unit

Abstract

To provide a unit that can easily realize a function desired by a user. [Solution] The device is detachably attached to an adapter 1 that is attached to a port of a fault diagnosis system installed in a vehicle, and includes an input unit for an output signal of the adapter 1, and an output unit that outputs a signal based on the signal received by the input unit to an external device or internal devices 1a to 1c. Examples of units include an external device connection unit 100a, a terminal unit 100b, a wireless communication unit, a logging unit, a TPMS unit, and an obstacle detection radar receiving unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit or the like that is detachably attached to an adapter that is attached to a port through which information is output from an in-vehicle computer, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] As a port to which information from an on-board computer is output, for example, an on-board network to which a computer for controlling each part of the vehicle is connected, or a port to which a signal line to which a computer for outputting information for fault diagnosis is connected, is known. A fault diagnosis system mounted on a vehicle is known as, for example, OBDII (On-Board Diagnostic II). This type of fault diagnosis system uses, for example, sensors and switches provided in each part of the vehicle. Various on-board computers, such as the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which are installed to control the vehicle, receive signals from the switch, such as their status, and based on the received signals, generate information for fault diagnosis or to be sent to other on-board computers, which are then sent to an on-board network such as a CAN. The on-board network is connected to a fault diagnosis port. By connecting a fault diagnosis device installed outside the vehicle, such as in a repair shop, to this fault diagnosis port, the fault and status of each part of the vehicle can be confirmed from the external fault diagnosis device.

[0003] This type of fault diagnosis system is originally installed in a vehicle for the purpose of fault diagnosis, but as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, it has been proposed to connect an adapter to a port of this fault diagnosis system, obtain information from the computer that controls the vehicle via this adapter, and output it to a display or the like installed in the vehicle, so that the user can check the condition of the vehicle even when a fault diagnosis is not being performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206621 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206622 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the invention described in the above patent document provides a dedicated display on the adapter, so it is not possible to connect devices that the user already owns that are capable of outputting images and audio, such as navigation devices, radar detectors, drive recorders, etc. Recently, adapters of this type have been proposed that connect specific navigation devices and radar detectors, but all of these are only capable of connecting a single device, and it is not possible to simultaneously connect multiple types of external devices and distribute information from the fault diagnosis system to each device, or to freely select and connect different types of devices according to the user's needs.

[0006] Furthermore, because the adapter itself does not have a means for outputting images or sounds, even if a user purchases only the adapter, they are unable to use information from the fault diagnosis system. For example, even if the adapter detects some change in the vehicle's condition through information from the vehicle, it has no means for notifying the user, so it is not possible to inform the user of changes in the vehicle's condition or the implementation of active control.

[0007] Thus, even though users may purchase the same adapter for a variety of purposes, conventional technology has the disadvantage that it is not possible to customize the adapter's functions to suit each individual user, which limits the external devices that can be connected, or requires users to purchase dedicated adapters for each type of external device they desire.

[0008] The present invention has been proposed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a unit that can more easily realize the functions desired by the user than ever before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) (Basic configuration) The unit of the present invention is detachably attached to an adapter that is attached to a port of a fault diagnosis system installed in a vehicle, and is characterized by having an input section for an output signal of the adapter and an output section that outputs a signal based on the signal received by the input section to an external device or an internal device.

[0010] This allows the user to more easily realize the functions desired by the user. For example, by connecting various external devices to the adapter, various functions of the external devices can be utilized in addition to the functions of the adapter itself. For example, even if the adapter itself does not have image or audio output means, information from the fault diagnosis system can be communicated to the user in various formats by providing an internal device with image or audio output means in the unit or connecting an external device with image or audio output means to the unit. For example, by connecting an external device with a display, such as a radar detector, navigation system, or drive recorder, to the unit, information from the fault diagnosis system can be displayed in various images and sounds that would not be possible with the adapter alone, allowing the user to easily and reliably recognize the vehicle condition. The signal output from the output unit based on the signal received by the input unit may be, for example, the signal input from the adapter as is, or a signal processed within the unit.

[0011] In particular, it is preferable to configure the adapter to be detachably connected to the port of the fault diagnosis system, and to connect one or more units. A configuration in which multiple identical units are connected is also possible, but a configuration in which multiple units of different types are connected is particularly preferable. It is particularly preferable to configure the vehicle-side computer (e.g., ECU, etc.) to output information to various external devices and / or internal devices in the number required by the user. In this way, the user can easily combine and realize the functions desired by the user.

[0012] (2) (Unit has built-in speaker and / or display) The internal device may be at least one of a speaker, an image display device, and a warning light built into the unit.

[0013] In this way, since the unit has built-in speakers and image display devices, audio and visual information obtained from the adapter can be output from the unit. This has the advantage of being able to output vehicle information from the unit alone, compared to technologies that simply increase the number of vehicle ports using branching harnesses, etc. For example, the adapter can output warning sounds, audio guidance, flashing warning lights, and text and image guidance to the user based on information obtained from the fault diagnosis system. For example, if the internal device is a speaker, warning sounds and audio guidance can be output based on information from the fault diagnosis system even if the adapter or unit is located in a location that is difficult for the user to see. For users who are satisfied with the functions provided by the OBDII adapter alone, attaching a unit that simply outputs audio from a buzzer or speaker, such as a terminal unit, to the OBDII adapter can announce changes in vehicle status and the implementation of active control.

[0014] (3) (Definition of External Device) The external device may be a device having at least one of an audio output function and an image display function.

[0015] In this way, the information that the adapter obtains from the fault diagnosis system includes various types of information, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, oil temperature, water temperature, and accelerator position. Based on this information, either or both of the adapter and the unit generates images such as numerical values ​​and graphs, and sounds such as warning sounds and voice guidance. By providing an external device connected to the unit with at least one of an audio output function and an image display function, the information output via the unit can be presented in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

[0016] (4) (External device is a navigation device, etc.) The external device may be at least one of a navigation device, a radar detector, and a drive recorder.

[0017] In this way, the image and audio output functions of the navigation device, radar detector, drive recorder, etc. that the user already owns can be used to There is no need to connect dedicated image and audio output devices to the adapter or unit. These devices are installed in a location that is easily visible to the vehicle user, so the user can easily check the information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter and unit.

[0018] (5) (Acquisition of information from external devices) It is preferable to have an input unit for external devices that receives information from the external devices, and an information processing unit that performs predetermined voice guidance and / or image display based on the information from the external devices and the information from the fault diagnosis system.

[0019] In this way, information from external devices, not just information from the adapter, can be output to other external devices or internal devices connected to the unit. For example, the information processing unit can compare position information from a navigation system or radar detector with speed and accelerator pedal position information from a fault diagnosis system to determine whether curves or obstacles in the vehicle's direction of travel pose a danger given the current driving situation, and output the result to other external devices or internal devices. This type of function is particularly advantageous because it cannot be obtained by simply increasing the number of output ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness.

[0020] (6) (Output of Information to Adapter) It is preferable to have an adapter output unit that outputs information received from at least one of the external device and the internal device to the adapter.

[0021] In this way, information acquired from external and internal devices can be transmitted to the adapter, and therefore, for example, by providing the adapter with an information processing unit that performs various judgments and operations based on information from the fault diagnosis system and information from the external and internal devices, which would not be possible with information from the fault diagnosis system alone, various information processing can be performed on the adapter side. For example, by comprehensively judging information about the vehicle obtained by the fault diagnosis system and information about the vehicle's surroundings and the driver obtained by external devices, it is possible to provide the user with various information that would not be possible with the fault diagnosis system alone. For example, it is also possible to perform various operations and parameter settings related to the adapter and the fault diagnosis system itself based on commands from external and internal devices.

[0022] (7) (Information processing unit in the unit) It is preferable that the unit is provided with an information processing unit that generates image and / or audio signals to be output to at least one of the external device and the internal device based on information received from at least one of the adapter and the external device.

[0023] In this way, by providing an information processing unit in the unit, it is possible to not only output information input from an adapter or external device as is, but also to process the information into a form that is easy for the user to understand and output it. For example, numerical data such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, various temperatures, and remaining battery power input from the adapter can be converted into graphs or images and displayed, or an alarm or voice guidance can be issued by comparing the input numerical values ​​with a preset threshold. For example, by processing information received from an external device and comparing it with information from the adapter, a wider variety of information can be output to external devices or internal devices in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

[0024] (8) (Connecting Multiple External Devices) It is preferable to have multiple signal output units for external devices.

[0025] In this way, by processing the signals output to the plurality of external devices into different ones by the signal output section provided in the unit, it is possible to output the most suitable information to the user from the most suitable external device, for example, depending on the type and installation location of the external device, and the type and magnitude of the signal from the fault diagnosis system. For example, depending on the level of warning of the signal obtained from the fault diagnosis system, it is possible to change the volume of the audio signal output from each external device or to change the content of the image to be displayed. For example, for information with a high level of urgency, it is possible to change the display of the most visible image to the user. By combining the information processing unit with multiple external devices, it is possible to display various patterns and provide voice guidance, for example, by displaying the information on a navigation device installed in a convenient location, and displaying normal engine speed, water temperature, oil temperature, etc. on a radar detector, which has a smaller display screen than the navigation device.

[0026] (9) (Hub unit) One set of the plurality of input and output units may be used as a connection unit for an external device that serves as a host, and the other input and output units may be used as connection units for external devices that serve as peripheral devices.

[0027] This configuration allows the unit to function as a hub for multiple external devices, enabling information from the fault diagnosis system to be distributed to various external devices. For example, data can be exchanged between external devices via the unit. This is convenient when using multiple electronic devices, such as a PC, smartphone, and digital camera, in a vehicle and exchanging files between them, since the unit can be used without a dedicated hub. For example, an external device with input capabilities, such as a smartphone or PC connected to the unit, can control various functions of other external devices, units, or adapters, allowing for easy parameter setting and various operations of external devices that do not have an operating unit. For example, the information processing unit can process information acquired by a host external device and transmit it to other peripheral external devices. For example, a smartphone or other external device can be used as the host external device, and images acquired by the smartphone can be superimposed on signals from the fault diagnosis system and displayed on another external device, such as a navigation system.

[0028] (10) (Mobile terminal...including wireless and wired) The external device may be a mobile terminal.

[0029] In this way, for example, by using a mobile device such as a smartphone, the data acquired from the vehicle by the adapter can be displayed on the smartphone screen using an application provided for the smartphone in advance. For example, by combining and installing a unit connected to a mobile device with a unit having other functions, it is possible to update the programs and data of external devices connected to the other units from the mobile device. For example, it is possible to update the latest traffic information to external devices such as radar using a PC or smartphone.

[0030] (11) (Bluetooth unit) It is preferable that the Bluetooth unit is connected to the mobile terminal via wireless communication. Many mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, have wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth in addition to wired communication capabilities via USB cables. In such mobile devices, connecting units and the mobile device via wireless communication allows for easy data exchange without the need for a cable or other connection means. For example, all units may be connected to the mobile device via wireless communication, or, if a configuration is such that terminal units are always connected when connecting units to an adapter, it is advisable to provide wireless communication capabilities only in the terminal units.

[0031] (12) (Logging unit) It is preferable to have a recording unit for recording information received from at least one of the adapter, the external device, and the internal device.

[0032] In this way, by writing information collected from the vehicle while driving and location information collected from GPS to a storage medium such as an SD card provided in the adapter or the unit connected to it, it becomes possible to collect information useful for safe driving and operation management as a log. The information collected in the storage medium can be used to analyze operation information, driving trajectory, driving habits, etc. using a dedicated application on a PC or mobile device, and can be used for safe driving, etc. For example, a recording unit may be provided in all units, but if a configuration is such that when units are connected to an adapter, the terminal unit is always connected, then a recording unit can be provided only in the terminal unit. It is a good idea to set one up.

[0033] (13) (TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) unit) The external device is an air pressure detection device attached to a tire of a vehicle, and the unit and the air pressure detection device are connected via wireless communication, and the information processing unit outputs at least one of an image display and an audio output from at least one of another external device and an internal device connected to the unit based on information from the air pressure detection device.

[0034] In this way, it becomes possible to display the tire pressure in various states, for example, by displaying the tire pressure state as a graph, by superimposing the tire position and its air pressure on a vehicle outline drawing, by outputting a voice or warning sound in the event of an abnormality, etc. In particular, when multiple units are used or multiple external devices are connected to one terminal, it becomes possible to display the tire pressure in different forms depending on the type of external device, thereby further improving user visibility and the voice guidance function.

[0035] (14) (Millimeter wave radar receiving unit) The external device is an obstacle detection radar device, and the information processing unit outputs at least one of a control command for the external device, a warning sound, and a voice guidance to at least one of another external device and an internal device connected to the unit, based on information from the obstacle detection radar device and information from the adapter.

[0036] In this way, the obstacle detection radar device can detect situations within a range of about 100 meters using, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, and can measure the distance to and speed relative to an obstacle ahead. For example, based on information obtained from the millimeter-wave radar and information obtained from the vehicle by the adapter, an external device connected to the unit can output a warning about failure to maintain safe distance, etc., to assist in avoiding danger and help prevent collisions. For example, if obstacle detection radar devices are installed on the left and right sides of a vehicle and a turn signal is activated to change lanes while the vehicle is moving, the fault diagnosis system can detect the turn signal via the adapter, and the unit's control device can compare the information from the obstacle detection radar device and the fault diagnosis system. If there is another vehicle on the side of the vehicle on the side where the vehicle is changing lanes, a warning sound can be emitted to alert the driver of the danger.

[0037] (15) (Connecting another unit to the unit) It is preferable that the adapter has a mounting section for fixing the unit to the adapter, and a mounting section for fixing another unit to the unit.

[0038] In this way, different external devices can be connected to each unit, and the user can connect different units according to the type of external device they desire, making it possible to connect many different types of external devices.

[0039] In this way, the mounting portion for connecting other units is not exposed on the part of the last connected unit, which provides a dustproof effect and a good appearance. For example, a terminal unit that does not have a mounting portion for connecting other units has ample space on its surface to install other devices, so a large speaker that covers the entire surface of the unit can be used as an internal device, improving the quality of the output sound.

[0040] (16) (Terminal Unit) The unit may be a terminal unit having only an input side mounting portion for fixing the unit to an adapter or another unit. That is, one of the multiple units may be a terminal unit having only a mounting portion for fixing the unit to an adapter or another unit, and the other units may be relay units for connecting other units before and after it, and after connecting multiple relay units to the adapter, the terminal unit may be connected last. For example, multiple units may be serially connected to the adapter, and vehicle side information may be connected to each unit. When connecting to internal and / or external devices, if multiple external devices are connected to the terminal type, the terminal unit can function as if it were a hub unit for serial communication.

[0041] (17) (Stacking of Units) The unit and other units may be stacked and secured together in multiple layers. In this way, the adapter and the multiple units connected to it have the appearance of a single block, so that the entire unit, while having multiple functions, is compact and integrated, and can be placed comfortably inside the vehicle.

[0042] (18) (Mounting Multiple Units on an Adapter) The adapter may have a plurality of unit mounting portions adjacent to each other, and the plurality of units may be arranged adjacent to each other on the adapter.

[0043] In this way, multiple units can be placed in a small area on a single adapter without stacking them. For example, if each unit is connected to an external device via wireless communication, connectors for connecting the units to the external device are not required, and miniaturized chip- or card-shaped units can be used. For example, if the unit attachment section on the adapter is a USB port, multiple units can be attached to a single adapter using a standardized connection structure.

