Communication device and operation method of the same

Abstract

To improve power supply for a communication device.SOLUTION: A communication device has a communication unit, and a control unit that, when the power is supplied, receives power from an external battery and executes startup processing, or receives power from an internal battery instead of the external battery and sends a report through the communication unit. The control unit has a first mode in which, when the power supply from the external battery is stopped while the startup processing is executed, the startup processing is continued by power supply from the internal battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a method of operating a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a communication device that is mounted on a vehicle and transmits vehicle position information, registration information, etc. to the police, fire department, etc. when an accident occurs, etc. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an in-vehicle emergency notification system equipped with a main battery and an auxiliary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-278885 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-182430 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a communication device mounted on a vehicle, there is room for improvement in the method of supplying power from an on-board battery or the like.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle communication device and the like that enables an improvement in a power supply method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device in the present disclosure has a communication unit and a control unit that, when power is turned on, receives power from an external battery and executes a startup process, or receives power from an internal battery instead of the external battery and sends a report via the communication unit, and the control unit has a first mode in which, when power supply from the external battery is stopped while executing the startup process, the control unit continues the startup process by receiving power from the internal battery.

[0007] An operating method of a communication device in the present disclosure is an operating method of a communication device having a communication unit and a control unit, wherein when the power is turned on, the control unit receives power from an external battery and executes a startup process, or receives power from an internal battery instead of the external battery and sends a report via the communication unit, and further, when the power supply from the external battery is stopped while the control unit is executing the startup process in a first mode, the control unit continues the startup process by receiving power from the internal battery. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the in-vehicle communication device and the like of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the power supply method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of a communication device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device in one embodiment. The communication device 1 is a so-called DCM (Data Communication Module) that is mounted on a vehicle and exchanges information generated based on the operation of the vehicle, information for controlling the operation of the vehicle, and the like with a cloud server or the like. The communication device 1 operates with power supplied from a main battery 101 of the vehicle or an auxiliary battery 100 built into the communication device 1. The main battery 101 is a battery mounted on the vehicle and supplies power for driving the vehicle and each part thereof. The main battery 101 and the auxiliary battery 100 are, for example, one or more lithium ion batteries.

[0012] The communication device 1 includes a communication unit 11 and a control unit 13. When the power is turned on, the control unit 103 receives power from an external battery, i.e., a main battery 101, and executes a startup process, or receives power from an internal battery, i.e., an auxiliary battery 100, instead of the main battery 101, and sends a report by the communication unit. The control unit 13 also has a mode in which, when power supply from the main battery 101 is stopped while the startup process is being executed, the startup process is continued by power supply from the auxiliary battery 100.

[0013] The communication device 1 is started by receiving power from the main battery 101 when the user turns on the ACC power supply of the vehicle or turns on the power switch of the communication device 1. When an accident or the like occurs in the vehicle and the electrical connection between the communication device 1 and the main battery 101 is cut off, the communication device 1 receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 and sends a report to the police, fire department, or the like. The communication device 1 has a plurality of operation modes, for example, a market mode and a factory mode. The market mode is a mode in which the communication device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and used after being shipped to the market. The factory mode is a mode in which the communication device 1 is inspected for operation in a factory before being shipped to the market. Even if the electrical connection between the communication device 1 and the main battery 101 is cut off during the factory mode, the communication device 1 continues the start-up process by receiving power from the auxiliary battery 100. Therefore, even if it takes a certain amount of time to complete the start-up process, the main battery 101 can be used for other inspection items without interrupting the start-up process. Therefore, the inspection process can be shortened compared to when the main battery 101 is used for other inspection items after waiting for the completion of the startup process. On the other hand, in the market mode, if the communication device 1 is disconnected from the main battery 101 due to, for example, an accident, the startup process is stopped, so that the auxiliary battery 100 is preserved. And, the communication device 1 receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 and sends out a report, so safety is guaranteed. In this way, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the power supply method in the communication device 1.

[0014] <Configuration example of communication device 1> The communication device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, an input unit 15, an output unit 16, a detection unit 17, and a power supply unit 18. One or more of these units may be configured as a single device, or may be configured as a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a navigation device, or the like. Alternatively, the units may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information with each other via an in-vehicle network conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0015] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 11 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 13 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 13. The control unit 13 is connected by the communication unit 11 to, for example, the Internet, an ad-hoc network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other networks, or any combination of these, via a mobile communication base station.

[0016] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them, functioning as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static RAM (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 13 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 stores mode information indicating the operation mode of the communication device 1. The mode information is information indicating either a market mode or a factory mode. When the communication device 1 is manufactured, mode information indicating the factory mode is stored in the storage unit 12 as an initial value.

[0017] The control unit 13 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 13 executes information processing related to the control of each part of the communication device 1.

[0018] The functions of control unit 13 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in control unit 13. The control program is a program for making a computer execute processing of steps included in the operation of control unit 13, thereby making the computer realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program for making a computer function as control unit 13. In addition, some or all of the functions of control unit 13 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in control unit 13.

