In-vehicle device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

The in-vehicle device is mounted on a vehicle, and includes a control unit for controlling a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat, the control unit acquiring biological information of an occupant riding in the vehicle, acquiring a cabin interior temperature of the vehicle, and adjusting the temperature of the vehicle on the basis of the acquired biological information and cabin interior temperature. And controlling the temperature adjusting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle-mounted device, a program, and an information processing method.

[0002] This application claims the priority based on Japanese application No. 2022-083222 for which it applied on May 20, 2022, and all the contents described in the said Japanese application are cited. Background Art

[0003] A vehicle seat provided in a vehicle is configured to be movable such as sliding on a rail provided on a floor portion of the vehicle body. In order to supply power to a driving unit such as a motor for moving the vehicle seat, there is known a vehicle seat power supply device having a power receiving coil provided on the vehicle seat and a power supply coil provided on the floor portion of the vehicle body (for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle seat power supply device described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of power receiving coils provided on a seat surface, an armrest, or a headrest of the vehicle seat.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-134513 Summary of the invention

[0007] A vehicle-mounted device according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle and includes a control unit that controls a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat, wherein the control unit obtains biological information of a passenger riding in the vehicle, obtains a temperature inside a vehicle cabin, and controls the temperature adjustment device based on the obtained biological information and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle system including the in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control table.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater by the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0013] Figure 6This is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat blower by the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device according to the second embodiment (after a predetermined time has passed).

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater by the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat blower by the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device according to the third embodiment (first set temperature).

[0018] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater by the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] [Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0020] The power supply device for a vehicle seat of Patent Document 1 does not consider driving and controlling a temperature adjustment device provided in the vehicle seat based on biological information of a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0021] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle-mounted device or the like that can efficiently control a temperature adjustment device provided in a vehicle seat.

[0022] [Effects of the present disclosure]

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle device or the like that efficiently controls a temperature adjustment device provided in a vehicle seat.

[0024] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0025] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of examples. In addition, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0026] (1) A vehicle-mounted device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle and includes a control unit that controls a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat, wherein the control unit obtains biological information of a passenger riding in the vehicle, obtains a temperature inside a vehicle cabin, and controls the temperature adjustment device based on the obtained biological information and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin.

[0027] In this method, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device obtains biological information such as the body temperature of the passenger sitting on the vehicle seat, and also obtains the cabin temperature (ambient temperature) of the vehicle cabin. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device performs temperature control on the temperature adjustment device provided inside the vehicle seat based on the obtained biological information (body temperature, etc.) and the cabin temperature (ambient temperature), so that the temperature adjustment device can be efficiently controlled. As a result, the passenger does not need to manually operate the temperature adjustment device of the vehicle seat, and the trouble of the operation can be eliminated. In particular, when the passenger is driving the vehicle, there is no need to operate the temperature adjustment device, thereby assisting the passenger to concentrate on driving.

[0028] (2) In a vehicle-mounted device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature control device includes a seat heater and a seat blower, the seat heater increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat, and the seat blower blows air from the surface of the vehicle seat, and the control unit determines either the seat heater or the seat blower as the temperature control device to be controlled based on a combination of the acquired biological information and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin.

[0029] In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment device provided inside the vehicle seat includes a seat heater and a seat blower. The seat heater is a heating device having a heating element that generates Joule heat when energized, and increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat, that is, the temperature of the seat surface or the backrest temperature. The seat blower (seat ventilation) is an air conditioning device having an air supply fan, and by rotating the air supply fan, air is supplied from ventilation holes or fine holes provided on the surface of the vehicle seat, thereby adjusting the surface temperature, such as cooling. In this way, the temperature adjustment device for the vehicle seat includes the seat heater and the seat blower, and thus heating by the seat heater or air supply by the seat blower is performed according to the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature), thereby achieving a reduction in the perceived temperature of the passenger. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device determines either the seat heater or the seat blower as the temperature adjustment device to be controlled based on the combination of the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin, so that the appropriate temperature adjustment device corresponding to the state of the passenger and the vehicle cabin can be selected and driven and controlled.

[0030] (3) In a vehicle-mounted device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the biological information includes the body temperature of the passenger, and the control unit drives the seat blower when the body temperature of the passenger is above a first body temperature threshold and the temperature in the vehicle cabin is above a first room temperature threshold, and drives the seat heater when the body temperature of the passenger is below a second body temperature threshold and the temperature in the vehicle cabin is below a second room temperature threshold, the second body temperature threshold being smaller than the first body temperature threshold, and the second room temperature threshold being smaller than the first room temperature threshold.

[0031] In this embodiment, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device selectively drives the seat heater or the seat blower using the body temperature threshold for the body temperature of the passenger and the room temperature threshold for the temperature in the vehicle cabin. The body temperature threshold includes a first body temperature threshold and a second body temperature threshold less than the first body temperature threshold, and the room temperature threshold includes a first room temperature threshold and a second room temperature threshold less than the first room temperature threshold. These thresholds are respectively stored in advance in a specified storage area accessible to the control unit such as the storage unit of the vehicle-mounted device. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device drives the seat blower when the body temperature of the passenger is above the first body temperature threshold and the temperature in the vehicle cabin is above the first room temperature threshold. Therefore, the seat blower is driven when the passenger feels hotter, and the passenger's body temperature can be reduced, thereby improving the comfort in the vehicle cabin. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device drives the seat heater when the body temperature of the passenger is below the second body temperature threshold and the temperature in the vehicle cabin is below the second room temperature threshold. Therefore, the seat heater is driven when the passenger feels colder, and the passenger's body temperature can be increased, thereby improving the comfort in the vehicle cabin.

