Vehicle, information processing device, system, and communication restriction method

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle, an information processing device, a system, and a communication restriction method. The information processing device includes a control unit configured to control a plurality of networking functions of the vehicle that work in cooperation with a server device by transmitting information corresponding to each of the plurality of networking functions to the server device from among two or more kinds of information collected by the vehicle capable of communicating with the server device, and restrict a networking function of the plurality of networking functions that transmits information of a prohibited kind to the server device in response to acceptance of a user input that specifies the kind of information to be prohibited from being transmitted to the outside of the vehicle as the prohibited kind via an input device mounted on the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle, an information processing device, a system, and a method for restricting communications. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-135813 discloses a device that displays a screen for a user riding in a vehicle to choose whether to agree to the provision of information, and sends information to the outside of the vehicle if the user agrees. Summary of the Invention

[0003] If all restrictions are placed on sending information outside the vehicle, it will be inconvenient for users.

[0004] This disclosure is designed to partially restrict the transmission of information outside the vehicle based on the user's requirements.

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit configured to control multiple networking functions of the vehicle that transmit information corresponding to each of multiple networking functions from two or more types of information collected by the vehicle that can communicate with an external server device to the server device and cooperate with the server device, and to restrict the networking function that transmits the prohibited type of information to the server device in response to accepting user input via an input device mounted on the vehicle to specify the type of information that is prohibited from being transmitted to the outside of the vehicle as the prohibited type.

[0006] The communication restriction method involved in the second aspect of this disclosure includes: an information processing device accepting user input via an input device mounted on the vehicle, specifying the type of information prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, and restricting a network function among multiple network functions that sends information of the prohibited type to a server device; the information processing device controlling multiple network functions of the vehicle that send information corresponding to each of the multiple network functions to the server device and cooperate with the server device from two or more types of information collected by the vehicle that can communicate with the external server device.

[0007] According to the method disclosed herein, it is possible to partially restrict the transmission of information outside the vehicle based on the user's requirements. Therefore, convenience is improved compared to the situation where the transmission of information outside the vehicle is restricted indiscriminately. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the structure of the system involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle equipped with an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the connection between the information processing apparatus and the vehicle-mounted equipment according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of not restricting the transmission of information outside the vehicle.

[0013] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of partially restricting the transmission of information outside the vehicle.

[0014] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] In each figure, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same symbols. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or equivalent parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0018] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the system 10 involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0019] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 20 and a server device 30. The information processing device 20 is able to communicate with the server device 30 via a network 40.

[0020] The information processing device 20 can be a general-purpose computer such as a PC, a server computer such as a cloud server, or a dedicated computer. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the information processing device 20 is installed on the vehicle 50. As a variation, the information processing device 20 can also be installed in a location separate from the vehicle 50, such as a data center, as long as it can communicate with various devices mounted on the vehicle 50.

[0021] Vehicle 50 can be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, diesel vehicle, hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, HEV, PHEV, BEV, or FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. Although vehicle 50 is driven by user 11 in this embodiment, driving can be automated at any level. The level of automation can be, for example, any one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. Vehicle 50 can also be a MaaS-specific vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0022] Server device 30 is a server computer such as a cloud server. Server device 30 is installed in facilities such as data centers.

[0023] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for Metropolitan Area Network. Network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for Local Area Network.

[0024] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the information processing device 20 is connected to various devices mounted on the vehicle 50, such as the output device 51, input device 52, camera 53, microphone 54, positioning device 55, and various sensors 57. As the interface for connecting to these devices, interfaces corresponding to standards such as USB, HDMI, or Bluetooth can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. The information processing device 20 can also be connected to various devices via an in-vehicle network such as CAN. "CAN" is an abbreviation for Controller Area Network. As a variation, the information processing device 20 may also possess one or more of the various devices mounted on the vehicle 50.

[0025] Output device 51 is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescent. The display may also display audio. Output device 51 outputs information obtained through the operation of information processing device 20.

[0026] Input device 52 may be, for example, a touchscreen integrated with physical buttons, electrostatic capacitive buttons, a pointing device, or a display. Camera 53, microphone 54, or both may also serve as input device 52. Input device 52 accepts input operations for information used in the operation of information processing device 20.

[0027] Camera 53 is, for example, a visible light camera or a depth camera. Camera 53 captures images of the interior, exterior, or both of the vehicle 50. Camera 53 outputs image information including the captured images.

