Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This allows for obtaining valid consent from the occupants to the latest terms and conditions, even if the vehicle is unable to communicate properly. [Solution] An information processing device (10) equipped with a communication unit 13 that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit (output unit 15) includes a control unit (11) that determines whether communication by the communication unit (13) is possible, and if it is determined that communication by the communication unit (13) cannot be performed normally, it causes a two-dimensional code for accessing a server device (30) to be displayed on the display unit (output unit 15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that when receiving personal information from a vehicle occupant, a regulation text regarding handling of personal information is displayed on an in-vehicle screen to prompt the occupant's consent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the regulation text regarding a vehicle may be revised, it is necessary to display the latest regulation text managed by a server in order to obtain valid consent from the occupant for the regulation text. In the conventional configuration, when the vehicle cannot communicate with the server normally, the latest regulation text cannot be displayed, and valid consent for the latest regulation text cannot be obtained.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable obtaining valid consent from an occupant for the latest regulation text even when the vehicle cannot communicate normally. That is what needs to be done.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit that displays a regulation text regarding a vehicle on an in-vehicle display unit, and includes a control unit that determines whether communication by the communication unit is possible, and causes the display unit to display a two-dimensional code for accessing a server device when it is determined that communication by the communication unit cannot be performed normally. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, valid consent from the occupants to the latest terms and conditions can be obtained even if the vehicle is unable to communicate properly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of a system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, redundant descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0010] (System 1) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of System 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The configuration and overview of System 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] System 1 comprises an in-vehicle device 10, a terminal device 20, and a server device 30. The in-vehicle device 10, the terminal device 20, and the server device 30 can communicate with each other via a network 40. In Figure 1, the in-vehicle device 10, the terminal device 20, and the server device 30 are connected to a common network 40, but the system is not limited to this configuration as long as communication is possible between the in-vehicle device 10 and the server device 30, and between the terminal device 20 and the server device 30. For example, separate communication means may be provided between the in-vehicle device 10 and the server device 30, and between the terminal device 20 and the server device 30.

[0012] The in-vehicle device 10, which serves as an information processing device according to this embodiment, is a computer mounted in a vehicle. The in-vehicle device 10 receives operations from the occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, and performs various information processing operations in the vehicle. A vehicle is any device that travels on a roadway and moves people and goods. The vehicle may be, for example, a gasoline automobile, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), etc.

[0013] The terminal device 20 is a computer held by the vehicle's occupants. The terminal device 20 includes a camera for taking images, a display unit for displaying images (for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), and a communication unit for communicating with the server device 30 via the network 40. In this embodiment, the terminal device 20 is a smartphone, but the terminal device 20 is not limited to this. For example, the terminal device 20 may be a general-purpose electronic device such as a tablet device, a wearable device, a PC (Personal Computer), or a dedicated electronic device.

[0014] The server device 30 is a computer installed, for example, in a data center. The server device 30 may also be provided through a cloud service. The server device 30 manages the latest terms and conditions regarding the handling of personal information. In response to requests from the in-vehicle device 10 and the terminal device 20, the server device 30 returns information displaying the latest terms and conditions.

[0015] Network 40 is any communication medium, such as the Internet and mobile communication networks.

[0016] Although Figure 1 shows one vehicle-mounted device 10, one terminal device 20, and one server device 30, System 1 may be equipped with multiple units of these devices.

[0017] In such a configuration, when the in-vehicle device 10 acquires personal information from the occupant, from the perspective of privacy protection, it displays a regulation text indicating the handling of personal information to prompt the occupant's consent. For example, when acquiring biometric information from the occupant, or information related to the running of the vehicle and the use of the in-vehicle device 10, etc., the in-vehicle device 10 displays a regulation text indicating the handling of these pieces of information.

[0018] The in-vehicle device 10 determines whether communication by the communication unit 13 provided in the in-vehicle device 10 is possible. When it can communicate with the server device 30 normally, it receives the latest regulation text from the server device 30 and displays the received regulation text on the display unit (output unit 15). The occupant checks the regulation text displayed on the display unit (output unit 15) and inputs consent or non-consent to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0019] On the other hand, when communication by the communication unit 13 cannot be performed normally, the in-vehicle device 10 causes the display unit (output unit 15) to display a two-dimensional code including a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) etc. for accessing the server device 30. The occupant makes the camera of the terminal device 20 read the two-dimensional code. The terminal device 20 accesses the URL obtained by decoding the two-dimensional code, receives the latest regulation text from the server device 30, and displays the received regulation text on the display unit of the terminal device 20. The occupant checks the regulation text displayed on the terminal device 20 and inputs consent or non-consent to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0020] Therefore, according to the configuration according to the present embodiment, even when the vehicle cannot communicate normally, the in-vehicle device 10 can obtain a valid consent from the occupant with respect to the latest regulation text.

[0021] (In-vehicle device 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. While controlling each part of the in-vehicle device 10, the control unit 11 executes processes related to the operation of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0023] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device or an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the in-vehicle device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0024] The communication unit 13 includes at least one wireless communication interface for external communication. The wireless communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 5G or 6G, an interface corresponding to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 13 receives data used for the operation of the in-vehicle device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0025] The input unit 14 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a touch screen, a sound sensor (microphone) that receives voice input, or a camera that receives gesture input. The input unit 14 receives an operation for inputting data used for the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0026] The output unit 15 includes at least one output interface including a display unit. The display unit is any display that outputs information as a video, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output interface may further include, for example, a speaker that outputs information as sound. The output unit 15 outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0027] The in-vehicle device 10 may be implemented by a single computer or by the collaboration of multiple computers.

