Navigation control device and method using same

Abstract

A navigation control device and method are provided that prevent errors that may occur when using a function for removing restrictions on a television viewing function of an in-vehicle display device. [Solution] A navigation control device 30 that is electrically connected between the vehicle's position information antenna 37, 70 and an in-vehicle display device 20 equipped with 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, and is equipped with a position detection inhibition device 39 that can prevent 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 inhibition device.

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 position information antenna with a switching function used to release television viewing restrictions on an in-vehicle display device, and a method using the same. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In this situation, a technology has been proposed that allows navigation in the background while allowing television viewing while driving (Patent Documents 1 and 2).In addition, when using a device that cancels such television viewing restrictions, error messages may be displayed on the in-vehicle display device or some driving assistance functions may become unavailable, but a technology has also been proposed to cancel 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 described above performs an error cancellation process after the conditions for displaying a message on the display unit are met, and therefore has the problem of being unable to prevent the occurrence of an error itself.

[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] A navigation control device according to the present invention is electrically connected between a vehicle's position 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 position information antenna; and a switching device for switching the operation of the position detection inhibition device.

[0008] The present inventor has found that such an error may occur due to a mismatch between information such as vehicle speed based on a vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on a position information system such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). As described above, by providing a position detection blocking device capable of blocking the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal, the acquisition of accurate information based on the position information system is blocked, and the occurrence of a mismatch between information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on the position information system can be avoided. A normal antenna signal means a signal transmitted by a position information antenna such as a GNSS antenna in a state where GNSS radio waves reach sufficiently (positioning is possible), and the blocking of acquisition of a normal antenna signal means that the in-vehicle display device cannot acquire an antenna signal or receives 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 position information antenna in a state where radio waves do not reach sufficiently (positioning is not possible) and an antenna signal that has been changed due to a problem in a signal line.

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

[0010] The position detection inhibition 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 include a location information antenna that is functioning properly and a blocking member that blocks radio waves transmitted to the antenna.

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

[0013] The position 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-mentioned navigation control device alternates between an acquisition step of controlling the switching device so that the in-vehicle display device acquires a normal antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna for a first period of time, and an inhibition step of controlling the switching device so as 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 less than or equal to 30 seconds. This time range is merely an example, and values ​​outside this range 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 lift restrictions on the television viewing function, an error may occur due to a mismatch 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 inhibition 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 connections 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. A DC power source is supplied to the LNA separately from the ceramic antenna.

[0019] The inventors have found that by configuring an in-vehicle display device to block signals from the location information antenna while simulating the load (power consumption) of the antenna during that time, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies that may cause errors between information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on the location information system. The above configuration includes an antenna load simulator that simulates the power consumption of an antenna load such as an LNA and generates a current due to this, and even if signals from the location information antenna are blocked, if the antenna load simulator is connected to the in-vehicle display device, it is possible to make the in-vehicle display device recognize that the location information antenna is connected to the in-vehicle display device. This prevents a certain period of time from continuing in which the in-vehicle display device cannot detect the connection of the location information antenna, thereby preventing errors from occurring.

[0020] Here, 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. Also, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the case where the RF switch is an SPDT switch.

[0021] When using an RF switch to block signals from the location information antenna to the in-vehicle display device, if only one RF switch is used, the isolation is insufficient for the purpose of the present invention, and the leaked signal adversely affects the function of the present invention. For this reason, three RF switches are used, and an RF signal isolator is provided on one terminal of each RF switch to suppress signal leakage from this terminal. Furthermore, instead of all three RF switches being oriented in the same direction, only the RF switch on the in-vehicle display device side is arranged so that the common terminal is on the in-vehicle display device side. By connecting in this way, even if three RF switches are used, the leaked signal can be reliably absorbed by the RF signal isolator, and the degree of insulation can be increased to prevent unnecessary 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 sufficiently prevented, and a fourth RF switch is required to obtain sufficient isolation, which not only increases the insertion loss but also leads to higher costs and an increase in installation space.

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

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

[0025] This SPDT RF switch has three terminals as shown in Fig. 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 and 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 needs to be connected to each of the RF switches, and it is preferable that an RF signal isolator is also connected to the remaining terminals.

