Vehicle-mounted device and control method

Abstract

To further improve an on-board device.SOLUTION: In a vehicle-mounted device 100 mounted on a vehicle 1, a first acquisition unit 12 acquires first position information of the vehicle 1, which is positioned on the basis of signals from GNSS satellites. When the first position information changes from a first region to a second region, a control unit 32 causes a communication unit 10 to use the communication settings for the first region when the first position information is, within the first region, away from the boundary between the first region and the second region by a threshold value or more. When the first position information approaches the boundary by more than the threshold value, the control unit 32 causes the communication unit 10 to use the communication settings for the second region when the positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle 1 derived on the basis of vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle 1 satisfies a predetermined criterion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] An in-vehicle device capable of performing communication via a wireless local area network (LAN) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This in-vehicle device acquires vehicle position information using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or the like. The in-vehicle device also stores position information for each country. Using this information, the in-vehicle device switches from a 5 GHz band wireless LAN to a 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN when approaching a border. After crossing the border and entering the next country, the in-vehicle device switches from the 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN to a 5 GHz band wireless LAN. At this time, the 5 GHz band frequency channel of the next country is used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-141158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Further improvements are required in on-board devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problem, an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, the in-vehicle device comprising: a communication unit capable of communicating via any of a plurality of frequency channels; a memory unit storing information on communication settings for each of a plurality of regions, the communication settings for each region including information on frequency channels usable by the communication unit in that region; an acquisition unit acquiring first position information of the vehicle measured based on signals from GNSS satellites; and a control unit configured to, when the first position information acquired by the acquisition unit changes from the first region to a second region, cause the communication unit to use the communication settings for the first region based on the information stored in the memory if the first position information, within the first region, is farther from a boundary between the first region and the second region by a threshold or more. When the first position information approaches the boundary by more than the threshold, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication settings for the second region based on the information stored in the memory if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device including: a communication unit capable of communicating on any of a plurality of frequency channels; and a storage unit storing information on communication settings for each of a plurality of regions, the communication settings for each region including information on frequency channels usable by the communication unit in that region. The method includes: a first step of acquiring first position information of the vehicle measured based on signals from GNSS satellites; a second step of, when the first position information acquired in the first step changes from the first region to a second region, causing the communication unit to use the communication settings for the first region based on the information stored in the storage unit if the first position information, within the first region, is away from a boundary between the first region and the second region by a threshold or more; and a third step of, when the first position information approaches the boundary by more than the threshold, causing the communication unit to use the communication settings for the second region based on the information stored in the storage unit if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above-described embodiment allows further improvement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional configuration of a wireless system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a table stored in a third storage unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing frequency bands that can be used in a first country and a second country, and the timing for changing communication settings. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining switching control of communication settings in accordance with vehicle movement. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing by the vehicle-mounted device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of frequency bands available in a first country and a second country, and timing for changing communication settings. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing by the vehicle-mounted device of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary configuration of a wireless system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Before describing the embodiments in detail, the knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure will be explained. In wireless LANs, multiple frequency channels are provided in both the 5 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, frequency channels that can be used outdoors are individually determined for each country. Outdoors includes inside vehicles. In some countries, the use of the 5 GHz band is prohibited. Therefore, the frequency channels that can be used in neighboring countries may differ from those in the country where the user is currently located.

[0010] When a vehicle equipped with a wireless LAN onboard unit crosses a border from one country to the next, if the frequency channel used in the first country is unavailable in the second country, the use of that frequency channel must be stopped before crossing the border.To achieve this, there is technology that uses GNSS to obtain vehicle location information, identifies the country in which the vehicle is located and adjacent countries based on that location information, determines whether the vehicle has crossed a border, and switches the frequency channel to be used depending on the result of the determination.

[0011] However, with GNSS positioning, the reception of radio waves from GNSS satellites can deteriorate and positioning accuracy can decrease when a vehicle is traveling near buildings, in tunnels, under elevated roads, in mountainous areas, or in bad weather or when it is affected by interference from communication devices. Therefore, with the above technology, when GNSS positioning accuracy is low, there is a possibility that the frequency channel will be switched at an inappropriate location. As a result, there is a possibility that the vehicle will use a frequency channel that is prohibited for use in the country in which it is traveling. In such cases, the user may be deemed to have violated radio wave regulations.

[0012] On the other hand, a technology could be considered that groups neighboring countries from the perspective of radio wave regulations and restricts the frequency channels that can be used in common among the grouped countries. For example, limiting frequency channels so that the 5 GHz band is not used. However, this technology reduces the number of available frequency channels, which reduces user convenience.

[0013] In order to solve these problems, the vehicle-mounted device according to the present disclosure is configured as follows.

[0014] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, parts, and steps shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the parts in each drawing are enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of a wireless system 1000 according to an embodiment. The wireless system 1000 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The wireless system 1000 includes an in-vehicle device 100 and a camera 110. The in-vehicle device 100 can also be called a wireless device. The in-vehicle device 100 may be connected to an electronic device (not shown) such as a navigation system via a cable or the like, or may be built into the electronic device. The in-vehicle device 100 has a wireless LAN access point function and can communicate with a terminal device (not shown) via wireless LAN. The terminal device is a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like, and is carried by an occupant of the vehicle 1. With this configuration, the terminal device and the electronic device can communicate via the in-vehicle device 100. Therefore, when the occupant operates the terminal device, the electronic device operates in response to the operation. The in-vehicle device 100 and the terminal device may have wireless communication functions other than wireless LAN, but a description of wireless communication functions other than wireless LAN will be omitted here.

