Air 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

Air pressure notification system, terminal device and air pressure detection device

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

[0002] A technology called a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that monitors the tire pressure of a vehicle has been known for some time. In a typical TPMS, a detection device installed on the wheel detects the tire pressure and transmits it to a receiving device (on-board device) on the vehicle side. The on-board device then monitors the received tire pressure information and displays it on a display device inside the vehicle.

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

[0004] Patent No. 5402058

[0005] However, in conventional technologies, the in-vehicle device must have a transmission function to transmit tire pressure information to a portable device. This makes it possible to provide tire pressure information to users outside the vehicle, but increases costs. The present invention aims to provide tire pressure information to users outside the vehicle while eliminating the need for a transmission function on the in-vehicle device, thereby reducing costs.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an air pressure notification system that notifies a user of information regarding the air pressure of tires attached to the wheels of a vehicle, and includes an air pressure detection device mounted on the wheel and a terminal device carried by the user.The air pressure detection device has a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the tire and a first communication unit that can transmit detection information including the detected tire air pressure value to the terminal device.The terminal device has a second communication unit that can receive the detection information transmitted by the air pressure detection device and a display unit that displays the received detection information.The air pressure detection device and the terminal device can directly transmit and receive information via two-way communication using a wireless communication method.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information about tire pressure to a user outside the vehicle, and it is possible to suppress an increase in costs by eliminating the need for a transmission function on the vehicle-mounted device side.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an air pressure notification system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an air pressure detection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with an air pressure detection device and an on-board device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an overview of communication between devices in the air pressure notification system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of an air pressure notification method in the air pressure notification system.

[0009] (Configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the air pressure notification system 1 is a system that notifies a user of the air pressure status of tires attached to the wheels of a vehicle C. The air pressure notification system 1 includes an air pressure detection device 2, a terminal device 4, and an in-vehicle device 10. Based on TPMS technology, the air pressure notification system 1 provides the user with an air pressure monitoring function that enables the user to monitor the air pressure of tires regardless of whether the user is inside the vehicle or whether the vehicle C is moving.

[0010] The air pressure detection device 2 is provided on each of the multiple wheels of the vehicle C and detects the air pressure of the tires attached to each wheel. The air pressure detection device 2 is communicably connected to each of 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 provided in the vehicle C and receives the tire air pressure transmitted by the air pressure detection device 2 while the vehicle C is traveling, and notifies the user (e.g., the driver) inside the vehicle. In other words, the in-vehicle device 10 provides the user with an air pressure monitoring function while the vehicle is traveling.

[0011] The terminal device 4 is a terminal device carried by a user, and may be, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a smart watch, or a tablet terminal, or a small, portable computer, but is not limited to these. The terminal device 4, for example, implements an air pressure monitoring program (air pressure monitoring app). The terminal device 4 executes the air pressure monitoring app under the control of a processor, thereby providing the user with an air pressure monitoring function while the vehicle C is stopped (parked) and outside the vehicle. For example, when adjusting the tire pressure of the vehicle C, the user requests information about the air pressure from an air pressure monitoring function screen (not shown) on the human-machine interface (HMI) of the terminal device 4, and in response, the air pressure detected by the air pressure detection device 2 is transmitted. This allows the user to monitor the tire pressure of the vehicle C using the terminal device 4 at hand, without having to interrupt the tire pressure adjustment process and return to the vehicle, or without having to perform a separate measurement using an air pressure gauge. This allows for smooth tire pressure adjustment. In other words, the air pressure monitoring function outside the vehicle also serves as a pressure adjustment assist function that improves the efficiency of tire pressure adjustment work.

[0012] The configuration of the tire pressure detection device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0013] 2A , the tire pressure detection device 2 includes 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 tire pressure detection device 2 is also referred to as a TPMS sensor. The sensor CU 24 is, for example, a microcomputer with a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) and controls the overall operation of the tire pressure detection device 2 based on a control program stored in the ROM.

