Navigation control device and method using the same

Abstract

To provide navigation control device and method that prevent errors that may occur when using a function to remove restrictions on the television viewing function of an in-vehicle display device.SOLUTION: A navigation control device 30 is electrically connected between vehicle's position information antenna 37, 70 and an in-vehicle display device 20 having a television viewing function and a navigation display function, and has the function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling. The navigation control device 30 is equipped with a position detection inhibiting device 39 that can inhibit the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna, and a switching device 36 that switches the operation of the position detection inhibiting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle control, and more particularly to a navigation control device and a switching function-equipped position information antenna used to remove television viewing restrictions on an in-vehicle display device, and a method using these. [Background technology]

[0002] In-vehicle display devices are used by users to watch television (terrestrial digital broadcasting, etc.) and display car navigation information. Some in-vehicle display devices are controlled to limit television viewing functions when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds. The conditions for normal television operation vary by manufacturer, but for example, the shift position must be in P shift, the vehicle speed must be 0, and the wheel signal line must maintain a high (voltage) level. All of this information is sent to the in-vehicle display device via the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus.

[0003] In light of this, technologies have been proposed that allow navigation to run in the background while allowing television viewing while driving (Patent Documents 1 and 2).In addition, when using a device that disables such television viewing restrictions, error messages may be displayed on the in-vehicle display device, or some driving assistance functions may become unusable, but a technology has also been proposed to disable the display of such error messages (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7313640 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7343936 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7343949 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 3 performs an error cancellation process after the conditions for displaying a message on the display unit are met, and there is a problem in that the occurrence of the error itself cannot be avoided.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and provides a navigation control device and a location information antenna with a switching function that can prevent errors such as the inability to use driving assistance functions when the restriction release function for the television viewing function of an in-vehicle display device is used, as well as methods using these. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The navigation control device of the present invention is electrically connected between a vehicle's location information antenna and an in-vehicle display device having a television viewing function and a navigation display function, and has a function of releasing restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling, a position detection inhibiting device that inhibits the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal from a vehicle's position information antenna; and a switching device for switching the operation of the position detection inhibiting device.

[0008] The inventors have learned that such errors can occur due to a mismatch between information such as vehicle speed based on a vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on a positioning system such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). By providing a position detection inhibiting device capable of inhibiting an in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal, the acquisition of accurate information based on the positioning system is inhibited, thereby preventing mismatches between information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on the positioning system. A normal antenna signal refers to a signal transmitted by a positioning antenna, such as a GNSS antenna, when GNSS radio waves are sufficiently received (positioning is possible). The inhibition of acquisition of a normal antenna signal refers to the inability of the in-vehicle display device to acquire an antenna signal or the inability of the in-vehicle display device to receive a signal that is not a normal antenna signal. A signal that is not a normal antenna signal (an abnormal antenna signal) includes a signal transmitted by a positioning antenna when radio waves are not sufficiently received (positioning is not possible) or an antenna signal that has been altered due to a problem in the signal line.

[0009] The navigation control device may comprise a control device that controls the operation of the switching device.

[0010] The position detection inhibiting device may include a position information antenna that is not functioning properly and is separate from the vehicle's position information antenna, and the switching device may switch the antenna connected to the in-vehicle display device between the vehicle's position information antenna and the position information antenna that is not functioning properly.

[0011] The malfunctioning location information antenna may be one that includes a functioning location information antenna and a shielding member that blocks radio waves transmitted to the antenna.

[0012] The position information antenna that is not functioning normally may be a position information antenna whose antenna function has been degraded.

[0013] The location detection inhibiting device may include an antenna signal interfering device that interferes with the antenna signal, and the switching device may switch the antenna signal interfering device on and off.

[0014] The method using the above navigation control device alternates between an acquisition step of controlling the switching device to cause the in-vehicle display device to acquire a normal antenna signal from the vehicle's location information antenna for a first period of time, and an inhibition step of controlling the switching device to inhibit the in-vehicle display device from acquiring the normal antenna signal for a second period of time.

[0015] The first time and the second time are values ​​that may depend on the model and may be set appropriately, but as an example, the first time may be 90 to 180 seconds, and the second time may be greater than 0 seconds and equal to or less than 30 seconds. These time ranges are merely examples, and values ​​outside these ranges may be used for either or both of the first time and the second time.

[0016] When the in-vehicle display device uses a function to remove restrictions on the television viewing function, an error may occur due to a discrepancy between information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on the location information system, and an error may also occur if the in-vehicle display device is unable to detect the connection of the location information antenna for a certain period of time.

[0017] The position detection inhibiting device is three series-connected RF switches interposed between the position information antenna and the navigation control device; an RF signal isolator connected to one terminal of each of the RF switches; and an RF signal optimization module provided between the RF switch and the in-vehicle display device, and between the RF switch and the position information antenna, the switching device is an RF switch switching device that switches the connection of each of the RF switches; the navigation control device further includes an antenna load simulator connected to the in-vehicle display device without passing through the RF switch; Of the three series-connected RF switches, the RF switch located on the in-vehicle display device side can be configured so that its common terminal is located on the in-vehicle display device side, and the remaining two RF switches can be configured so that their common terminals are located on the location information antenna side.

