for executing connection processing for the relay device; a reception quality measuring means for measuring the reception quality in communication with the connection target equipment; a means for generating a reception quality measurement request used to cause the relay device subjected to the connection processing to measure the reception quality in the communication with the connection target equipment when the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means is not more than a predetermined threshold; and a data relay request means for comparing the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means with the reception quality to be transmitted from the relay device in response to the reception quality measurement request and requesting the relay device to relay the data to be transmitted from the connection target equipment if the reception quality to be transmitted from the relay device is better. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted device, a relay device, and a wireless connection method that are mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle and output information such as sound and video.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle device that has a hands-free set including a microphone and a speaker, communicates with a specific mobile phone, and can communicate with the outside through the mobile phone in a hands-free state is known. . In a hands-free system composed of this type of in-vehicle device and a mobile phone, a system has been proposed in which communication connection between the in-vehicle device and the mobile phone is performed by short-range wireless instead of wired communication.

  In addition, for example, a wireless relay unit that relays data communication between the mobile phone and the hands-free device is disposed in each in-vehicle device disposed in the vehicle, and the communication status with the mobile phone is the most of these wireless relay units. A hands-free system that appropriately selects a good wireless relay unit and performs data communication with a mobile phone via the wireless relay unit is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

There is also known a system for wirelessly connecting a portable audio brought into a vehicle and an in-vehicle device. In this system, the vehicle-mounted device receives audio data, video data, and the like from a portable audio device and outputs information such as received audio and video.
JP-A-2005-260450

  However, the background art described above has the following problems.

  As described above, in a hands-free system or audio system that wirelessly connects a connection target device such as a mobile phone owned by a user or a portable audio device brought into a vehicle and the in-vehicle device, the on-vehicle device depends on the position of the mobile phone or the portable audio. The wireless condition with may be bad. This is because the mounting position of the wireless antenna of the in-vehicle device is fixed, and the reception sensitivity is lowered at the rear seat due to an obstacle such as a seat or a human body. In such a case, wireless communication is not possible between the mobile phone and / or portable audio and the in-vehicle device. Or, even if wireless communication is possible, there is a problem that sound quality deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle device, a relay device, and a wireless connection method capable of improving a wireless state in a wireless connection with a connection target device in a vehicle interior.

In order to solve the above problems, the in-vehicle device of the present invention is
An in-vehicle device that is mounted on a vehicle and communicates with a wireless communication device in the vehicle,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a relay device that relays data between the connection target device,
Connection processing means for performing connection processing on the relay device;
Reception quality measuring means for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
When the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means is a predetermined threshold value or less, the reception quality in communication with the connection target device is measured for the repeater that has been connected by the connection processing means. A reception quality measurement request generating means for generating a reception quality measurement request to be performed;
When the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means is compared with the reception quality transmitted from the relay in response to the reception quality measurement request, the reception quality transmitted from the relay is better One feature is that data relay requesting means for requesting the relay device to relay data transmitted from the connection target device is provided.

  By comprising in this way, the favorable wireless connection with a connection object apparatus can be enabled in a vehicle interior.

Furthermore, in another configuration example,
The connection processing means is configured to perform a connection process on the repeater by a short-range wireless communication method.

  By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to connect to the repeater by a short-range wireless communication method, for example, Bluetooth.

Furthermore, in another configuration example,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a plurality of relay devices that perform data relay between the connection target device,
The data relay requesting unit is configured to compare reception qualities transmitted from the plurality of relays, and request a relay having the best reception quality to relay data transmitted from the wireless communication device. Is done.

  With this configuration, even when a plurality of relay devices are provided, communication with the connection target device can be performed via the relay device having the best reception quality among the plurality of relay devices.

The repeater of the present invention is
A relay device that is mounted on a vehicle and relays data between a connection target device to be connected and an in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device measures the reception quality in communication with the connection target device with respect to the relay device when the reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured by the own in-vehicle device is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Send a reception quality measurement request to
Connection processing means for performing connection processing on the connection target device;
In accordance with the reception quality measurement request, reception quality measurement means for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
One of the features is a reception quality transmitting means for transmitting the measured reception quality to the in-vehicle device.

  By comprising in this way, the reception quality in communication with a connection object apparatus can be measured according to the reception quality measurement request | requirement from a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle equipment can be notified.

