control device

Abstract

A control device includes one or more processors and a storage medium that stores a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more commands that cause the one or more processors to execute: a process of acquiring a temperature of a terminal device present in a vehicle cabin and capable of communication; and a temperature management process of managing the temperature of the terminal device in a case where the acquired temperature is not within a predetermined range, the commands causing the one or more processors to execute at least one of: a charging control process that controls charging of the terminal device; an air conditioning control process that controls air conditioning of the vehicle; and a function control process that controls a function of the terminal device, as the temperature management process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technique for cooling a portable device by supplying air from an air conditioning unit to the portable device located in the portable device compartment of a vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-74401 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues Various functions exist that are achieved through collaboration between vehicles and terminal devices such as smartphones. For example, it is known that there are functions that enable terminal devices brought into the passenger compartment by passengers to collaborate with the vehicle, and to output navigation information and music obtained from the terminal devices from the vehicle's displays and speakers.

[0005] On the other hand, the terminal device has a temperature range within which it can operate stably. If the terminal device exceeds this temperature range and becomes too high or too low, fail-safe controls are executed within the terminal device to limit its operation. If fail-safe controls are executed within the terminal device during the cooperation between the vehicle and the terminal device, the functions achieved through cooperation with the terminal device may be suspended.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to properly manage the temperature of the terminal device present in the carriage.

[0007] Technical solution A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: one or more processors; and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more commands that cause the one or more processors to perform: a process for acquiring the temperature of a terminal device present in a vehicle compartment and capable of communication; and a temperature management process for managing the temperature of the terminal device when the acquired temperature is not within a predetermined range, wherein the commands cause the one or more processors to perform at least one of the following processes: a charging control process that controls the charging of the terminal device; an air conditioning control process that controls the air conditioning of the vehicle; and a function control process that controls the function of the terminal device.

[0008] Technical effect According to the present invention, since temperature management processing is performed when the temperature of the terminal device is not within a predetermined range, the temperature of the terminal device present in the carriage can be appropriately managed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the configuration related to the control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the location of the terminal device in the vehicle compartment according to the implementation method.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram related to the temperature of the terminal device in the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a process used to increase the temperature of a terminal device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a process used to reduce the temperature of a terminal device.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a process for monitoring the operation status of a terminal device.

[0015] Symbol Explanation 1 vehicle 2. Terminal device 10. Control device 10a Temperature Acquisition and Processing Unit 10b Temperature Management Processing Department Detailed Implementation

[0016] <Vehicle Composition> Figure 1 The vehicle 1 equipped with the control device 10 of this embodiment is shown.

[0017] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a control device 10, an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a sound output unit 13, a communication unit 14, a power supply unit 15, and an air conditioning unit 16.

[0018] It should be explained that Figure 1 Only a portion of the components of vehicle 1 are shown; it is self-evident that vehicle 1 possesses various components for driving and operating.

[0019] The control device 10 is composed of one or more processors. Specifically, it is composed of one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units) in the vehicle 1. The ECUs in the vehicle 1 can include various ECUs such as a driving control ECU, a charging control ECU for controlling the charging of the vehicle battery and / or external devices, an engine control ECU, a display control ECU for controlling the display of display devices (including instruments, etc.) provided in the vehicle 1, a driving support ECU, an autonomous driving ECU, and an air conditioning control ECU. The control device 10 can be incorporated into any ECU in these vehicles, or into an ECU dedicated to the functions of this embodiment.

[0020] The control device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, and input / output interfaces. The CPU executes various processes based on programs stored in the ROM and non-volatile memory. The RAM appropriately stores data required by the CPU to execute various processes.

[0021] Furthermore, the functions of the temperature acquisition processing unit 10a and the temperature management processing unit 10b can be implemented using the program started in the CPU.

[0022] The temperature acquisition and processing unit 10a acquires the temperature of a terminal device 2 located inside the carriage and capable of communication. The terminal device 2 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet-type information processing device. Details of the terminal device 2 will be described later.

[0023] If the acquired temperature is not within a predetermined range, the temperature management processing unit 10b performs temperature management processing to manage the temperature of the terminal device 2. As part of the temperature management processing, the temperature management processing unit 10b performs at least one of the following: charging control processing to control the charging of the terminal device 2, air conditioning control processing to control the air conditioning of the vehicle 1, and function control processing to control the functions of the terminal device 2. Details of each processing will be described later.

[0024] The operating unit 11 may include, for example, various buttons, levers, and other operating elements disposed in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1. Additionally, the operating unit 11 may include an MFD (Multi-Function Display) with touch panel functionality, a display unit for a navigation device, etc. Furthermore, the operating unit 11 may also include a voice input device such as a microphone that receives voice instructions from occupants.

[0025] Display unit 12 generally represents, for example, an MFD located in front of the driver, and other display devices used to provide information to the driver.

[0026] The display unit 12 displays information based on detection signals detected by various sensors present in the vehicle 1. For example, the display unit 12 appropriately displays various information such as the total driving distance of the vehicle, the outside temperature, and the instantaneous fuel consumption.

