In-vehicle equipment control method and in-vehicle equipment control device

Abstract

By restricting operation of in-vehicle devices by new users who are not registered, the system will operate the devices within the restricted scope in response to operations from users who require such restrictions. [Solution] The in-vehicle equipment control device 3 acquires identification data of a user riding in the vehicle 10, determines whether the user is registered based on the identification data, sets operating rights for the in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle 10 according to the user's attributes if the user is registered, sets operating rights for the user that are more restricted than those of a registered user, and controls the in-vehicle equipment according to the set operating rights.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling in-vehicle devices and a device for controlling in-vehicle devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a key information management device that improves the convenience of users when multiple people ride in a single vehicle has been disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the key information management device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a predetermined transmission signal is transmitted from a mobile terminal to a vehicle, key information for unlocking or starting the vehicle is distributed to the mobile terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional key information management device described above, when multiple users are riding in a vehicle, there is no difference in the operation authority of in-vehicle devices among the users. Therefore, even when it is necessary to restrict the operation authority for a new user who first rides in the vehicle, it cannot be restricted, and there is a case where the new user operates the in-vehicle device without restriction. That is, there is a problem that the in-vehicle device cannot be operated within a restricted range with respect to the operation from a user who needs to be restricted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a method for controlling in-vehicle devices and an apparatus thereof that can operate an in-vehicle device within a restricted range with respect to an operation from a user who needs to be restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An in-vehicle equipment control method and apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention determines whether a user is registered based on identification data of a user riding in a vehicle, and if the user is registered, sets operating rights for the in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle according to the user's attributes, and if the user is not registered, sets operating rights for the user that are more restricted than those of a registered user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in-vehicle equipment can be operated within a limited range in response to operations from users that require restrictions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle equipment control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of key information recorded in an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of user information recorded in an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of content setting information recorded in an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of operation authority setting information recorded in an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for in-vehicle equipment control processing by an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for setting operating privileges by an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for setting operating privileges by an in-vehicle equipment control device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The vehicle-mounted equipment control method and apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of the in-vehicle equipment control system] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the in-vehicle equipment control system according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle equipment control system 1 includes an in-vehicle equipment control device 3 mounted on the vehicle 10, a camera 11, a communication I / F 12, an IVI 13, a lighting device 15, a seat 17, an air conditioning device 19, and a terminal device 40 held by the user.

[0011] The in-vehicle equipment control device 3 sets operating rights for in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle 10 for each user and controls the operation of the in-vehicle equipment by the user. The in-vehicle equipment to be controlled includes the IVI 13, the lighting device 15, and the air conditioning device 19, and in particular, the content such as music and video provided by the IVI 13 is to be controlled. In addition, the opening and closing of windows, doors, and the trunk are also to be controlled. The in-vehicle equipment control device 3 comprises a control unit 5 and a storage device 7.

[0012] The control unit 5 is a controller that controls the operation of in-vehicle equipment by the user. Specifically, the control unit 5 acquires identification data of the user who has boarded the vehicle 10, determines whether the user is registered based on the identification data, and if the user is registered, sets the user's operational authority for the in-vehicle equipment according to the user's attributes. On the other hand, if the user is not registered, the control unit 5 sets the user's operational authority to be more restricted than that of a registered user, and controls the in-vehicle equipment according to the set operational authority.

[0013] The control unit 5 is a controller composed of general-purpose electronic circuits including a microcomputer, microprocessor, and CPU, as well as peripheral devices such as memory, and has a computer program installed for executing in-vehicle equipment control processing. Each function of the control unit 5 can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. The processing circuits include, for example, programmed processing devices including electrical circuits, and also devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or conventional circuit components arranged to perform the functions described in the embodiments.

[0014] The storage device 7 is a memory or database that stores information necessary for processing the operation of in-vehicle equipment. Specifically, the storage device 7 records key information, user information, content setting information, and operation permission setting information.

[0015] Key information is information that records the user IDs registered to the key ID set for vehicle 10. Since vehicle 10 has multiple key IDs set, the user IDs of the users registered to each key ID are recorded in the key information. For example, as shown in Figure 2, user IDs U1 to U4 are registered to key ID K1, and user IDs U1 to U3 are registered to key ID K2.

[0016] User information is recorded in relation to the user ID of the user registered in vehicle 10. When a user is registered in vehicle 10, a user ID, which is identification data, is set, and user information is recorded in relation to this user ID. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, user information includes the user ID, whether or not the user has administrative privileges, gender, family ID, age, and contract with content providers. In addition, facial data of each user is also recorded.

