Antenna for location information with switching function and method using the same

Abstract

To provide a technique for avoiding an error that may occur when a restriction release function of a television viewing function of an on-vehicle display device is used.SOLUTION: Provided are: a position information antenna with a switching function configured to be electrically switchable between a state in which transmission of an antenna signal is possible and a state in which transmission of the antenna signal is impossible, and electrically connected to an on-vehicle display device having a television viewing function and a navigation display function; and a method using the position information antenna with a switching function. The method electrically switches between: a transmission possible step of maintaining a state in which transmission of the antenna signal is possible for transmission possible time; and a transmission stop step of maintaining a state in which transmission of the antenna signal is impossible for transmission stop time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle control, and particularly relates to a navigation control device, a position information antenna with a switching function, and a method using the same that are used for canceling the television viewing restriction of an in-vehicle display device. [Background Art]

[0002] In-vehicle display devices are used for users to watch television (such as terrestrial digital broadcasting) and display car navigation information. Some in-vehicle display devices are controlled such that the television viewing function is restricted when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. The conditions for normal operation of the television vary among manufacturers, but for example, they are that the shift position is in P, the vehicle speed is 0, and the wheel signal line maintains a high (voltage) level. All of this information is provided to the in-vehicle display device via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus.

[0003] Under these circumstances, techniques have been proposed to enable navigation in the background while allowing television viewing during traveling (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, when a device that cancels such a television viewing restriction function is used, an error message may be displayed on the in-vehicle display device or some driving assistance functions may become unavailable, and techniques for canceling the display of such error messages have also been proposed (Patent Document 3). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7313640 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 7343936 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 7343949 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 3 above performs error clearing processing after the conditions for displaying a message on the display unit are met, which has the problem that it cannot prevent the error from occurring in the first place.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a navigation control device, a location information antenna with a switching function, and a method using the same, which can prevent errors such as the inability to use the driver assistance function when the function to release the restriction on the television viewing function of an in-vehicle display device is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The navigation control device of the present invention is electrically connected between a vehicle position information antenna and an in-vehicle display device having a television viewing function and a navigation display function, and has a function to release the restriction on the television viewing function while the vehicle is in motion. A position detection blocking device capable of preventing the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna, The system includes a switching device for switching the operation of the position detection obstruction device.

[0008] The inventors of this invention have learned that errors like the one described above can occur due to a mismatch between information such as vehicle speed based on a vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on a location information system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Therefore, by providing a location detection blocking device that can prevent the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal antenna signal, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mismatch that results in errors between information based on a vehicle speed pulse signal and information based on a location information system, as this hinders the acquisition of accurate information based on the location information system. A normal antenna signal refers to an antenna signal sent from the location information antenna originally installed in the vehicle, which has not been processed or interfered with (original antenna signal). Furthermore, obstructing the acquisition of a normal antenna signal means causing the in-vehicle display device to receive an antenna signal from a route other than the vehicle's naturally installed location information antenna, intentionally processing the antenna signal from the vehicle's naturally installed location information antenna through interference or deformation, or blocking the antenna signal, or blocking it while receiving a dummy antenna signal, thereby preventing the in-vehicle display device from acquiring a normal location in any way that such an antenna signal is received (or could not be received).

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

[0010] The location detection blocking device may include a location information antenna that is separate from the vehicle's location information antenna and does not function properly, and the switching device may switch the antenna connected to the in-vehicle display device between the vehicle's location information antenna and the location information antenna that does not function properly.

[0011] A location information antenna that does not function properly may consist of a location information antenna that functions properly and a shielding member that blocks radio waves transmitted to the antenna.

[0012] A location information antenna that does not function properly may be a location information antenna whose antenna function has been degraded.

[0013] The position detection jamming device may include an antenna signal interference device that interferes with the antenna signal, and the switching device may switch the antenna signal interference device on or off.

[0014] The method using the above-described navigation control device alternately performs an acquisition step of controlling the switching device so that the in-vehicle display device acquires a normal antenna signal from the vehicle's position information antenna for a first time, and an inhibition step of controlling the switching device so that the in-vehicle display device is prevented from acquiring the normal antenna signal for a second time.

[0015] The first and second time values ​​are model-dependent and can be set as appropriate. As an example, the first time can be set to 90-180 seconds, and the second time to greater than 0 seconds and 30 seconds or less. This time range is illustrative, and values ​​outside this range may be used for either or both of the first and second time values.

