Information processing apparatus

Abstract

A control unit of an information processing apparatus acquires a time condition specified by a user of a vehicle. The time condition may be either a condition in which the communication function of the vehicle related to the remote operation is immediately brought into a stopped state, or a condition in which a period in which the communication function of the vehicle related to the remote operation is brought into a stopped state at a single time is specified. Alternatively, the condition may be a condition for specifying a week and / or a time period in which the communication function of the vehicle related to the remote operation is periodically set to a stopped state. A control unit of the information processing apparatus sets the communication function to a stopped state and / or a waiting state in accordance with the acquired time condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] A technology for operating an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle by remote control is known (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-188062). Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can improve user convenience when remotely operating a vehicle.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device. The information processing device may include, for example, a control unit configured to: obtain a time condition, wherein the time condition is a condition specified by a vehicle user and specifies a time period during which a communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation is to be placed in a stopped state and / or a standby state; and set the communication function in a stopped state and / or a standby state based on the obtained time condition.

[0005] In addition, another embodiment of the present disclosure may be an information processing method for executing the processing of the above-mentioned information processing apparatus by a computer, a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method, or a non-transitory storage medium storing the program in a computer-readable manner.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology that can improve user convenience when remotely operating a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system in an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a screen for setting time conditions in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A This is a diagram schematically showing an example of time condition data in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3B This is a diagram schematically showing an example of time condition data in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3C This is a diagram schematically showing an example of time condition data in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of a first processing routine executed by the communication terminal in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a second processing routine executed by the communication terminal in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of a third processing routine executed by the communication terminal in the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In recent years, services that allow users to remotely operate on-board equipment such as air conditioners and door lock actuators of parked vehicles through terminals such as smartphones (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "remote services") have become popular. Vehicles that are the targets of remote services have a communication function for sending and receiving signals related to remote operations. Furthermore, when the vehicle is in a stopped state (the ignition switch or the power switch is in the off state), if the waiting state of the communication function (the state in which signals related to remote operations can be received) continues, the remaining battery power installed in the vehicle may become too low or the battery deterioration may be aggravated.

[0017] In this regard, the following countermeasures are considered: at a point in time when a certain period (for example, a few days) has passed since the vehicle stopped working (the timing when the ignition switch or the power switch is switched from on to off), the vehicle's communication function is automatically switched from a waiting state to a stopped state (a state in which signals related to remote operations cannot be received). However, even if the user does not use the vehicle during the above-mentioned certain period (the case of not using remote services), the vehicle's communication function will be on standby in a waiting state, so that the battery may be consumed unnecessarily. In addition, it is also assumed that there are users who want to use remote services after the above-mentioned certain period has passed. Therefore, a method for suppressing unnecessary consumption of the battery and improving user convenience is required.

[0018] Therefore, in the information processing device of the present disclosure, the control unit acquires a time condition, wherein the time condition is a condition specified by the vehicle user and specifies a period during which the vehicle's communication function related to remote operation is to be placed in a stopped state and / or a standby state. Here, the time condition in the present disclosure may be a condition for immediately placing the communication function in a stopped state, a condition for specifying a period during which the communication function is to be placed in a stopped state once, or a condition for specifying a day of the week and / or time period during which the communication function is to be regularly placed in a stopped state.

[0019] The control unit of the information processing device disclosed herein sets the vehicle's communication function related to the remote operation to a stopped state and / or a waiting state based on the acquired time condition. Here, if the time condition is a condition for immediately setting the vehicle's communication function related to the remote operation to a stopped state, the control unit may simply set the vehicle's communication function related to the remote operation to a stopped state immediately in response to acquiring the time condition.