[0014] The sensor CU 24 operates on power supplied from a battery 26 that forms the power source of the air pressure detection device 2, and outputs detection information (TPMS data) including 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 a unique ID (hereinafter referred to as the "sensor ID") of the air pressure detection device 2 to the communication device 25. 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 CU 24 by wireless signal.

[0015] The communication device 25 communicates with the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10 via a short-range wireless communication method to send and receive information. Various standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), can be used as the short-range wireless communication method. From the viewpoints 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, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to pair the tire pressure detection device 2 with the terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 10 in advance, and then establishes communication between 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 is established using the short-range wireless communication method described above. In other words, the communication device 25 can directly transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 4 using the short-range wireless communication method. The communication device 25 does not necessarily have to perform bidirectional communication with the in-vehicle device 10; it only needs to transmit detection information that can be received by the in-vehicle device 10 with which communication is established using the short-range wireless communication method described above. Note that the communication device 25 may also transmit and receive information to and from the in-vehicle device 10 using 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 short-range wireless communication method. This eliminates the need to provide multiple types of communication devices in the tire pressure detection device 2, thereby reducing costs and processing load.

[0017] When the sensor CU 24 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 when the vehicle is stopped), it starts outputting detection information to the communication device 25 at a normal confirmation cycle (approximately 30 to 60 seconds). This allows the tire pressure detection device 2 to transmit detection information at an appropriate cycle while the vehicle C is traveling so that the detection information can be received by the in-vehicle device 10. When the trigger signal output by the acceleration sensor 22 indicates the above-mentioned extremely low vehicle speed range, the sensor CU stops outputting the detection information.

[0018] The sensor CU 24 starts outputting detection information to the communication device 25 at regular intervals (approximately 0.5 to 5 seconds) based on an air pressure request signal sent from the terminal device 4. The sensor CU 24 stops outputting detection information based on an air pressure stop signal sent from the terminal device 4. This allows the air pressure detection devices 2 provided on each wheel of the vehicle C to transmit detection information (tire air pressure information) receivable by the terminal device 4, for example, in response to the request of a user adjusting the pressure in each tire of the vehicle C, and to stop transmitting the detection information when the adjustment is completed. This also reduces power consumption by the air pressure detection devices 2.

[0019] The sensor CU 24 may output the detection information to the communication device 25 when it detects a sudden change in tire air pressure (increase or decrease due to pressure adjustment work), and may stop outputting the detection information a certain time (e.g., about 30 seconds) after the sudden change is no longer detected. Alternatively, the sensor CU 24 may constantly output the detection information to the communication device 25 at a certain interval (e.g., about 5 seconds). With this configuration, the terminal device 4 does not need to transmit an air pressure request signal or an air pressure stop signal.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2B, the air pressure detection device 2 is attached to four wheels W. In Fig. 2B, the suffix FL at the end of each reference numeral indicates that it corresponds to the front left wheel, FR that to the front right wheel, RL that to the rear left wheel, and RR that to the rear right wheel. In the following explanation, the notations FL, FR, RL, and RR will be omitted unless individual explanation is necessary. The air pressure detection device 2 is attached to each wheel W at, for example, the air valve (not shown) of the tire mounted on each wheel W.

[0021] Next, the on-board device 10 provided in the vehicle C will be described. The on-board device 10 includes a communication device 11, a TPMSCU 12, an on-board human-machine interface (HMI) 15, and on-board equipment 16. The communication device 11 establishes communication with the tire pressure detection device 2 using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., BLE). While the vehicle C is traveling, the communication device 11 receives wireless signals containing detection information from the tire pressure detection devices 2 provided on each wheel W. The communication device 11 decodes each received wireless signal and outputs the decoded signals to the TPMSCU 12 as detection information.

