JP2007310896A - Communication method and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication method and a communication system capable of performing data communication at low cost, and with high security, and a feeling close to always-on connection. <P>SOLUTION: A vehicle 1a, 1b, ..., 1n, arranged with a vehicle-mounted information terminal 10 (an information terminal) capable of performing data communication on a packet communication system, performs data communication with an information communication center 3 via a packet communication network 2 on the vehicle-related information by the vehicle-mounted information terminal 10. The data communication between a vehicle 1 and the information communication center 3 is performed with a metered rate charging only on the occurrence of the event, high security, and a feeling close to the always-on connection. The information communication center 3 also performs the data communication with a plurality of user terminals (JAF 6, User 7) via the Internet 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a plurality of information terminals capable of performing data communication by a wireless packet communication system are arranged, and data communication can be performed between an information communication center and an information terminal via a wireless packet communication network. In addition, the present invention relates to a communication method and an information communication system capable of performing data communication with an information communication center using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet.

Conventional communication systems for vehicles include the following.
(1) Emergency call system using mobile phone (2) Operation management system (3) Vehicle maintenance system In any of these systems, vehicle information is transmitted to the outside (department other than the vehicle) using a mobile phone. Yes.

A vehicle communication system using packet communication and a technique related to the vehicle are also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In this system, information can be exchanged between roads and vehicles, and group traveling control and automatic traveling control are performed.

Next, as an inter-vehicle communication method and apparatus, for example, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 2 below.
This reduces the latency of packets or separates responses from each vehicle, even if there are multiple vehicles at the same distance from the transmitting vehicle, allowing each vehicle to measure distance This information is packetized and transmitted / received, and is intended to be communicated autonomously and distributedly without the governmental system of the base station.

Next, a communication monitoring device for an in-vehicle communication system is also known (for example, see Patent Document 3).
This is intended for anyone to be able to recognize the flow of packets on the communication of the in-vehicle LAN system.

JP-A-9-35185 JP 2000-68895 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-70082

However, a conventional vehicle communication system capable of transmitting vehicle information to the outside using a mobile phone (for example, (1) emergency call system using mobile phone, (2) operation management system, (3) In the vehicle maintenance system), since a mobile phone was used to the end, it is necessary to connect to the outside (for example, an external organization) every time information is transmitted, high communication costs, low security, and always-on connection There is a problem that it is not suitable for use in a mode close to.
The mobile phone is mainly used for making a call between users rather than performing data communication, and it is only possible to transmit data. For this reason, telephone calls are the main billing system, and communication costs are high.
Also, unlike the packet communication method, the mobile phone transmits data as it is, so the security is low.
Furthermore, since the communication cost is high, it is not suitable for use in a mode close to a constant connection, and is not suitable for data transmission.

On the other hand, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is to perform information such as group traveling control and automatic traveling control by exchanging information between roads and between vehicles. It was not something to collect.
In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 2 reduces the packet waiting time and enables measurement of the inter-vehicle distance, and similarly collects information related to a large number of vehicles on the packet communication network. It was not a thing.
Furthermore, the technique described in Patent Document 3 is a communication monitoring device for an in-vehicle communication system capable of recognizing the flow of packets in communication of an in-vehicle LAN system, and also efficiently packetizes information on a large number of vehicles. It was not collected by the communication network.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a communication method and a communication system that can be used with a low communication cost of data communication, high security, and a feeling close to a constant connection.

The invention according to claim 1 uses a plurality of information terminals capable of performing data communication by a wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
For predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, perform data communication with an information communication center through a wireless packet communication network using the plurality of information terminals,
Data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet to the information communication center. It is a communication method.

The invention according to claim 2 arranges a plurality of information terminals capable of performing data communication by a wireless packet communication system,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control unit is configured to perform data communication with the information communication center via a wireless packet communication network by the plurality of information terminals,
The information communication center is configured to perform data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet. It is the communication system characterized by this.

The invention according to claim 3 is an information terminal capable of performing data communication by a wireless packet communication method, wherein a plurality of information terminals are arranged,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information terminal
It is configured to perform data communication with an information communication center via a wireless packet communication network,
A plurality of user terminals can be connected to the information communication center via the Internet to perform data communication related to sensors or electronic control devices connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminals. An information terminal characterized by this.

The invention according to claim 4 is an information communication center capable of performing data communication with a plurality of information terminals arranged by a wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information communication center is
For predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, perform data communication with the plurality of information terminals via a wireless packet communication network,
Furthermore, it is configured to be able to perform data communication related to sensors or electronic control devices connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal with a plurality of user terminals via the Internet. Is an information communication center characterized by

The invention according to claim 5 is a user terminal capable of performing data communication via the Internet, wherein a plurality of user terminals are arranged,
The user terminal is
It is configured to perform data communication with the information communication center via the Internet,
A plurality of information terminals are configured to perform data communication with the information communication center by a wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information communication center is
About predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, data communication is performed with the plurality of information terminals via a wireless packet communication network, and further, with a plurality of user terminals via the Internet. The user terminal is configured to be able to perform data communication related to a sensor or an electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal.

According to the present invention, wireless packet communication is performed only when an event detected by a sensor or an electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to an information terminal occurs between the information terminal and the information communication center. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the cost of data transmission by pay-as-you-go. In other words, it can be used as if it were always connected to a dedicated line, and the amount of data is charged, so only a small amount of data needs to be transmitted, and communication costs can be reduced (the communication cost of data communication can be reduced). Can be lowered).
In other words, conventionally, connection between the information terminal and the outside (for example, an external organization) is required every time it communicates with the information terminal, and it is charged not only when data is transmitted but also in a simple connection state. Although the communication cost is high, the present invention is charged only when data is transmitted, and generally the data transmission time is short, so the communication cost is low.

In addition, since data communication is performed using a wireless packet communication method, security can be increased unlike data transmission as it is conventionally. That is, in the wireless packet communication system, for example, by dividing one carrier into three channels and performing communication in units of packets, communication security is significantly higher than in the past.
In addition, since the communication cost of data communication can be kept low, it is possible to build an environment of an always-connected dedicated line suitable for data transmission, and to monitor information from an information terminal as if it were always connected, It becomes possible to control.
Further, since data communication is performed on the sensor or electronic control device connected to the information communication center using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal, information is transmitted from the user terminal. Only when an event requiring control of the terminal occurs, information can be transmitted to the information terminal via the information communication center. The information terminal can be controlled in a line sense.

First, technical matters related to the embodiment of the present invention will be described together.
A vehicle is a traveling object that can be driven by itself under the control of a person with some kind of prime mover. It is not limited. Examples of vehicles include automobiles and motorcycles.
The packet communication method is a communication method in which charging is performed on a packet basis, rather than being charged while using a line as in a general circuit switching method. The size of one packet is, for example, 128 bytes.
The packet communication network is a network for performing packet communication, and is a system including an exchange or the like necessary for packet communication.
Data communication is a communication method capable of transmitting / receiving data, and may include, for example, one that supports TCP / IP as a protocol.
The in-vehicle information terminal is a terminal that is mounted on a vehicle and can perform data communication by a packet communication method.

The information on the vehicle widely includes vehicle information detected using various sensors mounted on the vehicle, information for controlling the vehicle, etc., for example, information on control of the electronic control unit, vehicle status However, the present invention is not limited to such a specific example.
An information communication center is a center (for example, a base station) connected to a packet communication network that performs data communication with a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle information terminal using a packet communication network and manages information, etc. ). The information communication center does not perform a circuit switching service for the packet communication network, and the circuit switching service is performed by a provider that provides the packet communication network. The information communication center may be connected to the packet communication network via the router, for example via the Internet, or may be connected directly to the packet communication network via the router, for example.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the in-vehicle information terminal is
A terminal driver connectable to the packet communication network, and an input / output control device for the vehicle connected to the terminal driver;
The input / output control device is connected to various sensors mounted on the vehicle and an electronic control unit of the vehicle, and performs input / output control of signals to these.
A terminal driver is a driver arranged in a vehicle in order to perform data communication compatible with the packet communication method.
The vehicle input / output control device performs I / O processing of signals input / output between various sensors and an electronic control unit of the vehicle.
According to such a configuration, a terminal driver and an input / output control device for a vehicle may be provided as the in-vehicle information terminal, and data communication can be easily performed between the vehicle and the information communication center.

