WO2015033735A1

WO2015033735A1 - Vehicular information providing device

Info

Publication number: WO2015033735A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/070866
Authority: WO
Inventors: 田村　繁明
Original assignee: 日本精機株式会社
Priority date: 2013-09-05
Filing date: 2014-08-07
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Also published as: JP2015048066A; JP6364722B2

Abstract

Provided is a vehicular information providing device such that, when vehicle state information is transmitted from a vehicle-mounted device to an external device, the vehicle state information can be transmitted by a transmission method of choice by a user of a vehicle. The vehicular information providing device is provided with a vehicle-mounted device (102) including: a device unit (200) including a display unit (204) for displaying various states of the vehicle to the user as vehicle state information, and a control means (202) for operating the display unit (204); and a communication unit (220) for performing communication between an external device (103) and the device unit (200), the external device (103) outputting vehicle outside information to the device unit (200). The communication unit (220) is configured to be connectable with the device unit (200) via a connecting/disconnecting means (215). Under the control of the control means (202), transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit (200) to the external device (103) via the communication unit (220) is performed at least in real-time or at once at a predetermined timing.

Description

Vehicle information providing device

The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing apparatus that provides various types of information to a vehicle user, and more particularly, to a vehicle information providing apparatus that provides various types of information using a vehicle-mounted device and an external device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information display system such as this type of vehicle information providing apparatus, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 below is known. In the information display system described in Patent Document 1, a vehicle-mounted device (vehicle-mounted device) such as a vehicle-mounted navigation device and a mobile terminal (external device) are connected by wire or wirelessly, and a connection state between the vehicle-mounted device and the mobile terminal Is detected, the control device on the mobile terminal side supplies the display data (external information of the vehicle) displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal to the in-vehicle device side, and the control device on the in-vehicle device side supplies from the mobile terminal The displayed display data is displayed on the in-vehicle device side display. In addition, a touch switch for operating the mobile terminal is also displayed on the vehicle-mounted device, and operation information when the user of the vehicle operates the touch switch is supplied to the mobile terminal as a command.

Thereby, the user of the vehicle can visually recognize the information to be displayed on the screen of the external device such as the mobile terminal on the on-vehicle device side display (display unit) having a larger screen, and the mobile device can display the information on the mobile terminal. Can be easily operated.

JP 2003-244343 A

In the information display system described in Patent Document 1 described above, a touch switch for operating a mobile terminal (external device) is also displayed on the vehicle-mounted device (vehicle-mounted device), and the operation information is supplied to the mobile terminal as a command. Therefore, the vehicle user can easily operate the portable terminal from the in-vehicle device side display.

By the way, as the information transmitted from the in-vehicle device side display to the portable terminal, various information of the vehicle (vehicle state information indicating the state of the vehicle) can be considered in addition to the operation information. Unlike the operation information, the vehicle state information includes a plurality of information, and the timing to be transmitted is not specified. Therefore, there is room for improvement with respect to the method for transmitting the vehicle state information from the in-vehicle device side display to the portable terminal. was there.
Therefore, in order to cope with the above-described problems, the present invention can transmit vehicle state information by a transmission method according to the preference of the user of the vehicle when transmitting vehicle state information from the vehicle-mounted device to an external device. The object is to provide a vehicular information providing apparatus.

The present invention provides a device unit having a display unit that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to a user and a control unit that operates the display unit, and an external device that outputs external information of the vehicle to the device unit. And a communication unit that performs communication between the device unit and the communication unit, and the communication unit is configured to be connectable to the device unit via an attachment / detachment unit, and is controlled by the control unit. The transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit to the external device via the communication unit is transmitted at least in real time or collectively at a predetermined timing.

The present invention further includes storage means for storing the vehicle state information, and the control means stores the vehicle state information stored in the storage means when transmitting the vehicle state information to the external device via the communication unit. Vehicle state information is read out and transmitted to the external device.

Further, according to the present invention, the user can designate at least one of the type of the vehicle state information and the period of the vehicle state information when the vehicle state information is stored in the storage unit using the operation unit. And the control means stores the vehicle state information in the storage means based on the designated content designated by the operation means.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the operation means is provided in at least the vehicle-mounted device or the external device.

The present invention can provide a vehicle information providing apparatus capable of transmitting vehicle state information by a transmission method according to the preference of a vehicle user when vehicle state information is transmitted from a vehicle-mounted device to an external device.

