Pneumatic pressure notification system and terminal device

Abstract

An air pressure notification system (1) comprises an air pressure detection device (2) provided to a wheel (W), and a terminal device (4) carried by a user. The air pressure detection device (2) has a pressure sensor (21) which is attached to the wheel (W) and detects the air pressure of a tire, and a communication device (25) capable of transmitting detection information including a value of the detected air pressure to the terminal device (4). The terminal device (4) has a communication device (40) capable of receiving the detection information transmitted by the air pressure detection device (2), and a display device (41b) for displaying the received detection information. The air pressure detection device (2) and the terminal device (4) are able to directly transmit and receive the information via bidirectional communication using a wireless communication method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic pressure notification system and a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology called TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) for monitoring the pneumatic pressure of vehicle tires has been known. In a general TPMS, a detection device installed on a wheel detects the pneumatic pressure of the tire and transmits it to a receiving device (in-vehicle device) on the vehicle side, and the in-vehicle device monitors the received pneumatic pressure information and displays it on a display device in the vehicle.

[0003] Also, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle system that provides information on the pneumatic pressure of tires not only to users inside the vehicle but also to users outside the vehicle. In the vehicle system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information on the pneumatic pressure of the tire detected by the detection device is displayed on a portable device carried by the user via the in-vehicle device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <000002*0*>

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional technology requires the in-vehicle device side to have a transmission function for transmitting pneumatic pressure information to the portable device. Therefore, although it is possible to provide information on the pneumatic pressure of the tire to a user outside the vehicle, the cost increases. An object of the present invention is to be able to provide information on the pneumatic pressure of a tire to a user outside the vehicle and suppress an increase in cost by eliminating the need for a transmission function on the in-vehicle device side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Note: There seems to be a small error in the original text where the tag is written as <000002*0*>, and is written as <*0000022*>. I've translated them as they are in the translation. If this is a formatting issue in the original, it might need to be corrected in the source. One aspect of the present invention is a tire pressure notification system for notifying a user of information regarding the air pressure of a tire mounted on a vehicle's wheel, comprising: a tire pressure detection device provided on the wheel; and a terminal device carried by the user, wherein the tire pressure detection device has a pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure of the tire and a first communication unit capable of transmitting detection information, including the detected value of the tire's air pressure, to the terminal device, and the terminal device has a second communication unit capable of receiving the detection information transmitted by the tire pressure detection device and a display unit for displaying the received detection information, wherein the tire pressure detection device and the terminal device can directly transmit and receive information through bidirectional communication using a wireless communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information on tire pressure to users outside the vehicle, and it is possible to suppress cost increases by eliminating the need for a transmission function on the in-vehicle device side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the pneumatic pressure notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the pneumatic pressure detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with the pneumatic detection device and on-board device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an example of the schematic configuration of the terminal device of the embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a sequence chart illustrating the overview of communication between devices in the pneumatic notification system of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a tire pressure notification method in a tire pressure notification system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (composition) As shown in Figure 1, the tire pressure notification system 1 is a system that notifies the user of the tire pressure status of the tires mounted on the wheels of vehicle C. The tire pressure notification system 1 comprises a tire pressure detection device 2, a terminal device 4, and an in-vehicle device 10. Based on TPMS technology, the tire pressure notification system 1 provides the user with a tire pressure monitoring function that can monitor tire pressure regardless of whether the user is inside the vehicle or whether vehicle C is in motion.

[0010] The air pressure detection device 2 is installed on each of the multiple wheels of vehicle C and detects the air pressure of the tires mounted on each wheel. The air pressure detection device 2 is connected to the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10 via wireless communication and transmits the detected tire air pressure to each device. The in-vehicle device 10 is installed in vehicle C and receives the tire pressure transmitted by the tire pressure detection device 2 while vehicle C is in motion, and notifies the user inside the vehicle (e.g., the driver). In other words, the in-vehicle device 10 provides the user with a tire pressure monitoring function while driving.

[0011] Terminal device 4 is a terminal device carried by the user, and is not limited to, but may include, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet device, or a small, easily portable computer. Terminal device 4 implements, for example, an air pressure monitoring program (air pressure monitoring app). Under the control of the processor, terminal device 4 runs the air pressure monitoring app, providing the user with an air pressure monitoring function for when vehicle C is stopped (parked) and outside the vehicle. For example, when the user adjusts the air pressure of the tires of vehicle C, the user requests information about the air pressure from the air pressure monitoring function screen (not shown) on the human-machine interface (HMI) of terminal device 4, and in response, the air pressure detection device 2 transmits the detected air pressure. This allows the user to monitor the air pressure of the tires of vehicle C using terminal device 4 without interrupting work to return to the vehicle or taking measurements with a separate air pressure measuring device. This enables smooth tire pressure adjustment work. In other words, the external tire pressure monitoring function also serves as a pressure adjustment assistance function that improves the efficiency of tire pressure adjustment work.