[0016] The location information antenna with a switching function of the present invention is configured to be electrically switchable between a state in which antenna signals can be transmitted and a state in which antenna signals cannot be transmitted, and is electrically connected to an in-vehicle display device equipped with a television viewing function and a navigation display function.

[0017] The method using the above-mentioned antenna with a switching function for location information is, A transmittable step in which the state in which the antenna signal can be transmitted is maintained for a transmittable period, A transmission stop step that maintains a state where antenna signal transmission is impossible for a transmission stop period, A method of electrically switching between them alternately.

[0018] The duration of the transmittable state and the duration of the stopped state are also values that may depend on the model, and may be set as appropriate. As an example, switching may be alternately repeated such that the duration of the transmittable state is 90 to 180 seconds, and the duration of the non-transmittable state is more than 0 seconds and 5 seconds or less. This time range is an example, and a value outside this range may be used for one or both of the duration of the transmittable state and the duration of the non-transmittable state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The above navigation control device and position information antenna with switching function can prevent the occurrence of information inconsistency that would cause errors in advance. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a system configuration diagram of a system including a navigation control device including a television viewing restriction release function and an error avoidance function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a time-division control signal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of an example of the error avoidance method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of another example of the error avoidance method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a system configuration diagram of a system including the position information antenna with a switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention, a known television viewing function restriction release device, and an in-vehicle display device. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of an example of an error avoidance method using the position information antenna with a switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The descriptions herein are merely illustrative for illustrating the present invention and are not limited to the detailed configurations, structures, and accompanying drawings of each embodiment described herein. The terms “including,” “equipped,” “having,” and similar expressions used herein mean that they may include the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and other additional items. In particular, where “a certain element” is used, the present invention is not necessarily limited to that element alone, but may include several other elements.

[0022] In this embodiment, the navigation control device 30 is connected between the vehicle's position information antenna (the vehicle's original GNSS antenna) 70 and the in-vehicle display device 20 by a GNSS antenna cable. The navigation control device 30 is also connected between the vehicle ECU 1 (instrument assembly 10) and the in-vehicle display device 20 by a vehicle speed signal line. Furthermore, the navigation control device 30 is connected to a separate vehicle ECU 2 (indicated by reference numeral 11) via a CAN bus through a CAN1 receiver / transmitter, and is connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 via a CAN bus through a CAN2 receiver / transmitter. The connection via the vehicle speed signal line is configured so that the signal from the vehicle ECU 1 can pass through the navigation control device 30 via a relay module (switch) K1.

[0023] The connections of the navigation control device 30 in this embodiment to the vehicle ECU 1 via the vehicle speed signal line, to the vehicle ECU 2 via the CAN1 receiver / transmitter (CAN bus), to the in-vehicle display device 20 via the vehicle speed signal line, and to the in-vehicle display device via the CAN2 receiver / transmitter (CAN bus) are matters that can be appropriately set according to the method for releasing the restriction on the television viewing function, and are not essential components of the navigation control device 30 of the present invention, but it is preferable to provide them. Furthermore, the navigation control device 30 may also be equipped with a power supply module (not shown). Here, ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, and CAN stands for Controller Area Network.

[0024] The method for removing the restriction on the TV viewing function can be appropriately set, for example, by using the vehicle speed pulse signal transmitted via the vehicle speed signal line, by using the signal transmitted via the CAN bus, by using the signal from the GNSS (position information) antenna, or by combining two or more of these methods, and the necessary device configuration should be adopted accordingly. In this embodiment, the restriction on the TV viewing function is removed using information on the vehicle speed signal line (vehicle speed pulse signal), and connection to the vehicle ECU 1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 via the vehicle speed signal line is essential, while connection to them via the CAN bus is not essential.

[0025] Furthermore, the navigation control device 30 includes a time-division control signal generator 35, a position detection interference device 39, a switching device (GNSS antenna interference switching device) 36 for switching the operation of the position detection interference device 39, and a main control device (main controller module) 31 for controlling the operation of the time-division control signal generator 35 and the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36.

[0026] This time-division control signal generator 35 has the function of releasing the restriction on the television viewing function while the vehicle is in motion, and is composed of a vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 34 that receives a vehicle speed pulse signal, a television analog signal module 33, and a vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 32. This time-division control signal generator 35 is just one example of a device that has the function of releasing the restriction on the television viewing function, and can be changed in various ways as long as it has a similar function.

