Patent Description:
Automobiles capable of wireless network connection have come into widespread use.

For example, <CIT> discloses an invention relating to a vehicle that, when detecting a predetermined access point, performs network connection via the access point. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose wireless communication systems for vehicles. <CIT> discloses a wireless communication control method.

An object of the present disclosure is to enhance convenience for vehicle users.

The present disclosure in its one aspect provides a vehicle as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure in another aspect provides an information processing method as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to enhance convenience for vehicle users.

Recently, automobiles capable of wireless network connection have come into widespread use. By an in-vehicle apparatus providing network connection, services of supporting a driver in an emergency and services relating to security can be provided. Such an apparatus is also called a data communication module (DCM).

A DCM capable of connecting to a local network using not only cellular communication but also a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is known. By using such a DCM, it becomes possible to download a large amount of data such as map data and software used by an in-vehicle terminal.

There exists a DCM capable of providing various kinds of functions by performing direct connection with a user terminal using Wi-Fi or the like. One of such functions is a remote parking function. The remote parking function is a function of causing a vehicle to automatically enter a predetermined parking space via a user terminal.

For example, a vehicle user gets off a vehicle and makes a movement instruction via a user terminal while checking safety around the vehicle. The vehicle decides a trajectory for entering a predetermined parking space and moves forward and backward at a low speed while controlling steering, based on the movement instruction received from the user terminal. Thereby, it becomes possible to cause the vehicle to easily enter the parking space.

Such a DCM is configured to be capable of switching between two kinds of modes, a mode for connecting to an access point and a mode for accepting connection from a user terminal. However, if selection of a mode is not appropriately performed, usability may be impaired.

Consideration will be made, for example, on a case where, when a wireless home network has been constructed in a vehicle owner's home, a vehicle comes back home. When detecting the home network, the DCM starts connection to an access point, and starts communication as necessary. There may be a case where the vehicle owner tries to connect the user terminal to the DCM to execute remote parking after the arrival.

In such a case, the DCM has to interrupt the connection to the home network and newly connect to the user terminal. However, in a case where it is not possible to interrupt the connection at once, such as a case where data download has already started, connection to the user terminal cannot be performed at once, and waiting time occurs. Furthermore, re-execution of a sequence process, retry of connection and the like occur, and there is also a possibility of increase in power consumption and deterioration of service response.

An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure solves such a problem.

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for controlling wireless communication performed by a vehicle, the information processing apparatus comprising a controller configured to, when detecting a predetermined access point, establish wireless connection with the predetermined access point, wherein the controller prevents wireless connection to the predetermined access point at least during a first period from when the vehicle stops until a predetermined timing comes.

The vehicle according to the present disclosure performs wireless communication using a wireless communication standard, for example, IEEE802.

The predetermined access point is, typically, an access point that can be used at a place where there is a possibility that a wireless connection request from another terminal (a user terminal or the like) occurs. When the vehicle stops at such a place, the information processing apparatus prevents connection to the access point until the predetermined timing comes. Thereby, it becomes possible to smoothly accept a wireless connection request from another terminal.

The first period is a period during which automatic connection to an access point is prevented. The first period may be started at a timing when the vehicle stops or may be started at a timing before the vehicle stops. Further, the first period may expire at a timing when remote parking control of the vehicle ends or may expire when acceptance of wireless connection from the user terminal times out.

The remote parking control is control to cause a vehicle to enter a parking space by automatically controlling steering of the vehicle.

Further, an information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for controlling wireless communication performed by a vehicle, the information processing apparatus comprising a controller configured to, when detecting any of a plurality of access points, establish wireless connection with the access point, wherein the controller prevents, during a first period from a first timing of detecting a first access point included in the plurality of access points until a predetermined second timing comes, wireless connection to the first access point.

The first access point is, typically, an access point that can be used at a place where there is a possibility that a wireless connection request from another terminal (a user terminal or the like) occurs. When detecting such an access point, the information processing apparatus may prevent connection to the access point until a predetermined timing comes.