[0012] The configuration of the pneumatic detection device 2 will be explained using Figures 2A and 2B, with reference to Figure 1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2A, the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 comprises a pressure sensor 21, an acceleration sensor 22, a temperature sensor 23, a sensor control unit (CU) 24, a communication device (an example of a first communication device) 25, and a battery 26. The pneumatic pressure detection device 2 is also called a TPMS sensor. The sensor CU 24 is, for example, a microcomputer with built-in ROM (Read Only Memory), and controls the overall operation of the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 based on a control program stored in the ROM.

[0014] The sensor CU24 operates using power supplied from the battery 26 that forms the power supply for the air pressure detection device 2, and outputs detection information (TPMS data) to the communication device 25, which includes air pressure information indicating the tire air pressure [kPa] detected by the pressure sensor 21, temperature information inside the tire detected by the temperature sensor 23, and the unique ID of the air pressure detection device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "sensor ID"). The detection information only needs to include at least the sensor ID and air pressure information. The communication device 25 transmits the detection information input from the sensor CU24 as a wireless signal.

[0015] The communication device 25 communicates with the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10 using a short-range wireless communication method to send and receive information. Various standards can be used as the short-range wireless communication method, such as Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, and wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi®). However, from the viewpoint of convenience, reduced power consumption, and ensuring communication security, it is preferable to use Bluetooth as the short-range wireless communication method. The communication device 25 uses, for example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to pre-pair the air pressure detection device 2 with the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10, respectively, and establishes communication with the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the communication device 25 performs bidirectional communication with the terminal device 4, with which communication has been established using the short-range wireless communication method described above. In other words, the communication device 25 can directly send and receive information with the terminal device 4 using the short-range wireless communication method. It is not mandatory for the communication device 25 to perform bidirectional communication with the in-vehicle device 10; at the very least, it is sufficient to transmit detection information in a way that allows the in-vehicle device 10, with which communication has been established using the short-range wireless communication method described above, to receive it. The communication device 25 may also send and receive information with the in-vehicle device 10 via bidirectional communication, similar to the terminal device 4. The communication device 25 communicates with both the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10 using the same standard short-range wireless communication method. This eliminates the need to equip the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 with multiple types of communication devices, thereby reducing costs and processing load.

[0017] When the sensor CU24 determines that the trigger signal output by the acceleration sensor 22 indicates a vehicle speed range higher than a predetermined extremely low vehicle speed range (including stopping), it starts outputting detection information to the communication device 25 at a periodic interval for normal confirmation (about 30 to 60 seconds). Thereby, the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 can transmit the detection information to be receivable by the in-vehicle device 10 at an appropriate periodic interval during the running of the vehicle C. When the trigger signal output by the acceleration sensor 22 indicates the above-mentioned extremely low vehicle speed range, the sensor CU terminates the output of the detection information.

[0018] Based on the pneumatic pressure request signal transmitted from the terminal device 4, the sensor CU24 starts outputting detection information to the communication device 25 at a periodic interval for random confirmation (about 0.5 to 5 seconds). The sensor CU24 terminates the output of the detection information based on the pneumatic pressure stop signal transmitted from the terminal device 4. Thereby, the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 provided for each wheel of the vehicle C can transmit the detection information (information on the pneumatic pressure of the tire) to be receivable by the terminal device 4 according to the request of a user who adjusts the pressure of each tire of the vehicle C, for example, and can stop transmitting the detection information in accordance with the end of the pressure adjustment. Also, the power consumption of the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 can be suppressed.

[0019] When the sensor CU24 detects a rapid change in the pneumatic pressure of the tire (pressurization or depressurization due to a pressure adjustment operation), it outputs the detection information to the communication device 25, and may terminate the output of the detection information after a certain time (for example, about 30 seconds) from the disappearance of the detection of the rapid change. Also, the sensor CU24 may always output the detection information to the communication device 25 at a fixed periodic interval (for example, about 5 seconds). With such a configuration, it becomes unnecessary to transmit the pneumatic pressure request signal and the pneumatic pressure stop signal in the terminal device 4.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2B, the air pressure detection device 2 is attached to the four wheels W. In Figure 2B, the suffix FL indicates the left front wheel, FR indicates the right front wheel, RL indicates the left rear wheel, and RR indicates the right rear wheel. In the following description, the designations FL, FR, RL, and RR will be omitted unless they need to be explained individually. The mounting position of the air pressure detection device 2 on each wheel W is, for example, the air valve (not shown) of the tire on each wheel W.

[0021] Next, the on-board device 10 installed in vehicle C will be described. The on-board device 10 comprises a communication device 11, a TPMSCU 12, an on-board human-machine interface (HMI) 15, and on-board equipment 16. The communication device 11 has established communication with the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., BLE). While vehicle C is in motion, the communication device 11 receives wireless signals containing detection information from the pneumatic pressure detection devices 2 installed on each of the wheels W. The communication device 11 decodes each received wireless signal and outputs it to the TPMSCU 12 as detection information.