Furthermore, in another configuration example,
The in-vehicle device compares the reception quality measured by the in-vehicle device with the reception quality transmitted from the relay device, and when the reception quality transmitted from the relay device is better, A data relay request for requesting relay of data transmitted from the connection target device,
Transfer processing means for transferring data transmitted from the connection target device to the onboard device in accordance with a data relay request transmitted from the onboard device, and transferring data transmitted from the onboard device to the connection target device. Configured as follows.

  With this configuration, it is possible to relay data exchanged between the in-vehicle device and the connection target device in accordance with the relay request for data transmitted from the in-vehicle device.

The wireless connection method of the present invention includes:
A wireless connection method in an in-vehicle device that is mounted on a vehicle and communicates with a wireless communication device in the vehicle,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a relay device that relays data between the connection target device,
A connection processing step for performing connection processing on the relay device;
A reception quality measuring step for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
When the reception quality measured in the reception quality measurement step is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the reception quality in communication with the connection target device is measured for the relay device that has been connected in the connection processing step. A reception quality measurement request generation step for generating a reception quality measurement request to be performed;
A reception quality measurement request transmission step for transmitting the reception quality measurement request to the repeater;
A reception quality reception step of receiving reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured by the relay in response to the reception quality measurement request;
The reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured in the reception quality measurement step is compared with the reception quality in communication between the relay device and the connection target device received in the reception quality reception step, and the relay A data relay requesting step for requesting the relay device to relay data transmitted from the connection target device when reception quality in communication between the communication device and the connection target device is better. One.

  By doing in this way, favorable wireless connection with a connection object apparatus can be enabled in a vehicle interior.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize an in-vehicle device, a relay device, and a wireless connection method that can improve a wireless state in wireless connection with a connection target device in a vehicle interior.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings.
In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for those having the same function, and repeated explanation is omitted.

  A vehicle interior wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The vehicle interior wireless network according to the present embodiment includes an in-vehicle device 100, a relay device 200, and a connection target device. The connection target devices include devices that perform wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 100 such as the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400.

  The in-vehicle device 100 performs wireless communication with a connection target device, for example, the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 using a short-range wireless communication method. Further, the in-vehicle device 100 performs wireless communication with the relay device 200 using the short-range wireless communication method as necessary, and the relay device 200 performs wireless communication with the connection target device using the short-range wireless communication method. The in-vehicle device 100 is connected to the mobile phone 50 of the communication partner via the mobile phone 300 and a communication network such as the mobile communication network 10. Thereby, the in-vehicle device 100 functions as a hands-free telephone device, and enables communication processing with the mobile phone 50.

  The in-vehicle device 100 includes a short-range wireless communication module, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module. Bluetooth employs a frequency hopping type spread spectrum communication system using an ISM band (Industry Science Medical band) of 2.4 GHz, and can communicate at a speed of 1 Mbps or more.

  On the other hand, the repeater 200, the connection target devices such as the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400 also incorporate a short-range wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth module. In this case, each of the in-vehicle device 100, the relay device 200, the mobile phone 300, and the portable audio 400 can wirelessly communicate with each other via Bluetooth, and the relay device 200 and connection target devices such as the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400 can be connected. Each can communicate wirelessly with Bluetooth. For example, if the distance between the in-vehicle device 100 and the relay device 200, the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400, and the distance between the relay device 200 and the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 are within about 10 m, respectively, the piconet A so-called wireless LAN can be constructed. A piconet is a network that is temporarily formed between terminals that perform communication processing according to the Bluetooth standard. In the piconet, for example, the in-vehicle device 100 functions as a master, and the repeater 200, the mobile phone 300, and the portable audio 400 function as slaves. Further, for example, the repeater 200 functions as a master, and the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400 function as slaves.

  In this embodiment, as an example, it is performed between the in-vehicle device 100 and any one of the relay device 200, the mobile phone 300, and the portable audio 400, and between the relay device 200 and any one of the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400. As a specific example of the short-range wireless communication method, a case where wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard is performed will be described, but other short-range wireless communication methods may be applied.

  An in-vehicle device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The in-vehicle device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an antenna 102 for performing short-distance wireless communication with the relay device 200, a connection target device, for example, one of the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400, a connection processing unit, and reception. A wireless communication processing unit 104 as a quality measurement unit, an application processing unit 106 as a reception quality measurement request generation unit and a data relay request unit, an interface unit 108, a storage unit 110, a microphone 112, and a speaker 114 are provided. . The interface unit 108 includes a display unit 1081 and an operation input unit 1082. Further, a signal from the engine controller 500 is input to the in-vehicle device 100.

