On-board device, synchronization system, and synchronization method

Abstract

To reduce the power consumption of an on-vehicle device.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle device has a storage unit, a transmission unit, and an updating unit. The storage unit stores parameters related to a web application. The transmission unit transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit to a server when the on-vehicle device is activated. When receiving parameters from the server, the updating unit updates the parameters stored in the storage unit with the parameters received from the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device, a synchronization system, and a synchronization method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a Web application that is executed by a server connected to an in-vehicle device such as a drive recorder provided in a vehicle.

[0003] Parameters used in the Web application are synchronized between the server and the in-vehicle device. For example, a method of synchronizing parameters via a mobile device paired with the in-vehicle device has been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-509171 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is sometimes impossible to reduce the power consumption of the in-vehicle device.

[0006] For example, in the conventional technology, since parameter synchronization is performed constantly, communication between the in-vehicle device and the server occurs frequently, which may increase power consumption.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide an in-vehicle device, a synchronization system, and a synchronization method that can reduce the power consumption of the in-vehicle device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an in-vehicle device according to the present invention has a storage unit, a transmission unit, and an update unit. The storage unit stores parameters related to a Web application. The transmission unit transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit to a server when the in-vehicle device is started. When the update unit receives the parameters from the server, it updates the parameters stored in the storage unit with the parameters received from the server. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of an in-vehicle device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a synchronization system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure of the synchronization system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an in-vehicle device, a synchronization system, and a synchronization method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0012] First, the configuration and processing of a synchronization system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the synchronization system according to an embodiment.

[0013] 1, the synchronization system 1 includes a vehicle V, an in-vehicle device 10, and a server 20. For example, the vehicle V is an automobile. Also, for example, the in-vehicle device 10 is a drive recorder provided inside the vehicle V.

[0014] The in-vehicle device 10 is also connected to a server 20 via a network N so as to be able to perform data communications therewith. For example, the network N is the Internet.

[0015] The battery of the in-vehicle device 10 is independent of the vehicle V. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 includes a battery such as a lithium-ion battery. However, the in-vehicle device 10 may be capable of being powered and charged from an ACC power source or a cigarette lighter charger of the vehicle V.

[0016] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 may be a device equivalent to an information processing device such as a smartphone that includes a sensor, a processor, a memory, and the like.

[0017] The server 20 executes a Web application. The in-vehicle device 10 performs a predetermined operation in association with the execution of the Web application. The server 20 can be said to be a cloud for the in-vehicle device 10.

[0018] For example, the Web application may involve capturing images on the vehicle side, such as monitoring while driving or parking. In that case, for example, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits images captured around and inside the vehicle V and the detected acceleration to the server 20 under the control of the server 20.

[0019] At that time, the resolution of the captured image, the period during which the image is captured, etc. are set as parameters of the Web application.

[0020] The parameters of the Web application may be set by the driver of the vehicle V via the in-vehicle device 10.

[0021] Furthermore, the parameters of a Web application may be set via the server 20 by an administrator of the Web application or the like.

[0022] In either case, the set parameters must be synchronized between the server 20 and the in-vehicle device 10 in order for the Web application to be executed normally.

[0023] Furthermore, since the battery available for the in-vehicle device 10 is limited, it is desirable to reduce the amount of power consumed for parameter synchronization.

[0024] In this embodiment, the timings for synchronizing parameters between the server 20 and the in-vehicle device 10 are limited to when the in-vehicle device 10 is started up, when the vehicle V starts traveling, and when the vehicle V ends traveling.

[0025] This reduces the frequency with which the in-vehicle device 10 communicates with the server 20, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0026] The process flow of the synchronization system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Here, parameters stored in the in-vehicle device 10 are referred to as terminal-side parameters, and parameters stored in the server 20 are referred to as server-side parameters.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, first, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits terminal-side parameters to the server 20 when the in-vehicle device 10 is started, when the vehicle V starts traveling, or when the vehicle V ends traveling (step S1).

[0028] The in-vehicle device 10 may be activated when the ACC of the vehicle V is turned on.

[0029] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 can regard the time when the ACC of the vehicle V is turned on, the time when the engine of the vehicle V is started, or the time when the vehicle V starts to travel as the start of travel.

[0030] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 can determine that the operation has ended when the ACC of the vehicle V is turned off, when the engine of the vehicle V is stopped, or when the vehicle V has stopped traveling.

