JP3663956B2 - In-vehicle information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an in-vehicle information processing apparatus including a writable hard disk.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An information processing device mounted on a vehicle, for example, a navigation device includes a device equipped with a hard disk. This navigation system correlates digital map information with position information obtained from GPS signals, etc., so as to grasp the current position of the vehicle and guide an appropriate route to the destination. It is a very convenient system that allows you to reach your destination easily even in areas that you are not familiar with.
[0003]
In such a navigation apparatus, encrypted map information or the like is currently provided as a CD-ROM, and navigation software or the like is provided in a state recorded in advance in a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like in the control device. . In many cases, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory in this case usually uses a memory that cannot be written or updated by the user due to problems such as cost. For this reason, at present, the user cannot update the map information and write the user time. In recent years, navigation software and the like have been improved and developed, but software having such new functions cannot be updated on the user side. Therefore, in order to obtain more improved software, the latest map information, etc., it is necessary to renew the hardware and hardware, which is expensive for the user.
[0004]
In order to make vehicle-mounted information processing devices such as navigation devices more widespread, it is possible to update such data to reduce costs, and to allow users to freely write data to users. It seems necessary to make it easy to use.
[0005]
From this point of view, a navigation device that enables writing / updating to a hard disk has been developed, and is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-68644.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, when data can be written to the hard disk, data can be easily updated, which is advantageous in terms of cost. However, if there is some trouble during the writing / updating operation, the hard disk It is also expected to damage. As described above, when the hard disk or written data is damaged at the time of data writing, it may be necessary to replace the hard disk or the like, and the cost cannot be reduced.
[0007]
In addition, since the vehicle is arranged outdoors, data cannot be written to the hard disk when the hard disk is at a very low temperature or when condensation occurs. . If the power is cut off, for example, when the battery is removed before writing to the hard disk, data cannot be written to the hard disk, and the data to be written itself is lost. become. In addition, when the data is automatically updated to the hard disk by a communication means or the like, it is expected that the battery or the like is turned off without recognizing whether or not the user himself is updating.
[0008]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reliably execute data writing to a hard disk in an in-vehicle information processing apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an in-vehicle information processing apparatus provided with a hard disk , comprising a vehicle speed meter, and the power supplied to the hard disk is based on a vehicle speed pulse or vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed meter. A power-off detection unit that detects the possibility of being shut off; and an end processing unit that performs a data writing end process on the hard disk based on a detection signal in the power-off detection unit. To do.
[0018]
According to the above invention, in order to detect the vehicle state where the power supply can be shut off by the power cut-off detection means and appropriately terminate the writing operation to the hard disk, the power supply is not performed without performing the termination process, for example, the file closing process. Can be prevented and the hard disk can be prevented from being damaged.
[0019]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the power shutoff detecting means detects the possibility of power shutoff when the vehicle speed pulse or the vehicle speed is smaller than a predetermined value .
[0020]
According to the above invention, for example, when the vehicle speed pulse or the vehicle speed is smaller than a predetermined value, it is detected that the possibility of power interruption is high, and data writing to the hard disk is appropriately terminated, so that the data is recorded on the hard disk It is possible to prevent damage to the information being stored.
[0021]
Furthermore, the present invention comprises a nonvolatile semiconductor memory for recording information to be written to the hard disk, and means for preferentially writing the information to be written to the hard disk to the semiconductor memory, based on the information written to the semiconductor memory. And means for writing information to the hard disk.
[0022]
According to the above invention, since data is written to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory in preference to the hard disk, a state in which the power can be shut off by the power shut-off means is detected at the time of subsequent writing to the hard disk. Even if the loading operation is finished, the data to the hard disk is written again by writing to the hard disk based on the data stored in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory when the power is supplied. Writing / updating can be executed reliably.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus includes a writable hard disk drive (HDD) 10 and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory 12 (hereinafter, nonvolatile memory 12) in addition to the HDD 10. In the present embodiment, the writing operation when data is written to the writable HDD 10 is surely performed, and the information recorded in the HDD 10 is prevented from being damaged. If it is a thing, there will be no limitation in particular, For example, what stored the software, map information, etc., such as a navigation system, and what stored the information regarding a vehicle can be included.