[0032] (4) In the vehicle-mounted device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the body temperature of the passenger is greater than the second body temperature threshold and less than the first body temperature threshold, and the vehicle interior temperature is greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold, the control unit stops the temperature adjustment device.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the passenger's body temperature is greater than the second body temperature threshold and less than the first body temperature threshold, and the cabin temperature is greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device does not drive the temperature control device and maintains the stopped state. When the passenger's body temperature is greater than the second body temperature threshold and less than the first body temperature threshold, and the cabin temperature is greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold, the passenger is in a state where the temperature feels relatively suitable. In this state, by stopping the temperature control device, the power consumption of the temperature control device can be suppressed.

[0034] (5) In the vehicle-mounted device of one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit obtains the biological information from a portable device carried by the passenger before the passenger gets on the vehicle, and starts controlling the temperature adjustment device based on the obtained biological information and the vehicle cabin temperature.

[0035] In this method, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device obtains biological information such as the body temperature of the passenger from the portable device carried by the passenger before the passenger gets on the vehicle. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device can also obtain biological information such as the body temperature of the passenger while receiving the remote start signal sent from the portable device. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device can also start the vehicle when receiving the remote start signal. The portable device is, for example, a smart watch or a smart phone that includes a vital sign sensor with functions such as a thermometer, and the vehicle-mounted device can also directly communicate wirelessly with the smart watch, etc. Alternatively, the passenger can also hold (carry) a smart phone and a remote start key as a portable device, and the smart phone communicates with the vehicle-mounted device via the remote start key. Alternatively, the remote start key can also include a vital sign sensor that outputs (sends) the biological information such as the body temperature of the sensed passenger to the vehicle-mounted device. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device obtains biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) before the passenger gets on the vehicle. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device starts controlling the temperature control device before the passenger gets on the vehicle based on the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature). Thus, when the passenger gets on the vehicle, the passenger can be provided with an environment in which the temperature control device has been driven, which can improve the comfort in the vehicle cabin.

[0036] (6) In the vehicle-mounted device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit starts controlling the temperature adjustment device based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle cabin temperature after a predetermined time has passed since the biological information was acquired.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device starts controlling the temperature control device after a predetermined time has passed since the moment (acquisition time) when the passenger's biological information such as body temperature is acquired from a portable device such as a smart watch or a remote start key before the passenger gets on the vehicle. After a predetermined time has passed since the moment of acquisition of the biological information transmitted from the portable device, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device starts controlling the temperature control device based on the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin, thereby suppressing the temperature control device from being excessively driven before the passenger gets on the vehicle, thereby reducing the power consumption of the temperature control device. The predetermined time used when starting the control of the temperature control device may be stored in the storage unit of the vehicle-mounted device, for example, and may be determined based on the time (equivalent to the acquisition time) from the moment when the passenger operates the remote start key and transmits the biological information to the moment when the passenger gets on the vehicle (time required for boarding). The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device calculates the time (required boarding time) from the moment (acquisition time) when the passenger's body temperature and other biological information are obtained from a portable device including a smart watch or a remote start key before the passenger gets on the vehicle. The calculated required boarding time may be stored as log information in the storage unit of the vehicle-mounted device, and the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device obtains the required boarding time (X minutes) by referring to the storage unit. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device may store, for example, operation logs of the remote start key and the like performed by the passenger, and boarding logs performed by the opening and closing operation of the driver's seat or the seating sensor of the vehicle seat as history information, and store the required boarding time calculated using these log information in the storage unit. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device may also start obtaining the temperature in the vehicle cabin and driving the seat blower (seat ventilation) as a temperature adjustment device after the required boarding time (X minutes) has passed since the moment of obtaining the biological information, when the seat blower (seat ventilation) is selectively driven. The control unit of the vehicle-mounted device may start acquiring the temperature in the vehicle cabin and driving the seat heater after a time (XY minutes) obtained by subtracting the initial use time of the seat heater (Y minutes) from the required time for boarding (X minutes) has passed since the time when the biological information is acquired, when the seat heater is selectively driven as a temperature control device. The initial use time of the seat heater (Y minutes) is a time shorter than the required time for boarding (X minutes) (Y < X), and corresponds to the time until the seat heater reaches a predetermined temperature after the driving of the seat heater is started, and is a time determined according to the product characteristics of the seat heater. By making the predetermined time until the control of the temperature control device start different according to the type of the temperature control device selected in this way, it is possible to perform driving control corresponding to the functional characteristics of the temperature control device.

[0038] (7) In a vehicle-mounted device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature adjustment device includes a seat heater, the seat heater increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat, the control unit controls the seat heater in such a manner that the surface temperature of the vehicle seat becomes a first set temperature, and when the interval distance between the vehicle and the passenger becomes within a specified distance, controls the seat heater in such a manner that the surface temperature becomes a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device obtains biological information such as the body temperature of the passenger from a portable device such as a smart watch or a remote start key before the passenger gets on the vehicle, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device further obtains the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature), and selects one of the seat heater and the seat blower based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) and the temperature in the vehicle cabin. When the seat heater is selected, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device starts driving the seat heater and controls the seat heater so that the surface temperature of the vehicle seat becomes a first set temperature. Even after starting to drive the seat heater, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device continues to communicate with the portable device carried by the passenger, and periodically and repeatedly performs position detection of the portable device, thereby deriving the distance between the passenger and the vehicle. When performing the position detection of the passenger, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device may also effectively utilize, for example, the response function of the remote start key using LF waves, a beacon system, or effectively utilizes position detection based on UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Alternatively, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device may periodically obtain the distance between the vehicle and a portable device such as a smart key carried by a passenger from a vehicle-mounted ECU such as a body ECU that periodically derives the distance between the vehicle and the portable device. When the distance between the vehicle and the portable device (passenger) is within a predetermined distance, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device increases (rises) the output of the seat heater and controls the seat heater so that the temperature is set to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. Thus, as an initial operation at the start time of driving the seat heater, heating of the vehicle seat is started at the first set temperature, which is a relatively low temperature setting. When the passenger holding the portable device approaches the vehicle at a distance of, for example, about 10 meters (when the distance is within the predetermined distance), the seat heater can be driven at the second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. By using such a step-by-step set temperature to control the driving of the seat heater, the power consumption of the seat heater can be suppressed, and when the passenger approaches the vehicle, the set temperature can be raised, so that the passenger can be provided with a vehicle interior environment with appropriately adjusted temperature, and the comfort in the vehicle cabin can be improved.