[0031] In addition, the period from the start of operation of vehicle V to the end of operation may be called a trip.

[0032] Next, the server 20 identifies the latest parameters from among the server-side parameters and the received terminal-side parameters (step S2).

[0033] The server 20 may perform the process of step S2 only when there is a difference between the server-side parameters and the terminal-side parameters.

[0034] For example, the server 20 refers to the creation date and time or the last update date and time attached to the server-side parameters and the terminal-side parameters to identify the latest parameters.

[0035] If the terminal-side parameters are the latest, the server 20 updates the server-side parameters with the received terminal-side parameters (step S3).

[0036] On the other hand, if the server-side parameters are the latest, the server 20 transmits the server-side parameters to the vehicle-mounted device 10 (step S4).

[0037] When the in-vehicle device 10 receives the server-side parameters from the server 20, it updates the terminal-side parameters with the received server-side parameters (step S5).

[0038] The configuration of the in-vehicle device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment.

[0039] In this embodiment, the Web application will be described as causing the in-vehicle device 10 to monitor the vehicle V while it is traveling or parked. However, the Web application is not limited to the one described here.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the in-car device 10 includes a display unit 11a, an operation unit 11b, an acceleration sensor 11c, a camera 11d, a position information receiving unit 11e, and a communication unit 11f.

[0041] The display unit 11a is a display or the like for displaying a screen, and the operation unit 11b is an input device such as buttons, etc. The display unit 11a and the operation unit 11b may be realized by a touch panel display.

[0042] The acceleration sensor 11c senses acceleration.

[0043] The camera 11d captures an image. For example, the camera 11d captures a moving image of the surroundings of the vehicle V or the interior of the vehicle V.

[0044] The location information receiving unit 11e is a device for receiving signals from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a global positioning system (GPS), and the like.

[0045] The communication unit 11f is a communication module, and communicates with the server 20 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11f can perform communication using standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0046] The control unit 13 and the storage unit 12 of the in-vehicle device 10 are realized by a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, input / output ports, etc., or various circuits.

[0047] The storage unit 12 stores parameter information 121. The parameter information 121 is a parameter related to a Web application.

[0048] For example, the memory unit 12 stores at least one of the following as parameter information 121: the resolution of images captured by the in-vehicle device 10, whether the server 20 can control the in-vehicle device 10, the period during which a Web application is executed, and information indicating the position of the in-vehicle device 10 within the vehicle V.

[0049] This enables the web application to properly execute monitoring functions related to vehicle V.

[0050] The control unit 13 includes a transmitting unit 131, a receiving unit 132, an updating unit 133, and a monitoring unit .

[0051] The transmission unit 131 transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 to the server 20 when the in-vehicle device 10 is started up.

[0052] The transmission unit 131 may further transmit the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 to the server 20 when the vehicle V equipped with the in-vehicle device 10 starts to travel.

[0053] Furthermore, the transmission unit 131 may further transmit the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 to the server 20 when the operation of the vehicle V in which the in-vehicle device 10 is provided ends.

[0054] In this way, the vehicle device 10 transmits parameters immediately before and after a trip, but not during the trip, thereby ensuring parameter consistency during the trip.

[0055] In this embodiment, the transmission unit 131 does not transmit the parameters to the server 20 at any timing other than when the in-vehicle device 10 is started, when the vehicle V starts traveling, and when the vehicle V ends traveling.

[0056] Moreover, the transmission unit 131 may transmit the parameters to the server 20 only when the in-vehicle device 10 is started up.

[0057] In addition, the transmission unit 131 transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 to the server 20 without notifying the user of the vehicle V.

[0058] This makes it possible to synchronize parameters without distracting the user operating the vehicle V.

[0059] The receiving unit 132 receives the parameters from the server 20 .

[0060] When the receiving unit 132 receives the parameters from the server 20 , the updating unit 133 updates the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 with the parameters received from the server 20 .

[0061] In this way, the in-vehicle device 10 reduces power consumption by limiting the timing for synchronizing parameters.

[0062] Here, if the server 20 determines that the parameters transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 10 are not the latest ones, it transmits the latest parameters to the vehicle-mounted device 10. The server 20 will be described in detail later.

