Vehicular communication system, mobile communication terminal, and vehicular apparatus

A vehicular communication system includes a mobile communication terminal, an in-vehicle apparatus, and a distribution center to distribute a content. The mobile communication terminal includes a terminal-side application to execute a content. The in-vehicle apparatus includes a vehicle-side application to execute a content. If the mobile communication terminal and the in-vehicle apparatus are not communicably connected, the terminal-side application of the mobile communication terminal executes a content acquired from the distribution center. If the mobile communication terminal and the in-vehicle apparatus are communicably connected, the terminal-side application and the vehicle-side application are caused to be cooperative and the vehicle-side application of the in-vehicle apparatus is enabled to execute a content acquired by the mobile communication terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-155669 filed on Jul. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicular communication system including a distribution center to distribute contents, a mobile communication terminal capable of performing a content, and a vehicular apparatus capable of performing a content and communicably connected to the mobile communication terminal. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the mobile communication terminal and the vehicular apparatus that configure the vehicular communication system.

BACKGROUND

As disclosed in Patent document 1, for example, there is conventionally known a system in which a vehicular apparatus such as a navigation system connects a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile telephone to an outside communication network while the mobile communication terminal functions as a communication medium.

The system as disclosed in Patent document 1 uses the mobile communication terminal simply as a communication medium, that is, a modem. Recently, sophisticated mobile communication terminals such as smart phones are gradually coming into use. Using the mobile communication terminal simply as a modem limits the high performance of the mobile communication terminal.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the foregoing. It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a vehicular communication system taking full advantage of a sophisticated mobile communication terminal. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile communication terminal and a vehicular apparatus that configure the vehicular communication system.

To achieve the above object, according to an example of the present disclosure, a vehicular communication system is provided to include a distribution center that distributes a content, a mobile communication terminal, and a vehicular apparatus. The mobile communication terminal includes a content acquisition section to execute the content distributed from the distribution center, and a terminal-side application to execute the content. The vehicular apparatus includes a vehicle-side application to execute a content. The vehicular apparatus is enabled to be communicably connected with the mobile communication terminal. Herein: when the mobile communication terminal and the vehicular apparatus are not connected, the terminal-side application of the mobile communication terminal executes a content acquired by the content acquisition section; and when the mobile communication terminal and the vehicular apparatus are connected, the terminal-side application and the vehicle-side application cooperate with each other and the vehicle-side application of the vehicular apparatus executes a content acquired by the content acquisition section of the mobile communication terminal.

The vehicular communication system provides the sophisticated mobile communication terminal with a content acquisition section. The mobile communication terminal primarily acquires contents from a distribution center. The vehicular communication system can acquire contents from the distribution center while taking full advantage of the high performance of the mobile communication terminal.

Further, according to another example of the present disclosure, a mobile communication terminal is provided as described in the above example of the vehicular communication system. Yet further, according to another example of the present disclosure, a vehicular apparatus is provided as described in the above example of the vehicular communication system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is simply referred to as BT.

As shown inFIG. 1, a vehicular communication system1includes a mobile communication terminal2, an in-vehicle apparatus3as a vehicular apparatus, and a distribution center4. The mobile communication terminal2according to the embodiment represents a smart phone that is sophisticated more and more in recent years. The mobile communication terminal2connects to the outside distribution center4through a communication network100to acquire contents distributed from the distribution center4. The distribution center4stores various contents associated with Internet radios, music distribution services, various search services, and various reservation services. The distribution center4also receives a distribution request from outside terminals or units and distributes a content corresponding to the request through the communication network100.FIG. 1shows contents A through C.

As shown inFIG. 2, the mobile communication terminal2includes a terminal controller5, a telephone communication portion6, a BT module7, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) module8, a storage portion9, a display portion10, a key input portion11, a microphone12, a speaker13, and a power supply portion15connected to a battery14. The terminal controller5is provided as a known computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an I/O bus (not shown). The terminal controller5controls overall operations of the mobile communication terminal2in accordance with a computer program stored in the ROM or the storage portion9. The overall operations include communication operation, data management operation, and content acquisition and execution to be described later.