The block diagram which shows the connection state of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and various electrical components. The block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by the embodiment. The block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles in case the vehicle mounting apparatus and external apparatus by the embodiment are wirelessly connected. The block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles in case the vehicle mounting apparatus and external apparatus by the embodiment are wired-connected. The general view which shows an example of the vehicle mounting apparatus by the embodiment. The figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in the 1st display mode by the embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in the 2nd display mode by the embodiment, (b) is a 2nd display mode by the same embodiment, and the 1st control means is a warning. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part at the time of receiving a signal. The figure which shows two methods at the time of the 1st control means by the same embodiment transmitting vehicle state information with respect to an external device. The figure which shows the kind etc. of vehicle state information memorize | stored in the memory | storage means displayed on the 2nd display part by the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the period etc. of the information using the vehicle state information provided to the vehicle user displayed on the 2nd display part by the same embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in 2nd display mode by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is 2nd in the 2nd display mode by the 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part when one control means receives a warning signal.

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 100 indicates a vehicle. Reference numeral 101 denotes a vehicular information providing apparatus. The vehicular information providing apparatus 101 includes a vehicle-mounted device (here, a vehicle instrument) 102 and an external device (here, a smartphone) that is a portable information terminal. 103 and connecting means 104 for connecting the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103.

The vehicle-mounted device 102 is connected to electrical components such as an audio 106, an air conditioner 107, a body control unit 108, and an engine control unit 109 via an in-vehicle LAN (multiplex communication line) 105. Further, the external device 103 connected to the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the connection means 104 can be connected to the Internet via the external communication means 110.

Next, the configuration of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 mainly composed of the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The vehicle-mounted device 102 includes a device unit 200 and a first communication unit 220 as a communication unit, and the first communication unit 220 performs communication between the device unit 200 and the external device 103. is there.

The device unit 200 includes a vehicle information terminal (vehicle information means) 210 and a multiplex communication input / output terminal (multiplex communication input / output means) 211 for inputting / outputting various information (vehicle state signals) relating to various states of the vehicle, and a predetermined operation. The operation information terminal 212 to which the operation signal from the means 213 can be inputted, the sound output terminal 214, the vehicle interface (vehicle I / F) means 201, and the first that includes, for example, a microcomputer that controls the vehicle-mounted device 102. Control means (control means) 202, first storage means (storage means) 203 comprising a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or EEPROM in which a processing program of the first control means 202 is stored, and a vehicle user First display unit (display unit) 204 such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel for visually informing various information (various states of the vehicle) First notifying means 206 including a first sounding body 205 such as a speaker for audibly notifying various information (various states of the vehicle) to a vehicle user, a first display unit 204 and first sounding And a first driving means 207 that also serves as a drive control with the body 205.

Here, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the first sounding body 205 may be a helmet speaker housed in a helmet worn by a passenger (user) who rides on the motorcycle.

The operation means 213 includes an operation input unit for performing various operations of the vehicle-mounted device 102, and includes, for example, a cursor button and a determination button that are installed at appropriate locations in the vehicle so that the user can reach them. A cross key type operation input unit can be applied, and an operation instruction signal (remote operation instruction signal) to the external device 103 output from the operation unit 213 when the user operates the operation unit 213 is an operation information terminal 212. In addition, it is input to the first control unit 202 through the vehicle interface unit 201 and further to the external device 103 side through the connection unit 104. Note that the operation means 213 may be a touch panel type operation input unit instead of the cross key type operation input unit described above.

The first communication unit (communication unit) 220 constitutes the connection unit 104 for connecting to the external device 103, and here, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the first communication unit 220. It is done.

In this case, the first communication unit 220 is configured to be connectable to the device unit 200 constituting the main part of the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the attaching / detaching means 215 including a connector. Note that the attaching / detaching means 215 may be configured so that the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 can be attached / detached by soldering connection of terminals instead of a connector.

In addition, the external device 103 includes a second communication unit (here, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark)) 260 constituting the connection unit 104 for connecting to the vehicle-mounted device 102, and various sensors (here, A GPS module) 261, an interface (I / F) means 251, a second control means 252 comprising, for example, a microcomputer for controlling the external device 103, and a processing program for the second control means 252 are stored. A second storage unit 253 comprising a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, and a second display unit 254 such as a display with a touch panel for visually informing various information (various states of the vehicle) to the vehicle user. And a second sounding body such as a speaker for audibly informing various users (various conditions of the vehicle) to the vehicle user 55, second informing means 256, second display means 254 and second sounding body 255, second driving means 257 that also serves as drive control, and external communication means 110 for connecting to the Internet. The communication module 258 is configured.

Here, the second communication unit 260 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 220 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102. That is, the second communication unit 260 can exchange data with the first communication unit 220 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102.

