Vehicle function control method and vehicle function control system

Abstract

This vehicle function control system 1 uses a processor 10 and controls a function installed in a vehicle 2, installs an additional function in the vehicle 2 in response to a command from a user after the purchase of the vehicle 2, and receives an input for selecting a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function before initializing the vehicle 2 having the additional function.

Description

Vehicle function control method and vehicle function control system

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle function control method and a vehicle function control system.

[0002] The vehicle arbitration system described in Patent Document 1 arbitrates multiple requests generated by applications in order to add applications and expand functions in a vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-162110

[0004] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that when the memory that stores the application is initialized, the added and extended application functions are lost and the right to use the functions cannot be transferred.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle function control method and a vehicle function control system that allow transfer of function usage rights.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by installing additional functions in a vehicle in response to a command from a user, and accepting input to select whether to leave the additional functions in the vehicle when initializing multiple functions.

[0007] The present invention allows the transfer of usage rights of functions.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle function control system according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a vehicle function control method executed by the vehicle function control system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of a communication terminal shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of the communication terminal shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of the communication terminal shown in Fig. 1.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A vehicle function control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a cloud system that controls functions installed in a vehicle 2. The functions include, for example, a map application that provides map information and route guidance, a battery control application that manages the status of the vehicle's battery, and applications that control in-vehicle devices such as seat heaters and air conditioners. These functions are processed by a processor included in the vehicle 2 or a communication terminal 3, thereby providing the user with information, an operating environment for in-vehicle devices, an entertainment environment, and support tools to assist driving. A vehicle has each function as a standard function when shipped from the factory, but functions can be added or expanded according to user requests.

[0010] When adding or expanding a function, the user operates the communication terminal 3 to send an operation command for adding or expanding the function from the communication terminal 3 to the vehicle function control system 1. When adding or expanding a function, the user can also operate the in-vehicle display 21 of the vehicle 2 to send an operation command for adding or expanding the function from the communicator 23 of the vehicle 2 or the communication terminal 3 to the vehicle function control system 1. In response to the operation command, the vehicle function control system 1 then sends a control command to the communication terminal 3 to guide the user to addable or expandable functions suitable for the vehicle 2. A guide screen for the addable or expandable functions is displayed on the communication terminal 3. The user selects the function to be added or expanded on the communication terminal 3. The vehicle function control system 1 then downloads an application (software) having the selected function to the vehicle 2. The vehicle function control system 1 then performs a process (activation process) to activate the downloaded application. As a result, the function to be added or expanded is newly installed in the vehicle 2 and becomes available for use. The following describes the configurations of the vehicle function control system 1, the vehicle 2, and the communication terminal 3. In the following description, functions that are desired to be added or expanded will be collectively referred to as "additional functions."

[0011] The vehicle function control system 1 has a processor 10 and a database 19. The vehicle function control system 1 is capable of communicating with a vehicle 2 and a communication terminal 3 carried by a user of the vehicle 2 via a network 4. The vehicle function control system 1 corresponds to a server. The processor 10 is a controller that controls the entire vehicle function control system 1, and has a processing unit such as a CPU, a memory that stores a program, and the like. The processor 10 has, as functional blocks, a vehicle management unit 11, a function control unit 12, a billing management unit 13, a customer management unit 14, and a usage status analysis unit 15. Processing in the functional blocks such as the vehicle management unit 11 is performed by executing a program stored in the memory in the processing unit.

[0012] The vehicle management unit 11 manages the vehicle 2, the functions that can be installed on the vehicle 2, and the user. The vehicle 2 may be a personal vehicle, a business vehicle, a vehicle with limited usage time, etc. The user is not limited to an individual, but may also be a corporation. The vehicle management unit 11 manages the user ID, vehicle ID, and functions that can be installed on the vehicle in association with each other in a database. The user ID is the user's personal information, and the vehicle ID is identification information for the vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle management unit 11 associates information about functions currently installed in the vehicle 2 and functions purchased by the user, and function information (application information) about additional functions with the vehicle ID and user ID, and stores the information in the database 19. The function information includes identification information (function ID) of a function that can be installed in the vehicle, the purchase date and time of the function, status information indicating whether the function is enabled or disabled, the function's usage history, and the function's available time. Note that the function information does not need to include all of this information.