The terminal controller5executes a computer program to virtually provide a content execution section21, a content acquisition section22, and an analysis section23as software. A content execution function of a terminal-side application may embody the content execution section21. The content acquisition section22is equivalent to a content acquisition device or means. The analysis section23is equivalent to an analysis device or means.

The content execution section21performs a content execution process that executes various contents. The content acquisition section22performs a content acquisition process that acquires contents from the distribution center4. The analysis section23performs an analysis process that analyzes whether connection to the distribution center4is needed to acquire a content requested from the in-vehicle apparatus3for distribution.

If the terminal controller5is not connected to the in-vehicle apparatus3, the mobile communication terminal2can independently execute various contents using the content execution process of the content execution section21.

The telephone communication portion6performs telephone communication with the communication network100. The communication network100includes facilities such as a mobile telephone base station and a base station controller that provide mobile telephone communication services using existing public line networks. The terminal controller5allows the content acquisition section22to execute the content acquisition process and thereby allows the telephone communication portion6to acquire various contents from the distribution center4connected to the communication network100.

The BT module7performs BT communication as short range wireless communication with the in-vehicle apparatus3using a BT communication line. The BT module7can simultaneously connect multiple profiles compliant with the BT communication standard. That is, the BT module7is capable of multi-connection. The profiles signify communication profiles defined for respective functions. The following profiles are available. SPP (Serial Port Profile) specifies data communication available for virtual serial ports. HFP (Hands Free Profile) specifies hands-free conversation. PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile) specifies phone book data transfer. OPP (Object Push Profile) also specifies phone book data transfer. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) specifies audio data transfer. AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) specifies transfer of control data concerning audio data control. DUN (Dial-up Networking Profile) specifies dial-up connection to the Internet. MAP (Message Access Profile) specifies e-mail data transfer.

The BT module7exchanges application execution state information with the in-vehicle apparatus3. The application execution state information relates to content types and manipulations on contents. A manipulation on a content signifies executing the content, stopping the content, or selecting the content, for example.

In a case of music content, for example, the application execution state information contains information about a content execution state such as a music type and duration of the music replayed so far or information about manipulations such as fast-forwarding or stopping the music. The application execution state information further includes an application execution state itself. Application execution states include the type of an application program such as a music reproduction application or a Web browser activated to execute the content, a manipulation to start or stop the application program, and a user manipulation to choose from application programs. In other words, the application execution state signifies information containing various user manipulations to execute an intended content. The BT module7is connectable to a microphone (not shown) compatible with the hands-free function.

The USB module8performs data communication with the in-vehicle apparatus3through a USB communication line. The storage portion9contains a storage area to store various data. The storage portion9stores various computer programs and contents, various programs such as a content application to execute the content and a cooperative application to perform an application cooperation function, and data used for the programs. The storage portion9may be provided as a removable medium such as a memory card. The terminal-side application is included in the applications stored in the storage portion9.

The display portion10is provided as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, for example. The display portion10displays a variety of information based on a display instruction signal from the terminal controller5. For example, the display portion10displays a known phone book or a received e-mail message, information about an acquired content, and a manipulation window for the content.

The key input portion11is provided with various manipulation keys (not shown). The manipulation keys include a touch switch or a touch panel provided for a screen of the display portion10and the other switches provided around or near the display portion10. The touch switch is compatible with any of known technologies such as the pressure-sensitive technology, the electromagnetic induction technology, the electrostatic capacitance technology, or a combination of these. The key input portion11outputs a manipulation detection signal to the terminal controller5. The manipulation detection signal corresponds to a user key manipulation. The terminal controller5analyzes the manipulation detection signal supplied from the key input portion11and identifies the user manipulation. The terminal controller5also reports the user manipulation to the in-vehicle apparatus3through the BT communication. The in-vehicle apparatus3is identified as a connection party.

During conversation, the microphone12inputs the voice uttered from a user as transmission voice. The speaker13outputs reception voice the telephone communication portion6receives from an intended party. The speaker13also outputs audio data contained in a content being executed. The battery14is provided so as to be attachable to and detachable from a body of the mobile communication terminal2. The battery14supplies operating power. The power supply portion15supplies the operating power to respective function portions such as the terminal controller5.