[0027] Furthermore, the display unit 12 displays information based on information received from external devices. For example, the display unit 12 can display map information, extracted route information, and other navigation information.

[0028] The sound output unit 13 comprehensively represents various sound output devices such as loudspeakers installed in the carriage. The sound output unit 13 performs various sound outputs according to the instructions of the control device 10 and external devices that can communicate.

[0029] The communication unit 14 conducts data communication and network communication with the terminal device 2 and other external devices via wireless or wired means. The communication unit 14 can communicate with external devices through short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication, registered trademark), infrared communication, wired connection communication, etc.

[0030] The power supply unit 15 includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or AC (Alternating Current) power supply installed in the vehicle compartment, and a charger mounted on the vehicle 1. It is collectively referred to as a device for supplying power to external devices such as the terminal device 2 using power supplied from the vehicle battery or the vehicle motor.

[0031] The air conditioning section 16 generally refers to air conditioning equipment such as compressors, expansion valves, and blowers used to regulate the air inside the passenger compartment of vehicle 1.

[0032] <Status of processing> The processing of the control device 10 described above in the embodiment will be explained.

[0033] The implementation process is carried out when vehicle 1 is able to communicate with terminal device 2 located inside the passenger compartment.

[0034] Terminal device 2 is, for example, a terminal device carried by an occupant, which is brought into the passenger compartment of vehicle 1 by the occupant and placed in a predetermined location. As described above, terminal device 2 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet-type information processing device, configured as an information processing device equipped with a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

[0035] Figure 2 The location of terminal device 2 inside the carriage of vehicle 1 is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 The vehicle 1 shown has an instrument panel 22 located in front of the driver's seat 20 and the front passenger seat 21, below the windshield. A display 23 constituting a display unit 12 is located above the center of the instrument panel 22 in the vehicle width direction. A USB port 24 is located below the display 23 of the instrument panel 22, and a tray 25 is located further below it.

[0037] The bottom surface of the tray 25 is configured as the mounting surface for the charger 26 that constitutes the power supply unit 15. The terminal device 2 is placed on the mounting surface of the charger 26 and is able to receive power from the charger 26 via wireless charging.

[0038] In addition, there are air vents 27 in various places inside the carriage that blow out cold and warm air supplied by the air conditioning unit 16, including air vents 27 not shown.

[0039] It should be noted that the location of the terminal device 2 within the carriage is not limited to the examples described above. The terminal device 2 can also be configured in a predetermined location within the carriage, such as a terminal device bracket, or at any location chosen by the passenger.

[0040] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates an example of wireless charging of terminal device 2 by charger 26, terminal device 2 can also receive power from USB port 24, for example, by connecting to USB port 24 via a wired cable. That is, terminal device 2 can also be wired charged.

[0041] Thus, the terminal device 2 located inside the carriage can communicate with the vehicle 1, server devices, and other external devices.

[0042] The terminal device 2 of the embodiment can communicate with the vehicle 1 via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. For example, the terminal device 2 can receive various information and control signals from the vehicle 1, such as the total driving distance of the vehicle 1, the outside temperature, and the instantaneous fuel consumption. In addition, the terminal device 2 can send terminal information such as the temperature of the terminal device 2 and the charging status, as well as information obtained by the terminal device 2 from external devices, to the vehicle 1. It should be noted that the terminal device 2 can also communicate with the vehicle 1 via wired communication via a wired cable instead of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or it can communicate with the vehicle 1 via wired communication via a wired cable in addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

[0043] Terminal device 2 can communicate with an external server device and obtain various information from the server device, such as navigation information, music information, and call information.

[0044] In addition, terminal device 2 can make voice calls via telephone lines (carrying telephone lines) or internet lines. Furthermore, terminal device 2 can also be configured to obtain its own location information using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0045] In the vehicle 1, which is capable of communicating with the terminal device 2, there are functions that are achieved through the cooperation between the vehicle 1 and the terminal device 2. For example, the display unit 12 and the sound output unit 13 of the vehicle 1 can output the image and sound signals acquired from the terminal device 2.

[0046] Specifically, sometimes the display unit 12 displays navigation information such as map information and extracted route information obtained from the terminal device 2, or the sound output unit 13 outputs sound signals such as music or voice calls obtained from the terminal device 2. In addition, there are also cases where the display control of instruments such as meters, which include various driving information, is implemented according to the instructions of the terminal device 2.

[0047] On the other hand, there exists a temperature range within which the terminal device 2 can operate stably (the so-called operating guarantee range). For example, the terminal device 2 may sometimes become high temperature due to being subjected to a high processing load during charging, or become low temperature due to being placed in a low temperature environment. However, the terminal device 2 is equipped with a fail-safe function. If the terminal device 2 exceeds the operating guarantee range and becomes high temperature or low temperature, fail-safe control is executed in the terminal device 2 to limit the operation of the terminal device 2.

[0048] If such fail-safe controls are implemented in the cooperation between terminal device 2 and vehicle 1, the functions achieved by the cooperation between terminal device 2 and vehicle 1 may be suspended. If the functions achieved by the cooperation between terminal device 2 and vehicle 1 are unexpectedly suspended, the convenience of the occupants in vehicle 1 may be compromised.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the terminal device 2 present in the carriage can be properly managed so that fail-safe control is not performed in the terminal device 2.