[0017] In FIG. 3, an example is illustrated where the user with user ID U1 is the father, the user with user ID U2 is the mother, and the user with user ID U3 is the child. Therefore, since users U1 to U3 are in the same family, the family ID matches F1 for all three. On the other hand, the user with user ID U4 is a friend, so the family ID is F2, and the user is in a different family from users U1 to U3.

[0018] Also, in FIG. 3, users U1 and U2 have contracts with companies X and Y of content providers. Since content providers provide content such as music and videos, by signing a contract, music and video content can be viewed inside the vehicle through IVI13.

[0019] Content setting information is information that sets the content to be provided according to the occupancy state of vehicle 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, occupancy states A to C are set in the content setting information. Occupancy state A is a state where only the driver is in the vehicle. Also, occupancy state B is a case where the driver and passengers are in the vehicle and all have the same family ID, and occupancy state C is a case where the driver and passengers are in the vehicle and the family IDs do not match.

[0020] And in occupancy state A, since only the driver is in the vehicle, the content provided based on the driver's service account ID is output without restriction. Also, in occupancy state B, since the family IDs match, the content provided based on the service account IDs of the driver and passengers is output without restriction. Therefore, private information regarding the user's privacy is also output. So, when multiple users are in vehicle 10, if the multiple users are in the same family, it is permitted to output private information from the in-vehicle device. Thereby, private information such as a message app, favorite lists of photos and music can be controlled to be output from the in-vehicle device when only passengers of the same family are in the vehicle.

[0021] On the other hand, in passenger state C, since the family IDs do not match, the output of private information from the content provided based on the driver's and passenger's service account IDs is prohibited. Therefore, in passenger state C, only a portion of the content is output with restrictions.

[0022] The operation permission setting information is information that sets the operation permissions for in-vehicle devices according to the attributes of the user riding in vehicle 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, if the user's attribute is administrative privileges, all in-vehicle devices become targets for operation, and all operation permissions are granted. In other words, a user with administrative privileges can perform all operations on all in-vehicle devices.

[0023] Furthermore, if a user does not have administrative privileges, all in-vehicle devices can be operated, but access to driving settings and private information is prohibited, while other operational privileges are permitted. In other words, a user without administrative privileges can operate all in-vehicle devices, but access to driving settings and private information is prohibited, while other operations are permitted.

[0024] If the user is a child, the in-vehicle equipment around the seat where the user is seated will be the target of operation. Access to driving settings and private information, as well as opening and closing doors and windows, will be prohibited, but other operational privileges will be granted. In other words, a child user can only operate the in-vehicle equipment around their seat, and access to driving settings and private information, as well as opening and closing doors and windows, will be prohibited, but other operations will be permitted.

[0025] If a user's attribute is "Guest," they can only operate the in-car equipment around their seat. Access to driving settings and private information is prohibited, but other operational privileges are granted. If a user is not registered, they are assigned the "Guest" attribute. Users with this attribute can only operate the in-car equipment around their seat, access to driving settings and private information is prohibited, but other operations are permitted. In other words, the restricted operational privileges for unregistered users are limited to operating the in-car equipment associated with the seat they are sitting in. This allows new users to be controlled to operate only the music, video, air conditioning, and lighting around their own seat, preventing the overall in-car environment from being inadvertently altered by new users.

[0026] Thus, if a user is not registered, they are assigned the "guest" attribute, and guest users are given more restricted operational permissions than registered users.

[0027] However, if an unregistered user is seated in the driver's seat, their operating privileges may be set to be broader than when they are seated in any other seat. For example, a guest user may be prohibited from accessing the driving settings, but if they are seated in the driver's seat, they may be granted access to the driving settings.

[0028] In addition, if an unregistered user places luggage in the trunk of vehicle 10, the system may allow the user to access the trunk. However, if the user does not place luggage in the trunk, the user will be prohibited from accessing the trunk.

[0029] Camera 11 is an imaging device installed inside the vehicle 10 in a position that allows it to capture the faces of each user who is seated in a seat. The images captured by camera 11 are output to the in-vehicle equipment control device 3. In addition, camera 11 may be positioned to capture images of users placing luggage in the trunk, not just inside the vehicle.

[0030] The communication interface 12 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wireless communication. The communication interface 12 communicates with the terminal device 40 owned by the user.

[0031] IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) 13 is an information device that provides entertainment and route guidance, including radio, audio, and video, and is equipped with a login function. Users can use customized functions by logging into IVI 13 using their own ID. Examples of IVI 13 functions include setting screen brightness, volume, sound effects, map view, icons, route guidance, radio, and playlists.

[0032] The lighting device 15 is the interior lighting of the vehicle 10, and is provided for each seat so that it can illuminate each seat. A user seated in a seat can operate the lighting device 15 for that seat. The seat 17 is equipped with a seating sensor that detects whether or not a user is seated and outputs a detection signal to the onboard equipment control device 3. The air conditioning device 19 is an air conditioner that controls the temperature inside the vehicle, and the user can operate the temperature, airflow, and airflow direction for each seat.