[0026]
As the nonvolatile memory 12, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or the like can be used as long as information to be written to the HDD 10 can be temporarily stored as needed. In this example, the nonvolatile memory 12 can hold the write information even when the power is cut off. However, the nonvolatile memory 12 is replaced with a volatile memory provided with a backup power source different from the vehicle battery. A volatile memory such as a RAM may be used.
[0027]
In addition, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is in a state in which the HDD 10 is difficult to write or a state in which data writing is disturbed in the HDD 10 in order to reliably write data to the HDD 10. A fault detection unit 14 is connected to detect (write) this. As a state in which writing to the HDD 10 is obstructed, for example, a case where the HDD 10 is extremely low temperature or a case where condensation occurs in the HDD 10 can be considered. Therefore, as a configuration of the failure detection unit 14, for example, a temperature detector, a humidity detector, or the like can be configured alone or in combination so that such a state can be detected.
[0028]
The failure detection unit 14 is connected to the HDD 10 and the nonvolatile memory 12 via signal lines, and is connected to a control unit 16 that controls data writing to these. The control unit 16 detects whether or not writing to the HDD 10 has occurred, recognizes the state of the HDD 10 at that time via the failure detection unit 14, and selects either the HDD 10 or the nonvolatile memory 12 as appropriate. To write data. Specifically, the control unit 16 directly writes the write data to the HDD 10 when the failure detection unit 14 does not receive a detection signal such as low temperature or condensation of the HDD 10. On the other hand, when a detection signal such as a low temperature or condensation of the HDD 10 is input, the control unit 16 temporarily stores data to be written in the HDD 10 in the nonvolatile memory 12, and the low temperature and condensation are eliminated. At this time, data temporarily stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 is written to the HDD 10.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
[0030]
The control unit 16 monitors whether data to be written to the HDD 10, for example, update data of navigation software or the like has been input from the outside, and when the update data or the like is input from here, the control unit 16 transfers to the HDD 10. It is detected that the writing has occurred (S101).
[0031]
When the occurrence of writing is detected, the control unit 16 outputs a signal to the failure detection unit 14. Receiving this signal, the write failure detector 14 outputs a signal notifying the HDD 10 that it is writable to the controller 14 (S102). Here, when a signal indicating that there is no writing failure such as condensation or low temperature is input from the failure detection unit 14 to the control unit 16, the control unit 16 directly writes the input write data to the HDD 10 (S103). ), The writing operation is terminated (S110).
[0032]
On the other hand, when a signal indicating that there is a writing failure such as condensation or low temperature is input from the failure detection unit 14 to the control unit 16, the control unit 16 sets a nonvolatile memory write flag in the nonvolatile memory 12. (S104), data to be written to the HDD 10 is temporarily written in the nonvolatile memory 12 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 (S105).
[0033]
Then, the control unit 16 continues to monitor the signal input from the failure detection unit 14 and waits for elimination of low temperature and condensation in the HDD 10 (S106). Here, when the HDD temperature rises due to a temperature rise outside the apparatus due to traveling of the vehicle and the like, and accordingly the low temperature and condensation of the HDD are eliminated, the failure detection unit 14 indicates that there is no writing failure. A signal is input to the control unit 16.
[0034]
Upon receipt of this signal, the control unit 16 first checks whether or not the nonvolatile write flag is on in the nonvolatile memory 12 (S107). If the flag is on, It is detected that there is data to be written in the HDD 10, and the write data in the nonvolatile memory 12 is written in the HDD 10 (S108). When the writing to the HDD 10 is completed, the flag of the nonvolatile memory 12 is erased (S109), and the operation is terminated (S110).
[0035]
As described above, according to the in-vehicle information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, whether or not the HDD 10 is in a writable state is confirmed, and after confirming that the HDD 10 is in a writable state, writing to the HDD 10 is performed. Thus, data writing / updating of the HDD 10 can be performed reliably. Further, when waiting for writing to the HDD 10, the data to be written is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, so that even if the power is shut off during this time, the data is not lost. When the power is turned on again, writing to the HDD 10 can be performed reliably.