[0020] In addition, the period condition sometimes specifies a period during which the communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation is once set to a stopped state. In this case, the control unit can simply set the communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation to a stopped state in response to the arrival of the start period of the period, and the control unit can set the communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation to a standby state in response to the arrival of the end period of the period. It should be noted that, in the case where the target vehicle is a vehicle whose communication function related to remote operation automatically stops in response to a certain period of time after the vehicle stops working, the options for the start period of the period can be limited. In one example, the options for the start period of the period can be limited to a period before a certain period of time has passed since the vehicle last stopped working. Sometimes, the target vehicle is a vehicle whose communication function related to remote operation automatically stops in response to a certain period of time after the vehicle stops working. Thus, in this case, the communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation can be prevented from automatically stopping before the start period of the period specified by the user arrives.

[0021] Alternatively, the time condition may specify a day of the week and / or time period during which the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation are periodically deactivated. In this case, the control unit may deactivate the communication functions each time the day of the week and / or time period arrives, and may place the communication functions in a standby state each time the day of the week and / or time period expires. Alternatively, the time condition may specify a day of the week during which the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation are periodically deactivated. In this case, the control unit may repeatedly execute the following process: deactivating the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation upon the arrival of the specified day of the week, and deactivating the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation upon the expiration of the specified day of the week. Alternatively, the time condition may specify a time period during which the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation are periodically deactivated. In this case, the control unit may repeatedly execute the following process: deactivating the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation upon the arrival of the specified time period, and deactivating the vehicle's communication functions related to remote operation upon the expiration of the specified time period. Furthermore, the period condition may specify a day of the week and a time period during which the vehicle's communication function related to remote operation is periodically deactivated. In this case, the control unit may repeatedly execute the following process: upon arrival of a specified time period on a specified day of the week, deactivating the vehicle's communication function related to remote operation, and upon expiration of the specified time period on a specified day of the week, placing the vehicle's communication function related to remote operation in a standby state.

[0022] The information processing device disclosed herein can disable the vehicle's communication function during a user-specified period of time. This prevents the communication function from remaining in a standby state during user-specified periods of vehicle inactivity. This reduces unnecessary battery power consumption and improves user convenience.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit of the information processing device disclosed herein may further determine a candidate for the time period condition based on the user's past vehicle usage performance. The control unit of the information processing device disclosed herein may further output information for the user to select whether to accept the candidate. The control unit of the information processing device disclosed herein may further set the candidate as the time period condition in response to the user accepting the candidate. This reduces the user's effort in setting the time period condition. Consequently, user convenience can be further improved.

[0024] It should be noted that the information processing device of the present disclosure is a computer that performs processing related to remote operation of the vehicle. In one example, the information processing device of the present disclosure can be a computer installed in the vehicle (for example, a vehicle navigation system or a head unit).

[0025] Implementation Method

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the following embodiment is an example, wherein the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure in all respects. Various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. When implementing the present disclosure, a specific configuration corresponding to the embodiment may also be appropriately adopted. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the data that appears is described using natural language, but more specifically, the data is specified by a computer-recognizable simulation language, command, parameter, machine language, etc.

[0027] System composition

[0028] Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a system configuration to which the present disclosure is applied. The system of this embodiment includes a vehicle 10, a user terminal 20, and a server 30, and provides remote services to users of the vehicle 10. Remote services allow users to remotely operate the vehicle 10 via the user terminal 20.

[0029] The vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, and the server 30 are connected via a network N1. The network N1 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication network that is a global public communication network such as the Internet. In addition, the network N1 may also include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. Figure 1 , only one vehicle 10 and one user terminal 20 are shown respectively, but the system may include a plurality of vehicles 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20 under the management of the server 30 .

[0030] The vehicle 10 has a function of causing the in-vehicle device 120, described later, to operate in accordance with a remote command signal transmitted from the server 30. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment has a function of switching the communication terminal 100, described later, between a waiting state (a state in which a remote command signal transmitted from the server 30 can be received) and a stopped state (a state in which a remote command signal transmitted from the server 30 cannot be received) according to a time condition specified by the user.

[0031] The user terminal 20 is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10. The user terminal 20 has the function of accepting remote operations performed by the user and transmitting a remote operation signal containing information related to the accepted remote operation (e.g., the operating method of the onboard device that is the target of the remote operation) to the server 30. In one example, the user terminal 20 can be a terminal carried by the user (e.g., a smartphone or tablet terminal).