[0044] For example, by arranging multiple units (especially several to a dozen) of the same shape and smaller than the adapter body (shape that becomes the same width and height when attached to the adapter) side by side on one side of the adapter body, it becomes possible to connect multiple units with external devices and internal devices with various functions to the adapter in a compact manner. It is particularly effective to arrange them side by side with no gaps between them. This solves the problem of dust getting into gaps and making dirt more noticeable in places where dust is likely to accumulate, such as the interior of a car.

[0045] (19) (Network connection) The fault diagnosis system may be connected to a plurality of sensors arranged in the vehicle via a network provided in the vehicle, the adapter may be connected to this network, and a local network may be provided which is connected to the network via the adapter, and the external device and / or internal device may be connected to this local network.

[0046] In this way, the fault diagnosis system is connected to various sensors on the vehicle side via an internal vehicle network, such as a CAN network, to collect data that is the basis for fault diagnosis. For example, by connecting a local network provided in the unit to this type of network within the vehicle and transmitting and receiving information to and from external devices via the local network, information from the fault diagnosis system and information from each external device can be distributed in real time to adapters, the fault diagnosis system, the unit, external devices, internal devices, etc. connected to the network.

[0047] In other words, compared to when the adapter and units are connected via serial communication, because multiple external devices are connected to the local network, each unit can simultaneously receive information from the adapter and other external devices. As a result, even when multiple units are combined or multiple external devices are connected, there is no delay in information compared to when devices from different manufacturers are serially connected or when each external device is directly connected to a network such as a CAN in the vehicle. For example, a vehicle traveling at high speed needs to issue a warning or take evasive action instantly based on information collected by external devices or a fault diagnosis system, and the present invention can be applied to such systems that require a rapid response.

[0048] (20) (Wireless connection between adapter and unit) It is preferable that the unit is wirelessly connected to the adapter.

[0049] This wireless connection between the unit and adapter eliminates the need for a mounting section for connecting the unit and adapter or a connector for signal transmission and reception, allowing for a more compact unit. For example, by incorporating multiple internal devices, such as a speaker and SD card storage, and a wireless device for connecting to external devices and the adapter, a single compact unit can achieve multiple functions. For example, such a unit eliminates limitations on installation location, allowing it to be placed far from the adapter or in a location that is easy for the user to operate. Stacking too many units increases the latency between the information collected by the OBDII adapter and its display on a display device (radar, PND, or smartphone via Bluetooth), resulting in problems with real-time performance. To solve this problem, a network can be configured in addition to the serial communication bucket brigade method. When a message is sent from the OBDII adapter, other units connected to a network, such as a CAN, can simultaneously receive the message. This creates a local network, allowing for communication speeds faster than those in actual automobiles.

[0050] (21) (Power Supply Connector on Unit) It is preferable to provide a power supply connector that supplies the vehicle-side power supplied via the adapter to an external device as power for charging.

[0051] In this way, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, etc. can be charged using the vehicle's battery. For example, the port of the fault diagnosis system is always powered by the battery, and by supplying this power to an external device connected to the unit via an adapter, the external device can be charged even when the vehicle's accessory switch is turned off.

[0052] (22) (Power receiving connector from external device on unit) The external device may be a mobile battery, and a power receiving connector may be provided to supply power from the mobile battery to the vehicle and / or other external devices.

[0053] In this way, by supplying power from the mobile battery to other external devices or the vehicle, it becomes possible, for example, to charge and use other external devices when the vehicle's accessory switch is off, or to supply power from the mobile battery to the vehicle when the capacity of the on-board battery is insufficient, making it possible to use various devices on the vehicle.

[0054] (23) The unit and / or adapter includes a power receiving connector that is removably connected to a vehicle-side continuous power supply connector provided in a position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle, and a power supply connector that supplies power to external devices based on the power supplied from the power receiving connector. This makes it relatively easy for even general users to continuously supply power from the vehicle to various external devices.

[0055] The location accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle is preferably a location accessible from the interior of the vehicle. In particular, it is preferably a location where a vehicle-side cover provided in the passenger side of the vehicle opens. In this way, even a general user can easily supply power from the vehicle to various external devices at all times by simply opening the cover. It is also preferably a location without a cover. In this way, power can be supplied from the vehicle to various external devices at all times by simply inserting the power receiving connector into the power supply connector from the passenger side of the vehicle. In particular, the passenger side is preferably the driver's seat side. In particular, it is preferably a connector provided near the driver's seat. In this way, the driver can easily supply power from the vehicle to various external devices at all times.

[0056] The vehicle-side continuously powered connector may be a connector that is particularly designed for use from within the vehicle cabin, a connector that outputs information that changes in response to the driver's operation, or a connector that is unlikely to be in use when the vehicle is in use.

[0057] (24) The power receiving connector may be connected to a vehicle-side, constantly powered connector, which may be, for example, a connector provided at an output port of a fault diagnosis system provided in the vehicle. The connector provided at the output port of the fault diagnosis system is primarily intended for use in vehicle repair shops and is likely not in use when the vehicle is in use by the user. In particular, the connector provided at the output port of the fault diagnosis system is continuously powered from the vehicle so that a fault diagnosis device can be connected and used to perform fault diagnosis even when the vehicle's ACC is off. This type of connector is therefore preferably used as a continuously powered connector. This is because the connector provided at the output port of the fault diagnosis system is located inside the vehicle cabin near the driver's seat and is easily accessible to the user. A connector provided in the vehicle to which a fault diagnosis device can be connected is preferably, for example, an OBDII standard connector.

[0058] For example, the power supply connector may be a connector standardized for charging the external device from a power supply device not installed in a typical vehicle. For example, a connector standardized for charging from a power supply device not installed in a typical vehicle may be a connector standardized for charging devices used in the home from a household power source, particularly a connector used for portable devices. For example, the power supply connector may be a connector commonly used by multiple types of external devices to charge the external devices from a power supply device not mounted on the vehicle, and the multiple types of external devices may be portable devices, particularly portable devices that require battery charging. As such a connector, it is advisable to use a power supply connector such as a USB standard connector. Other power supply connectors that can be used include, for example, cigarette lighter plugs, square connectors used to supply power to various other devices, and pin plug connectors. Connectors of a standard commonly used to supply power to various electronic devices are particularly preferred. For example, a cigarette lighter plug is preferable, but connectors of a standard commonly used in places other than vehicles are also preferable, and the aforementioned USB connector is even more preferable.

[0059] (25) The power supply connector may be a USB connector or a cigarette lighter plug. There are two types of USB connectors: those that supply power exclusively to charge electronic devices (called power supply USB connectors) and those that also supply power and connect signal lines for transmitting information (called communication USB connectors). Either type of USB connector can be used.

[0060] (Power supply connector and power receiving connector shape) The power supply connector and power receiving connector may be integral with the case of the unit and / or adapter, or may be connected to the case of the unit and / or adapter by a cord or cable. The power receiving connector may be removably connected to a continuous powered connector provided in a position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle, and may be a connector that fits into the continuous powered connector itself, or a connector that fits into a power receiving connector connected to a connector that fits into the continuous powered connector itself. For example, a first connector that fits into the OBD connector may be provided, and a second connector that is connected to a power cable may be provided, and the connector that fits into the second connector may be the power receiving connector of the unit and / or adapter. Being integrated with the case allows for miniaturization, and when connected by a cord or cable, the unit and / or adapter body, power supply connector, and power receiving connector can be installed in a separate location. This allows external devices to be charged near the driver's seat or passenger seat, for example.

[0061] With this configuration, power is supplied from the vehicle side to the power supply connector provided on the unit and / or adapter via the vehicle's continuous power supply connector, making it possible to charge external devices continuously, regardless of the vehicle's driving state or the ACC open / close state. In particular, when the user turns off the ACC and leaves the vehicle, in conventional technology, power supply to the cigarette lighter plug is cut off and charging of external devices is disabled. However, the present invention has the advantage of being able to charge the battery of the external device even in such a case. In particular, it is preferable to configure the vehicle's continuous power supply connector to be constantly supplied with power from the vehicle's battery.

[0062] (a) USB connector, etc. Currently, a variety of external devices equipped with USB connector charging functions are available on the market, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small home appliances. In the present invention, it is preferable to use a USB connector as the power supply connector, in which case it will be possible to use and charge a wide variety of external devices equipped with these USB connectors even when power supply to the cigarette lighter plug is stopped.

[0063] (b) Multiple power supply connectors In the present invention, it is preferable to provide the unit and / or adapter with multiple power supply connectors that differ in at least one of shape, function, performance, etc. For example, if a USB connector and a cigarette lighter plug are provided, both devices with USB connectors, such as smartphones, and in-vehicle devices that are widely sold for in-vehicle use and support cigarette lighter plugs can be used. If a general-purpose connector, such as a square connector or a pin plug connector, is used in addition to the USB connector, power can be supplied to anti-theft devices, in-vehicle audio equipment, backup cameras, etc. without using a large connector such as a cigarette lighter plug. Furthermore, although the number of power supply connectors that are pre-installed in a vehicle is limited, this allows multiple different external devices to be easily connected.

[0064] (Multiple power supply connectors + no control unit + different power supply capacities) It is advisable to provide multiple power supply connectors of the same shape with different power supply current values ​​(for example, 2A and 1A USB connectors). In this way, for example, quick charging and normal charging can be used together, and the issues of load on the vehicle battery and charging speed can be addressed at the same time.

[0065] (c) Information acquisition from the power receiving connector and control unit The unit and / or adapter preferably uses a connector capable of receiving information from the vehicle as the power receiving connector. The unit and / or adapter itself may also be provided with a control unit that receives information from the vehicle and outputs a power supply on / off command to the power supply connector. The information from the vehicle may include various data such as the vehicle's speed, various temperatures, and the state of the drive source and battery. It may also be configured to obtain information from the vehicle, such as noise in the power supply line and fluctuations in current and voltage, via a continuous power supply connector. It is particularly desirable to configure the unit and / or adapter to perform both functions. Based on this knowledge, the most suitable power receiving connector is an OBD connector that fits into the OBD connector on the vehicle.

[0066] (26) It is preferable that the unit and / or adapter have a function of receiving information from the vehicle side via the power receiving connector, and a control unit is provided in the unit and / or adapter that receives the information from the vehicle side and controls the power supply to the power supply connector. For example, it is preferable to have a configuration that determines the vehicle state based on information from the vehicle, and, like a conventional cigarette lighter plug, stops the power supply from the battery to the power supply connector when the ACC is turned off. In particular, it is preferable to provide multiple power supply connectors in the unit and / or adapter. In this case, it is preferable to configure one of the power supply connectors as a constant power supply type, and the other power supply connectors to stop supplying power when the vehicle is stopped or the ACC is turned off. In this way, for example, external devices that consume a lot of power can be charged only when the vehicle is running, and devices that consume a little power, such as smartphones, can be charged from the power supply connector that is always powered, thereby preventing power consumption on the vehicle side. In a configuration in which power is supplied from the vehicle side by the vehicle's battery, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the on-board battery from decreasing. For example, it is preferable to configure a housing having a power receiving connector that has a function for receiving information from the vehicle side.

[0067] (c-1) Detection of vehicle status by the control unit (27) The control unit may have a function of detecting a signal from the vehicle and controlling whether or not to supply power to the power supply connector in response to the signal. The signals from the vehicle side may be signals flowing through the communication path of data handled by the vehicle, such as the voltage, current, battery status, water temperature, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, engine RPM, accelerator opening, vehicle model, door opening / closing information, user seating information, manufacturer name of the vehicle and the on-board electronic devices installed therein, and vehicle model, etc., supplied to the vehicle from sensors installed in various parts of the vehicle.

[0068] In addition to the communication path, it is also advisable to use signals on the vehicle's power line, such as voltage values, power supply noise, etc. In particular, when the engine is started or running, noise and voltage values ​​with waveforms different from those when the engine is stopped are generated on the power line, so detecting this is effective when connecting a unit and / or adapter to an in-vehicle electronic device that does not detect whether the engine is started.

[0069] In this way, it becomes possible to control the power supply from the unit and / or adapter to external devices according to information from the vehicle, so that various external devices connected to the unit and / or adapter can be appropriately charged and turned on / off according to the vehicle's status. As a result, it becomes possible not only to exchange power between external devices and the vehicle, but also to control external devices connected to the unit and / or adapter according to the vehicle's status.

[0070] (c-2) Identification of vehicle type by the control unit (28) The control unit preferably has a function of determining whether the vehicle equipped with the unit and / or adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined capacity or more, and stops power supply at a predetermined time if the vehicle is not equipped with a large-capacity battery, but does not stop power supply if the vehicle is equipped with a large-capacity battery. With this configuration, in vehicles equipped with relatively small capacity batteries such as engine-powered vehicles (vehicles that are powered by an engine and not a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to a dead battery, and in vehicles equipped with large capacity batteries such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, it is possible to prioritize charging of equipment. Whether the vehicle equipped with the unit and / or adapter is equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined capacity or more can be determined based on a signal from the vehicle. For example, the user can set it using a dip switch or on-screen selection, but this method makes it easy to use and automatically determines whether the battery is large enough or small.

[0071] (c-3) Detection of vehicle status (29) The control unit may be configured to detect whether the engine is on or off based on a signal from the vehicle side, and not stop power supply when the engine is on, but stop power supply when the engine is off. With this configuration, charging is performed only when the vehicle battery is being charged by the engine. For example, if multiple power supply connectors are provided, at least one of them can be turned off by a command from the control unit when the engine is stopped, so that external devices that require a large amount of charge can be charged only when the onboard battery is being charged by the engine, thereby preventing the onboard battery's capacity from decreasing excessively. (30) The control unit may have a function of detecting at least one of the remaining battery charge, engine speed, and accelerator opening based on a signal from the vehicle, and stopping power supply when these values ​​fall below a certain value. For example, the control unit may detect the remaining battery charge and stop power supply when the remaining battery charge of the vehicle falls below a certain value, for example, to a level that allows the engine to be started several times.In addition, the control unit may have a function to turn on power supply to the power supply connector when the accelerator opening is above a predetermined level, when the engine speed is above a predetermined level, when the speed is above a predetermined level, etc.

[0072] In this way, external devices can be charged only when power is being supplied to the vehicle battery by starting the engine or when the vehicle battery has sufficient capacity remaining, thereby preventing the capacity of the vehicle battery from decreasing due to charging of external devices.

[0073] (c-4) Operation status detection and power supply control by the control unit (31) The control unit may have a function of controlling the on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors in accordance with the vehicle driving conditions acquired from the vehicle. In this way, the operation of the devices can be turned on and off depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. For example, if the driver can set the correspondence between the driving conditions and the on / off status of multiple power supply connectors so that the driver does not have to turn on and off various external devices installed in the vehicle himself, and the on / off status of multiple power supply connectors is controlled based on this setting, the operability of the external devices will be greatly improved. For example, the control unit may acquire information about the vehicle's turn signals, and when the right turn signal is turned on, turn on the power supply to the right power supply connector, and when the left turn signal is turned on, turn on the power supply to the left power supply connector. It would also be good to have a function that acquires the vehicle's speed and impact (change in acceleration) and operates cameras, videos, drive recorders, etc. accordingly, or operates fans according to the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

[0074] (c-5) (Controlling multiple connectors in different ways) (32) It is preferable to provide a plurality of power supply connectors and control the power supply to the plurality of power supply connectors in different modes. In this way, the operation of each external device connected to each power supply connector can be made different. For example, the multiple power supply connectors can be configured to include a connector for external devices that require constant power supply (e.g., devices without batteries) and a connector for external devices that do not require constant power supply (e.g., devices with batteries), and power supply to the connector for the external device that requires constant power supply can be prioritized. Also, a control unit that detects the remaining battery charge of the vehicle can be provided in the unit and / or adapter, and if the remaining battery charge of the vehicle is low, power supply to the connector for the external device that does not require constant power supply can be stopped first according to the detection result of this control unit.