[0026] The position sensing inhibition device may include a further 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 as to cause the in-vehicle display device to acquire the antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna for a first period of 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 period of time.

[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 less than or equal to 30 seconds. This time range is merely an example, and values ​​outside this range may be used for either or both of the first time and the second time.

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

[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 the antenna signal is transmittable for a transmission enabled time; a transmission stopping step of maintaining a state in which transmission of an antenna signal is not possible for a transmission stopping time; This is a method in which the above-mentioned two states are electrically switched alternately.

[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 may be set appropriately, but as an example, the time during which transmission is possible may be 90 to 180 seconds, and the time during which transmission is impossible may be switched alternately between more than 0 seconds and 5 seconds or less. This time range is merely 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. Effect 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 from occurring. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a navigation control device including a television viewing restriction release function and an error avoidance function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a time division control signal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart of an example of an error avoidance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]11 is a flowchart of another example of an error avoidance method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 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] 11 is a flowchart of an example of a method for avoiding an error using a switching function-equipped position information antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a navigation control device including a television viewing restriction release function and an error avoidance function, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of an example of an error avoidance method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the description in this specification is merely an example for explaining the present invention, and is not limited to the detailed configuration, structure, and attached drawings of each embodiment described in this specification. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and similar expressions used in this specification mean that the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and other additional items may be included. In particular, when describing "an 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 (GNSS antenna of the original vehicle) 70 and the in-vehicle display device 20 by a GNSS antenna cable. The navigation control device 30 is also connected between the vehicle ECU1 (instrument assembly 10) and the in-vehicle display device 20 by a vehicle speed signal line. Furthermore, the navigation control device 30 is connected to a vehicle ECU2 (indicated by reference symbol 11) separate from the vehicle ECU1 by a CAN bus via a CAN1 receiver-transmitter, and is connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 by a CAN bus via a CAN2 receiver-transmitter. The connection via the vehicle speed signal line is configured such that a signal from the vehicle ECU1 can pass through the navigation control device 30 by a relay module (switch) K1.

[0037] The connections of the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment to the vehicle ECU1 via a vehicle speed signal line, to the vehicle ECU2 via a CAN1 receiver transmitter (CAN bus), to the in-vehicle display device 20 via a vehicle speed signal line, and to the in-vehicle display device via a CAN2 receiver transmitter (CAN bus) can be set appropriately according to the method of 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 further include a power supply module (not shown). Here, ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, and CAN stands for Controller Area Network.

[0038] The method of lifting the restriction on the television viewing function can be set appropriately, for example, using a vehicle speed pulse signal transmitted through a vehicle speed signal line, using a signal transmitted through a CAN bus, using a signal from a GNSS (for location information) antenna, or a combination of two or more of these, 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 the connection with the vehicle ECU 1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 through the vehicle speed signal line is essential, the connection with them through 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 inhibition device 39, a switching device (GNSS antenna interference switching device) 36 that switches the operation of the position detection inhibition 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 a function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling, 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 having a function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function, and can be modified in various ways as long as it has the same function.

[0041] The position detection inhibiting device 39 includes an antenna signal interference device 38 and a position information antenna (second GNSS antenna) 37 that does not function properly, separate from the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle.

[0042] These are just examples of navigation control devices, and some of the 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 the 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 rotation 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] FIG. 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 running, i.e., when the wheels are rotating, the voltage waveform becomes a continuous pulse waveform as shown in FIG. 2 (upper waveform). The vehicle speed can be calculated from the frequency of this pulse waveform. In the upper waveform, all the pulse periods are the same, indicating a state in which the vehicle is moving at a constant speed. When there is a change in the vehicle speed, the frequency changes to a high frequency when the vehicle is accelerating and to a low frequency when the vehicle is decelerating. On the other hand, the high-level signal output when the vehicle is stopped or running 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, it is recognized that the vehicle is moving, and use of the navigation device is permitted, and information on the position of the moving vehicle, etc. is displayed on the screen of the in-vehicle display device 20, while at the same time, television viewing is prohibited. 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 P-shift) needs to be separately applied in addition to the high-level signal as an additional condition for allowing television viewing, that signal is output to the required signal line.

