In-vehicle device setting apparatus, in-vehicle device setting method, and program

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle apparatus setting device, an in-vehicle apparatus setting method, and a program that can appropriately register and manage settings with respect to the in-vehicle apparatus for each user.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle apparatus setting device includes: a storage unit configured to store user setting information in which setting information related to settings of an in-vehicle apparatus mounted in a vehicle desired by a user of the vehicle is associated with each user; a setting unit configured to set a setting value indicated by the setting information of the user setting information to the corresponding in-vehicle apparatus; and an update unit configured to acquire a current setting value that is a current setting value from the in-vehicle apparatus and update the setting value of the user setting information to the acquired current setting value. The setting unit sets, for the in-vehicle apparatus, the setting value of use user setting information that is the user setting information corresponding to a use user selected as a user who uses the vehicle this time, as a reproduction setting value obtained by reproducing the previous settings. The update unit updates the setting value set for the in-vehicle apparatus as the reproduction setting value to the acquired current setting value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device setting apparatus, an in-vehicle device setting method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been disclosed for setting, for each user of a vehicle, settings for operating various in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in recent years, for example, in conjunction with a wireless communication type portable key such as a smart key, the settings of in-vehicle devices are also set according to the user carrying the portable key.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, for example, when setting values such as temperature and air volume in an air conditioner are set as personal settings associated with a user, when a new user is registered in the setting device provided in the vehicle, or when an already registered user is selected, the setting device acquires the setting values currently set in the air conditioner and registers them as the personal settings of the new user, and updates the personal settings of the selected user. However, it is conceivable that the setting device may not be able to acquire the current setting values from the air conditioner due to some factors when a new user is registered or when a registered user is selected. In this case, unless the user performs an operation to change the settings of the air conditioner, the personal settings will not be updated from the initial values or the previous setting values. Thus, in the conventional technology, no consideration has been given to the case where the update of personal settings is inhibited. That is, in the conventional technology, it is not always the case that the convenience for the user is improved.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the above recognition of the problems, and one of the objectives is to provide an in-vehicle device setting apparatus, an in-vehicle device setting method, and a program that can suitably register and manage settings for each user with respect to in-vehicle devices. That is, the present invention aims to improve convenience by registering settings of in-vehicle devices according to the user. And, by extension, it contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system by further improving traffic safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The in-vehicle device setting apparatus, the in-vehicle device setting method, and the program according to this invention adopt the following configurations. (1): The in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information regarding the setting of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle for each user of the vehicle, and includes a storage unit that stores user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated for each user, a setting unit that sets a setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information in a corresponding in-vehicle device, and an update unit that acquires a current setting value, which is the currently set setting value, from the in-vehicle device and updates the setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information to the acquired current setting value. The setting unit sets, as a reproduction setting value for reproducing the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, the setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user who will use the vehicle this time in the corresponding in-vehicle device, and the update unit updates the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired current setting value in the setting information associated with the user setting information.

[0007] (2): In the aspect of (1) above, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus further includes a communication unit that communicates with the in-vehicle device, and the update unit acquires the current setting value via the communication unit.

[0008] (3): In the aspect of (2) above, the update unit acquires the current setting value after the setting of the reproduction setting value in the corresponding in-vehicle device by the setting unit is completed, and updates the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired current setting value.

[0009] (4): In the aspect of (2) or (3) above, when the current setting value is changed by an operation of the in-vehicle device by the user, the update unit acquires a changed setting value, which is the changed current setting value, and updates the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired changed setting value.

[0010] (5): In the aspect of (4) above, when there is a current setting value that cannot be acquired, the update unit repeats the acquisition of the current setting value that cannot be acquired again.

[0011] (6): In the aspect of (5) above, the reproduction setting value includes the setting value in a state where the setting value is the initial value or in an unset state where the setting value is not set.

[0012] (7): The in-vehicle device setting method according to one aspect of the present invention is such that, for each user of the vehicle, a computer of an in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information related to the setting of the in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, among the user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated with each user and stored in the storage unit, the setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user using the vehicle this time is set as a reproduction setting value that reproduces the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, the current setting value that is currently set is acquired from the in-vehicle device, and in the setting information associated with the user setting information, the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value is updated to the acquired current setting value. This is the in-vehicle device setting method.

[0013] (8) The program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer of an in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information regarding settings of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle for each user of the vehicle, to set, as a reproduction setting value for reproducing a previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, a setting value indicated by the setting information associated with user setting information corresponding to a user selected as the user using the vehicle this time among the user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated for each user and stored in a storage unit, in the corresponding in-vehicle device, causes the in-vehicle device to acquire a current setting value that is the currently set setting value, and updates, in the setting information associated with the user setting information, the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value, to the acquired current setting value.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the above-described aspects (1) to (8), it is possible to provide an in-vehicle device setting apparatus, an in-vehicle device setting method, and a program that can suitably register and manage settings for each user of an in-vehicle device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus, the in-vehicle device setting method, and the program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and usage environment of an in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to an embodiment. The in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 is a device that sets and controls an in-vehicle device 200 mounted on a vehicle M. In FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 202 is shown as an example of the in-vehicle device 200.

[0018] The air conditioning system 202 is, for example, an air conditioning device such as an air conditioner, and its temperature, air volume, etc. are set and controlled by the user. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a dial 302 and a button 304 are each provided as an operation device 300 for the user to change the setting and control of the air conditioning system 202. The dial 302 is arranged, for example, at a position close to the air conditioning system 202, and the user rotates it to set and control the air conditioning system 202. The button 304 is arranged, for example, at a position close to the air conditioning system 202, and the user presses it to set and control the air conditioning system 202. The air conditioning system 202 notifies the user of the setting and control state according to the operation of the dial 302 or the button 304 by the user through the notification device 400. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a display unit 402 is provided as the notification device 400. The display unit 402 is arranged at a position close to the dial 302 and the button 304, and visually notifies the user of the state in which the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 is changed when the user operates the dial 302 or the button 304. When the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 is changed by the user, the air conditioning system 202 outputs information on the changed set value to the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100.