[0022] The TPMSCU 12 is formed, for example, by an existing ECU (Engine Control Unit) in vehicle C, and controls the operation of the in-vehicle HMI 15 and in-vehicle equipment 16 of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle HMI 15 is a device installed inside the vehicle (in the passenger compartment) of vehicle C, and includes, for example, a display device or lamp visible to the user inside the vehicle, a speaker or buzzer that outputs alarm sounds, notification sounds, and voice information, and an operator that receives operation input from the user to the terminal device 4. The in-vehicle equipment 16 is equipment installed so that it can be seen from outside the vehicle C (outside the vehicle), and includes side mirrors, headlights, brake lights, wipers, power windows, horns, hazard lights, etc. The TPMSCU 12 controls the operation by outputting information (signals, etc.) to the in-vehicle HMI 15 and in-vehicle equipment 16.

[0023] Furthermore, the TPMSCU 12 refers to the correspondence between each sensor ID stored in its internal memory and the position of each wheel W, and determines which wheel W's tire pressure information is included in the received detection information based on the sensor ID obtained from the detection information input from the communication device 11. The TPMSCU 12 notifies the user in the vehicle via the in-vehicle HMI 15 of the corresponding wheel W's position and the tire pressure information included in each detection information. The tire pressure information only needs to be displayed on the display device of the in-vehicle HMI 15.

[0024] The TPMSCU12 may notify the user by illuminating a lamp on the in-vehicle HMI15 or by outputting a warning sound from a speaker or buzzer if the tire pressure is in a warning state where it has fallen by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) or more from the recommended pressure. The recommended pressure is the optimal tire pressure (vehicle-specified tire pressure) determined by the manufacturer according to the type of vehicle C. In this way, the in-vehicle device 10 provides the user inside the vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring function while the vehicle C is in motion. The recommended pressure may be pre-registered on the vehicle C side (such as in the internal memory mentioned above). Furthermore, if recommended pressure information cannot be obtained from the vehicle C side, the pressure entered by the user can be used as the recommended pressure.

[0025] As described above, the tire pressure notification system 1 can directly send and receive information between the tire pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 using bidirectional communication via wireless communication. Therefore, the in-vehicle device 10 does not need a configuration for communicating with the terminal device 4 regarding the tire pressure detected by the tire pressure detection device 2. As a result, the tire pressure notification system 1 can suppress cost increases in the in-vehicle device 10.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3A, the terminal device 4 comprises a communication device 40, a human-machine interface (HMI) 41, and a controller 42. The communication device 40 provides a communication function between the terminal device 4 and an external device. The communication device 40 establishes bidirectional communication with the pneumatic detection device 2 using a wireless communication method (e.g., the short-range wireless communication method described above) and can directly send and receive predetermined information (e.g., detection information). The communication device 40 is pre-paired with the pneumatic detection device 2, for example, by BLE.

[0027] When the communication device 40 receives a wireless signal containing detection information from the air pressure detection devices 2 installed on each wheel W of the vehicle C at the above-mentioned periodic check interval (approximately 0.5 to 5 seconds), it decodes each received wireless signal and outputs it to the controller 42 as detection information. In other words, the communication device 40 outputs TPMS data to the controller 42 at the above-mentioned periodic check interval. This allows the terminal device 4 to notify the user of the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted in real time when the user adjusts the tire pressure. The communication device 40 also transmits a wireless signal (for example, an air pressure request signal) containing information input from the controller 42 so that it can be received by the air pressure detection device 2. Furthermore, the communication device 40 may be configured to communicate with other external devices (for example, a predetermined server device, etc.) via, for example, wireless communication over a public mobile communication network or satellite communication.

[0028] The HMI 41 is an interface device that exchanges information between the terminal device 4 and the user. The HMI 41 includes an input device 41a that accepts user input to the terminal device 4, a user-visible display device (an example of a display unit) 41b, an audio output device 41c that outputs alarm sounds, notification sounds, and voice information, a vibration generator 41d that generates vibrations, and a user-visible lighting device 41e (for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) device). The input device 41a may be an operator such as a button, switch, lever, dial, keyboard, or touch sensor on a touch panel, or an audio input device. The display device 41b may be any device capable of displaying a predetermined image, and may be a touch panel or the like. The display device 41b displays information including the received detection information, for example. The terminal device 4 notifies the user of the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted by displaying the tire air pressure information (air pressure notification information) on the display device 41b. This makes it possible to provide information about tire air pressure to a user outside the vehicle. In addition, the audio output device 41c, vibration generator 41d, and lighting device 41e correspond to a notification device (an example of a notification unit) 410 that can notify the user of the air pressure status of each tire in conjunction with the display of air pressure notification information on the display device 41b. The notification device 410 may have at least one of the audio output device 41c, vibration generator 41d, and lighting device 41e.