[0027] The position detection interference device 39 comprises an antenna signal interference device 38 and a position information antenna (second GNSS antenna) 37 that is separate from the original vehicle's GNSS antenna 70 and does not function properly.

[0028] These are just examples of navigation control devices, and some devices may be removed or added, some devices may have the functions of two or more devices, and some devices may perform the function of one device.

[0029] First, referring to Figures 1 and 2, we will describe the "original mode," which is the original function and operation of the in-vehicle display device 20 to which this embodiment is applied. This mode corresponds to the state in which the switch (relay module) K1 in Figure 1 is connected to terminal 1, and the vehicle speed pulse signal generated by the instrument assembly 10 is transmitted directly to the in-vehicle display device 20 without passing through the navigation control device 30 of this embodiment.

[0030] The instrument assembly 10 installed in the vehicle generates a pulse signal (vehicle speed pulse signal) proportional to the rotational speed of the wheels when the vehicle is in motion, and generates an ON signal (high-level signal) when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed (e.g., 5 km / h or less), and outputs it to the vehicle speed signal line. In other words, the vehicle ECU 1 is a device that outputs either a vehicle speed pulse signal or a high-level signal depending on the vehicle speed.

[0031] Figure 2 schematically shows the voltage waveforms of the vehicle speed pulse signal and the vehicle speed analog pulse signal, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. When the vehicle is moving, i.e., when the wheels are rotating, the voltage waveform is a continuous pulse waveform as shown in Figure 2 (upper waveform). The vehicle speed can be calculated from the frequency of this pulse waveform. In the upper waveform, the pulse period is the same for all pulses, indicating that the vehicle is moving at a constant speed. When the vehicle speed changes, the frequency changes to a higher frequency when accelerating and a lower frequency when decelerating. On the other hand, the high-level signal output when the vehicle is stopped or moving at a low speed (for example, when the vehicle speed is less than 5 km / h) maintains the high potential state of the pulse signal.

[0032] While a vehicle speed pulse signal is input to terminal 1, it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling, the use of the navigation device is permitted, position information and the like of the traveling vehicle is displayed on the screen of the in-vehicle display device 20, and television viewing is prohibited at the same time. Conversely, while a high-level signal is input to terminal 1, television viewing is permitted, and use of the navigation device is prohibited. Note that, depending on the in-vehicle display device 20, if it is necessary that a signal indicating a state where the parking brake is applied to the vehicle (or the shift position is the P shift) is separately applied in addition to the high-level signal as an additional condition for permitting television viewing, said signal is output to a required signal line.

[0033] Next, the "television viewing restriction release mode", that is, a mode that permits television viewing while traveling and also allows use of navigation in the background, will be described. This mode corresponds to a case where the switch (relay module) K1 in FIG. 1 is connected to terminal 2, and a signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device via the navigation control device of the present embodiment to operate.

[0034] The elements related to the operation of this television viewing restriction release mode are the time-division control signal generation device 35 and the main controller module 31 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generation device 35 in the navigation control device 30 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1. When the switch K1 is connected to terminal 2, the output signal (vehicle speed pulse signal or high-level signal) of the vehicle ECU 1 is input to the vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 34. In accordance with a control instruction from the main controller, a time-division control signal obtained by time-divisionally superimposing (combining) the television analog signal (high-level signal) output by the television analog signal module 33 and the vehicle speed analog pulse signal (a signal generated based on the vehicle speed pulse signal) generated by the vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 32 is output to the in-vehicle display device 20. That is, the state connected to terminal 1 is the original mode, and the state connected to terminal 2 is the television function restriction release mode.

[0035] Figure 2 (lower waveform) shows the voltage waveform of the time-division control signal output from the navigation control device 30 to terminal 2. The voltage waveform of the time-division control signal is a combined voltage signal waveform of the vehicle speed analog pulse signal and the television analog signal. The vehicle speed analog pulse signal is higher frequency than the original mode vehicle speed pulse signal in Figure 2 (upper waveform) by "T2 period + T1 period" ÷ "T2 period". For a time of T2 [s], the vehicle speed analog pulse signal is transmitted to the navigation device, and then for a time of T1 [s], the television analog signal is transmitted.