[0019] In FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 202 is shown as the in-vehicle device 200 mounted on the vehicle M, but the in-vehicle device 200 is not limited to the air conditioning system 202. That is, as the in-vehicle device 200 provided in the vehicle M, other in-vehicle devices may be included instead of or in addition to the air conditioning system 202. In this case, when the setting or control state is changed by the user for other in-vehicle devices as well, information on the changed set value is output to the in-vehicle device setting device 100.

[0020] The in-vehicle device setting device 100 manages the set values output by the in-vehicle device 200 (here, the air conditioning system 202) provided in the vehicle M for each user. That is, when the user changes the setting or control state by operating the operation device 300, the in-vehicle device setting device 100 associates and manages the set value of the air conditioning system 202 with the user who changed the setting or control of the air conditioning system 202.

[0021] Therefore, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 recognizes (identifies) a user who has changed or may change the settings and control of the air-conditioning system 202. The process of recognizing (identifying) this user is performed, for example, by an in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown) that controls various operations (including the operations of the in-vehicle devices 200) in the vehicle M. FIG. 1 shows an example in which an interface device 500 for recognizing (identifying) a user who has changed or may change the settings and control of the air-conditioning system 202 includes a display 502 and an input unit 504, respectively. The interface device 500 is disposed, for example, inside a center console near the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle M or on the upper part of the dashboard, and is configured as a touch panel by combining the display 502 and the input unit 504. The display 502 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The input unit 504 includes, for example, a detection device such as a pressure sensor that detects a user's operation on the screen of the display 502. The in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown) causes the display 502 to display a selection screen on which a selection button for selecting a user of the vehicle M is disposed when a user gets into the vehicle M, and the user operates (for example, taps or long-presses) the selection button on the screen of the display 502 to recognize (identify) the user who has got into the vehicle M this time. The in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown) may be linked with a wireless communication type portable key such as a smart key, and when a user carrying the portable key gets into the vehicle M, recognize (identify) the user associated with the portable key as the user who has got into the vehicle M this time. The in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 acquires the information of the user recognized (identified) by the in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown). The in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages the setting values of the air-conditioning system 202 for each user by associating the user represented by the acquired user information with the setting values of the air-conditioning system 202.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operating environment of in-vehicle device 200 (air conditioning system 202) set in in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment. In FIG. 2, as dials 302 provided in operating device 300, an example of arranging dial 302D, dial 302P, and dial 302V, and as buttons 304 provided in operating device 300, an example of arranging button 304W and button 304F are shown respectively. Further, in FIG. 2, as display portions 402 provided in notification device 400, an example of arranging display portion 402D, display portion 402P, display portion 402V, display portion 402W, and display portion 402F are shown respectively.

[0023] Dial 302D is a temperature setting dial for setting (changing) the temperature on the driver's side of vehicle M that the air conditioning system 202 adjusts by the user rotating it, and the display unit 402D notifies the user by displaying the temperature set (changed) by the user operating dial 302D. Dial 302P is a temperature setting dial for setting (changing) the temperature on the passenger's side of vehicle M that the air conditioning system 202 adjusts by the user rotating it, and the display unit 402P notifies the user by displaying the temperature set (changed) by the user operating dial 302P. Dial 302V is an air volume setting dial for setting (changing) the air volume when the air (wind) adjusted by the air conditioning system 202 by the user rotating it is sent into the passenger compartment of vehicle M, and the display unit 402V notifies the user by displaying the air volume set (changed) by the user operating dial 302V. Button 304W is a wind direction switching button for switching (changing) the direction (wind direction) in which the air (wind) adjusted by the air conditioning system 202 is sent into the passenger compartment of vehicle M when the user presses it. The wind directions switched by button 304W include directions such as "face", "foot area", "face and foot area", etc. The display unit 402W notifies the user by displaying the wind direction switched (changed) by the user operating button 304W. Button 304F is a wind direction switching button for selecting whether to operate a so-called defroster that sends the air (wind) adjusted by the air conditioning system 202 by the user pressing it in the direction of the front windshield in front of vehicle M. When the user selects to send air (wind) in the direction of the front windshield by operating button 304F, for example, the display unit 402F composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) arranged inside button 304F is lit to notify the user.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example in which the interface device 500 (display 502 and input unit 504) is arranged, and shows an example of a state in which a selection screen on which selection buttons for selecting a user of the vehicle M are arranged is being displayed on the display 502. In an example of the selection screen shown in Figure 2, selection buttons for "User A", "User B", "Guest User", and "New Registration" are respectively displayed. When the user operates any of the selection buttons, the user who is currently riding in the vehicle M (that is, the user who is using the vehicle M this time) is recognized (identified). Here, when the user operates the selection button for "User A", User A registered when riding in the vehicle M in the past is recognized (identified) as the user who is currently riding in the vehicle M. When the user operates the selection button for "User B", User B, who is different from User A registered when riding in the vehicle M in the past, is recognized (identified) as the user who is currently riding in the vehicle M. When the user operates the selection button for "Guest User", the user who is currently riding in the vehicle M is recognized (identified) as a user who does not normally use the vehicle M (temporarily uses the vehicle M). When the user operates the selection button for "New Registration", although the user has never ridden in the vehicle M in the past, the user is recognized (identified) as a user who will normally use the vehicle M in the future. In this case, an in-vehicle device control device (not shown) causes the display 502 to display an input screen for inputting a registration name (for example, the above "User A" or "User B", etc.) for identifying the user to be newly registered, and based on the user's operation on the input screen, registers information on the registration name for identifying the user to be newly registered. When the in-vehicle device setting device 100 acquires information (registration name) of the newly registered user registered by the in-vehicle device control device (not shown), the in-vehicle device setting device 100 associates the setting value of the air conditioning system 202 with the newly registered user as a user who newly manages the setting value of the air conditioning system 202.