The in-vehicle apparatus3includes an apparatus controller31, a BT module32, a USB module33, a storage portion34, a voice processing portion35, a display controller36, a display portion37, a manipulation input portion38, a manipulation switch39, a signal input portion40, and a position acquisition portion41. The in-vehicle apparatus3according to the embodiment is mounted in a vehicle compartment of a vehicle. The apparatus controller31of the in-vehicle apparatus3is provided as a known computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an I/O bus (not shown). The apparatus controller31controls overall operations of the in-vehicle apparatus3in accordance with a computer program stored in the ROM or the storage portion34. The overall operations include communication operation and data management operation.

The apparatus controller31executes a computer program to virtually provide a content execution section51and a distribution request processing section52as software. A content execution function of a vehicle-side application may embody the content execution section51. The distribution request processing section52is equivalent to a distribution request section, device, or means.

The content execution section51performs a content execution process that executes various contents. The distribution request processing section52performs a content distribution request process that requests a content to be distributed.

If the apparatus controller31is not connected to the mobile communication terminal2, the in-vehicle apparatus3can independently execute various contents using the content execution process of the content execution section51. If connected to the mobile communication terminal2, the apparatus controller31inherits a content from the mobile communication terminal2that acquired the content from the distribution center4. The apparatus controller31can use the content execution process of the content execution section51to execute the inherited content in cooperation with the mobile communication terminal2.

The BT module32performs data communication with the mobile communication terminal2through the BT communication line. The BT module32supplies notifications to the mobile communication terminal2. Specifically, the BT module32transmits or receives a content acquired by the mobile communication terminal2and receives a content-related manipulation performed on the mobile communication terminal2. The BT module32also transmits the following to the mobile communication terminal2: the state of a content executed in the in-vehicle apparatus3and a manipulation performed on the manipulation input portion38.

The USB module33is connected to the mobile communication terminal2through a connection cable55. The USB module33performs data communication with the mobile communication terminal2through the USB communication line. The storage portion34is provided as a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive. The storage portion34stores various computer programs and contents, content applications to execute the contents, cooperative applications to perform application cooperation functions, and data used for the programs. The storage portion34may be built into the in-vehicle apparatus3or may be provided as an external storage medium attachable to and detachable from the in-vehicle apparatus3. The vehicle-side application is contained in the applications stored in the storage portion34.

The voice processing portion35connects with a microphone35aand an audio amplifier35chaving a speaker35b. The voice processing portion35connects with the apparatus controller31, the BT module32, and the USB module33. The voice processing portion35performs a known voice input/output process. Specifically, the microphone35ais provided in the vehicle compartment and is positioned near a steering unit where the voice uttered from a user can be easily collected, for example. The audio amplifier35cis provided outside the in-vehicle apparatus3in the vehicle compartment. The voice processing portion35outputs an instruction to manipulate the in-vehicle apparatus3to the apparatus controller31based on the voice input from the microphone35a. In addition, the voice processing portion35outputs the voice from the speaker35bbased on instructions from the apparatus controller31and the BT module32. The speaker35baccording to the embodiment is provided as a stereo speaker.

The display controller36connects with the display portion37. Based on an instruction from the apparatus controller31, the display controller36controls a display window (i.e., a content to be displayed) on the display portion37. The display portion37is provided as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, for example. The display portion37displays a variety of information on a screen based on a display instruction signal from the display controller36. The display portion37is provided with a touch switch or a touch panel on the screen. The touch switch is compatible with any of known technologies such as the pressure-sensitive technology, the electromagnetic induction technology, the electrostatic capacitance technology, or a combination of these. The display portion37displays a manipulation of the in-vehicle apparatus3, a content execution state, and a manipulation window to enter manipulations for a content.