[0028] Microphone 54 collects speech from inside or outside the vehicle 50, or both. Microphone 54 outputs speech information, including the collected speech.

[0029] Positioning device 55 is, for example, a GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. GNSS can be, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called Quasi-Zenith Satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. Positioning device 55 determines the coordinates of vehicle 50, i.e., the vehicle's position. Positioning device 55 outputs position information including the located vehicle position.

[0030] Various sensors 57 include, for example, vehicle speed sensors, acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, human sensors, and door opening / closing sensors. These sensors 57 observe various phenomena at different locations within the vehicle 50. The sensors 57 output vehicle information, including the observation results.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] The information processing unit 20 controls multiple networking functions of the vehicle 50. The vehicle 50 is capable of communicating with an external server unit 30. The multiple networking functions are functions that send different types of information (for each networking function) collected by the vehicle 50 to the server unit 30 and work in conjunction with the server unit 30. When the information processing unit 20 receives user input via the input device 52 mounted on the vehicle 50 specifying a prohibited type of information to be sent to the outside of the vehicle 50, it restricts the networking functions that send prohibited information to the server unit 30.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the transmission of information to the outside of the vehicle 50 can be partially restricted based on the request of user 11. Therefore, convenience is improved compared to the case where the transmission of information to the outside of the vehicle 50 is restricted in all cases.

[0034] In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 collects four types of information—location information, voice information, image information, and vehicle information—obtained respectively via the positioning device 55, microphone 54, camera 53, and various sensors 57 mounted on the vehicle 50, as two or more types of information. The vehicle 50's multiple networking functions are functions that transmit different types of information from the four types of information collected for each networking function to the server device 30 in real time and work in conjunction with the server device 30.

[0035] As an alternative example, the information processing device 20 may also collect only three of the four types of information. In this alternative example, the multiple networking functions of the vehicle 50 are functions that send different types of information from the three types of information collected, for each networking function, to the server device 30 in real time and work in conjunction with the server device 30.

[0036] As another variation, the information processing device 20 may also collect only two of the four types of information. In this variation, the multiple networking functions of the vehicle 50 are functions that send the different types of information collected for each networking function to the server device 30 in real time and work in conjunction with the server device 30.

[0037] As described above, personal information is included in the information processed using the various network functions of vehicle 50 and sent to server device 30. Represented by the European GDPR, privacy regulations in various countries are comprehensive, requiring user 11's consent and processing of personal information according to user 11's intent before sending it outside vehicle 50. "GDPR" is an abbreviation for General Data Protection Regulation.

[0038] While privacy is protected by interrupting communication itself, this not only fails to reflect the user's wishes based on the type of personal information, but also restricts functions that should not be restricted, such as eCall. "eCall" is an abbreviation for emergency call.

[0039] In this embodiment, personal information is managed as a unit, including location information, voice information, image information, and all personal information including these, and the transmission to the outside of vehicle 50 is enabled or disabled based on user 11's settings. Vehicle information is included in "all personal information".

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, for example, user 11 sets location information, voice information, image information, and all personal information to be sent. In such an example, the information processing device 20 sends the location information, voice information, image information, and all personal information to the server device 30, that is, to the outside of the vehicle 50.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, user 11 sets location information transmission to off. That is, user 11 specifies location information as a prohibited category. On the other hand, voice information, image information, and all personal information are kept set to transmission on. In this example, regarding location information, transmission to the outside of vehicle 50 is stopped. On the other hand, transmission to the outside of vehicle 50 continues for voice information, image information, and all personal information.

[0042] In this embodiment, the restriction on which function is set to be disabled depends on which type of personal information is set to be sent off. Therefore, a portion of the vehicle 50's functionality can be restricted based on the type of information selected by user 11 that is prohibited from being sent outside the vehicle 50. Transparency in the processing of personal information can also be ensured by explicitly defining the functions for which restrictions are imposed and displaying them to user 11.

[0043] For example, the following function is one that sends location information to server device 30 and works in conjunction with server device 30, and is restricted when the location information transmission is set to be off. The entire function can be stopped, or only a part of the function, including the transmission of location information, can be stopped.

[0044] Connected radio: Utilizes location information to provide localized music streaming services and news broadcasts.

[0045] Cloud-based collaborative work ecosystem: A function that analyzes driving conditions based on location information and fuel consumption data to assist the ecosystem driver.