[0016] The vehicle-mounted device 100 includes a communication unit 10, a first acquisition unit 12, a first storage unit 14a, a second storage unit 14b, a third storage unit 14c, a video processing unit 16, a processing unit 18, and a vehicle speed signal receiving unit 20.

[0017] The processing unit 18 has a second acquisition unit 30 and a control unit 32. The configuration of the processing unit 18 can be realized in hardware by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other LSIs (Large Scale Integration) of any computer, and in software by a program loaded into memory, but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] The communication unit 10 has a function of a wireless LAN access point and performs communication via the wireless LAN. The communication unit 10 can perform communication in a first frequency band, for example, the 2.4 GHz band, and can also perform communication in a second frequency band, for example, the 5 GHz band.

[0019] As mentioned above, the 5 GHz band has multiple frequency channels. Specifically, the 5 GHz band is divided into the 5.2 GHz band, 5.3 GHz band, 5.6 GHz band, and 5.8 GHz band. The 5.2 GHz band has four frequency channels: 36ch, 40ch, 44ch, and 48ch, while the 5.3 GHz band has four frequency channels: 52ch, 56ch, 60ch, and 64ch. The 5.6 GHz band has eleven frequency channels: 100ch, 104ch, 108ch, 112ch, 116ch, 120ch, 124ch, 128ch, 132ch, 136ch, and 140ch. The 5.8 GHz band has four frequency channels: 149ch, 153ch, 157ch, and 161ch. Of these multiple frequency channels, the available frequency channels are specified by each country. As mentioned above, there are countries where all frequency channels in the 5 GHz band cannot be used. When using the 5 GHz band, the communication unit 10 uses one of a plurality of available frequency channels to communicate with terminal devices.

[0020] As mentioned above, the 2.4 GHz band also has multiple frequency channels. Specifically, the 2.4 GHz band has 13 frequency channels, numbered 1ch to 13ch. Furthermore, each country specifies which frequency channels are available for use among these multiple frequency channels. Unlike the 5 GHz band, the 2.4 GHz band is available for use in all countries. When using the 2.4 GHz band, the communication unit 10 communicates with a terminal device using one of the multiple available frequency channels. The communication unit 10 is controlled by the control unit 32.

[0021] The first acquisition unit 12 is a positioning device that receives signals from GNSS satellites, determines position information and orientation information, etc. of the vehicle 1 based on the received signals, and acquires the determined position information, etc. The first acquisition unit 12 can also be called a GNSS receiver. The position information is indicated by latitude and longitude. The orientation information is indicated by an azimuth angle and indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle 1. The first acquisition unit 12 outputs the acquired position information, etc. to the processing unit 18.

[0022] The first storage unit 14a stores two-dimensional map information indicating region information for each country. The region information is information indicating the range of the location of each country. In other words, the first storage unit 14a stores map information indicating the respective positions of a plurality of regions. Note that the regions are not limited to countries, and may represent predetermined regions.

[0023] The second storage unit 14b stores three-dimensional map information showing regional information for each country. Hereinafter, the three-dimensional map will also be referred to as a 3D map. The second storage unit 14b stores three-dimensional map information showing the respective positions of a plurality of regions. The three-dimensional map is a high-precision map, and contains road information for each lane, surrounding structures, signs, traffic lights, and the like with an accuracy of about centimeters. As will be described later, by comparing images acquired by the camera 110 while the vehicle 1 is traveling with the three-dimensional map in real time, the vehicle's position can be more accurately determined. Since known technology can be used for the three-dimensional map, further explanation will be omitted.

[0024] The third storage unit 14c stores a table indicating frequency channels available in each country from among multiple frequency channels in the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band. This table also indicates the transmission power available in each country in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In other words, the third storage unit 14c stores information on communication settings for each of multiple regions used by the communication unit 10. The communication settings for each region include information on frequency channels and transmission power available to the communication unit 10 in that region. The communication settings can also be called wireless parameters or communication conditions.

[0025] 2 shows the data structure of the table stored in the third storage unit 14c. Each country is represented as "Country A1", "Country A2", ..., "Country Ax", where x is a predetermined natural number. It also shows that the country code for "Country A1" is "B1", the country code for "Country A2" is "B2", and the country code for "Country Ax" is "Bx".

[0026] It also indicates that, for the 2.4 GHz band, frequency channel "C1" is available in "Country A1" with a transmission power of "D1," frequency channel "C2" is available in "Country A2" with a transmission power of "D2," and frequency channel "Cx" is available in "Country Ax" with a transmission power of "Dx." Here, frequency channel "C1" is a general term for one or more frequency channels available in "Country A1." The same applies to frequency channel "C2," ..., frequency channel "Cx." Hereinafter, even if the notations for frequency channels "C1," "C2," etc. are different, the one or more frequency channels they represent may be the same. Even if the notations for transmission power "D1," "D2," etc. are different, the values ​​may be the same.

[0027] Regarding the 5 GHz band, it can be seen that in "Country A1," frequency channel "E1" is available with a transmission power of "F1," while in "Country A2," there are no available frequency channels, and in "Country Ax," frequency channel "Ex" is available with a transmission power of "Fx." Here, frequency channel "E1" is also a general term for one or more frequency channels available in "Country A1." The same applies to frequency channel "Ex" and others. For example, in "Country A2," there are no available frequency channels in the 5 GHz band, so use of the 5 GHz band is prohibited. Below, even if the notation for frequency channel "E1" and others is different, the one or more frequency channels they represent may be the same. Even if the notation for transmission power "F1" and others is different, the value may be the same. Return to Figure 1.

