Control device and vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a control device and a vehicle. The present application is directed to efficiently outputting an electric wave for wireless communication in a vehicle interior. The control device includes a communication section that communicates with a communication apparatus mounted on a vehicle and releasing an electric wave into a vehicle interior from one or more antennas, and a sensor mounted on the vehicle and detecting a seating position of an occupant; and a control section that acquires information on the seating position detected by the sensor via the communication section, and controls the electric wave released by the communication apparatus via the communication section based on the acquired information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that enables occupants in a vehicle to use the internet.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-094615 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing technologies, radio waves are emitted for wireless communication within the vehicle, but depending on the occupants' seating positions, the radio waves are sometimes unnecessarily strong, making it less than efficient.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to efficiently output radio waves for wireless communication within a vehicle.

[0006] The control device according to the present invention includes: a communication unit that communicates with a communication device mounted on a vehicle and transmitting radio waves into the vehicle interior from one or more antennas, and a sensor mounted on the vehicle and detecting the seating position of an occupant; and a control unit that acquires information about the seating position detected by the sensor via the communication unit, and controls the radio waves transmitted by the communication device via the communication unit based on the acquired information.

[0007] Invention Effects

[0008] According to the present invention, radio waves for wireless communication within a vehicle can be efficiently output. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless coverage area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are labeled with the same symbols. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0013] refer to Figure 1 The structure of the vehicle 10 involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0014] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a control device 20. The control device 20 is connected to various devices mounted on the vehicle 10, such as communication equipment 11 that transmits radio waves from one or more antennas 12 into the vehicle interior and sensors 13 that detect the seating position of the occupants, via an in-vehicle network such as CAN. "CAN" is an abbreviation for Controller Area Network.

[0015] Vehicle 10 can be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, diesel vehicle, hydrogen 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. In this embodiment, vehicle 10 is driven by a user, but it can also be driven autonomously 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 10 can also be a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) vehicle.

[0016] Communication device 11 is, for example, a device capable of wireless LAN communication (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point) or a communication device capable of short-range wireless communication such as NFC, UHF, or Bluetooth. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network. "NFC" is an abbreviation for near-field communication. "UHF" is an abbreviation for ultra-high frequency.

[0017] Sensor 13 may be, for example, a camera, a seating sensor, a weight, a seatbelt sensor, or any combination thereof. The camera is positioned to capture images of each seat in the vehicle 10. Known methods such as image recognition utilizing machine learning can be used as a method for detecting the occupant's seating position based on the images captured by the camera. The seating sensor, weight, and seatbelt sensor are located at each seat.

[0018] The control device 20 is a microcomputer or an on-board computer such as an ECU. "ECU" is an abbreviation for electronic control unit. As a variation, the control device 20 can be located remotely from the vehicle 10, rather than being located within the vehicle 10, as long as it can communicate with various devices installed in the vehicle 10 via a network such as a mobile communication network or the Internet. In such a variation, the control 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.

[0019] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0020] The control unit 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 specifically designed for particular 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 control device 20 while performing processing related to the operation of the control device 20.

[0021] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The 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. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Information for controlling the operation of the control device 20 and information obtained through the operation of the control device 20 are stored in the storage unit 22.

[0022] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication circuit. This communication circuit may be, for example, a circuit corresponding to an in-vehicle communication standard such as CAN. The communication unit 23 communicates with the communication device 11 and the sensor 13. The communication circuit may be, for example, a circuit corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 can also communicate with external devices. The communication unit 23 receives information for controlling the operation of the control device 20 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control device 20.

[0023] The function of the control device 20 is implemented by the processor, which serves as the control unit 21, executing the program described in this embodiment. That is, the function of the control device 20 is implemented through software. The program causes the computer to perform the actions of the control device 20, thereby enabling the computer to function as the control device 20. In other words, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the actions of the control device 20 according to the program.

[0024] Programs can be stored on non-transitory computer-readable media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. Program circulation occurs, for example, through the sale, transfer, or lending of removable media containing the program. Programs can also be stored in the storage devices of a server and transferred from the server to other computers, thereby enabling program circulation. Programs can also be provided as program products. Computers may temporarily store programs stored on removable media or programs transferred from a server in main storage. Furthermore, the computer uses its processor to read the program stored in main storage and executes the processing according to the read program. A computer can directly read a program from a removable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can sequentially execute the processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. A program is information used for processing by an electronic computer and includes information equivalent to a program. For example, data that, while not direct instructions to the computer, has the nature of specifying the computer's processing is equivalent to "complying with the content of the program."

[0025] Some or all of the functions of the control device 20 can be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit that serves as the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the control device 20 can be implemented by hardware.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 The operation of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be explained. The operation described below is equivalent to the control method according to this embodiment.

[0027] In step S1, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining charge level of the vehicle 10 is below a threshold and whether the power-saving mode set by the user is enabled. If it is determined that the remaining charge level is below the threshold or the power-saving mode is disabled, step S1 is executed again.

[0028] As a configuration pattern for one or more antennas 12, three patterns are shown in Figure 3 .exist Figure 3 In the first image at the top left, antenna 12 is positioned only in front of the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15 of vehicle 10. Figure 3 In the second image at the bottom left, antenna 12 is positioned only behind the rear seat 16 of vehicle 10. Figure 3 In the third pattern on the right, the first antenna 12A is positioned in front of the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 15 of the vehicle 10, and the second antenna 12B is positioned behind the rear seat 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0029] If, in S1, it is determined that the remaining charging capacity is below a threshold and the power-saving mode is activated, in S2, the control unit 21 acquires information about the occupant's seating position detected by the sensor 13 via the communication unit 23. Based on the acquired information, the control unit 21 determines whether the occupant is in the rear seat 16. If it is determined that the occupant is in the rear seat 16, in S3, the control unit 21 determines whether the occupant is in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15, based on the information acquired in S2. If it is determined that the occupant is in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15, in S4, the control unit 21 automatically deactivates the power-saving mode. If it is determined that the occupant is not in either the driver's seat 14 or the front passenger seat 15, step S5 is executed. If it is determined in S2 that the occupant is not in the rear seat 16, step S6 is executed.