[0032] The server 30 is one or more computers that perform processing related to remote operation of the vehicle 10. In response to receiving a remote operation signal transmitted from the user terminal 20, the server 30 has the function of transmitting a remote command signal to the vehicle 10 for operating the target onboard device according to the operating method included in the remote operation signal.

[0033] Vehicle composition

[0034] Vehicle 10 in this embodiment is equipped with a communication terminal 100, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110, and in-vehicle equipment 120. Communication terminal 100, ECU 110, and in-vehicle equipment 120 are interconnected via an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or FlexRay.

[0035] The communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit: Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit: Graphics Processing Unit) etc.), a main storage device (RAM (Random Access Memory: Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory: Read Only Memory) etc.), an auxiliary storage device (EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive and a removable medium etc.). In one example, the communication terminal 100 can be composed of a combination of a DCM (Data Communication Module: Data Communication Module), a vehicle computer and a navigation system etc. In this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 is equivalent to the information processing device of the present disclosure. Figure 1As shown, such a communication terminal 100 includes a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , an input / output device 103 , a timer 104 , a battery 105 , and a communication I / F (Interface) 106 .

[0036] The control unit 101 implements the various functions of the communication terminal 100 by executing dedicated programs stored in the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 can be implemented using a hardware processor such as a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the control unit 101 can also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc. The details of the functions implemented by the control unit 101 will be described later.

[0037] The storage unit 102 is configured to include an auxiliary storage device and stores various information. It should be noted that the storage unit 102 can also be a storage area built into the auxiliary storage device. In addition to the OS (Operating System), the information stored in the storage unit 102 also includes programs related to remote operations and data used by the programs. The data stored in the storage unit 102 includes time condition data related to conditions (time conditions), wherein the conditions (time conditions) are conditions related to the time period when the communication terminal 100 is set to the stopped state. The details of the time condition data will be described later.

[0038] The input / output device 103 receives input from a vehicle user and presents information to the user. The input / output device 103 includes, for example, input devices such as a touch panel or push buttons for inputting text and other symbols, and a microphone for inputting voice. Furthermore, the input / output device 103 includes output devices such as a display or a speaker. In one example, the input / output device 103 may be configured to include a touch panel display and a speaker for input and output.

[0039] The timer 104 outputs a timer operation signal when a time period set by the control unit 101 arrives. In one example, the timer operation signal may include information indicating the date, day of the week, and time when the timer operation signal is output.

[0040] Battery 105 is a secondary battery that serves as a power source for communication terminal 100. If vehicle 10 is equipped with an internal combustion engine, battery 105 is charged using electricity generated by the engine during operation. If vehicle 10 is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) equipped with a drive battery, battery 105 is charged using electricity from the drive battery.

[0041] Communication I / F 106 includes a communication interface for connecting communication terminal 100 to an in-vehicle network and a wireless communication interface for connecting communication terminal 100 to an external network N1. In one example, communication I / F 106 may include a communication interface for mobile communications (e.g., 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5th Generation), 6G (6th Generation), etc.) and a wireless communication interface for short-range wireless communications. Communication I / F 106 in this embodiment communicates with ECU 110 of vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network. Furthermore, communication I / F 106 in this embodiment communicates with server 30 via external network N1.

[0042] ECU 110 of vehicle 10 is a computer that controls in-vehicle devices 120 installed in vehicle 10. In-vehicle devices 120 include the air conditioner, door lock actuators, power window actuators, and the like installed in vehicle 10. ECU 110 causes in-vehicle devices 120 to operate according to remote command signals received by communication terminal 100 from server 30.