[0029] The controller 42 is an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the operation of the terminal device 4. The controller 42 includes a processor 43 and peripheral components such as a storage device 44. The processor 43 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The storage device 44 may include non-transitory tangible storage media such as registers, cache memory, and memory used as main memory, such as ROM or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] As shown in Figure 3B, the terminal device 4 comprises, functionally, an information acquisition unit 45, an air pressure analysis unit (an example of a determination unit) 46, and an air pressure notification unit (an example of a notification unit) 47. This functional configuration is realized by the processor 43 executing an air pressure monitoring application stored in the storage device 44 and cooperating with various hardware resources.

[0031] The information acquisition unit 45 acquires air pressure from detection information input from the communication device 40 and outputs it to the air pressure analysis unit 46. The air pressure analysis unit 46 analyzes the input air pressure value (air pressure included in the detection information) and generates air pressure notification information. The air pressure notification information is information based on the received detection information and indicates the air pressure status of each tire of vehicle C. The air pressure notification information is information to notify the user of the air pressure status of each tire. The air pressure analysis unit 46 determines the air pressure status of the tires of vehicle C based on the input air pressure value. The air pressure status can be "insufficient state" which requires pressurization, "over-pressurized state" which exceeds the recommended pressure and requires depressurization, or "recommended state" which is at the recommended pressure and does not require pressure adjustment (pressurization and depressurization). The air pressure analysis unit 46 determines whether the input air pressure requires pressurization, whether depressurization is required, or whether neither pressurization nor depressurization is necessary. In other words, the air pressure analysis unit 46 determines which of the above three states the input air pressure is in and outputs the determination result (air pressure status) as air pressure notification information to the air pressure notification unit 47. The air pressure notification information may include the air pressure value (the current air pressure value included in the detection information), or it may include difference information (numerical value) showing the difference between the recommended pressure and the current air pressure. The air pressure analysis unit 46 only needs to be able to determine at least whether the input air pressure corresponds to the recommended pressure, that is, whether the air pressure does not require pressure adjustment (increasing and decreasing pressure). In determining whether it "corresponds to the recommended pressure," not only is a numerical match required, but a slight error can be tolerated.

[0032] The air pressure analysis unit 46 may also calculate the pressure adjustment rate (kPa / second) of each tire as the pressure increase rate and output it to the air pressure notification unit 47. The pressure adjustment rate can be calculated as the air pressure increased per second based on the difference (increase) between the newly input air pressure value and the air pressure value before the update (current) [kPa] and the input period of the air pressure value [seconds].

[0033] The tire pressure notification unit (an example of a notification unit) 47 notifies the user by displaying tire pressure notification information on the display device 41b, which shows the tire pressure status of each tire based on the detected tire pressure information. Specifically, the tire pressure notification unit 47 causes the display device 41b to display tire pressure notification information showing the determination result (tire pressure status) by the tire pressure analysis unit 46. The tire pressure notification unit 47 generates an image (notification image) containing the tire pressure notification information input from the tire pressure analysis unit 46 and displays it on the display device 41b. As a result, the tire pressure notification information showing the tire pressure status of each tire of the vehicle C is displayed on the display device 41b in a way that is easily visible to the user. The pneumatic notification unit 47 may display pneumatic notification information indicating the pressure regulation speed calculated by the pneumatic analysis unit 46 on the display device 41b. The notification image indicating the pressure regulation speed may be content indicating speed (e.g., 200 kPa / s) or content indicating speed level (e.g., high, medium, low).

[0034] Furthermore, the air pressure notification unit 47 may operate the notification device 410 in conjunction with the display of air pressure notification information on the display device 41b. In this case, the air pressure notification unit 47 causes the notification device 410 to perform a notification operation that represents the air pressure status based on the air pressure notification information generated by the air pressure analysis unit 46, i.e., the determination result of the air pressure analysis unit 46. This makes it possible to notify the user of the air pressure status of each tire with greater emphasis.

[0035] The pneumatic pressure notification unit 47 determines the operating mode (notification mode) of the notification device 410 according to the pneumatic pressure notification information and controls the operation of the notification device 410 according to the notification mode. Possible notification modes include the audio output mode of the audio output device 41c (type of notification sound, volume level, audio output interval, etc.), the vibration mode of the vibration generator 41d (vibration strength, vibration interval, etc.), and the lighting mode of the lighting device 41e (lighting color, lighting intensity, flashing interval, etc.). For example, the pneumatic pressure notification unit 47 can determine the notification mode based on the pneumatic pressure value included in the pneumatic pressure notification information. This allows the notification mode to be changed according to the pneumatic pressure value.