[0022] The TPMSCU 12 is formed, for example, by an existing ECU (Engine Control Unit) in the vehicle C, and controls the operation of the in-vehicle HMI 15 and the in-vehicle devices 16 of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle HMI 15 is a device provided inside the vehicle C (interior), and includes, for example, display devices and lamps visible to a user inside the vehicle, speakers and buzzers that output alarms, notification sounds, and audio information, and controls that accept user input operations to the terminal device 4. The in-vehicle devices 16 are devices installed so as to be visible from outside the vehicle C (outside the vehicle), and include side mirrors, headlights, brake lights, wipers, power windows, a horn, hazard lights, etc. The TPMSCU 12 controls the operation by outputting information (signals, etc.) to the in-vehicle HMI 15 and the in-vehicle devices 16.

[0023] The TPMSCU 12 also references the correspondence between each sensor ID and the position of each wheel W stored in advance in its internal memory, and determines which wheel W's tire pressure is included in the received detection information based on the sensor ID acquired from the detection information input from the communication device 11. The TPMSCU 12 notifies the user in the vehicle of the position of the corresponding wheel W and the tire pressure information included in each piece of detection information via the in-vehicle HMI 15. The tire pressure information may be displayed at least on the display device of the in-vehicle HMI 15.

[0024] When a warning state is reached in which the tire pressure has dropped by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) or more relative to the recommended tire pressure (recommended pressure), the TPMSCU 12 may alert the user by turning on a lamp on the in-vehicle HMI 15 or by outputting a warning sound from a speaker or buzzer. The recommended pressure indicates the optimum tire pressure (vehicle-specified tire pressure) determined by the manufacturer according to the vehicle model of the vehicle C. In this way, the in-vehicle device 10 provides the user in the vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring function while the vehicle C is traveling. The recommended tire pressure may be pre-registered on the vehicle C side (such as in the internal memory). In addition, when recommended tire pressure information cannot be obtained from the vehicle C side, the pressure input by the user can be used as the recommended tire pressure.

[0025] As described above, the tire pressure notification system 1 is capable of directly transmitting and receiving information between the tire pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 through two-way communication using a wireless communication method. 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. This makes it possible for the tire pressure notification system 1 to suppress increases in costs for the in-vehicle device 10.

[0026] 3A, the terminal device 4 includes 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 two-way communication with the tire pressure detection device 2 using a wireless communication method (for example, the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication method), and is capable of directly transmitting and receiving predetermined information (for example, detection information). The communication device 40 is paired in advance with the tire pressure detection device 2 using, for example, BLE.

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

[0028] The HMI 41 is an interface device that exchanges information between the terminal device 4 and a user. The HMI 41 includes an input device 41a that accepts user inputs to the terminal device 4, a display device (an example of a display unit) 41b that is visible to the user, an audio output device 41c that outputs alarm sounds, notification sounds, and audio information, a vibration generator 41d that generates vibrations, and a lighting device 41e (e.g., an LED (Light Emitting Diode) device) that is visible to the user. The input device 41a may be an operator such as a button, switch, lever, dial, keyboard, or touch sensor on a touch panel, or a voice input device. The display device 41b may be a touch panel or the like as long as it is capable of displaying a predetermined image. The display device 41b displays information including, for example, received detection information. The terminal device 4 notifies the user of the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted by displaying tire air pressure information (air pressure notification information) on the display device 41b. This allows information about the tire air pressure to be provided to a user outside the vehicle. The audio output device 41c, the vibration generator 41d, and the lighting device 41e correspond to an alarm device (an example of an alarm unit) 410 that can notify the user of the air pressure state of each tire in addition to the display of the air pressure notification information on the display device 41b. The alarm device 410 may include at least one of the audio output device 41c, the vibration generator 41d, and the 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 central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The storage device 44 may include non-transitory tangible storage media such as a register, a cache memory, or a memory such as a ROM or a random access memory (RAM) used as a main storage device.