[0014] The vehicle management unit 11 manages the ownership of the vehicle 2 and the right to use additional functions. The ownership of the vehicle 2 indicates the so-called vehicle owner. When the vehicle 2 is purchased, the ownership of the vehicle 2 is usually granted to the purchaser of the vehicle 2. When the vehicle 2 is transferred to another user, the ownership of the vehicle 2 is granted to the transferee of the vehicle. When the vehicle 2 is traded in, the ownership of the vehicle 2 is granted to a dealer that handles the sale and purchase of the vehicle 2. When trading in or transferring the vehicle 2, the user can operate the communication terminal 3 to select trade-in or personal transfer as the disposal method of the vehicle 2. When the vehicle management unit 11 receives a command to select the disposal method of the vehicle 2 from the communication terminal 3, the vehicle management unit 11 updates the data that associates the vehicle ID with the user ID, which is recorded in the database 19, and transfers the ownership of the vehicle 2.

[0015] A user who has the right to use an additional function can decide where to install the additional function. When an additional function is purchased, the right to use the additional function is granted to the purchaser of the additional function. The right to use the additional function can be transferred to another user or traded in. When the right to use the additional function is transferred to another person, the right to use the function is transferred to that other person. Therefore, a user who has received the right to use the additional function can install the additional function in their own vehicle 2. When the additional function is traded in, the right to use the additional function is transferred to a management company that manages the right to use the function. The right to use the additional function can also be assigned to the vehicle. An additional function installed in a vehicle 2 is usually deleted from the vehicle 2 when the vehicle is transferred or traded in, but it can also remain in the vehicle 2. In this case, the right to use the additional function may be transferred from the previous owner of the vehicle 2 to a dealer that handles the sale and purchase of the vehicle 2.

[0016] When trading in or transferring vehicle 2, the user operates communication terminal 3 to output a request to dispose of vehicle 2 to vehicle function control system 1. When the vehicle management unit 11 accepts the request to dispose of vehicle 2 from communication terminal 3, it transmits a control command to communication terminal 3 to cause communication terminal 3 to display a selection screen for selecting trade-in or personal transfer as a method of disposing of vehicle 2. The control command may include information such as the current mileage of the vehicle and the trade-in price, and communication terminal 3 may display this information when displaying the disposal method selection screen. When the vehicle management unit 11 receives the command to select the disposal method of vehicle 2 from communication terminal 3, it updates the data correlating vehicle IDs and user IDs recorded in database 19 and transfers ownership of vehicle 2.

[0017] Furthermore, when selecting a disposal method for the vehicle 2 or after selecting a disposal method for the vehicle 2, the vehicle management unit 11 sends a control command to the communication terminal 3 to cause the communication terminal 3 to display a selection screen for selecting a transfer destination of the usage rights for the additional functions. The control command may include information such as the usage period, number of uses, and trade-in price of the additional functions, and the communication terminal 3 may display this information when displaying the selection screen for the transfer destination of the usage rights. When the vehicle management unit 11 receives an input from the communication terminal 3 selecting a transfer destination of the usage rights for the additional functions, the vehicle management unit 11 updates the data correlating the user ID and function information recorded in the database 19 and transfers the usage rights for the additional functions. Note that the ownership of the vehicle 2 and the usage rights for the additional functions can be transferred separately. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle 2 is traded in, the usage rights for the additional functions installed on the vehicle 2 can be transferred from the vehicle owner to another user.

[0018] The function control unit 12 controls functions that can be installed in the vehicle 2. Functions that can be installed in the vehicle 2 include functions that have already been downloaded to the vehicle 2, functions that have not been downloaded to the vehicle 2 but have been purchased by the user, newly added functions, etc. If the user wants to add or expand a function, they can purchase an application online. Note that adding or expanding a function does not have to be paid for, and may be free of charge. When the function control unit 12 receives a command from the user or the system to install an additional function, it downloads the additional function to the vehicle 2 in accordance with the command.

[0019] For example, when a user who is a vehicle owner operates the communication terminal 3 to add a function to the vehicle (private car) 2, the communication terminal 3 outputs a control command including at least a user ID to the vehicle function control system 1 to display a guide screen for installable functions. The function control unit 12 refers to the database 19 to identify a vehicle ID corresponding to the user ID and functions installed in the vehicle 2. The function control unit 12 identifies additional functions that can be installed in the vehicle 2 based on the identified vehicle ID, and the function control unit 12 transmits data for providing information about the identified additional functions to the communication terminal 3. The communication terminal 3 displays a guide screen for the additional functions identified by the function control unit 12. When the user operates the communication terminal 3 and selects an additional function to be installed, the communication terminal 3 transmits a selection command to the vehicle function control system 1. The function control unit 12 downloads the additional function selected by the user to the vehicle 2 based on the selection command. After downloading the additional function to the vehicle 2, the function control unit 12 performs processing to enable the additional function so that the additional function can be used in the vehicle 2. As a result, the function control unit 12 installs additional functions in the vehicle 2 in response to instructions from the user after the vehicle 2 is purchased.