[0025] In one example shown in FIG. 2, a case where the user operates the operation device 300 to change the settings and control of the air conditioning system 202 is shown. However, the method of changing the settings and control of the air conditioning system 202 is not limited to the method of operating the operation device 300. For example, an operation screen having operation buttons and notification areas to which the same functions as the operation device 300 and the notification device 400 are assigned for performing an operation of changing the settings and control of the air conditioning system 202 is displayed on the display 502, and the user operates the operation buttons on the screen of the display 502, whereby the settings and control of the air conditioning system 202 may be changed.

[0026] [Configuration of In-Vehicle Device Setting Device] Returning to FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device setting device 100 includes, for example, a storage unit 110, a communication unit 120, a setting unit 130, and an update unit 140.

[0027] The setting unit 130 and the update unit 140 include, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) that stores a program (software). The functions of the respective components are realized when the processor executes the program. Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. Here, the program (software) may be stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory) provided in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or a CD-ROM. By mounting the storage medium on a drive device provided in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100, it may be installed in the storage device provided in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100. The program (software) may be downloaded from another computer device via a network and installed in the storage device provided in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100.

[0028] The in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages the set values of the in-vehicle devices 200 for each user by executing an application (hereinafter referred to as the "set value management application") that manages the set values of the in-vehicle devices 200. In the following description, it is assumed that the configuration of the setting unit 130 and the update unit 140 manages the set values of the air conditioning system 202 provided in the vehicle M for each user by executing the set value management application. However, each operation and process is assumed to be performed by each of the setting unit 130 or the update unit 140.

[0029] The storage unit 110 stores, for example, user setting information 112. The user setting information 112 is information in which information (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") regarding settings desired by the user for the in-vehicle devices 200 provided in the vehicle M is associated for each user. The setting information includes setting items that can be set and controlled in the in-vehicle device 200 and information representing the set values of the setting items. In the initial state of the setting information, an initial value or unset is associated as the set value of the setting item. The initial value is, for example, a standard value (default value) predetermined for the in-vehicle device 200. Unset represents, for example, that no set value is set. In the initial state of the user setting information 112, the user is not associated. The user setting information 112 is stored in the storage unit 110, for example, when the user registers himself / herself as a user who uses the vehicle M in an in-vehicle device control device (not shown). When a plurality of users who use the vehicle M are registered, the user setting information 112 stores the setting information associated for each user.

[0030] Here, an example of the user setting information 112 will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110. In the user setting information 112 shown in FIG. 1, for example, as the setting information of the air conditioning system 202 corresponding to User A, the set value of the "temperature" setting item = "25°C" is associated, the set value of the "air volume" setting item = "5" is associated, and the set value of the "wind direction" setting item = "face" is associated. In the user setting information 112 shown in FIG. 1, for example, as the setting information of the air conditioning system 202 corresponding to the guest user, the set value of the "temperature" setting item = "initial value" is associated, the set value of the "air volume" setting item = "initial value" is associated, and the set value of the "wind direction" setting item = "initial value" is associated. Here, the initial value of the "temperature" setting item is, for example, "25°C". The initial value of the "air volume" setting item is, for example, "3". The initial value of the "wind direction" setting item is, for example, "face and foot". In the user setting information 112 shown in FIG. 1, for example, as the setting information of the air conditioning system 202 corresponding to a newly registered user (hereinafter referred to as the "newly registered user"), the set value of the "temperature" setting item = "initial value" is associated, the set value of the "air volume" setting item = "initial value" is associated, and the set value of the "wind direction" setting item = "not set" is associated. Here, the initial values of the "temperature" and "air volume" setting items are the same set values as those of the guest user. On the other hand, the "not set" of the "wind direction" setting item represents, for example, that the "wind direction" is not set in the air conditioning system 202. The "not set" may represent, for example, not changing from the set value currently set in the air conditioning system 202. For example, when the set value of the "wind direction" setting item currently set in the air conditioning system 202 is set value = "foot", in the user setting information 112 in the initial state corresponding to the newly registered user, the set value of the "wind direction" setting item may represent set value = "foot".

[0031] The communication unit 120 communicates with the in-vehicle device 200. The communication unit 120 is provided with a communication interface for communicating with the in-vehicle device 200 (here, the air conditioning system 202) provided in the vehicle M, such as a multiplex communication line such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication line, a serial communication line, or a wireless communication network. In the following description, it is assumed that the communication unit 120 communicates with the air conditioning system 202 by CAN communication.

[0032] The setting unit 130 sets the in-vehicle device 200 based on the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110. More specifically, when the user setting information 112 of the user currently riding in the vehicle M is stored in the storage unit 110, the setting unit 130 sets each setting value indicated in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 corresponding to the current user in the in-vehicle device 200. That is, the setting unit 130 sets each setting value (hereinafter referred to as "reproduction setting value") indicated in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110 in the in-vehicle device 200 in order to reproduce the setting and control of the in-vehicle device 200 when the current user last rode in the vehicle M. In the following description, among the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110, the user setting information 112 corresponding to the user currently riding in the vehicle M (that is, the user registered when using the vehicle M in the past) is referred to as "used user setting information 112U" and is distinguished from the user setting information 112 corresponding to other users (that is, users who do not use the vehicle M this time) stored in the storage unit 110. And the user currently riding in the vehicle M (the user using the vehicle M this time) is also referred to as the "used user".

