On-vehicle audio system

Abstract

To prevent an on-vehicle display device from recognizing inconsistency in vehicle status information even when a condition in which the vehicle status information transmitted from each signal line to an on-vehicle navigation device becomes inconsistent is established.SOLUTION: A vehicle information control device 3 applied to an on-vehicle audio system 1 that transmits vehicle status information to an on-vehicle display device 4 via multiple signal lines L1, L2 performs signal processing that makes the vehicle status information from each signal line L1, L2 consistent for a predetermined period when a condition in which the vehicle status information transmitted from each signal line L1, L2 to the on-vehicle display device 4 becomes inconsistent is established. The predetermined period is the period until the on-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle status information from each signal line L1, L2 is consistent, and is set to be the timing earlier than the timing of transitioning to a state where viewing of the on-vehicle display device 4 is disabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information control device. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement of a vehicle information control device applied to a system that transmits vehicle state information to an in-vehicle display device through a plurality of signal lines.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a TV canceller has been proposed to enable passengers in the passenger seat or rear seat who are not driving in the vehicle to watch TV (including watching by using DVD, HDMI (registered trademark), VTR, external input, etc.) while the vehicle is running. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a conventional general TV canceller transmits a simulation signal that simulates the vehicle being stopped (parked) instead of the signal (a signal indicating that the vehicle is running (analog signal or CAN-BUS signal)) transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device (in-vehicle display device) while the vehicle is running. By doing so, even though the vehicle is running, the in-vehicle navigation device is made to judge that the vehicle is stopped, thereby enabling TV viewing while the vehicle is running. Hereinafter, the state enabling TV viewing while the vehicle is running will be referred to as the TV mode, and the normal state in which TV viewing while the vehicle is running is restricted will be referred to as the normal mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a system is known in which vehicle state information (such as information on the ON / OFF of the parking brake and vehicle speed information) is transmitted to an in-vehicle navigation device by a plurality of (for example, two) signal lines. When applying a TV canceller to this system, for example, the TV canceller is connected to one or a plurality of the plurality of signal lines, and the analog signal described above is transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device using this signal line, enabling TV viewing during vehicle travel.

[0005] However, in this system, due to the signal processing by the TV canceller (the processing of generating and transmitting the analog signal), the vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device by each signal line may become inconsistent.

[0006] As an example, the case of the system shown in FIG. 10 will be described. In the system shown in FIG. 10, the signal (for example, the analog signal described above) transmitted from the TV canceller c is controlled according to the parking brake signal. Note that this is not limited to this, and there are also those in which the signal transmitted from the TV canceller c is controlled according to the vehicle speed signal, GPS signal, etc.

[0007] The system shown in FIG. 10 has a TV canceller c interposed between the parking brake signal transmission unit a and the in-vehicle navigation device b. The TV canceller c is connected to the first signal line d (with the TV canceller c interposed on the first signal line d), and the parking brake signal transmission unit a and the in-vehicle navigation device b are connected by the second signal line e (connected without interposing the TV canceller c).

[0008] For example, when the parking brake is in the braking state (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the parking brake ON state) and during TV viewing in the TV mode, as shown in Fig. 10(a), a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped (hereinafter, referred to as the stop state signal) is transmitted from each of the signal lines d and e to the in-vehicle navigation device b. In this state, when shifting from the parking brake ON state to the brake release state (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the parking brake OFF state) (for example, when operating the parking brake at the time of vehicle start), as shown in Fig. 10(b), a traveling state signal is transmitted from the second signal line e to the in-vehicle navigation device b, while a stop state signal (simulated signal for continuing TV viewing) is transmitted from the first signal line d to the in-vehicle navigation device b, resulting in a situation where the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines d and e transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b is inconsistent. In such a situation, as an internal process of the in-vehicle navigation device b, there is a possibility that it may be determined that some abnormality has occurred in the system, and a malfunction may occur due to this (a situation where the desired process is not performed in the in-vehicle navigation device b).

[0009] The situation where the vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b by each of the signal lines d and e becomes inconsistent as described above occurs not only when shifting from the parking brake ON state (a state where vehicle state information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b) to the parking brake OFF state (a state where vehicle state information indicating that the vehicle is traveling is transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b) during TV viewing in the TV mode, but also when the occupant performs an operation to shift to the TV mode in the parking brake OFF state (a state where vehicle state information indicating that the vehicle is traveling is transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b), etc. Further, in a system where the TV canceler c is connected to a plurality of signal lines (each of the signal lines d and e), the same problems as described above may occur.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to prevent a malfunction caused by recognition of a discrepancy in vehicle state information from occurring or to eliminate such a malfunction, even when a condition is satisfied in which vehicle state information from each signal line transmitted to an in-vehicle navigation device (in-vehicle display device) becomes inconsistent, by ensuring that the in-vehicle display device does not recognize the inconsistency in vehicle state information or that the recognition is cancelled.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The solution means of the present invention for achieving the above object is applied to a system that transmits vehicle state information to an in-vehicle display device via a plurality of signal lines, and is premised on a vehicle information control device that is connected to at least one of the plurality of signal lines and has at least a TV canceler function for enabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device while the vehicle is running. Then, when a condition is satisfied in which vehicle state information from each of the signal lines transmitted to the in-vehicle display device becomes inconsistent, the vehicle information control device is configured to perform signal processing for making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines transmitted to the in-vehicle display device consistent for at least a predetermined period.