In the present embodiment, the first and

second communication units

220 and 260 including the wireless communication unit are applied to the connection unit 104 between the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to connect the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 by using the connection means 104 as a wired communication means made up of a cable such as USB or HDMI (registered trademark). When switching from wireless communication means (wireless connection) to wired communication means (wired connection), the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are exchanged by replacing the first communication unit 220 with one corresponding to the wired communication means. Wired connection with can be realized.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 when the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are wirelessly connected. The first communication unit 220 corresponding to the wireless connection includes an antenna 270. And a wireless I / F 271, a decoder (wireless decoder) 272, and a control unit 273. The control unit 273 controls the antenna 270, the wireless I / F 271, and the decoder 272, and transmits / receives control signals to be described later to / from the first control unit 202.

When the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 are connected via the attaching / detaching means 215, the data exchange between the device unit 200 of the on-vehicle equipment 102 and the external equipment 103 is performed by the connecting means 104. , Antenna 270, wireless I / F 271, and decoder 272.

In addition, when the device unit 200 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215, data exchanged between the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215 includes In addition to the video signal S1, the sound signal S2, and the control signal S3, a GND signal (ground signal), a power supply, etc. (not shown) are included. In particular, in this case, the first communication unit 220 can output to the device unit 200 at least one of the video signal S1 and the sound signal S2 sent from the external device 103 side as external information of the vehicle. .

Of the exchanged data, the video signal S 1 is output from the decoder 272 and input (supplied) to the first control unit 202, and the control signal S 3 is output from the control unit 273 and the first control unit 202. The sound signal S 2 is output from the decoder 272 and input (supplied) to the sound output terminal 214.

Note that the sound signal S2 output from the sound output terminal 214 (first communication unit 220) passes through a drive driver 218 as a drive unit (sound generator drive circuit) having a D / A converter 216 and an amplifier 217. , And input to a speaker 219 as a third sounding body. Here, the drive driver 218 is configured by a separate member (separate body) from the first communication unit 220 or the device unit 200.

As described above, the drive driver 218 is configured by a member different from the first communication unit 220 or the device unit 200. For example, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, a rider who uses the motorcycle (utilization) A case in which the drive driver 218 is not mounted using a helmet speaker housed in a helmet worn by a person) is also conceivable, but such a case can be easily handled. As the speaker 219, for example, a speaker for a navigation device or an audio device mounted on a vehicle can be applied.

Although the details will be described later, the first control unit 202 sends the vehicle state information (for example, the traveling speed of the vehicle) to the control unit 273 provided in the first communication unit 220. Is transmitted as a control signal S3 via the device unit 200 and the attachment / detachment means 215, and the transmitted vehicle state information is a second control provided in the external device 103 via the connection means 104. Output to means 252.

Then, the second control means 252 calculates the travel distance of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal, and predetermined maintenance information (for example, oil change timing information) corresponding to the travel distance of the vehicle is displayed on the second display unit 254. Therefore, the second display unit 254 can be displayed to prompt the user to be alerted.

The management of maintenance information is not limited to the external device 103, but the vehicle travel distance information is transmitted from the external device 103 to an external server (not shown) via the communication module 258. Needless to say, maintenance information may be managed for each vehicle user. According to such a configuration, the first communication unit 220 does not need to have an interface directly with the vehicle, and parts such as a protection circuit are not necessary, so that an increase in cost can be suppressed as much as possible.

Further, in the case of such a wireless connection, the first control unit 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220, and specifically, the communication operation can be performed by the following two methods. We are monitoring.

First, the first method will be described. In the first method, the first control unit 202 periodically issues an inquiry signal using the control signal S3 in order to confirm the operation of the first communication unit 220. It is monitored whether or not there is a response signal to the inquiry signal from (control unit 273). Thereby, the first control unit 202 determines that the operation of the first communication unit 220 is normal when the response signal is returned, and the first communication unit 220 when the response signal is not returned. Is determined to be abnormal.

Here, the operation status of the first communication unit 220 is confirmed by the response signal to the periodic inquiry signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by adding a parity bit to the control signal S3, the first control unit 202 performs a parity check of the transmission data (control signal S3) from the first communication unit 220, so that the operation of the first communication unit 220 is performed. You may check the situation.

Next, the second method will be described. In the second method, the first communication unit 220 (control unit 273) checks whether or not the external information of the vehicle sent from the external device 103 (second control means 252) is normal. Yes. Here, when the first communication unit 220 detects an abnormality in the external information, it sends a communication abnormality signal to the first control means 202 via the control signal S3. Accordingly, the first control unit 202 can detect a communication abnormality between the external device 103 and the first communication unit 220. Here, the determination as to whether or not the external information of the vehicle is normal may be any of error detection means such as an inquiry using the control signal S3 as described above and a parity check of transmission data.

