Information processing devices, information processing methods and program products

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program product. Even when the vehicle cannot communicate normally, the passenger's valid consent to the latest protocol text can be obtained. The information processing apparatus (10) displays the protocol text related to the vehicle on an on-board display unit (output unit (15)) and has a communication unit (13). The information processing apparatus (10) has a control unit (11) that determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit (13) can be carried out. If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit (13) cannot be carried out normally, the control unit (11) causes the display unit (output unit (15) to display a QR code for accessing the server device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing methods, and procedures. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the following: When receiving personal information from a vehicle passenger, the text of the agreement related to the processing of personal information is displayed on the in-vehicle screen to induce the passenger to consent.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-135813

[0006] Vehicle-related terms and conditions are sometimes revised; therefore, to obtain valid consent from passengers, the latest terms and conditions, managed by the server, must be displayed. Previous configurations cannot display the latest terms and conditions if the vehicle is unable to communicate properly with the server, thus preventing the acquisition of valid consent for the updated terms and conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to ensure that passengers can obtain valid consent to the latest terms and conditions even when the vehicle is unable to communicate normally.

[0008] According to this disclosure, the information processing device displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit. The information processing device includes a control unit that determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed. If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing a server device.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, even when the vehicle is unable to communicate normally, the passenger's valid consent to the latest protocol text can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0014] 1: System; 10: Vehicle-mounted device; 11: Control unit; 12: Storage unit; 13: Communication unit; 14: Input unit; 15: Output unit; 20: Terminal device; 30: Server device; 40: Network. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same structure or function are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, repeated descriptions of the same parts may sometimes be omitted or simplified appropriately.

[0016] (System 1) Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of system 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The configuration and overview of System 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0017] System 1 includes an in-vehicle device 10, a terminal device 20, and a server device 30. The in-vehicle device 10, terminal device 20, and server device 30 can communicate with each other via a network 40. Figure 1 In this configuration, the vehicle-mounted device 10, the terminal device 20, and the server device 30 are connected to a common network 40. However, the configuration is not limited to this as long as communication can occur between the vehicle-mounted device 10 and the server device 30, and between the terminal device 20 and the server device 30. For example, different communication units may be provided between the vehicle-mounted device 10 and the server device 30, and between the terminal device 20 and the server device 30.

[0018] The vehicle-mounted device 10, which serves as the information processing apparatus in this embodiment, is a computer mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle-mounted device 10 receives operations from vehicle occupants, including the driver, and performs various information processing tasks within the vehicle. A vehicle is any device that moves people and goods along a roadway. Vehicles can be, for example, gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles (HVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), etc.

[0019] Terminal device 20 is a computer held by a vehicle occupant. Terminal device 20 includes a camera for capturing images, a display unit for displaying images (e.g., a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display), and a communication unit for communicating with server device 30 via network 40. In this embodiment, terminal device 20 is a smartphone, but it is not limited to this. For example, terminal device 20 may also be a general-purpose electronic device or a dedicated electronic device such as a tablet, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer).

[0020] Server device 30 is, for example, a computer located in a data center. Server device 30 may also be provided via cloud services. Server device 30 manages the latest specification texts related to the processing of personal information. In response to requests from vehicle-mounted device 10 and terminal device 20, server device 30 replies with information to publish the latest specification texts.

[0021] Network 40 refers to any communication medium, such as the Internet and mobile communication networks.

[0022] It should be noted that, although in Figure 1 In the figure, one vehicle-mounted device 10, one terminal device 20 and one server device 30 are shown, but the system 1 may also have multiple of these devices.

[0023] In this configuration, when the vehicle-mounted device 10 obtains personal information from a passenger, it displays a text outlining the processing of that personal information from a privacy perspective and prompts the passenger to consent. For example, when obtaining biometric information from a passenger, or information related to the vehicle's operation or the use of the vehicle-mounted device 10, the vehicle-mounted device 10 displays a text outlining the processing of that information.