[0030] 3B , the terminal device 4 has, as its functional configuration, 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. The functional configuration is realized when the processor 43 executes an air pressure monitoring app stored in the storage device 44 and cooperates with various hardware resources.

[0031] The information acquisition unit 45 acquires the air pressure from the 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 state of each tire of the vehicle C. The air pressure notification information is information for notifying the user of the air pressure state of each tire. The air pressure analysis unit 46 determines the air pressure state of the tires of the vehicle C based on the input air pressure value. The air pressure state can be an "insufficient state" that requires inflation, an "over-adjusted pressure state" that exceeds the recommended pressure and requires depressurization, or a "recommended state" that corresponds to the recommended pressure and does not require pressure adjustment (increase or decrease). The air pressure analysis unit 46 determines whether the input air pressure requires inflation, whether it requires depressurization, or whether neither inflation nor depressurization is required. That is, the air pressure analysis unit 46 determines which of the three states the input air pressure is in and outputs the determination result (air pressure state) to the air pressure notification unit 47 as air pressure notification information. The air pressure notification information may include the air pressure value (the current air pressure value included in the detection information) or may include difference information (numerical value) indicating the difference between the recommended pressure and the current air pressure. The air pressure analysis unit 46 is only required to be able to determine whether the input air pressure corresponds to the recommended pressure, i.e., whether the air pressure is in a state where pressure adjustment (increase or decrease in pressure) is not required. In determining whether the air pressure "corresponds to the recommended pressure," not only must the values ​​match, but a slight margin of error can also be tolerated.

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

[0033] The air pressure notification unit (an example of a notification unit) 47 displays air pressure notification information on the display device 41b indicating the air pressure state of each tire based on the air pressure included in the detection information to notify the user. Specifically, the air pressure notification unit 47 causes the display device 41b to display air pressure notification information indicating the determination result (air pressure state) by the air pressure analysis unit 46. The air pressure notification unit 47 generates an image (notification image) including the air pressure notification information input from the air pressure analysis unit 46 and displays it on the display device 41b. As a result, the air pressure notification information indicating the air pressure state of each tire of the vehicle C is displayed on the display device 41b in a manner that is visible to the user. The air pressure notification unit 47 may also display air pressure notification information indicating the pressure adjustment speed calculated by the air pressure analysis unit 46 on the display device 41b. The notification image indicating the pressure adjustment speed may be an indication of the speed (e.g., 200 kPa / s) or a level of the speed (high, medium, low, etc.).

[0034] The air pressure notification unit 47 may also operate the notification device 410 in conjunction with the display of the 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 an announcing operation indicating 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 allows the air pressure status of each tire to be more emphasized and notified to the user.

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

[0036] For example, the intensity of the notification may be increased as the tire pressure approaches the recommended pressure. Specifically, the intensity of at least one of the audio output, vibration, and lighting may be increased stepwise each time the tire pressure increases by a specified value (e.g., 100 kPa). The intensity of the notification may be increased stepwise, for example, by gradually increasing the volume of the sound, gradually shortening the interval between audio outputs, or gradually increasing the pitch of the sound. The intensity of the vibration may be increased stepwise by gradually increasing the intensity of the vibration and gradually shortening the vibration interval. The intensity of the illumination of the lighting device 41e may be increased stepwise by gradually shortening the blinking interval. This allows the user to be more easily notified that the tire pressure in each tire is approaching the recommended pressure, and allows the user to feel the trigger to end the tire pressure adjustment. The tire pressure notification unit 47 may also determine the notification mode based on the tire pressure adjustment speed value included in the tire pressure notification information. Furthermore, as the pressure adjustment speed increases, the intensity of at least one of the sound output mode, the vibration mode, and the lighting mode may be increased in a stepwise manner.

[0037] (Operation) The operation of the tire pressure notification system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. It is assumed that communication has been established in advance between the tire pressure detection devices 2 (tire pressure detection device 2FR, tire pressure detection device 2FL, tire pressure detection device 2RR, tire pressure detection device 2RL) and the terminal device 4 using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., BLE).