[0018] Generally, a location information antenna includes a ceramic antenna, a low noise amplifier (LNA), and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. The LNA is supplied with a DC power source separately from the ceramic antenna.

[0019] The inventors have discovered that by configuring an in-vehicle display device to block signals from the position information antenna while simulating antenna load (power consumption), it is possible to prevent discrepancies that could result in errors between information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on the position information system. The above configuration includes an antenna load simulator that simulates power consumption due to an antenna load such as an LNA and generates a resulting current. Even if signals from the position information antenna are blocked, as long as the antenna load simulator is connected to the in-vehicle display device, the in-vehicle display device can recognize that the position information antenna is connected. This prevents a certain period of time from continuing, thereby preventing errors from occurring.

[0020] In the present invention, the RF (Radio Frequency) switch is assumed to be an SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) or SPMT (Single Pole Multi Throw) switch. Unless otherwise specified, the RF switch is assumed to be an SPDT switch.

[0021] When using an RF switch to block signals from the location information antenna to the in-vehicle display device, using only one RF switch does not provide sufficient isolation for the purposes of the present invention, and leaked signals would adversely affect the function of the present invention. Therefore, three RF switches are used, and an RF signal isolator is attached to one terminal of each RF switch to suppress signal leakage from this terminal. Furthermore, rather than arranging all three RF switches in the same direction, only the RF switch on the in-vehicle display device side is positioned so that its common terminal faces the in-vehicle display device. By connecting them in this manner, even when three RF switches are used, leaked signals can be reliably absorbed by the RF signal isolator, improving isolation and preventing unwanted signals from the location information antenna from being transmitted to the in-vehicle display device.

[0022] Furthermore, if all three RF antennas are connected in the same direction, or if the middle RF antenna is connected in the opposite direction to that described above, errors caused by signal leakage cannot be adequately prevented, and a fourth RF switch is required to achieve sufficient isolation, which leads to increased insertion loss, higher costs, and an increase in installation space.

[0023] When using RF switches in this way, it is necessary to provide an RF signal optimization module on each of the upstream and downstream sides of at least three RF switches. Furthermore, when RF switches are used, voltage signals (DC voltage signals) from LNAs and the like are not transmitted beyond the RF switches, so the antenna load simulator is connected to the in-vehicle display device without going through the RF switches.

[0024] However, the method of using a high frequency relay to block the signal from the position information antenna is not adopted because of the problem of slow switching speed.

[0025] This SPDT RF switch has three terminals, as shown in Figure 7, one of which is a common terminal (RF1) and the remaining two terminals are switching terminals (RF2 and RF3). One of RF2 and RF3 is used to connect the position information antenna to the in-vehicle display device, and the other is connected to an RF signal isolator. When using an SPMT RF switch, at least one RF signal isolator must be connected to each RF switch, and it is preferable that RF signal isolators be connected to the remaining terminals as well.

[0026] The position sensing inhibition device may include an additional RF signal optimization module between the RF switches.

[0027] The RF switch may be an electronic switch, for example a CMOS switch.

[0028] The method using the above navigation control device includes: an acquisition step of controlling the three RF switches so that the in-vehicle display device acquires the antenna signal from the vehicle's location information antenna for a first time; and an inhibiting step of controlling the three RF switches to be all connected to the RF signal isolator so as to inhibit the in-vehicle display device from acquiring the antenna signal for a second time period.

[0029] The first time and the second time are values ​​that may depend on the model and may be set appropriately, but as an example, the first time may be 90 to 180 seconds, and the second time may be greater than 0 seconds and equal to or less than 30 seconds. These time ranges are merely examples, and values ​​outside these ranges may be used for either or both of the first time and the second time.

[0030] The location information antenna with switching function of the present invention is configured to be electrically switchable between a state in which antenna signals can be transmitted and a state in which antenna signals cannot be transmitted, and is electrically connected to an in-vehicle display device that has television viewing functions and navigation display functions.

[0031] The method using the above-mentioned switching function-equipped location information antenna is as follows: a transmission enabling step of maintaining a state in which transmission of an antenna signal is possible for a transmission enabling time; a transmission stopping step of maintaining a state in which transmission of an antenna signal is disabled for a transmission stopping time; This is a method of electrically switching between the above two states.

[0032] The time during which transmission is possible and the time during which transmission is stopped are also values ​​that may depend on the model and can be set as appropriate, but as an example, the time during which transmission is possible can be 90 to 180 seconds, and the time during which transmission is impossible can be more than 0 seconds and 5 seconds or less, with the switching repeated alternately. This time range is an example, and values ​​outside this range may be used for either or both of the time during which transmission is possible and the time during which transmission is impossible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The above-described navigation control device and switching function-equipped position information antenna can prevent information inconsistencies that could cause errors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a navigation control device that includes a television viewing restriction release function and an error avoidance function, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a time division control signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of an example of an error avoidance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart of another example of an error avoidance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a switching function-equipped position information antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, a known television viewing function restriction removal device, and an in-vehicle display device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error avoidance method using a switching function-equipped position information antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a navigation control device having a television viewing restriction release function and an error avoidance function, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an error avoidance method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the descriptions in this specification are merely examples for explaining the present invention and are not limited to the detailed configurations, structures, and attached drawings of each embodiment described in this specification. As used in this specification, the terms "include," "comprise," "have," and similar expressions mean that the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and other additional items may be included. In particular, when describing "a certain element," the present invention is not necessarily limited to only that element, but may include multiple other elements.