The manipulation input portion38connects with the manipulation switch39. The manipulation switch39includes multiple switches provided around the display portion37. The manipulation input portion38detects a user manipulation on the touch panel and the manipulation switch39and outputs a corresponding manipulation detection signal to the apparatus controller31. Specifically, a user manipulates the touch switch and allows the manipulation switch39to supply a manipulation detection signal. The manipulation input portion38outputs the supplied manipulation detection signal to the apparatus controller31. The apparatus controller31analyzes the manipulation detection signal supplied from the manipulation input portion38and identifies the user manipulation content. If the manipulation detection signal is supplied from the manipulation input portion38, the apparatus controller31outputs a display instruction signal to the display controller36based on the identified manipulation content. The apparatus controller31also notifies the manipulation content to the mobile communication terminal2as a connection party using the BT communication through the BT module32.

The signal input portion40connects with an ACC (accessory) switch (not shown) mounted on a vehicle. If an ACC signal is supplied from the ACC switch, the signal input portion40outputs the ACC signal to the apparatus controller31. The apparatus controller31controls the on/off state of a power supply circuit (not shown) based on the on/off state of the ACC signal output from the signal input portion40. The apparatus controller31turns on the power supply circuit to start the in-vehicle apparatus3when the ACC signal changes to the on state from the off state. The apparatus controller31turns off the power supply circuit to stop the in-vehicle apparatus3when the ACC signal changes to the off state from the on state. A microcomputer different from the apparatus controller31may be provided to turn on or off the power supply circuit.

The position acquisition portion41includes, though not shown, a geomagnetic sensor, a gyroscope, a vehicle speed sensor, and a GPS receiver according to known technologies. The position acquisition portion41is supplied with detection signals from the geomagnetic sensor, the gyroscope, the vehicle speed sensor, and the GPS receiver. The position acquisition portion41complements the detection signals each other to acquire position information about the vehicle. The position acquisition portion41need not include all of these components if it can acquire the vehicle position information with required detection accuracy. The position acquisition portion41may be combined with a steering sensor to detect a steering angle and a wheel sensor to detect each wheel rotation. The position acquisition portion41outputs the acquired vehicle position information to the apparatus controller31. The apparatus controller31performs a navigation process based on the vehicle position information acquired in the position acquisition portion41. That is, the embodiment uses a navigation system as the in-vehicle apparatus3.

In the vehicular communication system1according to the above-mentioned configuration, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3may not be connected communicably or may not establish connection based on the BT communication. In such a case, the mobile communication terminal2can operate independently. The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3can operate cooperatively with each other when they are connected communicably.

Specifically, the mobile communication terminal2itself acquires and executes a content if the mobile communication terminal2is not communicably connected to the in-vehicle apparatus3. For example, suppose the distribution center4uses a content distribution function to distribute content A. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2itself acquires content A in accordance with a user manipulation on the mobile communication terminal2. The mobile communication terminal2executes content A using an associated content application A, which is an application program associated with or corresponding to content A. Control operations of the mobile communication terminal2itself will be described later in detail.

On the other hand, suppose the mobile communication terminal is communicably connected to the in-vehicle apparatus3. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2starts its cooperative application. The in-vehicle apparatus3starts its cooperative application. As shown inFIG. 3, the application cooperation function is enabled for the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3. As a result, the in-vehicle apparatus3can execute a content acquired by the mobile communication terminal2. For example, suppose the content distribution function of the distribution center4distributes content A. Then, the mobile communication terminal2acquires content A in accordance with a request from the in-vehicle apparatus3. The mobile communication terminal2transfers the acquired content A to the in-vehicle apparatus3. The in-vehicle apparatus3acquires content A from the mobile communication terminal2and executes content A using an associated content application A, which is an application program associated with or corresponding to content A.

If the application cooperation function is enabled, the mobile communication terminal2functions as a communication medium that transfers content A acquired from the distribution center4. When connected through the BT communication, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3start the respective cooperative applications to cooperate with each other. The in-vehicle apparatus3executes the content acquired by the mobile communication terminal2in cooperation with each other. As shown inFIG. 4, the mobile communication terminal2is carried into the vehicle provided with the in-vehicle apparatus3. The BT communication line is established between the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3. In this state, for example, the speaker35bconnected to the in-vehicle apparatus3outputs the music contained in content A used for music distribution. The display portion37of the in-vehicle apparatus3displays a manipulation menu window71. The manipulation menu window71is displayed during execution of content application A and is used to manipulate content A.FIG. 4omits the communication network100and the distribution center4.