[0030] The steps in S5 are explained below. Figure 3 In the first pattern at the top left, the control unit 21 performs the same radio wave control as if the occupant were determined to be in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15. Figure 3In the second pattern at the lower left, the control unit 21 controls the radio waves emitted by the communication device 11 via the communication unit 23, reducing the output of the radio waves compared to the case where it is determined that the occupant is in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 15. For example, if the wireless coverage area is set as W3 when the occupant is in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 15, and the wireless coverage area is set as W4 when the occupant is not in either the driver's seat 14 or the passenger seat 15, then... Figure 3 As shown in the center, the W3 covers the entire interior, while the W4 is narrower than the W3, covering only the rear seats 16. Figure 3 In the third diagram on the right, the control unit 21 controls the radio waves emitted by the communication device 11 via the communication unit 23, shutting down the output of radio waves from the first antenna 12A. For example, if the wireless coverage area of ​​the first antenna 12A is set as W2 and the wireless coverage area of ​​the second antenna 12B is set as W4, then W2 only covers the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15, and W4 only covers the rear seat 16. However, if the occupant is not in either the driver's seat 14 or the front passenger seat 15, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the center below, W2 is off.

[0031] The steps in S6 are explained below. Figure 3 In the first pattern at the top left, the control unit 21 controls the radio waves emitted by the communication device 11 via the communication unit 23, reducing the output of the radio waves compared to the case where it is determined that the occupant is in the rear seat 16. For example, if the wireless coverage area when the occupant is in the rear seat 16 is set as W1, and the wireless coverage area when the occupant is not in the rear seat 16 is set as W2, then... Figure 3 As shown in the center, W1 covers the entire interior, while W2 is narrower than W1, covering only the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15. Figure 3 In the second pattern at the lower left, the control unit 21 performs the same radio wave control as when it is determined that the occupant is in the rear seat 16. Figure 3 In the third diagram on the right, the control unit 21 controls the radio waves emitted by the communication device 11 via the communication unit 23 to shut down the output of radio waves from the second antenna 12B. For example, if the wireless coverage area of ​​the first antenna 12A is set as W2 and the wireless coverage area of ​​the second antenna 12B is set as W4, then W2 only covers the driver's seat 14 and the front passenger seat 15, and W4 only covers the rear seat 16. However, if the occupants are not in the rear seat 16, such as Figure 3As shown in the center, W4 is closed. In any of the first to third patterns, the control unit 21 may further determine, as in step S3, whether the occupant is in at least one of the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 15. If it is determined that the occupant is not in either the driver's seat 14 or the passenger seat 15, the control unit 21 may control the radio waves emitted by the communication device 11 via the communication unit 23 to shut down the output of radio waves from all antennas 12.

[0032] As a variation, the power-saving mode setting can be omitted. Alternatively, steps S1 and S4 can also be omitted.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 20 of the vehicle 10, which includes a sensor 13 capable of detecting the seating position of an occupant and a communication device 11 that emits radio waves from the antenna 12 for wireless communication, controls the radio waves emitted from the antenna 12 based on the occupant's seating position. According to this embodiment, the radio waves from the antenna 12 can be efficiently controlled without a complex structure. That is, radio waves for wireless communication within the vehicle can be efficiently output. As a result, power saving is achieved.

[0034] Compared to wireless-based location estimation, sensor 13 consumes less power and has a simpler structure and logic. According to this embodiment, the area and power consumption of wireless communication can be controlled based on the occupant's position estimated by sensor 13, thereby achieving wireless communication with low power consumption.

[0035] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more block diagrams described in the block diagrams may be combined, or a single block diagram may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart according to the described time sequence, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step or as needed. Furthermore, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0036] Symbol Explanation

[0037] 10-Vehicle, 11-Communication equipment, 12-Antenna, 12A-First antenna, 12B-Second antenna, 13-Sensor, 14-Driver's seat, 15-Passenger's seat, 16-Rear seat, 20-Control device, 21-Control unit, 22-Storage unit, 23-Communication unit.

Claims

1. A control device, characterized in that, have: The communication unit communicates with communication equipment mounted in the vehicle that emits radio waves into the vehicle interior from one or more antennas, and with sensors mounted in the vehicle that detect the seating position of the occupants. and The control unit acquires information about the seating position detected by the sensor via the communication unit, and controls the radio waves emitted by the communication device via the communication unit based on the acquired information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more antennas are only configured in front of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Based on the information, the control unit reduces the output of the radio waves when it determines that the occupant is not in the back seat of the vehicle, compared to when it determines that the occupant is in the back seat.

3. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more antennas are only located behind the rear seats of the vehicle. Based on the information, if the control unit determines that the occupant is not in either the driver's seat or the front passenger seat of the vehicle, it reduces the output of the radio waves compared to if the control unit determines that the occupant is in at least either the driver's seat or the front passenger seat.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more antennas include: a first antenna disposed in front of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of the vehicle; and a second antenna disposed behind the rear seats of the vehicle. The control unit performs the following processing: Based on the information, if it is determined that the occupant is not in either the driver's seat or the front passenger seat, the output of the radio waves from the first antenna is turned off; and Based on the information, if it is determined that the occupant is not in the rear seat, the output of the radio waves from the second antenna is turned off.

5. A vehicle, characterized in that, have: The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The communication device; and The sensor.

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