[0036]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 shows an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the structure same as said 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0037]
The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment writes all data to the nonvolatile memory 12 prior to writing to the HDD 10 and writes data from the nonvolatile memory 12 to the HDD 10 when writing to the HDD 10 occurs. Is going to do. For this reason, the control unit 22 of the present embodiment is similar to the control unit 16 of the first embodiment in that it detects whether or not writing to the HDD 10 has occurred, but it detects the occurrence of writing. After that, control is performed so that all data is written in the nonvolatile memory 12 without detecting the state of the HDD 10. Then, after the data writing to the nonvolatile memory 12 is completed, the control unit 22 causes the writing to the HDD 10 based on the data written to the nonvolatile memory 12.
[0038]
Note that when writing to the HDD 10 subsequent to data writing to the nonvolatile memory 12, the writing to the HDD 10 may be performed based on the data that is the source of writing to the nonvolatile memory 12. Good.
[0039]
In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to ensure that data is written to the nonvolatile memory 12 even when the power is shut off while preferential data writing to the nonvolatile memory 12 is performed, The control unit 22 and the non-volatile memory 12 are provided with an auxiliary power source 24 that supplies power necessary for at least the operation thereof. Although not particularly shown in FIG. 3, a switching means for detecting the interruption of the main power supply and switching to the auxiliary power supply can be provided between the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply 24.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
The control unit 16 monitors whether data to be written to the HDD 10, for example, update data of navigation software or the like has been input from the outside, and when the update data or the like is input from here, the control unit 16 transfers to the HDD 10. Is detected (S201).
[0042]
When the occurrence of writing is detected, the control unit 16 turns on the writing flag in the nonvolatile memory 12 (S202), and writes data to be written in the HDD 10 into the nonvolatile memory 12 (S203). Then, based on the data written to the nonvolatile memory 12, data is written to the HDD 10 (S204), the write flag of the nonvolatile memory 12 is erased (S205), and the operation is terminated (S206).
[0043]
On the other hand, after data writing to the HDD 10 (S201), particularly before or during data writing to the nonvolatile memory (S202), for example, when a battery as a main power source is removed, the main power source Is switched to the auxiliary power source 24, the write flag to the nonvolatile memory 12 is turned on by the power supplied from the auxiliary power source 24, and data is written to the nonvolatile memory 12 (S203). When the data writing to the nonvolatile memory 12 is finished, the work is once finished (S206).
[0044]
When the power is turned on again (S207), the control unit 22 first determines whether or not the flag of the nonvolatile memory 12 is on (S208). If the flag is off, the control unit 22 recognizes that data to be written to the HDD 10 does not remain in the nonvolatile memory 12 and ends the work (S211).
[0045]
On the other hand, when the flag is on, the control unit 22 recognizes that data to be written to the HDD 10 remains in the nonvolatile memory 12 and writes the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 to the HDD 10. (S209). When the writing to the HDD 10 is completed, the control unit 22 turns off the flag of the nonvolatile memory 12 and finishes the work (S211).
[0046]
Note that when data is written from the nonvolatile memory 12 to the HDD 10, the control unit 22, for example, in a vehicle state in which the power is not turned off, for example, It is also possible to execute data writing to the HDD 10 after confirming that the vehicle speed pulse is a certain value or more.
[0047]
As described above, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus first writes data to the nonvolatile memory 12 that takes relatively less time to write than the HDD 10 and performs reliable writing to the HDD 10 in a state where the data is stored.
[0048]
Also, if the power is shut off after writing to the HDD 10, the auxiliary power is written to and saved in the nonvolatile memory 12, so that the data to be written is reliably stored in the nonvolatile memory 12. It can be saved. In particular, since the amount of power required for writing to the nonvolatile memory 12 is lower than the amount of power required for writing to and storing the HDD 10, this auxiliary power supply is also compared with that which compensates for writing to the HDD 10. Therefore, a small device is sufficient, and the device can be made compact.
[0049]
[Third embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 5 includes a power cutoff detection unit 34 that detects a vehicle state in which the power may be cut off, and the power cutoff detection unit 34 is connected to the control unit 32.