[0036] For example, the intensity of the notification mode may be increased as the air pressure value approaches the recommended pressure. Specifically, for every increase of a specified value (e.g., 100 kPa) in the air pressure value, the intensity of at least one of the audio output mode, vibration mode, or lighting mode may be increased in stages. Here, the intensity of the notification mode is increased in stages, for example, in the case of sound by gradually increasing the volume, gradually shortening the interval between audio outputs, and gradually raising the pitch of the sound. In the case of vibration, the intensity is increased in stages by gradually increasing the strength of the vibration and gradually shortening the interval between vibrations. In the case of lighting the lighting device 41e, the intensity is increased in stages by gradually shortening the blinking interval. This makes it easier for the user to understand that the air pressure of each tire is approaching the recommended pressure and allows them to feel the trigger for ending the pressure adjustment. The air pressure notification unit 47 may similarly determine the notification mode based on the value of the pressure adjustment speed included in the air pressure notification information. Furthermore, as the pressure adjustment speed increases, the intensity of at least one of the audio output mode, vibration mode, and lighting mode may be increased in stages.

[0037] (operation) Based on Figure 4, the operation of the pneumatic pressure notification system 1 of this embodiment will be explained. It is assumed that communication between the pneumatic pressure detection device 2 (pneumatic pressure detection device 2FR, pneumatic pressure detection device 2FL, pneumatic pressure detection device 2RR, pneumatic pressure detection device 2RL) and the terminal device 4 has been established in advance using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., BLE).

[0038] First, terminal device 4 transmits an air pressure request signal at any time to request the start of transmission of detection information (S1). The transmission of the air pressure request signal from terminal device 4 is performed by communication device 40 in response to an input operation by the user on input device 41a. The user performs this input operation, for example, when starting to adjust (regulate) the air pressure of each tire. Air pressure detection device 2 receives the air pressure request signal from terminal device 4 (S2), detects the air pressure of the tires mounted on the wheel W based on the received air pressure request signal, and transmits the detection information (S3). Thereafter, air pressure detection device 2 detects the air pressure of the tires at intervals for verification and transmits the detection information.

[0039] Terminal device 4 receives detection information transmitted from the air pressure detection device 2 at intervals for continuous checking (S4), and based on the received detection information, displays air pressure notification information indicating the air pressure status of each tire on the display device 41b and notifies the user (S5). As a result, terminal device 4 can notify the user, who adjusts the air pressure of each tire outside the vehicle, of the air pressure status of each tire at intervals for continuous checking, that is, in real time. In other words, it provides the user with an air pressure monitoring function (air pressure adjustment monitor function) that allows them to monitor the air pressure status in real time when adjusting the tire pressure.

[0040] Terminal device 4 transmits an air pressure stop signal at any time to request that the transmission of detection information be stopped (S6). The transmission of the air pressure stop signal from terminal device 4 is performed by the communication device 40 in response to an input operation of the input device 41a by the user, similar to the air pressure request signal. The user performs this input operation, for example, when they have finished adjusting the air pressure of all tires of vehicle C. Air pressure detection device 2 receives the air pressure stop signal from terminal device 4 (S7) and stops detecting the air pressure of the tires and transmitting the detected air pressure information based on the received air pressure stop signal (S8).

[0041] Thus, in the tire pressure notification system 1 according to this embodiment, the tire pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 can directly send and receive information through bidirectional communication using wireless communication. Therefore, there is no need to provide a configuration in the in-vehicle device 10 for communicating with the terminal device 4 regarding detection information, and the increase in cost can be suppressed. The terminal device 4 also notifies the user of the tire pressure status based on the detection information (S5). For this reason, the tire pressure notification system 1 can provide information about tire pressure to users outside the vehicle.

[0042] An example of a tire pressure notification method in the tire pressure notification system 1 of this embodiment will be described based on Figure 5. First, in the tire pressure notification system 1, pressure adjustment-related information is registered in the terminal device 4 (S11). Pressure adjustment-related information refers to the sensor ID of each tire pressure detection device 2 and the recommended tire pressure of the vehicle C. The terminal device 4 may obtain the sensor ID and recommended pressure by input operation of the input device 41a by the user, or it may obtain the sensor ID and recommended pressure by communicating with a predetermined server device via the communication device 40. Alternatively, the terminal device 4 may obtain the sensor ID and recommended pressure by communicating with the vehicle C. The terminal device 4 stores and registers the acquired sensor ID and recommended pressure in the storage unit 44. The sensor ID is registered in association with the corresponding wheel W (one of wheel WFL, wheel WFR, wheel WRL, or wheel WRR). Registration of pressure adjustment-related information may be performed as needed.

[0043] Next, the air pressure notification system 1 activates the air pressure monitoring function (pressure adjustment monitor function) during pressure adjustment (S12). For example, when a user performs an activation operation using the input device 41a, the terminal device 4 detects the activation operation and runs the air pressure monitoring application to display the air pressure monitoring function screen (hereafter referred to as the "pressure adjustment monitor screen") on the display device 41b. Next, the terminal device 4 selects the wheel to be monitored (S13). The wheel to be monitored is the wheel W of the vehicle C, which is equipped with the tire that the user has selected for pressure adjustment (the tire whose air pressure is to be monitored), from among the wheels WFR, WFL, WRR, and WRL. For example, when a user performs a selection operation on the pressure adjustment monitor screen using the input device 41a, the terminal device 4 detects the selection operation and obtains the sensor ID (target sensor ID) corresponding to the selected wheel W (monitored wheel) from the storage device 44.