[0040] (8) A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer, which is mounted on a vehicle and controls a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat, to execute the following processing: obtaining biological information of a passenger riding in the vehicle; obtaining a temperature inside a vehicle cabin; and controlling the temperature adjustment device based on the obtained biological information and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin.

[0041] In this aspect, it is possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function as an in-vehicle device capable of efficiently controlling a temperature adjustment device provided in a vehicle seat.

[0042] (9) An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer, which is mounted on a vehicle and controls a temperature control device provided inside a vehicle seat, to execute the following processing: obtaining biological information of a passenger on the vehicle; obtaining a temperature inside a vehicle cabin; and controlling the temperature control device based on the obtained biological information and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin.

[0043] In this aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing method for causing a computer to function as an in-vehicle device capable of efficiently controlling a temperature adjustment device provided in a vehicle seat.

[0044] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0045] Hereinafter, a vehicle-mounted device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

[0046] (Implementation method 1)

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described based on the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle system including the in-vehicle device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle-mounted device 1. The vehicle-mounted system is constituted by the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the vehicle C as a main device, and the temperature adjustment device S1 composed of a seat heater S11 and a seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) is connected to the vehicle-mounted device 1 in a communicable manner. The vehicle-mounted device 1 controls the driving of the seat heater S11 and the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) provided in the vehicle seat S based on the biological information of the passenger obtained from the portable device 3 having the vital sign sensor 31 and the vehicle cabin temperature (ambient temperature) obtained from the temperature sensor 141.

[0048] The vehicle-mounted device 1 is also connected to an off-vehicle communication device 2, and even when the portable device 3 carried by the passenger is located outside the vehicle C (outside the vehicle), communication with the portable device 3 can be performed via the off-vehicle communication device 2. The off-vehicle communication device 2 includes an off-vehicle communication unit (not shown) and an input / output I / F 14 (not shown) (interface) for communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 1. The off-vehicle communication unit is a communication device for wireless communication using a mobile communication protocol such as 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, WiFi, etc., and transmits and receives data with the portable device 3 via an antenna connected to the off-vehicle communication unit. The communication between the off-vehicle communication device 2 and the portable device 3 can also be performed via an external network such as a public line network or the Internet. The off-vehicle communication device 2 and the vehicle-mounted device 1 can also be communicatively connected via the vehicle network, and the vehicle-mounted device 1 communicates with the portable device 3 via the off-vehicle communication device 2. The communication path between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the portable device 3 is not limited to the case of passing through the external vehicle communication device 2, but can also be short-range communication based on the communication unit 13 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, or wireless communication via a wireless transceiver 142 corresponding to UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like connected to the input and output I / F 14 of the vehicle-mounted device 1.

[0049] The vehicle-mounted device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an input / output I / F 14, and may be, for example, an integrated ECU composed of a central control unit such as a car computer. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted device 1 may be a body ECU that controls body-type actuators such as wipers or door mirrors.

[0050] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), and performs various control processing and calculation processing by reading and executing a program P (program product) and data pre-stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 is not limited to a software processing unit such as a CPU that performs software processing, but may also include a hardware processing unit such as an FPGA, an ASIC, or a SOC that performs various control processing and calculation processing by hardware processing.

[0051] The storage unit 12 is composed of a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a flash memory, and pre-stores a program P (program product) and data to be referred to during processing. The program P (program product) stored in the storage unit 12 may also store a program P (program product) read from a recording medium that can be read by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. In addition, the program P (program product) may be downloaded from an external computer not shown in the figure connected to a communication network not shown in the figure, and stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 stores a control table used when controlling the temperature adjustment device S1. The details of the control table will be described later.

[0052] The input / output I / F 14 is a communication interface for serial communication, for example. The vehicle-mounted device 1 is communicatively connected to a temperature adjustment device S1 including a seat heater S11 and a seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) via the input / output I / F 14 and a harness such as a serial cable.

[0053] A temperature sensor 141 and a wireless transceiver 142 may also be connected to the input / output I / F 14. The temperature sensor 141 is disposed in the cabin of the vehicle C, and periodically or regularly detects (sensing) the room temperature (ambient temperature) of the cabin, and outputs it to the vehicle-mounted device 1. The wireless transceiver 142 is, for example, a communication interface having a function for wireless communication based on LF waves, RF waves, or UWB. The vehicle-mounted device 1 may also perform wireless communication based on LF waves, RF waves, or UWB with a smart key or a remote start key via the wireless transceiver 142.

[0054] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface using a communication protocol such as CAN (Control Area Network) or Ethernet (registered trademark), and the control unit 11 communicates with the vehicle-mounted network-connected external communication device 2 via the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 is not limited to a communication interface corresponding to wired communication, and may be, for example, a communication interface corresponding to wireless communication using WiFi (registered trademark) or ZiGBee (registered trademark). In this way, the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also include a communication interface corresponding to a plurality of communication paths formed by the communication unit 13 and the wireless transceiver 142, and use any one of the communication interfaces to communicate with a portable device 3 including a smart watch or a remote start key.

[0055] The temperature adjustment device S1 is provided inside the vehicle seat S, and includes, for example, a seat heater S11 and a seat blower S12. The seat heater S11 is, for example, a heating device having a heating element that generates Joule heat by being energized. The seat heater S11 increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat S, that is, the temperature of the seating surface or the temperature of the backrest. The seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) is, for example, an air conditioning device having an air supply fan. The seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) performs temperature adjustment such as cooling the surface temperature by rotating the air supply fan to supply air from ventilation holes or fine holes provided on the surface of the vehicle seat S. These seat heater S11 and seat blower S12 are communicatively connected to the vehicle-mounted device 1 via a wiring harness or the like, and are driven according to a control signal output from the vehicle-mounted device 1.