[0033] The update unit 140 acquires the current setting values set in the air-conditioning system 202 via the communication unit 120. That is, the update unit 140 acquires the current setting values (hereinafter referred to as "current setting values") set in the air-conditioning system 202 through CAN communication between the communication unit 120 and the air-conditioning system 202. More specifically, for example, the update unit 140 acquires the current setting values after the setting unit 130 has completed the setting of the in-vehicle device 200 based on the user setting information 112 (more specifically, the used user setting information 112U). For example, when the used user operates the operation device 300 to change the setting or control of the air-conditioning system 202, the update unit 140 acquires the changed current setting value as a new current setting value (hereinafter referred to as "changed setting value"). Whether the setting or control of the air-conditioning system 202 has been changed by the used user may be determined, for example, by whether a notification is received from the air-conditioning system 202, the operation device 300, or an in-vehicle device control device (not shown).

[0034] Then, the update unit 140 updates each setting value (i.e., the reproduction setting value) included in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 to the acquired current setting value (including the changed setting value). More specifically, the update unit 140 updates each setting value included in the setting information associated with the used user setting information 112U to the acquired current setting value or changed setting value, and stores it in the storage unit 110. Here, for example, when the used user setting information 112U is the user setting information 112 of a guest user or a newly registered user, each setting value included in the setting information associated with this used user setting information 112U is, as described above, "initial value" or "not set". This "initial value" and "not set" are not values for reproducing the setting and control of the air-conditioning system 202 when the guest user or newly registered user last rode in the vehicle M, but are values for reproducing a predetermined standard state, so they can be considered equivalent to the reproduction setting values. Therefore, even when each setting value included in the setting information associated with the used user setting information 112U is "initial value" or "not set", the update unit 140 updates it to the acquired current setting value or changed setting value and stores it in the storage unit 110.

[0035] Incidentally, for example, it is conceivable that the CAN communication between the communication unit 120 and the air conditioning system 202 may not be performed normally due to some factor. That is, it is also conceivable that the update unit 140 cannot normally acquire the current set value (including the changed set value). Therefore, the update unit 140 acquires again the current set value that could not be acquired normally. If the current set value that could not be acquired normally is included in each set value indicated in the set information associated with the user setting information 112, the update unit 140 repeats the acquisition of the current set value again. The update unit 140 may repeat the acquisition of the current set value that could not be acquired normally until all the set values indicated in the set information are updated to the current set value, or may repeat it a predetermined number of times. For example, when the used user setting information 112U is the user setting information 112 of a guest user or a newly registered user, each set value indicated in the set information associated with this used user setting information 112U is "initial value" or "not set". Therefore, the update unit 140 repeats the acquisition of the current set value that could not be acquired normally until all the set values that are "initial value" or "not set" are updated to the current set value.

[0036] Here, when the used user setting information 112U is the user setting information 112 of a newly registered user, since this used user (newly registered user) will be a user who normally uses the vehicle M in the future, it is preferable for the update unit 140 to repeatedly acquire the current setting values until all the setting values are updated to the current setting values. On the other hand, when the used user setting information 112U is the user setting information 112 of a guest user, since this used user (guest user) is a user who temporarily uses the vehicle M, it may be considered that it is not necessary to repeatedly acquire the current setting values until all the setting values are updated to the current setting values. For this reason, even when not all the setting values are updated to the current setting values, the update unit 140 may stop repeatedly acquiring the current setting values that could not be normally acquired after repeatedly acquiring the current setting values a predetermined number of times. However, it is also conceivable that a guest user operates the "newly register" selection button when getting off the vehicle M and registers as a newly registered user. For this reason, even when the used user setting information 112U is the user setting information 112 of a guest user, it is preferable for the update unit 140 to repeatedly acquire the current setting values until all the setting values are updated to the current setting values.

[0037] For this reason, the user setting information 112 may be configured to include flag information indicating whether the setting values have been updated and information indicating the update date and time, and the update unit 140 may refer to this information to determine whether all the setting values indicated in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 have been updated to the current setting values.

[0038] [An Example of the Process for Updating User Setting Information in an In-Vehicle Device Setting Apparatus] Next, an example of the process flow in which the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 updates the user setting information 112 will be described.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for updating user setting information 112 in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation (processing) of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 and the exchange of information (data) in CAN communication performed between the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 and the air conditioning system 202. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3 is an example of the flow of processing when the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 updates the user setting information 112 corresponding to a newly registered user when the using user is a newly registered user.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user setting information 112 updated by the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Each of FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) shows an example of the user setting information 112 at each stage of the processing of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3. In the following description, in the processing of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3, an example of each user setting information 112 shown in FIG. 4 will be appropriately referred to for explanation.

[0041] When the using user who has boarded the vehicle M this time operates the "new registration" selection button and the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 acquires information (registered name) of the newly registered user from an in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown), first, the update unit 140 newly creates the user setting information 112 in an initial state corresponding to the newly registered user as shown in FIG. 4(a) and stores it in the storage unit 110 (step S100). FIG. 4(a) shows an example of the user setting information 112 in an initial state in which "initial value" or "not set" is associated with the setting information of the air conditioning system 202. More specifically, in the user setting information 112 in the initial state, as shown in FIG. 4(a), as the setting information of the air conditioning system 202, the set value of the "temperature" setting item is "initial value", the set value of the "air volume" setting item is "initial value", and the set value of the "air direction" setting item is "not set".

[0042] At this time, the setting unit 130 may set each set value indicated in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 in the initial state in the air conditioning system 202. In this case, the set value = "initial value" (the set value may include "not set") is an example of the "reproduction set value".