[0063] In particular, when the transmission unit 131 transmits parameters when the in-vehicle device 10 is started up, the update unit 133 updates the parameters stored in the memory unit 12 between the time when the in-vehicle device 10 is started up and the time when the vehicle V in which the in-vehicle device 10 is equipped starts operating.

[0064] This allows web applications to run normally during the trip.

[0065] The transmission and update of parameters by the in-vehicle device 10 may be performed in parallel with processing performed while the in-vehicle device 10 is running.

[0066] The configuration of the server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server according to the embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit .

[0068] The communication unit 21 is a communication module, and performs communication between the in-vehicle device 10 and the vehicle V via the network N.

[0069] The control unit 23 and the storage unit 22 of the server 20 are realized by, for example, a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, an input / output port, etc., or various circuits.

[0070] The storage unit 22 stores parameter information 221. The parameter information 221 is a parameter related to a Web application.

[0071] The parameter information 221 is data in the same format as the parameter information 121. The parameter information 221 and the parameter information 121 may be completely identical or may differ from each other.

[0072] The control unit 13 includes a receiving unit 231 , a specifying unit 232 , an updating unit 233 , and a transmitting unit 234 .

[0073] The receiving unit 231 receives the parameters transmitted by the transmitting unit 131 of the in-vehicle device 10 .

[0074] The identifying unit 232 identifies the terminal-side parameters received from the in-vehicle device 10 and the server-side parameters (parameter information 221) stored in the storage unit 22, whichever has the most recent set date and time.

[0075] The terminal-side parameters are an example of first parameters, and the server-side parameters are an example of second parameters.

[0076] When the identifying unit 232 identifies the terminal-side parameters as new parameters, the updating unit 233 updates the server-side parameters stored in the storage unit 22, that is, the parameter information 121, with the terminal-side parameters.

[0077] For example, the update unit 233 overwrites the parameter information 221 with the terminal side parameters.

[0078] On the other hand, if the identifying unit 232 identifies the server-side parameters as new parameters, the transmitting unit 234 transmits the server-side parameters to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0079] As described above, when the update unit 133 of the in-vehicle device 10 receives parameters from the server 20 , the update unit 133 updates the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 with the parameters received from the server 20 .

[0080] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the synchronization system according to the embodiment. First, when the in-vehicle device 10 is started (step S11), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits parameters to the server 20 (step S12).

[0081] Then, the server 20 executes a server synchronization process (step S13). Also, the in-vehicle device 10 executes a terminal-side synchronization process (step S14). The flow of the server synchronization process and the terminal-side synchronization process will be described later.

[0082] Next, when the vehicle V starts to travel (step S15), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the parameters to the server 20 (step S16).

[0083] Then, the server 20 executes a server synchronization process (step S17), and the vehicle-mounted device 10 executes a terminal-side synchronization process (step S18).

[0084] Furthermore, when the driving of the vehicle V ends (step S19), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the parameters to the server 20 (step S20).

[0085] Then, the server 20 executes a server synchronization process (step S21), and the in-vehicle device 10 executes a terminal side synchronization process (step S22).

[0086] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the server-side synchronization processing shown in steps S13, S17 and S21 in FIG.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the server 20 identifies the latest one of the server-side parameters and the received terminal-side parameters (step S101).

[0088] If the terminal-side parameters are the latest (step S102: Yes), the server 20 updates the server-side parameters with the terminal-side parameters (step S103).

[0089] On the other hand, if the terminal-side parameters are not the latest (step S102: No), the server 20 transmits the server-side parameters to the vehicle-mounted device 10 (step S104).

[0090] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the in-car device according to the embodiment The processing in FIG. 6 corresponds to the terminal side synchronization processing shown in steps S14, S18 and S22 in FIG.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6, when the in-vehicle device 10 receives the server-side parameters (step S201: Yes), the in-vehicle device 10 updates the terminal-side parameters with the received server-side parameters (step S202).

[0092] On the other hand, if the in-vehicle device 10 has not received the server-side parameters (step S201: No), the in-vehicle device 10 ends the process without updating the terminal-side parameters.

[0093] As described above, the in-vehicle device 10 includes the storage unit 12, the transmission unit 131, and the update unit 133. The storage unit 12 stores parameters related to a Web application. When the in-vehicle device 10 is started up, the transmission unit 131 transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 to the server 20. When the update unit 133 receives parameters from the server 20, the update unit 133 updates the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 with the parameters received from the server 20.