Further, when the embodiment according to the present invention is defined from another viewpoint, it is defined as follows. That is, in the embodiment according to the present invention, vehicle sensing information is collected using various sensors mounted on the vehicle,
The sensing information is communicated with an information communication center via a packet communication network using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle.
Various sensors mounted on the vehicle are all sensors arranged to detect the state of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an air-fuel ratio sensor, etc. are arranged in various parts of the vehicle such as an engine and a vehicle body. It is a device that measures physical quantities related to vehicles, converts them into electrical quantities, and outputs them.
The vehicle sensing information is a physical quantity related to the vehicle measured using various sensors, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, air-fuel ratio, and the like.
According to such a configuration, various types of sensing information are collected, and the collected sensing information is subjected to data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network. It can be collected at a low communication cost and with high communication security.

Similarly, when the embodiment according to the present invention is defined from another viewpoint, it is defined as follows.
In the embodiment according to the present invention, vehicle sensing information is collected using various sensors mounted on the vehicle,
Using the in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by the packet communication method arranged in the vehicle, performing data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network for the sensing information,
The vehicle information terminal is used to perform data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network for the control of the electronic control unit of the vehicle.

The vehicle electronic control unit is a device such as an actuator or a controller for controlling the vehicle, and includes all devices such as an ECU, a suspension device, a power window, a sunroof, and a door opening / closing device.
According to such a configuration, since data communication is performed with the information communication center for the control of the electronic control unit of the vehicle, information related to the control of the electronic control unit of the vehicle can be easily communicated at a low communication cost at the information communication center. Can be collected while increasing security. It is also possible to remotely operate the electronic control unit of the vehicle from the information communication center at a low communication cost.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, using the sensor arranged in the vehicle, sensing diagnostic information for diagnosing the situation of the vehicle,
Using the in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by the packet communication method arranged in the vehicle, the diagnostic information is subjected to data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network.
The diagnosis information is information for diagnosing the state of the vehicle, and is a parameter for diagnosing the state of the vehicle such as a travel distance and a fuel consumption rate, for example.
According to such a configuration, the diagnostic information for diagnosing the vehicle situation is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center. In addition, it is possible to collect while increasing the security of communication. As a result, it is possible to remotely determine and manage the individual situation of the vehicle at the information communication center.
In addition, diagnosis information may be transmitted from the information communication center to, for example, a card dealer, and by doing so, the condition of the vehicle can be professionally diagnosed in the card dealer.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, the sensor disposed in the vehicle is used to sense maintenance information about the vehicle including the fuel of the vehicle and the air pressure of the tire,
The maintenance information is communicated with an information communication center via a packet communication network using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle.
The vehicle maintenance information is information related to vehicle maintenance.
According to such a configuration, since maintenance information about the vehicle is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, the information communication center can easily maintain the vehicle maintenance information at a low communication cost and increase communication security. It can be collected while. As a result, the individual maintenance status of the vehicle can be remotely determined or managed at the information communication center.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle is used,
Regarding the control of the door opening and closing device capable of electronically opening and closing the door of the vehicle, data communication is performed with the information communication center via the packet communication network.
A door opening and closing device capable of electronically opening and closing a door of a vehicle has a mechanism that can electronically open and close the door of the door opening and closing device using a remote controller, an electronic key, or the like. The door opening and closing device includes a wide range of doors such as a vehicle door, a trunk, and an engine room door. For example, there is a style of opening and closing the door using an electronic key of the vehicle.
According to such a configuration, information on the control of the door opening and closing device capable of electronically opening and closing the vehicle door is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center. Information relating to device control can be easily collected at low communication costs and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to remotely determine and manage the status of the individual door opening / closing devices of the vehicle at the information communication center, and to remotely operate the door opening / closing device.
For example, even if it is difficult to open and close the door without the vehicle key (electronic key), the door can be opened and closed remotely by performing data communication with the information communication center.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, the sensor disposed in the vehicle is used to sense vehicle failure information,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for the failure information,
Furthermore, data communication is performed on the failure information between the information communication center and the Japan Automobile Federation.
Vehicle failure information is information relating to vehicle troubles such as inability to travel, tire punctures, and running out of fuel.
The Japan Automobile Federation is an association called a so-called JAF, which is a paid membership organization that can deal with vehicle failures.
According to such a configuration, vehicle failure information is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, and data communication is performed on the failure information between the information communication center and the Japan Automobile Federation. Can easily collect vehicle failure information at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Judgment and management of vehicle failure information can be easily performed for the Japan Automobile Federation. Relief can be requested by informing vehicle failure information.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, a sensor arranged in a vehicle is used to sense information about the location where the vehicle has caused an accident and the location where the accident has occurred,
Using the in-vehicle information terminal that can perform data communication by the packet communication method arranged in the vehicle, the information communication center and the information communication center via the packet communication network about the information about the location where the accident occurred Perform data communication.
According to such a configuration, information on the location where the vehicle has caused the accident and the location where the accident has occurred is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, so the information communication center can easily determine where the vehicle has caused the accident. In addition, it can be collected at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to judge and manage vehicle accident information, and to easily notify the Japan Automobile Federation of individual vehicle failure information and seek relief.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, sensing information relating to the vehicle position using a sensor disposed in the vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for information on the vehicle position,
Another vehicle that wants to know the position of the vehicle performs data communication with the information communication center regarding information regarding the vehicle position via a packet communication network.
The information related to the vehicle position is, for example, a position (latitude, longitude, altitude) detected by GPS, a position based on a road number (route 1 or the like), and the like.
According to such a configuration, another vehicle that wants to know the position of the vehicle performs data communication with the information communication center, so that the position of the other vehicle can be easily achieved at low communication cost and with high communication security. Can know.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, a sensor arranged in a vehicle is used to sense information about the vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for information on the vehicle,
A user who wants to know information related to the vehicle performs data communication with the information communication center about the information related to the vehicle via a packet communication network using a user terminal.
The information about the vehicle is information indicating what kind of situation (the amount of gas, the travel distance, etc.) the vehicle (for example, own vehicle) is now.
A user is a vehicle owner, a driver, or the like, and a user terminal is a terminal that can be used by the user. For example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (eg, PDA), a mobile phone capable of data communication (eg, a PDA) Mobile phone with internet function).
According to such a configuration, a user who wants to know information about the vehicle can easily perform data communication with the information communication center using the user terminal, while easily increasing communication security at a low communication cost. You can know information about the vehicle.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle,
Information regarding vehicle maintenance records is communicated with an information communication center via a packet communication network.
A vehicle maintenance record is a record of vehicle maintenance such as maintenance and vehicle inspection.
According to such a configuration, since data communication with the information communication center is performed with respect to information relating to the vehicle maintenance record, the information communication center easily obtains information related to the vehicle maintenance record at low communication costs and communication security. You can collect while raising the. As a result, information related to maintenance records for individual vehicles can be determined and managed at the information communication center.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the information communication center accumulates and manages information related to maintenance records of vehicles that have performed data communication for each vehicle.
According to such a configuration, since the information related to the vehicle maintenance record is accumulated and managed for each vehicle, it is possible to know the maintenance record more efficiently for each vehicle in more detail, and the reliability of the vehicle maintenance Can be increased.
In the embodiment according to the present invention, an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle is used,
For the control of the door opening and closing device that can electronically open and close the vehicle door using a predetermined wireless key, perform data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network,
Under predetermined conditions, the door opening / closing device of the vehicle performs data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network for not opening the door.
The predetermined wireless key is a key of a so-called keyless entry system, and can open and close the door of the vehicle by a wireless method.
The predetermined condition is, for example, a case where a predetermined key is dropped and cannot be used.
According to such a configuration, data communication is performed with the information communication center regarding information related to the control of the door opening and closing device capable of electronically opening and closing the door of the vehicle using a predetermined wireless key. In the center, information relating to the control of the door opening and closing device can be easily collected at low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to remotely determine and manage the status of individual door opening / closing devices of the vehicle at the information communication center, and to remotely operate the door opening / closing device not to be opened (locked). It is.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle is used,
About control of the window opening and closing device that can open and close the window of the vehicle, perform data communication with the information communication center through the packet communication network,
A user who wants to perform an operation related to opening / closing of the window of the vehicle performs data communication with the information communication center regarding the operation related to opening / closing of the window of the vehicle via the packet communication network using the user terminal.
A window opening / closing device is a power window capable of electronically opening and closing a window. The user and the user terminal are as described above (the same applies hereinafter).
According to such a configuration, a user who wants to perform an operation related to opening / closing of the vehicle window can easily perform an operation related to opening / closing of the vehicle window at low communication cost by performing data communication with the information communication center. It can be done with high security and is convenient.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, sensing information relating to the vehicle position using a sensor disposed in the vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for information on the vehicle position,
In the information communication center, it is possible to determine the congestion state of the road by performing data communication with respect to information regarding a plurality of vehicles and the vehicle position.
According to such a configuration, the vehicle and the information communication center can perform data communication on information regarding the positions of a plurality of vehicles, so that it is possible to determine the congestion situation of the road in the vehicle or the information communication center. You can know exactly how busy the road is.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, using a sensor arranged in the vehicle, sensing information on the position of the car parked in the parking lot,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, data communication with the information communication center is performed via the packet communication network for information on the position of the car stopped at the parking lot. ,
A user who wants to know the position of the car parked at the parking lot uses the user terminal to perform data communication with the information communication center regarding information on the position of the car parked at the parking lot via a packet communication network.
According to such a configuration, the user who wants to know the position of the car parked at the parking lot can easily perform the data communication with the information communication center, thereby easily reducing the parking lot while increasing communication security. You can know the position of the car stopped at