[0036] The navigation control device 30 of this embodiment is connected between the vehicle's position information antenna (the original vehicle's GNSS antenna) 70 and the on-board display device 20 via a GNSS antenna cable. The navigation control device 30 is also connected between the vehicle ECU1 (instrument assembly 10) and the on-board display device 20 via a vehicle speed signal line. The navigation control device 30 is further connected to a vehicle ECU2 (indicated by reference numeral 11) that is separate from the vehicle ECU1 via a CAN1 receiver-transmitter via a CAN bus, and is also connected to the on-board display device 20 via a CAN2 receiver-transmitter via a CAN bus. The connection via the vehicle speed signal line is configured so that a signal from the vehicle ECU1 can pass through the navigation control device 30 via a relay module (switch) K1.

[0037] The connections of the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment to the vehicle ECU 1 via the vehicle speed signal line, to the vehicle ECU 2 via the CAN1 receiver / transmitter (CAN bus), to the in-vehicle display device 20 via the vehicle speed signal line, and to the in-vehicle display device via the CAN2 receiver / transmitter (CAN bus) can be set appropriately depending on the method for removing restrictions on the television viewing function, and are not essential components of the navigation control device 30 of the present invention, but it is preferable to provide these. The navigation control device 30 may also be equipped with a power supply module (not shown). Here, ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, and CAN stands for Controller Area Network.

[0038] The method for lifting the restriction on the television viewing function can be set as appropriate, for example, by using a vehicle speed pulse signal transmitted over a vehicle speed signal line, by using a signal transmitted over a CAN bus, by using a signal from a GNSS (for location information) antenna, or by combining two or more of these methods, and a necessary device configuration can be adopted accordingly. Note that in this embodiment, the restriction on the television viewing function is lifted using information (vehicle speed pulse signal) on the vehicle speed signal line, and while connection with the vehicle ECU 1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 via the vehicle speed signal line is essential, connection with them via the CAN bus is not essential.

[0039] The navigation control device 30 also includes a time-division control signal generating device 35, a position detection inhibiting device 39, a switching device (GNSS antenna interference switching device) 36 that switches the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39, and a main control device (main controller module) 31 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generating device 35 and the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36.

[0040] This time-division control signal generating device 35 has the function of removing restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is moving, and is configured to include a vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 34 that receives a vehicle speed pulse signal, a television analog signal module 33, and a vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 32. Note that this time-division control signal generating device 35 is an example of a device that has the function of removing restrictions on the television viewing function, and various modifications are possible as long as it has the same function.

[0041] The position detection inhibiting device 39 includes an antenna signal interference device 38 and a malfunctioning position information antenna (second GNSS antenna) 37 that is separate from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle.

[0042] These are examples of navigation control devices, and some devices may be removed or added, a device may have the functions of two or more devices, or two or more devices may perform one function.

[0043] First, the "original mode," which is the original function and operation of the in-vehicle display device 20 to which this embodiment is applied, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This mode corresponds to a state in which the switch (relay module) K1 in Figure 1 is connected to terminal 1, and the vehicle speed pulse signal generated by the instrument assembly 10 is sent directly to the in-vehicle display device 20 without passing through the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment.

[0044] An instrument assembly 10 provided in a vehicle generates a pulse signal (vehicle speed pulse signal) proportional to the rotational speed of the wheels while the vehicle is running, and generates an ON signal (high level signal) when the vehicle is stopped or running at a low speed (for example, 5 km / h or less) and outputs it to a vehicle speed signal line. In other words, the vehicle ECU 1 is a device that outputs either a vehicle speed pulse signal or a high level signal depending on the vehicle speed.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the voltage waveforms of a vehicle speed pulse signal and a vehicle speed analog pulse signal, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. When the vehicle is moving, i.e., when the wheels are rotating, the voltage waveform is a continuous pulse waveform as shown in Figure 2 (upper waveform). The vehicle speed can be calculated from the frequency of this pulse waveform. In the upper waveform, all pulse periods are the same, indicating a state in which the vehicle is moving at a constant speed. When the vehicle speed changes, the frequency changes to a higher frequency when accelerating and to a lower frequency when decelerating. On the other hand, the high-level signal output when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed (for example, when the vehicle speed is less than 5 km / h) maintains the high potential state of the pulse signal.

[0046] While a vehicle speed pulse signal is being input to terminal 1, the vehicle is recognized as being in motion, and use of the navigation device is permitted, displaying information such as the vehicle's location while in motion on the screen of the in-vehicle display device 20, while simultaneously prohibiting television viewing. Conversely, while a high-level signal is being input to terminal 1, television viewing is permitted and use of the navigation device is prohibited. Note that, depending on the in-vehicle display device 20, if a signal indicating that the parking brake is applied to the vehicle (or the shift position is in P shift) must be separately applied in addition to the high-level signal as an additional condition for permitting television viewing, that signal is output to the required signal line.