[0043] Next, the details of the functions implemented by the control unit 101 of the communication terminal 100 will be described. It should be noted that the functions described below can also be implemented by hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0044] The control unit 101 has the function of transmitting remote command signals received from the server 30 to the ECU 110. Furthermore, in addition to automatically switching the communication terminal 100 from the standby state to the stopped state after a certain period (e.g., approximately nine days) has elapsed since the vehicle 10 stopped operating (when the ignition switch or power switch was switched from on to off), the control unit 101 also has the function of accepting a time condition specified by the user. Furthermore, the control unit 101 has the function of switching the communication terminal 100 between the standby state and the stopped state according to the time condition specified by the user.

[0045] Here, the function of accepting the time condition specified by the user will be described. The control unit 101 outputs a time condition setting screen via the input / output device 103 . Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for period conditions. Figure 2 The first setting screen in the screen is the screen that is first output in response to the user inputting an operation to call the setting screen of the period condition to the input / output device 103. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first setting screen includes an immediate stop button G21, a periodic stop button G22, and a periodic stop button G23. The immediate stop button G21 is a button serving as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) component for specifying conditions for immediately placing the communication terminal 100 in a stopped state. The periodic stop button G22 is a button serving as a GUI component for calling a setting screen (second setting screen) for a period during which the communication terminal 100 is temporarily stopped. The periodic stop button G23 is a button serving as a GUI component for calling a setting screen (third setting screen) for a period during which the communication terminal 100 is periodically stopped.

[0046] When an operation of selecting the period stop button G22 is input to the input / output device 103 while the first setting screen is being output to the input / output device 103, the control unit 101 outputs the second setting screen to the input / output device 103. Figure 2In the example shown, the second setting screen includes drop-down menus G31-G32, drop-down menus G33-G34, and an execution button G35. The drop-down menus G31-G32 are drop-down menus as GUI components for selecting the date and time of the start period of the period in which the communication terminal 100 is set to a stop state once. The drop-down menus G33-G34 are drop-down menus as GUI components for selecting the date and time of the end period of the period in which the communication terminal 100 is set to a stop state once. The execution button G35 is a button as a GUI component for executing the setting of the communication terminal 100 to a stop state once during the selected period. It should be noted that the date and time options presented by the drop-down menus G31-G32 can be limited to dates and times within the above-mentioned certain period from the last stop of the vehicle 10. In addition, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the second setting screen is configured to select both the date and time for the start and end time of the period in which the communication terminal 100 is to be placed in the inactivity state once. However, the second setting screen may be configured to select only the date (or may omit the date). Figure 2 GUI component G32 and GUI component G34 in it).

[0047] When an operation of selecting the periodic stop button G23 is input to the input / output device 103 while the first setting screen is output to the input / output device 103, the control unit 101 outputs the third setting screen to the input / output device 103. Figure 2 In the example shown, the third settings screen includes a checkbox G41, drop-down menus G42-G43, and an execute button G44. Checkbox G41 is a GUI component used to select the day of the week during which communication terminal 100 is periodically stopped. Drop-down menus G42-G43 are GUI components used to select the time period during which communication terminal 100 is periodically stopped. Execute button G44 is a GUI component used to execute the periodic stop of communication terminal 100 during the selected day of the week and / or time period. It should be noted that in the third settings screen, it is not necessary to select both the day of the week and the time period during which communication terminal 100 is periodically stopped; it is sufficient to select at least one of the day of the week or the time period.

[0048] Next, the function of switching between the waiting state and the stop state of the communication terminal 100 according to the time condition specified by the user will be described. Figure 2 In the first setting screen described above, when the immediate stop button G21 is operated, the control unit 101 immediately switches the communication terminal 100 from the waiting state to the stopped state.

[0049] In addition, sometimes when using Figure 2 In the second setting screen described above, after the start time and end time of the period for setting the communication terminal 100 to the stop state once are selected, the execution button G35 is operated. In this case, first, the control unit 101 registers the period condition data in the storage unit 102. Here, using Figures 3A to 3C A specific example of the time condition data stored in the storage unit 102 will be described. Figure 3A This is an example of time condition data when the communication terminal 100 is placed in the stop state once. Figure 3A The period condition data includes a start time field and an end time field for the period during which communication terminal 100 is temporarily placed in the inactivity state. The start time field contains information indicating the date and time of the start time selected on the second setting screen. The end time field contains information indicating the date and time of the end time selected on the second setting screen.