[0012] According to this specific matter, by performing signal processing for making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines transmitted to the in-vehicle display device consistent for at least a predetermined period, the in-vehicle display device will not recognize that the vehicle state information from each signal line is inconsistent, or the recognition will be cancelled. As a result, it is possible to avoid or eliminate a malfunction caused by the in-vehicle display device recognizing an inconsistency in vehicle state information.

[0013] Further, the signal processing is performed on the condition that an operation or control for disabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device has been performed from a state in which the vehicle information control device is transmitting vehicle state information that enables viewing of the in-vehicle display device to the in-vehicle display device.

[0014] As an example of the "state in which vehicle state information enabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device is being transmitted to the in-vehicle display device", there is a state in which a vehicle information control device transmits a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped to the in-vehicle display device. Further, as an example of the "operation or control that makes viewing of the in-vehicle display device impossible", there are cases such as when the driver of the vehicle operates the parking brake from the ON state to the OFF state, or when it automatically switches to the parking brake OFF state.

[0015] According to this specific matter, when an operation or control that makes viewing of the in-vehicle display device impossible is performed, and when a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped and a signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling are transmitted to the in-vehicle display device from separate signal lines, signal processing is performed to match the vehicle state information from each signal line for at least a predetermined period. As a result, the in-vehicle display device does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each signal line is inconsistent, or the recognition is resolved. Thereby, it is possible to avoid or eliminate problems caused by the in-vehicle display device recognizing an inconsistency in vehicle state information.

[0016] Further, the signal processing may be performed on the condition that an operation or control for viewing the in-vehicle display device is performed from a vehicle state in which viewing of the in-vehicle display device is impossible.

[0017] As an example of the "vehicle state in which viewing of the in-vehicle display device is impossible" mentioned here, there is the parking brake OFF state. Further, as an example of the "operation or control for viewing the in-vehicle display device is performed", there are cases such as when a passenger of the vehicle performs an operation requesting viewing of the in-vehicle display device, or when it automatically switches to the viewing state of the in-vehicle display device.

[0018] Even due to this specific matter, by performing signal processing to make the vehicle state information from each signal line match for at least a predetermined period, the in-vehicle display device does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each signal line is inconsistent, or the recognition is eliminated. As a result, it is possible to avoid or eliminate the problems caused by the in-vehicle display device recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information.

[0019] Also, the predetermined period for making the vehicle state information from each signal line match is the period until the in-vehicle display device recognizes that the vehicle state information from each signal line matches.

[0020] According to this, it is possible to surely ensure a situation where the in-vehicle display device does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each signal line is inconsistent, or the recognition is eliminated, and it is possible to guarantee the avoidance or elimination of the problems caused by the in-vehicle display device recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information.

[0021] Also, when a condition for making the viewing of the in-vehicle display device impossible is satisfied when the state of transmitting the matched vehicle state information from each signal line to the in-vehicle display device is continued, the end timing of the predetermined period for making the vehicle state information from each signal line match is set to a timing earlier than the timing of shifting to a state where the viewing of the in-vehicle display device is impossible.

[0022] Examples of the case of "when a condition for making the viewing of the in-vehicle display device impossible is satisfied when the state of transmitting the matched vehicle state information from each signal line to the in-vehicle display device is continued" mentioned here include cases where each of the matched vehicle state information is information that makes the viewing of the in-vehicle display device impossible (for example, a signal indicating that the vehicle is running), or cases where each of the matched vehicle state information is information that enables the viewing of the in-vehicle display device (for example, a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped), but the viewing of the in-vehicle display device becomes impossible due to the inconsistency with the vehicle state information from other signal lines.