[0056] The portable device 3 is an information terminal held (carried) by a passenger on the vehicle C, and is composed of, for example, a smart watch, a smart phone, or smart glasses, and has a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit in the same manner as the vehicle-mounted device 1. The portable device 3 has a vital sign sensor 31 for measuring the body temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure of the passenger holding the portable device 3. The vital sign sensor 31 functions as a thermometer, a heart rate meter, or a blood pressure meter for measuring the biological information (vital sign data) of the passenger holding the portable device 3. The portable device 3 sends biological information such as body temperature sensed by the built-in vital sign sensor 31 to the vehicle-mounted device 1. In this way, the biological information (vital sign data) can also be information based on body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The portable device 3 is not limited to being composed of a single device such as a smart watch, but may also be composed of a combination of the smart watch and a smart key or a remote start key. The remote start key is a device that uses LF waves and RF waves to communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 1, and starts the vehicle C from the outside of the vehicle C and operates various vehicle-mounted devices installed in the vehicle C according to the operation of the passenger, and may also include a smart key with a comparison function. The smart watch may also send biological information such as sensed body temperature to the remote start key, and the remote start key uses LF waves or UWB to send the biological information to the vehicle-mounted device 1. Alternatively, the remote start key may also include a vital sign sensor 31, which outputs (sends) the biological information such as the sensed body temperature of the passenger to the vehicle-mounted device 1. In this case, the remote start key functions as the portable device 3.

[0058] In this way, the portable device 3 may include a device mode based on a single device such as a smart watch or a remote start key including a vital sign sensor 31 and having a communication function with the vehicle-mounted device 1, or a device mode based on a combination of a smart watch or the like including the vital sign sensor 31 and a remote start key or the like. The vehicle-mounted device 1 may also detect the position of a passenger holding the remote start key or the like, or derive the distance between the passenger and the vehicle C by periodically communicating with the remote start key or the like.

[0059] Figure 3 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, for example, performs the following processing in a fixed manner when the vehicle C is in the starting state (IG switch is turned on) or the stopping state (IG switch is turned off). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also perform a comparison process on the smart key or remote start key carried by the passenger when performing the following processing. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also start the vehicle C when the result of the comparison process is positive and the IG switch is turned on. By starting the vehicle C, the engine starts, the HV system starts, or the EV system starts.

[0060] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the biological information of the passenger on the vehicle C (S101). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 communicates with the portable device 3 carried by the passenger via the communication unit 13 or the wireless transceiver 142, and obtains the biological information such as the body temperature of the passenger from the portable device 3. The portable device 3 is, for example, a smart watch or a smart phone including a vital sign sensor 31 having a function such as a thermometer, and the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also directly communicate wirelessly with the smart watch or the like. Alternatively, these smart watches or the like may also output the biological information to the smart key or remote start key carried by the passenger, and the smart key or the like communicates with the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, and sends the biological information (body temperature, etc.) to the vehicle-mounted device 1. Alternatively, the smart key or the remote start key may also include the vital sign sensor 31, and send the sensed biological information (body temperature, etc.) to the vehicle-mounted device 1. In this way, the portable device 3 may be composed not only of a smart watch including the vital sign sensor 31, but also of a combination of the smart watch and a remote start key, or a remote start key including the vital sign sensor 31. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may periodically obtain the biological information of the passenger from the portable device 3 carried by the passenger, associate the obtained biological information with the time of acquisition, and store it in the storage unit 12 as history record information (log data).

[0061] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the temperature in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle C (S102). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) where the vehicle seat S is arranged by, for example, obtaining temperature data output from a temperature sensor 141 connected to the input / output I / F 14. The temperature sensor 141 is provided in the vehicle cabin, and periodically or fixedly outputs the temperature data as sensing data to the vehicle-mounted device 1. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may periodically obtain the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) from the temperature sensor 141, associate the obtained temperature in the vehicle cabin with the time of obtaining, and store it in the storage unit 12 as history information (log data).

[0062] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven based on the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (S103). When it is determined that the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven (S103: Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven (S104). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 can also determine whether the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven by referring to the control table stored in the storage unit 12, and select (determine) which temperature adjustment device S1 to drive if it needs to be driven.

[0063] Figure 4 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control table. The storage unit 12 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 stores control information for determining whether the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven based on the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin, and determining which temperature adjustment device S1 to drive if it needs to be driven. The control information is stored in a control table based on a matrix format, for example.

[0064] The control table includes management items of body temperature thresholds (horizontal axis items) and management items of room temperature thresholds (vertical axis items). By combining the thresholds set by these management items, it is determined whether the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven and the type of the selected temperature adjustment device S1 (seat heater S11 or seat blower S12). In addition, the body temperature threshold setting and the room temperature threshold setting are stored in the storage unit 12 together with the control table. The body temperature threshold setting includes a first body temperature threshold and a second body temperature threshold, and the second body temperature threshold (for example, 36.4°C) is set to be smaller than the first body temperature threshold (for example, 36.6°C). The room temperature threshold setting includes a first room temperature threshold and a second room temperature threshold, and the second room temperature threshold (for example, 20.0°C) is set to be smaller than the first room temperature threshold (for example, 30.0°C).

[0065] In the management items of the body temperature threshold (horizontal axis items), three items are defined, which are below the second body temperature threshold (body temperature ≤ second body temperature threshold), greater than the second body temperature threshold and less than the first body temperature threshold (second body temperature threshold < body temperature < first body temperature threshold), and above the first body temperature threshold (first body temperature threshold ≤ body temperature). In the management items of the room temperature threshold (vertical axis items), three items are defined, which are above the first room temperature threshold (first room temperature threshold ≤ room temperature), greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold (second room temperature threshold < room temperature < first room temperature threshold), and below the second room temperature threshold (room temperature ≤ second room temperature threshold).