[0047] Next, we will explain the "TV viewing restriction release mode," i.e., a mode in which TV viewing is permitted while driving and navigation is also available in the background. This mode corresponds to the state in which the switch (relay module) K1 in Figure 1 is connected to terminal 2, and a signal is sent to the in-vehicle display device via the navigation control device of this embodiment to operate it.

[0048] The elements involved in the operation of this television viewing restriction release mode are the time-division control signal generator 35 and the main controller module 31 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generator 35, which are included in the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1. When switch K1 is connected to terminal 2, the output signal (vehicle speed pulse signal or high-level signal) of the vehicle ECU 1 is input to the vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 34. In accordance with a control command from the main controller, a time-division control signal obtained by superimposing (combining) in a time-division manner the television analog signal (high-level signal) output by the television analog signal module 33 and the vehicle speed analog pulse signal (signal generated based on the vehicle speed pulse signal) generated by the vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 32 is output to the in-vehicle display device 20. That is, the state in which it is connected to terminal 1 is the original mode, and the state in which it is connected to terminal 2 is the television function restriction release mode.

[0049] Fig. 2 (lower waveform) shows the voltage waveform of the time-division control signal output from the navigation control device 30 to terminal 2. The voltage waveform of the time-division control signal is a voltage signal waveform obtained by combining a vehicle speed analog pulse signal and a television analog signal, and the vehicle speed analog pulse signal has a higher frequency than the vehicle speed pulse signal in the original mode of Fig. 2 (upper waveform) by "T2 period + T1 period" / "T2 period". The vehicle speed analog pulse signal is transmitted to the navigation device for T2 [s], and then the television analog signal is transmitted for T1 [s].

[0050] The navigation control device 30 outputs a time-division control signal to the in-vehicle display device 20, which receives the analog television signal during the television signal time (T1) and the analog vehicle speed pulse signal during the navigation signal time (T2). This allows television viewing while the vehicle is moving, and the navigation device continues to function correctly in the background even while television is being viewed.

[0051] The faster the current vehicle speed, the more pulses included in the vehicle speed analog pulse signal during the "T2 period." Therefore, it is preferable to employ a configuration in which the main controller module 31 controls the "T2 period" so that the faster the current vehicle speed, the longer the time of the "T2 period."

[0052] When the in-vehicle navigation system connects the in-vehicle display device 20 and the vehicle ECU 1 via the navigation control device 30 by connecting the switch K1 to the terminal 2, the in-vehicle navigation system operates in the television function restriction release mode in which the navigation function and the television viewing function can be used simultaneously, as described above. On the other hand, when the in-vehicle navigation system connects the vehicle ECU 1 directly to the in-vehicle display device 20 by switching the switch K1 to the terminal 1, the in-vehicle navigation system operates in the original mode in which the navigation function and the television viewing function function alternatively.

[0053] In the original mode, even if the in-vehicle display device 20 is switched from television viewing to navigation while the vehicle is stopped, the navigation screen does not resume until a certain time (for example, a waiting time of several tens of seconds) has elapsed since the vehicle speed pulse signal was received.

[0054] However, when the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment is used, television viewing is possible on the in-vehicle display device 20 even while the vehicle is moving, and even while watching television, the vehicle speed analog pulse signal of the time-division control signal is intermittently applied to the in-vehicle display device 20, so the navigation device functions correctly in the background, and for example, the voice guidance function also operates normally. Therefore, even if the screen is switched from television viewing to the navigation function, the navigation screen is immediately displayed.

[0055] In the TV function restriction release mode, the vehicle speed pulse signal (vehicle speed analog pulse signal) is given intermittently, so the vehicle's driving position on the navigation screen is displayed intermittently (the map in the background of the vehicle moves intermittently), and the voice guidance is played slightly faster than in the original mode. In other words, the vehicle on the navigation screen is displayed as if it is repeatedly stopped and moving at a higher speed than in the original mode. At this time, the total amount of movement during the stop and high-speed movement is approximately the same as in the original mode.

[0056] Television viewing is uninterrupted due to data delays caused by data broadcasting specifications. However, although this is affected by factors such as the configuration of the in-vehicle display device 20 and the specifications of the television viewing data, the shorter the television signal time T1 and the longer the interval until the next television signal is received (i.e., the navigation signal time T2), the more likely the television viewing screen will be interrupted. The preferred value for television signal time T1 varies depending on the specifications of the in-vehicle display device 20, but it is preferable to ensure that television signal time T1 is, for example, approximately 1.4 to 1.8 seconds apart, preferably approximately 1.6 seconds or more, and more preferably 1.65 seconds or more.

[0057] In this embodiment, the original mode and the TV viewing restriction release mode can be switched between by controlling the main controller module using an electrical switch K1 such as a relay module, but the mode may be manually switched. Alternatively, if the operation of the in-vehicle display device via the navigation control device 30 becomes unstable or if the navigation control device 30 stops for some reason, the mode may be automatically restored (switched) to the original mode in which the vehicle ECU 1 directly outputs a vehicle speed pulse signal to the in-vehicle display device 20. A physical switch such as a button may be provided for manual switching.