[0050] <Processing Example> In this embodiment, the temperature of the terminal device 2 (hereinafter referred to as terminal temperature TPt) is monitored and various temperature management processes are performed when the terminal temperature TPt is not within a predetermined range, so that fail-safe control is not performed in the terminal device 2.

[0051] Figure 3 The relationship between the terminal temperature TPt and fail-safe control is shown. Terminal device 2 is configured to perform fail-safe control when the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the high-temperature side fail-safe temperature TPf1, or when the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the low-temperature side fail-safe temperature TPf2. The range from the high-temperature side fail-safe temperature TPf1 to the low-temperature side fail-safe temperature TPf2 is the operational guarantee range of terminal device 2.

[0052] In the implementation, in order to keep the terminal temperature TPt within the guaranteed operation range, temperature management processing is performed to reduce the terminal temperature TPt when the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit of the predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the upper limit temperature TP1), and temperature management processing is performed to increase the terminal temperature TPt when the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit of the predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the lower limit temperature TP2).

[0053] The upper limit temperature TP1 is set to a temperature lower than the high-temperature side's fail-safe temperature TPf1. For example, when the high-temperature side's fail-safe temperature TPf1 is 45°C, the upper limit temperature TP1 is set to approximately 40°C. Conversely, the lower limit temperature TP2 is set to a temperature higher than the low-temperature side's fail-safe temperature TPf2. For example, when the low-temperature side's fail-safe temperature TPf2 is -20°C, the lower limit temperature TP2 is set to approximately -15°C.

[0054] The following is for reference Figures 4 to 6 The process flow of the control device 10 is explained.

[0055] Figure 4This is an example of monitoring the rise of the terminal temperature TPt and performing processing to lower the terminal temperature TPt when it exceeds the upper limit temperature TP1. The control device 10 performs this process periodically, for example, when it is able to communicate with the terminal device 2. Figure 4 The processing.

[0056] In step S101, the control device 10 determines whether it is in any of the first control stage, the second control stage, or the third control stage.

[0057] The first control stage, the second control stage, and the third control stage are the control stages for temperature management of the terminal device 2. Details of the first, second, and third control stages will be described later. It should be noted that when the terminal temperature TPt is... Figure 3 Within the predetermined range shown, since temperature management of terminal device 2 is not performed, it is not in any of the above control stages.

[0058] If it is determined in step S101 that the device is not in any control stage, the control device 10 proceeds to step S102.

[0059] If the system determines that it is in the first control stage in step S101, the control device 10 proceeds to step S106. If the system determines that it is in the second control stage in step S101, the control device 10 proceeds to step S109. If the system determines that it is in the third control stage in step S101, the control device 10 proceeds to step S112.

[0060] In step S102, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1. The control device 10 obtains the terminal temperature TPt information from the terminal device 2, for example, and makes the determination based on the obtained terminal temperature TPt information.

[0061] In step S102, if it is determined that the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 ends. Figure 4 The processing.

[0062] A terminal temperature TPt not exceeding the upper limit temperature TP1 means that the terminal temperature TPt has not reached a high temperature level requiring temperature management. In this case, fail-safe control on the high-temperature side is not performed in the terminal device 2, and therefore no subsequent processing for temperature management is required. That is, the control device 10 periodically executes steps S101 and S102 during the period when the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, and does not perform subsequent processing after step S103.

[0063] If it is determined in step S102 that the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 proceeds to step S103.

[0064] In step S103, the control device 10 notifies the occupant that the terminal temperature TPt is high and performs notification processing to request temperature management instructions to lower the terminal temperature TPt. For example, the control device 10 performs processing to display the notification message on a display in the vehicle 1 or output it from a speaker in the vehicle 1.

[0065] In step S104, the control device 10 determines whether a temperature management execution instruction has been received from the occupant within a predetermined time. The occupant may execute the temperature management execution instruction, for example, through operation of a display with a touch panel or through voice input via a microphone.

[0066] If it is determined that the temperature management instruction was not received from the occupant within the predetermined time, the control device 10 terminates. Figure 4 The processing.

[0067] If it is determined that the temperature management instruction was received from the occupant within a predetermined time, the control device 10 proceeds to step S105.

[0068] In step S105, the control device 10 performs charging control processing. As part of the charging control processing in step S105, the control device 10 controls the charging of the terminal device 2 to stop.

[0069] During the charging of terminal device 2, the terminal temperature TPt rises due to battery heat. By stopping the charging of terminal device 2 through charging control processing, the rise in terminal temperature TPt can be suppressed.

[0070] After executing step S105, the control device 10 proceeds to step S106 based on the stored state of being in the first control stage. The first control stage refers to the state in which charging of the terminal device 2 is stopped by executing charging control processing as a temperature management process to reduce the terminal temperature TPt.

[0071] In step S106, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1.

[0072] If it is determined in step S106 that the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 proceeds to step S107.

[0073] In step S107, the control device 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the charging control process. That is, it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the charging of the terminal device 2 stopped.