[0020] The function control unit 12 can also disable (deactivate) an additional function installed in the vehicle 2. When an additional function is installed in the vehicle 2, when an additional function is deleted from the vehicle 2, when an additional function is enabled or disabled, or when a user purchases a new additional function, the function control unit 12 updates the function information stored in the database 19. This allows the function control unit 12 to manage what functions a user who has registered a user ID has purchased and in which vehicles 2 the purchased functions have been installed.

[0021] The billing management unit 13 manages payments when a user purchases a function. The customer management unit 14 manages customer information (user ID) in a database 19 in association with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2. The usage status analysis unit 15 uses AI to analyze the usage status of the vehicle 2 based on driving data of the vehicle 2, etc.

[0022] The database 19 stores personal data indicating personal information of the user, such as a user ID, vehicle data including a vehicle ID, function data including a function usage history and function information by the user, etc. The database 19 may also store and manage driving data of the vehicle 2, etc.

[0023] The vehicle 2 is connected to the vehicle function control system 1 and the communication terminal 3 via a network 4. The vehicle 2 includes a processor 20, an in-vehicle display 21, a storage medium 22, a communicator 23, and an in-vehicle device 24. The processor 20 is a control unit that controls the in-vehicle display 21, the storage medium 22, the communicator 23, and the in-vehicle device 24. The in-vehicle display 21 is provided, for example, on the instrument panel of the vehicle and is a touch panel display. The in-vehicle display 21 displays a menu screen that presents functions installed in the vehicle 2. The in-vehicle display 21 displays icons indicating the installed functions on the menu screen. For example, the icons may be an icon indicating a call function, an icon indicating a music function, an icon indicating a map function, etc. For example, when a user (occupant) uses the in-vehicle phone or the communication terminal 3 to make a call to an external party, the user simply touches an icon indicating a receiver.

[0024] The in-vehicle display 21 may display, as an example of a menu screen, a selection screen for selecting a transfer destination of the usage rights of the additional function. FIG. 2 is an example of a menu screen (selection screen) displayed on the in-vehicle display 21. The example of FIG. 2 shows a display screen when transferring the usage rights of the additional function through personal transfer. As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle display 21 displays multiple icons 211 and a message 212 that guides the user to select the additional function to be transferred. In addition, a box for selecting the function to be transferred is displayed in the upper right corner of each icon. When the user (occupant) touches the icon 211, a check mark is added to the box. This allows the user to select a transfer destination of the usage rights of the additional function not only through the communication terminal 3 but also through the in-vehicle display 21 of the vehicle 2.

[0025] The storage medium 22 stores applications downloaded to the vehicle 2, usage history of installed functions, personal user information, etc. The communicator 23 transmits and receives signals to and from the vehicle function control system 1 and the communication terminal 3. The in-vehicle devices 24 include a camera that captures images of the inside or outside of the vehicle, a seat heater, an air conditioner, a speaker, etc. The additional function may be a function that operates hardware such as the in-vehicle device 24.

[0026] The communication terminal 3 is a terminal that can be operated by a user, and includes a display, a communication device, a processor, etc. When installing an additional function in the vehicle 2, applying for disposal of the vehicle 2, or applying for disposal of an additional function, the user may operate the communication terminal 3 to send an operation command to the vehicle function control system 1 and / or the vehicle 2.

[0027] Next, the procedure of the vehicle function control method executed by the processor 10 of the vehicle function control system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. The flow shown in Fig. 3 is executed when a user trades in or personally transfers his / her vehicle. Note that the initial condition of the control flow of Fig. 3 is that the user has purchased at least one additional function and that the additional function has been installed in the vehicle 2.

[0028] In step S1, the processor 10 accepts a trade-in or transfer application for the vehicle 2 from the vehicle 2 or the communication terminal 3. The processor 10 transmits a control command to the communication terminal 3 to cause the communication terminal 3 to display a selection screen for selecting between trade-in and personal transfer. Based on the control command transmitted from the processor 10, the communication terminal 3 displays a selection screen for selecting a disposal method, as shown in FIG.