The first control unit 202 monitors the first communication unit 220 by the above-described first and second methods, so that the communication abnormality is related to the first communication unit 220 or the external device 103 and the first It is possible to distinguish whether it is related to communication with the communication unit 220. When detecting the communication abnormality, the first control means 202 notifies the vehicle user that a communication abnormality has occurred, as will be described later.

On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 when the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are wired by the cable or the like instead of wirelessly connected, and this wired connection is supported. The first communication unit 220 mainly includes a wired I / F 281, a decoder (wired decoder) 282, and a control unit 283. The control unit 283 controls the wired I / F 281 and the decoder 282 and transmits / receives a control signal S3 to / from the first control unit 202.

When the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 are connected via the attaching / detaching means 215, the data exchange between the device unit 200 of the on-vehicle equipment 102 and the external equipment 103 is performed by the connecting means 104. , Via a wired I / F 281 and a decoder 282.

Of the exchanged data, the video signal S1 is output from the decoder 282 and input (supplied) to the first control unit 202, and the control signal S3 is output from the control unit 283 and the first control unit 202. The sound signal S2 is output from the decoder 282 and input (supplied) to the sound output terminal 214. Note that the sound signal S2 output from the sound output terminal 214 is input to the speaker 219 via a drive driver 218 as a drive unit configured by the D / A converter 216 and the amplifier 217.

Also in the wired connection of FIG. 4, the first control unit 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220. Specifically, the first control unit 202 in the case of the wireless connection described above, It can be performed in the same manner as the second method. In the first method in the case of FIG. 4 (wired connection), the first control unit 202 monitors whether there is a response signal to the inquiry signal from the control unit 283 (first communication unit 220). Except for this, it can be realized by the same method as in the case of wireless connection. Similarly, in the second method in the case of FIG. 4 (wired connection), the control unit 283 (first communication unit 220) is connected to the outside of the vehicle sent from the external device 103 (second control means 252). Except for confirming whether the information is normal, it can be realized by the same method as in the case of wireless connection.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first control unit 202 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 displays on the first display unit 204 when the first and second display modes described later are executed. A display layout to be performed will be described.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the device unit 200 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 includes a first display unit 204 including the liquid crystal display panel, and the first display unit 204 is a vehicle user. It consists of a display for an instrument that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information.

When the first control unit 202 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215, the first control unit 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210). Based on the vehicle state signal, control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that the vehicle state information corresponding to the first display mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the first display unit 204. Do.

In the first display mode M1 in which only the vehicle state information is displayed on the first display unit 204 without displaying any external information of the vehicle, which will be described later, the first control unit 202 uses the vehicle running information as the vehicle state information. A vehicle speed display unit 300 that displays the speed, a shift position display unit 310 that displays the shift position, a fuel remaining amount display unit 320 that displays the remaining amount of fuel, a direction indication display unit 330 that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, and an average fuel consumption of the vehicle The first display unit 204 is controlled so as to display the fuel consumption display unit 340 for displaying the temperature, the outside temperature display unit 350 for displaying the temperature outside the vehicle, and the warning display unit 360 on the first display unit 204. .

Further, in the first display mode M1, the first display unit 204 has a divided first display area R1 and second display area R2. The first display region R1 is located on the upper side of the first display unit 204, and the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, which are the predetermined information X1 among the vehicle state information, The direction instruction display unit 330 is displayed.

The vehicle speed display unit 300 is displayed at the center of the first display region R1, the shift position display unit 310 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the vehicle speed display unit 300, and the fuel remaining amount display unit 320 is a vehicle speed display. Located on the right side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the display unit 300, the direction indication display unit 330 is located at both ends of the first display region R1 so as to sandwich the shift position display unit 310 and the remaining fuel amount display unit 320. Is located.

In addition, the predetermined information X1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction instruction display unit 330 has a high priority, and the frequency with which the vehicle user visually recognizes the predetermined information X1. There is a lot of vehicle state information, and in the first display mode M1, the display layout is such that the predetermined information X1 is displayed in the first display region R1.

On the other hand, the second display region R2 is located below the first display unit 204, and the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit described above, which are other information X2 of the vehicle state information different from the predetermined information X1. 350 and the warning display part 360 are displayed.

The fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 are displayed in a state of being arranged side by side on the left side of the second display region R2, and the outside air temperature display unit 350 is displayed directly below the fuel consumption display unit 340. It should be noted that when the user operates the operation means 213, both the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 displayed in the second display region R2 are displayed differently (for example, the travel distance display and the engine speed). It is also possible to switch to (display). In other words, this means that the operating means 213 is at least one of the operation of the external device 103 described later and the operation of the device unit 200 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 (operation related to the vehicle instrument function of the device unit 200). It means that the operation is configured to be operable.