[0074] If, in step S107, it is determined that no predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the charging control process, the control device 10 terminates while remaining in the first control phase. Figure 4 The processing involves maintaining the charging stopped state of terminal device 2 and then ending the process. Figure 4 The processing.

[0075] And so, it ended. Figure 4 The processing control device 10 will begin next. Figure 4 During the processing, if it is determined in step S101 that it is in the first control stage, then proceed to step S106. That is, the control device 10 periodically repeats the processes of steps S101, 106, and 107 from the execution of the charging control process until a predetermined time has elapsed, and monitors whether the terminal temperature TPt decreases in the first control stage.

[0076] If, in step S106, the control device 10 determines that the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, then the control device 10 proceeds to step S113. That is, if the terminal temperature TPt becomes lower than the upper limit temperature TP1 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the charging of the terminal device 2 was stopped, the control device 10 proceeds to step S113.

[0077] In step S113, the control device 10 performs a recovery process. The recovery process is a process that restores the various functions controlled in the temperature management process to the state before the temperature management process was performed, and different controls are performed according to the control stage of the control device 10.

[0078] The control device 10, which proceeds from step S106 to step S113 (i.e., the control device 10 in the first control stage), performs a recovery process by controlling the charging of the terminal device 2 to begin. In addition, the control device 10 stores the information indicating that the first control stage has ended.

[0079] The control device 10, having completed step S113, has ended its processing. Figure 4 The processing.

[0080] On the other hand, if the control device 10 in the first control stage determines in step S107 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the charging control process, the control device 10 proceeds to step S108. That is, if the terminal temperature TPt does not drop below the upper limit temperature TP1 even if the charging of the terminal device 2 is stopped for a predetermined time, the control device 10 executes the processing after step S108.

[0081] In step S108, the control device 10 performs air conditioning control processing. In this case, as part of the air conditioning control processing, the control device 10 controls the supply of cold air. By using the cold air to cool the terminal device 2, the terminal temperature TPt can be reduced.

[0082] As a control for supplying cold air, the control device 10 controls, for example, the supply of cold air to the terminal device 2. Figure 2 As shown, when the terminal device 2 is placed in a predetermined location within the passenger compartment, cool air is supplied to the terminal device 2, for example, by blowing cool air from a specific vent located within the passenger compartment or by adjusting the airflow direction. If the terminal device 2 is not located in a predetermined location within the passenger compartment, cool air can be supplied to the terminal device 2 based on instructions from the DMS (Driver Monitoring System) or the occupants, once the location of the terminal device 2 within the passenger compartment has been determined. Furthermore, if the location of the terminal device 2 cannot be determined, or if air cannot be supplied to the terminal device 2, cool air can be supplied to the passenger compartment without specifying the direction of airflow.

[0083] After executing step S108, the control device 10, having stored the cases of transitioning from the first control stage to the second control stage, proceeds to step S109. The second control stage refers to a state in which charging of the terminal device 2 is stopped and cold air is supplied by executing charging control processing and air conditioning control processing as temperature management processing to reduce the terminal temperature TPt.

[0084] In step S109, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1.

[0085] If it is determined in step S109 that the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 proceeds to step S110.

[0086] In step S110, the control device 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the air conditioning control process.

[0087] If, in step S110, it is determined that no predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the air conditioning control process, the control device 10 terminates while remaining in the second control phase. Figure 4 The processing involves maintaining the state where charging of terminal device 2 is stopped and cold air is supplied, and then ending the process. Figure 4 The processing.

[0088] And so, it ended. Figure 4 The processing control device 10 will begin next. Figure 4During the processing, in step S101, it is determined that the system is in the second control stage and proceeds to step S109. That is, the control device 10 periodically repeats the processes of steps S101, 109, and 110 from the time the air conditioning control process is executed until a predetermined time has elapsed, and monitors whether the terminal temperature TPt decreases during the second control stage.

[0089] If, in step S109, the control device 10 determines that the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, then the control device 10 proceeds to step S113 and performs a recovery process. That is, if the terminal temperature TPt decreases to below the upper limit temperature TP1 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of cold air supply, the recovery process is performed.

[0090] The control device 10, which proceeds from step S109 to step S113 (i.e., the second control stage), performs recovery processing by controlling the start of charging of the terminal device 2 and stopping the supply of cold air. In addition, the control device 10 stores the information indicating that the second control stage has ended.

[0091] The control device 10, having completed step S113, has ended its processing. Figure 4 The processing.

[0092] On the other hand, if the control device 10 in the second control stage determines in step S110 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the air conditioning control process, the control device 10 proceeds to step S111. That is, if the terminal temperature TPt does not drop below the upper limit temperature TP1 even if cold air is supplied for the predetermined time, the control device 10 executes the processing after step S111.

[0093] In step S111, the control device 10 performs function control processing. As part of the function control processing in step S111, the control device 10 controls the predetermined function of stopping the terminal device 2.