[0043] Thereafter, the update unit 140 acquires the current set values ("temperature", "air volume", "air direction") from the air conditioning system 202 (step S110). At this time, the update unit 140 causes the communication unit 120 to transmit a CAN communication (set value request) for requesting (requesting) information on the current set values to the air conditioning system 202, and the air conditioning system 202 responds to the request from the update unit 140. By transmitting a CAN communication (set value response) including information on the current set values, the communication unit 120 acquires the current set values included in the received CAN communication (set value response). For example, when an ignition switch (which may be an ignition key) (not shown) is turned on by a newly registered user who has boarded the vehicle M, or when a start button (not shown) for starting the air conditioning system 202 is pressed, etc., the air conditioning system 202 may be configured to transmit the current set values to the update unit 140 regardless of the presence or absence of the CAN communication (set value request) from the update unit 140 for the first (first time) it is started.

[0044] The update unit 140 updates each set value included in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 in the initial state to the acquired current set values (step S120). Then, the update unit 140 checks whether there are any unacquired current set values that could not be acquired normally (step S130). In step S130, if it is confirmed that there are no unacquired current set values, the update unit 140 proceeds with the process to step S160.

[0045] On the one hand, in step S130, when it is confirmed that there is an unacquired current setting value, the update unit 140 requests the air conditioning system 202 to send the unacquired current setting value (step S140). At this time, the update unit 140 causes the communication unit 120 to send a CAN communication (setting value request) for requesting information on the unacquired current setting value to the air conditioning system 202.

[0046] Here, in step S110, although the current setting values of the setting items of "temperature" = "25°C", "air volume" = "5", and "wind direction" = "face" are sent from the air conditioning system 202, it is assumed that the current setting value of the "air volume" setting item cannot be obtained normally. In this case, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the user setting information 112 updated by the update unit 140 in the process of step S120 has the "initial value" of the "temperature" setting item updated to "25°C" and the "unset" of the "wind direction" setting item updated to "face" with respect to the initial state user setting information 112 shown in (a) of FIG. 4, but the "initial value" of the "air volume" setting item remains the "initial value". In this case, in step S130, the update unit 140 confirms that there is an unacquired current setting value, and in step S140, causes the communication unit 120 to send a CAN communication (setting value request) for requesting information on the current setting value of the "air volume" setting item.

[0047] When the air conditioning system 202 receives a CAN communication (setting value request) for requesting information on the unacquired current setting value (here, "air volume" in this case), it sends a CAN communication (setting value response) for responding with the information on the unacquired current setting value requested by the update unit 140. Thereby, the update unit 140 acquires the unacquired current setting value (here, "air volume") from the air conditioning system 202 (step S142).

[0048] The update unit 140 updates, in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 updated in the process of step S120, the setting value for which the current setting value was not acquired to the currently acquired setting value (step S150). Then, the update unit 140 returns the process to step S130 to confirm again whether there is an unacquired current setting value that could not be acquired normally. If it is confirmed again in step S130 that there is an unacquired current setting value, the update unit 140 repeats the processes of steps S140 to S150.

[0049] Here, it is assumed that in step S142, the current setting value of the setting item of "air volume" requested from the air conditioning system 202, which is "5", was successfully acquired. In this case, as shown in (c) of FIG. 4, the user setting information 112 updated by the update unit 140 in the process of step S150 has the "initial value" of the setting item of "air volume" updated to "5" with respect to the user setting information 112 in the initial state shown in (b) of FIG. 4. In other words, with respect to the user setting information 112 in the initial state shown in (a) of FIG. 4, the "initial value" of the setting item of "temperature" is updated to "25°C", the "initial value" of the setting item of "air volume" is updated to "5", and the "unset" of the setting item of "wind direction" is updated to "face".

[0050] In this case, the update unit 140 causes the storage unit 110 to store (hold) the user setting information 112 in which the setting values of the respective setting items are updated to the current setting values (step S160). That is, the update unit 140 causes the storage unit 110 to store (hold) the user setting information 112 shown in (c) of FIG. 4. Then, the update unit 140 ends this series of processes for updating the user setting information 112.

[0051] Thereafter, when a newly registered user operates the operation device 300 to change the current setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 (step S170), the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 acquires the current setting value (changed setting value) after the change from the air conditioning system 202, and performs the processes of steps S120 to S160 again. That is, the update unit 140 updates each setting value included in the setting information associated with the updated user setting information 112 to the changed setting value again.

[0052] Through such a processing flow, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 newly creates the user setting information 112 in the initial state corresponding to the newly registered user and stores it in the storage unit 110, and then updates the setting value of the user setting information 112 to the current setting value acquired from the air conditioning system 202. Thereby, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can manage the setting value of the air conditioning system 202 included in the user setting information 112 to be the current setting value (including the changed setting value) when the newly registered user gets out of the vehicle M. In other words, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can manage each setting value included in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 in association with the user (in this case, the newly registered user). Thereby, when the newly registered user gets into the vehicle M again for using the vehicle M again, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can make the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 the same as the state when getting out of the vehicle M last time. This is effective (the convenience is improved) for a user registered as a user who normally uses the vehicle M because it is not necessary to perform the operation of changing the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 to the state when getting into the vehicle M in the past again when the newly registered user gets into the vehicle M again.