[0075] (c-6) (Control based on power supply priority) (33) The plurality of power supply connectors may be configured to include connectors for external devices that require a constant power supply and connectors for external devices that do not require a constant power supply, and the control unit may have a function to prioritize power supply to the connectors for external devices that require a constant power supply. This allows you to charge devices that require constant power supply, such as devices that consume large amounts of power, devices that require data communication, monitoring, or standby for long periods of time, and even devices that require constant charging in emergencies. Priority can be given to power supply to warning lights, disaster prevention radios, etc. that require constant power supply. For connectors for external devices that do not require a constant power supply, it is advisable to connect external devices such as devices that have a battery and run on the battery when power is not supplied.

[0076] (d-1) (hub function) (34) It is preferable that the device has a plurality of power supply connectors, at least one of which has a communication path for control signals in addition to power from a battery, and that one of the plurality of power supply connectors is a connector for connecting a host device and the other connectors are connectors for connecting peripheral devices.

[0077] In this way, multiple power supply connectors provided on the unit and / or adapter can be networked, making it possible to exchange data between various external devices connected to the multiple power supply connectors and to control the stopping of power supply from each power supply connector using data acquired by each external device.

[0078] (d-2) The host controls the power supply to peripheral devices (35) The unit and / or adapter may be provided with a control unit that receives information from the host device connector and controls power supply to the peripheral device connector. When a power supply connector is used that has a communication path for control signals in addition to power from the vehicle battery, one of the power supply connectors can be used to connect a host device, and the other connectors can be used to connect peripheral devices. In this case, the host device can access the peripheral devices connected to the other power supply connectors. Furthermore, the power supply to each power supply connector can be controlled based on signals from the host device.

[0079] This configuration allows the unit and / or adapter to be used as a hub for multiple external devices and as a means for exchanging data between the external devices. This is particularly convenient when using multiple electronic devices, such as a PC, smartphone, and digital camera, in a vehicle and exchanging files between them, since the unit and / or adapter can be used without a dedicated hub. Furthermore, by controlling the power supply to each power supply connector from an external device, such as a smartphone or PC, connected to the unit and / or adapter, the multiple external devices can be charged in the order of priority desired by the user.

[0080] (e-1) (Various settings via mobile device) (36) The unit and / or adapter may include a connection section for connecting to a mobile terminal and a control section for performing various settings related to the unit and / or adapter, and the control section may perform various settings related to the unit and / or adapter based on a signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection section.

[0081] (36-1) Connecting a mobile device For example, the unit and / or adapter may have a wireless connection unit that connects to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and the control unit may perform various settings related to the unit and / or adapter, or control the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or power receiver, based on signals received by the wireless connection unit. In this case, the wireless connection unit may be a low-power wireless connection means provided in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or RFID.

[0082] (36-2) Wired connection to mobile devices In the present invention, means for controlling the control unit of the unit and / or adapter from the mobile terminal The communication means is not limited to the wireless connection means described above. For example, in the case of a unit and / or adapter equipped with a USB connector, it is possible to use a USB cable to connect the mobile terminal and the unit and / or adapter by wire, and to send control signals from the mobile terminal to the control unit of the unit and / or adapter. In this case, there is no need to provide the unit and / or adapter with wireless communication means, and various settings can be made to the control unit even though the unit and / or adapter itself has a simple structure.

[0083] (36-3) Setting conditions from a mobile device Examples of condition settings include the following: (1) The control unit sets the vehicle model of the vehicle in which the unit and / or adapter is installed according to a signal from the mobile terminal. The unit and / or adapter can be configured to support multiple different vehicle models, and the configuration described in (1) allows the unit and / or adapter itself to recognize which vehicle model it is connected to. For example, this can be used to obtain or output information corresponding to the vehicle model, or to control power supply to the power supply connector. (2) The control unit sets the current value of the power supply connector and / or the power receiving connector in accordance with a signal from the mobile terminal. (3) The control unit sets conditions for starting and stopping the power supply from the vehicle battery to the power supply connectors according to a signal from the mobile terminal. For example, the power supply connector conditions can be set based on a signal from an in-vehicle electronic device. For example, in a case where n USB connectors (USB connectors 1 to n) are provided, when the vehicle detects that the lights are on, if a signal is received from the mobile terminal to turn on the power of USB connector 2, and when the lights are off, the control unit performs control according to the received content. (4) The control unit sets the power supply conditions between the vehicle and the portable battery as controlled by the smartphone in accordance with the signal from the mobile terminal. For example, when the power supply from the vehicle battery is cut off, it can supply power from the portable battery to the power supply connector for five minutes.

[0084] (Effect of setting conditions on a mobile device) In-vehicle electronic devices vary widely depending on the drive source (engine-powered vehicle or electric vehicle), the type (compact vehicle, large vehicle, passenger car, truck, etc.), the manufacturer, the dealer, etc., and accordingly, the optimal conditions for supplying or receiving power to external devices also vary. Therefore, pre-setting appropriate conditions for various in-vehicle electronic devices is cumbersome because it requires preparing many types of units and / or adapters. According to the present invention, manufacturers and sellers of units and / or adapters can use a mobile terminal to set optimal conditions for the in-vehicle electronic devices of each vehicle in the units and / or adapters, eliminating the need to prepare many types of units and / or adapters.

[0085] For example, as shown in (1) to (4) above, the user can freely set the conditions for power supply to external devices depending on the type of vehicle and its driving conditions, or the type of external device connected to the unit and / or adapter. This makes it possible not only to simply charge the built-in battery of the external device, but also to automatically control the on / off of various types of external devices depending on the state of the vehicle and the driving conditions.

[0086] (e-2) (Various settings via mobile device) (37) The unit and / or adapter may include a connection section for connecting to a mobile terminal and a control section for performing various settings related to the unit and / or adapter, and the control section may control the power supply of a power supply connector provided on the unit and / or adapter based on a signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection section.

[0087] For example, while the unit and / or adapter are in use, the mobile terminal may If a signal to switch the power supply or power receiving state of the power supply connector or power receiving connector is sent to the control unit of the unit and / or adapter, it becomes possible to perform operations other than those set in advance. As a result, the user can freely control the external devices connected to the unit and / or adapter in accordance with the situation of the user or the vehicle. For example, if a control program for the unit and / or adapter is built into the mobile terminal and commands are sent from the mobile terminal to the control unit of the unit and / or adapter according to the time, position, acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal, there is an advantage in that the connectors of the unit and / or adapter can be controlled based on information that cannot be detected by the in-vehicle electronic device.

[0088] (f) Power supply and charging of portable batteries (38) The external device may be a portable battery, and the unit and / or adapter may include a power supply connector from the unit and / or adapter to the portable battery, and a power supply connector from the portable battery to the unit and / or adapter. In the present invention, a portable battery, commonly referred to as a mobile battery, can be used as the external device. Small portable batteries known as mobile batteries are commercially available for charging battery-powered devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, digital cameras, and video cameras. These mobile batteries charge the built-in battery of an electronic device using a USB cable or the like when the capacity of the built-in battery becomes low. This type of mobile battery can be used as the external device to be charged in the present invention.

[0089] When a connector for connecting a portable battery is provided on the unit and / or adapter, the connector can be used not only as a power supply connector from the unit and / or adapter to the portable battery, but also as a power supply connector from the portable battery to the unit and / or adapter. For example, when the unit and / or adapter is provided with multiple power supply connectors, at least one of the power supply connectors can be used to supply power to the portable battery and at least one can be used to supply power from the portable battery. It is also possible for one power supply connector to be used both to supply power to the portable battery and to supply power from the portable battery.

[0090] With this configuration, power from the portable battery can be supplied via the unit and / or adapter to various devices connected to the unit and / or adapter, such as in-vehicle electronic devices and other external devices that receive power from the unit and / or adapter. In this case, the power supply direction between the unit and / or adapter and the portable battery can be switched by providing a selector switch on the unit and / or adapter or by changing the type of connector on the unit and / or adapter, and the unit and / or adapter can also be provided with a control unit that switches the power supply direction under specific conditions.

[0091] (f-1) Power supply to the vehicle from a portable battery (39) The control unit may have a function to determine a voltage drop in the vehicle's battery based on information from the vehicle, and a function to supply power from the portable battery to the vehicle when a voltage drop in the battery is detected. With this configuration, by supplying power to the electrical wiring in the vehicle via the unit and / or adapter, it is possible to use the power of the portable battery to operate other electrical devices such as interior lights that are normally powered by the vehicle battery, start the engine, charge the vehicle battery, etc.

[0092] (f-2) Power supply to external devices from a portable battery (40) The control unit may be configured to: It is recommended to use a power supply that has a function to switch the power from the power connector to another power supply connector on the unit and / or adapter, in which case the power of the portable battery can be used to charge or use external devices connected to the unit and / or adapter.

[0093] (g) Insertion of storage devices such as SD cards (41) In addition to the power supply connector, the unit and / or adapter may be provided with a connector without a power supply function, such as a connector for attaching an SD card, USB memory, or other storage means. This makes it possible to read and write data stored in the storage means to an external device attached to the power supply connector with a data communication path, and to record data in the vehicle to a mobile terminal or smartphone that does not have an SD card slot, etc.

[0094] It is preferable to configure the device by combining at least two of the above-mentioned (1) to (41). In particular, it is preferable to configure the device by combining at least one of (2) to (41) with the configuration of (1) as a premise. It is also possible to select and combine the components described in (1) to (41).

[0095] (A) A device that supplies power to a device retrofitted to a vehicle from a fault diagnosis connector provided on the vehicle, a function of connecting to an in-vehicle network of a vehicle via the fault diagnosis connector; A function to detect whether the vehicle is on; a function of transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is in an on-state; It is preferable that the vehicle has a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state.

[0096] In this way, the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle can easily receive power from the fault diagnosis connector, and can receive power without blocking the cigarette lighter socket, for example.In addition, when the vehicle is on, the equipment can receive information from the vehicle's in-vehicle network, and can receive power even when the vehicle is not on. The device to be retrofitted to the vehicle can be a variety of devices, but a drive recorder is particularly preferable.

[0097] The in-vehicle network to be connected may be, for example, CAN or K-line. The fault diagnosis connector is preferably an OBDII connector, for example. In particular, if the connector is installed inside the vehicle, the user can easily connect it.

[0098] (B) a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is in an on state; It is preferable that the device has a function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in an on state or not (off state).

[0099] In this way, the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle can easily receive power and know whether the vehicle is in the on or off state. In particular, it is preferable that the power supply line and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is in the on or off state are one cable covered with the same sheath. In this way, by simply wiring one cable, it is possible to receive power and a signal indicating whether the vehicle is in the on or off state, which makes it extremely smart and easy to manage the wiring for the retrofitted equipment inside the vehicle.

[0100] (C) The device notifies whether the vehicle is in an on state or not in an on state (off state). It is preferable to provide a function that changes the operation of the device depending on the function. For example, when the device is a drive recorder, it may be in continuous recording mode when the vehicle is on, or in parking monitoring mode when the vehicle is not on, and the recording parameters may be switched between the two modes.

[0101] (D) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the equipment when the vehicle is not turned on. In this way, the device can easily determine whether the vehicle is in an on state by checking whether a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network is transmitted.

[0102] (E) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal to the in-vehicle network when the vehicle is not on. This reduces the possibility that, for example, an on-board computer for controlling the vehicle connected to the in-vehicle network, which is in a sleep or off state, may be switched to an active or on state when the vehicle is not on. This is because such on-board computers may transition from a sleep or off state to an active or on state when a signal is sent to the in-vehicle network.

[0103] (F) The vehicle on-state may be a state in which the vehicle is charging a battery of the vehicle. The vehicle on-state may include an engine on state. (G) When the vehicle is not in an on state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle. (H) It is preferable that the device has a function of transmitting a signal indicating that the device has been turned off, and that the device performs processing based on the signal indicating that the device has been turned off.

[0104] (I) The device may be a drive recorder, and may switch the video recording mode based on receiving the signal indicating that the device has been turned off. (J) The switching of the video recording mode may be from a recording mode in the vehicle on state (for example, a continuous recording mode) to a recording mode in the vehicle off state (for example, a parking surveillance recording mode). In the parking surveillance recording mode, it is advisable to record video at a lower bit rate than in the continuous recording mode, for example, by lowering the frame rate, reducing the resolution, or increasing the compression rate.

[0105] (K) have a function to stop the supply of power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state; It is preferable that the vehicle is provided with a sensor and has a function of starting the supply of power to the device based on a signal from the sensor even when the vehicle is not in an on state. If power continues to be supplied to a retrofitted device based on the power from the diagnostic connector while the vehicle is off, there is a concern that the vehicle battery may be drained by the power supply to that device, but by supplying power based on the sensor signal in this way, this concern can be alleviated and the load on the vehicle battery can also be reduced.

[0106] The sensor may be a sensor that detects at least one of the following: a person approaching the vehicle, the vehicle shaking, and a sound near the vehicle. For example, the power supply to the device may be resumed when a person approaches, the vehicle shaking corresponds to a predetermined state, or a sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state. These predetermined states may be states corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a thief or the like.

[0107] Whether or not to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state is determined from the device to the device. The device may be configured to set the power supply to the device based on a signal from the device, and the device may control the power supply to the device on or off when the vehicle is not on based on the setting. For example, even when the device is set not to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not on, the device may be provided with a sensor as in (k) and have a function to start the power supply to the device based on a signal from the sensor even when the vehicle is not on.

[0108] (L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. When the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor reaches a predetermined state, the power supply to the device may be resumed even if the vehicle is not in an on-state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to acceleration applied to the vehicle by a person, such as a thief. For example, the state may be when acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value occurs. (M) The sensor may be provided in a housing having a connector that mates with a diagnostic connector provided in the vehicle. This eliminates the need for exposed wiring from the diagnostic connector to the sensor, allowing for smart and easy installation of the device or equipment.

[0109] (N) It ​​is preferable that the device has a function of receiving a signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device, and controlling the power supply from the device to the device based on the signal. The signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device may include at least one of turning on or off the power supply from the device to the device. The power supply may be turned off or on immediately upon receiving the signal, or may be turned on or off after a predetermined time. The device may send an instruction signal to the device at the predetermined time, and the device may perform the operation after the predetermined time based on the signal. Alternatively, for example, the device may send a signal regarding the time to supply power to the device, and the device may receive the signal, supply power to the device for the predetermined time, and then stop supplying power to the device.

[0110] (O) The device may have a communication function, and the device may have a function of communicating using the communication function when the vehicle is not in an on state, and after the communication is completed, the device may send a signal to the device to stop the supply of power to the device, and the device that receives the signal may have a function of stopping the supply of power to the device. In particular, the device may be a drive recorder, and when the vehicle is on, it has the function of transmitting captured video data using the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted, and when the vehicle is not on, it has the function of transmitting the recorded video data that could not be transmitted using the communication function, and after the communication is completed, it sends a signal to the device to stop the supply of power to the device, and when the device receives the signal, it has the function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

[0111] (P) It is preferable to provide a function to stop the power supply to the device when the power from the fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle reaches a predetermined state. (Q) The device is a drive recorder, and it is preferable that it has a function to automatically start recording when power is supplied. In this way, it is easy to realize car security functions with a general drive recorder.