In the embodiment according to the present invention, information related to the operation of the air bag device mounted on the vehicle is detected,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, data communication with an information communication center is performed via a packet communication network for information regarding the operation of the air bag device.
According to such a configuration, since information related to the operation of the air bag device is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, information related to the operation of the air bag device (for example, accident information) can be easily obtained at the information communication center. Therefore, it can be collected at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to remotely determine or manage the operating status of the air bag device in the information communication center.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, the position of the rental vehicle is sensed using a sensor arranged in the rental vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by the packet communication method arranged in the rental vehicle, performing data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network for the position information of the rental vehicle,
Further, data communication is performed on the position information of the rental vehicle between the information communication center and the rental vehicle business entity.
A rental vehicle is a rental car or the like, and a rental vehicle business entity is a rental car company or the like that conducts a rental car rental business.
According to such a configuration, the rental vehicle operator can easily know the position of the rental vehicle by performing data communication with the information communication center at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Can contribute to the management of rental vehicles.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, a sensor disposed on a shared vehicle is used to sense the position of the shared vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a shared vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for the position information of the shared vehicle,
Further, data communication is performed on the position information of the shared vehicle between the information communication center and the organization related to the shared vehicle.
A common vehicle is a vehicle that is shared and used by users, and is typically a company-owned vehicle.
An organization related to a shared vehicle is an organization that owns a shared vehicle, such as a company.
According to such a configuration, a company related to a shared vehicle can easily know the position of the position of the shared vehicle by performing data communication with the information communication center at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Can contribute to the management of shared vehicles.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, a sensor that can detect an earthquake placed in a vehicle is used to sense information about the earthquake,
Information on the earthquake is communicated with an information communication center via a packet communication network using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle.
The sensor that can detect an earthquake is a sensor that can detect a shake that an earthquake has occurred, not a shake while the vehicle is running.
According to such a configuration, information regarding earthquakes can be easily obtained by performing data communication with an information communication center with information communication centers, and easily knowing information about earthquakes that have occurred around the vehicle at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Can be convenient.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, the sensor disposed in the vehicle is used to sense vehicle failure information,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for the failure information,
Furthermore, data communication is performed on the failure information between the information communication center and a company related to vehicle repair.
Companies related to vehicle repair are organizations that can repair vehicles such as vehicle repair companies.
According to such a configuration, since vehicle failure information is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, the information communication center easily collects vehicle failures at a low communication cost and with high communication security. be able to. As a result, it is possible to determine and manage vehicle failure information, and to easily notify the company related to vehicle repairs of individual vehicle failure information to request treatment such as repair.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, using a sensor arranged in the vehicle, sensing information that the vehicle is submerged,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for submergence information of the vehicle,
Further, data communication is performed on the submergence information of the vehicle between the information communication center and the emergency organization.
According to such a configuration, since the submergence information of the vehicle is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, the submergence situation of the vehicle can be easily performed at a low communication cost and the security of the communication at the information communication center. You can collect while. As a result, the submergence information of the vehicle can be judged and managed, and further, the emergency information can be easily informed of the submergence information of the individual vehicle to obtain a measure such as relief.

In the embodiment according to the present invention, using a sensor arranged in the vehicle, sensing information about each component status of the vehicle,
Using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle, performing data communication with an information communication center via a packet communication network for information on the status of each part of the vehicle,
Furthermore, data communication is performed between the information communication center and the company related to the vehicle parts regarding information on the status of each part of the vehicle.
The status of each part of the vehicle refers to the performance and maintenance status of a number of parts arranged in the vehicle. For example, the maintenance personnel can collect the status of each component during regular inspections of the vehicle. is there.
A company related to vehicle parts is an organization that can determine the performance, maintenance status, etc. of a large number of parts arranged in the vehicle, such as dealers, parts manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, and the like.
According to such a configuration, since information on the status of each part of the vehicle is collected and data communication is performed with the information communication center, the information communication center can easily check the status of each part of the vehicle at a low communication cost and with communication It can be collected while increasing security. As a result, it is possible to determine and manage the status of each part of the vehicle, and to easily inform the company related to the parts of the vehicle of the status of each part of the individual vehicle and contribute to the management of the parts.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle,
Information on vehicle navigation is communicated with the information communication center via the packet communication network.
In a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, the navigation system is updated based on information communicated via an in-vehicle information terminal.
Information related to navigation refers to information on navigation system software, maps, nearest buildings, etc. Navigation system updates include navigation system software updates, map updates, information on nearest buildings, etc. Is.
According to such a configuration, data communication with the information communication center is performed on information related to vehicle navigation, so that the vehicle navigation system can be updated remotely at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Can be convenient.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle,
Performs data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network for information on the software of the electronic device of the vehicle,
In the electronic device of the vehicle, the software is rewritten based on the information related to the software that has undergone data communication through the in-vehicle information terminal.
According to such a configuration, since data communication with the information communication center is performed with respect to information on the software of the vehicle electronic device, rewriting of the software in the vehicle electronic device can be easily performed at low communication cost and communication security. This is convenient because it can be performed while raising the height.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, using an in-vehicle information terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method arranged in a vehicle,
For information on the maintenance of vehicle parts, perform data communication with the information communication center via the packet communication network,
In a parts device capable of remotely servicing parts mounted on a vehicle, the parts of the vehicle are serviced based on information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle parts that have been data-communicated via an in-vehicle information terminal.
Maintenance of a vehicle part means repairing a failed part of the part.
According to such a configuration, since data communication is performed with the information communication center regarding information on vehicle parts maintenance, information on vehicle parts maintenance can be easily known at low communication costs and with high communication security. Can do. As a result, the maintenance status of the vehicle parts can be determined and managed, and further, the vehicle parts device can be maintained remotely, which can contribute to vehicle parts maintenance, parts management, and the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described specifically with reference to the drawings.
<Overall system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire system for realizing an in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1a, 1b,... 1n are vehicles (represented by 1 hereinafter), and the vehicle 1 includes, for example, automobiles, motorcycles, etc., but here are examples applied to automobiles. . A large number of vehicles 1 exist as objects for packet communication, and an in-vehicle information terminal described later is disposed in each vehicle 1. An in-vehicle information terminal (information terminal) arranged in the vehicle 1 is configured to be able to perform data communication with the information communication center 3 via the packet communication network 2. The packet communication network 2 is a network (network) for performing packet communication, and is a system including an exchange 4 and the like necessary for packet communication. Further, the packet communication method here is a communication method in which charging is performed in units of packets. For example, the size of one packet is 128 bytes.

Data communication is a communication method capable of transmitting / receiving data, and includes, for example, one that supports TCP / IP as a protocol.
The in-vehicle information terminal is a terminal capable of performing data communication by a packet communication method mounted on a vehicle, and can perform data communication with the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2.
The information communication center 3 is a center (for example, a base station) connected to a packet communication network that performs data communication using the vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle-mounted information terminal and the packet communication network 2 and manages information and the like. The information communication center 3 does not perform the circuit switching service of the packet communication network, and the circuit switching service is performed only by the exchange 4 of the trader that provides the packet communication network 2. Here, the information communication center 3 is connected to the packet communication network 2 through a dedicated line. Instead of being connected to the packet communication network 2 via a dedicated line, the information communication center 3 may be connected to the packet communication network 2 via the Internet via a router, for example.
In addition, the information communication center 3 externally transmits business information related to vehicles such as protocol conversion to the Internet, temporary storage of data, security ensuring processing, information portal site related processing (for example, maintenance information, maintenance parts information, etc.). Process to send) etc. as necessary.