[0028] The camera 110 is mounted on the vehicle 1, periodically captures images of the area ahead of the vehicle 1 at a predetermined frame rate, and sequentially supplies the captured image data to the vehicle-mounted device 100. The camera 110 may be included in, for example, an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) not shown. The ADAS can control the driving devices of the vehicle 1 to perform driving assistance. The camera 110 corresponds to a sensor that acquires vehicle surroundings information, which is an image ahead of the vehicle 1.

[0029] The image processing unit 16 receives image data of the area ahead of the vehicle 1 captured by the camera 110, performs predetermined data processing, and supplies the processed image data to the processing unit 18. The image processing unit 16 starts or stops processing according to the control of the processing unit 18.

[0030] The vehicle speed signal receiving unit 20 is connected to an in-vehicle network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network), and receives a vehicle speed signal indicating the moving speed of the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed signal receiving unit 20 outputs the vehicle speed signal to the processing unit 18.

[0031] The processing unit 18 receives the first position information and the direction information from the first acquisition unit 12, receives the image data from the video processing unit 16, and receives the vehicle speed information from the vehicle speed signal receiving unit 20. The processing unit 18 controls the communication unit 10 based on the received information.

[0032] Here, a process will be described in which the first location information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12 changes from a first area to a second area in the map information stored in the first storage unit 14a. Hereinafter, the first area is assumed to be a first country, and the second area is assumed to be a second country.

[0033] Also, assume a situation in which the vehicle 1 travels through multiple countries that satisfy the following conditions: available frequency channels and transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band are constant regardless of country; and available frequency channels and transmission power in the 5 GHz band are also constant regardless of country in multiple countries where the 5 GHz band is available. In other words, assume travel in a situation in which only whether the 5 GHz band is available or not may differ depending on the country. The processing in the on-board device 100 in this case is called a first processing example. In this case, there are four patterns of combinations of frequency bands available in the first country and the second country, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the frequency bands available in Country 1 and Country 2, and the timing for changing communication settings. In the first pattern, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are available in Country 1, and the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are also available in Country 2. In the second pattern, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are available in Country 1, and the 2.4 GHz band is available in Country 2, but the 5 GHz band is not available. In the third pattern, the 2.4 GHz band is available in Country 1, but the 5 GHz band is not available, and the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are available in Country 2. In the fourth pattern, the 2.4 GHz band is available in Country 1, but the 5 GHz band is not available, and the 2.4 GHz band is available in Country 2, but the 5 GHz band is not available. The timing for changing communication settings will be discussed later. Return to Figure 1.

[0035] The control unit 32 identifies, among the multiple regions of the map stored in the first storage unit 14a, an area that includes the first location information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12 as the first country, and determines that the vehicle 1 is located in the first country. The control unit 32 may correct the first location information using a known technique based on the vehicle speed signal received from the vehicle speed signal receiving unit 20, etc. The control unit 32 also identifies, on the map stored in the first storage unit 14a, a second country to which the vehicle 1 is heading, based on the direction information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12. Hereinafter, the second country may also be referred to as an adjacent country. Next, the control unit 32 acquires information about the border between the first and second countries from the map information stored in the first storage unit 14a. Furthermore, the control unit 32 identifies a point on the border that is closest to the first location information. Hereinafter, this point will also be referred to as the border. The control unit 32 derives the distance between the first location information and the point on the border that is closest to the first location information. The control unit 32 stores a first threshold value, which is a fixed value, in advance and compares the derived distance with the first threshold value. The first threshold value is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1 km. The first threshold value can be determined appropriately through experiments or simulations.

[0036] If the distance to the border is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 32 identifies the communication settings of the first country in which the vehicle 1 is located, based on the information stored in the third storage unit 14c. That is, the control unit 32 identifies a frequency channel and transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band that can be used in the first country, and if the 5 GHz band can also be used in the first country, it also identifies a frequency channel and transmission power in the 5 GHz band.

[0037] The control unit 32 instructs the communication unit 10 to use the frequency channel and transmission power of the identified frequency band. In response, if the communication unit 10 is instructed to use only the 2.4 GHz band, the communication unit 10 selects one of the frequency channels in the 2.4 GHz band. If the communication unit 10 is instructed to use both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, the communication unit 10 selects one of the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and selects one of the frequency channels in the selected frequency band. Note that if the communication unit 10 is equipped with a WiFi chip with a Dual MAC function, it may be possible to use both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band simultaneously, and such a case is also anticipated. The communication unit 10 communicates with the terminal device using the selected frequency channel and the instructed transmission power. Since known techniques may be used for selecting the frequency band and frequency channel in the communication unit 10 and for communicating with the terminal device, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] These processes correspond to the control unit 32 causing the communication unit 10 to use the communication settings of the first area if the first location information is located within the first area and is away from the boundary between the first area and the second area by more than a first threshold value.

[0039] If the distance to the border is smaller than the first threshold, the control unit 32 instructs the image processing unit 16 to start processing and instructs the second acquisition unit 30 to acquire second location information. In response to the instruction from the control unit 32, the image processing unit 16 processes the image data captured by the camera 110 and supplies the processed image data to the processing unit 18.