  The wireless communication processing unit 104 transmits a connection request to the relay device 200 and the connection target device to perform connection processing.

  The antenna 102 receives a radio wave transmitted from a connection target device, for example, the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400, a radio wave transmitted from the connection target device transferred from the repeater 200, and a duplexer (illustrated). To the wireless communication processing unit 104. The wireless communication processing unit 104 performs lower layer processing in the Bluetooth standard such as predetermined despreading processing and demodulation processing on the RF signal input from the antenna 102, and performs predetermined baseband processing on the obtained baseband signal. The obtained signal is subjected to higher layer processing in the Bluetooth standard such as protocol processing and profile processing. Specifically, when receiving information from the repeater 200, the mobile phone 300, and / or the portable audio 400, the wireless communication processing unit 104 interprets packet data indicated by the baseband signal and includes the packet data in the packet data. Information such as voice data and music data indicating communication contents is extracted. You may make it take out video data.

  When transmitting information directly to the mobile phone 300 or indirectly transmitting information to the mobile phone 300 via the relay device 200, the wireless communication processing unit 104 receives information input from the application processing unit 106 described later. Including packet data according to the Bluetooth standard. Information input from the application processing unit 106 includes audio data indicating audio content. In addition, the wireless communication processing unit 104 executes processing for establishing communication with the relay device 200 and the connection target device, and communication control processing such as retransmission control processing with the connection target device. The wireless communication processing unit 104 performs predetermined baseband processing on the input signal, and performs processing on lower layers in the Bluetooth standard such as predetermined modulation processing and spreading processing on the obtained baseband signal. An RF signal is input to the antenna 102. The antenna 102 transmits the RF signal input from the wireless communication processing unit 104 via the duplexer as a radio wave to the repeater 200 or the connection target device.

  The application processing unit 106 executes application processing in the in-vehicle device 100 by executing an application program stored in the storage unit 110. For example, the application processing unit 106 performs predetermined decoding processing on audio data transmitted from the mobile phone 300 and input via the wireless communication processing unit 104, and inputs the obtained audio signal to the speaker 114. Further, for example, the application processing unit 106 reproduces audio data, for example, music data, transmitted from the portable audio 400 and input via the wireless communication processing unit 104, and inputs the audio data to the speaker 114. As a result, the application processing unit 106 performs processing related to the audio data and music data transmitted from the connection target device, the audio data and music data transmitted from the connection target device transferred by the relay device 200, and the connection target device. The process etc. which produce | generate the command given to are performed. The specific processing content of the application processing unit 106 will be described later.

  The interface unit 108 is input with the telephone number and the like received and received from the application processing unit 106, and displays a display unit 1081 that displays various input information, and an operation input unit that includes operation buttons and the like for performing various input operations. 1082. Here, the operation input unit 1082 includes, for example, a touch panel that detects an operation performed on an operation button or the like displayed on the display unit 1081 and generates an operation input signal indicating the detected operation content. You may make it do. The interface unit 108 displays various information according to display data from the application processing unit 106 and presents the information to the user, and inputs an operation input signal indicating the operation content of the user to the application processing unit 106. The speaker 114 outputs an audio signal from the mobile phone 300 or a music signal from the portable audio 400 input via the wireless communication processing unit 104 and the application processing unit 106. Thereby, the user of the vehicle-mounted device 100 can listen to the voice and music of the communication partner without operating each mobile phone 300 and portable audio 400.

  The microphone 112 inputs the input audio signal to the application processing unit 106, and the application processing unit 106 performs processing related to the audio on the input audio signal and inputs the processed audio signal to the wireless communication processing unit 104. Thereby, the user of the in-vehicle device 100 can listen to his / her voice to the communication partner without operating each mobile phone 300.

  In the wireless connection between the mobile device 100 and the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 that are connection target devices, the application processing unit 106 cannot obtain sufficient reception quality, for example, reception sensitivity, and the relay device 200. When the connection target device is connectable, the reception quality at the in-vehicle device 100 in communication with the connection target device is compared with the reception quality at the repeater 200 in communication with the connection target device. For example, the wireless communication processing unit 104 is instructed to connect to a device having higher reception sensitivity, that is, the relay device 200 or the connection target device.