Further, the first control means 202 receives various warning signals via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210) (in this case, a trunk open signal indicating that the trunk at the rear of the vehicle is open). Is received, the first display unit 204 is displayed based on the warning signal, and accordingly, a warning “the trunk is open” is displayed on the right side of the second display region R2 in the first display unit 204. A display unit 360 is displayed. As described above, in this example, one of the vehicle state information includes the warning display unit 360 as alert information for calling attention to the user of the vehicle.

In addition, the other information X2 including the fuel consumption display unit 340, the outside air temperature display unit 350, and the warning display unit 360 is vehicle state information that is less frequently viewed by the vehicle user. In the display mode M1, the display layout is such that other information X2 is displayed in the second display region R2. In the second display region R2 when the first display mode M1 is executed, the display area of the left region 500 where the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 are displayed, and the warning display unit 360 display The display area of the right area 510 is substantially equal.

Next, the display layout displayed on the first display unit 204 when the first control unit 202 executes the second display mode M2 different from the first display mode M1 will be described.

During the execution of the second display mode M2, the first control means 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210) and simultaneously via the attachment / detachment means 215. When the first communication unit 220 is connected, external information on the vehicle (herein, referred to as navigation information) is received from the external device 103 via the

communication units

260 and 220, and the vehicle state signal and the navigation information are received. Based on the control, the first display unit 204 is controlled to display the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 as shown in FIG. 7A on the first display unit 204.

That is, in the second display mode M2, the second control unit 252 (external device 103) communicates with the first control unit 202 (device unit 200) via the communication units 260 and 220 (connection unit 104). The navigation information is output, and the first control unit 202 performs control to display the first display unit 204 so that the navigation display unit 370 (external information of the vehicle) is displayed in the second display region R2. .

Accordingly, the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, the direction indication display unit 330, the fuel consumption display unit 340, and the navigation display unit 370. It is included. In addition to the navigation display unit 370, the vehicle external information may be incoming mail information, incoming telephone information, music information, or the like.

Among these, the predetermined information X1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 is the same as in the first display mode M1. The individual display positions of the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 displayed in the display region R1 and in the second display mode M2 are the first display. The position is the same as in the mode M1.

Thus, in the case of this example, the first display region R1 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 when the both display modes M1 and M2 are executed. This is configured as a fixed display area capable of displaying the predetermined information X1 in the form of a predetermined display position.

In the second display mode M2, the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the navigation which are information other than the predetermined information X1 formed by the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 are displayed. The display unit 370 is displayed in the second display region R2.

In other words, the second display mode M2 includes vehicle state information including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, the direction indication display unit 330, and the fuel consumption display unit 340, and navigation display. This is a display mode in which external information of the vehicle composed of the unit 370 is displayed on the first display unit 204.

In the second display mode M2, the outside air temperature display unit 350 and the warning display unit 360 displayed in the second display region R2 in the first display mode M1 are not displayed, and the fuel consumption display is performed. With regard to the part 340, the digital display value of fuel consumption and the unit display are moved directly below the display of “average fuel consumption”, and the above-mentioned left side region 500 is reduced. Hereinafter, the reduced left area 500 in the second display area R2 in the second display mode M2 will be described as the left area 600.

In the second display area R2, a navigation display unit 370 including a turn-by-turn display is displayed in an area excluding the left area 600 and located on the right side of the left area 600. As shown in FIG. 7A, the turn-by-turn display includes an arrow display 371, an intersection name display 372, and a remaining distance display 373 to the intersection. The navigation display unit 370 may apply a map display instead of the turn-by-turn display.

That is, the above-described right area 510 formed in the second display area R2 when the first display mode M1 is executed is the right area where the right area 510 is enlarged when the second display mode M2 is executed. The navigation display unit 370 is displayed in the right area 610.

As described above, in the case of this example, the second display region R2 is displayed with the other information X2 (when the navigation display unit 370 that is external information of the vehicle is displayed when the second display mode M2 is executed. For example, the display form of the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the navigation display unit 370) is configured as a variable display area that can be changed.

Next, during the execution of the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 7A, the display layout of the first display unit 204 when the first control unit 202 receives the warning signal is shown in FIG. This will be described based on b).