[0040] In response to an instruction from the control unit 32, the second acquisition unit 30 receives image data from the video processing unit 16, compares the received image data with the 3D map in real time to derive second position information and orientation information of the vehicle 1, and supplies the derived second position information and orientation information to the control unit 32. Even when the reception of radio waves from GNSS satellites is poor, the second position information represents the current position of the vehicle 1 with high accuracy. The above-mentioned processing by the video processing unit 16 and the second acquisition unit 30 is repeated at the frame rate of the camera 110. Since known techniques may be used for comparing the image data with the 3D map and deriving the second position information and orientation information, a description thereof will be omitted. This processing corresponds to the second acquisition unit 30 acquiring second position information of the vehicle 1 derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0041] The second acquisition unit 30 does not need to derive the second position information and the like until receiving an instruction from the control unit 32. This reduces the processing load on the processing unit 18 and reduces power consumption.

[0042] Next, the control unit 32 identifies, among the multiple areas of the 3D map stored in the second storage unit 14b, an area that includes the second location information acquired by the second acquisition unit 30 as the first country, and determines that the vehicle 1 is located in the first country. Furthermore, the control unit 32 identifies, on the 3D map, the second country to which the vehicle 1 is heading, based on the direction information acquired by the second acquisition unit 30.

[0043] Next, the control unit 32 identifies the communication settings for the first country and the communication settings for the second country based on the information stored in the third storage unit 14c. Next, the control unit 32 compares whether the communication settings for the first country are the same as the communication settings for the second country.

[0044] If the communication settings for the first country are the same as those for the second country, this corresponds to the first or fourth pattern in FIG. 3 . In this case, the control unit 32 immediately changes the communication settings of the communication unit 10 after comparing the communication settings without waiting for the vehicle 1 to approach the border. Specifically, the control unit 32 instructs the communication unit 10 to use a frequency channel and transmission power in the frequency band specified in the communication settings for the second country. In response to this, if the communication unit 10 is instructed to use only the 2.4 GHz band, the communication unit 10 selects one of the frequency channels in the 2.4 GHz band. If the communication unit 10 is instructed to use both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, the communication unit 10 selects one of the frequency bands, either the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, and selects one of the frequency channels in the selected frequency band. The communication unit 10 communicates with the terminal device using the selected frequency channel at the instructed transmission power. In this case, there is no need to identify the positional relationship between the second location information and the border, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0045] This processing corresponds to the control unit 32 causing the communication unit 10 to use the communication settings of the second area when the communication settings of the first area are the same as the communication settings of the second area and the first location information is closer to the boundary than the first threshold value, regardless of the positional relationship between the second location information and the boundary.

[0046] On the other hand, when the communication settings for the first country are different from the communication settings for the second country, if the first location information is closer to the border than the first threshold value and the positional relationship between the second location information and the border satisfies a predetermined standard, the control unit 32 causes the communication unit 10 to use the communication settings for the second country. When the communication settings for the first country are different from the communication settings for the second country, this corresponds to the second or third pattern in Figure 3. In this case, the timing at which the communication settings of the communication unit 10 are changed differs between the second and third patterns.

[0047] When the communication settings for the first country are different from the communication settings for the second country, the control unit 32 acquires information about the border between the first country and the second country from the three-dimensional map information stored in the second storage unit 14b. Furthermore, the control unit 32 identifies a point on the border that is closest to the second location information. Hereinafter, this point will also be referred to as the border. The control unit 32 derives the distance between the second location information and the point on the border that is closest to the second location information.

[0048] 3, when the 5 GHz band is added as an available frequency band in the second region, the control unit 32 changes the communication settings of the communication unit 10 when the derived distance to the border becomes zero or when the second location information is included in the second country in the three-dimensional map information stored in the second storage unit 14b. In other words, when the 5 GHz band is added, the control unit 32 updates the communication settings to those of the second country when the vehicle 1 reaches or crosses the border. This more reliably prevents communication from being performed on an unavailable frequency channel in the 5 GHz band within the first country.

[0049] This processing corresponds to the control unit 32 causing the communication unit 10 to use the communication setting of the second region when the second location information reaches or crosses the boundary, assuming that a predetermined criterion is met, if the communication setting of the first region includes information on a frequency channel in the first frequency band but does not include information on a frequency channel in the second frequency band, and the communication setting of the second region includes information on the frequency channels in each of the first and second frequency bands, and the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first region is the same as the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second region.

[0050] The control unit 32 also stores a second threshold value, which is a fixed value, in advance. When the 5 GHz band is removed from the frequency bands available in the second region, as in the second pattern of FIG. 3, the control unit 32 compares the derived distance to the border with the second threshold value. When the distance to the border becomes smaller than the second threshold value, the control unit 32 changes the communication settings of the communication unit 10 and updates them to the communication settings for the second country. The second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value. The second threshold value is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 100 m. The second threshold value can be determined appropriately through experiments or simulations.

[0051] In this case, the 5 GHz band will no longer be used before the vehicle 1 reaches the border, so that communication can be more reliably prevented from being carried out in the second country using unusable frequency channels in the 5 GHz band.

[0052] This processing corresponds to the control unit 32 causing the communication unit 10 to use the communication setting of the second region, assuming that the predetermined criterion is met if the second location information is closer to the boundary within the first region than the second threshold value, when the communication setting of the first region includes frequency channels in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the communication setting of the second region includes frequency channels in the first frequency band but does not include frequency channels in the second frequency band, and the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first region are the same as the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second region.

[0053] In the above description, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are assumed to be fixed values. At least one of these threshold values ​​may be set to a larger value as the moving speed of the vehicle 1 indicated by the vehicle speed signal increases. For example, the first threshold value may be expressed as a constant C x the moving speed.