[0036] The navigation control device 30 outputs a time-division control signal to the in-vehicle display device 20, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 receives the analog television signal during the television signal time (T1) and the analog vehicle speed pulse signal during the navigation signal time (T2). As a result, television viewing is possible even while the vehicle is in motion, and the navigation system continues to function correctly in the background even while television is being watched.

[0037] Furthermore, the faster the current vehicle speed, the greater the number of pulses included in the vehicle speed analog pulse signal during the "T2 period". For this reason, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the main controller module 31 controls the vehicle so that the "T2 period" becomes longer as the current vehicle speed increases.

[0038] When the in-vehicle navigation system connects the in-vehicle display device 20 and the vehicle ECU 1 via the navigation control device 30 by connecting switch K1 to terminal 2, it operates in a mode where the navigation function and the TV viewing function can be used simultaneously, as described above. On the other hand, when the in-vehicle navigation system connects the vehicle ECU 1 directly to the in-vehicle display device 20 by switching switch K1 to terminal 1, it operates in an original mode where the navigation function and the TV viewing function function interchangeably.

[0039] In the original mode, even if the in-vehicle display device 20 is switched from TV viewing to navigation while the vehicle is stopped, the navigation screen does not resume until a certain period of time (for example, a waiting time of several tens of seconds) has elapsed after receiving the vehicle speed pulse signal.

[0040] However, when the navigation control device 30 of the present embodiment is used, the in-vehicle display device 20 enables TV viewing even while the vehicle is traveling, and even during TV viewing, the vehicle speed analog pulse signal of the time-division control signal is intermittently applied to the in-vehicle display device 20. Therefore, the navigation device functions correctly in the background, and for example, the voice guidance function also operates normally. Accordingly, even if the screen is switched from the TV viewing state to the navigation function, the navigation screen is displayed immediately.

[0041] Note that in the TV function restriction release mode, since the vehicle speed pulse signal (vehicle speed analog pulse signal) is applied intermittently, the traveling position of the own vehicle on the navigation screen is displayed intermittently (the map serving as the background for the own vehicle moves intermittently), and voice guidance is output slightly earlier than when used in the original mode. That is, on the navigation screen, the own vehicle is displayed to repeatedly repeat stopping and moving faster than in the original mode. At this time, the total travel distance over the combined time of stopping and fast moving is substantially equal to that in the original mode.

[0042] Regarding TV viewing, due to data delay according to the specifications of data broadcasting, viewing can be performed without interruption. However, although affected by factors such as the configuration of the in-vehicle display device 20 and the specifications of TV viewing data, the shorter the TV signal time T1 is, and the longer the interval until the next TV signal is received (that is, the navigation signal time T2) is, the more easily the TV viewing screen is interrupted. A preferred value of the TV signal time T1 varies depending on the specifications of the in-vehicle display device 20, but it is preferable to secure the TV signal time T1 at an interval of, for example, about 1.4 seconds to 1.8 seconds, preferably about 1.6 seconds or more, and more preferably 1.65 seconds or more.

[0043] In this embodiment, an electrical switch K1 such as a relay module is used, and under the control of the main controller module, it is configured to be capable of mutually switching between the original mode and the television viewing restriction release mode. However, it may be configured to be switchable by manual operation. In addition, in cases where the operation of the in-vehicle display device via the navigation control device 30 becomes unstable, or when the navigation control device 30 stops for some reason, the configuration may be such that it automatically returns (switches) to the original mode in which the vehicle speed pulse signal is directly output from the vehicle ECU 1 to the in-vehicle display device 20. A configuration in which a physical switch such as a button for manual switching is provided may also be adopted.

[0044] For example, the navigation control device 30 may determine (calculate) the latest vehicle speed in real time, and generate a vehicle speed analog pulse signal for transmitting the distance to be traveled in the future based on the latest real-time vehicle speed information within the short time period T2 as a signal to be output during the navigation signal time of the time-division control signal. Alternatively, an actual vehicle speed pulse signal may be stored, and the vehicle speed analog pulse signal may be obtained by transmitting the stored signal at high speed or processing the signal to have a high frequency.