[0112] The configuration of the (R) device is preferably configured by combining at least two of (A) to (Q). In particular, it is preferably configured by combining at least one of (B) to (R) on the premise of the configuration of (A). It may also be possible to select and combine the components described in (A) to (Q). It may also be possible to configure by combining at least one of (1) to (41) with at least one of (A) to (Q). It may also be possible to configure by combining at least one of the components described in (1) to (41) with at least one of (a) to (r). The present invention may be configured by combining at least one of the components described. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0113] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block circuit diagram of a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an external device is connected via a USB connector having a communication function in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which an external device is connected via low-power wireless in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portable battery is connected in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which a plurality of USB connectors are provided in an adapter in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which an adapter is provided with a slot for an SD card in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a tenth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an example of an adapter and a unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the fourteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0114] [1. First embodiment] (adapter with power supply function) A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, an adapter 1 of this embodiment has three power supply connectors and one power receiving connector provided in a box-shaped housing.

[0115] In this embodiment, a USB connector 2, a mini USB connector 3, and a cigarette lighter socket 4 are provided on one side of the adapter 1 as power supply connectors. The USB connector 2 is connected to the adapter 1 and the external device 10. A male USB plug 20 provided at the end of a USB cable connecting the two is inserted into the mini USB connector 3, and a male USB plug 30 similarly provided at the end of a USB cable is inserted into the mini USB connector 3.

[0116] The USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 have different power supply current capacities, with the USB connector 2 being 2A and the mini USB connector 3 being 1A. There are two types of USB connectors: those that only supply power and are used exclusively to charge electronic devices (called power supply USB connectors), and those that only supply power (called power supply USB connectors). There are also connectors that serve both as power and signal line connections for transmitting information (called communication-type USB connectors), and both connectors can be used, but the USB connector 2 and mini USB connector 3 of this embodiment are configured simply to supply power exclusively for charging electronic devices. The supply current capacity of the cigarette lighter socket 4 is also set to a different value from those of the USB connectors 2 and 3, specifically 5A.

[0117] The power receiving connector 5 is provided on a different side of the box-shaped adapter 1 from the power supply connector, and is removably connected to a connector 50 of an output port of an OBDII-compliant fault diagnosis system provided inside the vehicle cabin near the driver's seat. Specifically, the connector 50 is located inside a pocket provided under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle, together with a fuse box and the like, and the opening of the pocket is covered by a cover that can be opened and closed from inside the vehicle cabin. The output port of the fault diagnosis system is constantly powered from the vehicle side so that a fault diagnosis device can be connected and fault diagnosis can be performed, even when the vehicle's ACC is off, and therefore the connector 50 provided there is also constantly powered from the vehicle side.

[0118] An external device 10 is connected to the adapter 1 via a cable 12. In this embodiment, the external device 10 is a radar detector equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the adapter 1 supplies power from a battery to the radar detector and displays vehicle-related data supplied from a connector 50 of the fault diagnosis port on the liquid crystal display.

[0119] [1-2. Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, power is constantly supplied from the diagnostic port connector 50 to the USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3, and cigarette lighter socket 4 provided on the adapter via the vehicle's continuously powered connector 5, so that the external device can be charged continuously regardless of the vehicle's running state or the ACC open / close state. In particular, this has the advantage that the battery of the external device can be charged even when the user leaves the vehicle with the ACC turned off.

[0120] The power supply connectors include a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3, enabling the use and charging of a wide variety of external devices with USB connector charging capabilities, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small home appliances. The USB connectors 2 and 3 and the cigarette lighter socket 4 allow the use of both devices with USB connectors, such as smartphones, and in-vehicle devices that are compatible with cigarette lighter sockets, which are widely sold for in-vehicle use. The power supply current values ​​of the USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3, and cigarette lighter socket 4 are different, allowing for both rapid charging and normal charging, for example, which can address both the load on the vehicle battery and the charging speed.

[0121] In addition to the power supply connector, the adapter 1 is also connected to a radar detector 10 with an LCD display, which not only enables the use and charging of various external devices when the ACC is off, but also makes it possible to display information from the fault diagnosis port on the radar detector's LCD display. As a result, the user can easily grasp the vehicle's condition, which contributes to improved safety, early detection of vehicle malfunctions and abnormalities, and fault diagnosis.

[0122] The USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3, power supply connectors such as a cigarette lighter socket 4, and power receiving connector 5 are integrated into the case, so the adapter as a whole can be made smaller.

[0123] [1-3. Modification 1 of the First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply connectors, ie, the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigarette lighter socket 4, may be connected to the adapter 1 using a cable 12, or the power receiving connector 5 may be connected to the adapter 1 using a cable 12. According to this modification, when the power supply connector and the power receiving connector 5 are connected to the adapter by the cable 12, the power supply connector and the power receiving connector can be installed at a position away from the output port of the fault diagnosis system, and external devices can be charged near the driver's seat or passenger seat.

[0124] [1-3. Modification 2 of the First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the adapter 1 includes a speaker 1a, an image display device 1b such as an LCD display, and a warning light 1c such as an LED. This allows information from the fault diagnosis system to be displayed in various visual and audio formats that were not possible with a conventional adapter alone, allowing the user to easily and reliably recognize the vehicle's condition. In this case, the information output from the speaker 1a, the image display device 1b such as an LCD display, and the warning light 1c such as an LED may be the signal received by the adapter directly from the vehicle. Alternatively, the signal may be processed internally. In this way, since the adapter 1 has built-in speakers 1a and image display devices 1b, audio and visual information obtained from the vehicle can be output from the adapter. In this respect, compared to a technique that simply increases the number of vehicle ports using a branch harness or the like, the adapter's ability to output vehicle information has the advantage of being able to output vehicle information by itself. For example, the adapter alone can output warning sounds, voice guidance, flashing warning lights, and text and image guidance based on information obtained from the fault diagnosis system. For example, if the internal device is a speaker, even if the adapter is placed in a location that is difficult for the user to see, it can output warning sounds and voice guidance based on information from the fault diagnosis system.

[0125] [2. Second embodiment] (Adapter with power supply function and control function) [2-1. Configuration of the second embodiment] 4 is a block circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a control unit 11 is provided in the adapter 1 to control the power supply to the power supply connectors. This control unit 11 has a control microcomputer 111 that controls the power supply to the power supply connectors (specifically, the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigarette lighter socket 4). Each function of the adapter of this embodiment is stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 11 as a program executed by the control microcomputer 111, and is realized by the control microcomputer 111 executing the program.

[0126] The functions realized by the computer using the program stored in the control microcomputer 111 include a function to acquire information from the vehicle and determine the vehicle type and status (c-1, c-2, c-3), a function to compare the set power supply conditions with the vehicle type and status and control the on / off of power supply to each power supply connector (c-4, c-5, c-6), a hub function (d-1) to exchange information with multiple external devices or vehicles connected to the adapter, a host processing function (d-2) to operate other external devices connected to the adapter based on commands from a host device connected to the adapter, various setting functions using a mobile terminal (e-1, e-2), a control function (f) for a portable battery connected to the adapter, and a function (g) to output information to external devices connected to the adapter.

[0127] (c-1) Vehicle state detection function by the control unit 11 In order to realize the vehicle state detection function of the control unit 11, various receiving units that acquire information from the vehicle side are connected to the control microcomputer 111. That is, the control microcomputer 111 is connected to an engine state receiving unit 112 that detects whether the engine is started or stopped, an analog signal detecting unit 113 that receives analog signals from electronic devices installed inside the vehicle, a K-LINE communication control unit 114, and a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication control unit 115 that is wired inside the vehicle. In this embodiment, these receiving units are connected to an OBDII standard connector 50 provided on the vehicle side via a power receiving connector 5 provided on the adapter 1. are.

[0128] The engine status receiving unit 112 detects whether the engine is started or stopped based on the fluctuation pattern and magnitude of noise and voltage values ​​that appear on the power supply line 5L when the engine is started or stopped. When the engine status receiving unit 112 detects the appearance of a specific noise or voltage value, the control microcomputer 111 determines whether the engine is started or stopped based on the detection signal and outputs a power supply start or stop signal to some or all of the power supply connectors. In this embodiment, the control microcomputer 111 controls the cigarette lighter socket 4 to stop power supply when the engine is stopped, and the USB connector 2 and mini USB connector 3 to maintain power supply even when charging with the engine stopped.

[0129] The analog signal detection unit 113 detects various analog signals (for example, analog audio signals or output signals from a temperature sensor) output by various devices such as in-vehicle audio equipment and various sensors connected to the analog LINE 113L according to their operating conditions, and outputs the detection results to the control microcomputer 111. The control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on information from the various devices input from the analog signal detection unit 113.

[0130] The K-LINE communication control unit 114 is connected to a K-LINE 114L that is wired to various devices such as sensors installed inside the vehicle. The K-LINE 114L is a low-speed bus dedicated to diagnosis, and has been used in diagnostic systems since before the widespread use of CAN. In the adapter 1 of this embodiment, the K-LINE communication control unit 114 can acquire information from various devices connected to the K-LINE 114L and output the information to the control microcomputer 111 so that the adapter 1 can be installed in a vehicle equipped with the K-LINE 114L. In this way, the control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on the information from each device connected to the K-LINE 114L.

[0131] The CAN communication control unit 115 is connected to ECUs (Electronic Control Units) of various parts of the vehicle via a CAN 115N wired inside the vehicle. Some vehicles are equipped with as many as 100 ECUs inside, including powertrain ECUs for the engine, ABS, AT, etc.; body ECUs for doors, seats, air conditioning, etc.; multimedia ECUs for car navigation, audio, drive recorder, etc.; and meter / switch ECUs for speed sensors, oil temperature / water temperature sensors, turn signals, etc. These ECUs are connected to the CAN 115N. The CAN 115N is equipped with a connector 50 for an OBDII-standard diagnostic port, and a power receiving connector 5 on the adapter 1 is detachably fitted into this connector 50.

[0132] The control microcomputer 111 outputs a command to start or stop power feeding to each power feeding connector to the power feeding control unit 119 in accordance with signals input from the engine state receiving unit 112, the analog signal detection unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN communication control unit 115. Specifically, the control microcomputer 111 detects the following information connected to one or more of the analog signal detection unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN communication control unit 115. (1) Battery output voltage (2) Battery output current (3) Battery charge status (4) Cooling water temperature (5) Indoor temperature (6) Outdoor temperature (7) Engine speed (8) Accelerator opening (9) Car model (10) Information about electronic devices installed in the vehicle (11) Door opening and closing (12) User seated state

[0133] In this embodiment, the power receiving connector 5 provided on the adapter 1 is a connector conforming to the OBDII standard, and therefore, for example, the power receiving connector 5 can acquire various vehicle information every 0.5 seconds. Examples of vehicle information that can be acquired from the vehicle include speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, RPM, average RPM, maximum RPM, engine load, average load, maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, coolant temperature, maximum coolant temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature, outside air temperature, maximum outside air temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumed, lifetime fuel consumed, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average road fuel consumption, average highway fuel consumption, moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, driving time, Vehicle data includes idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h minimum acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h minimum acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / h average acceleration, 0-60km / h minimum acceleration, 0-80km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, minimum acceleration, 0-80km / h driving time, 0-20km / h driving time, 20-40km / h driving time, 40-60km / h driving time, 60-80km / h driving time, driving time over 80km / h, lifetime engine mileage, and lifetime engine mileage ratio. In the present invention, it is possible to appropriately set the conditions for charging an external device via an adapter from among these pieces of information. In particular, the information (1) to (12) above is suitable as the conditions for starting and stopping power supply, since it affects the charging state of the vehicle battery.

[0134] The control unit 11 is equipped with a database 116 that stores various data input to the control unit 11. The database 116 can be implemented as a non-volatile memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory) within the microcomputer of the control unit 11 or externally attached to the microcomputer. In order to implement each of the above functions, the database 116 stores information such as thresholds and conditions for each power supply connector to turn on / off the power supply in response to the vehicle status obtained from the OBDII-standard power receiving connector 5. Some of this information is registered in the database 116 before shipping the adapter, and some is added or updated later by the user.

[0135] To the control microcomputer 111, a wired communication unit 117 such as USB and a wireless communication unit 118 such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or RFID are connected in order to acquire information from external devices connected to the adapter 1. In this embodiment, the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 use communication-type USB connectors that also serve as signal line connections for power supply and information transmission, allowing output from the wired communication unit 117 to be output via a USB cable. FIG. 5 shows a state in which a smartphone 61 is connected to the USB connector 2 using a USB cable, power is supplied from the adapter, and information from the smartphone 61 is received by the control microcomputer 111 via the wired communication unit 117. FIG. 6 shows a state in which information from the smartphone 61 is received by the control microcomputer 111 via the wireless communication unit 118.

[0136] The control unit 11 is provided with a power supply control unit 119 that starts and stops power supply to each of the power supply connectors 2 to 4 in accordance with commands from the control microcomputer 111. This power supply control unit 119 is provided between the power supply line 5L and each of the power supply connectors 2 to 4, and turns on and off the power supply from the adapter to the external device, and when a portable battery is connected to the adapter, turns on and off the power supply from the portable battery to the adapter. Figure 7 shows a configuration in which a portable battery 62 is connected to the adapter. 10 shows a state in which the portable battery 62 is being charged by the adapter when connected, and a state in which power is being supplied from the portable battery 62 via the adapter to an in-vehicle battery or other external devices connected to the adapter.

[0137] (c-2) Vehicle type discrimination function by the control unit The control unit 11 has a function of determining whether the vehicle equipped with the adapter is equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined capacity or more. That is, the control microcomputer 111 acquires information such as the vehicle model and the capacity of the on-board battery from the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115, compares this information with information stored in the database 116, and if the vehicle equipped with the adapter is not equipped with a large-capacity battery, outputs a command to the power feeding control unit 119 to stop power feeding at a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the vehicle is equipped with a large-capacity battery, the control unit 111 does not output a command to stop power feeding to the power feeding control unit 119.

[0138] With this configuration, in vehicles equipped with a relatively small capacity battery such as an engine-mounted vehicle (a vehicle that is driven by an engine and not a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to a dead battery, and in vehicles equipped with a large capacity battery such as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, it is possible to give priority to charging of devices. Also, since the control microcomputer 111 acquires vehicle information and automatically determines whether or not power can be supplied, it is easy to use and does not require the user to do anything.

[0139] (c-3) Vehicle status detection function (A) Engine on / off function The control microcomputer 111 has a function of detecting whether the engine is on or off based on signals from the vehicle side acquired by any one or a combination of the engine status receiving unit 112, the analog signal detecting unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN communication control unit 115. That is, the control microcomputer 111 compares information acquired from each receiving unit with information stored in the database 116, for example, a noise pattern on the power feed line 5L with a pattern stored in the database 116, to determine whether the engine should be started or stopped. In accordance with this determination result, the control microcomputer 111 does not output a power feeding stop command to the power feeding control unit 119 when the engine is on, but outputs a power feeding stop command to the power feeding control unit 119 when the engine is off.

[0140] This function prevents excessive decrease in the capacity of the vehicle battery by charging only when the vehicle battery is being charged by the engine. For example, if multiple power supply connectors are provided, at least one of them can be turned off by command from the control unit when the engine is stopped, so that external devices that require large amounts of charge can be charged only when the vehicle battery is being charged by the engine, preventing excessive decrease in the capacity of the vehicle battery.

[0141] (a) Detection function for remaining battery power, engine speed, and accelerator opening The control microcomputer 111 detects at least one of the values ​​of the remaining battery charge, engine speed, and accelerator pedal position based on signals from the vehicle acquired by the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115. The control microcomputer 111 compares the detected value with a threshold value pre-stored in the database 116, and stops power supply to the power supply control unit 119 when the detected value is equal to or less than the threshold value. Specifically, the control microcomputer 111 outputs a command to stop power supply to the power supply control unit 119 when the detected remaining battery charge of the vehicle is equal to or less than the threshold value, for example, when the remaining battery charge is equal to or less than the threshold value enough to start the engine several times. The control microcomputer 111 turns on power supply to the power supply connector based on any one of the following, or a combination thereof: when the accelerator pedal position received from the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value; when the engine speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value; when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value; or when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0142] In this way, external devices can be charged only when power is being supplied to the vehicle battery by starting the engine or when the vehicle battery has sufficient capacity remaining, thereby preventing the capacity of the vehicle battery from decreasing due to charging of external devices.