[0044] Next, terminal device 4 transmits an air pressure request signal to begin communication with air pressure detection device 2 corresponding to the target sensor ID (S14). Next, terminal device 4 waits for detection information to be transmitted from air pressure detection device 2 corresponding to the target sensor ID (No in S15). Meanwhile, terminal device 4 (information acquisition unit 45a) receives the detection information (Yes in S15) and obtains the air pressure value from the detection information (S16).

[0045] Next, the terminal device 4 (air pressure analysis unit 46) determines whether the acquired air pressure corresponds to the recommended pressure (S17). If it determines that it corresponds to the recommended pressure ("recommended state") (Yes in S17), the air pressure notification unit 47 displays a notification image on the display device 41b indicating that the air pressure is in the "recommended state" (no pressure adjustment is necessary) to notify the user (S18). This allows the user to complete the pressure adjustment work on the tire to be adjusted at the time when the air pressure reaches the optimal state.

[0046] Next, when terminal device 4 detects a user's operation to end monitoring on the pressure adjustment monitor screen based on input from input device 41a, it terminates monitoring of the monitored wheel (S19). At this time, terminal device 4 stores information indicating that tire pressure adjustment has ended (pressure adjustment termination information) associated with the sensor ID of the wheel W whose monitoring has ended. Terminal device 4 only needs to continue monitoring the air pressure of the monitored wheel's tire until the user performs the monitoring termination operation.

[0047] In response, if the terminal device 4 determines that the air pressure of the selected wheel W does not meet the recommended pressure (No in S17), it determines whether the air pressure exceeds the recommended pressure, i.e., whether it is in an "over-pressurized state" (S20). If the terminal device 4 determines that the air pressure of the wheel W is in an "over-pressurized state" (requires depressurization) (Yes in step S20), it notifies the user by displaying a notification image on the display device 41b indicating that the air pressure is in an "over-pressurized state" in the air pressure notification unit 47 (S21). This allows the user to recognize that the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted needs to be depressurized and prompts them to perform the depressurization work. On the other hand, if the terminal device 4 determines that the air pressure of the wheel W does not exceed the recommended pressure (not in an "over-pressurized state") (No in S20), it notifies the user by displaying a notification on the air pressure notification unit 47 that the air pressure requires pressurization (is in an "insufficient state") (S22). This allows the user to recognize that the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted requires pressurization, and encourages them to continue the pressure adjustment (pressurization) process. Next, the terminal device 4 waits to receive new detection information regarding the selected wheel W (S15). As described above, the terminal device 4 receives detection information transmitted from the air pressure detection device 2 at intervals for verification. Therefore, the air pressure status of the tire to be adjusted can be monitored in real time until the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted reaches the recommended pressure and the pressure adjustment monitoring function is terminated based on the user's operation.

[0048] Furthermore, when the terminal device 4 finishes monitoring the tire pressure of the wheel W being monitored (S19), it determines whether or not the tire pressure adjustment has been completed for all wheels W of the vehicle C (pressure adjustment complete state) (S23). If pressure adjustment completion information is stored corresponding to the sensor IDs of all wheels W, the terminal device 4 determines that the pressure adjustment is complete state (Yes in S23), and terminates the pressure adjustment monitor function by ending the display on the pressure adjustment monitor screen (S24). At this time, the terminal device 4 may display information on the display device 41b indicating that the pressure adjustment monitor function has been terminated. Next, the terminal device 4 terminates communication with the tire pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W (S25). For example, the terminal device 4 sends a tire pressure stop signal to the tire pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W. This stops the transmission of detection information from the tire pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W.

[0049] In response, terminal device 4 determines that the pressure adjustment is not complete (i.e., there is a sensor ID for which no corresponding pressure adjustment completion information exists) and prompts the user to select a new wheel W to be monitored (S13). This allows the air pressure of the tire of the wheel W whose pressure adjustment has not been completed to be newly set as the target for monitoring.

[0050] Thus, the tire pressure notification system 1 can notify the user of the tire pressure status in real time via the terminal device 4 when the user adjusts the tire pressure outside of vehicle C. Therefore, the user can easily check the tire pressure while adjusting the tire pressure in vehicle C and perform the adjustment work smoothly.