[0050] When the registration is completed in the storage unit 102 Figure 3A When the period condition data shown is set, the control unit 101 sets the timer 104. Specifically, the control unit 101 sets the working time of the timer 104 as follows: Figure 3A When the start and end times registered in the start and end time fields of the period condition data reach their respective values, a timer operation signal is output. Subsequently, in response to timer 104 outputting the timer operation signal, control unit 101 compares the date and time at which the timer operation signal was output with the period condition data stored in storage unit 102. If the date and time at which the timer operation signal was output matches the date and time registered in the start time field of the period condition data, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the standby mode to the stopped mode. Furthermore, if the date and time at which the timer operation signal was output matches the date and time registered in the end time field of the period condition data, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the stopped mode to the standby mode.

[0051] In addition, when using Figure 2 In the third setting screen described above, after the week and / or time period for periodically stopping the communication terminal 100 is selected, if the execution button G44 is operated, the control unit 101 first registers the period condition data in the storage unit 102. Figure 3BAs shown in the example, in this case, the start date field of the period condition data contains information indicating the day of the week selected on the third setting screen and the start time of the time period selected on the third setting screen. The end date field contains information indicating the day of the week selected on the third setting screen and the end time of the time period selected on the third setting screen. It should be noted that, if multiple days of the week are selected on the third setting screen, the period condition data may be as follows: Figure 3C As shown by way of example, records corresponding to a plurality of weeks are included.

[0052] When the registration is completed in the storage unit 102 Figure 3B When the period condition data is shown, the control unit 101 sets the operation period of the timer 104 as follows: each time the start period and the end period arrive, the timer operation signal is repeatedly output. Here, the start period and the end period are registered in the following manner. Figure 3B The start and end time fields of the period condition data shown in FIG. Subsequently, in response to timer 104 outputting a timer activation signal, control unit 101 compares the day of the week and time of the timer activation signal output with the period condition data stored in storage unit 102. If the day of the week and time of the timer activation signal output match the day of the week and time registered in the start time field of the period condition data, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the standby state to the stopped state. Furthermore, if the day of the week and time of the timer activation signal output match the day of the week and time registered in the end time field of the period condition data, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the stopped state to the standby state. This process of switching communication terminal 100 between the standby state and the stopped state is repeated each time the day of the week and time period selected on the third setting screen arrives.

[0053] Processing process

[0054] Then, based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 The flow of processing executed by communication terminal 100 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing a first processing routine executed by the communication terminal 100 in response to an operation for designating a time condition being input to the input / output device 103 by a user of the vehicle 10 . Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing a second processing routine executed by communication terminal 100 in response to timer 104 outputting a timer operation signal.

[0055] When the user of the vehicle 10 inputs an operation to designate a time condition to the input / output device 103, the control unit 101 of the communication terminal 100 executes Figure 4 The "operation for specifying the period condition" mentioned here refers to any one of the first operation, the second operation and the third operation. Here, the first operation is the one in the above Figure 2 The operation of selecting the immediate stop button G21 in the first setting screen shown as an example. Figure 2 The operation of selecting the execution button G35 after selecting the start time and the end time in the second setting screen shown as an example. Figure 2 In the third setting screen shown as an example, the execution button G44 is selected after selecting the day of the week and the time period.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the first processing routine, first, the control unit 101 determines whether the time condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 is a condition for immediately setting the communication terminal 100 to a stopped state (S101). Here, the operation of specifying the time condition is sometimes performed in the aforementioned Figure 2 In the example of the first setting screen, the immediate stop button G21 is selected. In this case, the control unit 101 determines that the time condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 is a condition for immediately setting the communication terminal 100 to the stopped state (affirmative determination in S101). In addition, the operation of specifying the time condition may be performed in the aforementioned Figure 2 The operation of selecting the execution button G35 after selecting the start time and the end time in the second setting screen shown as an example, and sometimes in the aforementioned Figure 2 In the third setting screen shown as an example, after selecting a day of the week and a time period, the execution button G44 is selected. In these cases, the control unit 101 determines that the time period specified by the user of the vehicle 10 is not a condition for immediately stopping the communication terminal 100 (negative determination in S101).