  Specifically, the wireless communication processing unit 104 measures reception quality in communication with the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 that are connection target devices, and inputs the measurement value of the reception quality to the application processing unit 106. . The application processing unit 106 determines that sufficient reception quality cannot be obtained in communication with the connection target device when the input measurement value of the reception quality is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. When the application processing unit 106 determines that sufficient reception quality cannot be obtained in communication with the connection target device, the connection processing between the in-vehicle device 100 and the connectable relay device 200 is not performed. The wireless communication processing unit 104 is instructed to perform connection processing with the connectable repeater 200. The wireless communication processing unit 104 performs connection processing with the relay device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the application processing unit 106.

  When connection processing is performed with the relay device 200, the application processing unit 106 generates a reception quality measurement request for causing the relay device 200 to measure reception quality in communication with the connection target device, and performs wireless communication processing. Input to the unit 104. The wireless communication processing unit 104 transmits the reception quality measurement request input by the application processing unit 106. The relay device 200 measures the reception quality in communication with the connection target device according to the reception quality measurement request transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100, and notifies the in-vehicle device 100.

  In the wireless communication system of the Bluetooth standard, a spread spectrum communication system of a frequency hopping (FH: Frequency Hopping) system is used. In this wireless communication system, the 2.4 GHz frequency band is divided into 79 frequency channels at 1 MHz intervals, and the frequency channels to be used are switched in a time division manner for each time slot based on the hopping pattern. Is called. The wireless communication system of the Bluetooth standard is performed by a master / slave system, and the hopping pattern is managed by the master. Using the same hopping pattern, a wireless network called a piconet described above can be formed and communicated between one master and up to seven slaves.

  The application processing unit 106 measures the bit error rate (BER) of each frequency channel in order to evaluate the reception sensitivity of each frequency channel used by the wireless communication processing unit 104 as reception quality. Commands the wireless communication processing unit 104. In Bluetooth, since all 79 communication channels are basically used while being switched, the wireless communication processing unit 104 measures the BER for each of the 79 communication channels, for example. In this embodiment, the case where the reception sensitivity is evaluated as the reception quality and the BER is measured as an index for evaluating the reception sensitivity will be described. However, the evaluation is performed based on the packet error rate and S / N. May be.

  In addition, the application processing unit 106 compares the reception sensitivity measured by the wireless communication processing unit 104 with the reception sensitivity in the relay device 200 of information transmitted from the connection target device transmitted from the relay device 200, and receives sensitivity. The wireless communication processing unit 104 is instructed to connect to the better one. Specifically, when the reception sensitivity measured by the wireless communication processing unit 104 is better, the application processing unit 106 instructs the wireless communication processing unit 104 to continue communication with the connection target device. To do. In addition, when the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device transmitted from the relay device 200 is better in the relay device 200, the application processing unit 106 transmits the data transmitted from the connection target device to the relay device 200. A data relay request for requesting relay (transfer) is transmitted.

  A repeater 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The repeater 200 according to the present embodiment includes an antenna 202 for performing short-range wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 100, a connection target device such as the mobile phone 300 and the portable audio 400, a connection processing unit, and a reception quality measurement unit. And a wireless communication processing unit 204 as a reception quality transmitting unit and a relay processing unit 206 as a transfer processing unit. Further, a signal from the engine controller 500 is input to the repeater 200.

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 performs connection processing in response to a connection request from the in-vehicle device 100, and transmits a connection request to the connection target device to perform connection processing.

  The antenna 202 receives a radio wave transmitted from a connection target device, for example, the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400, a radio wave transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100, and wirelessly communicates via a duplexer (not shown). Input to the processing unit 204. The wireless communication processing unit 204 performs lower layer processing such as predetermined despreading processing and demodulation processing on the RF signal input from the antenna 202, and inputs the result to the relay processing unit 206 after error correction processing. . The relay processing unit 206 transfers the data transmitted from the connection target device to the on-vehicle device 100 in accordance with the data relay request transmitted from the on-vehicle device 100, and transfers the data transmitted from the on-vehicle device 100 to the connection target device. To control. Specifically, the relay processing unit 206 designates the destination of the input data and inputs it to the wireless communication processing unit 204. The wireless communication processing unit 204 performs Bluetooth lower layer processing such as modulation processing and spreading processing on the input data, and inputs the obtained RF signal to the antenna 202. The antenna 202 uses the RF signal input from the wireless communication processing unit 204 via the duplexer as a radio wave, and transmits the radio wave transmitted from the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 to the in-vehicle device 100, and the in-vehicle device 100. The radio wave transmitted from is transmitted to the mobile phone 300.