[0045] Next, with reference to Fig. 1, a configuration for preventing in advance information inconsistency that may cause errors that may occur during use of the television viewing restriction release mode by impairing the function of the position detection system will be described. During use of the car navigation, not only vehicle speed information of the vehicle but also information from a position detection system such as GNSS including GPS is used. If there is a deviation (inconsistency) between such information based on GNSS or the like and information based on the vehicle speed analog pulse signal in the television function restriction release mode, an error code that disables some driving assistance functions may be transmitted. Since such an error does not occur when the in-vehicle display device cannot acquire position information accurately, such as during tunnel traveling, by performing processing so that the in-vehicle display device cannot acquire position information accurately even during normal traveling, the occurrence of information inconsistency that causes errors can be avoided. However, an error may also occur when the in-vehicle display device cannot acquire any position information at all.

[0046] Therefore, the navigation control device 30 according to the present invention includes a position detection blocking device 39 and a switching device (GNSS antenna interference switching device) 36 for switching the operation of the position detection blocking device 39, in order to enable the in-vehicle display device 20 to block the acquisition of a normal (original) antenna signal. Furthermore, it may also include a main control device (main controller module) 31 for controlling the operation of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36.

[0047] The position detection blocking device 39 can be configured to include a second GNSS antenna 37, separate from the vehicle's original GNSS antenna 70. In this case, the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 includes, for example, an RF switch, and switches the antenna connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 between the vehicle's position information antenna 70 and the second GNSS antenna 37, thereby switching the operation of the position detection blocking device 39. Note that the RF switch is an example, and other known switching means may be used for switching.

[0048] The second GNSS antenna 37 can be a properly functioning position information antenna with a component that shields the radio waves transmitted to the position information antenna. The shielding component is not particularly limited, and any known radio wave (electromagnetic wave) shielding material can be used.

[0049] Furthermore, the second GNSS antenna 37 can be modified to function as a position information antenna with reduced antenna performance by changing the design of at least one parameter or indicator such as gain, standing wave ratio (VSWR), noise figure (NF), or axial ratio (AR). Note that only when these parameters and indicators are properly designed can the position information antenna properly (with high sensitivity) receive signals from satellites. Therefore, by changing the parameters and indicators, it is easy to modify the antenna to become a non-functional position information antenna (capable of transmitting antenna signals to the in-vehicle display device 20 in a state where positioning is impossible). Note that the above parameters and indicators are examples, and other parameters and / or indicators may be modified in addition to or instead of these.

[0050] The signal from this second GNSS antenna 37 cannot be used properly by the in-vehicle display device 20 (antenna signal in a state where positioning is impossible), similar to when driving through a tunnel, and this hinders the acquisition of a normal (original) antenna signal.

[0051] A location information antenna with modified parameters is advantageous because it does not require shielding and is low-cost. Furthermore, a shielded location information antenna is advantageous because it does not require configuration adjustments for each vehicle model. If such a second GNSS antenna is mounted on the same circuit board as the main controller module 31, the overall design and manufacturing of the navigation control system becomes easier. This second GNSS antenna can be obtained by adding shielding material to a commercially available location information antenna or by changing its parameters.

[0052] Alternatively, instead of, or in addition to, the second GNSS antenna 37, the system may be configured to include an antenna signal interference device 38 that interferes with the antenna signal transmitted from the vehicle's position information antenna 70 to the in-vehicle display device 20 (weakening, attenuating, blocking the transmission of the antenna signal (creating a no-signal state), or blocking the transmission of the antenna signal while simultaneously causing the in-vehicle display device 20 to receive a dummy antenna signal). This also prevents the in-vehicle display device 20 from acquiring (receiving) a normal (original) antenna signal. In this case, the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 switches the antenna signal interference device 38 on or off to switch between receiving the original antenna signal and interfering with it. The dummy antenna signal can be any signal that cannot be used normally by the in-vehicle display device 20, similar to the signal from the second GNSS antenna 37, and can be stored in a storage device (not shown), for example. The method for switching the dummy antenna signal can also be the same as for the second GNSS antenna 37.

[0053] By mounting the antenna signal interference device on the same circuit board as the main controller module, the overall design and manufacturing of the navigation control system becomes easier.

[0054] By using only one of the second GNSS antenna or antenna signal interference device, a low-cost system can be achieved. Furthermore, using both allows for more reliable error avoidance.

[0055] As a GNSS antenna interference switching device, any device capable of electrically and / or physically switching the on / off operation and the connected antenna can be used. The main controller module may also include memory as needed, and a known microcontroller or SoC (System on Chip) can be used.