[0053] [Another example of the process of updating user setting information in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus] In the process of updating the user setting information 112 in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the update unit 140 was described for the case of updating the user setting information 112 corresponding to a newly registered user. Here, as described above, the user setting information 112 updated and managed by the update unit 140 can reproduce the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 when the same user gets on the vehicle M again, to the state when getting off the vehicle M last time. And the user who gets on the vehicle M again to use it can further change the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 in the state when getting off the vehicle M last time. Hereinafter, in this case, an example of the process flow in which the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 updates the user setting information 112, that is, the used user setting information 112U, will be described.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of another process flow for updating the user setting information 112 (used user setting information 112U) in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment. In the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5, when user A who registered when getting on the vehicle M in the past gets on the vehicle M again, it reproduces the state when getting off last time, and then, when user A (used user) changes the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202, an example of the process flow in the case of updating the used user setting information 112U is shown. FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation (process) of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 and the exchange of information (data) in the CAN communication performed between the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 and the air conditioning system 202. In the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 5, the same step numbers are given to the processes similar to those in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of user setting information 112 (usage user setting information 112U) updated by the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In each of FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c), an example of the user setting information 112 of user A at each stage of the process of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5 is shown. In the following description, in order to distinguish the user setting information 112 of the newly registered user shown in FIG. 4 from the user setting information 112 of user A shown in FIG. 6, the user setting information 112 of user A shown in FIG. 6 is referred to as "usage user setting information 112Ua". In the following description, in the process of the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5, an example of each usage user setting information 112Ua shown in FIG. 6 will be appropriately referred to for explanation.

[0056] When the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 is notified that user A has boarded vehicle M and operated the selection button of "user A" and is recognized (identified) as a usage user by an in-vehicle device control apparatus (not shown), first, the setting unit 130 reads out from the storage unit 110 the usage user setting information 112Ua corresponding to user A, as shown in FIG. 6(a), which is stored in the storage unit 110 (step S200). Then, the setting unit 130 sets each set value indicated in the setting information associated with the read usage user setting information 112Ua as a reproduction set value in the air conditioning system 202 (step S202). FIG. 6(a) shows an example of usage user setting information 112Ua in which, as setting information of the air conditioning system 202, the set value of the setting item of "temperature" is "25°C", the set value of the setting item of "air volume" is "5", and the set value of the setting item of "air direction" is "face".

[0057] Thereafter, for example, user A turns on an ignition switch (which may be an ignition key) (step S210) not shown and drives the vehicle M. At this time, the update unit 140 causes the communication unit 120 to transmit a CAN communication (setting value request) for requesting information on the current setting values to the air conditioning system 202, and the air conditioning system 202 transmits a CAN communication (setting value response) for replying with the information on the current setting values in response to the request from the update unit 140, whereby the communication unit 120 may acquire the current setting values included in the received CAN communication (setting value response). Thereby, the update unit 140 can confirm whether or not the respective setting values indicated in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112Ua set by the setting unit 130 in the process of step S202 are correctly set in the air conditioning system 202. When the ignition switch not shown is turned on (IG_ON) by user A or when a start button not shown for starting the air conditioning system 202 is pressed, etc., the air conditioning system 202 may be configured to transmit the current setting values to the update unit 140 regardless of the presence or absence of the CAN communication (setting value request) from the update unit 140 when starting for the first time (the first time).

[0058] After that, when user A operates the operation device 300 to change the current setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 (step S220), the update unit 140 acquires the current setting values ("temperature", "air volume", "air direction") including the changed current setting values (changed setting values) from the air conditioning system 202 (step S222). At this time, the update unit 140 may determine that the settings and controls of the air conditioning system 202 have been changed by user A, for example, by receiving notifications from the air conditioning system 202, the operation device 300, and an in-vehicle device control device (not shown). When it is determined that the settings and controls of the air conditioning system 202 have been changed, the update unit 140 causes the communication unit 120 to transmit a CAN communication (setting value request) for requesting information on the current setting values to the air conditioning system 202, and acquires the current setting values included in the CAN communication (setting value response) in which the communication unit 120 returns the information on the current setting values from the air conditioning system 202. The air conditioning system 202 may be configured to transmit the current setting values to the update unit 140 regardless of the presence or absence of the CAN communication (setting value request) from the update unit 140 when the setting and control states are changed by user A, for example.

[0059] The update unit 140 updates each setting value included in the setting information associated with the used user setting information 112Ua to the acquired current setting values in the same manner as the processing of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3 (step S120). Then, the update unit 140 repeats the acquisition of the unacquired current setting values until it is confirmed that there are no unacquired current setting values, in the same manner as the processing from step S130 to step S150 in the processing of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3. Finally, the update unit 140 causes the storage unit 110 to store (hold) the used user setting information 112Ua in which the setting values of each setting item have been updated to the current setting values in the same manner as the processing of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3 (step S160), and ends the series of processes for updating the used user setting information 112Ua.

[0060] Here, in step S220, it is assumed that user A has changed the set values of each of "air volume" and "wind direction". More specifically, it is assumed that user A has changed the set value of the "air volume" setting item to "3" and the set value of the "wind direction" setting item to "face and feet (face + feet)". Then, in step S222, although the current set values of the "temperature" setting item = "25°C", the "air volume" setting item = "3", and the "wind direction" setting item = "face + feet" are transmitted from the air conditioning system 202, it is assumed that the current set value of the "wind direction" setting item cannot be obtained normally. In this case, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the user setting information 112Ua updated by the update unit 140 in the process of step S120, for the user setting information 112Ua shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the set value of the "temperature" setting item is updated to "25°C" (however, the set value is the same before and after the update), the set value of the "air volume" setting item which was "5" is updated to "3", but the set value of the "wind direction" setting item which was "face" remains "face". In this case, the update unit 140 confirms in step S130 that there is an unobtained current set value, and in step S140, causes the communication unit 120 to transmit a CAN communication (set value request) requesting information on the current set value of the "wind direction" setting item.

[0061] When the air conditioning system 202 receives a CAN communication (set value request) requesting information on an unobtained current set value (here, "wind direction"), it transmits a CAN communication (set value response) returning the information on the unobtained current set value requested by the update unit 140. Thereby, the update unit 140 obtains the unobtained current set value (here, "wind direction") from the air conditioning system 202 (step S142).