  Further, the relay processing unit 206 is connected to the wireless communication processing unit 204 based on the reception sensitivity measurement request signal from the in-vehicle device 100, and the mobile phone 300 and / or the portable audio 400 that are the connection target devices located in the vicinity. Command to measure the reception sensitivity as the reception quality in the communication. Specifically, the relay processing unit 206 is configured to measure the bit error rate of each frequency channel in order to evaluate the reception sensitivity for each frequency channel used by the wireless communication processing unit 204. To order. As described above, since all of the 79 communication channels are used while being switched in Bluetooth, the wireless communication processing unit 204 measures the BER for each of the 79 communication channels, for example. In this embodiment, the case where the reception sensitivity is evaluated as the reception quality and the BER is measured as an index for evaluating the reception sensitivity will be described. However, the evaluation is performed based on the packet error rate and S / N. May be.

  The measurement result of the reception sensitivity measured in the wireless communication processing unit 204 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle interior wireless network according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The in-vehicle device 100 and the relay device 200 are activated when an engine activation signal indicating that the engine has been activated is input from the engine controller 500 (step S402).

  The wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a connection request to the relay device 200 (step S404). In response to a connection request from the in-vehicle device 100, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 and the wireless connection processing unit 204 of the relay device 200. Are established (step S406).

  The application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits the connection target device information to the relay device 200 (step S408), and then transmits a connection target device connection request to the relay device 200 (step S410). In this way, the in-vehicle device 100 can request the relay device 200 to connect to the connection target device.

  On the other hand, the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S412). In response to a connection request from the in-vehicle device 100, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 and the connection target device, and a wireless connection is established between the in-vehicle device 100 and the connection target device. It is established (step S414).

  The wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 obtains reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S416). Based on the reception sensitivity input by the wireless communication processing unit 104, the application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 determines whether or not sufficient reception sensitivity can be obtained in the wireless connection with the connection target device. Specifically, the application processing unit 106 determines whether the reception sensitivity input by the wireless communication processing unit 104 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. When the reception sensitivity is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that sufficient reception sensitivity cannot be obtained, and when the reception sensitivity exceeds the predetermined threshold, it is determined that sufficient reception sensitivity can be obtained. If sufficient reception sensitivity is obtained, communication with the directly connected device is continued. However, when sufficient reception sensitivity is not obtained in the wireless connection with the connection target device, that is, when it is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the connection processing between the on-vehicle device 100 and the connectable relay device 200 is performed. If not, the wireless communication processing unit 104 is instructed to perform connection processing with the connectable repeater 200. The wireless communication processing unit 104 performs connection processing with the relay device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the application processing unit 106. Here, since the connection process is performed in steps S404 and S406, the connection process with the relay device 200 is not performed.

  When the connection processing is performed with the relay device 200, the application processing unit 106 performs communication with the connection target device when the relay device 200 and the connection target device can be connected to the relay device 200. A reception sensitivity measurement request as a reception quality measurement request for measuring the reception quality is generated and input to the wireless communication processing unit 104. The wireless communication processing unit 104 transmits the reception quality measurement request input by the application processing unit 106.

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay device 200 transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S420). In response to a connection request from the repeater 200, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 204 of the repeater 200 and the connection target device, and wireless connection is established between the repeater 200 and the connection target device. It is established (step S422).

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the repeater 200 obtains reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S424). The reception sensitivity measured by the wireless communication processing unit 204 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 (step S426).

  The application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 compares the measured reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the own in-vehicle device 100 and the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the repeater 200 (step) S428).

  If the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the in-vehicle device 100 is better than the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the relay device 200, the application processing unit 106 directly connects the connection target device. Continue communication with.

  On the other hand, when the reception sensitivity in the communication with the connection target device in the repeater 200 is better than the reception sensitivity in the communication with the connection target device in the own vehicle-mounted device 100, the application processing unit 106 A relay request is transmitted to 200 (step S430).

  As a result, communication is performed between the relay device 200 and the connection target device (step S432). When receiving data from the connection target device, the relay processing unit 206 of the relay device 200 transfers the data to the in-vehicle device 100 (steps S434 and S436). Further, when the relay processing unit 206 of the relay device 200 receives data from the in-vehicle device 100, the relay processing unit 206 transfers the data to the connection target device.