[0056] A method for avoiding the occurrence of information inconsistency that would cause errors using a second GNSS antenna will be described with reference to FIG. 3. When operation in the television viewing restriction release mode starts, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 as necessary, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive (acquire) a normal signal from the genuine vehicle GNSS antenna 70 for a first time (acquisition step S301). It should be noted that immediately after vehicle startup such as engine starting, standby may be performed without counting the first time for a predetermined period of time in order to stabilize the device.

[0057] Next, the main controller module 31 controls the RF switch of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive the signal from the second GNSS antenna 37 for a second time (so that the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive the normal signal from the genuine vehicle GNSS antenna 70) (blocking step S302).

[0058] By repeatedly performing the processes of S301 and S302 as described above, while the in-vehicle display device 20 acquires a normal (genuine) antenna signal, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconsistency that would cause an error between the information based on the signal from the time-division control signal generation device 35 and the information based on the antenna signal. It should be noted that such repeated processing is terminated by switching to the original mode, engine stopping, or the like. After switching to the original mode, the in-vehicle display device 20 is caused to receive the signal from the genuine vehicle GNSS antenna 70.

[0059] A method for avoiding the occurrence of information inconsistency that causes errors by using an antenna signal interference device will be described with reference to FIG. 4. When the operation in the television viewing restriction release mode starts, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 not to operate as necessary, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive a normal (genuine) antenna signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle for a first period of time (acquisition step S401). Note that, similarly to S301, immediately after the vehicle is started, the counting of the first period of time may be waited without being performed for a predetermined period of time.

[0060] Next, the main controller module 31 controls the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36, so that the antenna signal interference device 38 interferes with the antenna signal, and inhibits the in-vehicle display device 20 from acquiring a normal (genuine) antenna signal (inhibition step S402). After switching to the original mode, the operation of the GNSS antenna interference switching device 36 is switched off, so that the in-vehicle display device 20 can receive a normal signal from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle.

[0061] The antenna signal interference device 38 may switch between blocking and not blocking the antenna signal transmitted from the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle to the in-vehicle display device 20. In this case, in S401, the antenna signal interference device 38 is turned off, and the reception of the normal (genuine) antenna signal by the in-vehicle display device is not blocked; in S402, the antenna signal interference device 38 is turned on, and the reception of the normal (genuine) antenna signal by the in-vehicle display device 20 is blocked. Furthermore, along with blocking the antenna signal, the in-vehicle display device 20 may be caused to receive a dummy antenna signal that cannot be normally used by the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0062] By repeatedly performing the processes of S401 and S402 described above, while the in-vehicle display device 20 receives a normal (genuine) antenna signal, the occurrence of inconsistency that causes errors between the information based on the vehicle speed pulse signal and the information based on the antenna signal can be prevented, and the occurrence of errors resulting therefrom can be avoided in advance.

[0063] The position detection inhibiting device 39 may be configured to include only one of the second GNSS antenna and the antenna signal interfering device, or may be configured to include both. Further, the position detection inhibiting device 39 may include not only the second GNSS antenna but also three or more GNSS antennas, and in this case, the GNSS antennas other than that of the genuine vehicle may be the same or different from each other.

[0064] As an example, the first time may be 90 to 180 seconds, 95 to 150 seconds, 100 to 120 seconds, etc., and the second time may be greater than 0 second and 30 seconds or less, 3 to 20 seconds, 5 to 10 seconds, etc. When switching between blocking and non-blocking of antenna signal transmission, the first time in S401 may be the same as described above, but the second time in S402 may be more than 0 second and 10 seconds or less, 1 to 5 seconds, 1.5 to 3 seconds, etc. In this way, by receiving the antenna signal from the GNSS antenna of the genuine vehicle for a relatively long time, accurate position information can be acquired, while inhibiting the reception of the normal (genuine) antenna signal from the GNSS antenna of the genuine vehicle for a time that is 1 / 3 or less, preferably 1 / 10 or less, of the first time, or completely blocking the reception of the normal (genuine) antenna signal from the GNSS antenna for a short time of 10 seconds or less, thereby preventing the occurrence of a mismatch that causes an error between information based on the signal from the navigation control device and information based on the position information system. This makes it possible to implement a navigation control device that can avoid the occurrence of errors in advance.

[0065] Further, the first time and the second time may be the same for all repeated processes, or may be different for each process. For example, the process with fixed values of 100 seconds and 5 seconds may be repeatedly performed, or the process may be performed while appropriately changing the first time and the second time according to radio wave conditions and the like.