[0094] In this way, the in-vehicle device 10 synchronizes parameters with the server 20 at specific timings, rather than constantly. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0095] Each function of the in-vehicle device 10 is realized by, for example, a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, an input / output port, etc., and various circuits.

[0096] The in-vehicle device 10 may also acquire the above-mentioned programs and various information via another computer or portable recording medium connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0097] The CPU of the computer functions as a transmitting unit 131, a receiving unit 132, an updating unit 133, and a monitoring unit 134 by reading and executing a program stored in, for example, a ROM.

[0098] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0099] For example, the parameters of the Web application may be set for each user, in which case the storage unit 12 stores the parameters associated with each of the multiple users.

[0100] In this case, the in-vehicle device 10 identifies the driver who is the user of the vehicle V. The driver is an example of a first user.

[0101] For example, the in-vehicle device 10 identifies the driver by an IC card (driver's license) presented by the driver, face recognition, an operation by the driver, or the like.

[0102] The transmission unit 131 transmits to the server 20 the parameters stored in the storage unit 12 and associated with the first user.

[0103] The storage unit 22 of the server 20 stores parameters associated with each of a plurality of users.

[0104] Then, the transmission unit 234 transmits the server-side parameters to the in-vehicle device 10 provided in each of the multiple vehicles used by the driver.

[0105] This allows a user who uses multiple vehicles to change the parameters of the multiple vehicles all at once by setting the parameters in one of the vehicles.

[0106] In this case, even if the server 20 identifies the terminal side parameters as the latest parameters, it can transmit the updated server side parameters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] N Network V Vehicle 1 Synchronous System 10 Onboard equipment 11a Display section 11b Operation section 11c Acceleration Sensor 11d Camera 11e Location information receiving unit 11F, 21 Communications Department 12, 22 Storage section 13, 23 Control section 20 Servers 131, 234 Transmitter 132, 231 Receiver 133, 233 update section 134 Monitoring Department 121, 221 Parameter Information 232 Specific part

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores parameters related to a web application; a control unit that transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit to a server when the device is started, and when the parameters are received from the server, updates the parameters stored in the storage unit with the parameters received from the server; An in-vehicle device comprising:

2. 2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit updates the parameters stored in the memory unit between the time when the device is started and the time when the vehicle in which the device is installed starts operating.

3. 3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit to the server when the vehicle in which the device is provided starts to travel.

4. 4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further transmits the parameters stored in the storage unit to the server when a drive of the vehicle in which the device is installed ends.

5. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the parameters stored in the memory unit are at least one of the following: the resolution of an image captured by a camera provided in the device, whether the server can control the device, the period during which the web application is executed, and information indicating the position of the device within a vehicle in which the device is installed.

6. 6. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the parameters stored in the memory unit to the server without notifying a user of the vehicle in which the device is installed.

7. A synchronization system for synchronizing an in-vehicle device provided in a vehicle with a server that provides a web application, comprising: The in-vehicle device includes: a first storage unit that stores parameters related to the web application; a first control unit that transmits the parameters stored in the first storage unit to the server when the device is started, and updates the parameters stored in the first storage unit with the parameters received from the server when the device receives the parameters from the server; The server, a second storage unit that stores parameters related to the web application; a second control unit that compares a first setting date and time of the parameter received from the in-vehicle device with a second setting date and time of the parameter stored in the second storage unit, and updates the parameter stored in the second storage unit with the parameter received from the in-vehicle device if the first setting date and time is newer, and transmits the parameter stored in the second storage unit to the in-vehicle device if the second setting date and time is newer; A synchronization system comprising:

8. each of the first and second storage units stores parameters associated with each of a plurality of users; The first control unit transmits, to the server, parameters associated with a first user among the parameters stored in the first storage unit; The synchronization system according to claim 7, characterized in that the second control unit transmits parameters corresponding to the first user among the parameters stored in the second memory unit to in-vehicle devices provided in each of a plurality of vehicles used by the first user.

9. A method for synchronizing with a server, the method being executed by an in-vehicle device having a storage unit that stores parameters related to a web application, the method comprising: When the in-vehicle device is started, the parameters stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the server; A synchronization method, comprising: when a parameter is received from the server, updating a parameter stored in the storage unit with the parameter received from the server.

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