[0058] For example, the navigation control device 30 can determine (calculate) the latest vehicle speed in real time, and generate a vehicle speed analog pulse signal for transmitting the future travel distance based on the latest real-time vehicle speed information in a short period of time T2 as a signal to be output during the navigation signal time of the time-division control signal. Alternatively, the vehicle speed analog pulse signal can be obtained by storing the actual vehicle speed pulse signal and transmitting it at high speed or by processing it to have a high frequency.

[0059] Next, referring to FIG. 1, we will explain a configuration for preventing information discrepancies that could cause errors during TV viewing restriction mode by inhibiting the function of a position detection system. When using car navigation, not only vehicle speed information but also information from position detection systems such as GNSS (Global Navigation System) including GPS is used. If there is a discrepancy (mismatch) between information based on such GNSS and information based on an analog pulse signal of vehicle speed during TV viewing restriction mode, an error code that disables some driving assistance functions may be transmitted. Such errors do not occur when the in-vehicle display device cannot accurately acquire position information, such as when driving through a tunnel. Therefore, by preventing the in-vehicle display device from accurately acquiring position information during normal driving, information discrepancies that could cause errors can be avoided. However, errors can also occur when the in-vehicle display device cannot acquire any position information at all.

[0060] Therefore, the navigation control device 30 according to the present invention includes a position detection inhibiting device 39 and a switching device (GNSS antenna interference switching device) 36 that switches the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39 so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can inhibit acquisition of a normal (genuine) antenna signal. Furthermore, the navigation control device 30 may include a main control device (main controller module) 31 that controls the operation of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36.

[0061] The position detection inhibiting device 39 may be configured such that a second GNSS antenna 37 is provided separately from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle. In this case, the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 includes, for example, an RF switch, and switches the antenna connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 between the vehicle's position information antenna 70 and the second GNSS antenna 37, thereby switching the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39. Note that the RF switch is merely an example, and switching may be performed by other known switching means.

[0062] The second GNSS antenna 37 can be a normally functioning position information antenna provided with a member that blocks radio waves transmitted to the position information antenna. The shielding member is not particularly limited, and any known radio wave (electromagnetic wave) shielding material can be used.

[0063] Furthermore, the second GNSS antenna 37 can be a positioning antenna with reduced antenna functionality by changing the design of at least one parameter or indicator, such as gain, standing wave (VSWR), noise figure (NF), or axial ratio (AR). Note that only when these parameters and indicators are appropriately designed can the positioning antenna properly (with high sensitivity) receive signals from satellites. Therefore, by changing the parameters and indicators, it is possible to easily make the second GNSS antenna 37 a positioning antenna that does not function properly (that is, capable of transmitting an antenna signal to the in-vehicle display device 20 in a state in which positioning is not possible). Note that the above parameters and indicators are merely examples, and the design of other parameters and / or other indicators may be changed in addition to or instead of these.

[0064] Such a signal from the second GNSS antenna 37 cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20 (an antenna signal in a state where positioning is not possible), as occurs when driving through a tunnel, and this prevents the acquisition of a normal (genuine) antenna signal.

[0065] A location information antenna with modified parameters and other settings is advantageous in that it does not require shielding materials and is low cost. Also, a shielded location information antenna is advantageous in that it does not require reconfiguration for each vehicle model. If such a second GNSS antenna is configured to be mounted on the same board as the main controller module 31, etc., it will be easier to design and manufacture the entire navigation control device. A second GNSS antenna can be obtained by adding shielding material to a commercially available location information antenna or by modifying parameters and other settings.

[0066] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the second GNSS antenna 37, an antenna signal interference device 38 may be provided that interferes with the antenna signal transmitted from the vehicle's position information antenna 70 to the in-vehicle display device 20 (by weakening or attenuating the signal, or by blocking the transmission of the antenna signal and causing the in-vehicle display device 20 to receive a dummy antenna signal). This also prevents the in-vehicle display device 20 from acquiring (receiving) a normal (genuine) antenna signal. In this case, the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 switches the antenna signal interference device 38 on and off to switch between receiving the normal antenna signal and blocking it. Note that the dummy antenna signal, like the signal from the second GNSS antenna 37, may be any signal that cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20, and may be stored in a storage device (not shown), for example. The method of switching the dummy antenna signal can be the same as for the second GNSS antenna 37.

[0067] If the antenna signal interference device is configured to be installed on the same board as the main controller module, etc., it will be easier to design and manufacture the entire navigation control device.

[0068] By providing only one of the second GNSS antenna and the antenna signal interference device, a low-cost device can be obtained, while by using both, error avoidance can be more reliably achieved.

[0069] The GNSS antenna interference switching device can be a device that can electrically and / or physically switch on and off the antenna or the connected antenna. The main controller module can also include a memory, etc., as needed, and a known microcontroller or SoC (System on Chip) can be used.

[0070] A method for using the second GNSS antenna to avoid information discrepancies that could cause errors will be described with reference to Fig. 3. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode begins, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 as necessary to enable the in-vehicle display device 20 to receive (acquire) a normal signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle for a first period of time (acquisition step S301). Note that immediately after starting the vehicle, such as starting the engine, the device may wait for a predetermined period of time without counting the first period of time in order to allow the device to stabilize.