  Next, a vehicle interior wireless network according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The vehicle interior wireless network according to this embodiment includes a plurality of repeaters in the above-described embodiment.

  The in-vehicle device 100 and the relay device 200 according to the present embodiment are the same as the in-vehicle device and the relay device described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle interior wireless network according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a case where three relays are provided will be described.

  The in-vehicle device 100 and the relay devices A, B, and C are activated when an engine activation signal indicating that the engine has been activated is input from the engine controller 500 (step S502).

  The wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a connection request to the relay devices A, B, and C (steps S504, S506, and S508). In response to a connection request from the in-vehicle device 100, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 and the wireless connection processing unit 204 of the relay devices A, B, and C. A wireless connection is established between the repeaters A, B, and C (steps S510, S512, and S514).

  The application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits the connection target device information to the relay devices A, B, and C (steps S516, S518, and S520), and subsequently transmits a connection target device connection request to the relay devices A, B, and C. Transmit (steps S522, S524, S526). In this way, the in-vehicle device 100 can request the relay devices A, B, and C to connect to the connection target device.

  On the other hand, the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S528). In response to a connection request from the in-vehicle device 100, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 and the connection target device, and a wireless connection is established between the in-vehicle device 100 and the connection target device. It is established (step S530).

  The wireless communication processing unit 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 obtains reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S532). Based on the reception sensitivity input by the wireless communication processing unit 104, the application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 determines whether or not sufficient reception sensitivity can be obtained in the wireless connection with the connection target device. Specifically, the application processing unit 106 determines whether the reception sensitivity input by the wireless communication processing unit 104 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. When the reception sensitivity is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that sufficient reception sensitivity cannot be obtained, and when the reception sensitivity exceeds the predetermined threshold, it is determined that sufficient reception sensitivity can be obtained. If sufficient reception sensitivity is obtained, communication with the directly connected device is continued. However, in a wireless connection with the connection target device, when sufficient reception sensitivity is not obtained, that is, when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, connection processing between the on-vehicle device 100 and a connectable relay device is performed. If not, the wireless communication processing unit 104 is instructed to perform connection processing with a connectable repeater. The wireless communication processing unit 104 performs connection processing with the relay device in accordance with an instruction from the application processing unit 106. Here, since the connection process is performed in steps S504 to S514, the connection process with the relay device is not performed.

  When connection processing is performed with the relay device, the application processing unit 106 can connect the relay devices A, B, and C and the connection target device to the relay devices A, B, and C. A reception sensitivity measurement request as a reception quality measurement request for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device is generated and input to the wireless communication processing unit 104. The wireless communication processing unit 104 transmits the reception quality measurement request input by the application processing unit 106 (steps S534, S536, and S538).

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay A transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S540). In response to a connection request from the relay A, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay A and the connection target device, and a wireless connection is established between the relay A and the connection target device. It is established (step S542). The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay A determines the reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S544). The reception sensitivity transmitted by the wireless communication processing unit 204 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 (step S546).

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay station B transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S548). In response to a connection request from the relay B, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay B and the connection target device, and a wireless connection is established between the relay B and the connection target device. Established (step S550). The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay device B obtains reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S552). The reception sensitivity transmitted by the wireless communication processing unit 204 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 (step S554).

  The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay device C transmits a connection request to the connection target device (step S556). In response to a connection request from the relay device C, a predetermined wireless connection process is performed between the wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay device C and the connection target device, and wireless connection is established between the relay device C and the connection target device. It is established (step S558). The wireless communication processing unit 204 of the relay device C obtains reception quality in communication with the connection target device by measuring the reception sensitivity of the information transmitted from the connection target device (step S560). The reception sensitivity transmitted by the wireless communication processing unit 204 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 (step S562).

  The application processing unit 106 of the in-vehicle device 100 determines the measured reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the own on-vehicle device 100 and the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the relay devices A, B, and C. Compare (step S564).

  When the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the in-vehicle device 100 is better than the reception sensitivity in communication with the connection target device in the relay devices A, B, and C, the application processing unit 106 Continue communication with directly connected devices.

  On the other hand, the application processing unit 106 relays when the reception sensitivity of the connection target devices at the relay devices A, B, and C is better than the reception sensitivity with the connection target device of the own vehicle-mounted device 100. A relay request is transmitted to the repeater having the highest reception sensitivity among the machines A, B, and C. For example, when the reception sensitivity in the communication with the connection target device at the relay A is the best among the relays A, B, and C, a relay request is transmitted to the relay A (step S566).