[0029] 4 is an example of a selection screen displayed on the communication terminal 3. The selection screen includes an image 301 of the vehicle to be disposed of, a message 302 such as "Please select a disposal method for the vehicle," and selection buttons "Trade-in" 303 and "Personal transfer" 304 for selecting a disposal method. The user touches either the selection button "Trade-in" 303 or "Personal transfer" 304. In the example of FIG. 4, the disposal method "Trade-in" is selected. When the user selects a disposal method and performs a confirmation operation, the communication terminal 3 transmits a disposal method selection command to the vehicle function control system 1.

[0030] In step S2, the processor 10 transmits a control command to the communication terminal 3 to cause the communication terminal 3 to display a selection screen for selecting a destination to which the usage rights of the additional function are to be transferred. The communication terminal 3 displays a selection screen for selecting a destination, such as that shown in Fig. 5 or 6, based on the control command transmitted from the processor 10. The communication terminal 3 outputs a command to select a destination to the processor 10 in response to an operation by the user on the selection screen.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an example of a selection screen displayed on the communication terminal 3. The selection screen of FIG. 5 is displayed when the disposal method for the vehicle 2 is “trade-in.” The selection screen includes a message 401 such as “Please select a disposal method for the function” and selection buttons 402, 403, and 404 for selecting a transfer destination. Selection buttons 402 and 403 are buttons for selecting the disposal method for each additional function. Selection buttons 402 and 403 are subdivided into “continuous use,” “personal transfer,” and “trade-in” as transfer destination selection methods. “Continuous use” indicates that the transfer destination of the additional function will not be changed, “personal transfer” indicates that the transfer destination of the additional function will be transferred to another user, and “trade-in” indicates that the transfer destination will be transferred to a usage rights management company. For example, in the example of FIG. 5 , selection buttons 402 and 403 are selected so that the disposal method for the additional function of app A is “personal transfer,” and the disposal method for the additional function of app B is “trade-in.” Selection button 404 is selected when the additional function is to be “trade-in” along with the vehicle 2. That is, when the additional functions are to be traded in together with the vehicle 2, the user selects the selection button 404. When the selection button 404 is selected, all installed additional functions become eligible for trade-in, the installed additional functions remain in the vehicle 2, and the additional functions are transferred to a dealer that handles the sale and purchase of the vehicle 2. Note that the additional functions to be traded in together with the vehicle 2 may be selectable on a function-by-function basis.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an example of a selection screen displayed on the communication terminal 3. The selection screen of FIG. 6 is displayed when the disposal method for the vehicle 2 is "personal transfer." Differences between the selection screen of FIG. 6 and the selection screen of FIG. 5 will be described below. The selection screen includes a message 401 and selection buttons 402, 403, and 405. Selection button 405 is selected when the additional functions are to be "personal transfer" along with the vehicle 2. In other words, the user selects selection button 405 when the installed additional functions are to remain in the vehicle 2 and be transferred to an individual along with the vehicle 2 when the vehicle 2 is personally transferred. When selection button 405 is selected, all installed additional functions become subject to personal transfer, and the transferee of the usage rights of the additional functions and the owner of the vehicle 2 are the same user. Note that the additional functions to be personally transferred along with the vehicle 2 may be selected on a function-by-function basis. As a result, the processor 10 outputs a control command to display, on the display of the communication terminal 3, a selection screen for selecting the transferee of the usage rights of the additional functions for each of the multiple additional functions installed in the vehicle 2. The selection screen for selecting the destination to which the usage rights of the additional function are to be transferred may be displayed not only on the display of the communication terminal 3 but also on the in-vehicle display 21. The display forms of the selection screens shown in Figures 5 and 6 are merely examples, and other display forms may also be used.

[0033] In step S3, the processor 10 receives a selection command from the communication terminal 3 and accepts an input to select a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function. As will be described later, in the control flow of step S6, the vehicle 2 is initialized to delete data related to the installed function. Therefore, the processor 10 performs the process of accepting an input to select a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function before initializing the vehicle 2.

[0034] In step S4, the processor 10 determines the price of the vehicle 2 and the additional functions. The processor 10 determines the trade-in price (sale price) of the vehicle 2 and / or the additional functions. For example, when trading in the vehicle 2, the trade-in price of the vehicle 2 is usually determined based on the market price, but if the additional functions remain in the vehicle 2, the trade-in price of the vehicle 2 increases. The processor 10 determines the trade-in price of the additional functions based on the market price, etc. Then, the processor 10 determines the trade-in price of the vehicle 2 based on the additional functions remaining in the vehicle 2. The processor 10 may also determine the price of the additional functions based on the period of use of the additional functions. For example, the processor 10 determines the price of the additional functions so that the shorter the period of use of the additional functions, the higher the trade-in price of the additional functions. When "trade-in" of the vehicle 2 and / or the additional functions is selected, the processor 10 may control the communication terminal 3 so that the prices of the vehicle 2 and the additional functions are displayed on the display of the communication terminal 3.