[0057] If a positive determination is made in S101, the control unit 101 executes the process of S102. In S102, the control unit 101 immediately switches the communication terminal 100 from the waiting state to the stopped state.

[0058] If a negative determination is made in S101, the control unit 101 executes the process of S103. In S103, the control unit 101 generates period condition data based on the period condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10, and registers the generated period condition data in the storage unit 102. Here, the period condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 may be a condition for specifying a period during which the communication terminal 100 is set to the stop state once. In this case, the control unit 101 generates the above-mentioned Figure 3A The time condition data shown as an example can be registered in the storage unit 102. In addition, the time condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 may be a condition specifying a day of the week and / or a time period during which the communication terminal 100 is regularly stopped. In this case, the control unit 101 generates the above-mentioned Figure 3B or Figure 3C The time condition data shown as an example may be registered in the storage unit 102. After the process of S103 is completed, the control unit 101 executes the process of S104.

[0059] In S104, the control unit 101 sets the timer 104 according to the period condition data registered in the storage unit 102. Here, the period condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 may be a condition for specifying a period for which the communication terminal 100 is set to a single stop state. In this case, the control unit 101 sets the operation period of the timer 104 as follows: Figure 3A The timer operation signal is outputted at each of the start and end time fields registered in the start and end time fields of the time condition data shown as an example. In addition, the time condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 may be a condition specifying a week and / or time period during which the communication terminal 100 is regularly stopped. In this case, the control unit 101 sets the operation period of the timer 104 as follows: Figure 3B or Figure 3C When the start time and end time registered in the start time field and end time field of the time condition data shown as an example arrive, the timer operation signal is output. After executing the process of S104, the control unit 101 ends the execution of the first processing routine.

[0060] In some cases, the operation period of the timer 104 is set in the first processing routine, such as when the period condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 specifies a period for which the communication terminal 100 is to be placed in the stop state once, or when the period condition specified by the user of the vehicle 10 specifies a week and / or time period for regularly placing the communication terminal 100 in the stop state. In these cases, the timer 104 outputs a timer operation signal when the operation period arrives. When the timer 104 outputs the timer operation signal, the control unit 101 of the communication terminal 100 executes Figure 5 The second processing routine is shown.

[0061] In the second processing routine, control unit 101 first compares the information contained in the timer operation signal (e.g., information indicating the date, day of the week, and time at which the timer operation signal was output) with the period condition data registered in storage unit 102. Control unit 101 then determines whether the start time registered in the start time field of the period condition data has arrived (S201). In this case, the information contained in the timer operation signal may match the start time registered in the start time field of the period condition data. In this case, control unit 101 determines that the start time of the period during which communication terminal 100 is temporarily stopped has arrived, or that the start time of the week and / or time period during which communication terminal 100 is periodically stopped has arrived (affirmative determination in S201). On the other hand, the information contained in the timer operation signal may not match the start time registered in the start time field of the period condition data, but may match the end time registered in the end time field of the period condition data. In this case, the control unit 101 determines that the end of the period in which the communication terminal 100 is once set to the stopped state has arrived, or determines that the end of the week and / or time period in which the communication terminal 100 is regularly set to the stopped state has arrived (negative determination in S201).

[0062] If a positive determination is made in S201, control unit 101 executes the process of S202. In S202, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the waiting state to the stopped state. After executing the process of S202, control unit 101 ends execution of the second processing routine.

[0063] If a negative determination is made in S201, control unit 101 executes the process of S203. In S203, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 from the stop state to the standby state. After executing the process of S203, control unit 101 ends execution of the second processing routine.