Thus, as a system environment in which the vehicle 1 and the information communication center 3 can perform data communication via the packet communication network 2, any facility may be constructed within the scope of the present invention. For example, as a typical example, there is a system called Dopa (DoCoMo Packet: registered trademark), and this Dopa system may be used. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the use of the Dopa system, but is merely an example that can be realized, and the present invention may naturally be realized by other systems.
Here, the Dopa system will be described. This is a wireless packet communication service (wireless packet communication network) provided by the NTT Docomo Group using a PDC digital mobile phone network. The maximum data transfer rate is 28.8 kbit / s, and the IP protocol can be used. The fee consists of a fixed monthly fee and a metered fee per packet. In the present invention, a metered fee per packet is adopted. The service area of the Dopa system has a population coverage rate of 99.7% nationwide, and is comparable in size to a normal mobile phone service call area.
The information communication center 3 can collect various types of information on the vehicle 1, and the information communication center 3 collects the collected vehicle information via the Internet 5 with a JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 6 or a user 7 (vehicle owner, etc.), or It can be provided to card dealers.

FIG. 2 shows an in-vehicle information terminal 10 disposed in the vehicle 1. The in-vehicle information terminal 10 is configured as an in-vehicle controller, for example, and is connected to a terminal driver 11 that can be connected to the packet communication network 2 and the terminal driver 11. And an input / output control device 12 for a vehicle. For example, a Dopa driver is used as the terminal driver 11, and data communication corresponding to the Dopa system is possible. The input / output control device 12 performs I / O processing of signals input / output between the various sensors 13 for the vehicle and the electronic control unit 14 of the vehicle.
Although not shown, a predetermined power is supplied to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 is connected to an antenna for data communication provided outside the vehicle 1.
The various sensors 13 for vehicles are all the sensors arrange | positioned in order to detect the state of the vehicle 1, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an air fuel ratio sensor, etc. are arrange | positioned at each vehicle parts, such as an engine and a vehicle body. It is a device that measures physical quantities related to vehicles, converts them into electricity, and outputs them. The information detected by the various sensors 13 is vehicle sensing information, and the various sensing information is a physical quantity related to the vehicle 1 measured using the various sensors 13, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and air-fuel ratio.

  On the other hand, the vehicle electronic control unit 14 (electronic control device) is a device such as an actuator or a controller for controlling the vehicle 1, and includes various devices such as an ECU, a suspension device, a power window, a sunroof, and a door opening and closing device. Is included. The various output control information is information including output signals for controlling the ECU, the suspension device, the power window, the sunroof, the door opening / closing device, and the like.

  According to the overall system of the present invention, the vehicle-mounted information terminal 10 arranged in the vehicle 1 is used, and data communication with the information communication center 3 is performed via the packet communication network 2 for information related to the vehicle 1. Information on the vehicle 1 includes information on the vehicle 1 detected using various sensors 11 mounted on the vehicle 1, information for controlling the vehicle 1, and the like. For example, information on control of the electronic control unit 14, vehicle The information for diagnosing the situation of 1, the maintenance information of the vehicle 1, the failure information of the vehicle 1, the information regarding the status of each component of the vehicle 1, etc.

  In this case, data transmission is performed between the vehicle 1 and the information communication center 3 by metered billing only when an event occurs. For example, when various sensors 13 detect a change in the vehicle speed, or when an output signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 14 of the vehicle to operate the power window. Or, it is a style that transmits one packet (128 bytes) every minute, and it is not always transmitted continuously and continuously, and data is transmitted to the minimum only when necessary. Style, and therefore billing is metered. In the case of pay-as-you-go, for example, charging is about 0.6 yen per minute, which is extremely low cost. As a result, communication between the vehicle 1 and the information communication center 3 can be realized at low cost for information related to the vehicle 1.

Considering this from another point of view, the vehicle-mounted information communication system of the present invention can be used as if it were a dedicated line that is always connected, and it is a flat fee even from a remote location, and there are many vehicles 1. It is very convenient to use for such a wide range (large amount) of distributed applications (for example, data collection of a large number of vehicles 1).
In addition, since the wireless packet system is used, the information collection target (in this case, the vehicle 1) is mobile, that is, moving (moving), or advantageous for outdoor information sensing.
In addition, since the communication cost of data communication can be kept low, it is possible to construct an always-connected dedicated line-like environment suitable for data transmission and to constantly monitor and control information related to the vehicle 1. Become.

Furthermore, since data communication is performed on information related to the vehicle 1 by the packet communication method, the security can be increased unlike the conventional case where data is transmitted as it is. That is, in the packet communication system, for example, by dividing one carrier into three channels and performing communication in units of packets, communication security is significantly higher than in the past.
Further, according to the configuration as shown in FIG. 2, a terminal driver 11 and a vehicle input / output control device 12 may be provided as the in-vehicle information terminal 10, and information regarding the vehicle 1 can be easily obtained by the vehicle 1 and the information communication center 3. It is possible to perform data communication for.

Next, specific examples of vehicle information transmission / control to which the in-vehicle information communication system of the present invention is applied will be described for each embodiment.
<Collecting vehicle sensing information>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that collects sensing information of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, the vehicle 1 is provided with various sensors 13 (the functions are the same as those in FIG. 2 and redundant description is omitted), and various sensing information (contents are as described above) detected by the various sensors 13 is ECU. (Control controller) 21, ECU 21 relays sensing information (or performs signal conversion or the like as necessary) and sends it to in-vehicle information terminal 10, and in-vehicle information terminal 10 is an antenna disposed in vehicle 1. The data of sensing information is transmitted to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the network 22, and the information communication center 3 collects the sensing information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1.
As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 3, the information communication center 3 can easily collect various types of sensing information related to the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, sensing information of a large number of vehicles 1 can be analyzed and managed in the information communication center 3 to contribute to ensuring safety of the vehicles 1 and the like.

<Control of electronic control unit of vehicle>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that controls the electronic control unit of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, various electronic control units 14 (functions similar to those in FIG. 2 are omitted) are arranged in the vehicle 1, and the vehicle 1 can be controlled by the electronic control unit 14.
In the information communication center 3, data related to control is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1 via the packet network 2, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 performs electronic control by performing signal conversion of the data. A control signal is output to the unit 14. The electronic control unit 14 controls (drives etc.) each part of the vehicle 1 based on a control signal from the in-vehicle information terminal 10. The electronic control unit 14 is a device such as an actuator or a controller for controlling the vehicle 1 and drives various devices such as a suspension device, a power window, a sunroof, and a door opening / closing device.
As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 4, the information communication center 3 allows various devices such as the suspension device, the power window, the sunroof, and the door opening / closing device of the vehicle 1 to be easily and at low communication cost and high in communication security. However, it can be driven remotely and is very convenient.

<Collecting vehicle diagnostic information>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that collects diagnostic information of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, various diagnostic sensors 23 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and the diagnostic sensor 23 senses (detects) diagnostic information for diagnosing the situation of the vehicle 1. Here, the diagnosis information is information for diagnosing the situation of the vehicle 1 and is a parameter for diagnosing the state of the vehicle 1 such as a travel distance and a fuel consumption rate.
Various types of diagnostic information detected by the diagnostic sensor 23 are sent to an ECU (control controller) 21. The ECU 21 relays the diagnostic information and processes such as signal conversion to send it to the in-vehicle information terminal 10, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 Diagnostic information data is transmitted to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged at 1, and the information communication center 3 collects the diagnostic information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1. I do.
As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 5, the information communication center 3 can easily collect various kinds of diagnostic information related to the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to remotely determine, manage, or analyze individual diagnosis statuses of a large number of vehicles 1 in the information communication center 3 to contribute to ensuring the safety of the vehicles 1 and the like.
Further, the information communication center 3 can provide the collected diagnostic information of the vehicle 1 to the card dealer 24 via the Internet 5, and the card dealer 24 can judge the situation of the vehicle 1 from the diagnostic information.

<Collecting vehicle maintenance information>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that collects maintenance information of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, various sensors 13 are disposed in the vehicle 1, and maintenance information of the vehicle 1 is detected by the various sensors 13. Here, the maintenance information refers to information related to the maintenance of the vehicle 1 and includes, for example, tire air pressure, gasoline (fuel) amount, and the like.
Various maintenance information detected by the various sensors 13 is sent to an ECU (control controller) 21. The ECU 21 sends the maintenance information to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 through processing such as relaying and signal conversion. The maintenance information data is transmitted to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged at 1, and the information communication center 3 collects maintenance information transmitted from a number of vehicles 1. I do.

As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 6, the information communication center 3 can easily collect various maintenance information related to the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, the information communication center 3 can remotely determine, manage, or analyze the individual maintenance status of a large number of vehicles 1 to ensure the safety of the vehicle 1 (for example, notify the owner of the vehicle 1) And can request maintenance at an early opportunity).
Further, the information communication center 3 can provide the collected maintenance information of the vehicle 1 to the vehicle maintenance company 25 via the Internet 5, and the maintenance company 25 specializes in the status of the maintenance of the vehicle 1 from the maintenance information. Judgment can be made.