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

[0039] The terminal device 4 receives the detection information transmitted from the air pressure detection device 2 at regular intervals (S4), and displays air pressure notification information indicating the air pressure status of each tire based on the received detection information on the display device 41b to notify the user (S5). This allows the terminal device 4 to notify the user, who adjusts the air pressure of each tire outside the vehicle, of the air pressure status of each tire at regular intervals, i.e., in real time. In other words, the terminal device 4 provides the user with an air pressure monitoring function (pressure adjustment monitor function) that enables the user to monitor the air pressure status in real time when adjusting the tire pressure.

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

[0041] As described above, in the tire pressure notification system 1 according to this embodiment, the tire pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 can directly transmit and receive information via two-way communication using a wireless communication method. Therefore, there is no need to provide the in-vehicle device 10 with a configuration for communicating with the terminal device 4 regarding the detected information, thereby suppressing increases in costs. Furthermore, the terminal device 4 notifies the user of the tire pressure status based on the detected information (S5). Therefore, the tire pressure notification system 1 can provide information about tire pressure to users outside the vehicle.

[0042] An example of an air pressure notification method in the air pressure notification system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . First, in the air pressure notification system 1, pressure regulation-related information is registered in the terminal device 4 (S11). The pressure regulation-related information indicates the sensor ID of each air pressure detection device 2 and the recommended tire pressure of the vehicle C. The terminal device 4 may acquire the sensor ID and recommended pressure through input operations by the user using the input device 41a, or may acquire the sensor ID and recommended pressure by communicating with a predetermined server device via the communication device 40. The terminal device 4 may also acquire the sensor ID and recommended pressure through communication with the vehicle C. The terminal device 4 stores and registers the acquired sensor ID and recommended pressure in the memory unit 44. The sensor ID is registered in association with the corresponding wheel W (one of the wheels WFL, WFR, WRL, and WRR). Registration of pressure regulation-related information may be performed as needed.

[0043] Next, the tire pressure monitoring function (pressure adjustment monitor function) for adjusting tire pressure is activated in the tire pressure notification system 1 (S12). For example, when the user performs an activation operation using the input device 41a, the terminal device 4 detects the activation operation, executes the tire pressure monitoring app, and displays an 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 a wheel to be monitored (S13). The wheel to be monitored is the wheel W of the vehicle C, among the wheels WFR, WFL, WRR, and WRL, that is mounted with the tire for which the user intends to adjust tire pressure (the tire whose air pressure is to be monitored). For example, when the user performs a selection operation using the input device 41a on the tire pressure adjustment monitor screen, the terminal device 4 detects the selection operation and obtains from the storage device 44 the sensor ID (target sensor ID) corresponding to the selected wheel W (wheel to be monitored).

[0044] Next, the terminal device 4 transmits an air pressure request signal to initiate communication with the air pressure detection device 2 corresponding to the target sensor ID (S14). Next, the terminal device 4 waits for detection information to be transmitted from the air pressure detection device 2 corresponding to the target sensor ID (No in S15). Meanwhile, upon receiving the detection information (Yes in S15), the terminal device 4 (information acquisition unit 45a) acquires 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), and if it determines that it does correspond to the recommended pressure ("recommended state") (Yes in S17), the air pressure notification unit 47 notifies the user by displaying a notification image on the display device 41b indicating that the air pressure is in the "recommended state" (no pressure adjustment is necessary) based on the determination result (S18). This allows the user to finish adjusting the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted when the air pressure reaches the optimal state.

[0046] Next, when the terminal device 4 detects a user's operation to end monitoring on the pressure adjustment monitor screen via the input device 41a, it ends monitoring of the monitored wheel (S19). At this time, the terminal device 4 stores information indicating the end of tire pressure adjustment (pressure adjustment end information) in association with the sensor ID of the wheel W for which monitoring has ended. Note that the terminal device 4 may continue monitoring the tire pressure of the monitored wheel until the user performs the operation to end monitoring.