[0019] The input unit 15 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures a captured image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 15 accepts an operation to input information used for the operation of the control unit 13, and sends the input information to the control unit 13.

[0020] The output unit 16 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 16 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 13.

[0021] The detection unit 17 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the state of each part of the vehicle in which the communication device 1 is mounted. The sensors include, for example, sensors that detect the remaining battery power of the main battery 101 and the auxiliary battery 100, and sensors that detect the motion state of the vehicle (speed, forward / rear acceleration, left / right acceleration, deceleration, etc.). The interface also includes an interface with one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers for detecting position information. The GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The detection unit 17 sends information indicating each state, position, etc. obtained by the sensors to the control unit 13.

[0022] The power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the main battery 101 and the auxiliary battery 100, and includes a power supply control circuit that controls power supply from these batteries to the communication device 1. A power switch for powering on the communication device 1 is included in the power supply unit 18. The power supply unit 18 detects the presence or absence of electrical connection with the main battery 101. When the power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the main battery 101 and the user turns on the ACC power of the vehicle or the power switch, the power supply unit 18 receives power from the main battery 101 and supplies power for startup to the control unit 13 and the like. When the power supply unit 18 is powered on in a state where the electrical connection with the main battery 101 is cut off, the power supply unit 18 receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 instead of the main battery 101, and supplies power for a reporting operation to the control unit 13, the communication unit 11, and the like. Furthermore, when the communication device 1 operates in the factory mode, if the power is turned on and the control unit 13 is performing a startup process while receiving power from the main battery 101 and the electrical connection with the main battery 101 is cut off, the power supply unit 18 receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 under the control of the control unit 13 and supplies power to the control unit 13, etc. Also, the power supply unit 18 reads out various setting information including mode information using power from a backup battery such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery.

[0023] <Operation of communication device 1> 2 is a flow chart for explaining an example of an operation procedure of the communication device 1. Below, the operation will be explained separately for the market mode and the factory mode.

[0024] <In Market Mode> When the power supply unit 18 detects power-on in step S201, it determines in step S202 whether or not there is an electrical connection with the main battery 101. When the power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the main battery 101 (Yes in step S202), it receives power from the main battery 101 and supplies power to the control unit 13, etc. This causes the control unit 13 to execute step S203. On the other hand, when the power supply unit 18 is not electrically connected to the main battery 101 (No in step S202), it receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 instead of the main battery 101 and supplies power to the control unit 13, etc. This causes the control unit 13 to execute step S211.

[0025] In step S203, the control unit 13 starts a startup process for starting up the communication device 1. The startup process includes diagnostic processes for the memory, the processor, the input / output devices, etc., startup of the operating system, initialization of the communication interface, establishment of a network connection, etc.

[0026] In step S204, it is determined whether the power supply unit 18 is receiving power. If the power supply unit 18 is receiving power (Yes in step S204), the control unit 13 continues the startup process in step S205. Steps S204 and S205 are repeated until the control unit 13 determines in step S206 that the startup process has ended (No in step S206). When the control unit 13 determines in step S206 that the startup process has ended (Yes in step S206), the procedure in FIG. 2 ends. In this case, the control unit 13 completes the startup process by receiving power from the main battery 101.

[0027] In step S204, if the power supply unit 18 is not receiving power (No in step S204), it is highly likely that the electrical connection with the main battery 101 has been cut off, so the power supply unit 18 determines the mode in step S208. The power supply unit 18 refers to the mode information stored in the storage unit 12 using the power of the backup battery. Here, the power supply unit 18 determines the market mode. Then, the power supply unit 18 does not switch to the auxiliary battery 100, and the control unit 13 stops the start-up process in step S210, and the procedure in FIG. 2 ends.

[0028] If the power supply unit 18 is not electrically connected to the main battery 101 in step S202 (No in step S202), the power supply unit 18 receives power from the auxiliary battery 100 instead of the main battery 101. Then, the control unit 13 that has received the power executes a notification process in step S211. For example, the control unit 13 transmits information for notification stored in advance in the storage unit 12 to a management center such as the police or fire department via the communication unit 11. The information for notification may include vehicle position information acquired by the control unit 13 via the detection unit 17. Then, the control unit 13 ends the procedure in FIG. 2. This operation ensures the safety of the vehicle in which the communication device 1 is mounted.

[0029] <In Factory Mode> In the case of the factory mode, the procedure after step S208 is different from that in the case of the market mode. When the power supply unit 18 determines the factory mode in step S208, it switches to power supply from the auxiliary battery 100 in step S209. Then, in step S205, the control unit 13 continues the start-up process by receiving power supply from the auxiliary battery 100. Steps S204 and S205 are repeated until the control unit 13 determines the end of the start-up process in step S206 (No in step S206). In this case, if the power supply unit 18 receives power supply from the auxiliary battery 100 in step S204 (Yes in step S204), step S205 is executed. Then, when the control unit 13 determines the end of the start-up process in step S206 (Yes in step S206), it ends the procedure in FIG. 2. In this case, the control unit 13 completes the start-up process by power supply from the auxiliary battery 100 even after the power supply from the main battery 101 is stopped.