[0023] According to this specific matter, it is possible to avoid or eliminate the situation where viewing of the in-vehicle display device becomes impossible due to the vehicle state information from each signal line being made to match.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] In the present invention, when a condition is satisfied in which the vehicle state information from each signal line transmitted to the in-vehicle display device becomes inconsistent, signal processing is performed to make the vehicle state information from each signal line transmitted to the in-vehicle display device match for at least a predetermined period. As a result, the in-vehicle display device does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each signal line is inconsistent, or the recognition is eliminated, and it is possible to avoid or eliminate the problems caused by the in-vehicle display device recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0026] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, a signal output from a vehicle information control device according to a parking brake signal (a signal transmitted to an in-vehicle display device: a parking brake signal) is controlled. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and a signal output from a vehicle information control device according to a vehicle speed signal or a GPS signal (such as a vehicle speed signal or a GPS signal) may be controlled, or a plurality of these parking brake signals, vehicle speed signals, and GPS signals may be made the same as either a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped or a signal indicating that the vehicle is running, and a signal output from the vehicle information control device may be controlled according to the signal.

[0027] - First Embodiment - First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle audio system 1 including a vehicle information control device 3 according to this embodiment. The in-vehicle audio system 1 has a configuration in which a parking brake signal transmission unit 2, a vehicle information control device 3, and an in-vehicle display device (also called a display audio) 4 are connected by signal lines L1 and L2. Note that FIG. 1 extracts and shows the configuration for enabling viewing and operation of the in-vehicle display device 4 even while the vehicle is in motion and the configuration of the characteristic part in the present invention in the in-vehicle audio system 1 including the vehicle information control device 3.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle audio system 1 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the vehicle information control device 3 is interposed between the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 and the in-vehicle display device 4. As for the connection states of the parking brake signal transmission unit 2, the vehicle information control device 3, and the in-vehicle display device 4, the vehicle information control device 3 is connected to the first signal line L1 (the vehicle information control device 3 is interposed on the first signal line L1), and the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 and the in-vehicle display device 4 are connected by the second signal line L2 (connected without interposing the vehicle information control device 3).

[0029] As for each of the signal lines L1 and L2, one is an analog signal line and the other is a CAN-BUS (Controller Area Network-BUS) signal line (vehicle network signal line). Note that the communication form using the vehicle network signal line is not limited to CAN-BUS communication, and AVC-LAN (Audio Visual Communication-Local Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), etc. may also be adopted. Also, both of the signal lines L1 and L2 may be analog signal lines, or both may be CAN-BUS signal lines (vehicle network signal lines). Thereby, the first signal line L1 transmits the parking brake signal from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 to the vehicle information control device 3, and transmits the parking brake signal (parking brake signal controlled in the vehicle information control device 3: vehicle state information) from the vehicle information control device 3 to the in-vehicle display device 4. Further, the second signal line L2 transmits the parking brake signal (vehicle state information) from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 directly to the in-vehicle display device 4 without passing through the vehicle information control device 3. Note that in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the first signal line L1 that connects the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 and the vehicle information control device 3 and the first signal line L1 that connects the vehicle information control device 3 and the in-vehicle display device 4, the former is referred to as the first signal line L1a and the latter is referred to as the first signal line L1b.

[0030] (Parking Brake Signal Transmission Unit) The parking brake signal transmission unit 2 detects the state of a parking brake (not shown) and outputs a corresponding signal as a parking brake signal. For this reason, when the parking brake is in the braking state (parking brake ON state), the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 outputs a parking brake ON signal to each of the signal lines L1 (L1a) and L2, and when the parking brake is in the brake release state (parking brake OFF state), the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 outputs a parking brake OFF signal to each of the signal lines L1 (L1a) and L2.

[0031] This parking brake signal transmission unit 2 may be configured as a functional unit in a vehicle ECU (not shown), or may be configured as a signal transmission functional unit independent of the vehicle ECU.

[0032] (In-vehicle display device) The in-vehicle display device 4 includes a navigation unit 41, a display 42, a TV tuner 43, a parking brake signal reception unit 44, and the like.

[0033] The navigation unit 41 has a known navigation function for setting a route toward a destination set by an occupant operating the in-vehicle display device 4. The display 42 displays map information of the set route and a TV image during TV viewing. The TV tuner 43 is connected to a TV antenna (not shown), selects a channel of a target broadcasting station according to the user's selection from among a plurality of TV broadcast waves received by the TV antenna, and transmits image data indicating the broadcast content based on the selected TV broadcast wave to the display 42. The parking brake signal reception unit 44 is capable of receiving the parking brake signals from the respective signal lines L1b and L2.

[0034] And as a characteristic of this in-vehicle display device 4, when the parking brake signals (vehicle state information) from the respective signal lines L1b and L2 do not match at the timing when the received parking brake signal changes or at the timing when the mode is switched (for example, the timing when switching from the normal mode to the TV mode), it is determined that there is some abnormality in the in-vehicle audio system 1, and TV viewing on the in-vehicle display device 4 is made impossible. Also, when receiving a parking brake ON signal from the first signal line L1b at a timing other than this timing, TV viewing is enabled regardless of the parking brake signal received from the second signal line L2.