[0047] In response to this, if the terminal device 4 determines that the tire pressure of the selected wheel W does not correspond to the recommended pressure (No in S17), it determines whether the tire pressure exceeds the recommended pressure, i.e., whether the tire is in an "over-adjusted pressure state" (S20). If the terminal device 4 determines that the tire pressure of the selected wheel W is in an "over-adjusted pressure state" (requiring pressure reduction) (Yes in step S20), the air pressure notification unit 47 notifies the user by displaying a notification image indicating that the tire pressure is in an "over-adjusted pressure state" on the display device 41b based on the determination result (S21). This allows the user to recognize that the tire pressure of the tire to be adjusted requires pressure reduction and encourages the user to perform the pressure reduction procedure. On the other hand, if the terminal device 4 determines that the tire pressure of the selected wheel W does not exceed the recommended pressure (not in an "over-adjusted pressure state") (No in S20), the air pressure notification unit 47 notifies the user that the tire pressure is in a state requiring pressure increase (an "under-adjusted pressure state") (S22). This allows the user to recognize that the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted needs to be increased, and encourages the user to continue the pressure adjustment (increase) work. Next, the terminal device 4 waits to receive new detection information about the selected wheel W (S15). As described above, the terminal device 4 receives detection information transmitted at regular intervals from the air pressure detection device 2. Therefore, the air pressure state of the tire to be adjusted can be monitored in real time until the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted falls within 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 pressure regulation has been completed for all wheels W of the vehicle C (pressure regulation complete state) (S23). If pressure regulation completion information is stored corresponding to the sensor IDs of all wheels W, the terminal device 4 determines that pressure regulation is complete (Yes in S23), terminates the display of the pressure regulation monitor screen, and terminates the pressure regulation monitoring function (S24). At this time, the terminal device 4 may display information indicating the termination of the pressure regulation monitoring function on the display device 41b. Next, the terminal device 4 terminates communication with the air pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W (S25). The terminal device 4 transmits, for example, an air pressure stop signal to the air pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W. This causes the transmission of detection information from the air pressure detection devices 2 of all wheels W to stop.

[0049] In response to this, if the pressure adjustment is not complete (if there is a sensor ID for which corresponding pressure adjustment completion information does not exist), the terminal device 4 determines that the pressure adjustment is not complete and prompts the user to select a wheel W to be a new monitoring target (S13). This allows the tire pressure of a wheel W for which pressure adjustment has not been completed to be set as a new monitoring target.

[0050] In this way, the air pressure notification system 1 can notify the user of the air pressure state of the tire to be adjusted in real time via the terminal device 4 when adjusting the tire pressure outside the vehicle C. This allows the user to easily check the air pressure while adjusting the tire pressure of the vehicle C, allowing for smooth adjustment of the tire pressure.