[0046] VUI, or intelligent assistant: A function that provides destination search and region-specific information based on location information and operated by voice. "VUI" is an abbreviation for voice-user interface.

[0047] Homepage: A function that uses location information to obtain the current weather information and displays it through a widget.

[0048] Navigation: A function that obtains the current location of vehicle 50 based on location information and draws a map using latitude and longitude information.

[0049] e-care: A function that sends vehicle data with location information attached and monitors the health status of vehicles remotely.

[0050] User profile: A function that allows users to save and apply optimized user settings for each region by making flexible use of location information.

[0051] Dashcam: A function that uploads video data with location information and can be used flexibly as evidence in case of malfunction.

[0052] The functions of VUIs or smart assistants, as well as dashcams, in sending voice information to server device 30 and cooperating with server device 30 are also restricted when voice information transmission is set to be off. The entire function can be stopped, or only a part of the function, including the transmission of voice information, can be stopped. For example, for VUIs or smart assistants, recording and local voice recognition can be implemented. Dashcams can also record audio.

[0053] The dashcam is a device that sends image information to server device 30 and works in conjunction with server device 30, and its functionality is also restricted when image information transmission is set to be off. The entire function can be stopped, or only a part of the function, including the transmission of image information, can be stopped. The dashcam can also, for example, record video.

[0054] For example, the following functions are restricted when all personal information is set to be sent off. You can either stop the function itself, or only stop a portion of the function, including the sending of personal information.

[0055] Radio: A feature that makes good use of the user's station selection history, which is saved as personal information, and suggests favorite stations.

[0056] Electronic Owner's Manual: Provides a manual suitable for vehicle 50 based on the VIN. "VIN" is an abbreviation for Vehicle Identification Number.

[0057] Multimedia application log: Sends logs containing user operations and audio-visual history, and performs analysis of adverse situations.

[0058] Vehicle graphic display: A function that displays the corresponding graphic of vehicle 50 on the setting screen based on the VIN.

[0059] OTA update: The function of performing software updates inherent to the vehicle based on the VIN. "OTA" is an abbreviation for over-the-air.

[0060] Remote maintenance email: A function that sends diagnostic data of vehicle 50 and notifies user 11 of necessary maintenance information via email.

[0061] However, certain functions, such as those that would be non-compliant with regulations or violate UBI or corporate vehicle contracts if information is not sent to the outside of vehicle 50, are preferably excluded from the restrictions. "UBI" is an abbreviation for usage-based insurance. Whether a function is excluded from the restrictions may also vary depending on the region. For example, the following functions may be excluded from the restrictions.

[0062] eCall: A function that sends location information and emergency contact information when an accident occurs, and automatically requests assistance.

[0063] Private vehicle start-lock: This function prevents unauthorized vehicles from starting by verifying the authentication information of the registered user.

[0064] OBFCM: A function that sends fuel consumption data for flexible use in statistics and analysis. "OBFCM" is an abbreviation for On-Board Fuel and / or Energy Consumption Monitoring.

[0065] Battery information credentials: This function sends battery information, enabling battery status management and tracking.

[0066] Remote maintenance emails are also excluded from the restricted categories, depending on the region.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the information processing device 20 involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0068] The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0069] The controller 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application-specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls the various parts of the information processing device 20 while performing processing related to the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0070] Storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. Semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. Storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a primary storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores information used in the operation of the information processing device 20 and information obtained through the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0071] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module may be, for example, a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a module corresponding to a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4G. th "5G" is an abbreviation for generation. th "Generation" is an abbreviation for "IEEE". "IEEE" is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the server device 30. The communication unit 23 receives information used in the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0072] The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by the processor, which acts as the control unit 21, executing the program according to this embodiment. That is, the functions of the information processing device 20 are implemented by software. The program causes the computer to execute the actions of the information processing device 20, thereby enabling the computer to function as the information processing device 20. In other words, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by executing the actions of the information processing device 20 according to the program.

[0073] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, optical-magnetic recording media, or ROM. Program distribution is implemented, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending removable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. The program can also be distributed by pre-storing it in the server's storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. Alternatively, the program can be provided as a program product.