[0143] (c-4) Operation status detection and power supply control function by the control unit The control unit 11 has a function to control the on / off of multiple power supply connectors according to the vehicle's driving conditions obtained from the vehicle. That is, the control microcomputer 111 obtains the vehicle's turn signal information from the CAN communication control unit 115, and stores in advance in the database 116 information such that when the right turn signal is turned on, power supply to the right power supply connector is turned on, and when the left turn signal is turned on, power supply to the left power supply connector is turned on. This enables the control microcomputer 111 to turn on / off power supply to the left and right power supply connectors based on the vehicle's turn signal information.

[0144] The control microcomputer 111 acquires the vehicle's speed and impact (change in acceleration) using the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115, and accordingly operates a camera, video, drive recorder, etc., and operates a fan according to the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Specifically, the adapter 1 is provided with a USB connector 2 or a mini USB connector 3 with communication capabilities, and the camera, video, or drive recorder is connected to the USB connector 2 or the like. The control microcomputer 111 normally supplies power to these external devices from the power supply line 5L to charge the built-in batteries of the external devices. When the speed or acceleration information received by the control microcomputer 111 from the vehicle exceeds a threshold value stored in the database 116, the control microcomputer 111 outputs a start command to the drive recorder, etc., connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3, to start recording.

[0145] When a USB connector 2 without a communication function is used, when an external device such as a drive recorder receives a power supply command from control microcomputer 111, power supply control unit 119 starts supplying power to USB connector 2, powering on the external device and starting recording. In this case, if the information from the vehicle is below a threshold, control microcomputer 111 does not output a power supply command to power supply control unit 119, so the external device connected to the power supply connector cannot be charged. However, for devices that do not generally have built-in batteries, such as drive recorders, around-view cameras, and backup cameras, the adapter of this embodiment can control their power-on. Similarly, if control microcomputer 111 obtains the interior and exterior temperatures of the vehicle via CAN communication control unit 115 and connects a fan's power cord to the adapter, the fan can be automatically operated according to the vehicle's condition.

[0146] According to this embodiment, the operation of devices can be turned on and off depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. For example, if a configuration is adopted in which the correspondence between the driving conditions and the on / off states of multiple power supply connectors can be set so that the driver does not have to turn on and off various external devices installed in the vehicle himself, and the on / off of multiple power supply connectors is controlled based on that setting, the operability of external devices will be significantly improved.

[0147] (c-5) Control function for multiple connectors in different modes As shown in Fig. 8, the adapter 1 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of USB connectors 2a to 2d. The control microcomputer 111 performs different power supply controls for these USB connectors 2a to 2d. For example, the control microcomputer 111 outputs a power supply command to the power supply control unit 119 so that the USB connectors 2a and 2b function as connectors for battery-less devices that require constant power supply, and outputs a power supply command to the power supply switch so that the USB connectors 2c and 2d function as connectors for battery-equipped devices that do not require constant power supply. The commands of the control microcomputer 111 are stored in advance in the database 116 for each of the USB connectors 2a to The control mode of 2a to 2d is stored in the adapter 1. In addition, a switch is provided in the adapter 1 so that the driver can freely set it, or the driver can set which of the USB connectors 2a to 2d is to be the always-powered type from an external device such as a smartphone.

[0148] The multiple power supply connectors provided in adapter 1 do not need to be of the same type as in Figure 8, and different controls can be performed for different types of power supply connectors. Furthermore, the power supply mode is not limited to whether or not to supply power continuously. In an adapter with different types of power supply connectors as in Figure 5, control microcomputer 111 controls so that the USB connector 2 and mini USB connector 3 do not require continuous power supply, while the cigarette lighter socket 4 supplies power continuously. It is also possible to change the power supply mode, whether or not to supply power continuously for each power supply connector, depending on the time of day or the time of day (the brightness outside the vehicle).

[0149] If the adapter 1 has a built-in voltage regulator, the control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply voltage and current differently for each power supply connector. Multiple mini USB connectors 3 are provided, and a current of 1 A is supplied to the mini USB connector 3 used to charge smartphones and the like, and a current of 2.1 A is supplied to the mini USB connector 3 used to charge tablets and the like. In an adapter equipped with a USB connector 2 and / or a mini USB connector 3 and a cigarette lighter socket 4, a voltage of 5 V is supplied to the USB connectors, and 12 V is supplied to the cigarette lighter socket 4.

[0150] (c-6) Power supply priority control function The control microcomputer 111 has a function of giving priority to power supply to the USB connectors 2a and 2b for external devices that require constant power supply. The control microcomputer 111 detects the remaining charge of the battery installed in the vehicle via the K-LINE communication control unit 114 or the CAN communication control unit 115, compares it with a threshold value stored in the database 116, and if the remaining charge of the vehicle's battery is lower than the threshold value, performs control to first stop power supply to the USB connectors 2c and 2d that do not require constant power supply. This allows power supply to be given priority to the USB connectors 2a and 2b for external devices that require constant power supply.

[0151] In this way, devices that require a constant power supply, such as devices that consume a large amount of power, devices that require data communication or monitoring / standby for long periods of time, and even warning lights and disaster prevention radios that must be charged in an emergency, can be connected to USB connectors 2a and 2b, which require a constant power supply, and can be supplied with power preferentially.USB connectors 2c and 2d for external devices that do not require a constant power supply are connected to external devices, such as devices that have a battery or the like and run on the battery when not being powered.

[0152] (d-1) Hub function As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the adapter 1 of this embodiment includes USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c, and a mini USB connector 3 connected to a wired communication unit 117. These multiple power supply connectors are communication-type USB connectors, and in addition to power from the vehicle battery, they also have a communication path for control signals from the control microcomputer 111. Of these USB connectors, for example, USB connector 2 is used to connect a host device, and the other connectors are used to connect peripheral devices. Which USB connector is used to connect a host device and which is used to connect a peripheral device is stored in advance in database 116. This setting can be set by providing a switch on the adapter or by using a smartphone connected to the USB connectors.

[0153] In this way, the multiple USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c and mini USB connector 3 provided on the adapter 1 can be networked, making it possible to exchange data between various external devices connected to the multiple power supply connectors and to control the stopping of power supply to each power supply connector using data acquired by each external device.

[0154] (d-2) Power supply control function for peripheral devices by the host As shown in Figure 5, a smartphone 61 is connected as a host device to a USB connector 2 for connecting a host device, and a control microcomputer 111 receives information from the smartphone 61 via the host device connector 2 and controls the power supply to a mini USB connector 3 for connecting peripheral devices and a cigarette lighter socket 4.

[0155] In FIG. 5, a host device is connected to USB connector 2, and a peripheral device, such as another mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, is connected to mini USB connector 3. Data is exchanged between smartphone 61 and the other mobile device, and the smartphone 61 is used to operate and set up the other mobile device. Peripheral devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, car navigation systems, and drive recorders are connected to the power supply connector for peripheral devices, enabling access to these peripheral devices. In addition to the adapter shown in FIG. 5, the adapters shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, each having a control unit 11, also use one of the USB connectors or the mini USB connector as the power supply connector for connecting to the host device, and other USB connectors as the power supply connector for connecting to the peripheral devices. Furthermore, the host device is not limited to a smartphone 61; a mobile device or a PC with input / output functions can also be used as appropriate.

[0156] This configuration allows the adapter to be used as a hub for multiple external devices and as a means for exchanging data between them. This is particularly convenient when using multiple electronic devices, such as a PC, smartphone, and digital camera, in a vehicle and needing to exchange files between them, as the adapter can be used without a dedicated hub. Furthermore, by controlling the power supply to each power supply connector from an external device, such as a smartphone or PC, connected to the adapter, charging of multiple external devices can be prioritized according to the user's preferences.

[0157] (e-1) Various setting functions using mobile devices The adapter comprises a connection section for connecting to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone 61, and a control section 11 for performing various settings related to the adapter, and the control section 11 performs various settings related to the adapter based on signals received from the mobile terminal at the connection section.

[0158] (A) Wireless connection of mobile devices 6, the adapter 1 includes a wireless communication unit 118 that connects to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone 61, and the control microcomputer 11 performs various settings related to the adapter based on signals received by the wireless communication unit 118, and controls the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or power receiving connector. In this case, the wireless communication unit 118 uses a low-power wireless connection means provided in the mobile terminal such as a smartphone, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or RFID.

[0159] (a) Wired connection to a mobile device 5, in an adapter equipped with a USB connector 2, a USB cable 20 is used to connect a smartphone 61 to the adapter 1 by wire, and a control signal is sent from the smartphone 61 to a control microcomputer 111 of the adapter. In this case, it is preferable that the adapter 1 does not need to be provided with a wireless communication unit 118, and the adapter itself has a simple structure, and various settings can be made in the control unit 11.

[0160] (c) Setting conditions from a mobile device Examples of setting conditions for starting and / or stopping power supply to the control microcomputer 111 using an external device such as a smartphone 61 connected to the wired communication unit 117 or wireless communication unit 118 as described above include the following. (1) Using adapters compatible with multiple different vehicle models, the control microcomputer 111 The type of vehicle in which the adapter is mounted is set according to a signal from the phone 61. This allows the adapter itself to recognize which type of vehicle it is connected to, and the control microcomputer 111, for example, obtains or outputs information corresponding to the type of vehicle from the database 116 and controls the power supply to each power supply connector. (2) The control microcomputer 111 sets the current value of the power supply connectors and / or power receiving connectors 5 such as the USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigarette lighter socket 4 in accordance with a signal from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone 61. (3) Control microcomputer 111 sets conditions for starting and stopping power supply from the vehicle battery to each power supply connector in accordance with a signal from a mobile terminal such as smartphone 61. For example, adapter 1 is provided with n USB connectors, USB connectors 1 to n, and the mobile terminal writes a setting to database 116 of control unit 11 via wired communication unit 117 or wireless communication unit 118, such as turning on power to USB connector 2 when it detects that the vehicle's lights are on and turning off power to USB connector 2 when it detects that the lights are off. In this state, when control microcomputer 111 detects whether the lights are on or off via CAN communication control unit 115, control microcomputer 111 outputs a command to start or stop power supply to USB connector 2 to power supply control unit 119 in accordance with the signal written to database 116 by the mobile terminal. (4) With the portable battery 62 as shown in FIG. 7 connected to the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 sets the power supply conditions between the vehicle and the portable battery in accordance with a signal from the portable terminal. For example, the portable terminal sets in the database 116 that when power supply from the in-vehicle battery is interrupted, the portable battery 62 will supply power to each power supply connector for a certain period of time (e.g., five minutes). When the control microcomputer 111 detects from the CAN communication control unit 115 that power supply from the in-vehicle battery has been interrupted, it controls the supply of power from the portable battery 62 connected to the power supply connector to another power supply connector (in FIG. 5, the mini USB connector 3 or the cigarette lighter socket 4). In this case, the power supply control unit 119 has a circuit that can appropriately switch the power supply direction.

[0161] According to this embodiment, adapter manufacturers and sellers can use a mobile terminal to set optimal conditions for the adapter according to the on-board electronic devices of each vehicle, eliminating the need to prepare many different types of adapters. In particular, as described in (1) to (4) above, the user can freely set the conditions for power supply to external devices according to the type of vehicle and its driving conditions, or the type of external device connected to the adapter. This makes it possible not only to charge the built-in battery of the external device, but also to automatically control the on / off of various types of external devices according to the state of the vehicle and the driving conditions.

[0162] (e-2) Setting function for adapters using a mobile device In this embodiment, the adapter 1 is provided with a wired connection unit 117 and / or a wireless connection unit 118 for connecting to a mobile device. A mobile device, such as a smartphone 61, connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector writes power supply conditions for each power supply connector to the database 116. Power supply conditions include the voltage and current supplied from each power supply connector to an external device, as well as commands to start or stop power supply from each power supply connector depending on the time, location, vehicle acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, and room temperature. Information on which the control microcomputer 111 determines these conditions may be obtained from the vehicle via the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. Alternatively, the control microcomputer 111 may obtain this information from various sensors possessed by the mobile device itself. Writing to the database 116 may overwrite power supply conditions already stored in the database 116. However, in this embodiment, the previously set power supply conditions and the power supply conditions written from the mobile device are switched between using a signal output from the mobile device to the control unit 11.

[0163] The control microcomputer 111 receives the current value and the voltage value written in the database 116 from the mobile terminal. The control microcomputer 111 controls the amount of power supplied to each power supply connector according to the voltage value. Furthermore, when the control microcomputer 111 receives vehicle information from the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like, or information on the time, position, vehicle acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, and room temperature from the mobile terminal, it compares this information with the conditions in the database 116 and controls the on / off of power supply to each power supply connector. In this case, in this embodiment, when the control microcomputer 111 receives a switching signal from the mobile terminal, it controls the power supply to each power supply connector based on the power supply conditions written by the mobile terminal.

[0164] In this embodiment, while the adapter is in use, a signal for switching the power supply or power receiving state of the power supply connector or the power receiving connector from the mobile terminal to the adapter's control unit 11 makes it possible to perform operations other than those preset in the database 116. As a result, the user can arbitrarily control external devices connected to the adapter each time in response to the situation of the user or the vehicle. For example, if a control program for the adapter is built into the mobile terminal and commands are sent from the mobile terminal to the adapter's control unit in response to the time, position, acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal, this has the advantage of allowing the adapter's connectors to be controlled based on information that cannot be detected by in-vehicle electronic devices.

[0165] (f) Power supply and charging function for portable batteries 7 or 8, in this embodiment, a portable battery 62, generally called a mobile battery, is connected as an external device to the USB connector 2 or 2a, which is a power supply connector. Power supply connectors other than the USB connector 2 to which the portable battery 62 is connected, such as the mini USB connector 3 and cigarette lighter socket 4 in FIG. 7 and USB connectors 2b to 2d in FIG. 8, are connected to a power supply control unit 119 so as to receive power from the power receiving connector 5 and also from the portable battery 62 connected to the USB connector 2 or 2a. It is also possible to use one power supply connector to both supply power to and receive power from the portable battery.

[0166] The control microcomputer 111 controls the supply of power from the portable battery 62 via the adapter 1 to various devices connected to the adapter, such as in-vehicle electronic devices and other external devices that receive power from the adapter, under specific conditions that have been written in advance to the database 116. In addition to the control microcomputer 111 switching the power supply direction, the adapter 1 is provided with a power supply direction changeover switch (not shown).

[0167] The type of power supply connector can be used to switch the power supply direction between the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62. That is, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62 are provided with a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3, and for both the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62, power is supplied from the USB connector 2 and received from the mini USB connector 3. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between power supply and power reception just by the shape of the connector.

[0168] (f-1) Power supply function to the vehicle from a portable battery 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 has a function of determining a voltage drop in the battery mounted on the vehicle via the CAN communication control unit 115, etc., and has a function of supplying power to the vehicle from the portable battery 62 connected to the adapter when a voltage drop in the battery is detected. With this configuration, by supplying power to the electrical wiring in the vehicle via the adapter, it is possible to use the power from the portable battery 62 to operate other electrical devices such as interior lights that are normally powered by the vehicle battery, start the engine, charge the vehicle battery, etc.