[0054] Here, an example of control by the communication unit 10 will be described in more detail, assuming that the vehicle 1 moves from country A1 to country A2 in the table shown in Fig. 2. When moving from country A1 to country A2, the 5 GHz band becomes unavailable in country A2, which corresponds to the second pattern.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the control of switching communication settings in response to the movement of the vehicle 1. Fig. 4 shows a situation in which the vehicle 1 moves from country A1 to country A2.

[0056] If the first location information of the vehicle 1 indicates that the vehicle is further away from the border in country A1 by a first threshold value Th1 or more, the vehicle-mounted device 100 uses the communication settings of country A1. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device 100 communicates using one of the 2.4 GHz frequency channels "C1" with a transmission power of "D1", or using one of the 5 GHz frequency channels "E1" with a transmission power of "F1". If the first location information indicates that the vehicle is further away from the border in country A1 by a first threshold value Th1 or more, the vehicle-mounted device 100 performs GNSS positioning and does not perform positioning using camera images and 3D maps.

[0057] When the first position information of the vehicle 1 indicates that the vehicle 1 is closer to the border in country A1 than a position P1 that is a first threshold Th1 from the border, the vehicle-mounted device 100 performs positioning using a camera image and a 3D map, and acquires second position information.

[0058] When the second location information of the vehicle 1 is closer to the border in country A1 than position P2, which is the second threshold value Th2 from the border, the in-vehicle device 100 uses the communication settings of country A2 instead of the communication settings of country A1. Therefore, the in-vehicle device 100 communicates using one of the frequency channels "C2" in the 2.4 GHz band with transmission power "D2." The frequency channel "C2" is the same as frequency channel "C1," and the transmission power "D2" is the same as transmission power "D1." The in-vehicle device 100 does not use the prohibited frequency channels in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, it does not violate the radio wave regulations of country A2.

[0059] The operation of the vehicle-mounted device 100 configured as described above will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first processing example by the vehicle-mounted device 100 of Fig. 1. The processing of Fig. 5 is executed repeatedly. The first acquisition unit 12 executes GNSS positioning (S10) and acquires first location information. The control unit 32 identifies the current country and country code based on the first location information (S12), and if the distance to the border is not less than the first threshold value (N in S14), the processing returns to S10.

[0060] If the distance to the border is less than the first threshold (Y in S14), the second acquisition unit 30 compares the camera image with the 3D map (S16) and acquires second location information, etc. The control unit 32 identifies the current country and country code based on the second location information (S18) and acquires communication settings for the current country (S20). In parallel with the processing of S18 and S20, the control unit 32 identifies an adjacent country and country code based on the second location information, etc. (S22) and acquires communication settings for the adjacent country (S24). The processing of S22 and S24 may be executed subsequent to the processing of S18 and S20.

[0061] If there is no difference between the two communication settings acquired in S20 and S24 (N in S26), the control unit 32 updates the communication settings to be used by the communication unit 10 to the communication settings of a neighboring country (S34), and the processing ends.

[0062] If there is a difference between the two communication settings (Y in S26), and if the 5 GHz band is added to the communication settings of the neighboring country in addition to the communication settings of the current country (Y in S28), the second acquisition unit 30 compares the camera image with the 3D map (S30) and acquires second location information. If the second location information is a border (Y in S32), the process of S34 is executed. If the second location information has passed through a border in S32, the process of S34 may also be executed. If it is not a border (N in S32), the process returns to S30.

[0063] If the 5 GHz band has not been added to the communication settings for the neighboring country in comparison with the communication settings for the current country (N in S28), the second acquisition unit 30 compares the camera image with the 3D map (S36) and acquires second location information. If the distance to the border based on the second location information is less than the second threshold value (Y in S38), the process of S34 is executed. If the distance to the border is not less than the second threshold value (N in S38), the process returns to S36.

[0064] Next, a case will be described in which the vehicle 1 moves in a situation where the available frequency channels and transmission powers in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band may differ depending on the country. The processing in the vehicle-mounted device 100 in this case will be referred to as a second processing example. The following description will focus on differences from the first processing example described above.

[0065] Figure 6 shows another example of frequency bands that can be used in country 1 and country 2, and the timing of changing communication settings. In Figure 6, for frequency channels "Ca," "Ea," etc., only when the notation is the same, it is assumed that the one or more frequency channels they represent are the same.

[0066] In the fifth pattern, the 2.4 GHz band frequency channel "Ca" and the 5 GHz band frequency channel "Ea" are available in the first country, and the 2.4 GHz band frequency channel "Cb" and the 5 GHz band frequency channel "Eb" are available in the second country. Frequency channel "Ca" and frequency channel "Cb" are different. For example, frequency channel "Ca" includes channels 1 to 13, and frequency channel "Cb" includes channels 1 to 11. Frequency channel "Ea" and frequency channel "Eb" are different. For example, frequency channel "Ea" includes multiple frequency channels in the 5.2 GHz band, and frequency channel "Eb" includes multiple frequency channels in the 5.8 GHz band.

[0067] In the sixth pattern, the 2.4 GHz frequency channel "Ca" and the 5 GHz frequency channel "Ea" can be used in the first country, and the 2.4 GHz frequency channel "Cb" can be used in the second country, but the 5 GHz band cannot be used.

[0068] In the seventh pattern, the 2.4 GHz frequency channel "Cb" can be used in both Country 1 and Country 2, but the 5 GHz band cannot be used. In the seventh pattern, the communication settings in Country 1 are the same as those in Region 2.