[0066] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that the driving of the temperature adjustment device S1 is unnecessary (stopped / not driven), for example, when the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) is greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold. In addition, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that the driving of the temperature adjustment device S1 is unnecessary (stopped / not driven), for example, when the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) is greater than the first room temperature threshold and the body temperature (biological information) of the passenger is less than the second body temperature threshold. In addition, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that the driving of the temperature adjustment device S1 is unnecessary (stopped / not driven), for example, when the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) is less than the second room temperature threshold and the body temperature (biological information) of the passenger is greater than the first body temperature threshold.

[0067] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that it is necessary to drive the temperature adjustment device S1, and determines (selects) the seat blower S12, for example, when the vehicle cabin temperature (ambient temperature) is above the first room temperature threshold and the passenger's body temperature (biological information) is above the second body temperature threshold and below the first body temperature threshold, or is above the first body temperature threshold. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that it is necessary to drive the temperature adjustment device S1, and determines (selects) the seat heater S11, for example, when the vehicle cabin temperature (ambient temperature) is below the second room temperature threshold and the passenger's body temperature (biological information) is above the second body temperature threshold and below the first body temperature threshold, or is below the second body temperature threshold.

[0068] The setting of the control table shown in the figure in this embodiment is an example and is not limited to this. Different from the present embodiment, whether the temperature adjustment device S1 is required and the type of the determined temperature adjustment device S1 (seat heater S11 or seat blower S12) may be set according to the combination of the management items of the body temperature threshold value and the room temperature threshold value. Alternatively, the management item defined by the control table is set to the body temperature threshold value, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be a threshold value related to the heart rate or blood pressure (heart rate threshold value, threshold blood pressure value), or a combination thereof.

[0069] The setting information, body temperature threshold setting, and room temperature threshold setting defined in the control table may also be changed according to the operation of the passenger of the vehicle C. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may output a setting change screen for accepting the change of these setting information to an HMI device such as a portable device 3 or a display device that is communicably connected to the vehicle-mounted device 1 via the communication unit 13, and change the setting information of the control table according to the information input on the setting change screen.

[0070] The number of items defined by the management items of the body temperature threshold value and the room temperature threshold value may be increased, so that the number of stages of each threshold value is increased, and the drive control of the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 is performed through a more subdivided matrix. In the case where the seat heater S11 and the seat blower S12 have setting levels (Hi setting, Mid setting, Lo setting) based on multiple stages of operation, the number of stages of each threshold value may be increased, and the drive control of the seat heater S11 and the seat blower S12 may be performed corresponding to each setting level.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the above-mentioned processing by referring to the control table, but the present invention is not limited to this. The determination of whether the temperature adjustment device S1 is needed, the selection of the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12, etc. can of course also be performed by a judgment branch process using a CASE or if statement. In addition, when the control table includes a management item defining a heart rate threshold or a threshold blood pressure value, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 can also perform judgment control based on the passenger's heart rate, blood pressure value, or a combination thereof, as in the case of using body temperature.

[0072] When it is determined that it is not necessary (NO) to drive the temperature adjustment device S1 (S103: NO), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 does not drive the temperature adjustment device S1 and maintains the temperature adjustment device S1 in the stopped state (S1031). For example, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 refers to the control table and, when the control method corresponding to the combination of the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin corresponds to the stop (no drive), does not drive any of the temperature adjustment devices S1 of the seat heater S11 and the seat blower S12 and maintains the temperature adjustment device S1 in the stopped state. That is, when the control method corresponding to the combination of the acquired biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin corresponds to the stop (no drive), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may not perform any processing on the active processing of the temperature adjustment device S1.

[0073] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 starts driving the determined temperature adjustment device S1 (S105). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 starts driving the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) according to the type of the determined (selected) temperature adjustment device S1. The driving control of the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 is described by indicating the processing flow of the corresponding subroutines.

[0074] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater S11 by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines (selects) the seat heater S11 as the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 executes the following processing flow.

[0075] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a switch-on control for starting the seat heater S11 (H101). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 transmits a control signal to the seat heater S11 via the input / output I / F 14, for example, to perform a switch-on control and start (start) driving the seat heater S11. When the output level of the seat heater S11 includes, for example, a Hi setting (high output), a Mid setting (medium output), and a Lo setting (low output), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may start the seat heater S11 at the Hi setting.

[0076] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 lights up the LED in the switch of the seat heater S11 at a designated number of levels (H102). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may light up the LED in the switch at a designated number of levels according to the output level of the seat heater S11, such as by setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 3 in the Hi setting, setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 2 in the Mid setting, and setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 1 in the Lo setting.

[0077] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat heater S11 ( H103 ). The seat heater S11 is driven in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 , thereby starting heating (temperature adjustment) of the vehicle seat S.

[0078] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the biological information of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (H104). Similar to the above-mentioned processes S101 and S102, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 again obtains the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature). This process is repeatedly performed as a loop process, and the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 repeatedly performs the process of obtaining the biological information of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin at a predetermined period.

[0079] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the driving of the seat heater S11 is appropriate (H105). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the driving of the seat heater S11 is appropriate based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) just acquired, for example, by referring to the control table stored in the storage unit 12, similarly to the above-mentioned processing S103. In this way, even after the driving of the seat heater S11 is started, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the continuation of the driving of the seat heater S11 is appropriate or whether the temperature (heating state) of the seat is appropriate based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) acquired again. When it is determined that the driving of the seat heater S11 is appropriate (H105: Yes), that is, when the temperature (heating state) of the seat is appropriate, a loop processing is performed in order to execute the processing of H103 again. As a result, the heating of the seat heater S11 is continued.

[0080] When it is determined that the driving of the seat heater S11 is not appropriate (H105: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether an operation of changing the intensity of the seat heater S11 to continue heating has been performed (H106). When it is determined that an operation of continuing heating has been performed (H106: Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 changes the intensity of the seat heater S11 according to the designated level selected by the passenger, and performs a loop process in order to execute the process starting from H102 again.