[0062] Here, it is assumed that in step S142, the set value of the "wind direction" setting item requested, which is the current set value of "face + foot", could be normally obtained from the air conditioning system 202. In this case, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, the user setting information 112Ua updated by the update unit 140 in the process of step S150 has the set value of "face" in the "wind direction" setting item updated to "face + foot" with respect to the user setting information 112Ua shown in (b) of FIG. 6. In other words, with respect to the user setting information 112Ua shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the set value of "25°C" in the "temperature" setting item remains the same (however, the set value has been updated), the set value of "5" in the "air volume" setting item is updated to "3", and the set value of "face" in the "wind direction" setting item is updated to "face + foot". As a result, in step S160, the update unit 140 causes the user setting information 112Ua shown in (c) of FIG. 6 to be stored (held) in the storage unit 110, and ends this series of processes for updating the user setting information 112Ua.

[0063] Thereafter, while the ignition switch (not shown) is in the ON state, each time the user A (the user) operates the operation device 300 to change the settings or control state of the air conditioning system 202, the update unit 140 obtains the current set value including the changed current set value (changed set value) from the air conditioning system 202, and performs the processes of steps S120 to S160 again. That is, the update unit 140 updates each set value included in the set information associated with the updated user setting information 112Ua to the current set value including the changed set value again.

[0064] Through such a processing flow, after the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 sets the set value of the user setting information 112Ua of user A (the using user) as a reproduction set value in the air conditioning system 202, it updates to the current set value (changed set value) obtained from the air conditioning system 202, in which user A has changed the setting or control state. Thereby, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can manage such that the set value of the air conditioning system 202 included in the user setting information 112Ua becomes the current set value (including the changed set value) when user A gets off the vehicle M. In other words, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can manage such that the set value of the air conditioning system 202 included in the user setting information 112Ua always becomes the latest set value. By this, when user A gets on the vehicle M again to use the vehicle M again, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 can make the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 the same as the state when getting off the vehicle M last time. This is effective (the convenience is improved) for the user registered as a user who normally uses the vehicle M because it is not necessary to perform again the operation of changing the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 to the state when getting on the vehicle M in the past when user A gets on the vehicle M again.

[0065] As described above, according to the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the user setting information 112 associated with each user (registered user) is stored and managed in the storage unit 110. More specifically, in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the update unit 140 updates the set value indicated in the setting information of the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110 to the current set value (changed set value) acquired from the air conditioning system 202 by CAN communication (including requests and responses for information on the current set value) between the communication unit 120 and the air conditioning system 202. Thereby, in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the set value of the air conditioning system 202 included in the user setting information 112 corresponding to each user can be managed so as to be the current set value (including the changed set value) when each user gets out of the vehicle M. That is, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment can manage the set value of the air conditioning system 202 included in the user setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 110 so as to always be the latest set value. As a result, when the same user gets into the vehicle M again to use it, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment can set the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 to the state when getting out of the vehicle M last time. Thereby, in the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment, when the same user gets into the vehicle M again, it is not necessary to perform the operation of changing the setting and control state of the air conditioning system 202 to the state when getting into the vehicle M in the past again, and the setting and control of the air conditioning system 202 can be appropriately performed for each user (according to the user), and the convenience of the user registered as a user who normally uses the vehicle M can be improved.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, an example in the case where the in-vehicle device 200 is the air-conditioning system 202 has been described. However, this is merely an example, and as described above, instead of or in addition to the air-conditioning system 202, other in-vehicle devices may be included. For example, as other in-vehicle devices, any one or a plurality of a power window, a sunroof, a sunshade, an interior light, a map light, a memory seat, a seat heater / cooler, a door lock, a meter device, a head-up display (HUD), a driving mode setting device, and a driving support device may be included.

[0067] A power window is, for example, a device for opening and closing window glass arranged on the driver's side, passenger's side, and left and right of the rear seats of vehicle M. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the operation when opening and closing the window glass for each user. A sunroof is, for example, a device for opening and closing glass or an iron plate of an opening arranged in the ceiling portion of the passenger compartment of vehicle M. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the operation when opening and closing the opening for each user. A sunshade is, for example, a device for opening and closing a light-shielding portion that blocks sunlight incident from the rear window glass portion of vehicle M or the left and right window glass portions of the rear seats. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the operation when opening and closing the light-shielding portion for each user. Each of the interior light and the map light is, for example, a lighting device in the passenger compartment of vehicle M. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to lighting, extinguishing, brightness when lit, etc. of the lighting device for each user. A memory seat can, for example, control and adjust the position and height of the seat surface, the angle of the backrest, etc., and store the position desired by the user (so-called seat position) when driving vehicle M. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the position of the seat on the driver's side for each user. A seat heater / cooler can, for example, control and adjust the temperature adjustment function provided in the seat on the driver's side (which may include the passenger's side and rear seats). In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the temperature of the seat for each user. A door lock is, for example, a device for setting the operation of a security function that operates when the user gets out of and leaves vehicle M. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the activation and operation of the security function for each user. Each of the meter device and the HUD can, for example, set each display item so that information desired by the user is displayed. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 manages setting values related to the display items to be displayed for each user.The driving mode setting device is a device for setting various items related to the driving of the vehicle M so that the driving mode desired by the user is achieved when driving the vehicle M, such as a normal driving mode, a sports driving mode, a comfort driving mode, etc. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting device 100 manages various setting values related to the driving of the vehicle M, such as the activation, operation, and control of the driving mode of the vehicle M, for each user. The driving support device is a device for setting various items related to the driving mode of the vehicle M so that the driving mode of, for example, autonomous driving or driving support becomes the driving mode desired by the user. In this case, the in-vehicle device setting device 100 manages various setting values related to the driving support of the vehicle M, such as the activation, operation, and control of the driving mode of the vehicle M, for each user.