[0069] In the eighth pattern, the 2.4 GHz frequency channel "Cb" and the 5 GHz frequency channel "Ea" can be used in the first and second countries, respectively. In the eighth pattern, the communication settings in the first country are the same as those in the second country. In the example of FIG. 6, the transmission power is fixed regardless of the country. The transmission power may be different depending on the country.

[0070] When the communication settings of the first country are the same as the communication settings of the second country, as in the seventh or eighth pattern of Figure 6, the control unit 32 immediately changes the communication settings of the communication unit 10 after comparing the communication settings, as in the first processing example.

[0071] 6, when the communication settings of the first country are different from the communication settings of the second country, the control unit 32 changes the communication settings of the communication unit 10 when the distance to the border derived based on the second location information becomes zero. That is, in this case, the control unit 32 updates the communication settings to those of the second country when the vehicle 1 reaches the border.

[0072] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent communication from being performed on a frequency channel that is unavailable in the first country when it is available in the second country, and more reliably prevent communication from being performed on that frequency channel when it is available in the first country when it is unavailable in the second country.

[0073] This process corresponds to the control unit 32 causing the communication unit 10 to use the communication settings of the second area when the communication settings of the first area are different and the first location information is closer to the boundary than the first threshold value, or when the second location information reaches the boundary, the predetermined criteria are met.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second processing example by the vehicle-mounted device 100 of FIG. 1. The processing of FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed. The processing from S10 to S26 is the same as the first processing example of FIG. 5. If there is no difference between the two communication settings in S26 (N in S26), the processing of S34, which is the same as the first processing example, is executed, and the processing ends. If there is a difference between the two communication settings in S26 (Y in S26), the processing of S30 is executed. The processing of S30, S32, and S34 is the same as the first processing example.

[0075] According to the embodiment, when the first location information indicates that the vehicle 1 is closer to the border than the first threshold, if the positional relationship between the border and the second location information derived based on image data of the area in front of the vehicle 1 satisfies a predetermined standard, the communication unit 10 is caused to use the communication settings for the second country. Therefore, even if it is difficult to receive signals from GNSS satellites and the accuracy of the first location information is low when passing through a border, the communication settings can be switched to an appropriate position based on the more accurate second location information. This prevents communication from being performed on an unavailable frequency channel in the first or second country. Furthermore, since the second location information does not need to be derived until the first location information indicates that the vehicle 1 is closer to the border than the first threshold, the processing load can be reduced.

[0076] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will be deemed to have violated radio regulations. Also, since there is no restriction on the frequency channels that can be used, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user.

[0077] In the above basic configuration, the camera image and the 3D map are collated by the vehicle-mounted device 100, but this collation may also be performed by a server as described below. The following mainly describes the differences from the basic configuration.

[0078] 8 shows another example configuration of the wireless system 1000 according to the embodiment. The wireless system 1000 further includes a server 200. The vehicle-mounted device 100 includes a communication unit 24 instead of the second storage unit 14b. The communication unit 24 communicates wirelessly with the server 200. The wireless communication standard is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system) or 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0079] The processing in the wireless system 1000 is performed according to the flowchart in Fig. 5 or 7. For example, the processing in S16 in Figs. 5 and 7, the processing to identify the current country in S18, and the processing to identify a neighboring country in S22 are performed by the server 200. The processing in S30 and S32 in Figs. 5 and 7 and the processing in S36 and S38 in Fig. 5 are also performed by the server 200. Processing other than these is performed by the vehicle-mounted device 100 as described above.

[0080] In the vehicle-mounted device 100, if the distance between the first location information and the border is smaller than the first threshold value (Y of S14 in FIGS. 5 and 7), the control unit 32 instructs the image processing unit 16 to start processing. In response to the instruction from the control unit 32, the image processing unit 16 processes image data of the area ahead of the vehicle 1 captured by the camera 110, and supplies the processed image data to the processing unit 18. The control unit 32 sends the image data received from the image processing unit 16 to the communication unit 24. The communication unit 24 transmits the image data received from the control unit 32 to the server 200.

[0081] The server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 212, and a storage unit 214. The communication unit 210 receives image data from the communication unit 24 of the vehicle-mounted device 100 and sends the received data to the control unit 212.

[0082] The memory unit 214 stores the above-mentioned 3D map, similar to the second memory unit 14b. The control unit 212 collates the image data received from the communication unit 210 with the 3D map stored in the memory unit 214 in real time to derive second position information and direction information of the vehicle 1. This process corresponds to the process of S16 in FIGS. 5 and 7. The control unit 212 identifies the first country and the second country based on the derived second position information and direction information, and supplies information on the identified countries to the communication unit 210. This process corresponds to part of the process of S18 and part of the process of S22 in FIGS. 5 and 7. The communication unit 210 transmits the received information on the first country and the second country to the in-vehicle device 100 of the vehicle 1.

[0083] In the vehicle-mounted device 100, the communication unit 24 receives information on the first country and the second country from the server 200 and sends the received information to the processing unit 18. The second acquisition unit 30 acquires the information on the first country and the second country sent from the communication unit 24 and supplies the acquired information to the control unit 32. Based on the information on the first country and the second country, the control unit 32 executes the process of identifying the country code in S18 of Figures 5 and 7, the process of identifying the country code in S22, and the processes subsequent to these processes.

[0084] 5, if the 5 GHz band is added to the communication settings for the neighboring country in addition to the communication settings for the current country (Y in S28), the control unit 32 causes the communication unit 24 to transmit, together with the image data, a first instruction to the server 200 to confirm whether the second location information has reached the border. The transmission of the image data by the communication unit 24 is repeated at the frame rate of the camera 110.