In this case, the mobile communication terminal2basically displays nothing on the display portion10. However, the display portion10may display a window or image indicating that the cooperative application is running or indicating that the in-vehicle apparatus3is executing content application A. The embodiment prevents the mobile communication terminal2from operating content A. Accordingly, the user manipulates content A using the in-vehicle apparatus3, not the mobile communication terminal2. In the vehicular communication system1as a short range communication system, manipulations on the in-vehicle apparatus3are enabled when the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3are connected; thereby the safety is prevented from degrading. This is because the safety might degrade if the user manipulates or stares the mobile communication terminal2using manipulation keys or windows generally smaller than those of the in-vehicle apparatus3. In cases that the application cooperation function is enabled, it can be provided that the display portion10or the speaker13of the mobile communication terminal2outputs a content executed on the in-vehicle apparatus3.

As shown inFIG. 2, the distribution center4includes an authentication server61and a content server62. The authentication server61performs processes related to connection with the mobile communication terminal and charging. The authentication server61identifies a specific mobile communication terminal as a registered terminal. For example, the registered terminal belongs to an owner who contracts a content distribution service provided from the vehicular communication system1. If the connected mobile communication terminal is a registered terminal, the authentication server61authenticates the mobile communication terminal as a distribution-permitted terminal. In addition, the authentication server61transmits a content distribution instruction to the content server62. The content distribution instruction allows a content to be distributed to the mobile communication terminal2.

The content server62maintains various contents. The content server62distributes contents to the mobile communication terminal authenticated as a distribution-permitted terminal in accordance with a content distribution instruction from the authentication server61. Multiple servers are provided for each type of contents.FIG. 2shows an example of content servers62athrough62d. For example, the content server62astores content A such as a music content. The content server62bstores content B such as an Internet radio content. The content server62cstores content C such as a search service content. The content server62dstores content D such as a reservation service content. Obviously, one content server can store multiple types of contents.

The content application executes each content received from the mobile communication terminal2. The in-vehicle apparatus3can supply each content application with multiple functions as libraries. As shown inFIG. 5, for example, an Internet radio function can be added to the content application that executes the search service content. Moreover, the Internet radio function can be added to the content application that executes the reservation service content. In either case, the Internet radio function is added as a library. Accordingly, the Internet radio can be broadcast while a search process provides search services including gourmet destinations and traveling according to the search service content. The Internet radio can also be broadcast while a reservation process provides reservation services including movie tickets and restaurants according to the reservation service content. This enables to simultaneously provide a main content service and a supplementary service subordinate to the main one. As another example, the content application to execute the search service content can be additionally provided with the Internet radio function or the reservation service function as a library. That is, multiple functions can be added to one content application that executes one content.

The mobile communication terminal authenticated as a distribution-permitted terminal can directly access the content server62without accessing the authentication server61.

The above-mentioned profiles contain SPP as a predetermined or specified communication standard. Establishing the SPP connection communicably connects the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3with each other.

When the connection is established, the SPP profile can indicate an apparatus that requested the connection or an apparatus that is defined as a communication party. According to SPP, one apparatus, that is, the in-vehicle apparatus3as a connection requester activates a virtual serial port. The in-vehicle apparatus3outputs a connection request to the other apparatus, that is, the mobile communication terminal2as a communication party. After activating the virtual serial port, the in-vehicle apparatus3notifies a signal “spp (in-vehicle apparatus3)” to the mobile communication terminal2as the communication party. The signal specifies the in-vehicle apparatus3itself as the connection requester. The mobile communication terminal2as the communication party is notified of the connection request from the in-vehicle apparatus3. Based on the notification information, the mobile communication terminal2identifies that the connection requester is the in-vehicle apparatus3. The mobile communication terminal2then establishes the SPP connection with the connection requester. Based on the SPP notification information, the mobile communication terminal2can determine whether the BT communication party is the in-vehicle apparatus3if the BT communication line is established between both. The mobile communication terminal2according to the embodiment can determine communicable connection to the in-vehicle apparatus3using the SPP function, i.e., based on the determination of successful or unsuccessful SPP connection establishment. When communicably connected to the in-vehicle apparatus3, the mobile communication terminal2notifies a signal “spp (mobile communication terminal2)” to the in-vehicle apparatus3, for example. The signal is provided as successful connection information that indicates the connection establishment. This enables the in-vehicle apparatus3to identify that the communication party of the established BT communication is the mobile communication terminal2. The in-vehicle apparatus3according to the embodiment can also determine communicable connection to the mobile communication terminal2using the SPP function, i.e., based on the determination of successful or unsuccessful SPP connection establishment.