[0071] Next, the main controller module 31 controls the RF switch of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 to enable the in-vehicle display device 20 to receive signals from the second GNSS antenna 37 for a second period of time (so that the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive normal signals from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle) (inhibition step S302).

[0072] By repeating the processes of S301 and S302, the in-vehicle display device 20 can acquire a normal (genuine) antenna signal, while preventing mismatches that result in errors between the information based on the signal from the time-division control signal generator 35 and the information based on the antenna signal. Note that this repeated process ends when the mode is switched to the original mode, the engine is stopped, etc. After switching to the original mode, the in-vehicle display device 20 is made to receive signals from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle.

[0073] A method for avoiding information inconsistencies that may cause errors using an antenna signal interference device will be described with reference to Fig. 4. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode begins, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 to not operate as necessary, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive a normal (genuine) antenna signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle for a first period of time (acquisition step S401). Note that, similar to S301, immediately after starting the vehicle, the first period of time may not be counted for a predetermined period of time and may wait.

[0074] Next, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 to cause the antenna signal interference device 38 to interfere with the antenna signal, thereby preventing the in-vehicle display device 20 from acquiring a normal (original) antenna signal (inhibition step S402). After switching to the original mode, the operation of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 is switched off, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 receives a normal signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle.

[0075] The antenna signal interference device 38 may be configured to switch between blocking and not blocking the antenna signal transmitted from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle to the in-vehicle display device 20. In this case, in S401, the antenna signal interference device 38 is turned off so as not to block the in-vehicle display device from receiving a normal (genuine) antenna signal, and in S402, the antenna signal interference device 38 is turned on so as to block the in-vehicle display device 20 from receiving the normal (genuine) antenna signal. Furthermore, in addition to blocking the antenna signal, the in-vehicle display device 20 may also be configured to receive a dummy antenna signal that cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0076] By repeating the processes of S401 and S402, the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive a normal (genuine) antenna signal, but it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mismatch that would cause an error between the information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and the information based on the antenna signal, thereby preventing the occurrence of errors that would otherwise occur.

[0077] The location detection inhibiting device 39 may be configured to include only one of the second GNSS antenna and the antenna signal interference device, or may be configured to include both. Also, it may be configured to include not only the second GNSS antenna but also a third or more GNSS antennas, and in this case, the GNSS antennas of the non-genuine vehicle may be the same or different.

[0078] For example, the first time period can be 90 to 180 seconds, 95 to 150 seconds, 100 to 120 seconds, etc., and the second time period can be greater than 0 seconds and less than 30 seconds, 3 to 20 seconds, 5 to 10 seconds, etc. When switching between blocking and not blocking antenna signal transmission, the first time period in S401 can be the same as above, but the second time period in S402 can be greater than 0 seconds and less than 10 seconds, 1 to 5 seconds, 1.5 to 3 seconds, etc. In this way, receiving antenna signals from the original vehicle's GNSS antenna for a relatively long time enables accurate location information to be acquired, while preventing normal (original) antenna signal reception from the original vehicle's GNSS antenna for less than 1 / 3, preferably less than 1 / 10, of the first time period, or completely blocking normal (original) antenna signal reception from the GNSS antenna for a short period of 10 seconds or less, thereby preventing discrepancies that could result in errors between information based on signals from the navigation control device and information based on the positioning information system. This allows for a navigation control device that can prevent errors from occurring.

[0079] The first time and the second time may be the same for all repeated processes, or may be different for each process. For example, the process may be repeated using fixed values ​​of 100 seconds and 5 seconds, or the first time and the second time may be changed as appropriate depending on the radio wave conditions, etc.

[0080] It is preferable that the process of disabling the function of the position detection system is always performed while the unrestricted TV viewing mode is in use. However, it is not necessary to disable the function of the position detection system while in the original mode.

[0081] This navigation control device 30 may be configured as physically independent hardware that is connected between the signal line of the vehicle ECU 1 and the signal line from the vehicle's position information antenna 70 and the connector of the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0082] Next, the system configuration of an embodiment using a position information antenna with a switching function will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Similar devices are given similar reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The position information antenna with a switching function 50 of this embodiment is provided in place of the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle shown in Fig. 1.

[0083] The switching function-equipped position information antenna (switching function-equipped GNSS antenna) 50 is directly connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 by a GNSS antenna cable. Such an indirect connection between the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 and the in-vehicle display device 20 is one example, and a television viewing restriction removal device 60 may be interposed between the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 and the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0084] The switching-function-equipped location information antenna 50 of this embodiment includes an antenna body 51 and a switch 52. This switch can be electrically switched between a state in which the antenna signal can be transmitted and a state in which the antenna signal cannot be transmitted, using a relay module or the like. A known switch other than a relay module may also be used as appropriate. By using such a switching-function-equipped location information antenna 50, it is possible to alternately switch between a time when the antenna signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 20 and a time when the antenna signal transmission is stopped. This also prevents the occurrence of a mismatch that could result in an error between the information based on the television viewing restriction removal device 60 and the information based on the switching-function-equipped location information antenna 50.

[0085] In the switching function-equipped location information antenna 50 of this embodiment, the switch 52 can be a timing switch or the like that alternates between two states at a set timing. Alternatively, a separate timer may be provided, or a control device or memory that controls the operation of the switch may be further provided. Furthermore, the switching function-equipped location information antenna 50 of this embodiment may be provided with a device that can always maintain a state in which transmission is possible.