[0085] In the server 200, when the communication unit 210 receives the image data and the first instruction, the control unit 212 derives second position information of the vehicle 1 by comparing the image data with the 3D map and determines whether the second position information is a border. If the second position information is a border, the control unit 212 causes the communication unit 210 to transmit information indicating that the second position information for the in-vehicle device 100 has reached the border. These processes correspond to the processes of S30 and S32 in FIG. 5.

[0086] In the vehicle-mounted device 100, the control unit 32 receives the information indicating that the second location information has reached the border via the communication unit 24, and executes the process of S34.

[0087] In S26 of FIG. 7, if there is a difference between the two communication settings (Y in S26), the processes from S32 to S34 are executed in the same manner.

[0088] 5, if the 5 GHz band has not been added (N in S28), the control unit 32 causes the communication unit 24 to transmit, together with the image data, a second instruction to confirm whether the distance to the border for the server 200 is less than the second threshold. The transmission of the image data by the communication unit 24 is repeated at the frame rate of the camera 110.

[0089] In the server 200, when the communication unit 210 receives the image data and the second instruction, the control unit 212 derives second position information of the vehicle 1 by comparing the image data with the 3D map, and determines whether the distance to the border is less than a second threshold value based on the second position information. If the distance to the border is less than the second threshold value, the control unit 212 causes the communication unit 210 to transmit information indicating that the distance to the border from the in-vehicle device 100 is less than the second threshold value. These processes correspond to the processes of S36 and S38 in FIG. 5.

[0090] In the vehicle-mounted device 100, the control unit 32 receives information indicating that the distance to the border is less than the second threshold value via the communication unit 24 and executes the process of S34.

[0091] 3D maps have a relatively large amount of data. Furthermore, 3D maps may be updated relatively frequently to maintain accuracy. In the configuration example of FIG. 8, the vehicle-mounted device 100 does not need to perform wireless communication to update the 3D map, which can prevent an increase in the amount of data in wireless communication of the vehicle-mounted device 100.

[0092] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0093] For example, in the embodiment, the second acquisition unit 30 or the control unit 212 derives the second position information and the like based on the image captured by the camera 110 and the 3D map, but this is not limiting. For example, a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) that captures a distance image ahead of the vehicle 1 may be used as the sensor mounted on the vehicle 1, and the second acquisition unit 30 or the control unit 212 may derive the second position information and the like of the vehicle 1 by comparing the distance image captured by the LIDAR with the 3D map in real time. The distance image corresponds to vehicle surroundings information. Known technologies can be used to derive the current position using the LIDAR.

[0094] Furthermore, a magnetic sensor, for example, may be used as the sensor mounted on the vehicle 1. The magnetic sensor may detect the magnetic force of magnetic markers installed on the road surface at regular intervals along the travel route of the vehicle 1. The second acquisition unit 30 may derive second position information and orientation information of the vehicle 1 based on the detection results of the magnetic sensor. The magnetic force corresponds to vehicle surroundings information. Known techniques can be used to derive the current position using the magnetic markers and magnetic sensor.

[0095] Alternatively, the magnetic sensor may detect a magnetic field from an electromagnetic induction line installed on the road surface along the travel route of the vehicle 1. The second acquisition unit 30 may derive second position information and direction information of the vehicle 1 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. The magnetic field corresponds to vehicle surroundings information. Known techniques can be used to derive the current position using the electromagnetic induction line and the magnetic sensor. These modifications can improve the flexibility of the configuration of the wireless system 1000.

[0096] Furthermore, in the embodiment, if the distance to the border is smaller than the first threshold value, the image data is compared with the 3D map to derive the second position information of the vehicle 1, but it is not necessary to derive the second position information at this time. Instead of using the second position information, if the distance to the border is smaller than the first threshold value, the control unit 32 may identify the first country and the second country based on the first position information and direction information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12 and the map information stored in the first storage unit 14a. According to this modification, if the communication settings for the first country are the same as the communication settings for the second country, it is not necessary to derive the second position information, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0097] One aspect of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0098] [Item 1] An on-board device mounted on a vehicle, a communication unit capable of performing communication on any of a plurality of frequency channels; a storage unit that stores information on communication settings for each of a plurality of areas, the communication settings for each area including information on frequency channels that the communication unit can use in the area; an acquisition unit that acquires first position information of the vehicle that is positioned based on signals from GNSS satellites; a control unit that, when the first location information acquired by the acquisition unit changes from a first area to a second area, causes the communication unit to use a communication setting of the first area based on the information stored in the storage unit if the first location information is away from a boundary between the first area and the second area by a threshold value or more within the first area; When the first position information approaches the boundary closer than the threshold value, if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion, the control unit causes the communication unit to use a communication setting of the second area based on the information stored in the storage unit. An in-vehicle device characterized by:

[0099] According to this aspect, even if the accuracy of the first location information is likely to be low when passing through a boundary, the communication settings can be switched at an appropriate position based on the more accurate second location information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent communication from being performed on an unavailable frequency channel in the first area or the second area. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to derive the second location information until the first location information approaches the boundary by more than a threshold value, the processing load can be reduced.

[0100] [Item 2] when the communication setting of the first area is the same as the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information comes closer to the boundary than the threshold value, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area regardless of a positional relationship between the second location information and the boundary; When the communication setting of the first area is different from the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information is closer to the boundary than the threshold value, and if the positional relationship between the second location information and the boundary satisfies the predetermined criterion, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area. 2. The vehicle-mounted device according to item 1,

[0101] In this case, if the communication settings of the first area are the same as those of the second area, there is no need to specify the positional relationship between the second location information and the border, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0102] [Item 3] When the communication setting of the first area is different from the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information approaches the boundary more closely than the threshold value, and if the second location information reaches the boundary, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area. 3. The vehicle-mounted device according to item 1 or 2.