The SPP profile ensures a high degree of freedom so that it can specify any commands and transmit or receive a variety of information and data. The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3according to the embodiment need to transmit or receive a variety of information and data and therefore use SPP as a BT communication profile.

With reference toFIG. 6, the following describes operations of the vehicular communication system1according to the above-mentioned configuration. To actually perform processes to be described, the mobile communication terminal2uses the terminal controller5. The in-vehicle apparatus3uses the apparatus controller31. The distribution center4uses a center controller (not shown) included in the authentication server61. For ease of description, the following description mainly refers to the mobile communication terminal2, the in-vehicle apparatus3, and the distribution center4.

Each or any combination of sections explained in the above can be achieved as (i) a software section in combination with a hardware unit (e.g., computer) or (ii) a hardware section, including or not including a function of a related apparatus; furthermore, the hardware section may be constructed inside of a microcomputer.

In response to a user manipulation, the mobile communication terminal2starts its cooperative application (S1) before or immediately after the mobile communication terminal2is carried into a vehicle compartment. While the mobile communication terminal2activates its cooperative application, the in-vehicle apparatus3starts its cooperative application (S2) in response to a user manipulation. The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3then perform a connection establishment process based on SPP (S3and S4). The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3are now communicably connected to each other.

Suppose the mobile communication terminal2activates its cooperative application and is carried into the vehicle compartment while content A is executed. In this case, establishing the SPP connection terminates content A. The user needs to manipulate the touch panel of the in-vehicle apparatus3and re-execute an intended content.

The in-vehicle apparatus3communicably connects with the mobile communication terminal2according to SPP and then performs a content distribution request process (S5) in accordance with a user manipulation on the touch panel. Using the content distribution request process, the in-vehicle apparatus3transmits content distribution request information to the mobile communication terminal2based on SPP. The content distribution request information requests the content distribution. The content distribution request information contains information to specify the content such as the type of requested content.

The mobile communication terminal2receives the content distribution request information from the in-vehicle apparatus3and then performs an analysis process for the information (S6). Using the analysis process, the mobile communication terminal2determines whether it needs to connect with the distribution center4in order to acquire the content the in-vehicle apparatus3requests to distribute. The mobile communication terminal2analyzes the content distribution request information to specify the content the in-vehicle apparatus3requests to distribute. The mobile communication terminal2may contain the specified content at the time point. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2determines that it need not connect with the distribution center4. The mobile communication terminal2may not contain the specified content at the time point. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2determines that it needs to connect with the distribution center4.

As a result of the analysis process, the mobile communication terminal2may determine that it does not need to connect with the distribution center4(NO at S7). That is, the mobile communication terminal2may contain the content the in-vehicle apparatus3requests to distribute. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2does not establish connection with the distribution center4and passes the content to the in-vehicle apparatus3(S8).

As a result of the analysis process, the mobile communication terminal2may determine that it needs to connect with the distribution center4(YES at S7). That is, the mobile communication terminal2may not contain the content the in-vehicle apparatus3requests to distribute. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2performs a connection establishment process with the distribution center4(S9).

The mobile communication terminal2establishes connection with the distribution center4and then performs a content acquisition request process (S10). Using the content acquisition request process, the mobile communication terminal2transmits the content distribution request information received from the in-vehicle apparatus3to the distribution center4.