[0086] The television viewing restriction removal device 60 used simultaneously with the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 of this embodiment is connected to the vehicle ECU 1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 via a vehicle speed signal line, to the vehicle ECU 2 via the CAN1 receiver-transmitter, and to the in-vehicle display device 20 via the CAN2 receiver-transmitter. These connections may be set appropriately depending on the method for removing restrictions on the television viewing function of the television viewing restriction removal device 60. The television viewing restriction removal device 60 may further include a power supply module (not shown).

[0087] The television viewing restriction removal device 60 also includes a time-division control signal generator 65 and a main control device (main controller module) 61 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generator 65.

[0088] This time-division control signal generating device 65 has the function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is moving, and is configured to include a vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 64 that receives a vehicle speed pulse signal, a television analog signal module 63, and a vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 62. Note that this time-division control signal generating device 65 is similar to the time-division control signal generating device 35 of the navigation control device 30 in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. Also, this time-division control signal generating device 65 is an example of a device that has the function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function, and various television viewing restriction lifting devices 60 that have similar functions can be used.

[0089] As a method for lifting restrictions on the television viewing function, as explained in the embodiment relating to the navigation control device, any of the following methods can be appropriately set: a method using a vehicle speed pulse signal transmitted over a vehicle speed signal line; a method using a signal transmitted over a CAN bus; a method using a signal from a GNSS (for location information) antenna; or a combination of these; and the required device configuration can be adopted accordingly.

[0090] A method for avoiding information mismatches that may cause errors using the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. When operation is started by starting the vehicle, etc., the switch 52 is controlled as necessary to maintain a state in which antenna signal transmission is possible for a transmission possible time, thereby enabling the antenna signal to be transmitted from the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 to the in-vehicle display device 20 (transmission possible step S601). Note that, as in S301, immediately after starting the vehicle, the transmission possible time may not be counted for a predetermined time and a standby state may be set.

[0091] After the transmission time has elapsed, the switching function-equipped location information antenna 50 switches to a state in which transmission of the antenna signal is disabled by the operation of the electrical switch 52, and maintains this state for the transmission stop time, stopping transmission of the antenna signal from the switching function-equipped location information antenna 50 (transmission stop step S602).

[0092] By repeating the processes of S601 and S602, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mismatch that would cause an error between the information from the television viewing function restriction removal device and the information from the antenna signal, even though the in-vehicle display device 20 receives the antenna signal during the transmission enabled time, and to prevent the occurrence of an error. Note that if the location information antenna 50 is switched on and off, the time lag between startup and the normal operation of the location information antenna 50 increases, which is not preferable, because it prolongs the time during which the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive the antenna signal.

[0093] For example, the transmission possible time can be 90 to 180 seconds, 95 to 150 seconds, 100 to 120 seconds, etc., and the transmission stop time can be greater than 0 seconds and equal to or less than 5 seconds, 1 to 4 seconds, 1.5 to 3 seconds, etc.

[0094] The transmission enabled time and transmission stop time may be the same for all repeated processes, or may be different for each process. For example, the process may be repeated using fixed values ​​of 100 seconds and 5 seconds, or the transmission time and transmission stop time may be changed as appropriate depending on the radio wave conditions, etc.

[0095] Another embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Navigation control device 30 is similar to navigation control device 30 of the vehicle in Fig. 1, and description of similar configurations will not be repeated.

[0096] The navigation control device 30 also includes a time-division control signal generator (no reference numeral), a position detection inhibiting device 39, a switching device (RF switch switching device) 36 that switches the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39, a main control device (main controller module) 31 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generator 35 and the RF switch switching device 36, and an antenna load simulator 89 connected to the in-vehicle display device.The navigation control device 30 also includes a switch (relay module) K1 that switchably connects the vehicle ECU 10 and the navigation control device 30 to the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0097] This position detection inhibiting device 39 includes three SPDT RF switches 81 to 83 connected in series. The RF switch 81 on the in-vehicle display device 20 side is connected so that its common terminal RF1 faces the in-vehicle display device 20 side, and the other two RF switches 82 and 83 are connected so that their common terminal RF1 faces the GNSS antenna 70 side. In the series connection, RF2 of each RF switch is used for the series connection, and the remaining RF3 is connected to RF signal isolators 84 to 86, respectively. Note that RF2 and RF3 are equivalent, and their connections may be interchanged.

[0098] Furthermore, RF signal optimization modules 91 to 94 are disposed between the in-vehicle display device 20 and the RF switch 81, between the RF switch 81 and the RF switch 82, between the RF switch 82 and the RF switch 83, and between the RF switch 83 and the GNSS antenna 70. The RF signal optimization modules are used for purposes such as matching impedance, and are preferably provided at least between the in-vehicle display device 20 and the RF switch 81 and between the RF switch 83 and the GNSS antenna 70, and more preferably, four of them are provided as shown in FIG.