[0051] Furthermore, in the air pressure notification system 1, the terminal device 4 (air pressure notification unit 47) may include the air pressure value in the notification image when notifying (displaying on the display device 41b) (S18, S22, S23) of the air pressure status of the tire to be adjusted. This allows the terminal device 4 to update the air pressure value displayed on the display device 41b each time it receives detection information, and notify the user of the air pressure in real time. The terminal device 4 may also perform the notification operation described above by the notification device 410 when displaying the air pressure status of the tire to be adjusted on the display device 41b. This makes it possible to notify the user of the air pressure in an easier-to-understand manner during the air pressure adjustment work. In addition, the terminal device 4 may also perform the notification operation by the notification device 410 when the registration of the sensor ID and recommended pressure is completed in the registration of air pressure-related information (S11), and when communication with the air pressure detection device 2 is started (S14). This allows the user to be notified of the start and completion of registration of air pressure-related information and the start of communication with the air pressure detection device 2.

[0052] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The tire pressure notification system 1 comprises at least a tire pressure detection device 2 and a terminal device 4 carried by the user. The tire pressure detection device 2 includes a pressure sensor 21 for detecting the air pressure of the tire and a communication device 25 capable of transmitting detection information, including the detected air pressure value, to the terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 also includes a communication device 40 capable of receiving detection information from the tire pressure detection device 2 and a display device 41b for displaying the received detection information. Furthermore, the tire pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 can directly transmit and receive information through bidirectional communication using a wireless communication method. This makes it possible to provide tire pressure information to users outside the vehicle, while also suppressing cost increases by eliminating the need for a transmission function on the in-vehicle device side.

[0053] (2) The air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 are capable of bidirectional communication using a short-range wireless communication method, and the communication device 40 of the terminal device 4 may be capable of sending an air pressure request signal to the air pressure detection device 2 requesting it to start transmitting detection information. Furthermore, the communication device 25 of the air pressure detection device 2 may start transmitting the detection information to the terminal device 4 based on the air pressure request signal received from the terminal device 4. This allows communication between the air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 to begin in conjunction with the user's start of tire pressure adjustment. Furthermore, it enables the establishment of bidirectional communication between the air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 while reducing power consumption.

[0054] (3) The terminal device 4 has an air pressure analysis unit 46 that determines whether or not the tire air pressure is in a state requiring adjustment based on the air pressure value included in the detection information, and the display device 41b may display air pressure notification information indicating the determination result by the air pressure analysis unit 46. Specifically, the terminal device 4 has an air pressure notification unit 47 that displays air pressure notification information indicating the state of the tire air pressure on the display device 41b based on the received detection information, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may display air pressure notification information indicating the determination result by the air pressure analysis unit 46 on the display device 41b. This allows the user to be clearly notified of the air pressure status of the tire being adjusted.

[0055] (4) The communication device 40 of the terminal device 4 is capable of sending an air pressure stop signal to the air pressure detection device 2 requesting it to stop sending detection information, and the communication device 25 may stop sending detection information to the terminal device 4 based on the received air pressure stop signal. This allows communication between the air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 to be terminated when the user finishes adjusting the tire pressure.

[0056] (5) The air pressure analysis unit 46 of the terminal device 4 can determine whether or not the tire pressure does not require adjustment based on the air pressure value included in the detected information, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the display device 41b to display information indicating that the tire pressure does not require adjustment based on the result of the determination. This allows users to complete the tire pressure adjustment process at the point when the air pressure reaches the optimal level. (6) The air pressure analysis unit 46 of the terminal device 4 can determine whether or not the tire pressure requires pressurization, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the display device 41b to display information indicating that the tire pressure requires pressurization based on the result of the determination. This allows users to recognize that the air pressure of the tire being adjusted requires pressurization, encouraging them to continue the pressure adjustment (pressurization) process. (7) The air pressure analysis unit 46 of the terminal device 4 can determine whether or not the tire pressure needs to be reduced, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the display device 41b to display information indicating that the tire pressure needs to be reduced based on the result of the determination. This allows users to recognize that the air pressure of the tire being adjusted needs to be reduced, and encourages them to continue the pressure adjustment (reducing pressure) process.

[0057] (8) The air pressure notification unit 47 may display the value of the air pressure included in the detected information on the display device 41b. This allows the system to notify the user in real time of the current air pressure of the tire being adjusted. (9) The terminal device 4 further includes a notification device 410 that can notify the user of the air pressure status in conjunction with the display of air pressure notification information on the display device 41b, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the notification device 410 to perform a notification operation that indicates the air pressure status based on the determination result by the air pressure analysis unit 46. This allows the system to more clearly communicate the current air pressure status of the tire being adjusted to the user during the tire pressure adjustment process, allowing them to experience the air pressure status firsthand.