[0024] The vehicle-mounted device 10 determines whether communication can be performed by the communication unit 13 provided by the vehicle-mounted device 10. If communication with the server device 30 can be performed normally, the vehicle-mounted device 10 receives the latest protocol text from the server device 30 and displays the received protocol text on the display unit (output unit 15). The passenger confirms the protocol text displayed on the display unit (output unit 15) and inputs "agree" or "disagree" into the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0025] On the other hand, if communication enabled by the communication unit 13 is not possible, the vehicle-mounted device 10 displays a QR code on the display unit (output unit 15) containing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the server unit 30. The passenger causes the camera of the terminal device 20 to read the QR code. The terminal device 20 accesses the URL obtained by decoding the QR code, receives the latest protocol text from the server unit 30, and displays the received protocol text on the display unit of the terminal device 20. The passenger confirms the protocol text displayed on the terminal device 20 and enters "agree" or "disagree" into the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0026] Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, even if the vehicle cannot communicate normally, the vehicle-mounted device 10 can obtain the passenger's valid consent to the latest protocol text.

[0027] (Vehicle-mounted device 10) such as Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle-mounted device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0028] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 11 controls the various parts of the vehicle-mounted device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0029] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device or an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10 and data obtained through the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0030] The communication unit 13 includes at least one wireless communication interface for external communication. This wireless communication interface may be, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as 5G (5th Generation) or 6G (6th Generation), an interface corresponding to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 13 receives data for the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10, and also transmits data obtained through the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0031] The input unit 14 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical button, a touchscreen, a sound sensor (microphone) that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 14 accepts input of data for the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0032] The output unit 15 includes at least one output interface, including a display unit. The display unit is any display that outputs images of information, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output interface may also include, for example, a speaker that outputs voice information. The output unit 15 outputs data obtained through the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0033] The vehicle-mounted device 10 can be implemented by a single computer or by the collaboration of multiple computers.

[0034] The functions of the vehicle-mounted device 10 are implemented by the processor, which corresponds to the control unit 11, executing the program of this embodiment. That is, the functions of the vehicle-mounted device 10 are implemented through software. The program enables the computer to function as the vehicle-mounted device 10 by causing the computer to perform actions of the vehicle-mounted device 10. In other words, the computer functions as the vehicle-mounted device 10 by executing actions of the vehicle-mounted device 10 according to the program. In this embodiment, the program can be pre-recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices, semiconductor memory, etc. The program can be distributed, for example, through the sale, transfer, or lending of portable recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) containing the program. Furthermore, the program can also be distributed by pre-storing the program in the storage of an external server and sending the program from the external server to other computers. Additionally, the program can also be provided as a program product. Some or all of the functions of the vehicle-mounted device 10 can also be implemented through a dedicated circuit, which corresponds to the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the vehicle-mounted device 10 can also be implemented through hardware.

[0035] (Example of action) Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. (See also...) Figure 2 The actions of System 1 described here can also be equivalent to one of the information processing methods of an information processing device. Figure 2 The actions of each step can also be performed based on the control of the control unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0036] S1: The control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle-mounted device 10 can communicate normally with the server device 30 through the communication unit 13. If the communication with the server device 30 can be carried out normally (yes in S1), the control unit 11 proceeds to S2; if the communication with the server device 30 cannot be carried out normally (no in S1), the control unit 11 proceeds to S3.

[0037] The control unit 11 may also determine whether it can communicate with the server device 30 through the communication unit 13 by any known method. For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether it can communicate with the server device 30 based on the reception strength of radio waves from the base station of the mobile communication network, the reception status of response confirmations to data packets sent to external devices such as the base station or the server device 30, etc.

[0038] S2: The control unit 11 receives the latest protocol text from the server device 30 and displays it on the display unit (output unit 15).

[0039] Specifically, the control unit 11 sends a signal to the server device 30 requesting the latest protocol text. When the protocol text is received from the server device 30 in response to the request, the control unit 11 displays the received protocol text on the display unit (output unit 15). The passenger can confirm the latest protocol text on the screen of the display unit (output unit 15). When the processing of S2 is completed, the control unit 11 terminates. Figure 2 The flowchart.