FIG. 7B shows a modified example of the second display mode M2 in which the above-described warning display unit 360 is displayed so as to interrupt a part (at least a part) of the navigation display unit 370. In this case, the first control unit 202 has a function of determining whether or not the warning signal is generated during execution of the second display mode M2, and when it is determined that the warning signal is generated. Controls the display operation of the first display unit 204 so that a part of the navigation display unit 370 displayed on the right side of the second display region R2 is switched to the warning display unit 360.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the first display unit 204, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372 that have been displayed in the second display region R2 until then are hidden, Until the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372 are displayed, the warning display section 360 “Trunk is open” is displayed to interrupt. Thereafter, when receiving the trunk closing signal indicating that the trunk is closed, the first control unit 202 returns the first display unit 204 to the display layout of FIG. 7A based on the trunk closing signal. In other words, control is performed to display the first display unit 204 (in order to hide the warning display unit 360 and redisplay the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372).

FIG. 8 shows two methods when the first control unit 202 transmits vehicle state information to the external device 103. As described above, the first control unit 202 can transmit the vehicle state information to the external device 103, but there are two transmission methods.

FIG. 8A shows an example of real-time transmission which is the first transmission method. In this first transmission method, when the device unit 200 and the external device 103 are connected, the first control unit 202 always transmits the vehicle state information to the external device 103 via the first communication unit 220. To do. Here, the data T1 (Y10, Y11, Y12, Y13...) Transmitted from the external device 103 to the device unit 200 is the navigation information described above.

Further, the data T2 (Y20, Y21...) Transmitted from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 is the vehicle speed signal (vehicle state information) described above. As described above, in the real-time transmission that is the first transmission method, when the external device 103 and the device unit 200 are connected, the first communication unit 220 is controlled under the control of the first control unit 202. Transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 is always transmitted in real time. Accordingly, the external device 103 can receive and use the vehicle state information in real time.

Next, FIG. 8B shows an example of batch transmission at an arbitrary (predetermined) timing, which is the second transmission method. This second transmission method does not automatically transmit vehicle state information from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 when the device unit 200 and the external device 103 are connected. The first control unit 202 transmits vehicle state information to the external device 103 at an arbitrary timing via the first communication unit 220.

Here, as data T3 (Z20, Z21, Z22...) Transmitted from the device unit 200 to the external device 103, vehicle state information such as a vehicle speed signal, a travel distance signal, a fuel consumption signal, an engine on time signal, and the like. To do. As described above, in the batch transmission at an arbitrary timing which is the second transmission method, when the external device 103 and the device unit 200 are in the connected state, the first control unit 202 controls the first transmission. Transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 via the communication unit 220 is collectively transmitted at an arbitrary timing based on an instruction of a vehicle user, not in real time. Along with this, the external device 103 can receive and use the vehicle state information in a lump at an arbitrary timing.

Next, a vehicle state information storage method instructed by a vehicle user in advance in order to collectively transmit the above-described vehicle state information at an arbitrary timing will be described with reference to FIG. The storage method can be applied not only to batch transmission at an arbitrary timing but also to transmission in real time, but it can be said that it is preferable to apply to the batch transmission at an arbitrary timing.

FIG. 9 shows a display example of the second display unit 254 provided in the external device 103. In FIG. 9, the type of vehicle state information stored in the first storage unit 203 is in area A. It is displayed. In FIG. 9, an area B in FIG. 9 includes a “start” button for starting storage of vehicle state information, a “stop” button for ending storage of vehicle state information, and vehicle state information to the first storage unit 203. And a period for designating the start / end of the storage of.

The period includes a start time (year A1, month B1, day C1, hour D1, minute E1) for starting storage of vehicle state information and an end time (year A2, month B2, day for ending storage of vehicle state information). C2, hour D2, minute E2). In FIG. 9, a “send” button for starting transmission of the vehicle state information stored in advance in the first storage unit 203 to the external device 103 is displayed in area C.

The vehicle user stores the vehicle state information stored in the first storage unit 203 from the vehicle state information candidates displayed in the area A by operating a touch panel (not shown) provided in the second display unit 254. Select information. Here, it is assumed that the vehicle speed signal, the travel distance signal, the fuel consumption signal, and the engine on time signal are selected. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 700 indicates a check box provided for each candidate, and indicates that the check box 700 in a blackened state is selected as an item to be stored in the first storage unit 203. Will be.

Next, the user of the vehicle starts the storage of the vehicle state information displayed in the region B by operating the touch panel (year A1, month B1, day C1, hour D1, minute E1) and the vehicle. The end time (year A2, month B2, day C2, hour D2, minute E2) to end the storage of the state information is designated.

It should be noted that the time at which the “start” button is operated may be set as the start time by touching the “start” button instead of designating the start time for starting storage of the vehicle state information. . Similarly, instead of designating the end time for ending the storage of the vehicle state information, the time at that time may be set as the end time by touching the “stop” button.

These pieces of information (namely, vehicle state information selection information, start time designation information, end time designation information) are sent from the second control means 252 to the first control means 202, and the first control means. When the storage start time of the vehicle state information is reached, 202 starts storing the selected vehicle state information in the first storage unit 203.