[0066] In addition, the process of inhibiting the function of the position detection system is preferably always performed while the television viewing restriction release mode is in use. It should be noted that there is no need to inhibit the function of the position detection system during the original mode.

[0067] This navigation control device 30 may be configured as physically independent hardware connected between the signal line of the vehicle ECU 1, the signal line from the vehicle position information antenna 70, and the connector of the in-vehicle display device 20.

[0068] Next, the system configuration of an embodiment using a position information antenna with a switching function will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The position information antenna with a switching function 50 of the present embodiment is provided by replacing the GNSS antenna 70 of the genuine vehicle in FIG. 1.

[0069] The position information antenna with a switching function (GNSS antenna with a switching function) 50 is directly connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 via a GNSS antenna cable. Such direct connection between the position information antenna with a switching function 50 and the in-vehicle display device 20 is an example, and a configuration in which a television viewing restriction release device 60 is interposed between the position information antenna with a switching function 50 and the in-vehicle display device 20 is also possible.

[0070] The position information antenna with a switching function 50 of the present embodiment includes an antenna main body 51 and a switch 52. This switch, such as a relay module, can electrically switch between a state in which antenna signal transmission is enabled and a state in which antenna signal transmission is disabled. A known switch other than a relay module may be appropriately adopted. By using such a position information antenna with a switching function 50, switching can be performed such that the time period during which an antenna signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle display device 20 and the time period during which antenna signal transmission is stopped are alternately repeated. This can also prevent the occurrence of mismatches that cause errors between the information based on the television viewing restriction release device 60 and the information based on the position information antenna with a switching function 50.

[0071] In the position information antenna 50 with a switching function of the present embodiment, the switch 52 can be configured to alternately switch between two states at set timing using a timing switch or the like. Alternatively, the antenna may be configured to be provided with a separate timer, or may be configured to further include a control device, a memory, or the like that controls the operation of the switch. Furthermore, the position information antenna 50 with a switching function of the present embodiment may be provided with a device that can always maintain a transmittable state.

[0072] The television viewing restriction releasing device 60 used together with the position information antenna 50 with a switching function of the present embodiment is connected to the vehicle ECU 1 and the in-vehicle display device 20 via a vehicle speed signal line, connected to the vehicle ECU 2 via a CAN1 receiver-transmitter, and connected to the in-vehicle display device 20 via a CAN2 receiver-transmitter. Such a connection may be appropriately set according to the restriction releasing method for the television viewing function of the television viewing restriction releasing device 60. Further, the television viewing restriction releasing device 60 may further include a power supply module (not shown).

[0073] Further, the television viewing restriction releasing device 60 includes a time-division control signal generator 65 and a main controller (main controller module) 61 that controls the operation of the time-division control signal generator 65.

[0074] The time-division control signal generator 65 has a function of releasing the restriction on the television viewing function while the vehicle is traveling, and is configured to include a vehicle speed signal pulse detection module 64 that receives a vehicle speed pulse signal, a television analog signal module 63, and a vehicle speed analog pulse signal module 62. The time-division control signal generator 65 is the same as the time-division control signal generator 35 of the navigation control device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Further, the time-division control signal generator 65 is an example of a device having a function of releasing the restriction on the television viewing function, and various television viewing restriction releasing devices 60 can be used as long as they have the same function.

[0075] Furthermore, as explained in the embodiment relating to the navigation control device, the method for removing the restriction on the TV viewing function can be appropriately set to a method using the vehicle speed pulse signal transmitted via the vehicle speed signal line, a signal transmitted via the CAN bus, a signal from the GNSS (position information) antenna, or a combination of these methods, and the necessary device configuration should be adopted accordingly.

[0076] A method for avoiding information mismatches that would cause errors using the location information antenna 50 with a switching function will be explained with reference to Figure 6. When operation starts, such as when the vehicle starts up, the switch 52 is controlled as needed to maintain a state where the antenna signal can be transmitted for a transmission time, thereby enabling the antenna signal to be transmitted from the location information antenna 50 with a switching function to the in-vehicle display device 20 (transmission ready step S601). In addition, as with S301, immediately after the vehicle starts up, the system may wait without counting the transmission ready time for a predetermined period of time.