<Control of door opening and closing device>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that controls the door opening and closing device of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 7, the vehicle 1 is provided with a door opening / closing device 31 capable of electronically opening and closing the door of the vehicle. Here, the door opening and closing device 31 includes a wide range of doors, trunks, engine room doors, and the like of the vehicle 1, and a mechanism capable of electronically opening and closing these doors using a remote controller, an electronic key or the like. It is what has. The ability to electronically open and close the door of the vehicle is, for example, a configuration in which the door is opened and closed using an electronic key of the vehicle 1.

When the user of the vehicle 1 loses the electronic key that can open and close the door (or forgets to put it in the vehicle and locks the door), the user contacts the information communication center 3 (for example, calls). In the information communication center 3, data related to door opening / closing control is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1 via the packet network 2, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 performs signal conversion of the data. The control signal is output to the door opening / closing device 31. The door opening / closing device 31 opens the door of the vehicle 1 based on a control signal from the in-vehicle information terminal 10.
As described above, according to the system of FIG. 7, the door of the vehicle 1 can be easily opened by remote operation from the information communication center 3 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Convenient. That is, even if it is difficult to open and close the door by losing the key (electronic key) of the vehicle 1, the door can be opened and closed remotely by performing data communication with the information communication center 3. The information communication center 3 can also remotely determine and manage the status of individual door opening and closing devices of the vehicle.

<Wireless JAF service>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that performs data communication on failure information of the vehicle 1 with JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, various sensors 13 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and failure information of the vehicle 1 is detected by the various sensors 13. Here, the failure information is information that hinders the traveling of the vehicle 1 and includes, for example, a state in which the vehicle 1 cannot travel, a decrease in tire air pressure, a gasoline (fuel) shortage, and the like.

Failure information detected by the various sensors 13 is sent to an ECU (control controller) 21, which sends the failure information to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 through relaying, signal conversion, and the like, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 is connected to the vehicle 1. Data transmission of failure information is performed to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the arranged antenna 22, and the failure information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1 is collected in the information communication center 3, Furthermore, the information communication center 3 can provide the collected failure information of the vehicle 1 to the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 via the Internet 5, and the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 requires the failure information of the vehicle 1 based on the failure information. Take relief action. The JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 is an association called a so-called JAF, and is a paid membership organization capable of coping with vehicle failures.
The information communication center 3 and the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 may be connected by a dedicated line or may be connected by an exchange line.

  As described above, according to the system of FIG. 8, the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 via the information communication center 3 wirelessly transmits information related to the failure of the vehicle 1 to easily and at low communication costs and secure communication. You can collect it while raising it. As a result, the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) 26 can take quick measures against vehicle failure.

<Data collection at accident-prone locations>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that collects data on accident-prone points of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 9, various sensors 13 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and it is detected by the various sensors 13 that the vehicle 1 has caused an accident. In order to detect an accident, for example, it is detected that the air bag device has been operated, thereby determining that an accident has occurred, or by detecting tire puncture, engine malfunction, fuel leakage, etc. Judgment is not limited to such an example.
On the other hand, detection of information regarding the position where the vehicle 1 has caused an accident is performed using the in-vehicle information terminal 10. The in-vehicle information terminal 10 has a wireless call area similar to a mobile phone or PHS, and determines the position of the accident by determining the position of the in-vehicle information terminal 10 based on the area. Although the accident location may be determined using a GPS device, it is expensive, and the location using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 can be easily and inexpensively determined.

Accident information detected by the various sensors 13 is sent to an ECU (control controller) 21, which sends the accident information to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 through relaying, signal conversion, and the like. Accident information data is transmitted to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the arranged antenna 22, and the failure information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1 is collected in the information communication center 3. Further, the information communication center 3 determines the position of the in-vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the vehicle 1 and determines the accident position.
As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 9, when the vehicle 1 has an accident, the information communication center 3 can easily locate the accident and the accident at a low communication cost and secure the communication. You can collect it while raising it. As a result, the information and communication center 3 can determine and manage accident information of the vehicle 1, further analyze accident data, and the like, which can be useful for accident prevention. In particular, this is effective for data collection at accident-prone points where the vehicle 1 frequently causes accidents.

<Vehicle communication between groups>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system that performs inter-vehicle communication between groups in the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 10, the detection of the information related to the position of the vehicle 1 is performed using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 (similar to FIG. 9 described above), the position information is sent to an ECU (control controller) 21, and the ECU 21 Processing such as relaying and signal conversion is performed and sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10. The in-vehicle information terminal 10 transmits positional information data to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1. The information communication center 3 collects position information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1. That is, the position of the in-vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the vehicle 1 in the information communication center 3 is determined to determine the vehicle position.
Another vehicle (referred to as 1T) that wants to know the position of the vehicle 1 performs data communication with the information communication center 3 for information on the vehicle position via the packet communication network 2 (that is, inter-vehicle communication between groups is performed as the information communication center). 3).
According to such a configuration, the other vehicle 1T can easily know any of the positions of the multiple vehicles 1 collected in the information communication center 3 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. . The position of the vehicle 1 may be displayed, for example, on the screen of the navigation device in another vehicle 1T, or may be a method that indicates on which road the vehicle 1 exists.

<Check your car status on your home PC>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system for confirming the state of his / her car with a personal computer at home by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, various sensors 13 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and the state of the vehicle 1 is detected by the various sensors 13. Here, the state of the vehicle 1 is a parameter indicating the state of the vehicle 1, and is, for example, the amount of gasoline (remaining amount), the travel distance, the tire air pressure, and the like.
Information relating to the state of the vehicle 1 detected by the various sensors 13 is sent to an ECU (control controller) 21, which performs processing such as relaying and signal conversion on the state information and sends it to the in-vehicle information terminal 10. Transmits data on the state of the vehicle 1 to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1, and is transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1 in the information communication center 3. In addition, the information communication center 3 transmits the collected information on the state of the vehicle 1 to the user terminal 27 of the user who owns the vehicle 1 via the Internet 5.
Note that the user may communicate with the information communication center 3 via the public line, for example, instead of communicating with the information communication center 3 via the Internet 5.

A user is an owner, a driver, or the like of the vehicle 1 (a user who wants to know information about the state of the vehicle 1), and a user terminal 27 is a terminal that can be used by the user. An information terminal (for example, PDA), a mobile phone capable of data communication (for example, a mobile phone with an Internet function), and the like. Here, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) is used as the user terminal 27.
According to such a configuration, a user who wants to know information related to the state of the vehicle 1 can easily and lowly perform data communication with the information communication center 3 via the Internet 5 using a personal computer as the user terminal 27. It is possible to know information on the state of the vehicle at the communication cost and while increasing the communication security. That is, the user of the vehicle 1 can easily grasp the state of his / her car using a personal computer at home, which is convenient. For example, the user can easily know the amount of gasoline (remaining amount), travel distance, and the like while at home.

<Maintenance record of own vehicle>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that holds information related to maintenance records of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 12, the information of the maintenance record 31 of the vehicle 1 is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 transmits the packet network via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. 2, data of maintenance record 31 of the vehicle 1 is transmitted to the information communication center 3, and the information communication center 3 accumulates and manages the information of the maintenance records 31 of many vehicles 1.
The maintenance record 31 of the vehicle 1 is a record of vehicle maintenance such as maintenance and vehicle inspection. For example, an employee of a maintenance company, an employee of a gas station, etc. sees a record of vehicle maintenance and converts it into data. A maintenance record 31 is created.

According to such a configuration, the information communication center 3 can easily collect information related to the maintenance record 31 of the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, the information communication center 3 can determine or manage information related to the maintenance record 31 of the individual vehicle 1.
In addition, the information communication center 3 accumulates and manages information on the maintenance record 31 of the vehicle 1 that has performed data communication for each vehicle. If it does in this way, the record 31 of maintenance can be known efficiently for every vehicle in detail, and the reliability of the maintenance of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

<System that does not accept keys without keyless>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system that does not accept a keyless key of the vehicle 1 by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 13, a vehicle 1 is provided with a keyless receiver 32 of a door opening / closing device. Here, the door opening / closing device is capable of electronically opening and closing the door of the vehicle 1 using a predetermined wireless key. The door of the vehicle 1 includes a wide range of doors, trunks, engine room doors, and the like. The predetermined wireless key is a key 33 of a so-called keyless entry system (hereinafter abbreviated as “keyless”), and can open and close the door of the vehicle 1 by a wireless method.
The keyless receiver 32 drives the opening mechanism of the door opening / closing device so as to open the door of the vehicle 1 in response to the transmission from the key 33. A transmitter is incorporated in the key 33 of the keyless entry system, and when the door is opened, an opening signal is output to the keyless receiver 32 by pressing an opening button of the key 33. An individual keyless transmission code is set for each vehicle, and the door will not open if the keyless transmission code is different.