[0028] The functions of the in-vehicle device 10 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the control unit 11. In other words, the functions of the in-vehicle device 10 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the in-vehicle device 10 by having the computer execute the operations of the in-vehicle device 10. That is, the computer functions as the in-vehicle device 10 by executing the operations of the in-vehicle device 10 according to the program. In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes non-temporary computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices and semiconductor memory. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD on which the program is recorded. Alternatively, the program can be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. The program may also be provided as a program product. Some or all of the functions of the in-vehicle device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 11. In other words, some or all of the functions of the in-vehicle device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0029] (Example of operation) Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of System 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The operation of System 1 described with reference to Figure 2 may correspond to one of the information processing methods of the information processing device. The operation of each step in Figure 2 may be performed based on control by the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0030] S1: The control unit 11 determines whether the in-vehicle device 10 can communicate normally with the server device 30 via the communication unit 13. If communication with the server device 30 is normally possible (YES in S1), the control unit 11 proceeds to S2; otherwise, it proceeds to S3.

[0031] The control unit 11 may determine whether or not communication with the server device 30 is possible by any known method. For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not communication with the server device 30 is possible based on the reception strength of radio waves from a base station of a mobile communication network, the reception status of response confirmations to packets sent to a base station or an external device such as the server device 30, etc.

[0032] S2: The control unit 11 receives the latest regulations from the server device 30 and displays them on the display unit (output unit 15).

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 11 sends a signal to the server device 30 requesting the latest rule statement. Upon receiving the rule statement from the server device 30 in response to the request, the control unit 11 displays the received rule statement on the display unit (output unit 15). Crew members can then confirm the latest rule statement on the screen of the display unit (output unit 15). After completing the process in S2, the control unit 11 terminates the flowchart shown in Figure 2.

[0034] S3: The control unit 11 displays a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device 30 on the display unit (output unit 15).

[0035] For example, the control unit 11 may display a QR code generated by encoding the URL of the server device where the latest regulations are posted on the display unit (output unit 15). Crew members can have the camera of the terminal device 20 read the two-dimensional code, access the URL indicated by the two-dimensional code, and check the latest regulations on the screen of the terminal device 20. After completing the processing of S3, the control unit 11 terminates the flowchart shown in Figure 2.

[0036] When an occupant reviews the latest terms and conditions displayed on the in-vehicle device 10 or terminal device 20, they input into the in-vehicle device 10 whether they agree to the terms and conditions. The in-vehicle device 10 controls the handling of personal information according to the occupant's agreement or disagreement.

[0037] As described above, the in-vehicle device 10 is a computer equipped with a communication unit 13 that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit (output unit 15). The in-vehicle device 10 determines whether communication by the communication unit 13 is possible. If it is determined that communication by the communication unit 13 cannot be performed normally, it displays a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device 30 on the display unit (output unit 15). The two-dimensional code may, for example, indicate the URL of the server device 30 where the latest regulations are posted. If it is determined that communication by the communication unit 13 can be performed normally, the in-vehicle device 10 receives the latest regulations from the server device 30 and displays the received regulations on the display unit (output unit 15).

[0038] In this way, the in-vehicle device 10 automatically determines the means to access the latest terms and conditions based on the communication status of the communication unit 13 of the in-vehicle device 10. Therefore, according to the in-vehicle device 10, even if communication by the communication unit 13 is not possible, the occupant can read a two-dimensional code from the terminal device 20 to access the server device 30 and check the latest terms and conditions. Thus, even if the vehicle is unable to communicate properly, the in-vehicle device 10 can obtain valid consent from the occupant to the latest terms and conditions. Since the system 1 manages the latest terms and conditions in the server device 30, when updating the terms and conditions, only the server device 30 needs to be updated, and the updated terms and conditions can be immediately reflected in the system 1.

[0039] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be combined, or a single block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be performed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary, instead of being performed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] An information processing device equipped with a communication unit that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device is displayed on the display unit. An information processing device equipped with a control unit. [Note 2] The two-dimensional code indicates the URL of the server device on which the latest terms and conditions are posted, as described in [Appendix 1]. [Note 3] The information processing device described in [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2], wherein the control unit determines that communication by the communication unit can be performed normally, receives the latest contract text from the server device, and displays the received contract text on the display unit. [Note 4] An information processing method for an information processing device equipped with a communication unit and a control unit, which displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The control unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device will be displayed on the display unit. Information processing methods, including those mentioned above. [Note 5] Computers, An information processing device equipped with a communication unit that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device is displayed on the display unit. A program that operates as an information processing device equipped with a control unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 1: Information processing system, 10: In-vehicle device, 11: Communication unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Input unit, 14: Output unit, 15: Control unit, 20: Terminal device, 30: Server device, 40: Network

Claims

1. An information processing device equipped with a communication unit that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device is displayed on the display unit. An information processing device equipped with a control unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code indicates the URL of the server device on which the latest terms and conditions are posted.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines that communication by the communication unit can be performed normally, receives the latest contract text from the server device, and displays the received contract text on the display unit.

4. An information processing method for an information processing device equipped with a communication unit and a control unit, which displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The control unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device will be displayed on the display unit. Information processing methods, including those mentioned above.

5. Computers, An information processing device equipped with a communication unit that displays vehicle-related regulations on an in-vehicle display unit, The communication unit determines whether or not communication is possible, If it is determined that communication by the aforementioned communication unit cannot be performed normally, a two-dimensional code for accessing the server device is displayed on the display unit. A program that operates as an information processing device equipped with a control unit.

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