[0094] If the CPU of terminal device 2 has a high processing load, the terminal temperature TPt will rise due to the increase in CPU temperature. By stopping the predetermined function of terminal device 2 through function control processing, the processing load of the CPU of terminal device 2 can be reduced and the rise in terminal temperature TPt can be suppressed.

[0095] As part of the control to stop the predetermined function in step S111, the control device 10 begins to control the control of stopping the function of the terminal device 2 in stages. For example, the control device 10 controls the control of stopping the function of the terminal device 2 according to the communication means unit at regular intervals. Specifically, firstly, the function of using Bluetooth (Bluetooth: registered trademark) communication (e.g., music playback function, call function) is stopped; after a certain period of time, the function of using Wi-Fi communication (e.g., navigation function) is stopped; and after a further certain period of time, the function of using wired connection is stopped when a wired connection is established.

[0096] After the control device 10 starts in step S111, it proceeds to step S112 based on the stored information about the transition from the second control stage to the third control stage. The third control stage refers to a state in which charging control processing, air conditioning control processing, and function control processing are executed as temperature management processes to reduce the terminal temperature TPt, thereby stopping the charging of the terminal device 2, supplying cold air, and stopping the predetermined functions of the terminal device 2.

[0097] In step S112, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1.

[0098] If, in step S112, the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 terminates while remaining in the third control stage. Figure 4 The processing involves maintaining the terminal device 2 in a state where charging is stopped, cooling air supply is interrupted, and predetermined functions of the terminal device 2 are stopped, thus ending the process. Figure 4 The processing.

[0099] And so, it ended. Figure 4 The processing control device 10 will begin next. Figure 4 During the processing, in step S101, it is determined that the device is in the third control stage, and then proceeds to step S112. That is, the control device 10 in the third control stage periodically repeats the processing of steps S101 and S112 to monitor whether the terminal temperature TPt decreases in the third control stage.

[0100] It should be noted that during this period, as a function control process, the control device 10 adds a stop function at regular intervals as described above.

[0101] If, in step S112, it is determined that the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 proceeds to step S113. That is, if, in the third control stage, the terminal temperature TPt drops below the upper limit temperature TP1, the control device 10 proceeds to step S113 and performs a recovery process.

[0102] The control device 10, which proceeds from step S110 to step S113 (i.e., the third control stage), performs recovery processing by controlling the start of charging of the terminal device 2, stopping the supply of cold air, and restarting predetermined functions that have been stopped in the terminal device 2. In addition, the control device 10 stores the information indicating that the third control stage has ended.

[0103] The control device 10, having completed step S113, has ended its processing. Figure 4 The processing.

[0104] Through the above Figure 4 In the case of a terminal temperature TPt exceeding the upper limit temperature TP1, temperature management processes are executed in stages to reduce the terminal temperature TPt.

[0105] It should be noted that even if... Figure 4 In such cases, the terminal temperature TPt may not decrease, and fail-safe control may be implemented in terminal device 2. For example, if the terminal temperature TPt does not decrease in the third control phase, or if the processing load of terminal device 2 increases in the first or second control phases, the terminal temperature TPt is considered to have reached the fail-safe temperature TPf1 on the high-temperature side. Thus, if fail-safe control is implemented in terminal device 2 in any of the first, second, or third control phases, control device 10 continues to be in the ongoing control phase while waiting for the process described later. Figure 6 The fail-safe control ends during the processing. Alternatively, when the control device 10 is in the first control stage or the second control stage, the control device 10 may advance the control stage every predetermined time until the third control stage, while waiting for the fail-safe control to end.

[0106] exist Figure 4 In the example, an example of temperature management processing after step S103 is explained when the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be higher than the upper limit temperature TP1 (step S102). Figure 3 As shown, since the upper limit temperature TP1 is set lower than the fault-safe temperature TPf1 on the high-temperature side, the process for reducing the terminal temperature TPt can be performed before the fault-safe control is performed in the terminal device 2.

[0107] In addition, Figure 4In the example, a recovery process is performed after one or more processes are performed as temperature management processes, and it is determined that the terminal temperature TPt is not higher than the upper limit temperature TP1 (steps S106, S109, S112). However, in these cases, a temperature lower than the upper limit temperature TP1 can be used for comparison with the terminal temperature TPt instead of the upper limit temperature TP1. Therefore, it is less likely that the terminal temperature TPt will immediately exceed the upper limit temperature TP1 after the recovery process is performed, and frequent execution of temperature management processes can be avoided.

[0108] In addition, Figure 4 In this example, we will explain an instance where, in step S102, the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, and a notification process is performed in step S103. By performing the notification process, the occupants can be made aware that the terminal temperature TPt is high, and they can be prompted to take actions to lower the terminal temperature TPt.

[0109] On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines in step S102 that the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, it may skip the processing in step S104 after the notification processing in step S103 and proceed to the processing in step S105 and beyond. In this case, temperature management of the terminal device 2 can be performed without requiring the passenger's effort. Furthermore, even when the passenger is not in the carriage, temperature management of the terminal device 2, for example, left in the carriage, can be performed.

[0110] then, Figure 5 This is an example of monitoring the decrease in terminal temperature TPt and performing processing to increase terminal temperature TPt when TPt falls below a lower limit temperature TP2. Control device 10 performs this process periodically, for example, when it is able to communicate with terminal device 2. Figure 5 The processing.