The distribution center4receives the content distribution request information from the mobile communication terminal2and then performs an authentication process for the mobile communication terminal (S11). Using the authentication process, the distribution center4determines whether the mobile communication terminal2used to transmit the content distribution request information is an already registered terminal. If the mobile communication terminal2is a registered terminal, the distribution center4authenticates the mobile communication terminal as a distribution-permitted terminal that is allowed to distribute contents. If the mobile communication terminal2is not a registered terminal, the distribution center4does not authenticate the mobile communication terminal as a distribution-permitted terminal.

Based on the authentication process, the distribution center4may authenticate the mobile communication terminal2used to transmit the content distribution request information as a distribution-permitted terminal (YES at S12). In this case, the distribution center4distributes the distribution-requested content to the mobile communication terminal2(S13). On the other hand, the distribution center4may not authenticate the mobile communication terminal2used to transmit the content distribution request information as a distribution-permitted terminal (NO at S12). In this case, the distribution center4distributes no content to the mobile communication terminal2.

The mobile communication terminal2acquires the content distributed from the distribution center4and passes the content to the in-vehicle apparatus3(S14). The in-vehicle apparatus3allows its content execution section51to execute the content received from the mobile communication terminal2(S15). The received content may be already contained in the mobile communication terminal2when the distribution request was issued; thus, the already contained content is transmitted at S8. Alternatively, the received content may be acquired by the mobile communication terminal2from the distribution center4in response to the distribution request; thereby, the acquired content is then transmitted at S14.

With reference toFIG. 7, the following describes control over independent operation of the mobile communication terminal2. Suppose the mobile communication terminal2is not communicably connected to the in-vehicle apparatus3. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2performs a connection establishment process with the distribution center4in response to a user manipulation on the mobile communication terminal2(SA1).

The mobile communication terminal2establishes connection with the distribution center4and then performs a content acquisition request process (SA2). Using the content acquisition request process, the mobile communication terminal2transmits content distribution request information to the distribution center4. For example, the content distribution request information specifies a content requested for distribution in response to a user manipulation on the mobile communication terminal2.

The distribution center4receives the content distribution request information from the mobile communication terminal2and then performs an authentication process for the mobile communication terminal (SA3). The authentication process is equal to S11inFIG. 6. Using the authentication process, the distribution center4may authenticate the mobile communication terminal2used to transmit the content distribution request information as a distribution-permitted terminal (YES at SA4). In this case, the distribution center4distributes the requested content to the mobile communication terminal2(SA5). On the other hand, the distribution center4may not authenticate the mobile communication terminal2used to transmit the content distribution request information as a distribution-permitted terminal (NO at SA4). In this case, the distribution center4distributes no content to the mobile communication terminal2. The mobile communication terminal2acquires the content distributed from the distribution center4and then executes the content using its content execution section21(SA6).

According to the embodiment as described above, the vehicular communication system1includes the distribution center4, the mobile communication terminal2, and the in-vehicle apparatus3. The distribution center4distributes contents. The mobile communication terminal2includes the content acquisition section22and the terminal-side application. The content acquisition section22acquires contents distributed from the distribution center4. The terminal-side application executes contents. The in-vehicle apparatus3is communicably connected to the mobile communication terminal2and includes the vehicle-side application that executes contents. In the vehicular communication system1, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3may not be connected with each other. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2uses its terminal-side application to execute a content acquired by the content acquisition section22. On the other hand, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3may be connected with each other. In this case, the terminal-side application and the vehicle-side application can operate cooperatively with each other. The in-vehicle apparatus3uses its vehicle-side application to execute the content acquired by the content acquisition section22.

The vehicular, communication system1provides the sophisticated mobile communication terminal2with the content acquisition section22. The mobile communication terminal2primarily performs the content acquisition process to acquire contents from the distribution center4. The vehicular communication system1can acquire contents from the distribution center4while taking full advantage of the high performance of the mobile communication terminal2.

When connected with the in-vehicle apparatus3, the mobile communication terminal2allows the content acquisition section22to acquire a content in accordance with the result of analyzing a content distribution request transmitted from the in-vehicle apparatus3. The in-vehicle apparatus3allows the distribution request processing section52to request a content to be distributed. The mobile communication terminal2allows the analysis section23to determine whether connection with the distribution center4is needed to acquire the content requested from, the in-vehicle apparatus3. As a result from the analysis section23, the mobile communication terminal2may determine that connection with the distribution center is necessary. In this case, the mobile communication terminal2establishes connection with the distribution center4and allows the content acquisition section22to acquire the content from the distribution center4. The vehicular communication system1allows the sophisticated mobile communication terminal2to analyze the information and acquires contents from the distribution center4.