[0035] In step S5, the processor 10 updates the function information contained in the database 19 based on the user ID and vehicle ID. The processor 10 changes the association between the user ID, vehicle ID, and function information depending on the selection of the disposal method of the vehicle 2 and the destination of the transfer of the usage rights of the additional function. For example, if the destination of the additional function is transferred to another user through personal transfer, the processor 10 updates the database 19 so that the user ID of the owner of the usage rights is associated with the additional function to be transferred. Furthermore, for example, if the destination of the additional function is a vehicle through trade-in, the processor 10 updates the database 19 so that the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2 to which the usage rights are to be transferred is associated with the additional function to be transferred.

[0036] In step S6, the processor 10 initializes the vehicle 2. The processor 10 communicates with the vehicle 2 to be disposed of and transmits an initialization command to initialize the vehicle 2. When the processor 20 of the vehicle 2 receives the initialization command via the communicator 23, it deletes data related to the installed functions from the storage medium 22. When an additional function is installed in the vehicle 2, data such as applications is stored. Furthermore, personal information may be stored in the storage medium 22 in order to use the additional function in the vehicle 2. Therefore, the processor 10 transmits an initialization command to the vehicle 2 to delete the data stored in the storage medium 22. Note that if the destination of the vehicle 2 is the trade-in vehicle 2, or if the destination of the vehicle 2 is the same as the destination of the additional function, the processor 10 may delete the personal information without deleting the data of the additional function stored in the storage medium 22. In other words, the additional function may remain in the vehicle 2.

[0037] In step S7, the processor 10 presents incentive information regarding the purchase of the additional function depending on the transferee of the usage right of the additional function. The incentive included in the incentive information is a benefit that can be used when purchasing the same function as the selected additional function. For example, when trading in or transferring a vehicle 2 and purchasing another vehicle, the additional function used in the previous vehicle 2 may also be used in the new vehicle 2. In such a case, when installing the same function in the new vehicle 2, an incentive may be provided so that the purchase price of the additional function is discounted. In other words, the processor 10 provides an incentive when trading in or transferring a vehicle without changing the transferee of the usage right of the additional function from the current user.

[0038] On the other hand, if the right to use the additional function is transferred to the vehicle 2, the trade-in price of the vehicle 2 will be higher. Therefore, the processor 10 sets the transfer destination of the right to use the additional function to a vehicle that is eligible for trade-in or personal transfer, and does not grant an incentive if the eligible vehicle is traded in or transferred. If the processor 10 grants an incentive, it transmits incentive information to the vehicle 2 or the communication terminal 3.

[0039] In step S8, the processor 10 enables the additional function according to the transferee of the usage right of the transferee of the additional function. If the transferee of the usage right of the additional function is an individual who owns the vehicle 2, the processor 10 downloads an application having the additional function to the vehicle (owned vehicle) 2 and enables the additional function in the vehicle (owned vehicle) 2. In other words, the processor 10 enables the additional function in the vehicle 2 that corresponds to the user ID of the transferee user.

[0040] Furthermore, if the destination of the usage right of the additional function is the vehicle 2 and the vehicle 2 is purchased by another user, the processor 10 associates the additional function installed in the vehicle 2 with the user ID of the user who purchased the vehicle 2 and the vehicle ID. The application for the additional function is stored in the storage medium 22 of the vehicle 2, so downloading is not necessary. The processor 10 enables the additional function in the vehicle purchased by the other user.

[0041] As described above, the vehicle function control system 1 according to this embodiment installs an additional function in the vehicle 2 in response to a command from the user after the purchase of the vehicle 2, and accepts an input to select a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function before initializing the vehicle 2 with the additional function. This allows the usage right of the additional function to be transferred before the desired function is lost due to initialization.

[0042] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 associates the additional function with the user ID of the owner of the usage right of the additional function, and enables the additional function in the vehicle 2 corresponding to the user ID. In this way, the usage right of the additional function can be transferred to an individual, and the additional function can be used in the vehicle used by that individual.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 associates the additional function with the vehicle ID of the vehicle to which the usage right of the additional function is to be transferred, and enables the additional function in the vehicle to which the vehicle ID is assigned. As a result, the usage right of the additional function is transferred to the vehicle 2, and the additional function can be used in the vehicle 2. Furthermore, since the usage right of the additional function can remain in the vehicle 2, the vehicle 2 can be traded at a fair price.