[0111] In step S201, the control device 10 determines whether it is in the fourth control stage. The fourth control stage is the stage for controlling the temperature of the terminal device 2. Details of the fourth control stage will be described later. It should be noted that when the terminal temperature TPt is at... Figure 3 If the temperature management of terminal device 2 is not performed within the predetermined range, it is not in the fourth control stage.

[0112] If it is determined in step S201 that the system is in the fourth control stage, the control device 10 proceeds to step S206, which will be described later.

[0113] If it is determined in step S201 that the system is not in the fourth control stage, the control device 10 proceeds to step S202.

[0114] In step S202, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2. The control device 10 obtains the terminal temperature TPt information from the terminal device 2, for example, and makes the determination based on the obtained terminal temperature TPt information.

[0115] If, in step S202, the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be not lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, the control device 10 terminates. Figure 5 The processing.

[0116] A terminal temperature TPt not lower than the upper limit temperature TP1 means that the terminal temperature TPt has not reached a low temperature level requiring temperature management. In this case, fail-safe control on the low-temperature side is not performed in the terminal device 2, and therefore no subsequent processing for temperature management is required. That is, the control device 10 periodically executes the processing steps S201 and 202 during the period when the terminal temperature TPt is not lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, and does not perform the subsequent processing steps S203 and beyond.

[0117] If it is determined in step S202 that the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, the control device 10 proceeds to step S203.

[0118] In step S203, the control device 10 notifies the occupant that the terminal temperature TPt is low and executes a notification process to request temperature management instructions to raise the temperature of the terminal device 2. For example, the control device 10 performs the process of displaying the notification message on the display of the vehicle 1 or outputting it from the speaker of the vehicle 1.

[0119] In step S204, the control device 10 determines whether a temperature management execution instruction has been received from the occupant within a predetermined time. The occupant may execute the temperature management execution instruction, for example, through operation of a display with a touch panel or through voice input via a microphone.

[0120] If it is determined that the temperature management instruction was not received from the occupant within the predetermined time, the control device 10 terminates. Figure 5 The processing.

[0121] If it is determined that the temperature management instruction was received from the occupant within a predetermined time, the control device 10 proceeds to step S205.

[0122] In step S205, the control device 10 performs air conditioning control processing. In this case, as part of the air conditioning control processing, the control device 10 controls the supply of warm air. By heating the terminal device 2 with warm air, the terminal temperature TPt is increased.

[0123] As a control for supplying warm air, the control device 10 controls, for example, the supply of warm air to the terminal device 2. Figure 2 As shown, when terminal device 2 is located in a predetermined position within the carriage, warm air is supplied to terminal device 2, for example, by blowing warm air from an outlet located at a specific position within the carriage or by adjusting the airflow direction. When terminal device 2 is not located in a predetermined position within the carriage, warm air can also be supplied to terminal device 2 based on instructions from the DMS or passengers, after determining the location of terminal device 2 within the carriage. Furthermore, for example, if the location of terminal device 2 cannot be determined, or if air cannot be supplied to terminal device 2, warm air can be supplied to the carriage without specifying the direction of airflow.

[0124] After executing step S205, the control device 10, having stored the state of being in the fourth control stage, proceeds to step S206. The fourth control stage refers to the state of executing air conditioning control processing as a temperature management process to increase the terminal temperature TPt and supplying warm air.

[0125] In step S206, the control device 10 determines whether the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2.

[0126] If, in step S206, the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, the control device 10 terminates while remaining in the fourth control stage. Figure 5 The solution involves maintaining the supply of warm air and then stopping... Figure 5 The processing.

[0127] And so, it ended. Figure 5 The processing control device 10 will begin next. Figure 5 During the processing, in step S201, it is determined that the system is in the fourth control stage, and then proceeds to step S206. That is, the control device 10 in the fourth control stage periodically repeats the processing of steps S201 and S206 to monitor whether the terminal temperature TPt increases in the fourth control stage.

[0128] If, in step S206, it is determined that the terminal temperature TPt is not lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, the control device 10 proceeds to step S207 and performs a recovery process. That is, if the terminal temperature TPt increases to above the lower limit temperature TP2 during the fourth control stage, a recovery process is performed.

[0129] The control device 10, which proceeds from step S206 to step S207 (i.e., the fourth control stage), stops the supply of warm air as a recovery process for step S207. In addition, the control device 10 stores the information indicating that the fourth control stage has ended.

[0130] The control device 10, having completed step S207, has ended its processing. Figure 5 The processing.

[0131] Through the above Figure 5 In the case where the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, temperature management processing is performed to increase the terminal temperature TPt.

[0132] It should be noted that even if... Figure 5 In this case, the terminal temperature TPt may not increase, and fail-safe control may be performed in terminal device 2. During the fourth control phase, while performing fail-safe control in terminal device 2, control device 10 continues to be in the ongoing fourth control phase, while simultaneously... (The rest of the text is missing). Figure 6 The process is in progress, awaiting the end of fault-safe control.