[0051] Furthermore, in the air pressure notification system 1, the terminal device 4 (air pressure notification unit 47) may display the air pressure value in the notification image when notifying (displaying on the display device 41b) the air pressure status of the tire to be adjusted (S18, S22, S23). This allows the terminal device 4 to update the air pressure value displayed on the display device 41b each time it receives detection information, thereby notifying the user of the air pressure in real time. Furthermore, when the terminal device 4 displays the air pressure status of the tire to be adjusted on the display device 41b, it may also perform the above-described notification operation using the notification device 410. This allows the user to be notified of the air pressure more clearly during the pressure adjustment procedure. Furthermore, the terminal device 4 may also perform the notification operation using the notification device 410 when the registration of the sensor ID and recommended pressure is completed during the registration of pressure adjustment-related information (S11) or when communication with the air pressure detection device 2 is started (S14). This allows the user to be notified of the start or completion of registration of pressure adjustment-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 includes at least an air pressure detection device 2 and a terminal device 4 carried by a user. The air pressure detection device 2 includes a pressure sensor 21 that detects tire air pressure and a communication device 25 that can transmit detection information, including the detected air pressure value, to the terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 also includes a communication device 40 that can receive detection information from the air pressure detection device 2 and a display device 41b that displays the received detection information. Furthermore, the air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 can directly send and receive information via two-way communication using a wireless communication method. This makes it possible to provide tire air pressure information to a user outside the vehicle, and reduces costs 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 may be capable of two-way communication using a short-range wireless communication method, and the communication device 40 of the terminal device 4 may be capable of transmitting an air pressure request signal to the air pressure detection device 2 requesting that the terminal device 4 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 start in time with the user starting tire pressure adjustment. Furthermore, two-way communication between the air pressure detection device 2 and the terminal device 4 can be established while reducing power consumption.

[0054] (3) The terminal device 4 may have an air pressure analysis unit 46 that determines whether the tire air pressure requires 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 may have an air pressure notification unit 47 that causes the display device 41b to display air pressure notification information indicating the tire air pressure state based on the received detection information, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the display device 41b to display air pressure notification information indicating the determination result by the air pressure analysis unit 46. This allows the user to clearly be notified of the air pressure state of the tire to be adjusted.

[0055] (4) The communication device 40 of the terminal device 4 can transmit an air pressure stop signal to the air pressure detection device 2 requesting that the transmission of detection information be stopped, and the communication device 25 can stop transmitting the detection information to the terminal device 4 based on the received air pressure stop signal. This allows the 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 may determine whether the tire pressure does not require adjustment based on the air pressure value included in the detection information, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may display information indicating that the tire pressure does not require adjustment on the display device 41b based on the result of the determination. This allows the user to finish adjusting the tire pressure when the tire pressure reaches an optimal level. (6) The air pressure analysis unit 46 of the terminal device 4 may determine whether the tire pressure requires inflation, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may display information indicating that the tire pressure requires inflation on the display device 41b based on the result of the determination. This allows the user to recognize that the tire pressure to be adjusted requires inflation and encourages them to continue adjusting the tire pressure (inflating). (7) The air pressure analysis unit 46 of the terminal device 4 may determine whether the tire pressure requires depressurization, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may display information indicating that the tire pressure requires depressurization on the display device 41b based on the result of the determination. This allows the user to recognize that the air pressure of the tire to be adjusted needs to be reduced, and urges the user to continue the pressure adjustment (reduction) work.

[0057] (8) The air pressure notification unit 47 may display the air pressure value included in the detection information on the display device 41b. This allows the user to be notified of the current air pressure of the tire being adjusted in real time. (9) The terminal device 4 may further include an alarm device 410 that can notify the user of the air pressure status in addition to the display of the air pressure notification information on the display device 41b, and the air pressure notification unit 47 may cause the alarm device 410 to perform an alarm operation indicating the air pressure status based on the determination result by the air pressure analysis unit 46. This allows the user who is adjusting the tire pressure to be notified of the air pressure status of the tire being adjusted in a more emphasized manner, allowing the user to experience the air pressure status.

[0058] [Modification] The tire pressure detection device 2 may be configured to transmit detection information to the in-vehicle device 10 while the vehicle C is stopped. In this case, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits an air pressure request signal similar to that transmitted by the terminal device 4, and the tire pressure detection device 2 responds by transmitting detection information to the in-vehicle device 10 at regular intervals for confirmation. When the TPMSCU 12 receives a user operation of the control on the HMI 8 (an air pressure request operation) while the vehicle C is stopped, the TPMSCU 12 generates a vehicle request signal and transmits it to the tire pressure detection device 2. For example, the air pressure request operation involves inputting information indicating one of the wheels W. This allows the in-vehicle device 10 to obtain air pressure information for the selected wheel W while the vehicle C is stopped and notify the user. In this case, the in-vehicle device 10 may notify the user, by operating the in-vehicle equipment 16, whether the air pressure of the wheel W has reached the recommended pressure based on the received detection information. The TPMSCU12 can notify a user outside the vehicle that the air pressure of the tire attached to the selected wheel W has reached the recommended pressure by opening and closing the side mirrors, switching the headlights to flash or on / off, switching the brake lights or hazard lights on / off, operating the wipers, opening and closing the power windows, outputting a VSP notification sound, outputting a horn sound, etc.