[0050]
Here, as the “vehicle state in which the power supply may be cut off”, for example, a state where the hood is opened during maintenance or the like, a state where the vehicle speed is reduced to 0 or close thereto, and the like can be considered.
[0051]
Therefore, the power cut-off detection unit 34 can be configured to detect a vehicle state where there is a high possibility that such power is cut off. For example, the power shutoff detection unit 34 including a switch shown in FIG. 5 is electrically connected to the lock unit of the bonnet, and when the bonnet is closed, the switch is turned off, while the bonnet is released. And is configured to be turned on.
[0052]
Further, when detecting the possibility of power shut-off based on the vehicle speed, for example, the detection unit 34 can be constituted by a vehicle speedometer or the like. Then, when the vehicle speed pulse is lower than the set value, it may be detected that the possibility of power shutoff is high, and that signal is sent to the control unit 32.
[0053]
The control unit 32 connected to the power shutdown detection unit 34 detects the occurrence of writing to the HDD 10 and writes data to the HDD 10 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. When the above-described power-off detection unit 34 is connected and data is being written to the HDD 10, if a signal is input from the power-off detection unit 34, data writing to the HDD 10 is properly terminated. Let
[0054]
Specific examples of the appropriate end process by the control unit 32 include a process for closing a file being written in the HDD 10. This process can prevent the problem that the file cannot be opened after the power is restored by detecting the power interruption and closing the written file even during the writing.
[0055]
Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056]
The control unit 32 monitors whether data is being written to the HDD 10 (S301), and on the other hand, whether or not a signal from the power shutdown detection unit 34, for example, a bonnet open signal is input here. Is monitored (S302).
[0057]
If a bonnet open signal is input to the control unit 32 during data writing to the HDD 10, the control unit 32 terminates data writing to the HDD 10 (S303) and protects the files on the HDD 10.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the configuration including the control unit 32 and the power-off detection unit 34 in addition to the HDD 10 is shown, but the second embodiment may be combined. That is, in addition to the HDD 10, the nonvolatile memory 12 is provided. First, data to be written to the HDD 10 is written in the nonvolatile memory 12, and then data can be written to the HDD 10 based on the data written in the nonvolatile memory 12. It should be noted that when data is written to the HDD 10 subsequent to data writing to the nonvolatile memory, the data is written to the HDD 10 based on the data that is the source of writing to the nonvolatile memory 12. Also good.
[0059]
As described above, once data is written and stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, data stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 is restored after the power is restored even if writing to the HDD 10 is in progress due to power shutdown. Writing can be completed on the basis.
[0060]
In addition, when an auxiliary power source is provided in the HDD 10 and the vehicle is in a state where the main power source is likely to be cut off, the auxiliary power source is switched to close the file opened for writing. Processing or the like may be performed reliably. Note that an auxiliary power source for ensuring such a closing process is sufficient, so that the apparatus can be kept compact.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an in-vehicle information processing apparatus including a writable HDD, it is possible to appropriately execute data writing to the HDD, and for example, data update such as navigation software can be reliably performed. Can be done. It is also possible to reduce or prevent file corruption in the HDD that may occur during data writing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a process diagram showing an operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating an operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Hard disk drive (HDD), 12 Non-volatile memory, 14 Fault detection part, 16, 22, 32 Control part, 24 Auxiliary power supply, 34 Power-off detection part.

Claims (3)

In an in-vehicle information processing device equipped with a hard disk,
A power shut-off detection means that includes a vehicle speed meter and detects the possibility that the power supplied to the hard disk is shut off based on a vehicle speed pulse or a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed meter;
An end processing means for performing an end process of data writing to the hard disk based on a detection signal in the power-off detection means;
An in-vehicle information processing apparatus comprising: The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power-off detection unit detects the possibility of power-off when the vehicle speed pulse or the vehicle speed is smaller than a predetermined value . Includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory for recording information to be written before Symbol hard disk,
And further comprising a means for performing the means for writing information to be written to the hard disk in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory priority, the writing of information to the hard disk on the basis of the written to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory information The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 .

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