[0133] In addition, Figure 5 In the example, an example of temperature management processing after step S203 is explained when the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be lower than the lower limit temperature TP2 (step S202). Figure 3 As shown, since the lower limit temperature TP2 is set lower than the fail-safe temperature TPf2 on the low-temperature side, a process to increase the terminal temperature TPt can be performed before fail-safe control is executed in the terminal device 2.

[0134] In addition, Figure 5 In the example described, a recovery process is executed when the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be higher than the lower limit temperature TP2 after temperature management processing (step S206). However, in this case, a temperature higher than the lower limit temperature TP2 can be used for comparison with the terminal temperature TPt instead of the lower limit temperature TP2. Therefore, it is less likely that the terminal temperature TPt will immediately fall below the lower limit temperature TP2 after the recovery process is executed, and frequent execution of temperature management processing can be avoided.

[0135] In addition, Figure 5 In this example, an example of notifying passengers in step S203 when the terminal temperature TPt is determined to be lower than the lower limit temperature TP2 in step S202 will be described. Thus, by notifying passengers, the occupants can be made aware that the terminal temperature TPt is high, and can be prompted to take actions to increase the terminal temperature TPt.

[0136] On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines in step S202 that the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, it may skip the processing in step S204 after the notification processing in step S203 and proceed to the processing after step S205. In this case, temperature management of the terminal device 2 can be performed without requiring the passenger's effort. Furthermore, even when the passenger is not in the carriage, temperature management of the terminal device 2, for example, left in the carriage, can be performed.

[0137] then, Figure 6 This illustrates an example of processing by the control device 10 to monitor the operation of the terminal device 2. The control device 10 performs this process, for example, periodically, when cooperating with the terminal device 2 and the vehicle 1. Figure 6 The processing.

[0138] In step S301, the control device 10 determines whether to perform fail-safe control in the terminal device 2. For example, if the control device 10 receives fail-safe control execution information from the terminal device 2 or cannot obtain temperature information from the terminal device 2, it determines that fail-safe control should be performed in the terminal device 2.

[0139] If it is determined in step S301 that fail-safe control has not been performed in terminal device 2, then control device 10 terminates. Figure 6 The processing.

[0140] If it is determined in step S301 that the fault safety control of terminal device 2 has been executed, control device 10 proceeds to step S302.

[0141] At this time, the control device 10 passes through the above Figure 4 or Figure 5 If the control device 10 is in any of the first, second, third, or fourth control stages due to processing, it continues to be in the execution control stage. It should be noted that, as described above, when the control device 10... Figure 4 If the system is in the first or second control phase due to the faulty operation, the control device 10 can advance the control phase to the third control phase every predetermined time while waiting for the failsafe control to end.

[0142] Therefore, even if fail-safe control is performed in terminal device 2, the temperature management control phase of terminal device 2 continues, thus facilitating the termination of fail-safe control in terminal device 2.

[0143] In step S302, the control device 10 determines whether the fault safety control of the terminal device 2 has ended. In the terminal device 2, fault safety control ends, for example, when the terminal temperature TPt returns to the guaranteed operation range. For example, if the control device 10 receives fault safety control termination information from the terminal device 2 and then resumes acquiring temperature information from the terminal device 2, it determines that the fault safety control of the terminal device 2 has ended.

[0144] If the fault safety control of terminal device 2 is determined to be terminated in step S302, control device 10 proceeds to step S303.

[0145] In step S303, the control device 10 performs a recovery process. As part of the recovery process in step S303, the control device 10 performs the necessary controls to restore the various functions restricted according to the control phase of the control device 10, and stores the condition that the control phase has ended.

[0146] The control device 10, having completed step S303, has ended its processing. Figure 6 The processing.

[0147] Through the above Figure 6 The processing can monitor the operational status of terminal device 2, and terminate the process when the fail-safe control of terminal device 2 ends. Figure 4 or Figure 5 It controls various functions performed during the processing and restores the system to the state before the temperature management process was executed.

[0148] The following effects can be obtained from the above implementation methods.

[0149] The control device 10 of the embodiment performs the process of acquiring the temperature (terminal temperature TPt) of the terminal device 2 that exists in the carriage and is capable of communication, and handles situations where the acquired temperature (terminal temperature TPt) is not within a predetermined range. Figure 3 Temperature management processing is performed to manage the temperature of the terminal device 2 within the range shown (from the upper limit temperature TP1 to the lower limit temperature TP2). As part of the temperature management processing, the control device 10 executes at least one of the following: charging control processing to control the charging of the terminal device 2; air conditioning control processing to control the air conditioning of the vehicle 1; and function control processing to control the functions of the terminal device 2 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0150] Therefore, since temperature management processing is performed when the temperature of terminal device 2 (terminal temperature TPt) is not within a predetermined range, the temperature of terminal device 2 can be appropriately managed. (Refer to...) Figures 3 to 6 As explained, by implementing temperature management, the temperature of terminal device 2 can be easily maintained within the guaranteed operating range. Therefore, fail-safe control is difficult to implement in terminal device 2, and the functions achieved through the cooperation of vehicle 1 and terminal device 2 can be reliably provided. Thus, occupant convenience can be ensured.