[0068] However, even when the in-vehicle device 200 includes other in-vehicle devices instead of or in addition to the air conditioning system 202, the process of updating the user setting information 112 in the in-vehicle device setting device 100 may perform a process equivalent to that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of the process of the in-vehicle device setting device 100 when the power conversion device 20 is other than the air conditioning system 202 is omitted.

[0069] According to the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 of the embodiment described above, there is provided an in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 that associates setting information regarding the setting of in-vehicle devices 200 mounted on a vehicle M for each user of the vehicle M. The in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 110 that stores user setting information 112 in which setting information desired by the user is associated for each user, a setting unit 130 that sets a set value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 in the corresponding in-vehicle device 200, and an update unit 140 that acquires the current set value, which is the currently set value, from the in-vehicle device 200 and updates the set value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information 112 to the acquired current set value. The setting unit 130 sets, as a reproduction set value for reproducing the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device 200, the set value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information 112U, which is the user setting information 112 corresponding to the user selected as the user who will use the vehicle M this time, in the corresponding in-vehicle device 200. The update unit 140 updates, in the setting information associated with the user setting information 112U, the set value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device 200 as the reproduction set value to the acquired current set value, whereby the settings for each user for the in-vehicle device can be suitably registered and managed. As a result, in the vehicle M equipped with the in-vehicle device setting apparatus 100, the convenience of the user registered as the user who normally uses the vehicle M can be improved.

[0070] The embodiment described above can be expressed as follows. An in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information regarding the setting of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle for each user of the vehicle, a hardware processor, and a storage device storing a program, and the hardware processor reads and executes the program stored in the storage device, whereby Among the user setting information stored in the memory unit and associated with each user, the setting information associated with the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user who will use the vehicle this time, which is the setting value indicated by the setting information, is set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as a reproduction setting value that reproduces the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device. Obtain the current setting value, which is the currently set setting value, from the in-vehicle device. In the setting information associated with the user setting information, update the setting value set in the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the obtained current setting value. An in-vehicle device setting apparatus configured as described above.

[0071] As described above, the embodiments for implementing the present invention have been described using embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 100 ··· In-vehicle device setting apparatus 110 ··· Memory unit 112 ··· User setting information 120 ··· Communication unit 130 ··· Setting unit 140 ··· Update unit 200 ··· In-vehicle device 202 ··· Air conditioning system 300 ··· Operating device 302, 302D, 302P, 302V ··· Dial 304, 304W, 304F ··· Button 400 ··· Notification device 402, 402D, 402P, 402V, 402W, 402F ··· Display unit 500 ··· Interface device 502 ··· Display 504 ··· Input unit M ··· Vehicle

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information regarding settings of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle for each user of the vehicle, comprising: a storage unit that stores user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated for each user; a setting unit that sets a setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information to the corresponding in-vehicle device; an update unit that acquires a current setting value, which is a currently set setting value, from the in-vehicle device, and updates the setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information to the acquired current setting value; wherein the setting unit sets, as a reproduction setting value that reproduces the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, the setting value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information that is the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user who will use the vehicle this time, to the corresponding in-vehicle device; the update unit updates, in the setting information associated with the user setting information, the setting value set to the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired current setting value; when there is a current setting value that cannot be acquired, the update unit changes the number of repetitions of the operation of acquiring again the current setting value that cannot be acquired, depending on whether the user is a first user who will also use the vehicle in the future or a second user who temporarily uses the vehicle; an in-vehicle device setting apparatus.

2. further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the in-vehicle device, wherein the update unit acquires the current setting value via the communication unit; the in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to claim 1.

3. after the setting unit has completed setting the reproduction setting value to the corresponding in-vehicle device, the update unit acquires the current setting value, and updates the setting value set to the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired current setting value; the in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to claim 2.

4. when the current setting value is changed by an operation of the in-vehicle device by the user, the update unit acquires a changed setting value, which is the changed current setting value, and updates the setting value set to the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction setting value to the acquired changed setting value; the in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The reproduction set value includes the set value in a state where the set value is an initial value or in an unset state where the set value is not set. The in-vehicle device setting apparatus according to claim 4.

6. For each user of the vehicle, a computer of an in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information related to the setting of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle sets, as a reproduction set value for reproducing the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, the set value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user using the vehicle this time among the user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated with each user and stored in the storage unit, to the corresponding in-vehicle device. acquires the current set value, which is the currently set set value, from the in-vehicle device. updates, in the setting information associated with the user setting information, the set value set for the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction set value to the acquired current set value. When there is a current set value that cannot be acquired, the number of repetitions of the operation of acquiring again the current set value that cannot be acquired is changed depending on whether the user is a first user who will use the vehicle in the future or a second user who uses the vehicle temporarily. In-vehicle device setting method.

7. For each user of the vehicle, in a computer of an in-vehicle device setting apparatus that associates setting information related to the setting of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle sets the set value indicated by the setting information associated with the user setting information corresponding to the user selected as the user using the vehicle this time among the user setting information in which the setting information desired by the user is associated with each user and stored in the storage unit, as a reproduction set value for reproducing the previous setting in the corresponding in-vehicle device, to the corresponding in-vehicle device. causes the in-vehicle device to acquire the current set value, which is the currently set set value. causes the set value set for the corresponding in-vehicle device as the reproduction set value in the setting information associated with the user setting information to be updated to the acquired current set value. When there is a current setting value that cannot be obtained, if the user is a first user who will continue to use the vehicle in the future and if the user is a second user who temporarily uses the vehicle, the number of repetitions of the operation of re-acquiring the current setting value that cannot be obtained is changed. Program.

Images