[0030] In the factory mode, the communication device 1 is started up by the above-mentioned procedure, so that the communication device 1 can perform various inspections before being shipped to the market. In the communication device 1, the control unit 13 may perform various inspections based on information on inspection items stored in advance in the storage unit 12, or may perform various inspections in response to input by an operator. In this case, even if the electrical connection with the main battery 101 is cut off in the factory mode, the communication device 1 completes the startup by power supply from the auxiliary battery 100. Therefore, even if it takes a certain amount of time to complete the startup process, the main battery 101 can be used for other inspection items without interrupting the startup process. Therefore, the inspection process can be shortened compared to the case where the main battery 101 is used for other inspection items after waiting for the startup process to be completed.

[0031] <Operations after inspection> FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operational procedure of the communication device 1 during and after inspection in the factory mode.

[0032] In step S31, the control unit 13 executes information processing related to the inspection. Inspection items include, for example, a power supply voltage inspection, an operation inspection of a memory, a processor, an input / output device, etc., an operation inspection of a communication interface, a network connection inspection, a signal quality inspection, a security inspection, a throughput inspection, etc. The control unit 13 executes step S31 until it determines in step S32 that the inspection has ended (No in step S32), and when it determines that the inspection has ended (Yes in step S32), it proceeds to step S33.

[0033] In step S33, the control unit 13 judges whether or not there is an instruction to change the mode. For example, the user performs an operation on the input unit 15 to instruct to end the factory mode or to change from the factory mode to the market mode. The control unit 13 judges whether or not there is an input corresponding to such an operation. If the control unit 13 receives an instruction to change the mode (Yes in step S33), it changes the mode in step S34. The control unit 13 changes the mode information indicating the factory mode, which is set as the initial value, to mode information indicating the market mode and stores it in the memory unit 12. Note that in a modified example, when the control unit 13 finishes a series of inspections, the procedure may be such that step S33 is omitted and the mode is changed.

[0034] In step S35, the control unit 13 judges whether or not there is an instruction to charge the auxiliary battery 100. For example, the user performs an operation on the input unit 15 to instruct charging the auxiliary battery 100. The control unit 13 judges whether or not there is an input corresponding to the operation. When the control unit 13 receives an instruction to charge the auxiliary battery 100 (Yes in step S35), it judges whether or not there is a connection of the main battery 101 in step S36. When the power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the main battery 101 (Yes in step S36), the control unit 13 instructs the power supply unit 18 to charge the auxiliary battery 100 by supplying power from the main battery 101 in step S37. As a result, the auxiliary battery 100 is charged by the main battery 101. On the other hand, when the power supply unit 18 is not electrically connected to the main battery 101 (No in step S36), the control unit 13 outputs a notification from the output unit 16 in step S38. The notification is text information or the like for prompting the user to connect the main battery 101 to the communication device 1. Then, step S36 is executed. In a modified example, the control unit 13 may execute charging of the auxiliary battery 100 by the main battery 101 without executing step S35.

[0035] According to the above-mentioned procedure, the communication device 1 can be changed to the market mode in order to ship the device to the market after the inspection is completed. Even if the power of the auxiliary battery 100 is consumed in the startup process in the factory mode, the remaining power of the auxiliary battery 100 can be replenished before the device is shipped to the market.

[0036] In the above, the embodiment has been described based on the drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1. Communications equipment 100 Auxiliary Battery 101 Main battery 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control section 15 Input section 16 Output section 17 Detection unit 18 Power supply section

Claims

1. The Communications Department and a control unit that, when the power supply is turned on, receives power from an external battery to execute a startup process, or receives power from an internal battery instead of the external battery to send a notification by the communication unit; the control unit has a first mode in which, when power supply from the external battery is stopped while the startup process is being performed, the startup process is continued by power supply from the internal battery. Communications equipment.

2. In claim 1, An input unit for receiving an instruction from a user is further included, the control unit operates in the first mode and ends the startup process, and then switches the first mode to a second mode in response to a predetermined instruction, the second mode being configured to stop the startup process when power supply from the external battery is stopped while the startup process is being performed; Communications equipment.

3. In claim 1, the control unit operates in the first mode and, after completing the startup process, charges the internal battery with power supplied from the external battery. Communications equipment.

4. A method for operating a communication device having a communication unit and a control unit, comprising: When the power supply is turned on, the control unit receives power from an external battery to execute a startup process, or receives power from an internal battery instead of the external battery to send a notification via the communication unit; Furthermore, when the power supply from the external battery is stopped during the execution of the startup process in the first mode, the control unit continues the startup process by using the power supply from the internal battery. A method of operation of a communications device.

5. In claim 4, the control unit operates in the first mode and ends the startup process, and then switches the first mode to a second mode in response to a predetermined instruction, the second mode being configured to stop the startup process when power supply from the external battery is stopped while the startup process is being performed; A method of operation of a communications device.

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