[0151] Furthermore, the following examples are given in the implementation. As a temperature management process, the control device 10 performs at least one of the following processes: when the acquired temperature (terminal temperature TPt) is higher than the upper limit of a predetermined range (upper limit temperature TP1), it performs a process to stop charging the terminal device 2 as a charging control process; it performs a process to control the supply of cold air as an air conditioning control process; and it performs a process to stop a predetermined function of the terminal device 2 as a function control process (see [reference]). Figure 4 ).

[0152] Therefore, when the terminal temperature TPt is higher than the upper limit temperature TP1, various processes are performed to reduce the terminal temperature TPt as temperature management processes.

[0153] It should be noted that, in the embodiments, as a charging control process, an example is given of controlling the charging of the terminal device 2 to stop, but other controls that can suppress the heating of the battery of the terminal device 2, such as controlling the charging current to the terminal device 2, may also be performed.

[0154] Furthermore, in the implementation, the following example is given: as a temperature management process, the control device 10 sequentially executes charging control processing, air conditioning control processing, and function control processing (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0155] Therefore, it is possible to perform the process of reducing the terminal temperature TPt in stages. By performing the process in stages, the terminal temperature TPt can be managed in a way that minimizes the impact on the resources of vehicle 1 and the convenience of the occupants. For example, in the above sequence, since the function control process does not proceed to the final stage, the functions achieved by the cooperation between vehicle 1 and terminal device 2 can be provided for as long as possible, even when the terminal temperature TPt is high.

[0156] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an example of performing the processes for reducing the terminal temperature TPt in the above order is described, but only a portion of these processes may be performed, or a portion or all of these processes may be performed in a different order.

[0157] Furthermore, in the embodiments, as a function control process, an example is given where the control device 10 performs control to temporarily stop the function of the terminal device 2 (see [reference]). Figure 4 ).

[0158] Therefore, compared to the situation where all functions of terminal device 2 are simultaneously stopped, the terminal temperature TPt can be reduced in a way that does not compromise the convenience of the occupants.

[0159] It should be noted that in this embodiment, an example of stopping the function of the terminal device 2 at regular intervals according to the communication means unit is described. However, the control device 10 may also use other methods, such as stopping the function of the terminal device 2 in stages according to the order corresponding to the nature of the function and the size of the processing load.

[0160] For example, control device 10 can stop the call function and music playback function before stopping the navigation function, thereby sequentially stopping the functions of terminal device 2 starting with those unrelated to driving operation. This allows for the continued provision of driving-related functions as much as possible and facilitates the reduction of the terminal device 2's functionality.

[0161] Furthermore, in the implementation, the following example is given: as a temperature management process, the control device 10 performs a process of controlling the supply of warm air when the acquired temperature (terminal temperature TPt) is lower than the lower limit of a predetermined range (lower limit temperature TP2), which is an example of an air conditioning control process (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0162] Therefore, when the terminal temperature TPt is lower than the lower limit temperature TP2, a temperature management process is performed to increase the terminal temperature TPt.

[0163] It should be noted that, in the embodiment, the example described is the air conditioning control process, which is used to improve the temperature management process of the terminal TPt. However, if the terminal device 2 can be charged, the charging control process can be performed in addition to the air conditioning control process, or the charging control process can be performed instead of the air conditioning control process.

[0164] In the implementation, the control device 10 performs a process to reduce the terminal temperature TPt. Figure 4 ) and processing for increasing terminal temperature TPt ( Figure 5 The example is given, but the control device 10 can also be configured to perform only one type of processing.

Claims

1. A control device, characterized in that, have: One or more processors; and A storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors. The program includes one or more commands. The command causes the one or more processors to execute: Processing to acquire the temperature of a terminal device that exists inside the carriage and is capable of communication; as well as Temperature management processing for managing the temperature of the terminal device when the acquired temperature is not within a predetermined range. As part of the temperature management process, the command causes the one or more processors to perform at least one of the following processes: The charging control process controls the charging of the terminal device. Air conditioning control processing, which controls the vehicle's air conditioning; and Function control processing controls the functions of the terminal device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, As part of the temperature management process, if the acquired temperature is higher than the upper limit of the predetermined range, the command causes the one or more processors to perform at least one of the following processes: The charging control process is a process that controls the charging of the terminal device to stop. The air conditioning control process described above is a process for controlling the supply of cold air; as well as The function control process is a process that controls the cessation of a predetermined function of the terminal device.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, As part of the temperature management process, the command causes the one or more processors to sequentially execute the charging control process, the air conditioning control process, and the function control process.

4. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, As part of the function control process, the command causes the one or more processors to execute a process that controls the phased cessation of the functions of the terminal device.

5. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, As part of the function control process, the command causes the one or more processors to perform a process that sequentially stops the functions of the terminal device, starting with functions unrelated to driving operation.

6. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, As part of the temperature management process, if the acquired temperature is lower than the lower limit of the predetermined range, the command causes one or more processors to execute a process for controlling the supply of warm air as part of the air conditioning control process.

Images