[0081] When it is determined that the operation to continue heating is not being performed (H106: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 stops (turns off) the driving of the seat heater S11 in accordance with a manual turning-off operation of the seat heater S11 or receiving a turning-off control signal indicating automatic turning-off (H107). Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may perform a loop process in order to execute the process from S101 again when a control signal corresponding to a manual operation of the passenger such as a change in the output intensity (specified level) of the seat heater S11 or a turning-off operation is not input.

[0082] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat blower S12 by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines (selects) the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) as the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven, the following processing flow is executed.

[0083] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a switch-on control for starting the seat blower S12 (V101). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 sends a control signal to the seat blower S12 via the input / output I / F 14, for example, to perform a switch-on control and start (start) driving the seat blower S12. When the output level of the seat blower S12 includes, for example, a Hi setting (high output), a Mid setting (medium output), and a Lo setting (low output), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may start the seat blower S12 at the Hi setting.

[0084] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 lights up the LED in the switch of the seat blower S12 at a specified level (V102). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may light up the LED in the switch at a specified level according to the output level of the seat blower S12, such as by setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 3 in the Hi setting, setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 2 in the Mid setting, and setting the number of LEDs to be lit to 1 in the Lo setting.

[0085] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat blower S12 ( V103 ). The seat blower S12 is driven according to a control signal sent from the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 , thereby starting to blow air to the vehicle seat S (temperature adjustment).

[0086] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the biological information of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (V104). Similar to the above-mentioned processes S101 and S102, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 again obtains the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature). This process is repeatedly performed as a loop process, and the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 repeatedly performs the process of obtaining the biological information of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin at a predetermined period.

[0087] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the driving of the seat blower S12 is appropriate (V105). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the driving of the seat blower S12 is appropriate based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) just acquired, for example, by referring to the control table stored in the storage unit 12, similarly to the above-mentioned processing S103. In this way, even after the driving of the seat blower S12 is started, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the continuation of the driving of the seat blower S12 is appropriate or whether the temperature (air supply state) of the seat is appropriate based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) acquired again. When it is determined that the driving of the seat blower S12 is appropriate (V105: Yes), that is, when the temperature (air supply state) of the seat is appropriate, a loop processing is performed to execute the processing of V103 again. As a result, the air supply of the seat blower S12 is continued.

[0088] When it is determined that the driving of the seat blower S12 is not appropriate (V105: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether an operation of changing the intensity of the seat blower S12 and continuing the air blowing is performed (V106). When it is determined that an operation of continuing the air blowing is performed (V106: Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 changes the intensity of the seat blower S12 according to the designated level selected by the passenger, and performs a loop process in order to execute the process from V102 again.

[0089] When it is determined that the operation to continue the air supply is not performed (V106: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 stops (turns off) the driving of the seat blower S12 according to the manual closing operation of the seat blower S12 or receives a closing control signal indicating automatic closing (V107). Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may perform loop processing in order to execute the processing from S101 again when a control signal corresponding to a manual operation of the passenger such as a change in the output intensity (specified level) or a closing operation of the seat blower S12 is not input.

[0090] (Implementation method 2)

[0091] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the second embodiment (after a predetermined time has passed). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, for example, performs the following processing in a fixed manner when the vehicle CC is in a stopped state (IG switch is off). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also perform a comparison process on the smart key or remote start key carried by the passenger when performing the following processing. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also start the vehicle C when the result of the comparison process is positive and the IG switch is turned on. By starting the vehicle C, the engine is started, the HV system is started, or the EV system is started.

[0092] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains biological information of a passenger boarding the vehicle C before the passenger boards the vehicle C (S201). It is assumed that the passenger intending to board the vehicle C starts the vehicle C from the outside of the vehicle C using, for example, a remote start key before boarding (before boarding). The remote start key can start the vehicle C and start driving the temperature adjustment device S1 by communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 1 using short-range wireless.

[0093] The portable device 3 carried by the passenger is composed of a combination of a smart watch including a vital sign sensor 31 and a remote start key, or a remote start key including a vital sign sensor 31. For example, the remote start key may output (send) biological information obtained (received) from the smart watch including the vital sign sensor 31 to the vehicle-mounted device 1. Before the passenger gets on the vehicle C, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger boarding the vehicle C from the portable device 3 (combination of a smart watch and a remote start key) thus configured.

[0094] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 can determine whether the temperature adjustment device S1 needs to be driven and determine (select) the type of the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven (seat heater S11 or seat blower S12) before the passenger gets on the vehicle C by acquiring the biological information of the passenger before the passenger gets on the vehicle C. Based on this, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 can start driving either the determined (selected) seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 before the passenger gets on the vehicle or at the timing of getting on the vehicle.

[0095] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processing of S202 to S205 and S2041 in the same manner as S102 to S105 and S1041 of the first embodiment. When performing the processing of S205, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 starts driving the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) according to the type of the temperature adjustment device S1 determined (selected) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The driving control of the seat heater S11 or the seat blower S12 will be described by indicating the processing flow of the corresponding subroutines.

[0096] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater S11 by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines (selects) the seat heater S11 as the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 executes the following processing flow.

[0097] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the time when the biological information is acquired (H200). The predetermined time corresponding to the seat heater S11 (predetermined time for the seat heater S11) is stored in, for example, the storage unit 12. The predetermined time for the seat heater S11 may be a time determined based on the time required for the passenger to board the vehicle from the time the passenger operates the remote start key to the time the passenger boards the vehicle.

[0098] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 stores, for example, a passenger's operation log of a remote start key, a driver's seat opening and closing operation, a vehicle seat S seating sensor, and the like as history information (log information), and stores the required boarding time calculated using these log information in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may store an average value calculated using multiple log information as the required boarding time. The average value may also be calculated using the previous operation log and a moving average of a predetermined number of retrospective times such as the past five times.