[0047] Next, a description will be given of the "TV viewing restriction release mode", i.e., a mode in which TV viewing is permitted while driving and navigation can also be used in the background. This mode corresponds to a state in which the switch (relay module) K1 in Fig. 1 is connected to the terminal 2, and a signal is transmitted 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 generating device 35 and the main controller module 31 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generating device 35, among the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1. When the switch K1 is connected to the 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) 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 in a time-division manner is output to the in-vehicle display device 20. That is, the state where it is connected to terminal 1 is the original mode, and the state where it is connected to terminal 2 is the TV function restriction release mode.

[0049] Fig. 2 (lower waveform) shows the voltage waveform of a time-division control signal output from 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 in Fig. 2 (upper waveform) by "T2 period + T1 period" ÷ "T2 period". The vehicle speed analog pulse signal is transmitted to the navigation device for time T2 [s], and then the television analog signal is transmitted for time 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 even while the vehicle is moving, and the navigation device continues to function correctly in the background even while watching television.

[0051] In addition, the faster the current vehicle speed is, the more the number of pulses included in the vehicle speed analog pulse signal in the "T2 period" increases. For this reason, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the main controller module 31 controls the vehicle speed so that the faster the current vehicle speed is, the longer the "T2 period" is.

[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, the in-vehicle display device 20 allows television viewing 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 that 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 (analog vehicle speed pulse signal) is given intermittently, so the vehicle's running 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 faster than in the original mode. At this time, the total amount of movement during the stop and high-speed movement is approximately equal to that in the original mode.

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

[0057] In this embodiment, the original mode and the TV viewing restriction release mode can be switched between each other by the control of the main controller module using an electrical switch K1 such as a relay module, but it may be configured to be manually switchable. In addition, when the operation of the in-vehicle display device via the navigation control device 30 becomes unstable or when the navigation control device 30 stops for some reason, it may be configured to automatically return (switch) to the original mode in which the vehicle speed pulse signal is directly output from the vehicle ECU 1 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 out of the time-division control signal. Alternatively, the vehicle speed analog pulse signal may be obtained by storing the actual vehicle speed pulse signal and transmitting it at high speed or processing it to have a high frequency.

[0059] Next, a configuration for preventing information inconsistency that may cause an error during use of the TV viewing restriction release mode by inhibiting the function of the position detection system will be described with reference to FIG. 1. When using car navigation, not only information on the vehicle speed but also information from a position detection system such as GNSS including GPS is used. If there is a discrepancy (inconsistency) between information based on such GNSS and information based on a vehicle speed analog pulse signal in the TV function restriction release mode, an error code that disables some driving assistance functions may be transmitted. Since such an error does not occur when the in-vehicle display device cannot accurately obtain position information, such as when driving through a tunnel, by processing so that the in-vehicle display device cannot accurately obtain position information even during normal driving, it is possible to prevent information inconsistency that may cause an error. However, an error may occur even when the in-vehicle display device cannot obtain 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 the 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 to switch 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 may be a properly functioning position information antenna provided with a member for blocking radio waves transmitted to the position information antenna. The shielding member is not particularly limited, and any known shielding material for radio waves (electromagnetic waves) may be used.

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

[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), such as when driving through a tunnel, and this prevents the acquisition of a normal (genuine) antenna signal.

[0065] A position information antenna with parameters and other settings changed is advantageous in that it does not require a shielding material and is low cost. In addition, a shielded position 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 becomes easier to design and manufacture the entire navigation control device. The second GNSS antenna can be obtained by providing a shielding material to a commercially available position information antenna or by changing parameters and other settings.

[0066] Also, 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 (setting it to a no-signal state), or by blocking the transmission of the antenna signal and allowing 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 genuine antenna signal and inhibiting it. Note that the dummy antenna signal may be any signal that cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20, similar to the signal from the second GNSS antenna 37, and may be stored in a storage device (not shown), for example. The method of switching the dummy antenna signal may be the same as that of the second GNSS antenna 37.

[0067] If the antenna signal interference device is configured to be mounted 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, more reliable error avoidance can be achieved.

[0069] The GNSS antenna interference switching device may be a device capable of switching on and off, or electrically and / or physically switching the connected antenna. The main controller module may include a memory, etc., as necessary, and may use a known microcontroller or SoC (System on Chip).