[0033] The terminal device 40 is a device for remotely unlocking and locking the doors of the vehicle 10 by transmitting a key ID, and is, for example, an intelligent key. When the user presses the unlock switch on the intelligent key, a signal including the key ID is transmitted to the vehicle 10, and upon reception by the communication I / F 12, all the doors of the vehicle 10 are unlocked. The terminal device 40 may also be a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0034] [In-vehicle equipment control processing] Next, the in-vehicle equipment control process by the in-vehicle equipment control device 3 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the in-vehicle equipment control process. As shown in Figure 6, in step S101, the control unit 5 detects the key ID transmitted from the terminal device 40. When the user gets into the vehicle 10, they unlock the doors remotely using the intelligent key. When the control unit 5 detects the key ID transmitted from the intelligent key via the communication I / F 12, it unlocks all the doors of the vehicle 10.

[0035] In step S103, the control unit 5 identifies the user who has boarded the vehicle. Since a user ID is registered to each key ID, the control unit 5 obtains the user ID registered to the key ID as user identification data. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the user IDs U1 to U4 are registered to the key ID K1. The control unit 5 then acquires the image captured by the camera 11, compares the captured face image with the face data recorded in the user information, and identifies which of the user IDs U1 to U4 is the user who has boarded the vehicle 10.

[0036] In step S105, the control unit 5 detects the position of the seat where the user identified in step S103 is sitting, based on the image of the vehicle interior captured by the camera 11.

[0037] In step S107, the control unit 5 determines whether the user ID of the user who boarded the vehicle 10 is registered in the user information. That is, the control unit 5 determines whether the user who boarded the vehicle 10 is registered based on the user ID, which is the identification data. If the user IDs of all users are registered in the user information, the process proceeds to step S111; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0038] In step S109, the control unit 5 registers an unregistered user and sets new operating privileges for the in-vehicle equipment. The control unit 5 displays the message "A new user has been found. Do you want to register the user?" on the IVI13 monitor and asks a user with administrative privileges whether they want to register the user. If the user with administrative privileges selects "Yes", the control unit 5 registers the user and sets new operating privileges for the in-vehicle equipment. These newly set operating privileges are the guest operating privileges shown in Figure 5, and are more restricted than the operating privileges of a registered user.

[0039] In step S111, the control unit 5 detects the occupancy status of the vehicle 10. For example, as shown in Figure 4, occupancy statuses A to C are set in advance, so the control unit 5 determines whether the current occupancy status of the vehicle 10 is occupancy status A, where only the driver is in the vehicle, or occupancy status B or C, where the driver and a passenger are in the vehicle.

[0040] In step S113, the control unit 5 refers to the content setting information shown in Figure 4 and sets the content to be provided based on the riding state detected in step S111. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if riding state is A or B, the control unit 5 is set to output content without restriction based on the service account IDs of the driver and passenger. On the other hand, if riding state is C, the control unit 5 is set to output a portion of the content restricted by prohibiting the output of private information among the content provided based on the service account IDs of the driver and passenger.

[0041] In step S115, the control unit 5 refers to the operation permission setting information shown in Figure 5 and sets the operation permissions for the in-vehicle equipment for each user riding in the vehicle 10. For example, as shown in Figure 5, for users with the attribute of having administrative privileges, operation permissions are set so that they are allowed to operate all in-vehicle equipment. For users without administrative privileges, operation permissions are set so that they can operate all in-vehicle equipment, but access to driving settings and private information is prohibited. In this way, when a user is registered, they are given attributes such as whether or not they have administrative privileges or whether they are a child, so the control unit 5 sets the operation permissions for the in-vehicle equipment for each user according to their attributes.

[0042] On the other hand, users whose attribute is "guest" because they are not registered can only operate in-vehicle equipment around their seat, and their operational privileges are set so that they cannot access driving settings or private information. In other words, if a user is not registered, the control unit 5 sets the user's operational privileges to be more restricted than those of a registered user.

[0043] Here, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, specific examples of restrictions on private information and operational permissions set for users will be explained. As shown in Figure 7, specific examples of riding states are given as riding states 1 to 3. In riding state 1, only user U1 is in vehicle 10 as the driver. In riding state 2, user U1 is the driver, and users U2 and U5 are passengers in vehicle 10. In riding state 3, user U1 is the driver, and users U2 and U3 are passengers in vehicle 10. Users U1 and U2 have administrative privileges, while users U3 and U5 do not.