[0074] For example, a computer may temporarily store a program stored on a portable medium or a program forwarded from a server in main storage. The computer's processor then reads the program stored in main storage and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer can also directly read a program from a removable medium and execute the processing according to the program. Alternatively, the computer can execute the processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. It is also possible to perform processing through a so-called ASP-type service, where the forwarding of programs from the server to the computer is not implemented, but the processing is performed solely based on execution instructions and results. "ASP" is an abbreviation for Application Service Provider. In a program, information for processing performed by the computer and viewed as a program is included. For example, data that, while not direct instructions to the computer, has the nature of specifying the computer's processing is equivalent to "content viewed as a program."

[0075] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 can be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit, which serves as the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 can be implemented by hardware.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 The operation of the information processing apparatus 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation described below corresponds to the communication restriction method according to this embodiment. That is, the communication restriction method according to this embodiment includes... Figure 6 The steps S101 to S104 are shown.

[0077] In S101, the control unit 21 receives user input via the input device 52, specifying the type of information that is prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle 50 as the prohibited type.

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 21 outputs a list of categories that can be designated as prohibited categories via the output device 51. Then, the control unit 21 accepts user input via the input device 52, selecting whether to designate each category included in the list as a prohibited category. For example, the control unit 21 displays a list on the display containing four items: location information, voice information, image information, and all personal information. Then, the control unit 21 accepts touch input via the touchscreen, selecting to send on or off signals for each item included in the list.

[0079] As an alternative example, the control unit 21 may also determine whether it is obligated to send information of a specific type (first category) to the server device 30 based on a contract related to the use of the vehicle 50. In this alternative example, when the control unit 21 determines that it is obligated to send information of the first category to the server device 30, it excludes the first category from the output list. For example, if the control unit 21 is obligated to send location information to the server device 30 under a UBI contract, it displays a list on the screen that includes three items besides location information: voice information, image information, and all personal information.

[0080] In S102, when the control unit 21 sets one of the types that can be designated as prohibited types as the type of the object, it determines in S101 whether the type of the object is designated as a prohibited type. If the control unit 21 determines that the type of the object is designated as a prohibited type, step S103 is executed. Otherwise, step S104 is executed.

[0081] In S103, the control unit 21 begins to restrict the networking function of the vehicle 50, which sends information about the type of object to the server device 30, among the multiple networking functions of the vehicle 50.

[0082] Specifically, control unit 21 restricts the entirety of the networking function that sends object type information to server device 30, including the portion of object type information that does not need to be sent to server device 30. Alternatively, control unit 21 may restrict a portion of the networking function that sends object type information to server device 30, excluding the portion of object type information that does not need to be sent to server device 30. Alternatively, control unit 21 may output a list of networking functions that send object type information to server device 30 via output device 51. Then, control unit 21 may accept user input via input device 52 to select whether to restrict the entirety or a portion of each networking function included in the list. For example, control unit 21 displays a list of functions that are restricted when object type information is set to send off on the display. Then, control unit 21 accepts touch input via touch screen to select whether to restrict the entirety or a portion of each function included in the list.

[0083] In this embodiment, the vehicle 50's multiple networking functions include a function that implements route guidance by sending location information to the server device 30 in real time and cooperating with the server device 30. When the control unit 21 receives user input in S101 that specifies location information as a prohibited type, it at least restricts the function of implementing route guidance. For example, when the control unit 21 receives touch input in S101 that selects to turn off sending location information, it begins to implement the aforementioned "navigation" restriction.

[0084] In this embodiment, the vehicle 50's multiple networking functions also include a function to implement weather guidance by sending location information to the server device 30 in real time and cooperating with the server device 30. When the control unit 21 receives user input in S101 that specifies location information as a prohibited type, it further restricts the function of implementing weather guidance. For example, when the control unit 21 receives touch input in S101 that selects to turn off sending location information, it begins to implement the aforementioned "homepage" restriction.

[0085] In this embodiment, the vehicle 50's multiple networking functions include the function of engaging in dialogue as a smart assistant by sending voice information to the server device 30 in real time and cooperating with the server device 30. When the control unit 21 receives user input in S101 that specifies voice information as a prohibited type, it at least restricts the function of engaging in dialogue. For example, when the control unit 21 receives touch input in S101 that selects to turn off sending voice information, it begins to restrict the aforementioned "VUI" or "smart assistant".