[0035] (Vehicle information control device) The vehicle information control device 3 transmits or transmits and receives to the in-vehicle display device 4 information (information in the TV mode) for enabling viewing and operation during driving of the in-vehicle display device 4 and information for recognizing the position of the host vehicle (information in the normal mode) in accordance with signals transmitted from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 and the vehicle ECU, in order to satisfy the conditions for enabling such viewing and operation.

[0036] Also, a mode changeover switch 5 is connected to the vehicle information control device 3 by a signal line L3. The mode changeover switch 5 is a switch installed in the vehicle interior and operated by an occupant, and is for switching the mode of the in-vehicle audio system 1 including the vehicle information control device 3 between the TV mode and the normal mode. Note that, instead of the mode changeover switch 5, a configuration may be adopted in which the TV mode and the normal mode are switched by operating a steering switch.

[0037] The vehicle information control device 3 includes, as functional units realized by a control program stored in a storage medium such as a built-in ROM, a signal transmission / reception unit 31, a mode changeover switch signal input / output unit 32, and a signal control unit 33.

[0038] The signal transmission / reception unit 31 is capable of receiving the parking brake signal transmitted from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 via a first signal line L1a. Also, this signal transmission / reception unit 31 is capable of transmitting a signal (parking brake signal) controlled by the signal control unit 33 to the in-vehicle display device 4 via a first signal line L1b. Details of the signal controlled by this signal control unit 33 will be described later.

[0039] The mode switching switch signal input / output unit 32 receives operation information from the mode switching switch 5. For example, when the mode of the in-vehicle audio system 1 is the normal mode and the mode switching switch 5 is operated, a mode switching switch signal is input to the mode switching switch signal input / output unit 32, and the mode is switched to the TV mode. On the other hand, when the mode of the in-vehicle audio system 1 is the TV mode and the mode switching switch 5 is operated, a mode switching switch signal is input to the mode switching switch signal input / output unit 32, and the mode is switched to the normal mode.

[0040] The signal control unit 33 has a function of transmitting information for satisfying the conditions for enabling viewing and operation of the in-vehicle display device 4 during traveling in the TV mode as its basic function (basic function as a TV canceller: the TV canceller function for enabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device during vehicle traveling in the present invention). Specifically, when the mode of the in-vehicle audio system 1 is the TV mode, the signal control unit 33 converts the signal (parking brake signal) received by the signal transmission / reception unit 31 from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 into a signal that enables viewing and operation of the in-vehicle display device 4 during traveling. That is, the parking brake signal is converted into a parking brake ON signal indicating that the parking brake is actuated (in the braking state). Then, this parking brake ON signal is transmitted from the signal transmission / reception unit 31 to the in-vehicle display device 4.

[0041] Also, when a request to switch from the TV mode to the normal mode occurs during traveling in the TV mode, the signal control unit 33 has a function of outputting to the signal transmission / reception unit 31 without converting the signal (parking brake signal) received by the signal transmission / reception unit 31 from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2. That is, in this case, a process of directly transmitting the parking brake signal (a signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling) to the in-vehicle display device 4 is performed.

[0042] Further, as a feature of the present embodiment, when a condition is satisfied such that the vehicle state information (in this embodiment, the parking brake signal) from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 does not match, the signal control unit 33 is also a functional unit that performs signal processing to make the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 match for a predetermined period.

[0043] As described above, when the parking brake is ON and while watching TV in the TV mode, as shown in FIG. 10(a), a stop state signal is transmitted from each of the signal lines d and e to the in-vehicle navigation device b. In this state, when shifting from the parking brake ON state to the parking brake OFF state, as shown in FIG. 10(b), a running state signal is transmitted from the second signal line e to the in-vehicle navigation device b, while a stop state signal (simulated signal for continuing TV viewing) is transmitted from the first signal line d to the in-vehicle navigation device b, resulting in a situation where the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines d and e transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device b does not match. In such a situation, as an internal process of the in-vehicle navigation device b, there is a possibility that it may be determined that some abnormality has occurred in the system, leading to problems (the TV viewing of the in-vehicle navigation device b becoming impossible).

[0044] In view of this point, in the present embodiment, when a condition is satisfied such that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 does not match, signal processing is performed to make the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 match for at least a predetermined period.

[0045] Specifically, when the signal control unit 33 is in the state of parking brake ON and watching TV in the TV mode, and when it shifts from the parking brake ON state to the parking brake OFF state (when the condition that the vehicle state information from each signal line transmitted to the in-vehicle display device does not match is satisfied in the present invention), the signal control unit 33 generates a driving state signal (parking brake OFF signal) and outputs it to the signal transmission / reception unit 31. As a result, the signal transmission / reception unit 31 outputs the driving state signal to the first signal line L1b. Since the driving state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 along with the shift from the parking brake ON state to the parking brake OFF state from the second signal line L2, the driving state signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 from both the signal lines L1b and L2. That is, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 matches. As a result, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 does not match, or the recognition is canceled (after recognizing that the vehicle state information does not match, immediately recognizes that the vehicle state information matches). As a result, the problem (the inability to watch TV) caused by the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizing the mismatch of the vehicle state information can be avoided or resolved.