[0169] (f-2) Power supply function to external devices from a portable battery 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 has a function of switching the supply of power from the power supply connector (e.g., USB connector 2 or 2a) to which the portable battery 62 is connected to another power supply connector (e.g., other USB connectors 2c and 2d or mini USB connector 3) provided on the adapter when the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like detects a decrease in the capacity of the in-vehicle battery. In this case, the threshold value for determining how much the capacity of the in-vehicle battery must decrease before switching is set in the database 116 in advance, or set in the database 116 by the user from a mobile terminal. This makes it possible to charge and use other external devices connected to the adapter using the power of the portable battery 62.

[0170] (g) Insertion of storage devices such as SD cards 9, in addition to the power supply connectors 2 to 3, a connector 63a is provided as a connector without a power supply function, into which an SD card 63 is attached. The connector is not limited to the SD card 63 connector, and may be a connector into which a micro SD card, a nano SD card, a USB memory, or the like is attached.

[0171] In this way, data stored on the SD card 62 can be read and written from an external device attached to the USB connector 2 having a data communication path, making it possible to record data inside the vehicle on mobile terminals or smartphones that do not have a slot for the SD card 62.

[0172] [3. Third embodiment] (Adapter for connecting units) [3-1. Configuration of the third embodiment] 10 shows a third embodiment, in which an optional expansion unit (hereinafter referred to as a unit) is combined with the adapter shown in the first or second embodiment.

[0173] 10, adapter 1 has an OBDII-standard input connector serving as power receiving connector 5 on its input side (hidden behind adapter 1 in FIG. 10), and an OBDII-standard output connector 50a serving as a power supply connector on its output side. By fitting the input connector into OBDII-standard output connector 50, which is a power supply connector provided on the vehicle, adapter 1 receives information from various parts of the vehicle and power from the vehicle battery. As with the first and second embodiments, adapter 1 is provided with power supply connectors, namely, a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3. Adapter 1 is provided with a cable 12 equipped with a connector 13 for connecting an external device such as a car navigation system or a drive recorder.

[0174] A unit 100a is fitted into the output connector 50a of the adapter 1. This unit 100a is called an intermediate unit because other units can be connected to its output side. Like the adapter 1, the unit 100a has an OBDII-standard input connector serving as a power receiving connector 5 on its input side, and an OBDII-standard output connector 50a serving as a power supply connector on its output side. By fitting the input connector of the unit 100a into the output connector 50 of the adapter 1, the unit 100a receives information from various parts of the vehicle and power from the vehicle battery via the adapter 1.

[0175] An external device 10 such as a radar detector, car navigation system, drive recorder, or video camera is connected to the unit 100a via a cable 12. In this embodiment, the external device 10 is a car navigation system, and the unit 100a supplies power from the vehicle battery to the car navigation system 10 and displays various vehicle-related data supplied from a connector 50 of the fault diagnosis port on its liquid crystal display. The unit 100a is provided with a cigarette lighter socket 4 as a power supply connector.

[0176] A second unit 100b is fitted into the output connector 50a of the unit 100a. Like the adapter 1 and the intermediate unit 100a, the second unit 100b has an OBDII standard input connector on its input side, which serves as the power receiving connector 5. By fitting the input connector of the terminal unit 100b into the output connector 50b of the intermediate unit 100a, the terminal unit 100b receives information from various parts of the vehicle and power from the vehicle battery via the adapter 1 and the intermediate unit 100a.

[0177] The terminal unit 100b is provided with a liquid crystal display 1a, a speaker 1b, and an LED warning light 1c. This allows the terminal unit 100b alone to display on the liquid crystal display 1a various data related to the vehicle supplied from the connector 50 of the fault diagnosis port. The speaker 1b and / or the LED warning light 1c are used to provide various warnings and guidance to the driver.

[0178] [3-2. Modifications] While Figure 10 shows two units 100a and 100b connected to the adapter 1, the number of units connected to the adapter 1 may be one, three, or more. The second unit 100b in Figure 10 does not have an output connector, so it is suitable as a terminal unit connected to the final stage. The unit connected to the final stage is not necessarily limited to being equipped with an LCD display 1a, speaker 1b, and LED warning light 1c; these output means may be provided in all units. Alternatively, they may be provided in any of the units depending on the unit's intended use.

[0179] In Figure 10, power supply connectors are provided on all of adapter 1 and units 100a and 100b, but it is preferable to provide a power supply connector only on adapter 1. If the units are not provided with power supply connectors, the units can be made smaller. On the other hand, if a power supply connector is provided only on the units and not on adapter 1, not only can the adapter be made smaller, but convenience is improved because only drivers who need to charge external devices need to purchase a unit with a power supply connector and connect it to adapter 1.

[0180] [3-3. Action and Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the adapter 1 and units 100a, 100b are provided with an input connector 5 for an output signal from a port of a fault diagnosis system installed in a vehicle, and an output connector 50 for outputting a signal based on the signal received at the input connector 5 to an external device 10 such as a car navigation system or an internal device such as an LCD display 1a provided in the adapter 1 or units 100a, 100b.

[0181] In this way, the functions desired by the user for the in-vehicle device can be easily realized. For example, by connecting various external devices 10 to the adapter 1 and units 100a, 100b, it becomes possible to utilize various functions of the external devices 10 in addition to the functions of the adapters and units themselves. By providing an internal device having an image and / or sound output means in the terminal unit 100b of Fig. 10 or the adapter 1 of Fig. 3, or by connecting an external device 10 having an image and / or sound output means to the adapter, it is possible to transmit information from the fault diagnosis system to the user in various ways.

[0182] For example, by connecting an external device 10 having a display such as a radar detector, a navigation device, or a drive recorder to the adapter 1 or the units 100a, 100b, it is possible to display information from the fault diagnosis system in various forms of images and sounds that would not be possible with the adapter alone, allowing the user to easily and reliably recognize the state of the vehicle. In this case, the signal output based on the signal received by the adapter 1 or the units 100a, 100b may be, for example, a signal input from the vehicle side, the adapter, or a unit at the previous stage, output as is, but it may also be processed inside the adapter or unit so that it is easy for the user to understand. The signal is good.

[0183] In particular, since one or more units are detachably connected to the adapter 1 that is connected to the port of the fault diagnosis system, different types of units can be combined as desired by the user. In other words, it is preferable to connect multiple identical units. By connecting multiple units of different types as shown in Figure 10, information can be output from the vehicle computer (e.g., ECU, etc.) to various external devices and / or internal devices in the number required by the user, and the user can easily combine and realize the functions they desire.

[0184] Like the terminal unit 100b, the unit is equipped with an LCD display 1a, a speaker 1b, and an LCD warning light 1c, allowing audio and visual information obtained from the vehicle to be output from the terminal unit 100b. Using the terminal unit 100b or the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 3 has the advantage of being able to output vehicle information from the unit or adapter alone, compared to a technique that simply increases the number of vehicle ports using a branch harness or the like. Using the speaker 1b and LED warning light 1c allows the adapter or unit alone to output warning sounds, audio guidance, flashing warning lights, and text and image guidance to the user based on information obtained from the fault diagnosis system. The speaker 1b allows the adapter 1 or unit 100b to output warning sounds and audio guidance based on information from the fault diagnosis system, even if the adapter 1 or unit 100b is placed in a location that is difficult for the user to see.

[0185] The adapter 1 acquires various types of information from the fault diagnosis system, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, oil temperature, water temperature, and accelerator opening. Based on this information, images such as numerical values ​​and graphs, and sounds such as warning sounds and voice guidance, for example, are generated. By providing the external device 10 and internal devices connected to the adapter 1 or units 100a and 100b with at least one of an audio output function and an image display function, the information output via the adapter 1 or units 100a and 100b can be provided in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

[0186] [4. Fourth embodiment] (Unit for connecting external devices via wire) [4-1. Basic Configuration] In the fourth embodiment, the external devices provided in the unit 100a are a navigation device 10a, a radar detector 10b, and a drive recorder 10c. As shown in Fig. 11, three types of external devices 10a to 10c are connected to the unit 100a, but the number is not limited thereto.

[0187] Providing at least one external device with a display such as an LCD screen has the advantage of allowing users to view vehicle information visually. In particular, even if users purchase the same adapter, their purposes vary, making it possible to customize the functionality of the OBDII adapter to suit each individual user. By modifying the connection between the OBDII adapter and the connected device, users can easily attach one or more different units of different types, allowing them to customize the adapter to suit their needs.

[0188] There are several devices that can be connected to an OBDII adapter, such as radar, PND, and dashcam, but generally only one of these can be connected to the adapter. This embodiment allows three or more external devices to be connected simultaneously, which is convenient.

[0189] The adapter 1 of the fourth embodiment is provided with a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3 as power supply connectors, and the unit 100a is provided with the mini USB connector 3. When the unit 100a is provided with the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3, the connector size is It is possible to charge and exchange information with various external devices of different sizes, but when the unit 100a is in the form of a thin plate as shown in the figure, the mini USB connector 3 is advantageous.

[0190] 12, similarly to the second embodiment, the adapter 1 includes a control microcomputer 111, an engine state detection unit 112, an analog signal detection unit 113, a K-LINE communication control unit 114, a CAN communication control unit 115, and a power supply control unit 119. The unit 100a includes a control microcomputer 111, a power supply control unit 119, and a plurality of external device connection units 117a to 117n corresponding to the external devices 10a to 10n connected to the unit 100.

[0191] In this embodiment, since each external device is connected to the unit 100a via a cable 12, the external device connectors 117a-117n provided in the unit 100a are similar to the wired connector 117 provided in the adapter 1 of the second embodiment. In this case, if a USB connector 2 or a mini USB connector 3 for power supply is provided as the external device connectors 117a-117n, it is possible to use the connector as is as a serial communication type connector, and there is no need to provide a separate wired communication unit in addition to the connector for the power supply system. The external device connectors 117a-117n are not limited to serial communication type connectors, and if high-speed information exchange is required, it is preferable to use a signal transmission means such as a wired LAN or a CAN network.

[0192] The adapter 1 is provided with an OBDII-standard output connector 50, which serves as a power supply connector, and the units 100a and 100b are provided with OBDII-standard input connectors 5, which serve as power receiving connectors. By connecting these connectors 5, 50, the power supplied to the adapter 1 from the vehicle and information about each part of the vehicle are transmitted from the adapter 1 to the units 100a and 100b.

[0193] According to this embodiment, by connecting the unit 100a to the adapter 1, it becomes possible to use the image and audio output functions provided in the navigation device 10a, radar detector 10b, drive recorder 10c, etc. that the user already owns, eliminating the need to incorporate an image display device in the adapter 1 or to connect a dedicated image and audio output device to the adapter 1. These external devices are, by their very nature, installed in locations that are easily visible to the vehicle user, so the user can easily check information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter 1.

[0194] [4-2. Various functions using control microcomputers] The adapter and units of this embodiment have the following functions. These functions may be provided by the adapter and all of the units connected to the adapter 1, or may be provided only by the adapter or specific units. These functions are realized by executing a predetermined program on a control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter or unit. In adapters and units that do not have a control microcomputer, these functions may be realized by the control microcomputer 111 in the adapter or a control microcomputer 111 provided in another unit. A processing unit that performs these functions may also be configured using hardware such as electronic circuits, without relying on the control microcomputer 111.

[0195] (a) Function to acquire information from external devices The external device connection sections 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100a shown in FIG. 12 have an external device input function for receiving information from the external devices 10a to 10n, and have an information processing function in which the control microcomputer 111 performs predetermined voice guidance and / or image display based on the information from the external devices 10a to 10n and information from the fault diagnosis system obtained via the adapter 1.

[0196] This function allows information from the external devices 10a to 10n, as well as information from the vehicle via the adapter 1, to be output to other external devices or internal devices connected to the unit 100a. For example, as an information processing function of the control microcomputer 111, it is possible to compare position information from a navigation device or a radar detector with speed and accelerator opening information from a fault diagnosis system to determine whether or not a curve or obstacle in the vehicle's direction of travel poses a danger in light of the current driving situation, and output the result to other external devices or internal devices. In particular, this function is advantageous and cannot be obtained by simply increasing the number of output ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness.

[0197] If this function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 provided in the unit 100a, the program executed by the control microcomputer 111 for the unit b to which no external device is connected can be simplified. On the other hand, if this function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 built into the adapter 1 based on the information of the external devices 10a to 10n transmitted to the adapter 1 via the unit 100a, the configuration of the unit 100a for connecting to external devices can be simplified.

[0198] (a) Information output function for adapters and units The adapter 1 and the unit 100a of this embodiment have a function of outputting information received from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal devices to other units and / or the adapter 1. This function makes it possible to transmit information acquired from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal devices to the adapter 1 or other units. For example, by using the control microcomputer 111 to implement an information processing section in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a that makes various decisions and operations based on information from the fault diagnosis system and information from the external devices and the internal devices, which would not be possible with information from the fault diagnosis system alone, it becomes possible to perform various types of information processing on the adapter or unit side.

[0199] For example, by comprehensively determining information about the vehicle obtained by the fault diagnosis system and information about the vehicle's surroundings and the driver obtained by the external devices 10a to 10n, it is possible to provide the user with various information that would not be possible with the fault diagnosis system alone. Also, in response to commands from the external devices 10a to 10n or internal devices, it becomes possible to perform various operations and parameter settings for the adapter 1, each unit connected thereto, or the fault diagnosis system itself from any of the external devices connected to the unit 10a0.

[0200] (c) Information processing function in adapters and units The adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a has an information processing function for generating image and / or audio signals to be output to at least one of the external devices 10a-10n and the internal devices based on information received from at least one of the vehicle and the external devices 10a-10n. This function is realized by a control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a.

[0201] In this way, by providing the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a with an information processing function, it is possible to not only output information input from the vehicle or external devices as is, but also process the information into a user-friendly format and output it to the external devices 10a-10n or the internal devices. For example, numerical data input from the vehicle, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, various temperatures, and remaining battery power, can be converted into graphs or images and displayed on the liquid crystal display of the external device or internal device. By comparing the input numerical values ​​with a preset threshold, a warning sound or audio guidance can be generated by the speaker 1b or LED warning light 1c of the external device or internal device. Furthermore, by processing the information received from the external devices 10a-10n and comparing it with information from the vehicle, a wider variety of information can be output to the external devices or internal devices in a user-friendly format.

[0202] (d) A function that performs different information processing for multiple external devices. The adapter 1 and / or unit 100a has a function of outputting signals of different formats and types to a signal output section provided for each of the external devices 10a to 10n, for example, the external device connection sections 117a to 117n in Fig. 12, the wired connection section 117 or the wireless connection section 118 in Fig. 4. That is, the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter 1 or unit 100a has a function of processing information acquired from the vehicle or each of the external devices 10a to 10n within the adapter 1 or unit 100a in accordance with the format and configuration of the external device to be output, and outputting the information in a different manner for each signal output section.

[0203] According to this function, signals to be output to a plurality of different external devices 10a to 10n can be processed into different signals by a signal output unit provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a. As a result, according to this embodiment having such a function, for example, the following advantageous effects can be achieved. (1) The information most suitable for the user can be output from the most suitable external device depending on the type and installation location of the external device and the type and magnitude of the signal from the fault diagnosis system. (2) Depending on the level of warning from the signal obtained from the fault diagnosis system, the volume of the audio signal output from each external device can be changed, and the content of the image displayed can be changed. (3) Information of a high degree of urgency is displayed on the navigation device, which is positioned in the most visible position for the user, while normal information such as engine speed, water temperature, and oil temperature is displayed on a radar detector, which has a smaller display screen than the navigation device. By combining the information processing unit with multiple external devices, it is possible to display various patterns and provide voice guidance.