[0058] [Differentiation] The air pressure detection device 2 may be configured to transmit detection information to the on-board device 10 while the vehicle is stopped. In this case, the on-board device 10 transmits an air pressure request signal similar to that of the terminal device 4, and in response, the air pressure detection device 2 transmits detection information to the on-board device 10 at intervals for verification. When the vehicle C is stopped, the TPMSCU 12 receives an operation (air pressure request operation) of the HMI 8 by the user and generates a vehicle request signal and transmits it to the air pressure detection device 2. For example, the air pressure request operation inputs information indicating one of the wheels W. This allows the on-board device 10 to obtain information on the air pressure of the selected wheel W while the vehicle C is stopped and notify the user. In this case, the on-board device 10 may notify the user whether the air pressure of the wheel W has reached the recommended pressure by operating the on-board device 16 based on the received detection information. The TPMSCU12 can notify users outside the vehicle that the air pressure of the tires mounted on the selected wheel W has reached the recommended pressure through actions such as opening and closing the side mirrors, flashing the headlights or switching them on and off, switching the brake lights or hazard lights on and off, operating the wipers, opening and closing the power windows, outputting a warning sound from the VSP, and outputting a horn sound. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Air pressure notification system, 2...Air pressure detection device, 4...Terminal device, 10...In-vehicle device, 11, 25, 40...Communication device, 12...TPMSCU, 15...In-vehicle HMI, 16...In-vehicle equipment, 21...Pressure sensor, 22...Accelerometer, 23...Temperature sensor, 24...Sensor CU, 26...Battery, 41...HMI, 41a...Input device, 41b...Display device, 41c...Audio output device, 41d...Vibration generator, 41e...Lighting device, 42...Controller, 43...Processor, 44...Storage device, 45...Information acquisition unit, 46...Air pressure analysis unit, 47...Air pressure notification unit, C...Vehicle, W...Wheel

Claims

1. A tire pressure notification system that notifies the user of information regarding the air pressure of tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle, The system comprises an air pressure detection device provided on the wheel and a terminal device carried by the user, The air pressure detection device comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure of the tire, and a first communication unit capable of transmitting detection information, including the detected value of the tire's air pressure, to the terminal device at predetermined intervals. The terminal device includes a second communication unit capable of receiving the detection information transmitted by the air pressure detection device, a determination unit that determines whether or not the air pressure requires adjustment based on the air pressure value included in the detection information, a display unit that displays air pressure notification information indicating the state of the tire's air pressure during adjustment based on the received detection information, and a notification unit that can notify the user of the air pressure state in conjunction with the display of the air pressure notification information on the display unit. The air pressure detection device and the terminal device can directly transmit and receive information through bidirectional communication using a wireless communication method. The second communication unit is capable of transmitting a request signal to the pneumatic detection device requesting it to start transmitting the detection information. Based on the request signal received from the terminal device, the first communication unit starts transmitting the detection information to the terminal device at intervals that allow the air pressure of the tire being adjusted to be checked at any time. The notification unit is composed of a plurality of notification devices that perform notification operations to indicate the state of the air pressure based on the determination result by the determination unit. The mode of notification operation by the plurality of notification operation devices constituting the notification unit is such that the intensity increases as the value of the tire air pressure being adjusted approaches a predetermined recommended pressure, and the interval between the execution of the notification operation is gradually shortened. A pneumatic pressure notification system characterized by the following features.

3. The air pressure notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit in the terminal device displays information indicating the determination result by the determination unit as air pressure notification information.

4. The second communication unit is capable of sending a stop signal to the pneumatic detection device requesting it to stop transmitting the detection information. The pneumatic notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first communication unit stops transmitting the detection information to the terminal device based on the received stop signal.

5. A terminal device carried by a user in an air pressure system that notifies information regarding the air pressure of tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle, A communication unit is capable of directly transmitting and receiving predetermined information via bidirectional communication using a wireless communication method with an air pressure detection device provided on the wheel, and the predetermined information includes detection information including the value of the tire air pressure detected by the air pressure detection device. A determination unit that determines whether or not the air pressure is in a state requiring adjustment based on the air pressure value included in the detection information, A display unit that displays air pressure notification information indicating the state of the tire's air pressure while it is being adjusted based on the received detection information, A notification unit capable of notifying the user of the air pressure status in conjunction with the display of the air pressure notification information on the display unit, Equipped with, The communication unit is capable of sending a request signal to the air pressure detection device requesting it to start transmitting the detection information, and receives the detection information of the tire being regulated detected by the air pressure detection device based on the request signal at intervals that allow the air pressure of the tire to be checked at any time. The display unit displays the detection information received at the aforementioned period. The notification unit is composed of a plurality of notification devices that perform notification operations to indicate the state of the air pressure based on the determination result by the determination unit. The notification operation performed by the plurality of notification operation devices constituting the notification unit is characterized in that the intensity of the notification operation increases as the value of the tire air pressure being adjusted approaches a predetermined recommended pressure, and the interval between the execution of the notification operation is gradually shortened.

6. The aforementioned terminal device is The system includes a notification unit that displays the aforementioned air pressure notification information on the display unit, The terminal device according to claim 5, characterized in that the notification unit causes the display unit to display information indicating the determination result by the determination unit as the air pressure notification information.

7. The terminal device according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the air pressure does not require adjustment, based on the determination result by the determination unit, as air pressure notification information.

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