In-vehicle show system

Abstract

Provided is a technology capable of avoiding providing a service to a user in a vehicle interior in a situation in which exhaust gas easily enters the vehicle interior. An in-vehicle performance system includes a performance device that controls a plurality of in-vehicle devices to provide a performance in an interior of a vehicle, a detection unit that detects an environment around the vehicle, and a control unit that determines whether the vehicle is present in a closed space based on a result of detection by the detection unit, and stops the performance in accordance with a determination that the vehicle is present in the closed space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an in-vehicle performance system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing services to users inside a vehicle. This system integrates in-vehicle equipment such as armrests, seat cushions, headrests, lighting, and displays to provide services aimed at reducing user fatigue. The system estimates the user's fatigue level based on biometric information acquired by sensors. When the user's fatigue level is high, the system controls the in-vehicle equipment to provide services with a greater relaxation effect. Furthermore, the system integrates in-vehicle equipment to provide entertainment services such as movies and music, health diagnostic services, and anti-drowsiness services.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-162453 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, service is sometimes provided while the vehicle is parked with the engine running, thus requiring consideration of preventing exhaust gases from entering the vehicle interior. This invention provides a technique for providing service to vehicle occupants in situations where exhaust gases could easily enter the vehicle interior.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to an in-vehicle performance system comprising: a performance device that controls multiple in-vehicle devices to provide performances inside a vehicle; a detection unit that detects the environment around the vehicle; and a control unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a confined space based on the detection results of the detection unit, and stops the performance if the vehicle is determined to be in a confined space.

[0006] Invention Effects

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide services to users inside the vehicle in situations where exhaust fumes can easily enter the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a vehicle included in an in-vehicle performance system according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an in-vehicle performance method.

[0010] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0011] 1-In-vehicle performance system, 2-Vehicle, 3-Multiple vehicle-mounted devices, 4-Notification device, 11-Performance device, 12-Detection unit, 13-Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [Vehicle Structure]

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a vehicle included in an in-vehicle performance system according to one embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the in-vehicle performance system 1 is installed in vehicle 2. The in-vehicle performance system 1 provides performances to the occupants inside vehicle 2. The performance refers to providing occupants with multi-sensory information such as lighting, sound, seat vibration or backrest tilt, temperature control in the air conditioning, or fragrance diffusion provided in the vehicle interior. The in-vehicle performance system 1 includes a performance device 11, a detection unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0015] The performance device 11 connects to multiple in-vehicle devices 3 and controls these devices to provide occupants with a relaxing or immersive performance inside the vehicle 2. The multiple in-vehicle devices 3 are, for example, combinations selected from seats (including massage functions or seat air conditioning), speakers, interior lighting, air conditioning, navigation devices (for video or sound playback), sun visors, dimmable glass, and fragrances. When an occupant instructs to start the in-vehicle performance or sets it to start automatically, the performance device 11 causes the multiple in-vehicle devices 3 to work together to begin the performance.

[0016] The performance device 11 can provide calming lighting colors or periodically changing music when the occupant wishes to relax, and can also reduce the massage function of the seat as needed, thereby keeping the occupant in a relaxed state. When the occupant needs to stay awake, the performance device 11 can increase the color temperature of the lighting and play fast-paced music from the speakers, thereby prompting attention. In addition, the performance device 11 can maintain a suitable temperature by controlling the seat's air conditioning, thereby keeping the occupant comfortable. Furthermore, the performance device 11 can provide comfortable or highly entertaining performances by combining image projection or fragrance control.

[0017] The detection unit 12 has the function of detecting the environment around the vehicle 2. The detection unit 12 includes, for example, a sensor for detecting objects. An example of such a sensor is sonar, which detects objects using sound waves. In the case of sonar, the detection unit 12 includes gap sonar for detecting objects in front of the vehicle 2 and reversing sonar for detecting objects behind the vehicle 2. The detection unit 12 can also be an image sensor that captures images of the area around the vehicle 2. The detection unit 12 sends the detection results to the control unit 13.

[0018] The control unit 13 may be configured as an electronic control unit (ECU). An ECU is an electronic control unit that includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), communication circuits such as a controller area network (CAN), and input / output circuits. The control unit 13 may be composed of multiple ECUs.

[0019] The control unit 13 is connected to the performance device 11 and the detection unit 12. The control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle 2 exists in a confined space based on the detection results of the detection unit 12. A confined space refers to a location where an object exists in a manner that surrounds the vehicle 2. An example of a confined space is a garage. A confined space can be a location where the exhaust from the muffler is blocked. A confined space can be, for example, a situation where the muffler of the vehicle 2 is buried and surrounded by snow. When the detection unit 12 is a sonar, the control unit 13 determines that the vehicle 2 exists in a confined space when an object in front of the vehicle 2 is detected by the gap sonar and an object behind the vehicle 2 is detected by the reversing sonar. The control unit 13 can determine that the vehicle 2 exists in a confined space based on the recognition results of an image acquired by an image sensor.

[0020] If the control unit 13 determines that the vehicle 2 is in a confined space, it stops the performance from the entertainment device 11. The control unit 13 can abort the start of the performance. This avoids providing the performance in a situation where exhaust fumes can easily enter the vehicle. The control unit 13 can stop the performance after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the performance. This reduces discomfort to the occupants and provides them with time to understand the situation and take countermeasures. If the performance is surrounded by snow after it has started, the control unit 13 can stop the performance. This allows the system to handle situations where the occupants are surrounded by snow without their knowledge.