[0046] As a means for the signal control unit 33 to recognize the shift from the parking brake ON state to the parking brake OFF state, it may be configured to recognize by detecting the parking brake signal received from the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 (received via the first signal line L1a), or it may be configured to recognize by detecting the parking brake signal received via another signal line. Furthermore, by receiving the information that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 does not match from the in-vehicle display device 4, the vehicle information control device 3 may be configured to output the driving state signal to the first signal line L1b.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. When the parking brake is ON and while watching TV in the TV mode, as shown in FIG. 2(a), a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) is transmitted from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 to the in-vehicle display device 4. When shifting from this state to the parking brake OFF state, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a traveling state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is transmitted from the second signal line L2 to the in-vehicle display device 4. At this time, the signal control unit 33 generates the traveling state signal, and this traveling state signal is transmitted from the signal transmission / reception unit 31 to the in-vehicle display device 4. As a result, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 will match.

[0048] Also, the signal control unit 33 defines a predetermined period for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2. Specifically, this predetermined period is set as the period until the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 matches. Since it is assumed that the period until the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 matches varies depending on the model of the in-vehicle display device 4, this predetermined period will be set according to the in-vehicle display device 4 adopted in the in-vehicle audio system 1. For example, when the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes the vehicle state information at regular intervals, the predetermined period (the predetermined period for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2) will be set as a period slightly longer than this regular interval.

[0049] Also, the end timing of the predetermined period for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 is set to a timing earlier than the timing at which the vehicle-mounted display device 4 transitions to a state where viewing is impossible. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(b), when the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the vehicle-mounted display device 4 is matched, since this vehicle state information is a traveling state signal, the vehicle-mounted display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 matches, and then viewing of the vehicle-mounted display device 4 becomes impossible after a predetermined time has elapsed. Considering this, at a timing earlier than the timing at which the vehicle-mounted display device 4 transitions to a state where viewing is impossible, the situation where the vehicle state information matches is resolved, and as the vehicle state information from the first signal line L1b, it is returned to the stop state signal corresponding to the original TV mode and transmitted to the vehicle-mounted display device 4. At this timing, since the vehicle-mounted display device 4 is configured to perform processing according to the vehicle state information received from the vehicle information control device 3, TV viewing becomes possible (TV viewing continues). FIG. 2(c) shows the vehicle state information transmitted to the vehicle-mounted display device 4 when TV viewing is made possible in this way. As shown in this FIG. 2(c), while a traveling state signal is transmitted from the second signal line L2 to the vehicle-mounted display device 4, a stop state signal is transmitted from the first signal line L1b to the vehicle-mounted display device 4, thereby enabling TV viewing.

[0050] (Procedure of information processing operation) Next, the information processing procedure in the vehicle information control device 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0051] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether the current mode of the in-vehicle audio system 1 is the TV mode. If it is determined in step ST1 that the current mode is not the TV mode (for example, it is the normal mode or the like), it is considered that there is no request for TV viewing, and the process returns as it is.

[0052] If the current mode is the TV mode and the determination in step ST1 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST2 to determine whether the parking brake has been shifted from the ON state to the OFF state. If the parking brake remains in the ON state and the determination in step ST2 is NO, the process simply returns.

[0053] If the parking brake has been shifted from the ON state to the OFF state and the determination in step ST2 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST3 to output a running state signal (parking brake OFF signal) to the first signal line L1b. As a result, the running state signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 from each of the signal lines L1b and L2. That is, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match, and the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize or the recognition is resolved that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 does not match.

[0054] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST4 to activate a timer provided in advance in the vehicle information control device 3. This timer is for defining the execution period of the process of matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2.

[0055] In step ST5, it is determined whether the timer has timed out after a predetermined time has elapsed. Until this predetermined time elapses, the process of matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 continues.

[0056] If the predetermined time has elapsed and the determination in step ST5 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST6 to output a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) to the first signal line L1b. As a result, the transmission of the running state signal from the first signal line L1b to the in-vehicle display device 4 is terminated, and the in-vehicle display device 4 is prevented from becoming unviewable. That is, TV viewing becomes possible. The above operations are repeated.

[0057] (Effects of the Embodiment) As described above, in the present embodiment, when shifting from the parking brake ON state to the parking brake OFF state during TV viewing in the TV mode, signal processing is performed to match the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 for a predetermined period. As a result, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 is inconsistent, or the recognition is resolved, and the malfunction (the inability to view TV) caused by the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information can be avoided or resolved.