[0064] According to the embodiment described above, the communication terminal 100 can be placed in a standby state during a user-specified period. Thus, by allowing the user to specify a period during which the vehicle 10 will not be used, the communication terminal 100 can be prevented from being in a standby state during that period. Consequently, unnecessary consumption of the battery 105 can be suppressed. Therefore, the communication terminal 100 can be kept in a standby state as much as possible during periods other than those specified by the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0065] Modifications

[0066] Next, a modified example of the present disclosure will be described. In this modified example, an example is described in which the communication terminal 100 determines candidates for the time condition based on the user's past performance during use of the vehicle 10 and recommends the determined candidates to the user. It should be noted that this modified example describes only those components that differ from the previously described embodiment, and descriptions of the same components are omitted.

[0067] In the communication terminal 100 in this variant, the control unit 101 collects performance data of the periods when the user used the vehicle 10 (weeks and / or time periods when the user drove the vehicle 10) during a specified period in the past (for example, a period of about one to two months). The control unit 101 causes the storage unit 102 to store the collected performance data. The control unit 101 determines candidates for the period condition based on the performance data stored in the storage unit 102. In one example, the control unit 101 determines the weeks and / or time periods when the user does not use the vehicle 10 based on the performance data, and determines the determined weeks and / or time periods as candidates for the period condition. When the candidates for the period condition are determined in this way, the control unit 101 outputs a screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "suggestion screen") for the user to select whether to agree with the determined candidate to the input / output device 103. In one example, the suggestion screen may include text information indicating the content of the candidate (text information indicating the days and / or time periods during which communication terminal 100 is to be placed in a stopped state) and a GUI component for selecting whether to agree to place communication terminal 100 in a stopped state according to the candidate. Furthermore, when an operation to select agreeing to place communication terminal 100 in a stopped state according to the candidate is input into input / output device 103, control unit 101 sets the candidate as a time condition. Specifically, control unit 101 generates time condition data corresponding to the candidate and registers the generated time condition data in storage unit 102. Furthermore, control unit 101 sets the operating period of timer 104 by repeatedly outputting a timer activation signal each time the start and end times registered in the start and end time fields of the time condition data registered in storage unit 102 arrive, respectively. Subsequently, in response to the timer activation signal output by timer 104, control unit 101 switches communication terminal 100 between the waiting state and the stopped state.

[0068] Processing process

[0069] Then, based on Figure 6 The flow of processing executed by communication terminal 100 in this modification will be described. Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing a third processing routine that is executed in communication terminal 100 at a predetermined period (eg, every month).

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the third processing routine, control unit 101 of communication terminal 100 first determines candidate time conditions based on performance data stored in storage unit 102 (S301). In one example, control unit 101 determines the days of the week and / or time periods when the user does not use vehicle 10 based on the performance data, and determines the determined days of the week and / or time periods as candidate time conditions. After completing S301, control unit 101 executes S302.

[0071] In S302, control unit 101 outputs a suggestion screen, via input / output device 103, for suggesting the candidate determined in S301 to the user. In one example, the suggestion screen may include text information indicating the candidate (text information indicating the day of the week and / or time period during which communication terminal 100 is to be placed in a suspended state) and a GUI component for selecting whether to agree to place communication terminal 100 in a suspended state based on the candidate. After completing S302, control unit 101 executes S303.

[0072] In S303, the control unit 101 determines whether an operation to select whether to approve a candidate has been input into the input / output device 103 while the suggestion screen is being output to the input / output device 103. If the operation to select whether to approve a candidate has not been input into the input / output device 103 (a negative determination in S303), the control unit 101 waits until the operation to select whether to approve a candidate has been input into the input / output device 103. If the operation to select whether to approve a candidate has been input into the input / output device 103 (a positive determination in S303), the control unit 101 executes the process of S304.

[0073] In S304, the control unit 101 determines whether the operation input to the input / output device 103 is an operation to select an approved candidate. If the operation input to the input / output device 103 is an operation to select a disapproval candidate (a negative determination in S304), the control unit 101 terminates execution of the third processing routine. On the other hand, if the operation input to the input / output device 103 is an operation to select an approved candidate (a positive determination in S304), the control unit 101 executes the process of S305.