[0099] Furthermore, an antenna load simulator 89 is provided, and the antenna load simulator 89 is configured to be connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 without passing through the RF switches 81 to 83. The antenna load simulator 89 may be configured to receive power from the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0100] In addition, there are provided CAN receiver transmitters (not numbered) provided between the main controller module 31 and the vehicle ECU 11, and between the main controller module 31 and the in-vehicle display device 20, and an LNA power supply signal control module (not numbered) and an LNA power supply module (not numbered) provided between the main controller module 31 and the GNSS antenna 70. These elements are optional and do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0101] A method for using three RF switches to avoid information inconsistencies that could cause errors will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode begins, the main controller module 31 controls the RF switch selector 36 as necessary to control the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39, which includes three RF switches 81 to 83, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive (acquire) a normal signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle for a first time period (acquisition step S801). Note that immediately after starting the vehicle, such as starting the engine, the device may wait for a predetermined time without counting the first time period in order to allow the device to stabilize.

[0102] Next, the main controller module 31 controls the RF switch changeover device 36 to switch each of the three RF switches 81-83 from connection with RF2 to connection with RF3 (connection with the RF signal isolators 84-86), thereby preventing the in-vehicle display device 20 from receiving signals from the GNSS antenna 70 for the second time period (inhibition step S802). During the first and second times, the in-vehicle display device 20 is connected to the antenna load simulator 89, and the in-vehicle display device 20 is in a state where it can acquire a voltage signal of the antenna load.

[0103] By repeating the processes of S801 and S802, the in-vehicle display device 20 can acquire a normal (genuine) antenna signal, while preventing mismatches that result in errors between the information based on the signal from the time-division control signal generator 35 and the information based on the antenna signal. Note that this repeated process ends when the mode is switched to the original mode, the engine is stopped, etc. After switching to the original mode, the RF switches 81 to 83 are connected to RF2, and the in-vehicle display device 20 receives signals from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle.

[0104] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "comprises," "having," or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a set of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in the process, method, article, or apparatus. Absent further limitations, an element qualified by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0105] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by adding a required general-purpose hardware platform to software. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a superior embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be embodied essentially or in part that contributes to the prior art in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as a ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions for causing a terminal (which may be an on-board controller, an on-board terminal, a computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Those skilled in the art can understand that implementing all or part of the flow of the methods in the above embodiments can be achieved by instructing related hardware with a computer program, and the program may be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and can include the processes of each of the above method embodiments when executed. Here, references to memory, storage, database, or other media used in various embodiments of the present application may include non-volatile and / or volatile memory.

[0107] The concepts described herein may be implemented in other forms without departing from their spirit and character. The specific embodiments disclosed should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the literal language and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be within their scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 terminal 2 terminals 10 Instrument Assembly (Vehicle ECU1) 11 Vehicle ECU2 20 In-vehicle display device 30 Navigation control device 31 Main Controller Module 32 Vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 33 TV analog signal module 34 Vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 35 Time-division control signal generator 36 GNSS antenna interference switching device (switching device) 37 Second GNSS antenna (non-functioning location antenna) 38 Antenna signal interference device 39 Position detection obstruction device 50 Switchable location antenna 51 Antenna body 52 Switch 60 TV viewing function restriction removal device 61 Main Controller Module 62 Vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 63 TV analog signal module 64 Vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 70 Factory vehicle GNSS antenna (vehicle location information antenna) 81~83 RF Switch 84~86 RF signal isolators 89 Antenna Load Simulator 91~94 RF Signal Optimization Module K1 Switch

Claims

1. A navigation control device electrically connected between a vehicle's location information antenna and an in-vehicle display device having a television viewing function and a navigation display function, and having a function of releasing restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling, a position detection inhibiting device that inhibits the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal from a vehicle's position information antenna; a switching device for switching the operation of the position detection inhibiting device; Equipped with When the in-vehicle display device uses a function for releasing the restriction on the television viewing function, an error may occur due to a mismatch between information based on a vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on a location information system, and an error may also occur if the in-vehicle display device is unable to detect the connection of the location information antenna for a certain period of time, The position detection inhibiting device is three series-connected RF switches interposed between the position information antenna and the navigation control device; an RF signal isolator connected to one terminal of each of the RF switches; and an RF signal optimization module provided between the RF switch and the in-vehicle display device, and between the RF switch and the location information antenna, the switching device is an RF switch switching device that switches the connection of each of the RF switches; the navigation control device further includes an antenna load simulator connected to the in-vehicle display device without passing through the RF switch; A navigation control device, wherein of the three series-connected RF switches, the RF switch located on the in-vehicle display device side has its common terminal located on the in-vehicle display device side, and the remaining two RF switches are connected so that their common terminals are located on the position information antenna side.

2. The navigation control device of claim 1 , wherein the navigation control device further comprises an RF signal optimization module between the RF switches.

3. The navigation control device of claim 1 , wherein the RF switch is a CMOS switch.

4. A method using the navigation control device of claim 1, an acquisition step of controlling the three RF switches so that the in-vehicle display device acquires the antenna signal from the vehicle's location information antenna for a first period of time; an inhibiting step of controlling the three RF switches to be all connected to the RF signal isolator so as to inhibit the in-vehicle display device from acquiring the antenna signal for a second time period; A method of alternating between the above.

5. the first time period is 90 to 120 seconds; The method of claim 4, wherein the second period of time is between 3 and 30 seconds.

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