[0058] -Second Embodiment- Next, the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the arrangement form of the vehicle information control device 3 and the transmission process of the parking brake signal are different from those of the first embodiment described above. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described here.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the in-vehicle audio system 1 including the vehicle information control device 3 according to the present embodiment. Also in the present embodiment, the in-vehicle audio system 1 has a configuration in which a parking brake signal transmission unit 2, a vehicle information control device 3, and an in-vehicle display device 4 are connected by signal lines L1 and L2.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, also in the in-vehicle audio system 1 according to the present embodiment, the vehicle information control device 3 is interposed between the parking brake signal transmission unit 2 and the in-vehicle display device 4. However, as the connection state of the parking brake signal transmission unit 2, the vehicle information control device 3, and the in-vehicle display device 4, the vehicle information control device 3 is connected to each of the first signal line L1 and the second signal line L2 (the vehicle information control device 3 is interposed on the first signal line L1 and the second signal line L2).

[0061] Even in this embodiment, when it is necessary to distinguish between the first signal line L1 that connects the parking brake signal transmitter 2 and the vehicle information control device 3 and the first signal line L1 that connects the vehicle information control device 3 and the in-vehicle display device 4, the former is referred to as the first signal line L1a, and the latter is referred to as the first signal line L1b. Also, when it is necessary to distinguish between the second signal line L2 that connects the parking brake signal transmitter 2 and the vehicle information control device 3 and the second signal line L2 that connects the vehicle information control device 3 and the in-vehicle display device 4, the former is referred to as the second signal line L2a, and the latter is referred to as the second signal line L2b.

[0062] The configurations and functions of the parking brake signal transmitter 2 and the in-vehicle display device 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the features of the vehicle information control device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0063] Even in this embodiment, the signal control unit 33 is a functional unit that performs signal processing to make the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 coincide for a predetermined period when a condition for the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 to be inconsistent is satisfied.

[0064] Generally, during vehicle travel, the parking brake is in the brake-off state, and the parking brake signal transmission unit transmits a travel state signal to each signal line. In this state, when a passenger performs an operation to shift to the TV mode, in the prior art (the system shown in FIG. 10), a stop state signal is transmitted from the TV canceller (vehicle information control device). That is, while a stop state signal is transmitted from the first signal line to the in-vehicle navigation device (in-vehicle display device), a travel state signal is transmitted from the second signal line to the in-vehicle navigation device, resulting in inconsistent vehicle state information from each signal line provided to the in-vehicle navigation device. In such a situation, as an internal process of the in-vehicle navigation device, there is a possibility that it may be determined that some abnormality has occurred in the system, leading to problems (the in-vehicle navigation device cannot view TV).

[0065] In view of this point, also in the present embodiment, when the condition that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 becomes inconsistent is satisfied, signal processing is performed to make the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 consistent for at least a predetermined period.

[0066] Specifically, when the signal control unit 33 is in the parking brake OFF state and the passenger operates the mode changeover switch 5 or the like to shift to the TV mode (when the condition that the vehicle state information from each signal line transmitted to the in-vehicle display device does not match is satisfied in the present invention), the signal control unit 33 generates a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) and outputs it to the signal transmission / reception unit 31. As a result, the signal transmission / reception unit 31 outputs the stop state signal to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b. That is, when shifting to the TV mode, a stop state signal for TV viewing is output from the vehicle information control device 3 to the first signal line L1b, while a stop state signal is output from the vehicle information control device 3 to the second signal line L2b despite the parking brake being in the OFF state. That is, the stop state signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b. Therefore, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 matches. As a result, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b does not match, or the recognition is eliminated. As a result, problems (TV viewing becoming impossible) caused by the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizing the mismatch of the vehicle state information can be avoided or eliminated. Also, in the present embodiment, the signal control unit 33 defines a predetermined period for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b. That is, this predetermined period is set as the period until the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b matches, and the end timing of the predetermined period for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b is set to a timing earlier than the timing when the in-vehicle display device 4 shifts to a state where viewing is impossible (the timing when the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle state information from the second signal line L2b is a stop state signal and shifts to a state where viewing is impossible).

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 in the present embodiment. When the parking brake is in the OFF state, as shown in FIG. 5(a), a driving state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is transmitted from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b to the in-vehicle display device 4. When the vehicle is shifted to the TV mode by an occupant operating the mode change switch 5 or the like from this state, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) is output to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b, and this stop state signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. As a result, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 will match.

[0068] In this way, when the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match, since this vehicle state information is a stop state signal, viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 is possible. However, when a vehicle speed signal is received from another signal line (for example, a signal line connected to the vehicle ECU), the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizes that the vehicle speed signal from this other signal line and the vehicle state information from the second signal line L2b do not match, and there is a possibility that viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 will become impossible after a predetermined time has elapsed. Considering this, the situation where the vehicle state information matches is eliminated at a timing earlier than the timing when viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 becomes impossible, and as shown in FIG. 5(c), the vehicle state information corresponding to the original TV mode is restored and transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. That is, a stop state signal is transmitted from the first signal line L1b to the in-vehicle display device 4, and a driving state signal is transmitted from the second signal line L2b to the in-vehicle display device 4. As a result, continuous TV viewing becomes possible.