[0077] After the transmission time has elapsed, the location information antenna 50 with switching function switches to a state where it is not possible to transmit antenna signals by the operation of the electrical switch 52, maintains this state for the transmission stop time, and stops transmitting antenna signals from the location information antenna 50 with switching function (transmission stop step S602).

[0078] By repeatedly performing the S601 and S602 processes, it is possible to prevent discrepancies that would occur between the information from the TV viewing function restriction release device and the information from the antenna signal, even though the in-vehicle display device 20 receives the antenna signal during the transmission time, thereby preventing errors from occurring. However, if the position information antenna 50 is to be switched on and off, it is undesirable because the time lag from startup until the position information antenna 50 is operating normally will result in a longer period during which the in-vehicle display device 20 cannot receive the antenna signal.

[0079] For example, the transmission time can be set to 90-180 seconds, 95-150 seconds, 100-120 seconds, etc., and the transmission stop time can be greater than 0 seconds but less than or equal to 5 seconds, 1-4 seconds, 1.5-3 seconds, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, the transmission start time and transmission stop time may be the same for all iterative processes, or different times may be set for each process. For example, processing may be repeatedly performed with fixed values ​​of 100 seconds and 5 seconds, or the transmission time and transmission stop time may be changed as appropriate depending on radio wave conditions, etc.

[0081] In this specification, the terms “includes,” “equipment,” and other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; therefore, note that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a set of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or elements specific to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise restricted, an element limited by the phrase “includes one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that include that element.

[0082] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by adding a general-purpose hardware platform required for the software. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a superior embodiment. Based on this understanding, the proposed technologies of the present disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, either essentially or in part with respect to the prior art, the computer software product being stored on a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and containing several instructions for causing a terminal (which may be an in-vehicle controller, in-vehicle terminal, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] A general engineer in the industry can understand that implementing all or part of the flows of the methods of the above embodiments can be accomplished by directing the relevant hardware with a computer program, which may be stored on a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium and, at runtime, may include the processes of each embodiment of the above methods. Here, references to memory, storage, databases or other media used in the various embodiments of the present application may include non-volatile and / or volatile memory.

[0084] The concepts described herein can be implemented in other forms without departing from their spirit and characteristics. The specific embodiments disclosed should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims rather than by these prior descriptions. Any modifications within the language of the claims and equivalent scope shall fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1 terminal 2 terminals 10. Instrument Assembly (Vehicle ECU1) 11. Vehicle ECU2 20 In-vehicle display device 30 Navigation control unit 31 Main controller module 32. Vehicle Speed ​​Analog Pulse Signal Module 33. Television analog signal module 34. Vehicle Speed ​​Signal Pulse Detection Module 35 Time-division control signal generator 36. GNSS Antenna Interference Switching Device (Switching Device) 37. Second GNSS antenna (positioning antenna that does not function properly) 38 Antenna signal interference device 39. Position detection obstruction device 50 Antenna with switchable location information function 51 Antenna body 52 switches 60. Device to remove restrictions on television viewing functions 61 Main controller module 62. Vehicle Speed ​​Analog Pulse Signal Module 63. Television Analog Signal Module 64. Vehicle Speed ​​Signal Pulse Detection Module 70. GNSS antenna (vehicle positioning antenna) for genuine vehicles. K1 Switch

Claims

1. A location information antenna with a switching function to avoid information inconsistencies that would cause errors between information from the TV viewing restriction release device and information from the antenna signal, which is used simultaneously with an in-vehicle display device equipped with a TV viewing function and a navigation display function, and which has a function to release the restriction on the TV viewing function while the vehicle is in motion, and is electrically connected to an in-vehicle display device equipped with a TV viewing function and a navigation display function, Maintaining the state in which the aforementioned antenna signal can be transmitted for the transmission period, The system is configured to electrically switch between a state in which the antenna signal cannot be transmitted and a transmission stop period shorter than the transmission-enabled period, This enables the in-vehicle display device to display navigation information while avoiding the aforementioned error, and includes a location information antenna with a switching function.

2. The error is caused by the television viewing function restriction release device intermittently providing vehicle speed information to the in-vehicle display device, The aforementioned antenna for location information with a switching function includes a switch that electrically switches between a state in which the antenna signal can be transmitted and a state in which the antenna signal cannot be transmitted. An antenna for location information with a switching function according to claim 1, comprising a control device for controlling the switch.

Images