[0021] The control unit 13 can be connected to the notification device 4. The notification device 4 includes instruments, displays, speakers, seats, etc., used to notify occupants inside the vehicle. When it is determined that the vehicle 2 is in a confined space, the control unit 13 causes the notification device 4 to notify the occupants of the vehicle 2 that the performance has stopped. As a specific example, the control unit 13 displays a message indicating that the performance has stopped on the instrument panel or display. The control unit 13 can output an audio signal indicating that the performance has stopped to the speakers. The control unit 13 can cause the seats to vibrate or the backrests to tilt. The control unit 13 can notify occupants of the performance stoppage before the performance is actually stopped. This reduces discomfort to occupants. The control unit 13 can gradually stop the performance while simultaneously notifying them of the stoppage. Therefore, the control unit 13 can achieve efficiency by performing notification and stoppage processing in parallel.

[0022] The control unit 13 can continue the performance if the performance based on the performance device 11 does not require engine startup, and can stop the performance if the performance based on the performance device requires engine startup. The performance based on the performance device 11 is implemented by multiple vehicle-mounted devices 3. There are situations where the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 3 require engine startup and situations where engine startup is not required. For example, there may be a situation where engine startup is not required if the battery is fully charged. Furthermore, there may be multiple vehicle-mounted devices 3 that can be started by battery alone. To determine whether the performance to be provided requires engine startup, the control unit 13 queries the performance device 11 for the performance content. Based on the offered performance, the performance device 11 selects the required vehicle-mounted device from the multiple vehicle-mounted devices 3 and responds to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 determines whether engine startup is required based on the power used by the selected vehicle-mounted device and the battery charge level. Therefore, even when the vehicle 2 is in a confined space, as long as there is no exhaust, the control unit 13 can continue to provide the performance.

[0023] [The in-vehicle entertainment system's actions]

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an in-vehicle performance method. Figure 2 The flowchart shown begins when vehicle 2 stops and the occupants activate the in-vehicle performance system 1.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, firstly, the detection unit 12 detects the environment around the vehicle 2 as step S10. For example, objects around the vehicle 2 are detected by gap sonar and reversing sonar.

[0026] Next, as step S12, the control unit 13 determines whether the area around the vehicle 2 is an enclosed space. The control unit 13 determines whether the area around the vehicle 2 is an enclosed space based on the detection results obtained in step S10. For example, when the control unit 13 detects an object in front of the vehicle 2 by the gap sonar and an object behind the vehicle 2 by the reversing sonar, it determines that the area around the vehicle 2 is an enclosed space.

[0027] If it is determined that the area around vehicle 2 is an enclosed space (step S12: Yes), control unit 13 stops the performance based on performance device 11 as step S14. The timing of the stop is arbitrary. Control unit 13 prevents the performance from starting before performance device 11 begins. Furthermore, before performance device 11 begins, control unit 13 may allow the performance to continue for a predetermined period, such as the first 3 minutes after it begins, and then stop. Alternatively, if performance device 11 has already started, control unit 13 may immediately stop the performance. Furthermore, control unit 13 may notify the occupants of the performance stoppage before stopping, or it may notify the occupants of the performance stoppage while gradually stopping.

[0028] If it is determined that the area around vehicle 2 is not a confined space (step S12: No) or if step S14 ends, Figure 2 The flowchart shown ends here. Control unit 13 initially begins execution. Figure 2 The flowchart shown continues until the flowchart termination condition is met. For example, the flowchart termination condition can be met when an invalid instruction is received from the in-vehicle performance system 1.

[0029] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0030] According to the in-vehicle performance system 1, when the vehicle 2 is in a confined space, the detection unit 12 detects the environment around the vehicle 2, determines whether the vehicle 2 is in a confined space based on the detection results of the detection unit 12, and stops the performance if it is determined that the vehicle 2 is in a confined space. Therefore, performances are avoided in vehicles parked in confined spaces. Thus, the in-vehicle performance system 1 can avoid providing services to users inside the vehicle in situations where exhaust fumes can easily enter.

[0031] The above describes exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Various omissions, substitutions, combinations and changes can be made.

[0032] For example, the performance device 11 can provide performances other than those mentioned above. Even in this case, the in-vehicle performance system 1 can avoid providing services to users inside the vehicle in situations where exhaust vents can easily enter the vehicle.

[0033] The control unit 13 can be equipped with an exhaust sensor inside the vehicle, which will stop the performance if the exhaust component detected by the exhaust sensor exceeds a specified value. Even in this case, the in-vehicle performance system 1 can avoid providing services to users inside the vehicle in situations where exhaust can easily enter the vehicle.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle performance system, characterized in that, have: A performance device that controls multiple vehicle-mounted devices to provide performances inside the vehicle; The detection unit detects the environment surrounding the vehicle; and The control unit determines whether the vehicle exists in the enclosed space based on the detection results of the detection unit, and stops the performance if the vehicle is determined to exist in the enclosed space.

2. The in-vehicle performance system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit stops the performance performed by the performance device by terminating the start of the performance.

3. The in-vehicle performance system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit stops the performance that is being provided.

4. The in-vehicle performance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control unit notifies the passengers that the performance has been stopped.

5. The in-vehicle performance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, If the performance based on the performance device does not require engine startup, the control unit does not stop the performance; if the performance based on the performance device requires engine startup, the control unit stops the performance.

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