[0204] (E) Hub function Of the multiple external device connectors 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100, one predetermined connector is used as a connector for an external device that will be a host, and the other connectors are used as connectors for external devices that will be peripheral devices. Which external device connector is used to connect to a host device and which external device connector is used to connect to a peripheral device is set in advance in a database 116 provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a.

[0205] A switch is provided on the adapter 1 or the unit 100a, and the external device connection section to which the host is connected is selected by switching the switch. Also, a smartphone or the like connected to one of the external connection sections sets which connection section will be used as the host. As shown in Figure 10, when the adapter 1 and the unit 100a each have an external device connection section, the control microcomputer 111 controls the external device connected in advance to either the adapter 1 or the unit 100a to be used as the host.

[0206] This function allows the adapter 1 or the unit 100a to be used as a hub for multiple external devices 10a to 10n, and allows information from the fault diagnosis system and other external devices to be distributed to various external devices. For example, the following effects are achieved. (1) Data can be exchanged between the external devices 10a to 10n via the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a. In other words, when using multiple electronic devices such as a PC, smartphone, and digital camera in a vehicle and exchanging files between them, the adapter can be used without providing a dedicated hub, which is convenient. (2) By controlling other external devices, adapters, or various functions of adapters from external devices with input functions such as a smartphone or PC connected to the adapter 1 and / or unit 100a, it is possible to easily set parameters and perform various operations on external devices that do not have an operating unit. (3) In the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a, the control microcomputer 111 By processing the information described in (d), the information acquired by the host external device can be processed and sent to other external devices that are peripheral devices. For example, a smartphone can be used as the host external device, and images acquired by the smartphone can be superimposed on signals from the fault diagnosis system and displayed on other external devices such as a navigation system.

[0207] [5. Fifth embodiment] (Terminal unit) 13 and 14, the terminal unit 100b of this embodiment has a speaker 1b and a mini USB connector 3. The terminal unit 100b has an input connector 5 for receiving vehicle information and power from the vehicle battery from the adapter 1, a control microcomputer 111, a buzzer control unit 14a connected to the control microcomputer 111, a voice playback control unit 14b, and a ROM 14c storing message data. When multiple units are connected to the adapter 1, the terminal unit 100b is connected at the final stage, and does not have an output connector.

[0208] By connecting a unit 100 having a speaker 1b to an adapter 1 having no output function, the control microcomputer 111 uses a buzzer control unit 14a to output a warning sound to the user based on information acquired by the adapter 1 from the vehicle. In addition to the warning by the buzzer, message data stored in a ROM 14c is used to provide audio guidance to the user. The control microcomputer 111 uses a power supply control unit 119 to supply power from the vehicle battery or a portable battery 62 as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 to external devices connected to the USB connector 2 or mini USB connector 3 provided on the adapter 1 or unit 100.

[0209] This allows information from the vehicle and information from each external device connected to the adapter for charging to be output, even if the adapter 1 does not have an output means for audio or the like. For example, the completion of charging of an external device connected to the USB connector 2 or mini USB connector 3 can be output from the speaker 1b. For users who are satisfied with the functions provided by the adapter 1 alone, by attaching a terminal unit 100b to the adapter 1 that only outputs audio from a buzzer or speaker, it is possible to announce changes in the vehicle's status, the implementation of active control, and the like.

[0210] [6. Sixth Embodiment] (Wireless Communication Unit) As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, in the sixth embodiment, a mobile terminal 61 such as a smartphone is connected to a wireless communication unit 100c as an external device. The mobile terminal 61 is connected by a wired connection unit 117 or a wireless connection unit 118 provided on the units 100b and 100c, as in the case of the adapter 1 shown in Fig. 4 of the second embodiment. In Fig. 15, of the multiple units 100a to 100c connected to the adapter 1, the unit 100c adjacent to the adapter 1 is connected to the smartphone 61 by low-power wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, as shown in the block diagram of Fig. 16, a wireless communication unit 118 is provided inside the unit 100c in addition to the input connector 5, the output connector 50, the control microcomputer 111, and the power supply control unit 119.

[0211] Many mobile terminals 61, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, have wireless communication functions such as Bluetooth in addition to wired communication functions via USB cables. In such mobile terminals, connecting the unit 100c and the mobile terminal 61 via wireless communication allows easy data exchange without the need for a connection means such as a cable. It is preferable to connect all units 100 to 100c and the mobile terminal 61 via wireless communication. When connecting units to the adapter 1, if the terminal unit 100b is always connected, it is preferable to provide a wireless communication function only in the terminal unit.

[0212] According to this embodiment, by using a mobile terminal 61 such as a smartphone, data acquired by the adapter 1 from a vehicle can be displayed on the smartphone screen using an application provided in advance for the smartphone. Also, by combining and installing the unit 100c to which the mobile terminal 61 is connected with the adapter 1 or a unit having other functions, it is possible to update programs and data of external devices connected to the adapter or unit having other functions from the mobile terminal 61. For example, it is possible to update the latest traffic enforcement information to an external device such as a radar detector using a PC or smartphone.

[0213] [7. Seventh embodiment] (Logging unit) 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the unit 100d is provided with a recording unit for recording information received from at least one of an in-vehicle computer, an external device, and an internal device as an external device. The unit 100d is provided with a recording unit 63a for an SD card 63 as the information recording unit. The information recording unit is not limited to the SD card 63, and a recording unit for a mini SD card or a micro SD card may be provided. Although not shown, in addition to the unit 100d, an SD card mounting unit may be provided in the adapter 1 or another unit, for example, the unit 100a connected to an external device or the terminal unit 100b.

[0214] The unit 100d is provided with an SD card control unit 120 that controls reading and writing of the SD card 63 by the recording unit 63, and a GPS unit control unit 121 that acquires location information from the GPS and records it on the SD card 63, and records it in the database 116. The SD card control unit 120 and the GPS unit control unit 121 acquire location information at predetermined timings set in advance in the database 116 in accordance with commands from the control microcomputer 111, and record the acquired location information, time, etc., on the SD card 63 as a vehicle travel log. In addition to the information from the GPS, the control microcomputer 111 records vehicle information acquired by the logging unit 11d via the adapter 1 on the SD card 63 as a vehicle status log.

[0215] According to this embodiment, information collected from the vehicle while traveling and location information collected from GPS can be written to a storage medium such as an SD card provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100d connected thereto, thereby making it possible to collect information useful for safe driving and operation management as a log. The information collected in the storage medium can be used to analyze operation information, operation trajectory, driving habits, etc. using a dedicated application on a personal computer or mobile device, and can be used for safe driving, etc. For example, when units are connected to the adapter 1, a recording unit may be provided in all units 100a to 100f, but if the adapter 1 is configured to always connect the terminal unit 1b, it is preferable to provide a recording unit only in the terminal unit 1b.

[0216] [8. Eighth embodiment] (TPMS unit) As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) mounted on a vehicle tire is connected to the unit 100e as an external device. The TPMS is connected to the unit 100e via wireless communication. A TPMS control unit (not shown) is provided within the TPMS unit 100e, and a control microcomputer 111 controls the TPMS control unit. Based on information from the TPMS, the TPMS control unit and the control microcomputer 111 output at least one of an image display and an audio output from one or more of the other external devices 10a to 10n connected to the adapter 1, the unit 100a, or the terminal unit 100b, and internal devices such as the liquid crystal display 1a, the speaker 1b, and the LED warning light 1c.

[0217] According to this embodiment, for example, the tire pressure state can be displayed as a graph on an external device (such as a car navigation system or a radar detector) of another unit 100a combined with the TPMS unit 100e, or the tire position and its air pressure can be superimposed on an outline drawing of the vehicle. It is possible to display the tire pressure in various states, such as by displaying the tire pressure in a different manner depending on the type of external device, or by outputting a voice or warning sound in the event of an abnormality. In particular, when a plurality of different external devices 10a to 10n are connected to the adapter 1 or another unit 100a, the tire pressure can be displayed in different ways depending on the type of external device, thereby further improving the visibility for the user and the voice guidance function.

[0218] In this embodiment, a dedicated TPMS unit 100e that wirelessly connects to the tire pressure detection device TPMS is shown, but it is also possible to incorporate the tire pressure detection device TPMS into any or all of the units 100a to 100d to form the TPMS unit 100e. As with the terminal unit 100b in Fig. 10, the TPMS unit 100e may be provided with audio and image output means, or the TPMS unit 100e itself may not be provided with any output means, and audio and images related to the TPMS may be output using an external device or internal device connected to the adapter 1 or another unit.

[0219] [9. Ninth embodiment] (Obstacle detection radar receiving unit) As shown in FIG. 20 , in this embodiment, an obstacle detection radar receiver is connected to the unit 100f as an external device. A millimeter-wave radar MWR is used as the obstacle detection radar. Although not shown, the unit 100f includes a control microcomputer 111 and a radar control unit that outputs at least one of an external device control command, a warning sound, and a voice guidance to at least one of other external devices and internal devices connected to the adapter 1 based on information from the obstacle detection radar device and information from the adapter 1. In this embodiment, only a millimeter-wave radar MWR receiver is connected as an external device, but it is also possible to connect a millimeter-wave radar MWR transmitter / receiver. In this case, the functions of the control microcomputer 111 and the radar control unit are changed accordingly.

[0220] According to this embodiment, the millimeter-wave radar MWR is used as an obstacle detection radar device to detect situations within a range of about 100 m, so that it is possible to measure the distance to an obstacle ahead and the speed relative to the obstacle ahead. For example, based on information acquired by the unit 100f from the receiving device of the millimeter-wave radar MWR and information acquired by the adapter 1 from the vehicle, a warning about failure to maintain a safe distance can be output from the adapter 1 or other external device connected to the unit, thereby providing assistance in avoiding danger and helping to prevent collisions and other accidents.

[0221] In this embodiment, it is preferable to attach obstacle detection radar devices to the left and right sides of the vehicle and receive information from the left and right radars with the unit 100f. In this way, when a turn signal is issued to change lanes while the vehicle is running, the fault diagnosis system detects this turn signal via the adapter 1 and also acquires radar information from the unit 100f to which the obstacle detection radar devices are connected, and the control microcomputer 111 in the adapter 1 compares both pieces of information. If there is another vehicle on the side of the vehicle on the side where the vehicle is changing lanes, a warning sound can be emitted to warn of danger.

[0222] [10. Tenth embodiment] (Connecting an expansion unit to an adapter) As shown in Figure 21, the adapter 1 has a mounting portion for fixing an expansion unit. Similarly, each unit except for the terminal unit 100b has a mounting portion for fixing other units. Therefore, by connecting different units to the adapter according to the type of external device desired by the user, it becomes possible to connect many types of external devices. Figures 21(a) to 21(c) show examples of connection modes, but the type and number of units to be connected are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate according to the user's wishes.

[0223] When combining Adapter 1 with multiple units, one of the multiple units must be connected to the Adapter. The terminal unit 100b has only a mounting portion for fastening to the adapter 1, and is connected last after connecting multiple units to the adapter 1. In this way, the mounting portions for connecting other units are not exposed on the part of the last connected unit 100b, providing dust protection and a good appearance. The terminal unit 100b has no mounting portion for connecting other units, so there is ample space on its surface to install other devices, allowing the use of a large speaker 1b that covers the entire surface of the unit as internal equipment, improving the quality of the output sound.

[0224] [11. Eleventh embodiment] (Stacking of adapter and unit) As shown in Fig. 22, in this embodiment, the adapter 1 and each of the units 100b to 100d are fixed in a stacked state in multiple stages. As shown in the above embodiments, each of the units 100b to 100c has a built-in control microcomputer 111, a CAN communication control unit 115, and other means, and thereby each of the units 100b to 100c is connected to a CAN network 115N on the vehicle side via the adapter 1. In this way, the adapter 1 and the multiple units 100b to 100d connected thereto have the appearance of a single block, so that the entire unit, which has multiple functions but is compactly integrated, can be placed inside the vehicle without looking out of place.

[0225] 22, three units are connected to the adapter 1, but the number of units that can be connected to the adapter 1 is not limited to this. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection surfaces of the adapter 1 and each unit are identical in shape, but it is preferable to use units that are smaller than the adapter and have a smaller connection surface with the adapter 1. In this way, various power supply connectors and units can be arranged on the same surface of the adapter 1.

[0226] [12. 12th embodiment] (multiple units attached to adapter) As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , in this embodiment, a plurality of unit mounting portions 101 are provided adjacent to the adapter 1, thereby arranging a plurality of units 100a-100f adjacent to each other on the adapter 1. Each of the units 100a-100f is small and has the same shape compared to the adapter 1, and in particular, has a shape that has the same width and height when attached to the adapter. A plurality of units 100a-100f of such shapes, particularly several to a dozen or so, are arranged side by side on one side of the adapter. In the figures, two external device connection units 100a, a wireless communication unit 100c, a logging unit 100d, a TPMS unit 100e, and a terminal unit 100b are arranged, but the number and types of units connected to the adapter 1 are not limited to this.

[0227] According to this embodiment, multiple units 100a-100f can be arranged in a small area on one adapter 1, without stacking multiple units as in the eleventh embodiment. For example, if each of the units 100a-100f is configured to connect to an external device via wireless communication, connectors for connecting the units 100a-100f to the external device are not required, and it becomes possible to use miniaturized units in chip or card form. If the unit mounting portion 101 provided on the adapter 1 is a USB port, multiple units 100a-100f can be mounted on one adapter 1 using a standardized connection structure.

[0228] According to this embodiment, it is possible to compactly connect a plurality of units 100a to 100f having external devices and internal devices with a variety of functions to the adapter 1. In particular, if the units 100a to 100f are arranged side by side with no gaps between them as shown in the figure, it is possible to solve the problem of dust getting into the gaps and making dirt more noticeable in places where dust is likely to be generated, such as inside a vehicle.

[0229] If cables 12, etc., that connect each unit to an external device extend, The mounting portions 101 of the units in the adapter 1 should preferably be arranged horizontally with a gap between them. This creates a gap between adjacent units, making it easier to route cables 12 and the like. If multiple units are directly attached to the adapter 1, the combined size of the adapter and units becomes large, so it is also possible to connect the adapter 1 to all or some of the units connected to it with cables. In this way, the connection positions of the adapter and units can be spaced apart, allowing the units to be placed near the external device to which they are connected.

[0230] [13. 13th embodiment] (Network connection) 25, in this embodiment, the adapter 1 is connected to a CAN network 115N provided in a vehicle via the input connector 5, and the fault diagnosis system is connected to a plurality of sensors arranged in the vehicle via this CAN network 115N. Each of the units 100a to 100f includes a local network LAN connected to the CAN network 115N via the adapter 1, and each of the units 100a to 100f, external devices 10a to 10n, and / or internal devices are connected to this local network LAN.

[0231] The fault diagnosis system is connected to various sensors on the vehicle side via an internal vehicle network called the CAN network 115N, and collects data that is the basis for fault diagnosis. According to this embodiment, a local network LAN provided in the adapter 1 is connected to this type of network within the vehicle, and information is exchanged with external devices connected to the units 100a to 100f via the local network LAN, so that information from the fault diagnosis system and information from each external device can be distributed in real time to the adapter 1, the fault diagnosis system, each of the units 100a to 100f, the external devices 10a to 10n, internal devices, and the like, which are connected to the network.