[0044] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 presents incentive information regarding the purchase of the additional function depending on the destination of the transfer of the usage right of the additional function, thereby enabling the user to receive a discount when purchasing the same function as the additional function.

[0045] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 provides an incentive when the vehicle is traded in or transferred without changing the transferee of the usage rights for the additional functions from the current user, and does not provide an incentive when the transferee of the usage rights for the additional functions is vehicle 2 and the vehicle 2 is traded in or transferred. This allows the trade-in price of vehicle 2 and the price of the additional functions to be set at appropriate values, thereby stimulating the circulation of vehicle 2 and the additional functions.

[0046] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 determines the price of the vehicle 2 and / or the function depending on the recipient of the right to use the additional function. This allows the trade-in price of the vehicle 2 and the price of the additional function to be set at appropriate values, thereby stimulating the distribution of the vehicle 2 and the additional function.

[0047] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 deletes the user's personal information when initializing the vehicle 2. This makes it possible to protect the information.

[0048] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 determines the price of the additional function depending on the usage period of the additional function. This allows the price of the additional function to be set at an appropriate value, thereby stimulating the distribution of the additional function.

[0049] Furthermore, the vehicle function control system 1 outputs a control command to display, for each of the multiple additional functions installed in the vehicle 2, a selection screen for selecting a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function on the in-vehicle display 21 or the display of the communication terminal 3. This allows the user to select a transfer destination of the usage right for each additional function.

[0050] In this embodiment, when initializing a vehicle having an additional function, the processor 10 leaves the additional function associated with the portion of the vehicle 2 for which an improvement measure has been taken in the vehicle 2. For example, if the additional function is a function intended to improve the operation method of the in-vehicle device 24, it is better to leave the function in the vehicle 2 even if the vehicle 2 is disposed of by trade-in or personal transfer. This makes it possible to avoid the need to re-download the additional function or to perform the function activation process.

[0051] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle function control system 2 vehicle 3 communication terminal 10 processor 11 vehicle management unit 12 function control unit 19 database 20 processor 21 in-vehicle display 22 storage medium 23 communication device 24 in-vehicle device

Claims

1. A vehicle function control method executed by a processor to control functions installed in a vehicle, wherein the processor: after the vehicle is purchased, installs additional functions in the vehicle according to a command from a user; and before initializing the vehicle having the additional functions, receives an input for selecting a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional functions.

2. The usage right of the additional functions can be transferred to an individual, and the processor: associates the user ID of the owner of the usage right with the additional functions; and enables the additional functions in the vehicle corresponding to the user ID. The vehicle function control method according to claim 1.

3. The usage right of the additional functions can be transferred to the vehicle, and the processor: associates the vehicle ID of the vehicle that is the transfer destination of the usage right with the additional functions; and enables the additional functions in the vehicle to which the vehicle ID is assigned. The vehicle function control method according to claim 1.

4. The processor: presents incentive information regarding the purchase of the additional functions according to the transfer destination of the usage right of the additional functions; and the incentive included in the incentive information is a privilege that can be used when purchasing the same functions as the selected additional functions. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the processor takes in trade or transfers the vehicle without changing the transfer destination of the usage right of the additional functions from the current user, the processor grants the incentive; when the processor takes in trade or transfers the target vehicle with the transfer destination of the usage right of the additional functions being the target vehicle, the processor does not grant the incentive. The vehicle function control method according to claim 4.

6. The processor determines the price of the vehicle and / or the functions according to the transfer destination of the usage right of the additional functions. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When initializing the vehicle, the processor deletes the personal information of the user. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. When initializing the vehicle having the additional functions, the processor retains the additional functions related to the parts where improvement measures of the vehicle have been taken in the vehicle. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processor determines the price of the additional function according to the usage period of the additional function.

10. The vehicle function control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processor outputs a control command for displaying, on an in-vehicle display or a display of a communication terminal, a selection screen for selecting a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function for each of the plurality of additional functions installed in the vehicle.

11. A vehicle function control system comprising a processor for controlling functions installed in a vehicle, wherein the processor controls an additional function installed in the vehicle according to a command from a user, and receives an input for selecting a transfer destination of the usage right of the additional function before initializing the vehicle having the additional function.

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