[0099] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may use the time (XY minutes) obtained by subtracting the initial use time (Y minutes) of the seat heater S11 from the required time (X minutes) calculated using the operation log as the prescribed time. The initial use time (Y minutes) of the seat heater S11 is a time shorter than the required time (X minutes) (Y<X), for example, the time from the start of driving the seat heater S11 until the seat heater S11 reaches a prescribed temperature, and is a time based on a time (rise time) determined by the product characteristics of the seat heater S11. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 has a timer function, and determines whether the prescribed time (XY minutes) has passed since the portable device 3 constituted by the remote start key or the like acquires the biological information (body temperature, etc.).

[0100] If the predetermined time has not passed since the biometric information was acquired (H200: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a loop process to execute the process of S200 again. Thus, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a standby process until the predetermined time has passed since the biometric information was acquired.

[0101] When the predetermined time has passed since the acquisition of the biological information (H200: Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processes H201 to H207 in the same manner as H101 to H107 of Embodiment 1. The acquisition of the vehicle cabin temperature in S202 may be performed together with the passage of the predetermined time.

[0102] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 starts controlling the seat heater S11 before the passenger gets on the vehicle C based on the biological information and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature) acquired before the passenger gets on the vehicle C. As a result, when the passenger gets on the vehicle C, the seat heater S11 is already driven, and an environment in which the vehicle seat S is heated can be provided to the passenger, thereby improving the comfort in the vehicle cabin. The start time of driving the seat heater S11 is determined based on the time required for boarding (X minutes) calculated using the operation log and the initial use time of the seat heater S11 (Y minutes). As a result, the driving time of the seat heater S11 before the passenger gets on the vehicle can be optimized, and the excessive driving time of the seat heater S11 can be suppressed, while reducing the power consumption of the seat heater S11.

[0103] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat blower S12 by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines (selects) the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) as the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven, the following processing flow is executed.

[0104] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether a prescribed time has passed since the moment when the biological information is acquired (V200). The prescribed time corresponding to the seat blower S12 (prescribed time for the seat blower S12) is stored in the storage unit 12, for example. The prescribed time for the seat blower S12 may be a time determined based on the time required for boarding the vehicle from the time when the passenger operates the remote start key to the time when the passenger boards the vehicle. The time required for boarding the vehicle (X minutes) is calculated based on the operation log, etc., similarly to the case of the seat heater S11 described above, and is stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may use the time required for boarding the vehicle (X minutes) calculated using the operation log as the prescribed time.

[0105] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 has a timing function, and determines whether the predetermined time (X minutes) has passed since the time when the portable device 3 constituted by the remote start key or the like obtains the biological information (body temperature, etc.). If the predetermined time has not passed since the time when the biological information was obtained (V200: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a loop process in order to execute the process of V200 again. Thus, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a standby process during the period from the time when the biological information was obtained until the predetermined time has passed.

[0106] When the predetermined time has passed since the acquisition of the biological information ( V200 : Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processes of V201 to V207 similar to V101 to V107 of Embodiment 1. The acquisition of the vehicle cabin temperature in S202 may be performed together with the passage of the predetermined time.

[0107] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 starts the control of the seat blower S12 (seat ventilation) before the passenger gets on the vehicle C, based on the biological information obtained before the passenger gets on the vehicle C and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature). As a result, when the passenger gets on the vehicle C, the seat blower S12 is already driven, and an environment in which air is blown to the vehicle seat S can be provided to the passenger, thereby improving the comfort in the vehicle cabin. The start time of driving the seat blower S12 is determined based on the time required for boarding (X minutes) calculated using the operation log. As a result, the driving time of the seat blower S12 before the passenger gets on the vehicle can be optimized, and the excessive driving time of the seat blower S12 can be suppressed, while reducing the power consumption of the seat blower S12.

[0108] (Implementation method 3)

[0109] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 according to the third embodiment (first set temperature). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processing of S301 to S305 and S3041 in the same manner as S201 to S205 and S2041 of the second embodiment.

[0110] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 obtains the biological information (body temperature, etc.) of the passenger boarding the vehicle C from the portable device 3 including the remote start key, etc., before the passenger board the vehicle C (S301), similarly to the second embodiment. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a series of processes in this flowchart based on the biological information (body temperature, etc.) obtained before the passenger boarded the vehicle and the temperature in the vehicle cabin (ambient temperature).

[0111] When performing this process, if the seat heater S11 is determined (selected) in the process of S304, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs a process different from that of Embodiment 2. If the seat blower S12 is determined (selected) in the process of S304, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may also perform the same process as that of Embodiment 1.

[0112] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the seat heater S11 by the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines (selects) the seat heater S11 as the temperature adjustment device S1 to be driven, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 executes the following processing flow. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processing of H301 in the same manner as H101 of the first embodiment.

[0113] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat heater S11 at a first set temperature (H302). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 sends a control signal corresponding to the first set temperature to the seat heater S11. The control signal corresponding to the first set temperature is, for example, a control signal for controlling the seat heater S11 so that the surface temperature of the vehicle seat S becomes the first set temperature.

[0114] The seat heater S11 is driven at the first set temperature according to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, thereby starting heating (temperature adjustment) the vehicle seat S at the first set temperature. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat heater S11 at the first set temperature, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may light up the LED in the switch of the seat heater S11 in the same manner as H102 of the first embodiment.

[0115] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines whether the interval between the vehicle C and the passenger is within a prescribed distance (H303). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 periodically detects the distance between the passenger and the vehicle C by detecting the position of a portable device 3 including a smart watch or a remote start key held by the passenger at a prescribed period. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may detect the position of the portable device 3 by, for example, effectively utilizing a response function of a remote start key using LF waves, a beacon system, or effectively utilizing position detection based on UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may periodically or fixedly communicate with a body ECU or the like that periodically derives the distance between the portable device 3 such as a smart key carried by the passenger and the vehicle C, and periodically obtain the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger from the body ECU or the like.