[0040] S3: The control unit 11 causes the display unit (output unit 15) to display a QR code for accessing the server device 30.

[0041] For example, control unit 11 can also cause display unit (output unit 15) to display a QR (Quick Response) code generated by encoding the URL of the server device that publishes the latest protocol text. The user can have the camera of terminal device 20 read the QR code, access the URL represented by the QR code, and confirm the latest protocol text on the screen of terminal device 20. When processing S3 is completed, control unit 11 ends. Figure 2 The flowchart.

[0042] When the passenger confirms the latest agreement text displayed on the in-vehicle device 10 or terminal device 20, the passenger enters whether they agree to the agreement text into the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 controls the processing of personal information based on the passenger's consent or disagreement.

[0043] As described above, the vehicle-mounted device 10 is a computer equipped with a communication unit 13 that displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit (output unit 15). The vehicle-mounted device 10 determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit 13 can be performed. If the vehicle-mounted device 10 determines that communication implemented by the communication unit 13 cannot be performed normally, it causes the display unit (output unit 15) to display a QR code for accessing the server device 30. The QR code may, for example, represent the URL of the server device 30 that publishes the latest protocol text. If the vehicle-mounted device 10 determines that communication implemented by the communication unit 13 can be performed normally, it receives the latest protocol text from the server device 30 and causes the display unit (output unit 15) to display the received protocol text.

[0044] Thus, the vehicle-mounted device 10 automatically determines the method of accessing the latest protocol text based on the communication status implemented by the communication unit 13 of the vehicle-mounted device 10. Therefore, according to the vehicle-mounted device 10, even if communication implemented by the communication unit 13 is not possible, the passenger can still access the server device 30 by reading a QR code from the terminal device 20 to confirm the latest protocol text. Therefore, even if the vehicle cannot communicate normally, the vehicle-mounted device 10 can still obtain the passenger's valid consent to the latest protocol text. Since the system 1 manages the latest protocol text in the server device 30, when updating the protocol, the update only needs to be performed on the server device 30 side, and the protocol update can be immediately reflected in the system 1.

[0045] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple functional blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or a single functional block may be divided. Regarding the multiple steps described in the flowchart, they may be executed in parallel or in different orders, depending on the processing capability of the device executing each step or as needed, instead of being executed sequentially as described. Furthermore, modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0046] The following examples illustrate a portion of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. [Note 1] An information processing apparatus displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a control unit that determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed, and if it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing a server device. [Note 2] According to the information processing apparatus of [Note 1], wherein the QR code represents a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the server device that publishes the latest protocol text. [Note 3] According to the information processing apparatus of [Note 1] or [Note 2], wherein if it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed normally, the control unit receives the latest protocol text from the server device and causes the display unit to display the received protocol text. [Appendix 4] An information processing method is an information processing method of an information processing device, wherein the information processing device displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit and a control unit, wherein the information processing method includes: the control unit determining whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed; and, if it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing a server device. [Appendix 5] A program that causes a computer to operate as an information processing device, wherein the information processing device displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit, wherein the information processing device includes a control unit, the control unit determining whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed, and, if it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing a server device.

Claims

1. An information processing device that displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit, wherein, The information processing device includes a control unit that determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed. If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing the server device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The QR code represents the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the server device that publishes the latest version of the specification text.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit can be carried out normally, the control unit receives the latest protocol text from the server device and causes the display unit to display the received protocol text.

4. An information processing method, which is an information processing device for an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus displays vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and includes a communication unit and a control unit, wherein... The information processing method includes: The control unit determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit can proceed; and If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be carried out normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing the server device.

5. A program product comprising a program that causes a computer to operate as an information processing device, the information processing device displaying vehicle-related protocol text on an in-vehicle display unit and having a communication unit, wherein... The information processing device includes a control unit that determines whether communication implemented by the communication unit can be performed. If it is determined that communication implemented by the communication unit cannot be performed normally, the control unit causes the display unit to display a QR code for accessing the server device.

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