The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3each include the cooperative application. The cooperative application allows the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3to be cooperative with each other when both are communicably connected. According to the operation disclosed in the embodiment, the mobile communication terminal2starts its cooperative application. A user manipulation starts a vehicular cooperative application on the in-vehicle apparatus3. The in-vehicle apparatus3requests the mobile communication terminal2to establish connection based on a specific predetermined profile such as SPP. The SPP connection is established in accordance with the request. This enables cooperation between the cooperative application on the mobile communication terminal2and the cooperative application on the in-vehicle apparatus3. The disclosed operation is provided as an example of the process that cooperatively operates the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. As another example, the in-vehicle apparatus3may start its cooperative application. In this state, the mobile communication terminal2may start its cooperative application. Then, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3may come to operate cooperatively with each other. As still another example, the cooperative application of the mobile communication terminal2may start simultaneously with the cooperative application of the in-vehicle apparatus3. Then, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3may come to operate cooperatively with each other.

According to the embodiment, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3are communicably connected with each other when connection is established in accordance with one specific profile such as SPP. That is, the vehicular communication system1uses only one resource for various data related to a content exchanged between the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3. When cooperative, the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3can execute only one content based on the one resource. However, there may be provided an additional function that differs from the content execution function and can execute simultaneously with the same. Such an additional function may be supplied as a library to the application that executes each content. In this manner, the in-vehicle apparatus3can provide multiple functions by executing one content even when the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3cooperate with each other using the one resource.

The communication standard is not limited to SPP. There may be provided multiple connections used for the cooperation to be established between the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3. This enables multiple contents to be executed simultaneously. One SPP does not signify one type of profile. It also signifies one of established SPP connections.

The mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3can be communicably connected to each other based on multiple specific profiles rather than one specific profile. In this case, the vehicle-side application may contain multiple applications to execute respective associated contents; the number of the multiple applications may be greater than the number of the specific profiles (i.e., the resources to cooperatively connect the mobile communication terminal2and the in-vehicle apparatus3with each other). Also in such a case, each application may contain a library that provides a function different from the content execution function to execute the content. This enables the content execution function and the different function to execute simultaneously.

The distribution center4includes the authentication server61and the content server62. The authentication server61authenticates the mobile communication terminal2whose connection is established. The content server62supplies a content to the mobile communication terminal authenticated by the authentication server61. The distribution center4may be provided with the authentication function or a charge management function. Accordingly, the content server62can manage the mobile communication terminal2to which contents are distributed. This can prevent contents from being distributed unnecessarily. That is, it is possible to prevent distributing contents to a mobile communication terminal disallowed for content distribution or prevent unauthorized access to the distribution center4from outside.

Once authenticated by the authentication server61, the mobile communication terminal2can directly access the content server62without subsequent authentication from the authentication server61. This enables to decrease processing load on the authentication server or shorten the time for the mobile communication terminal2to acquire contents.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment but is applicable to various embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure can be modified or enhanced as follows.

According to the above-mentioned example, the smart phone is used as the mobile communication terminal2. The mobile communication terminal2may represent mobile telephones sophisticated similarly to smart phones or other communication terminals.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the telephone communication portion6receives contents via the communication network100. For example, the mobile communication terminal2may acquire contents using a wireless LAN or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).

The above-mentioned content types, window displays, application program types, and execution states are provided as mere examples. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a content may be streamed or downloaded to the mobile communication terminal2after the content is acquired.

According to the above-mentioned example, the navigation system is used for the in-vehicle apparatus3as a vehicular apparatus. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the storage portion34may store an application program having the navigation function. The in-vehicle apparatus3may be provided as a vehicular apparatus that enables the navigation function when a user starts the application program. The vehicular apparatus may be configured as an in-vehicle apparatus built into a vehicle or as a mobile wireless unit attachable to and detachable from the vehicle.