Now, the user who has dropped the keyless key 33 operates the keyless receiver 32 (for example, by setting an emergency button when the keyless key 33 is dropped and pressing it), the keyless receiver 32 is operated. Emergency signal is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 through the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1 to the information communication center 3 through the packet network 2. Then, data transmission of information that the keyless key 33 in the vehicle 1 has been dropped is performed.
When the information communication center 3 receives information that the keyless key 33 has been dropped (corresponding to a predetermined condition, the key is dropped and the user cannot use it), the keyless transmission code of the vehicle 1 is received. A signal for performing the change is transmitted, and the keyless transmission code of the keyless receiver 32 of the vehicle 1 is changed. Thereby, the keyless key 33 that has been dropped is locked so that the door of the vehicle 1 is not opened.
Therefore, for example, even if another person acquires the keyless key 33 and tries to open the door of the vehicle 1, the keyless transmission code of the keyless key 33 is rejected and the door does not open.

  According to such a configuration, the information communication center 3 can easily grasp the information that the keyless key 33 has been dropped at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, the information communication center 3 can remotely determine and manage the status of the individual door opening / closing devices of the vehicle 1, and can not remotely drive (open) (lock) the doors by the door opening / closing device. The keyless transmission code can be changed, which can contribute to crime prevention.

<System for closing car windows remotely>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that applies the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention to close the window of the vehicle 1 by remote control. In FIG. 14, a window opening / closing device 41 is disposed in the vehicle 1. The window opening and closing device 41 is a power window that can electronically open and close the window of the vehicle 1. The window opening / closing device 41 drives the opening mechanism of the window opening / closing device 41 so as to open the window of the vehicle 1 based on a predetermined opening signal.

Now, a user who realizes that he forgot to close the window of the vehicle 1 uses the user terminal 42 to contact the information communication center 3 (requests a command to close the window). As the user terminal 42, there are a personal computer, a fixed phone, a mobile phone (for example, so-called i-mode (a mobile phone that can use a registered trademark), a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., but a mobile phone is convenient for outdoor use. In the information communication center 3, when a command for closing the window is received from the user terminal 42, a window closing command is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 of the vehicle 1 via the packet network 2. Is sent to the window opening / closing device 41 via the ECU (control controller) 21. When the window opening / closing device 41 receives a window closing command, it closes the window.
According to such a configuration, a user who has forgotten to close the window of the vehicle 1 can easily open the window of the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost by performing data communication with the information communication center 3 from anywhere. And it can be closed with high communication security, which is convenient.

<Car traffic information>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system for obtaining vehicle traffic jam information by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 15, the detection of the information regarding the position of the vehicle 1 is performed using the navigation device 43, and the navigation device 43 includes a GPS device, for example, and detects its own position. The position information is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1 to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2. The location information data is transmitted, and the information communication center 3 collects the location information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1a to 1n, and determines the congestion status (congestion status) of the road based on the collected location information.

The position of the vehicle 1 may be detected using the navigation device 43, but may be detected using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 as described above (similar to FIG. 9 described above). That is, the information communication center 3 determines the position of the in-vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the vehicle 1 and determines the vehicle position. If it does in this way, a vehicle position will be known at low cost.
When judging the congestion situation of a road, for example, if there are a large number of vehicles 1 on the same road (route), it is known as a traffic jam.
According to such a configuration, the information communication center 3 can easily check the traffic congestion on the road based on the position information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1a to 1n at a low communication cost and with high communication security. I can know.
In addition, if the information communication center 3 is contacted, even a traveling user can easily know the traffic congestion on the road at a low communication cost. Note that the traffic congestion state of the road may be displayed on the screen of the navigation device, for example, or a method of notifying which road is congested may be used.

<Confirmation of the location of the car parked in the parking lot>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system for confirming the position of a car parked in a parking lot by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 16, detection of the information related to the position of the vehicle 1 stopped at the parking lot is performed using the navigation device 43, and the navigation device 43 incorporates a GPS device and detects its own position stopped at the parking lot. . Information on the position of the car stopped at the parking lot is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. Then, information on the position of the car stopped in the parking lot is transmitted to the information communication center 3, and the information communication center 3 collects information on the position of the car stopped in the parking lot transmitted from many vehicles 1. , Manage the information of the location of the car parked in the collected parking lot.

In addition, although the detection of the position of the car parked at the parking lot may be performed using the navigation device 43, it may be detected using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 (similar to FIG. 9 described above) as described above. . That is, the information communication center 3 determines the position of the vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the vehicle 1 and determines the position of the vehicle stopped at the parking lot. If it does in this way, the position of the car stopped in the parking lot at low cost can be known.
When a user parks a car in a large parking lot, it may be too wide to find his / her own vehicle position. In such a case, the user uses the mobile phone 44 to make an inquiry to the information communication center 3. . Then, since the information communication center 3 collects information on the position of the car stopped at the parking lot transmitted from many vehicles 1, the user is immediately informed of the parking position of the vehicle 1. The parking position may be notified by voice on the mobile phone 44 or may be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone 44.
According to such a configuration, even when the vehicle is parked in a large parking lot, the user simply communicates with the information communication center 3 to easily locate the parking position of the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with communication security. It is convenient to know while raising the height.

<Understand accidents by operating the air bag device>
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system that applies an in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention and grasps an accident by operating an air bag device. In FIG. 17, an air bag device 45 is disposed in the vehicle 1. When the air bag device 45 is activated, an operation signal is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 transmits information on the operation of the air bag device 45 to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. In the information communication center 3, when information indicating that the air bag device 45 is activated is transmitted from the vehicle 1, the information communication center 3 catches the fact that an accident has occurred and reports to the related organizations such as notification of accident relief. The air bag device 45 may be provided not only on the driver's seat side but also on the passenger seat side, and any accident can be detected.
According to such a configuration, the information communication center 3 can easily collect information on the operation of the air bag device 45 (for example, information on an accident) at a low communication cost and with high communication security. It is possible to quickly determine the occurrence of an accident.

<Management of rental cars>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system for managing a rental car by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 18, detection of information related to the position of the rental car 50 (rental vehicle) is performed using the navigation device 43, and the navigation device 43 includes a GPS device, for example, and detects its own position. The position information is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the antenna 22 arranged in the rental car 50 to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2. The information communication center 3 collects position information transmitted from a large number of rental cars 50 and collects the collected position information via the Internet 5 to the rental car company 51 (rental vehicle business entity: rental car). Company that conducts business that lends The rental car company 51 confirms and manages the position of the rental car 50 that is currently rented from the transmitted position information of the rental car 50.

The position of the rental car 50 may be detected by using the navigation device 43, but may be detected by using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 (similar to FIG. 9 described above) as described above. That is, the information communication center 3 determines the position of the vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the rental car 50 and determines the vehicle position. If it does in this way, a vehicle position will be known at low cost.
According to such a configuration, the position information transmitted from a large number of rental cars 50 is received by the rental car company 51 via the information communication center 3, so that the position of the own rental car 50 can be easily determined at a low communication cost. In addition, it can be known while increasing the security of communication, and can contribute to the management of the rental car 50.
The position of the rental car 50 may be displayed on the screen of the management device of the rental car company 51, or may be managed by position data (latitude, longitude, etc.).

<Management of shared vehicles>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that manages a shared vehicle by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 19, detection of information related to the position of the shared vehicle 52 is performed using the navigation device 43, and the navigation device 43 includes a GPS device, for example, and detects the position of the shared vehicle 52.
The shared vehicle 52 (shared vehicle) is a vehicle that is shared and used by the user, and is typically a company-owned vehicle.
Information regarding the position of the shared vehicle 52 is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 receives information via the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the shared vehicle 52. The location information of the shared vehicle 52 is transmitted to the communication center 3, the location information transmitted from the shared vehicle 52 is collected at the information communication center 3, and the collected location information is transmitted via the Internet 5 to the shared vehicle. The information is transmitted to a company 53 that manages 52 (an organization related to a shared vehicle: for example, a company). The company 53 confirms and manages the position of the shared vehicle 52 that is currently traveling from the transmitted position information of the shared vehicle 52.

The position of the shared vehicle 52 may be detected using the navigation device 43, but may be detected using the in-vehicle information terminal 10 as described above (similar to FIG. 9 described above). That is, the information communication center 3 determines the position of the in-vehicle information terminal 10 mounted on the shared vehicle 52 and determines the vehicle position. If it does in this way, a vehicle position will be known at low cost.
According to such a configuration, the position information transmitted from a large number of shared vehicles 52 is received by the company 53 that manages the shared vehicle 52 via the information communication center 3, thereby simplifying the position of the shared vehicle 52. In addition, it can be known at a low communication cost and with high communication security, and can contribute to the management of the shared vehicle 52.
The position of the shared vehicle 52 may be displayed on a screen of a management device of the company 53 that manages the shared vehicle 52, or may be managed by position data (latitude, longitude, etc.).