[0086] In this embodiment, the vehicle 50's multiple networking functions include the function of recording and saving driving images of the vehicle 50 by sending image information to the server device 30 in real time and cooperating with the server device 30. When the control unit 21 receives user input in S101 that specifies image information as a prohibited type, it restricts at least the function of recording and saving driving images. For example, when the control unit 21 receives touch input in S101 that selects to turn off sending image information, it begins to restrict the "driving recorder" as described above.

[0087] In this embodiment, the vehicle 50's multiple networking functions include the function of proposing maintenance for the vehicle 50 by sending vehicle information to the server device 30 in real time and cooperating with the server device 30. When the control unit 21 receives user input in S101 specifying vehicle information as a prohibited type, it at least restricts the function of proposing maintenance. For example, when the control unit 21 receives touch input in S101 indicating that sending is turned off for all personal information, it begins to restrict the aforementioned "remote maintenance email".

[0088] After S103, proceed with step S104.

[0089] In S104, the control unit 21 determines whether step S102 has been executed for all types that can be specified as prohibited types. If the control unit 21 determines that step S102 has been executed for all types, Figure 6 The process shown ends here. Otherwise, proceed with step S102 for the remaining types.

[0090] Reference Figure 7 A modified example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation described below corresponds to a modified example of the communication restriction method according to this embodiment. That is, a modified example of the communication restriction method according to this embodiment includes... Figure 7 The steps S111 to S115 are shown.

[0091] Regarding the steps in S111, due to... Figure 6 The steps in S101 shown are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0092] In S112, when the control unit 21 sets one of the types that can be specified as prohibited types as the type of the object, it determines whether the type of the object is a second type that is a specific type.

[0093] Specifically, the control unit 21 determines the country of use of the vehicle 50 by referring to the country information pre-stored in the storage unit 22 or the location information obtained via the positioning device 55. Then, the control unit 21 determines whether the type of the object corresponds to the second type in the country of use of the vehicle 50 by referring to the definition of the second type for each country code pre-stored in the storage unit 22. For example, when the type of the object is image information, and image information is designated as the second type corresponding to the country code "C", the control unit 21 determines that the country of use of the vehicle 50 is country C, and thus determines that the type of the object is the second type. If the control unit 21 determines that the type of the object is the second type, it executes step S114. Otherwise, it executes step S113.

[0094] In S113, the control unit 21 determines whether the type of object in S111 has been designated as a prohibited type. If the control unit 21 determines that the type of object has been designated as a prohibited type, step S114 is executed. Otherwise, step S115 is executed.

[0095] Regarding the steps in S114, due to... Figure 6 The steps in S103 are the same as those shown, so the explanation is omitted. After S114, the steps in S115 are performed.

[0096] In S115, the control unit 21 determines whether step S112 has been performed for all types that can be specified as prohibited types. If the control unit 21 determines that step S112 has been performed for all types, Figure 7 The process shown ends here. Otherwise, proceed with step S112 for the remaining types.

[0097] As mentioned above, in Figure 7 In the example shown, when the control unit 21 determines that the area using vehicle 50 is a region where sending second-type information to the outside of vehicle 50 is prohibited, it restricts the networking function of sending second-type information to server device 30 without accepting user input specifying the second type as a prohibited type. Therefore, according to this example, it is also possible to partially restrict the sending of information to the outside of vehicle 50 based on the region.

[0098] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be merged, or a block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capability of the device executing each step or as needed. In addition, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0099] In the following description, some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0100] [Postscript 1] A vehicle capable of communicating with an external server device and possessing: Positioning devices; microphone; Camera; Various sensors; Input devices; A computer, wherein the computer is configured in such a manner as follows: The system collects two or more of the following four types of information: location information, voice information, image information, and vehicle information, obtained through the positioning device, the microphone, the camera, and the various sensors, respectively. The system controls the multiple network functions that collect two or more types of information corresponding to each of the multiple network functions, and which work in conjunction with the server device to send such information to the server device in real time. In response to accepting user input via the input device specifying the type of information prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, the networking function of sending the prohibited type of information to the server device among the plurality of networking functions is restricted.

[0101] [Postscript 2] An information processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to control multiple networking functions of a vehicle that communicate with an external server device and transmit information corresponding to each of multiple networking functions of two or more types of information collected from the vehicle to the server device. The control unit also controls the network function that transmits information of the prohibited type to the server device in response to accepting user input via an input device mounted on the vehicle, specifying the type of information prohibited from being transmitted to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type.