[0069] (Procedure of information processing operation) Next, the information processing procedure in the vehicle information control device 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0070] First, in step ST11, it is determined whether the current state of the parking brake is the parking brake OFF state. If currently it is not in the parking brake OFF state (it is in the parking brake ON state) and a NO determination is made in step ST11, then it just returns as it is.

[0071] If currently it is in the parking brake OFF state and a YES determination is made in step ST11, then it proceeds to step ST12 to determine whether the mode has shifted from the normal mode to the TV mode. If the normal mode is maintained and a NO determination is made in step ST12, then it just returns as it is.

[0072] If the mode has shifted from the normal mode to the TV mode and a YES determination is made in step ST12, then it proceeds to step ST13 to output a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b. That is, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b, L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match, and the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize or the recognition is resolved that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b, L2b is inconsistent.

[0073] After that, it proceeds to step ST14 to activate the timer, and in step ST15, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed and the timer has timed out. Until this predetermined time elapses, the process of making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b, L2b match continues.

[0074] If the predetermined time has elapsed and a YES determination is made in step ST15, then it proceeds to step ST16 to output a running state signal (parking brake OFF signal) to the second signal line L2b. Thereby, the continuous transmission of the stop state signal from the second signal line L2b to the in-vehicle display device 4 is eliminated, and the situation where viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 becomes impossible is avoided. That is, TV viewing becomes possible. The above operations are repeated.

[0075] Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b is inconsistent, or the recognition is resolved, and the problem (the inability to watch TV) caused by the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information can be avoided or resolved.

[0076] -Third Embodiment- Next, the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the signal processing for matching the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b for a predetermined period is different from that of the second embodiment described above. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described here.

[0077] When the vehicle information control device 3 provided in this embodiment is shifted to the TV mode by the occupant operating the mode change switch 5 or the like in the parking brake OFF state, the signal control unit 33 does not generate a stop state signal (parking brake ON signal: vehicle state information for enabling TV viewing), but outputs a running state signal (parking brake OFF signal) to the signal transmission / reception unit 31. Therefore, the signal transmission / reception unit 31 outputs the running state signal to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b. As a result, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match (the matching state continues). Also by this, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b is inconsistent, or the recognition is resolved, and the problem (the inability to watch TV) caused by the in-vehicle display device 4 recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information can be avoided or resolved.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 in this embodiment. The state in FIG. 7(a) is the same as the state in FIG. 5(a) described above.

[0079] When the vehicle is shifted to the TV mode by the occupant operating the mode change switch 5 or the like from the state shown in Fig. 7(a), as shown in Fig. 7(b), the running state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is output to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b, and this running state signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. As a result, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 will match.

[0080] In this way, when the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match, since this vehicle state information is a running state signal, if this state is maintained, the state where viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 becomes impossible will continue. Considering this, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the situation where the vehicle state information matches is resolved, and as shown in Fig. 7(c), it is returned to the vehicle state information corresponding to the original TV mode and transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. That is, the stop state signal is transmitted from the first signal line L1b to the in-vehicle display device 4. As a result, TV viewing becomes possible.

[0081] (Procedure of information processing operation) Next, the information processing procedure in the vehicle information control device 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. The operations in steps ST11, ST12, ST14, and ST15 in this flowchart are the same as the operations in the respective steps (ST11, ST12, ST14, ST15) in the flowchart of Fig. 6 described in the above-described second embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0082] When it is determined YES that the mode has been shifted from the normal mode to the TV mode in step ST12, the process proceeds to step ST23, and the running state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is output to the first signal line L1b and the second signal line L2b. That is, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 is made to match, and the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize or the recognition that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b is inconsistent is eliminated.

[0083] After the timer operates and a predetermined time has elapsed, if a YES determination is made in step ST15, the process proceeds to step ST26, and while the travel state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is output to the second signal line L2b, the stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) is output to the first signal line L1b. As a result, TV viewing becomes possible. The above operations are repeated.

[0084] Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the in-vehicle display device 4 does not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2b is inconsistent, or the recognition is resolved, and the in-vehicle display device 4 causes a problem (TV viewing becomes impossible) due to recognizing the inconsistency of the vehicle state information. It is possible to avoid or resolve this.