[0070] A method for avoiding occurrence of information inconsistency that may cause an error by using the second GNSS antenna will be described with reference to Fig. 3. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode starts, 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 genuine vehicle for a first time period (acquisition step S301). Note that immediately after starting the vehicle, such as starting the engine, the device may wait for a predetermined time period without counting the first time period in order to stabilize the device.

[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 a signal from the second GNSS antenna 37 for a second period of time (so that the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive a normal signal 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 obtain a normal (genuine) antenna signal while preventing mismatches that cause errors between information based on the signal from the time-division control signal generator 35 and information based on the antenna signal. Note that such repeated processes are terminated by switching to the original mode, stopping the engine, etc. After switching to the original mode, the in-vehicle display device 20 is made to receive a signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle.

[0073] A method for avoiding occurrence of information mismatch that may cause an error using an antenna signal interference device will be described with reference to Fig. 4. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode starts, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 not to 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, similarly to S301, immediately after starting the vehicle, the first period of time may not be counted for a predetermined period of time and may be kept on standby.

[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 to block (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 receive a dummy antenna signal that cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0076] By repeatedly performing the processes of S401 and S402, the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive a normal (genuine) antenna signal while preventing the occurrence of a mismatch that would result in an error between the information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and the information based on the antenna signal, thereby making it possible to prevent errors from occurring in the first place.

[0077] The position detection inhibition 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, in addition to the second GNSS antenna, it may be configured to include a third or more GNSS antennas, and in this case, the GNSS antennas other than those of the genuine vehicle may be the same or different.

[0078] As an example, the first time can be 90 to 180 seconds, 95 to 150 seconds, 100 to 120 seconds, etc., and the second time can be more than 0 seconds and less than 30 seconds, 3 to 20 seconds, 5 to 10 seconds, etc. When switching between blocking and not blocking the transmission of the antenna signal, the first time in S401 can be the same as above, but the second time in S402 can be more than 0 seconds and less than 10 seconds, 1 to 5 seconds, 1.5 to 3 seconds, etc. In this way, by receiving the antenna signal from the GNSS antenna of the genuine vehicle for a relatively long time, it is possible to obtain accurate position information, while preventing the reception of normal (genuine) antenna signals from the GNSS antenna of the genuine vehicle for 1 / 3 or less, preferably 1 / 10 or less of the first time, or completely blocking the reception of normal (genuine) antenna signals from the GNSS antenna for a short period of 10 seconds or less, thereby preventing the occurrence of a mismatch that causes an error between information based on the signal from the navigation control device and information based on the position information system. This makes it possible to realize a navigation control device that can prevent the occurrence of errors.

[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 with fixed values ​​of 100 seconds and 5 seconds, or the first time and the second time may be appropriately changed depending on the radio wave conditions.

[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. 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 switching function-equipped position information antenna will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Similar devices are given similar reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 of this embodiment is provided in place of the GNSS antenna 70 of the original vehicle in Fig. 1.

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

[0084] The switching function-equipped position 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, such as by a relay module. A known switch other than a relay module may be appropriately adopted. By using such a switching function-equipped position information antenna 50, the time when the antenna signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 20 and the time when the transmission of the antenna signal is stopped can be switched so as to be alternately repeated. This also makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a mismatch that causes an error between the information based on the TV viewing restriction removal device 60 and the information based on the switching function-equipped position 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. Also, a configuration may be made in which a timer is separately provided, or a configuration may be made in which a control device for controlling the operation of the switch and a memory are 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 lifting device 60 used simultaneously with the switching function-equipped position information antenna 50 of this embodiment is connected to the vehicle ECU1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 via a vehicle speed signal line, to the vehicle ECU2 via the CAN1 receiver-transmitter, and to the in-vehicle display device 20 via the CAN2 receiver-transmitter. Such connections may be set appropriately depending on the method for lifting the restriction on the television viewing function of the television viewing restriction lifting device 60. The television viewing restriction lifting device 60 may further include a power supply module (not shown).