Thereafter, when the storage end time of the vehicle state information is reached, the first control unit 202 stops the storage of the selected vehicle state information in the first storage unit 203. Then, when the user of the vehicle touches the “Send” button in the area C of the touch panel, the first control unit 202 transmits the vehicle state information to the external device 103 via the first communication unit 202. When transmitting), the vehicle state information stored in advance in the first storage unit 203 is read out and batch transmission to the external device 103 is started.

Here, the second display unit 254 provided in the external device 103 is used to select the vehicle state information, specify the start time and end time, and transmit instructions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, for example, vehicle state information may be selected, a transmission instruction, or the like may be performed using the first display unit 204 provided in the device unit 200 or the operation unit 213.

For example, when the operation means 213 is used, the vehicle user uses the operation means 213 to determine the type of vehicle state information and the period of the vehicle state information when the vehicle state information is stored in the first storage means 203. The first control unit 202 stores the vehicle state information in the first storage unit 203 based on the specified content specified by the operation unit 213. It should be noted that at least one of the designation contents regarding the type / period of the vehicle state information using the operation means 213 and the second display unit 254 described above may be stored in the first storage means 203. The second display unit 254 provided with the touch panel here corresponds to the operation means in claim 3 of the claims which will be described later.

Next, information using the vehicle state information provided to the vehicle user performed by the external device 103 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 10 is applicable to both vehicle state information transmission in real time and batch transmission at an arbitrary timing.

FIG. 10 shows a display example of the second display unit 254 provided in the external device 103. In FIG. 10, in a region D, an information period (starting) using vehicle state information provided to the vehicle user is shown. Time, end time). In FIG. 10, an area E displays an average fuel consumption F1 and an average vehicle speed G1, which are information using vehicle state information provided to a vehicle user.

The second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 calculates an average fuel consumption F1 using the travel distance signal and the fuel consumption signal (average fuel consumption F1 = travel distance signal / fuel consumption signal), and the second In order to display the average fuel consumption F1 on the display unit 254, the second display unit 254 is displayed. Similarly, the second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 calculates an average vehicle speed G1 using the travel distance signal and the engine on time signal (average vehicle speed G1 = travel distance signal / engine on time signal). ) In order to display the average vehicle speed G1 on the second display unit 254, the second display unit 254 is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle user can directly select the type of vehicle state information as shown in FIG. 9, but instead, for example, the average fuel consumption is instructed, and the second control means 254 Based on this instruction, vehicle state information (the travel distance signal, the fuel consumption signal) may be automatically (indirectly) selected. Further, the average fuel consumption F1 and the average vehicle speed G1 can be managed for each user of the vehicle by transmitting vehicle travel distance information and the like from the external device 103 to the server via the communication module 258. is there.

As described above, in this embodiment, the device unit 200 includes the first display unit 204 that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to the user, and the first control unit 202 that operates the first display unit 204. And a vehicle-mounted device 102 having an external device 103 that outputs vehicle external information to the device unit 200 and a first communication unit 220 that performs communication between the device unit 200 and a first communication unit. The vehicle 220 is configured to be connectable to the device unit 200 via the attachment / detachment means 215, and the vehicle from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 via the first communication unit 220 is controlled by the first control means 202. The status information is transmitted at least in real time, or at a predetermined timing. In addition, the first storage unit 203 that stores the vehicle state information is provided. When the first control unit 202 transmits the vehicle state information to the external device 103 via the first communication unit 220, the first storage unit 203 stores the first storage unit 203. The vehicle state information stored in the means 203 is read and transmitted to the external device 103.

Therefore, when transmitting vehicle state information from the device unit 200 (vehicle-mounted device 102) to the external device 103, the vehicle user can freely select real-time transmission or batch transmission at an arbitrary timing. The degree of freedom of the transmission method is widened, and the vehicle state information can be transmitted to the external device by a transmission method according to the preference of the vehicle user. In addition, in the case of batch transmission at an arbitrary timing, it is not necessary to always connect the external device 103 and the device unit 200, so that the battery of the external device 103 can be prevented from being consumed.

In the present embodiment, the operation means 213 as the operation means and the second display unit 254 provided with the touch panel are provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 or the external device 103, so that the vehicle user can When the type / period of the vehicle state information is designated, the operation can be performed not only from the external device 103 side but also from the vehicle-mounted device 102 side, and there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of the operation method is expanded.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the fuel consumption display section 340 displayed on the left side of the second display region R2 in the second display mode M2 as shown in FIG. 11A. In the non-display state and the operation display unit 380 is displayed instead of the fuel consumption display unit 340. In the second embodiment as well, the first communication is performed under the control of the first control unit 202. Transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit 200 to the external device 103 via the unit 220 is transmitted in real time or collectively at an arbitrary timing.