[0232] That is, compared to when the adapter 1 and each unit 100a-100f are connected via serial communication, because multiple external devices 10a-10n are connected to the local network LAN, each unit 100a-100f can simultaneously receive information from the adapter 1 and the other external devices 10a-10n. As a result, even when multiple units are combined or multiple external devices 10a-10n are connected, there is no delay in information compared to when devices from different manufacturers are serially connected or when each external device is directly connected to a network such as a CAN in the vehicle. For example, a vehicle traveling at high speed needs to instantly issue a warning or take evasive action based on information collected by the external devices 10a-10n and a fault diagnosis system, and the present invention can also be applied to systems that require such rapid response.

[0233] [14. 14th embodiment] (Adapter and unit are wirelessly connected) As shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, each of the units 100a to 100f is wirelessly connected to the adapter 1 by low-power wireless such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi.

[0234] In this embodiment, the adapter 1 and each of the units 100a-100f are wirelessly connected, eliminating the need for attachment sections for connecting each of the units 100a-100f to the adapter 1 and connectors for signal transmission and reception, thereby enabling the adapter 1 and the units 100a-100f to be made smaller. For example, by providing multiple internal devices, such as the speaker 1b and the SD card recording section 63b, and a wireless device for connecting the external devices 10a-10n and the adapter 1, within the case of one unit, it is possible to achieve multiple functions with one compact unit. Such a unit does not require any restrictions on its installation location, so it can be placed in a location away from the adapter 1 or in a location that is easy for the user to operate.

[0235] 27 shows a single unit 100a incorporating multiple functions described in the above embodiments, such as a speaker 1b, an LED warning light 1c, and an SD card recording unit 63a, with the unit 100a and adapter 1 connected wirelessly. The unit 100a is provided with, for example, four connectors 102 for connecting external devices, to which external devices having functions that cannot be implemented by the functions built into the unit 100a, such as a car navigation system, a drive recorder, a radar detector, or a millimeter-wave radar oscillator, can be connected. This simplifies the configuration of the unit 100a, which has multiple functions, and since only relatively large external devices need to be connected to the unit, the overall system, including the adapter 1, unit 100a, and external devices, can be made smaller.

[0236] 15. Other Embodiments The present invention includes the following other embodiments. (1) All or any of the units 100a to 100f are provided with a power supply connector, such as all or any of a USB connector 2, a mini USB connector 3, and a cigarette lighter socket 4, that supplies the vehicle-side power supplied via the adapter 1 to the external devices 10a to 10n as charging power. This allows smartphones, personal computers, etc. to be charged using the vehicle-side battery. The port of the fault diagnosis system is constantly powered by the battery, and by supplying this power to the external devices connected to the units via the adapter, the external devices can be charged even when the vehicle's accessory switch is off.

[0237] (2) Each unit is provided with a power receiving connector for supplying power from a portable battery such as a mobile battery to the vehicle and / or other external devices. By supplying power from the portable battery to other external devices or the vehicle, it becomes possible to charge or use other external devices when the vehicle accessory switch is off, or to supply power from the portable battery to the vehicle when the capacity of the on-board battery is insufficient, thereby enabling the use of various devices on the vehicle.

[0238] (3) The adapter 1 and all of the units do not necessarily need to be equipped with a power supply function. It is preferable to provide a power supply connector to one or all of the units without providing a power supply connector to the adapter 1. The present invention also encompasses the case where the adapter 1 and all of the units do not have a power supply function.

[0239] (4) The configurations and functions provided in the adapter 1 in Figures 1 to 9 may be provided in all, one, or more of the units. The configurations and functions provided independently in each of the units 100a to 100f may be provided in appropriate combinations in each unit or adapter. For example, the adapter 1 may be provided with a logging function, a TPMS function, and a radar receiving function. If the adapter itself has various functions, the number of units that need to be combined can be reduced. The adapter 1 or unit 100 may be provided with a 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit, a Bluetooth unit, or the like.

[0240] It would be good to have a unit that can upload information collected from the vehicle and each unit directly to the cloud for data management. The data uploaded to the cloud can be used, for example, with a dedicated app, for operation history and operation management. Also, if email notification destinations are set in advance, it would be good to have a configuration in which notifications are sent by email when any changes are detected in other units. With this communication unit, users can receive emails to their smartphones or mobile phones even when they are away from the vehicle.

[0241] For example, a notification is sent from a device (simple security) that can communicate with the Bluetooth unit. It is recommended that the Bluetooth unit be configured to notify the user of any detected events (such as impact detection, vehicle tilt detection, or approach detection) via this unit via email to the user's mobile phone.

[0242] There are the following methods for setting email notification destinations and selecting notification items. (1) By installing the Bluetooth unit, you can set it up using a dedicated app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. (2) If the unit shown in the above embodiment is installed, it can be set from a radar, navigation system, drive recorder, etc. (3) It would be ideal if the settings could be configured using a dedicated app on a smartphone, etc. (It would also be ideal if the dedicated app could send emails directly to the 3G / 4G communication unit.

[0243] When a simple security device with a Bluetooth communication interface is equipped with a Bluetooth unit and an OBD adapter equipped with this 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit, it is possible to notify the user of any abnormalities detected in the vehicle by email, which makes it even more convenient to communicate with other devices and monitor the vehicle's status. For example, a configuration can be used to notify the vehicle's door lock status by inquiring about the door lock status via email to the OBD adapter. If the door is unlocked, an email can be sent to instruct the user to lock it, and a door lock instruction can be sent to the vehicle based on this instruction. It is particularly preferable that the external device that receives power from the adapter 1 or the unit 100 be a drive recorder and have the following functions: That is, it is particularly preferable that the external device that receives power from the OBD adapter be a drive recorder and have the following functions: In particular, it is preferable that the drive recorder have a function for recording while driving and a function for recording while parked (referred to as a parking monitoring function). The drive recorder is a device that draws power from the OBD.

[0244] This OBD adapter (1) A function that outputs vehicle information obtained from the vehicle while the engine is on to the drive recorder. (2) A function that supplies power to the drive recorder when the engine is off (parking monitoring). (3) By incorporating a G-sensor into the OBD adapter, even if parking monitoring is turned off, if the G-sensor reacts, it will supply power to the DVR and start recording. (4) A function to stop power supply for the convenience of the drive recorder (a function to stop power output to the drive recorder when a power stop signal from the drive recorder is input to the OBD adapter). (5) Equipped with a function to stop power supply when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a threshold.

[0245] Regarding (3), if you do this, the car battery can run out if power is constantly supplied to the drive recorder, but if you do this, recording will start when the G sensor detects something even if the surveillance recording is turned off, reducing the load on the battery.

[0246] If a G-sensor is built in, it is expected that the G-sensor will frequently react to strong winds or the sound of fireworks as a malfunction. To prevent this, when the OBD adapter detects that the engine is off based on a signal from the vehicle, it should output a signal to the drive recorder indicating that the engine is off. When the drive recorder receives a signal indicating that the engine is off, it should display a caption or similar on its display screen, allowing the user to select an operation from among these options, and then perform the selected operation. It is also recommended that the setting be made clear by, for example, inverting the image.

[0247] Normal monitoring records for the set time regardless of G-sensor reaction. Impact monitoring records for the set time only if the G-sensor reacts. OFF does not record. Regarding (4), the drive recorder should be a drive recorder with built-in 3G / 4G / 5G. In such a drive recorder, it is advisable to record on a recording medium such as an SD card in places with poor communication environments. Also, in a drive recorder equipped with an event recording function, event recording video is saved on a recording medium such as an SD card.

[0248] While video data and other data is constantly sent to the cloud using 4G and other communication functions, it is best to send data recorded on an SD card or other device to the cloud after the engine has been stopped. A power source is required to provide power for the time it takes to transfer the data recorded on the SD card, and power supplied from the OBD is ideal.

[0249] For example, with the configuration of (4), when data transfer after the engine is stopped is completed, the drive recorder sends a power stop signal to the OBD adapter, and when the OBD adapter receives this power stop signal, it stops outputting power to the drive recorder.

[0250] The devices in (A) to (R) described below may be the adapter 1 or the unit 100, and the devices in (A) to (R) may be the drive recorder. (A) A device that supplies power to a device retrofitted to a vehicle from a fault diagnosis connector provided on the vehicle, a function of connecting to an in-vehicle network of a vehicle via the fault diagnosis connector; A function to detect whether the vehicle is on; a function of transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is in an on-state; It is preferable that the vehicle has a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state.

[0251] In this way, the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle can easily receive power from the fault diagnosis connector, and can receive power without blocking the cigarette lighter socket, for example.In addition, when the vehicle is on, the equipment can receive information from the vehicle's in-vehicle network, and can receive power even when the vehicle is not on. The device to be retrofitted to the vehicle can be a variety of devices, but a drive recorder is particularly preferable.

[0252] The in-vehicle network to be connected may be, for example, CAN or K-line. The fault diagnosis connector is preferably an OBDII connector, for example. In particular, if the connector is installed inside the vehicle, the user can easily connect it.

[0253] (B) a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is in an on state; It is preferable that the device has a function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in an on state or not (off state). In this way, the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle can easily receive power and know whether the vehicle is in the on or off state. In particular, it is preferable that the power supply line and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is in the on or off state are one cable covered with the same sheath. In this way, by simply wiring one cable, it is possible to receive power and a signal indicating whether the vehicle is in the on or off state, which makes it extremely smart and easy to manage the wiring for the retrofitted equipment inside the vehicle.

[0254] (C) The device may have a function to change the operation of the device depending on whether the vehicle is in an on state or not (off state). For example, if the device is a drive recorder, it will be in continuous recording mode when the vehicle is on, and in parking monitoring mode when the vehicle is not on, and the recording parameters can be switched between the two modes. It is a good idea to replace it.

[0255] (D) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the equipment when the vehicle is not turned on. In this way, the device can easily determine whether the vehicle is in an on state by checking whether a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network is transmitted.

[0256] (E) The device may have a function of not transmitting signals to the in-vehicle network when the vehicle is not turned on.

[0257] This reduces the possibility that, for example, an on-board computer connected to the in-vehicle network for controlling the vehicle, which is in a sleep or off state when the vehicle is not on, will be switched to an active or on state, because the on-board computer may transition from a sleep or off state to an active or on state when a signal is transmitted over the in-vehicle network.

[0258] (F) The vehicle on-state may be a state in which the vehicle is charging a battery of the vehicle. The vehicle on-state may include an engine on state. (G) When the vehicle is not in an on state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle. (H) It is preferable that the device has a function of transmitting a signal indicating that the device has been turned off, and that the device performs processing based on the signal indicating that the device has been turned off.

[0259] (I) The device may be a drive recorder, and may switch the video recording mode based on receiving the signal indicating that the device has been turned off. (J) The switching of the video recording mode may be from a recording mode in the vehicle on state (for example, a continuous recording mode) to a recording mode in the vehicle off state (for example, a parking surveillance recording mode). In the parking surveillance recording mode, it is advisable to record video at a lower bit rate than in the continuous recording mode, for example, by lowering the frame rate, reducing the resolution, or increasing the compression rate.

[0260] (K) have a function to stop the supply of power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state; It is preferable that the vehicle is provided with a sensor and has a function of starting the supply of power to the device based on a signal from the sensor even when the vehicle is not in an on state.

[0261] If power continues to be supplied to a retrofitted device based on the power from the diagnostic connector while the vehicle is off, there is a concern that the vehicle battery may be drained by the power supply to that device, but by supplying power based on the sensor signal in this way, this concern can be alleviated and the load on the vehicle battery can also be reduced.

[0262] The sensor may be a sensor that detects at least one of the following: a person approaching the vehicle, the vehicle shaking, and a sound near the vehicle. For example, the power supply to the device may be resumed when a person approaches, the vehicle shaking corresponds to a predetermined state, or a sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state. These predetermined states may be states corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a thief or the like.

[0263] Whether or not to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state is determined from the device to the device. The device may be configured to set the power supply to the device based on a signal from the device, and the device may control the power supply to the device on or off when the vehicle is not on based on the setting. For example, even when the device is set not to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not on, the device may be provided with a sensor as in (K) and have a function to start the power supply to the device based on a signal from the sensor even when the vehicle is not on.

[0264] (L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. When the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor reaches a predetermined state, the power supply to the device may be resumed even if the vehicle is not in an on-state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to acceleration applied to the vehicle by a person, such as a thief. For example, the state may be when acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value occurs. (M) The sensor may be provided in a housing having a connector that mates with a diagnostic connector provided in the vehicle. This eliminates the need for exposed wiring from the diagnostic connector to the sensor, allowing for smart and easy installation of the device or equipment.

[0265] (N) It ​​is preferable that the device has a function of receiving a signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device, and controlling the power supply from the device to the device based on the signal. The signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device may include at least one of turning on or off the power supply from the device to the device. The power supply may be turned off or on immediately upon receiving the signal, or may be turned on or off after a predetermined time. The device may send an instruction signal to the device at the predetermined time, and the device may perform the operation after the predetermined time based on the signal. Alternatively, for example, the device may send a signal regarding the time to supply power to the device, and the device may receive the signal, supply power to the device for the predetermined time, and then stop supplying power to the device.

[0266] (O) The device may have a communication function, and the device may have a function of communicating using the communication function when the vehicle is not in an on state, and after the communication is completed, the device may send a signal to the device to stop the supply of power to the device, and the device that receives the signal may have a function of stopping the supply of power to the device. In particular, the device may be a drive recorder, and when the vehicle is on, it has the function of transmitting captured video data using the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted, and when the vehicle is not on, it has the function of transmitting the recorded video data that could not be transmitted using the communication function, and after the communication is completed, it sends a signal to the device to stop the supply of power to the device, and when the device receives the signal, it has the function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

[0267] (P) It is preferable to provide a function to stop the power supply to the device when the power from the fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle reaches a predetermined state. (Q) The device is a drive recorder, and it is preferable that it has a function to automatically start recording when power is supplied. In this way, it is easy to realize car security functions with a general drive recorder.

[0268] The configuration of the (R) device is preferably configured by combining at least two of (A) to (Q). In particular, it is preferably configured by combining at least one of (B) to (R) on the premise of the configuration of (A). It may also be possible to select and combine the components described in (A) to (Q). It may also be possible to configure by combining at least one of (1) to (41) with at least one of (A) to (Q). It may also be possible to configure by combining at least one of the components described in (1) to (41) with at least one of (a) to (r). The present invention may be configured by combining at least one of the components described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0269] 1...Adapter 2...USB connector 20...USB plug 3...Mini USB connector 30...Mini USB plug 4...Cigarette lighter socket 40...Cigarette lighter plug 5...Power receiving connector (input side connector) 50...Power supply connector (output connector) 61...Smartphone 62...Portable battery 63...SD card 10,10a,10b,10c…External equipment 11...Control unit 111...Control microcomputer 112...Engine state detection unit 113...Analog signal detection unit 114...K-LINE communication control unit 115...CAN communication control unit 116...Database 117…Wired Communications Department 118...Radio Communication Department 119...Power supply control unit 12...Cable 13...Connector 100a...External device connection unit 100b...Terminal unit 100c...Wireless communication unit 100d...Logging unit 100e…TPMS unit 100f... Obstacle detection radar receiving unit 101...Unit mounting part

Claims

[Claim 1] A system capable of collecting information from a vehicle's OBDII connector, comprising: The device has a function of collecting information collected from the OBDII connector of the vehicle while the vehicle is running into a detachably mounted storage medium, and a function of acquiring the information collected from the OBDII connector of the vehicle while the vehicle is running using an application on a smartphone connected by wireless communication and performing predetermined processing, A configuration for detachably mounting a storage medium for collecting information collected from the OBDII connector of the vehicle while the vehicle is running into the detachably mounted storage medium is provided in a housing of the adapter and / or unit that is integrated with the OBDII connector of the vehicle when a connector provided on a surface of the adapter is connected to the OBDII connector of the vehicle. A system characterized by:

Images