[0103] In this case, when a frequency channel that is unavailable in the first region is available in the second region, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication from being performed on that frequency channel in the first region, and when a frequency channel that is available in the first region is unavailable in the second region, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication from being performed on that frequency channel in the second region.

[0104] [Item 4] When the communication setting of the first area includes information of a frequency channel in a first frequency band and does not include information of a frequency channel in a second frequency band, and the communication setting of the second area includes information of the frequency channels in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first area is the same as the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second area, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied if the second location information reaches or crosses the boundary, and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area. 3. The vehicle-mounted device according to item 1 or 2.

[0105] In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication from being performed in the first region using unusable frequency channels in the second frequency band.

[0106] [Item 5] When the communication setting of the first area includes frequency channels in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the communication setting of the second area includes frequency channels in the first frequency band but does not include frequency channels in the second frequency band, and the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first area are the same as the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second area, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied if the second location information approaches the boundary within the first area more closely than another threshold value, and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area; the other threshold is less than the threshold; 5. The vehicle-mounted device according to item 4,

[0107] In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication from being performed in the second region using unusable frequency channels in the second frequency band.

[0108] [Item 6] A control method for an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device comprising: a communication unit capable of performing communication on any of a plurality of frequency channels; and a storage unit that stores information on communication settings for each of a plurality of areas, the communication settings for each area including information on frequency channels that the communication unit can use in that area; a first step of acquiring first position information of the vehicle measured based on signals from GNSS satellites; a second step of causing the communication unit to use a communication setting of the first area based on the information stored in the storage unit if the first location information acquired in the first step changes from a first area to a second area and the first location information is located within the first area away from a boundary between the first area and the second area by a threshold value or more; a third step of causing the communication unit to use a communication setting for the second area based on the information stored in the storage unit if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined standard when the first position information approaches the boundary more closely than the threshold value; A control method comprising:

[0109] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent communication from being performed on an unavailable frequency channel in the first region or the second region, and also to reduce the processing load. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...vehicle, 10...communication unit, 12...first acquisition unit, 14a...first memory unit, 14b...second memory unit, 14c...third memory unit, 16...image processing unit, 18...processing unit, 20...vehicle speed signal receiving unit, 24...communication unit, 30...second acquisition unit, 32...control unit, 100...vehicle-mounted device, 110...camera, 200...server, 210...communication unit, 212...control unit, 214...memory unit, 1000...wireless system.

Claims

1. An on-board device mounted on a vehicle, a communication unit capable of performing communication on any of a plurality of frequency channels; a storage unit that stores information on communication settings for each of a plurality of areas, the communication settings for each area including information on frequency channels that the communication unit can use in the area; an acquisition unit that acquires first position information of the vehicle that is positioned based on signals from GNSS satellites; a control unit that, when the first location information acquired by the acquisition unit changes from a first area to a second area, causes the communication unit to use a communication setting of the first area based on the information stored in the storage unit if the first location information is away from a boundary between the first area and the second area by a threshold value or more within the first area; When the first position information approaches the boundary closer than the threshold value, if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area based on the information stored in the storage unit. An in-vehicle device characterized by:

2. when the communication setting of the first area is the same as the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information comes closer to the boundary than the threshold value, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area regardless of a positional relationship between the second location information and the boundary; When the communication setting of the first area is different from the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information is closer to the boundary than the threshold value, and if the positional relationship between the second location information and the boundary satisfies the predetermined criterion, the control unit causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area.

2. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1.

3. When the communication setting of the first area is different from the communication setting of the second area, if the first location information approaches the boundary more closely than the threshold value, and if the second location information reaches the boundary, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area.

3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the communication setting of the first area includes information of a frequency channel in a first frequency band and does not include information of a frequency channel in a second frequency band, and the communication setting of the second area includes information of the frequency channels in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first area is the same as the frequency channel in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second area, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied if the second location information reaches or crosses the boundary, and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area.

3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the communication setting of the first area includes frequency channels in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the communication setting of the second area includes frequency channels in the first frequency band but does not include frequency channels in the second frequency band, and the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the first area are the same as the frequency channels in the first frequency band of the communication setting of the second area, the control unit determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied if the second location information approaches the boundary within the first area closer than another threshold value, and causes the communication unit to use the communication setting of the second area; the other threshold is less than the threshold; 5. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 4.

6. A control method for an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, the on-board device comprising: a communication unit capable of performing communication on any of a plurality of frequency channels; and a storage unit that stores information on communication settings for each of a plurality of areas, the communication settings for each area including information on frequency channels that the communication unit can use in that area; a first step of acquiring first position information of the vehicle measured based on signals from GNSS satellites; a second step of causing the communication unit to use a communication setting for the first area based on the information stored in the storage unit if the first location information acquired in the first step changes from a first area to a second area and the first location information is located within the first area away from a boundary between the first area and the second area by a threshold value or more; a third step of causing the communication unit to use the communication settings of the second area based on the information stored in the storage unit if a positional relationship between the boundary and second position information of the vehicle derived based on vehicle surroundings information acquired by a sensor mounted on the vehicle satisfies a predetermined standard when the first position information approaches the boundary more closely than the threshold value; A control method comprising:

Images