<Emergency call in the event of an earthquake>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that applies an in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention to make an emergency call when an earthquake occurs. In FIG. 20, a sensor 1 (hereinafter referred to as an earthquake sensor) 54 that can detect an earthquake is arranged in the vehicle 1. A detectable sensor is used.
When an earthquake occurs, the detection information of the earthquake sensor 54 is sent as an emergency call to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. Then, the detection information of the earthquake sensor 54 is transmitted to the information communication center 3 via the packet network 2, and the information communication center 3 collects the detection information of the earthquake sensor 54 transmitted from many vehicles 1. The information and communication center 3 receives information on the occurrence of an earthquake from various vehicles 1, and thereby quickly knows in which direction and how much the earthquake has occurred.
According to such a configuration, information (emergency call) of an earthquake that has occurred in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 in the information communication center 3 can be easily known at a low communication cost and with high communication security. It is also possible to promptly send warning information to a vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the earthquake.

<Report vehicle failure information to repair company>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system for reporting vehicle failure information to a repair company by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 21, various sensors 13 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and failure information of the vehicle 1 is detected by the various sensors 13. Here, the failure information is information that hinders the traveling of the vehicle 1 and includes, for example, a state in which the vehicle 1 cannot travel, a decrease in tire air pressure, a gasoline (fuel) shortage, and the like.

Failure information detected by the various sensors 13 is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. The failure information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1 is collected at the information communication center 3, and the failure information of the vehicle 1 is collected by the information communication center 3. The information is transmitted (reported) to a car repair company 55 (for example, a repair shop or a car dealer) via the Internet 5.
The repair company 55 takes remedy action for repairing the failure information of the vehicle 1 promptly. For example, the faulty vehicle 1 is contacted (telephone etc.) to instruct how to repair it. Further, failure information of the vehicle 1 is collected and failure data management is performed.
The information communication center 3 and the repair company 55 may be connected by a dedicated line or may be connected by an exchange line.
According to such a configuration, the repair company 55 can easily receive a failure report of the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to take a remedy action for repairing the vehicle 1 quickly.

<Car submersion report>
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that performs submergence notification of a vehicle by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 22, a submergence sensor 56 is disposed in the vehicle 1, and information that the vehicle 1 is submerged is detected by the submergence sensor 56. Here, the submergence is a state in which the vehicle 1 has fallen into the sea, a lake, a river or the like and is immersed in water, and the intrusion of water into the vehicle is detected by the submergence sensor 56. The submergence sensor 56 may be disposed in the engine room, the driver's seat, the passenger seat, or the like so long as it can detect a state where water has entered and is clearly submerged.

The submergence information of the vehicle 1 detected by the submergence sensor 56 is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 transmits the packet network 2 through the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. The information communication center 3 transmits the submerged information data of the vehicle 1 to the information communication center 3, and the information communication center 3 immediately notifies the emergency organization 57 through the telephone line based on the submerged information transmitted from the vehicle 1. Examples of the emergency organization 57 include a police station and a fire station. The emergency organization 57 takes swift action against an accident that the vehicle 1 is submerged.
The information communication center 3 and the emergency organization 57 may be connected by a dedicated line or may be connected by the Internet 5.
According to such a configuration, the emergency agency 57 can easily receive a submergence report of the vehicle 1 at a low communication cost and with high communication security. As a result, it is possible to quickly take action for relief against the submergence accident of the vehicle 1.

<Gathering information during regular vehicle inspections>
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system that collects information at the time of periodic inspection of a vehicle by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 23, various component sensors 58 are arranged in the vehicle 1, and each component status of the vehicle 1 at the time of periodic inspection of the vehicle 1 by the component sensor 58 (information regarding each component status of the vehicle, Periodic inspection information) is detected.
Each component status of the vehicle refers to the performance and maintenance status of a number of components arranged in the vehicle 1, and here, the status of each component is collected when the vehicle 1 is regularly inspected. The periodic inspection information is information obtained by detecting the status of each part during the periodic inspection of the vehicle 1. For example, the usage frequency of each switch, the usage frequency of the motor (for example, the usage frequency of the motor of the power window), the travel distance, etc. It is the information which sensed. The component sensor 57 has a structure for detecting the number of times each switch, motor, etc. is used.

Periodic inspection information detected by the component sensor 58 is sent to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the ECU (control controller) 21, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 passes through the packet network 2 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1. The periodic communication information is transmitted to the information and communication center 3, and the information and communication center 3 collects periodic inspection information transmitted from a large number of vehicles 1 (so-called periodic inspection information is sucked up). The communication center 3 transmits (reports) the collected periodic inspection information of the vehicle 1 to the card dealer 59 (a company related to vehicle parts) via the Internet 5. The company related to vehicle parts is an organization that can determine the performance, maintenance status, etc. of many parts arranged in the vehicle 1, such as a car dealer, a parts manufacturing company, a vehicle manufacturer, and the like.
The card dealer 59 collects periodic inspection information of the vehicle 1 and uses it as reference data for grasping the durability and quality of the parts.
According to such a configuration, the periodic inspection information (information relating to the status of each part of the vehicle 1) is easily collected at the information communication center 3 at a low communication cost and with high communication security, and transmitted to the card dealer 59. The car dealer 59 collects the status of each part of the vehicle 1 (suctions of periodic inspection information), judges and manages the status of each part, and contributes to the judgment and management of the durability of the parts. Can do.

<Update navigation system>
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system for updating a car navigation system by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 24, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a navigation device 61. The navigation device 61 receives a GPS signal, detects the vehicle position, and displays it on a map on the screen (other information such as the nearest building is also displayed). ) It is possible.
In the information communication center 3, the data for updating the navigation system is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the antenna 22 arranged in the vehicle 1 via the packet network 2, and the in-vehicle information terminal 10 performs signal conversion of the data. The system update information is output to the navigation device 61. The navigation device 61 updates its own navigation system based on the system update information from the in-vehicle information terminal 10. The navigation system update includes updating the navigation system software, updating the map, updating information on the nearest building, and the like.
According to such a configuration, since the data communication with the information communication center is performed for the update of the navigation system of the vehicle 1, the navigation system in the navigation device 61 of the vehicle 1 can be easily and at low communication cost and high in communication security. However, it can be updated remotely, which is convenient. This is particularly convenient when updating to the latest navigation system.

<Rewriting the vehicle ECU software>
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system for rewriting vehicle ECU software by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 25, an ECU (control controller) 21 as an electronic device is arranged in the vehicle 1, and the ECU (control controller) 21 performs necessary processing by predetermined software (rewriteable) incorporated therein. Running.
In the information communication center 3, data for rewriting the software of the ECU (control controller) 21 (software update) is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the packet network 2 and the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1, The in-vehicle information terminal 10 outputs software update information to an ECU (control controller) 21 by converting the data into a signal. The ECU (control controller) 21 updates its own software based on the software update information from the in-vehicle information terminal 10.

According to such a configuration, the software of the ECU (control controller) 21 of the vehicle 1 can be easily updated at a low communication cost and with high communication security, which is convenient. . This is particularly convenient when updating to the latest software (latest version). Further, the ECU (control controller) 21 of many vehicles 1 can be updated to the latest software all at once.
The present invention can update the software of the electronic device of the vehicle 1. The electronic device is not limited to the ECU (control controller) 21, and the present invention can be applied to other electronic devices. it can. For example, the software of the electronic control unit 14 of the vehicle 1 can be updated. Here, the vehicle electronic control unit 14 is a device such as an actuator or a controller for controlling the vehicle 1, and includes various electronic devices such as an ECU, a suspension device, a power window, a sunroof, and a door opening / closing device. Is included. When updating the software of the electronic control unit 14, update data is sent from the in-vehicle information terminal 10 to the electronic control unit 14 of the vehicle via the ECU (control controller) 21.

<Send personal information from your card dealer>
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of a stem that transmits personal information from a card dealer to a vehicle by applying the in-vehicle information communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 26, a vehicle component 62 is arranged in the vehicle 1, and the vehicle component 62 can be remotely repaired and maintained by, for example, predetermined software (rewriteable) incorporated therein. It has a configuration.
Here, the vehicle parts 62 are those that can be remotely repaired and maintained. Maintenance of a vehicle part means repairing a failed part of the part.
The card dealer 63 manages information for individuals for each vehicle 1, and when the vehicle part 62 breaks down, the vehicle 1 transmits information related to the maintenance of the vehicle part 62 to remotely detect the failed part. It can be fixed. The management of information for individuals means that records of how to maintain the vehicle parts 62 for each individual vehicle are stored and managed.