[0102] [Postscript 3] The information processing apparatus as described in Appendix 2, wherein the control unit is configured to restrict the overall networking function of sending information of the prohibited type to the server device, and the overall networking function includes the function of sending portions of the prohibited type of information that do not need to be sent to the server device.

[0103] [Postscript 4] The information processing apparatus as described in Appendix 2, wherein the control unit is configured to restrict a portion of the networking function of sending information of the prohibited type to the server device, the portion of the networking function being the function of sending information of the prohibited type to the server device as required.

[0104] [Postscript 5] The information processing apparatus as described in Appendix 2, wherein the control unit is configured to, The system outputs a list of network functions to the output device mounted on the vehicle, which sends information about the prohibited types to the server device. The input device accepts user input regarding whether to restrict the entirety or a portion of each networking function included in the overview.

[0105] [Postscript 6] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the region using the vehicle is a region where sending a specific type of information to the outside of the vehicle is prohibited, and when it is determined that the region using the vehicle is a region where sending a specific type of information to the outside of the vehicle is prohibited, restricting the networking function of sending the specific type of information to the server device without accepting user input specifying the specific type as the prohibited type, and wherein the specific type of information is included in the two or more types of information.

[0106] [Postscript 7] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Annexes 2 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to output a list of types that can be designated as prohibited types to an output device mounted on the vehicle.

[0107] [Postscript 8] The information processing apparatus as described in Appendix 7, wherein the control unit is configured to determine, based on a contract related to the use of the vehicle, whether it is obligated to send a specific type of information to the server device, wherein the specific type of information is included in the two or more types of information, and, when it is determined, based on a contract related to the use of the vehicle, that it is obligated to send a specific type of information to the server device, exclude the specific type from the list.

[0108] [Postscript 9] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Annexes 2 to 8, wherein the two or more types of information include location information obtained via a positioning device mounted on the vehicle.

[0109] [Postscript 10] As described in Appendix 9, the information processing apparatus, wherein the plurality of networking functions include a function of providing route guidance by sending the location information to the server device in real time and cooperating with the server device, the control unit is configured to, in response to accepting user input via the input device that specifies the location information as the prohibited type, at least restrict the function of providing route guidance.

[0110] [Postscript 11] As described in Appendix 9 or 10, in the information processing apparatus, the plurality of networking functions include the function of implementing weather guidance by sending the location information to the server device in real time and cooperating with the server device, and the control unit is configured to, in response to accepting user input via the input device that specifies the location information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the function of implementing the weather guidance.

[0111] [Postscript 12] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Annexes 2 to 11, wherein the two or more types of information include voice information acquired via a microphone mounted on the vehicle.

[0112] [Postscript 13] As described in Appendix 12, the information processing apparatus includes a function that enables dialogue as an intelligent assistant by transmitting the voice information to the server device in real time and cooperating with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting user input via the input device that specifies the voice information as the prohibited type, at least restrict the function of performing the dialogue.

[0113] [Postscript 14] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Annexes 2 to 13, wherein the two or more types of information include image information acquired via a camera mounted on the vehicle.

[0114] [Postscript 15] As described in Appendix 14, the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of networking functions that record and store the vehicle's driving images in the server device by sending the image information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting user input via the input device that specifies the image information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the function of recording and saving the driving image.

[0115] [Postscript 16] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Annexes 2 to 15, wherein the two or more types of information include vehicle information obtained via various sensors mounted on the vehicle.

[0116] [Postscript 17] As described in Appendix 16, the information processing apparatus includes a function that proposes vehicle maintenance by sending the vehicle information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting user input via the input device that specifies the vehicle information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the function that proposes the maintenance.

[0117] [Postscript 18] A system comprising: an information processing apparatus as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 17; The server device.

[0118] [Postscript 19] A vehicle comprising the information processing apparatus described in any one of Appendices 2 to 17.

[0119] [Postscript 20] A communication restriction method includes: an information processing device, in response to accepting user input via an input device mounted on a vehicle specifying a type of information prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, restricts a network function of a plurality of network functions that sends information of the prohibited type to a server device; the information processing device controls a plurality of network functions of the vehicle that cooperate with the server device and send information corresponding to each of the plurality of network functions to the server device using two or more types of information collected by the vehicle that can communicate with the external server device.