[0074] In S305, control unit 101 sets the candidate as a period condition. Specifically, control unit 101 generates period condition data corresponding to the candidate and registers the generated period condition data in storage unit 102. Furthermore, control unit 101 sets the operating period of timer 104 so that it repeatedly outputs a timer activation signal each time the start and end periods arrive. The start and end periods are registered in the start and end period fields of the period condition data registered in storage unit 102. Upon completion of S305, control unit 101 terminates execution of the third processing routine.

[0075] According to the above-described modification, the user's time and effort in setting the time conditions can be reduced, thereby further improving the user's convenience.

[0076] other

[0077] The above-mentioned embodiments and variations are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the main purpose. In addition, as long as no technical contradiction arises, the processes and components described in the present disclosure can be freely combined for implementation. Moreover, a process described as being performed by one device can also be shared and executed by multiple devices. For example, among the functions implemented by the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10, the function of accepting the time conditions specified by the user of the vehicle 10 can also be implemented by the user terminal 20. In this case, the user terminal 20 is configured to present to the user the following: Figure 2 The functions of the setting screen shown as an example and the function of transmitting the time conditions specified by the user in the setting screen to the server 30 are sufficient. Furthermore, the server 30 is configured to implement the function of transmitting the time conditions received from the user terminal 20 to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 can switch between the waiting state and the stopped state according to the time conditions received from the server 30.

[0078] Furthermore, among the functions implemented by the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10, the function of determining candidates for the time condition may also be implemented by the server 30. In this case, the server 30 may be configured to implement three functions. These three functions are: collecting performance data via the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10; determining candidates for the time condition based on the collected performance data; and transmitting information about the determined candidates to the communication terminal 100. Furthermore, among the functions implemented by the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10, the function of presenting a suggestion screen to the user may also be implemented by the user terminal 20. In this case, the user terminal 20 may be configured to implement these three functions. These three functions are: obtaining information about the candidates determined by the communication terminal 100 via the server 30 (or obtaining information about the candidates determined by the server 30 from the server 30); presenting a suggestion screen to the user based on the obtained candidate information; and transmitting to the server 30 the result of the user's selection on the suggestion screen (whether or not the user agrees with the candidate selection). The server 30 may be configured to transmit the selection result received from the user terminal 20 to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10. The communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 may determine whether to set the candidate as the time condition based on the selection result received from the server 30.

[0079] In addition, the present disclosure can also be implemented as follows: a computer program is supplied to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10, and the computer program is read and executed by one or more processors of the communication terminal 100. Here, the computer program implements the functions described in the above embodiment. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can also be provided to the computer via a network. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that can store information such as data and programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical or chemical action and can be read by a computer or the like. Such a recording medium can be, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive)), or an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray Disc, etc.). The recording medium may also be a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic card, flash memory, optical card or SSD (Solid State Drive) and the like.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit configured to execute: Get the period conditions, where The period condition is a condition specified by a user of the vehicle, and specifies a period during which a communication function of the vehicle related to remote operation is placed in a stopped state and / or a waiting state; as well as The communication function is set to a stop state and / or a standby state according to the acquired time condition.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The time condition is a condition for immediately setting the communication function to a stopped state. The control unit immediately sets the communication function to a stopped state in response to receiving the time condition.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The time condition is a condition for specifying a period during which the communication function is once set to a stopped state. The control unit executes: in response to the arrival of the start time of the period, setting the communication function to a stop state; and placing the communication function in a waiting state in response to the end of the period having arrived.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The period condition is a condition for specifying a day of the week and / or a time period during which the communication function is periodically stopped. The control unit sets the communication function to a stop state every time the day of the week and / or the time period arrives, and sets the communication function to a standby state every time the day of the week and / or the time period ends. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein: The control unit further performs: determining a candidate for the time period condition based on the past performance of the user in using the vehicle; outputting information for the user to select whether to agree with the candidate; as well as In response to the user agreeing to the candidate, the candidate is set as the period condition.

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