  When the car dealer 63 is contacted by the user of the vehicle 1 (for example, a telephone call indicating that the vehicle part 62 has failed), the card dealer 63 sees a record relating to the maintenance of the vehicle part 62 of the user and information necessary for repairing. Is transmitted to the information communication center 3. In the information communication center 3, information related to maintenance of the vehicle parts 62 is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 10 via the packet network 2 and the antenna 22 disposed in the vehicle 1. The vehicle part 62 operates so as to correct the part that has failed itself based on the information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle part 62 transmitted from the in-vehicle information terminal 10.

According to such a configuration, the car dealer 63 manages the repair and maintenance of the vehicle parts 62 on an individual basis, so that the repair of the vehicle parts 62 can be easily performed at a low communication cost and with high communication security. Convenient and convenient. In particular, even when the vehicle part 62 breaks down, it is convenient that only information related to the maintenance of the vehicle part 62 is transmitted even if the car dealer 63 does not have to go to the car dealer 63.
The present invention can also be applied to the case where the software of the vehicle part 62 is updated.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole system which implement | achieves the communication system of this invention. It is a figure which shows a vehicle-mounted information terminal. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which collects the sensing information of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which controls an electronic control unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which collects the diagnostic information of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which collects the maintenance information of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which controls the door opening / closing apparatus of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which performs data communication about the failure information of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which collects the data of the accident frequent occurrence point of a vehicle. It is a figure showing composition of a system which performs inter-vehicle communication between groups in vehicles. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which confirms the state of the own vehicle with a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system holding the information regarding the record of the maintenance of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which does not receive the key which dropped the keyless of the vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which closes the window of a vehicle by remote control. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which acquires the traffic information of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which confirms the position of the car stopped at the parking lot. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which grasps | ascertains an accident by the action | operation of an airbag apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which manages a rental car. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which manages a common vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which performs the emergency call at the time of an earthquake occurrence. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which notifies failure information of a vehicle to a repair company. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which performs the submergence report of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which collects information at the time of the periodic inspection of a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which updates the navigation system of a car. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which rewrites vehicle ECU software. It is a figure which shows the structure of the stem which transmits information for individuals from a card dealer to a vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b, ... 1n Vehicle 2 Packet communication network (wireless packet communication network)
3 Information and communication center 5 Internet 7 User 10 In-vehicle information terminal (information terminal)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Terminal driver 12 Input / output control apparatus for vehicles 13 Various sensors 14 Electronic control unit (electronic control apparatus) of vehicles
21 ECU (control controller)
26 JAF (external organization)
27 User terminal

Claims (22)

Using multiple information terminals capable of data communication by wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
For predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, perform data communication with an information communication center through a wireless packet communication network using the plurality of information terminals,
Data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet to the information communication center. Communication method. A plurality of information terminals capable of performing data communication by the wireless packet communication method are arranged,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control unit is configured to perform data communication with the information communication center via a wireless packet communication network by the plurality of information terminals,
The information communication center is configured to perform data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal using a plurality of user terminals via the Internet. A communication system characterized by the above. It is possible to perform data communication by a wireless packet communication method, and is an information terminal in which a plurality are arranged,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information terminal
It is configured to perform data communication with an information communication center via a wireless packet communication network,
A plurality of user terminals can be connected to the information communication center via the Internet to perform data communication related to sensors or electronic control devices connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminals. An information terminal characterized by that. An information communication center capable of data communication with a plurality of information terminals arranged by a wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information communication center is
For predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, perform data communication with the plurality of information terminals via a wireless packet communication network,
Furthermore, it is configured to be able to perform data communication regarding a sensor or an electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal with a plurality of user terminals via the Internet. An information and communication center characterized by It is possible to perform data communication via the Internet, a plurality of user terminals arranged,
The user terminal is
It is configured to perform data communication with the information communication center via the Internet,
A plurality of information terminals are configured to perform data communication with the information communication center by a wireless packet communication method,
The information terminal is connected to a sensor or an electronic control device that controls a predetermined control object in a manner capable of transmitting information,
The information communication center is
About the predetermined information detected by the sensor or the electronic control device, data communication is performed with the plurality of information terminals through a wireless packet communication network, and further, with a plurality of user terminals through the Internet. A user terminal configured to be able to perform data communication related to a sensor or an electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal. The wireless packet communication network is
There is a charge for using the communication network,
3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein charging is performed according to the amount of used packets. Preliminary information detected by the sensor or electronic control unit from the plurality of information terminals is communicated with the information communication center via a wireless packet communication network,
In the information communication center, information related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information received from a plurality of information terminals to a plurality of user terminals via the Internet to the information terminals by data communication. 3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the communication system is sent. Information communication about the sensor or electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information from the plurality of user terminals to the information terminal via the Internet to the information communication center,
The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the information communication center sends information received from a plurality of user terminals to the plurality of information terminals via a wireless packet communication network. When the information center is connected to a specific user terminal among the plurality of user terminals,
The information center is connected to a specific information terminal among the plurality of information terminals,
By performing data communication regarding the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information with the specific information terminal,
2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein information can be transmitted between the specific user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the specific information terminal via the information center. . When the information center is connected to a specific user terminal among the plurality of user terminals,
The information center is connected to the specific information terminal among the plurality of information terminals,
It is configured to perform data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information with the specific information terminal,
3. The configuration according to claim 2, wherein information can be transmitted between the specific user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the specific information terminal via the information center. Communications system. When the information center is connected to the information terminal in response to the information center being connected to the specific user terminal among the plurality of user terminals,
By performing data communication regarding the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information to the information terminal with the information center,
The information according to claim 3, wherein information can be transmitted between the specific user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the information terminal via the information center. Terminal. When connected to a specific user terminal among the plurality of user terminals,
Connect to a specific information terminal among the plurality of information terminals,
By performing data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a form capable of transmitting information to the specific information terminal,
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein information can be transmitted between the specific user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the specific information terminal via the information center. Information center. When the user terminal receives a user operation, the user terminal connects to the information center,
The information center is connected to a specific information terminal among the plurality of information terminals,
By performing data communication regarding the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a manner capable of transmitting information with the specific information terminal,
6. The user according to claim 5, wherein information is transmitted between the user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the specific information terminal via the information center. Terminal. Information related to the sensor or electronic control device connected to the information terminal in any of the group of information terminals composed of a plurality of information terminals that are part of the plurality of information terminals,
5. The information communication center according to claim 4, wherein data communication is performed with other information terminals belonging to the group. Information that has been processed based on information related to the sensor or electronic control device transmitted from the information included in the plurality of information terminals,
5. The information center according to claim 4, wherein data communication is performed with the information terminals other than the information terminal that has transmitted the information on which the determination is made among the plurality of information terminals. When connected to a specific user terminal among the plurality of user terminals,
Connect to a specific information terminal among the plurality of information terminals,
By performing data communication related to the sensor or the electronic control device connected in a form capable of transmitting information to the specific information terminal,
Configured to be able to transmit information between the specific user terminal and the sensor or the electronic control device connected to the specific information terminal via the information center;
Furthermore, the information on the sensor or the electronic control device transmitted from the information included in the plurality of information terminals is configured to perform data communication with the information terminal other than the information terminal that has transmitted the information. The information center according to claim 4, wherein In response to the information regarding the sensor or control device connected to the information terminal being sent from the information terminal to the information center,
5. The information center according to claim 4, wherein the information center sends information for operating the sensor or the control device connected to the information terminal to the information terminal that has transmitted the information. Configured to transmit information for controlling the control device connected to the information terminal to the information terminal;
Furthermore, by transmitting data for updating software to the plurality of information terminals included in the plurality of information terminals, respectively,
The information center according to claim 4, wherein the software of the electronic control device connected to each of the plurality of information terminals is configured to be updateable. The communication method which performs the data communication of the information regarding the said sensor or electronic control apparatus each connected to these information terminals between the said some information terminals using the information communication center of Claim 14 thru | or 18. The communication system which performs the data communication of the information regarding the said sensor or electronic control apparatus respectively connected to these information terminals between the said some information terminals using the information communication center of Claim 14 thru | or 18. The information terminal which performs the data communication of the information regarding the said sensor or electronic control apparatus each connected to these information terminals between the said some information terminals using the information communication center of Claim 14 thru | or 18. 19. An information terminal that performs data communication of information related to the communication method sensor or the electronic control device respectively connected to the plurality of information terminals between the plurality of information terminals using the information communication center according to claim 14. Between
A user terminal that performs data communication of information related to the communication method sensor or the electronic control device via the information center.

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