  As a result, communication is performed between the relay A and the connection target device (step S568). When receiving the data from the connection target device, the relay processing unit 206 of the relay device A transfers the data to the in-vehicle device 100 (steps S570 and S572). Further, when the relay processing unit 206 of the relay device 200 receives data from the in-vehicle device 100, the relay processing unit 206 transfers the data to the connection target device.

  By doing in this way, even when a plurality of repeaters are mounted on the vehicle, it is possible to connect to the repeater having the best reception sensitivity among them.

  In the above-described embodiments, the relay device may be used not only for the function of relaying data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 and / or the connection target device but also for other uses. For example, when a repeater is built in a rear seat entertainment, the repeater may perform necessary communication between the in-vehicle device and the rear seat entertainment.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle interior network concerning one Example of this invention. It is a partial block diagram which shows the vehicle equipment concerning one Example of this invention. It is a partial block diagram which shows the relay machine concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the vehicle interior network concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the vehicle interior network concerning one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile communication network 50 Mobile telephone 100 Vehicle equipment 102 Antenna 104 Wireless communication processing part 106 Application processing part 108 Interface part 1081 Display part 1082 Operation input part 110 Storage part 112 Microphone 114 Speaker 200 Relay machine 202 Antenna 204 Wireless communication processing part 206 Relay processing unit 300 Mobile phone 400 Portable audio 500 Engine controller

Claims (6)

An in-vehicle device that is mounted on a vehicle and communicates with a wireless communication device in the vehicle,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a relay device that relays data between the connection target device,
Connection processing means for performing connection processing on the relay device;
Reception quality measuring means for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
When the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means is a predetermined threshold value or less, the reception quality in communication with the connection target device is measured for the repeater that has been connected by the connection processing means. A reception quality measurement request generating means for generating a reception quality measurement request to be performed;
When the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring means is compared with the reception quality transmitted from the relay in response to the reception quality measurement request, the reception quality transmitted from the relay is better An in-vehicle device comprising: a data relay requesting unit that requests the relay device to relay data transmitted from the connection target device. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1,
The in-vehicle device, wherein the connection processing means performs connection processing on the repeater by a short-range wireless communication method. In the in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a plurality of relay devices that perform data relay between the connection target device,
The data relay requesting unit compares reception qualities transmitted from the plurality of relays, and requests a relay having the best reception quality to relay data transmitted from the wireless communication device. In-vehicle machine. A relay device that is mounted on a vehicle and relays data between a connection target device to be connected and an in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device measures the reception quality in communication with the connection target device with respect to the relay device when the reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured by the own in-vehicle device is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Send a reception quality measurement request to
Connection processing means for performing connection processing on the connection target device;
In accordance with the reception quality measurement request, reception quality measurement means for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
A relay device comprising reception quality transmitting means for transmitting the measured reception quality to the in-vehicle device. The repeater according to claim 4,
The in-vehicle device compares the reception quality measured by the in-vehicle device with the reception quality transmitted from the relay device, and when the reception quality transmitted from the relay device is better, A data relay request for requesting relay of data transmitted from the connection target device,
Transfer processing means for transferring data transmitted from the connection target device to the onboard device in accordance with a data relay request transmitted from the onboard device, and transferring data transmitted from the onboard device to the connection target device. A repeater characterized by that. A wireless connection method in an in-vehicle device that is mounted on a vehicle and communicates with a wireless communication device in the vehicle,
The wireless communication device includes a connection target device to be connected and a relay device that relays data between the connection target device,
A connection processing step for performing connection processing on the relay device;
A reception quality measuring step for measuring reception quality in communication with the connection target device;
When the reception quality measured in the reception quality measurement step is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the reception quality in communication with the connection target device is measured for the relay device that has been connected in the connection processing step. A reception quality measurement request generation step for generating a reception quality measurement request to be performed;
A reception quality measurement request transmission step for transmitting the reception quality measurement request to the repeater;
A reception quality reception step of receiving reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured by the relay in response to the reception quality measurement request;
The reception quality in communication with the connection target device measured in the reception quality measurement step is compared with the reception quality in communication between the relay device and the connection target device received in the reception quality reception step, and the relay A data relay requesting step for requesting the relay device to relay data transmitted from the connection target device when reception quality in communication between the device and the connection target device is better. Wireless connection method.

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