[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...Acceleration sensor, 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. An air pressure notification system that notifies a user of information regarding the air pressure of a tire attached to a wheel of a vehicle, The vehicle includes an air pressure detection device provided on the wheel and a terminal device carried by a user, the air pressure detection device includes a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the tire, and a first communication unit that is capable of transmitting detection information including the detected air pressure value of the tire to the terminal device at a predetermined interval; The terminal device has a second communication unit capable of receiving the detection information transmitted by the air pressure detection device, a determination unit that determines whether 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 that indicates the air pressure state of the tire being adjusted based on the received detection information, and a notification unit that can notify the user of the air pressure state together with the air pressure notification information displayed on the display unit, The tire pressure detection device and the terminal device are capable of directly transmitting and receiving information through two-way communication using a wireless communication system, the second communication unit is capable of transmitting a request signal to the tire pressure detection device to request the tire pressure detection device to start transmitting the detection information, the first communication unit starts transmitting the detection information to the terminal device at a period that allows the air pressure of the tire being adjusted to be checked at any time, based on the request signal received from the terminal device; the notification unit is composed of a plurality of notification operation devices that perform notification operations indicating the state of the air pressure based on the determination result by the determination unit, a mode of the notification operation by the plurality of notification operation devices constituting the notification unit, wherein the intensity of the notification operation increases as the value of the tire air pressure being adjusted approaches a predetermined recommended pressure, and the intervals between execution of the notification operation become shorter in stages; An air pressure notification system.

2. (delete)

3. 2. The tire pressure notification system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit of the terminal device displays information indicating the determination result by the determination unit as the tire pressure notification information.

4. the second communication unit is capable of transmitting a stop signal to the tire pressure detection device to request the tire pressure detection device to stop transmitting the detection information, The tire pressure notification system according to claim 1, wherein 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 about the air pressure of tires attached to wheels of a vehicle, a communication unit that is capable of directly transmitting and receiving predetermined information to and from an air pressure detection device provided on the wheel through two-way communication using a wireless communication system, and that receives detection information including the tire air pressure value detected by the air pressure detection device as the predetermined information; a determination unit that determines whether or not the air pressure needs to be adjusted 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 air pressure of the tire being adjusted based on the received detection information; a notification unit that notifies a user of the state of the air pressure in addition to displaying the air pressure notification information on the display unit; Equipped with the communication unit is capable of transmitting a request signal to the air pressure detection device to request that the air pressure detection device start transmitting the detection information, and receives the detection information of the tire whose pressure is being adjusted, detected by the air pressure detection device based on the request signal, at a cycle that allows the air pressure of the tire to be checked at any time; the display unit displays the detection information received at the period; the notification unit is composed of a plurality of notification operation devices that perform notification operations indicating the state of the air pressure based on the determination result by the determination unit, The terminal device is characterized in that the mode of the notification operation by the multiple notification operation devices that constitute the notification unit is such that the intensity increases as the air pressure value of the tire being adjusted approaches a predetermined recommended pressure, and the execution interval of the notification operation becomes shorter in stages.

6. The terminal device a notification unit that displays the tire pressure notification information on the display unit, 6. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit causes the display unit to display information indicating the determination result by the determination unit as the tire 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 is in a state where pressure adjustment is not required, based on the determination result by the determination unit.