[0044] As shown in the user information in Figure 3, user U1 is the father, user U2 is the mother, user U3 is the child, and user U5 is not registered as a user as it is not recorded in the user information. Also, users U1 to U3 have matching family IDs, and since user U5 is not registered as a user, it corresponds to the guest in the operation permission setting information in Figure 5.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, in boarding state 1, only user U1 with administrative privileges is on board vehicle 10, so all permissions are granted, including the output of private information and the ability to operate in-vehicle equipment.

[0046] On the other hand, in passenger state 2, in addition to users U1 and U2 who have administrative privileges, user U5, who is not registered, is also in vehicle 10. Therefore, users U1 and U2 are permitted to output private information and operate the in-vehicle equipment, but user U5 is prohibited from outputting private information and is only permitted partial operation of the in-vehicle equipment. In this way, unregistered users are given more restricted operational privileges than registered users.

[0047] In boarding state 3, in addition to users U1 and U2, who have administrative privileges, child user U3 is also on board vehicle 10. Users U1 to U3 have matching family IDs, so they are allowed to output all private information. However, because user U3 is a child, age-restricted content is hidden, and only some private information is permitted for user U3. User U1 and U2 are fully granted permission to operate the in-vehicle devices, but user U3 is only granted partial permission because they are a child.

[0048] In step S117, the control unit 5 performs control of the in-vehicle equipment in accordance with the operation authority set in step S115, and then terminates the in-vehicle equipment control process according to this embodiment.

[0049] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described in detail above, the in-vehicle device control device 3 according to this embodiment determines whether a user is registered based on identification data, and if the user is registered, it sets the user's operational authority for the in-vehicle device according to the user's attributes. On the other hand, if the user is not registered, the in-vehicle device control device 3 sets the user's operational authority to be more restricted than that of a registered user. This makes it possible to restrict operations on the in-vehicle device by new users who are not registered, so that the in-vehicle device can be operated within a restricted range in response to operations from users who require restrictions.

[0050] Furthermore, the in-vehicle equipment control device 3 according to this embodiment restricts operation privileges, allowing only the operation of in-vehicle equipment related to the seat in which the user is seated. This prevents the entire in-vehicle environment from being altered by a new user who is not registered.

[0051] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device control device 3 according to this embodiment allows private information to be output from the in-vehicle device when multiple users are riding in the vehicle 10 and all of them belong to the same family. This makes it possible to control the output of private information only when multiple users belong to the same family.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a user is not registered, the in-vehicle equipment control device 3 sets the restricted operating privileges more broadly when the user is seated in the driver's seat than when the user is seated in a seat other than the driver's seat. This allows the system to relax restrictions and control the system so as not to interfere with driving, even for unregistered users who are the driver.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the in-vehicle device control device 3 allows the user to access the trunk of the vehicle 10 if the user has placed luggage in the trunk, even if the user is not registered. On the other hand, the in-vehicle device control device 3 prohibits the user from accessing the trunk if the user has not placed luggage in the trunk. This ensures that even unregistered users can reliably access the trunk when necessary, and also prevents unnecessary access to the trunk.

[0054] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. In-vehicle equipment control system 3. In-vehicle equipment control system 5. Control Unit 7 Storage device 11 Cameras 12 Communication I / F 13 IVI 15 Lighting equipment 17 seats 19 Air conditioner 40 Terminal devices

Claims

1. We obtain identification data of users who board the vehicle. Based on the aforementioned identification data, it is determined whether or not the user is registered. If the user is registered, the user shall be granted the right to operate the in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, according to the user's attributes. If the user is not registered, the user will be given more restricted operational privileges than those of a registered user. Control the in-vehicle equipment according to the set operating authority. A method for controlling in-vehicle equipment.

2. The system detects the seat in the vehicle where the user is seated, The aforementioned restricted operating privileges only permit the operation of in-vehicle equipment associated with the seat in which the user is seated. The vehicle equipment control method according to claim 1.

3. When multiple users are riding in the vehicle, and those users belong to the same family, the in-vehicle device may output private information relating to the privacy of those users. The vehicle equipment control method according to claim 1.

4. The system detects the seat in the vehicle where the user is seated, If the user is not registered, and the user sits in the driver's seat, the restricted operating privileges are set to be broader than when the user sits in a seat other than the driver's seat. The vehicle equipment control method according to claim 1.

5. If the user is not registered, and the user places luggage in the trunk of the vehicle, the system will allow the user to access the trunk. If the user does not place any belongings in the storage unit, the user shall be prohibited from accessing the storage unit. The vehicle equipment control method according to claim 1.

6. We obtain identification data of users who board the vehicle. Based on the aforementioned identification data, it is determined whether or not the user is registered. If the user is registered, the user shall be granted the right to operate the in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, according to the user's attributes. If the user is not registered, the user will be given more restricted operational privileges than those of a registered user. Control the in-vehicle equipment according to the set operating authority. In-vehicle equipment control device.

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