[0085] -Fourth Embodiment- Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as a characteristic of the in-vehicle display device 4, when vehicle state information is transmitted from the vehicle information control device 3 at different timings, the vehicle state information transmitted later (the most recently received) is preferentially used. In the following description, a case where the technology of the first embodiment described above is applied to the in-vehicle audio system 1 employing the in-vehicle display device 4 having this characteristic will be described.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the vehicle state information transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 in this embodiment. When the vehicle is in the parking brake ON state and the occupant shifts to the TV mode by operating the mode changeover switch 5 or the like, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the stop state signal (parking brake ON signal) is transmitted from the vehicle information control device 3 to the in-vehicle display device 4 via the first signal line L1b. By preferentially using this signal, the in-vehicle display device 4 can be in a state where TV viewing is possible.

[0087] From this state, when shifting to the parking brake OFF state, as shown in Fig. 9(b), a driving state signal (parking brake OFF signal) is transmitted from the second signal line L2 to the in-vehicle display device 4. By preferentially using this signal, TV viewing becomes impossible.

[0088] At this time, the signal control unit 33 generates a driving state signal, and as shown in Fig. 9(c), this driving state signal is transmitted from the vehicle information control device 3 to the in-vehicle display device 4 via the first signal line L1b. Therefore, the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 will match. As a result, the in-vehicle display device 4 will not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 does not match, or the recognition will be resolved.

[0089] Then, thereafter, as shown in Fig. 9(d), the situation where the vehicle state information matches is resolved, and the vehicle state information from the first signal line L1b is returned to the stop state signal corresponding to the original TV mode and transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4. By preferentially using this signal, TV viewing becomes possible.

[0090] Also in this embodiment, similar to the above-described embodiments, the in-vehicle display device 4 will not recognize that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines L1b and L2 does not match, or the recognition will be resolved, and the in-vehicle display device 4 can avoid or resolve the problem (TV viewing becoming impossible) caused by recognizing the mismatch of the vehicle state information.

[0091] - Other Embodiments - Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all modifications and applications included within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent thereto are possible.

[0092] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where two signal lines L1 and L2 are provided as signal lines for transmitting vehicle state information to the in-vehicle display device 4 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also applicable to a case where vehicle state information is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 4 by three or more signal lines. In this case, as signal processing for matching the vehicle state information from each signal line, the vehicle state information from all the signal lines will be matched.

[0093] Also, in each of the above embodiments, as an example of "an operation or control for disabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device is performed", the case where the driver of the vehicle operates the parking brake from the ON state to the OFF state has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it also includes cases where the parking brake is automatically switched to the OFF state.

[0094] Also, in each of the above embodiments, as an example of "an operation or control for viewing the in-vehicle display device is performed", the case where a passenger of the vehicle performs an operation (operation of the mode changeover switch 5) for requesting viewing of the in-vehicle display device 4 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it also includes cases where the viewing state of the in-vehicle display device 4 is automatically switched (for example, the viewing state is switched when the engine is started).

Industrial Applicability

[0095] The present invention can be used for a vehicle information control device applied to a system that transmits vehicle state information to an in-vehicle display device by a plurality of signal lines.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1 In-vehicle audio system (system) 3 Vehicle information control device 33 Signal control unit 4 In-vehicle display device L1 First signal line L2 Second signal line

Claims

1. Applied to a system that transmits vehicle state information to an in-vehicle display device via a plurality of signal lines, in a vehicle information control device that is connected to at least one of the plurality of signal lines and has at least a TV cancellation function for enabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device while the vehicle is running, when a condition that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines transmitted to the in-vehicle display device becomes inconsistent is satisfied, it is configured to perform signal processing for making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines transmitted to the in-vehicle display device consistent for at least a predetermined period. A vehicle information control device characterized by this.

2. In the vehicle information control device according to Claim 1, the signal processing is performed on the condition that an operation or control for disabling viewing of the in-vehicle display device has been performed from a state where the vehicle information control device transmits vehicle state information that enables viewing of the in-vehicle display device to the in-vehicle display device. A vehicle information control device characterized by this.

3. In the vehicle information control device according to Claim 1, the signal processing is performed on the condition that an operation or control for viewing the in-vehicle display device has been performed from a vehicle state where viewing of the in-vehicle display device is disabled. A vehicle information control device characterized by this.

4. In the vehicle information control device according to Claim 1, 2, or 3, the predetermined period for making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines consistent is a period until the in-vehicle display device recognizes that the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines is consistent. A vehicle information control device characterized by this.

5. In the vehicle information control device according to Claim 1, 2, or 3, when a condition that viewing of the in-vehicle display device becomes disabled is satisfied when the state of transmitting the consistent vehicle state information from each of the signal lines to the in-vehicle display device is continued, the end timing of the predetermined period for making the vehicle state information from each of the signal lines consistent is set to a timing earlier than the timing of shifting to a state where viewing of the in-vehicle display device becomes disabled. A vehicle information control device characterized by this.

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