In the case of the second embodiment, the first control unit 202 includes an operation display unit 380 and a navigation display unit 370 that are operation information related to the operation of the external device 103 when the second display mode M2 is executed. Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that external information of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region R2.

In the second embodiment, the predetermined information X1 displayed in the first display area R1 is the vehicle speed display section 300, the shift position display section 310, and the remaining fuel display section, as in the first embodiment. 320 and a direction instruction display unit 330.

The operation display unit 380 displays operation information of the external device 103 corresponding to the navigation display unit 370 displayed so as to be adjacent to the right side. The operation display unit 380 displays the outer shape of the operation means 213 and the operation functions that can be operated. Here, “Zoom +” corresponding to the enlargement of the map display, “Zoom-” corresponding to the reduction of the map display, and “Speak” corresponding to the voice guidance of the route guidance are exemplified as the operation functions. Has been.

The user operates the operation means 213 while viewing the operation information displayed on the operation display unit 380 (here, “Zoom +” described above is operated). Along with the operation of the operation means 213, the operation signal output from the operation means 213 to the external device 103 side is input to the first control means 202 through the operation information terminal 212 and the vehicle interface means 201. 1 is input to the second control unit 252 of the external device 103 via the connection unit 104 and the control unit 273 (or the control unit 283) provided in the first communication unit 220.

That is, in this case, when the first control unit 202 detects the operation signal (the operation information) related to the operation of the external device 103 output from the operation unit 213 when the user operates the operation unit 213. The operation signal is output to the second control unit 252 provided in the external device 103 via the first communication unit 220.

The second control unit 252 operates the external device 103 based on the operation signal, inputs the enlarged map data to the second communication unit 260, and further connects the connection unit 104 and the first communication unit 220. To the first control means 202 provided in the device unit 200 via the control unit. The first control unit 202 causes the first display unit 204 to perform a display operation so that the enlarged map data (video signal) is displayed on the navigation display unit 370.

Also in the second embodiment, when the vehicle state information is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 102 to the external device 103, the vehicle user can freely select between real-time transmission and batch transmission at an arbitrary timing. Thus, the degree of freedom of the transmission method is widened, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 11A, when the first control unit 202 receives the warning information, as shown in FIG. 11B, at least the navigation display unit 370 is displayed. The first display unit 204 is displayed and operated so that a part (for example, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372) is switched to the warning display unit 360 (other information X2) that “the trunk is open”. . In this regard, the same processing as the display switching from the display layout shown in FIG. 7A to the display layout shown in FIG. 7B in the first embodiment is performed.

The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing apparatus using a vehicle-mounted device and an external device, and the vehicle-mounted device includes not only a vehicle meter (vehicle meter) that displays vehicle information, but also a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, It can also be applied to a multi-display device or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Vehicle information provision apparatus 102 Vehicle mounting apparatus 103 External apparatus 104 Connection means 200 Equipment unit 202 1st control means (control means)
203 1st memory | storage means (memory | storage means)
204 1st display part (display part)
213 Operating means 215 Attaching / detaching means 220 First communication section (communication section)
252 Second control means 254 Second display unit (operation means)
260 Second communication unit 300 Vehicle speed display unit 310 Shift position display unit 320 Fuel remaining amount display unit 330 Direction indication display unit 340 Fuel consumption display unit 350 Outside air temperature display unit 360, 361 Warning display unit 370 Navigation display unit (external information of vehicle) )
380 Operation display unit M1 first display mode M2 second display mode R1 first display area R2 second display area

Claims

A device unit having a display unit that displays various vehicle states to the user as vehicle state information, and a control unit that operates the display unit;
A vehicle-mounted device having an external device that outputs external information of the vehicle to the device unit and a communication unit that performs communication between the device unit,
The communication unit is configured to be connectable via the device unit and attachment / detachment means,
Under the control of the control means, the transmission of the vehicle state information from the device unit to the external device via the communication unit is transmitted at least in real time or collectively at a predetermined timing. A vehicle information providing apparatus characterized by the above.
Storage means for storing the vehicle state information;
The control unit reads the vehicle state information stored in the storage unit and transmits the vehicle state information to the external device when transmitting the vehicle state information to the external device via the communication unit. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 1.
The user can designate at least one of a type of the vehicle state information and a period of the vehicle state information when storing the vehicle state information in the storage unit using an operation unit,
3. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit stores the vehicle state information in the storage unit based on a designation content designated by the operation unit.
4. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation means is provided at least in the vehicle-mounted device or the external device.