[0116] The predetermined distance as a threshold value for making the determination is stored in, for example, a predetermined storage area accessible to the control unit 11, such as the storage unit 12 of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the predetermined distance is set to, for example, 10 m (stored in the storage unit 12), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines that the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger is within the predetermined distance when the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger is within 10 m. When it is determined that the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger is not within the predetermined distance (H303: No), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the process of S302 again, thereby maintaining the state in which the seat heater S11 is driven at the first set temperature.

[0117] When it is determined that the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger is within the predetermined distance (H303: Yes), the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 lights up the switch LED of the seat heater S11 at a designated level (H304). The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 lights up the switch LED of the seat heater S11 in the same manner as H102 of the first embodiment.

[0118] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat heater S11 at the second set temperature (H305). When it is determined that the distance between the vehicle C and the passenger is within the predetermined distance, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 increases (raises) the output of the seat heater S11 and controls the seat heater S11 to reach the second set temperature higher than the first set temperature.

[0119] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 sends a control signal corresponding to the second set temperature to the seat heater S11. The control signal corresponding to the second set temperature is, for example, a control signal for controlling the seat heater S11 so that the surface temperature of the vehicle seat S becomes the second set temperature. The second set temperature is a set temperature higher than the first set temperature, and the vehicle seat S can be heated at a higher temperature.

[0120] The seat heater S11 is driven at the second set temperature according to the control signal transmitted from the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1, thereby starting heating (temperature adjustment) the vehicle seat S at the second set temperature. When the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives the seat heater S11 at the second set temperature, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 may light up the LED in the switch of the seat heater S11 in the same manner as H102 of the first embodiment.

[0121] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 performs the processes of H306 to H309 in the same manner as H104 to H107 of the first embodiment.

[0122] The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives and controls the seat heater S11 using a staged set temperature based on a first set temperature and a second set temperature. Before a passenger gets on the vehicle C, after the vehicle C is started by a remote start key, the seat heater S11 is driven at the first set temperature, so that the power consumption of the seat heater S11 can be suppressed and the heating of the vehicle seat S can be started. On this basis, when the passenger approaches the vehicle C (when it becomes within a predetermined distance), the set temperature is increased from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, so that the passenger can be provided with a vehicle interior environment with appropriately adjusted temperature, and the comfort in the vehicle cabin can be improved. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 drives and controls the seat heater S11 using two-stage set temperatures consisting of the first set temperature and the second set temperature, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 can also set multiple thresholds (a first specified distance, a second specified distance, etc.) regarding the specified distance used to determine the interval distance between the vehicle C and the passenger, and according to these thresholds (the first specified distance, the second specified distance, etc.), use set temperatures based on more than three stages to drive and control the seat heater S11 in stages.

[0123] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

[0124] Multiple claims recorded in the scope of the claim for protection can be combined with each other regardless of the form of reference. Multiple dependent claims subordinate to multiple claims can also be recorded in the scope of the claim for protection. Multiple dependent claims subordinate to multiple dependent claims can also be recorded. Even if multiple dependent claims subordinate to multiple dependent claims are not recorded, this does not limit the recording of multiple dependent claims subordinate to multiple dependent claims.

[0125] Description of Reference Numerals

[0126] C. Vehicle

[0127] S Vehicle Seat

[0128] S1 Temperature adjustment device

[0129] S11 Seat Heater

[0130] S12 Seat blower (seat ventilation)

[0131] 1 Vehicle-mounted device

[0132] 11. Control Unit

[0133] 12 Storage

[0134] 13 Ministry of Communications

[0135] 14 Input and output I / F

[0136] 141 Temperature Sensor

[0137] 142 Wireless transceiver

[0138] 2 External communication device

[0139] 3 Portable Devices

[0140] 31 Vital Signs Sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted device, mounted on a vehicle, comprising a control unit, the control unit controlling a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat, wherein: The control unit obtains biological information of passengers riding in the vehicle, The control unit obtains the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The control unit controls the temperature adjustment device based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature.

2. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature adjustment device includes a seat heater and a seat blower. The seat heater increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat. The seat blower blows air from the surface of the vehicle seat. The control unit determines one of the seat heater and the seat blower as the temperature adjustment device to be controlled based on a combination of the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature.

3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2, wherein: The biometric information includes the passenger's body temperature, the control unit drives the seat blower when the body temperature of the passenger is equal to or higher than a first body temperature threshold and the vehicle interior temperature is equal to or higher than a first room temperature threshold, the control unit drives the seat heater when the body temperature of the passenger is lower than or equal to a second body temperature threshold and the vehicle interior temperature is lower than or equal to a second room temperature threshold, The second body temperature threshold is lower than the first body temperature threshold, The second room temperature threshold is lower than the first room temperature threshold.

4. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit stops the temperature adjustment device when the body temperature of the passenger is greater than the second body temperature threshold and less than the first body temperature threshold, and the vehicle interior temperature is greater than the second room temperature threshold and less than the first room temperature threshold.

5. The vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control unit acquires the biological information from a portable device carried by the passenger before the passenger gets on the vehicle, and starts controlling the temperature adjustment device based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature.

6. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit starts controlling the temperature adjustment device based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature after a predetermined time has passed since the biological information was acquired.

7. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5, wherein: The temperature adjustment device includes a seat heater, the seat heater increases the surface temperature of the vehicle seat, The control unit controls the seat heater so that the surface temperature of the vehicle seat becomes a first set temperature. The control unit controls the seat heater to have a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature when the interval distance between the vehicle and the passenger is within a predetermined distance.

8. A program for causing a computer mounted in a vehicle to control a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat to execute the following processing: obtaining biometric information of passengers on the vehicle; obtaining the temperature inside the vehicle cabin; and The temperature adjustment device is controlled based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature.

9. An information processing method, causing a computer mounted on a vehicle to control a temperature adjustment device provided inside a vehicle seat to execute the following processing: obtaining biometric information of passengers on the vehicle; obtaining the temperature inside the vehicle cabin; and The temperature adjustment device is controlled based on the acquired biological information and the vehicle interior temperature.

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