[0087] The television viewing restriction release 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-sharing control signal generating device 65 has a function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling, and includes 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-sharing control signal generating device 65 is similar to the time-sharing control signal generating device 35 of the navigation control device 30 in the embodiment of the present invention described above, and description thereof will not be repeated. Also, this time-sharing control signal generating device 65 is an example of a device having a function of lifting restrictions on the television viewing function, and various television viewing restriction lifting devices 60 can be used as long as they have a similar function.

[0089] As a method for lifting restrictions on the television viewing function, as explained in the embodiment related 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 position information) antenna, or a combination of these. 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 the antenna signal can be transmitted 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 the vehicle is started, 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 antenna signals is disabled by the operation of the electrical switch 52, maintains this state for the transmission stop time, and stops transmission of antenna signals 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 causes an error between the information from the television viewing function restriction removal device and the information from the antenna signal while the in-vehicle display device 20 receives the antenna signal during the transmission possible 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 from start-up until the location information antenna 50 operates normally increases the time during which the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive the antenna signal, which is not preferable.

[0093] As an 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 with 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.

[0095] Another embodiment of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The navigation control device 30 is similar to the 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 generating device (no symbol), a position detection inhibiting device 39, a switching device (RF switch switching device) 36 for switching the operation of the position detection inhibiting device 39, a main control device (main controller module) 31 for controlling the operation of the time-division control signal generating device 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 for switchably connecting the vehicle ECU 10 and the navigation control device 30 to the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0097] This position detection inhibition 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 RF signal isolators 84 to 86 are respectively connected to the remaining RF3. Note that RF2 and RF3 are equivalent, and the connection destinations 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. Also, 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 of using three RF switches to avoid occurrence of information inconsistency that may cause an error will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. When operation in the TV viewing restriction release mode starts, the main controller module 31 controls the RF switch changeover device 36 as necessary to control operation of the position detection inhibition device 39 equipped with 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 genuine vehicle for a first time (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 in order to stabilize the device.

[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 a signal from the GNSS antenna 70 for the second time period (blocking 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 in which 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 obtain a normal (genuine) antenna signal while preventing mismatches that cause errors between information based on the signal from the time-division control signal generator 35 and information based on the antenna signal. Note that such repeated processes are terminated by switching to the original mode, stopping the engine, 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 a signal 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 to the process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element qualified by the phrase "comprising 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 general-purpose hardware platform required for software. Of course, it can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical proposal of the present disclosure can be embodied essentially or in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium (ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes some instructions for causing a terminal (which may be an in-vehicle controller, an in-vehicle terminal, a computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] A person skilled in the art can understand that the implementation of all or part of the flow of the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be performed by instructing related hardware through a computer program, and the above-mentioned program may be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and can include the process of each of the above-mentioned embodiment methods when executed. Here, references to memory, storage, database, or other medium 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 the spirit and character thereof. The specific embodiments disclosed are to be considered as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined by the appended claims rather than by these foregoing descriptions. All changes within the literal meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced by them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 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 positioning antenna) 38 Antenna signal interference device 39 Position detection obstruction device 50 Switchable positioning antenna 51 Antenna body 52 Switch 60 TV viewing function restriction release 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 GNSS antenna for genuine vehicles (vehicle positioning 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 position information antenna and an in-vehicle display device having a television viewing function and a navigation display function, the navigation control device having a function of releasing a restriction 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 position information antenna; A switching device for switching the operation of the position detection inhibition device; Equipped with an error may occur when the in-vehicle display device uses a function for releasing the restriction on the television viewing function, 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 when a situation in which the in-vehicle display device cannot detect the connection of the location information antenna continues for a certain period of time; The position detection inhibition 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; An RF signal optimization module is provided at least 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 the three series-connected RF switches are connected so that the common terminal of the RF switch located on the in-vehicle display device side is located on the in-vehicle display device side, and the common terminals of the remaining two RF switches are located on the position information antenna side.

2. The navigation controller of claim 1 , further comprising an RF signal optimization module between the RF switches.

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

4. A method using the navigation control device according to claim 1, comprising: an acquisition step of controlling the three RF switches so as to cause the vehicle-mounted display device to acquire the antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna for a first period of time; an inhibiting step of controlling the three RF switches so that all of them are 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 between 90 and 120 seconds; The method of claim 4, wherein the second period of time is from 3 to 30 seconds.

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