Claims

1. A vehicle capable of communicating with an external server device, characterized in that, have: Positioning devices; microphone; Camera; Various sensors; Input devices; computer, The computer is configured in the following manner: The system collects two or more of the following four types of information: location information, voice information, image information, and vehicle information, obtained through the positioning device, the microphone, the camera, and the various sensors, respectively. The system controls the multiple network functions that collect two or more types of information corresponding to each of the multiple network functions, and which work in conjunction with the server device to send such information to the server device in real time. In response to accepting user input via the input device specifying the type of information prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, the networking function of sending the prohibited type of information to the server device among the plurality of networking functions is restricted.

2. An information processing device, characterized in that, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to control multiple networking functions of the vehicle that send information corresponding to each of multiple networking functions from two or more types of information collected by the vehicle that can communicate with an external server device to the server device and work in cooperation with the server device, and to restrict the networking function that sends information of the prohibited type to the server device from the multiple networking functions in response to the acceptance of a first user input that specifies the type of information that is prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, implemented via an input device mounted on the vehicle.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to restrict the overall networking function of sending information of the prohibited type to the server device, and the overall networking function includes the function of sending the portion of the information of the prohibited type that does not need to be sent to the server device.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to restrict a portion of the networking function that sends information of the prohibited type to the server device, the portion of which is a function that sends information of the prohibited type to the server device when necessary.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, The system outputs a list of network functions to the output device mounted on the vehicle, which sends information about the prohibited types to the server device. The input device accepts a second user input request for each networking function included in the overview, allowing the user to choose whether to restrict the entire function or only a portion of it.

6. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, It is determined whether the area where the vehicle is used is an area where sending specific types of information to the outside of the vehicle is prohibited. When it is determined that the area using the vehicle is a region where sending the specific type of information to the outside of the vehicle is prohibited, and without accepting the first user input specifying the specific type as a prohibited type, the network function of sending the specific type of information to the server device is restricted, and... The specific type of information is included in the two or more types of information.

7. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to output a list of types that can be designated as prohibited types to an output device mounted on the vehicle.

8. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, Based on the contract relating to the use of the vehicle, a determination is made as to whether there is an obligation to send a specific type of information to the server device, wherein the specific type of information is included in two or more types of information. When a specific type of information is determined to be obligated to be sent to the server device based on a contract relating to the use of the vehicle, that specific type is excluded from the list.

9. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two or more types of information include location information obtained via a positioning device mounted on the vehicle.

10. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The multiple networking functions include the ability to provide route guidance by sending the location information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting the first user input, which specifies the location information as the prohibited category via the input device, at least restrict the function of implementing the route guidance.

11. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The multiple networking functions include the ability to provide weather guidance by sending the location information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting the first user input, implemented via the input device, specifying the location information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the implementation of the weather guidance function.

12. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two or more types of information include voice information obtained via a microphone mounted on the vehicle.

13. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The multiple networking functions include the ability to conduct dialogue as an intelligent assistant by sending the voice information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting the first user input, which designates the voice information as the prohibited category and is implemented via the input device, at least restrict the function of performing the dialogue.

14. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two or more types of information include image information obtained via a camera mounted on the vehicle.

15. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The multiple networking functions include the ability to record and store the vehicle's driving images in the server device by sending the image information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to the acceptance of the first user input, implemented via the input device, specifying the image information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the function of recording and storing the driving image in the server device.

16. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two or more types of information include vehicle information obtained via various sensors mounted on the vehicle.

17. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The multiple networking functions include the ability to propose vehicle maintenance by sending the vehicle information to the server device in real time and working in conjunction with the server device. The control unit is configured to, in response to accepting the first user input, implemented via the input device, specifying the vehicle information as the prohibited category, at least restrict the function that proposes the maintenance.

18. A system, characterized in that, have: The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17; The server device.

19. A vehicle, characterized in that, The device comprises the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17.

20. A communication restriction method, characterized in that, include: The information processing device, in response to accepting user input via an input device mounted on the vehicle specifying the type of information prohibited from being sent to the outside of the vehicle as a prohibited type, restricts the network function of sending the prohibited type of information to a server device among multiple network functions. The information processing device controls the multiple network functions of the vehicle that send information corresponding to each of the multiple network functions to the server device and cooperate with the server device from two or more types of information collected by the vehicle that can communicate with the external server device.

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