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below based on drawings. A hardware configuration, a module configuration, a functional configuration and the like described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only thereto unless otherwise stated.

An overview of a vehicle system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. The vehicle system according to the present embodiment is configured including a vehicle <NUM> and a user terminal <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> is a connected car having a function of communicating with an external network. The vehicle <NUM> is configured including a DCM (data communication module) <NUM> and an electronic control unit <NUM> (also referred to as an ECU). Though a single ECU <NUM> is exemplified in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may include a plurality of ECUs <NUM>.

The DCM <NUM> is an apparatus that performs wireless communication with an external network. The DCM <NUM> functions as a gateway for connecting a component that the vehicle <NUM> has (hereinafter, a vehicle component) to an external network. For example, the DCM <NUM> provides access to an external network for the ECU <NUM> that the vehicle <NUM> has. Thereby, the ECU <NUM> can communicate with an external apparatus connected to the network via the DCM <NUM>.

The DCM <NUM> is configured to be communicable via a cellular communication network and a local network.

The cellular communication network is a communication network using a cellular network. The DCM <NUM> stores information about a cellular communication contract. When detecting an available cellular communication network, the DCM <NUM> attaches to the cellular communication network.

The local network is such a network that connection thereto is provided at a predetermined access point, for example, a home network or a public wireless LAN network. For example, in the case of using a home network constructed in a home as the local network, the vehicle <NUM> can perform communication within a predetermined range around the home. The DCM <NUM> stores information about a plurality of access points. When detecting an available access point, the DCM <NUM> connects to the access point.

The user terminal <NUM> is a computer that a driver of the vehicle possesses. The user terminal <NUM> is a small-sized computing device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or a wearable computer. In the vehicle system according to the present embodiment, the user terminal <NUM> can provide a remote parking function by wirelessly connecting to the DCM <NUM>.

Next, characteristics of the DCM <NUM> in the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Here, it is assumed that a home network is constructed in a home of an owner of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, if the vehicle <NUM> is in a parking lot of the owner's home, the DCM <NUM> can connect to an external network via the home network. Thereby, each component that the vehicle <NUM> has can perform download of data used during travel (for example, music or video, electronic mails, traffic information, road map data or the like), update of software and the like (<FIG>).

Immediately after the vehicle <NUM> arrives home, a connection request may be issued from the user terminal <NUM> to the DCM <NUM> to execute the remote parking function.

However, if the DCM <NUM> mounted on the vehicle <NUM> connects to the home network first, it becomes impossible for the DCM <NUM> to respond to the connection request from the user terminal at once. This is because, for example, a procedure of (<NUM>) the DCM <NUM> disconnecting the connection with the local network in response to the connection request transmitted from the user terminal <NUM> and (<NUM>) the DCM <NUM> accepting connection from the user terminal <NUM> is required (<FIG>). Furthermore, if the DCM <NUM> has been performing transmission/reception of data via the home network, more time may be required to suspend the transmission/reception.

Therefore, before the vehicle <NUM> arrives home, the DCM <NUM> according to the present embodiment prevents automatic connection to an access point and transitions to a mode for standing by for connection from the user terminal <NUM> (<FIG>). This mode is released when entry by remote parking is completed or when standby for connection times out.

Thereby, it becomes possible to cause remote parking to be smoothly performed after the vehicle <NUM> arrives home. A specific method will be described later.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating components that the vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment has. The vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment is configured including the DCM <NUM>, a plurality of ECUs 200A, 200B,. (hereinafter generically referred to as the ECUs <NUM>) and a sensor group <NUM>.

The ECUs <NUM> may include a plurality of ECUs responsible for different vehicle components. As the plurality of ECUs, for example, a body ECU, an engine ECU, a hybrid ECU, a power train ECU and the like can be exemplified.

In the present embodiment, a parking ECU 200A is exemplified as an ECU <NUM> that provides the remote parking function.

The sensor group <NUM> includes a plurality of sensors (a distance sensor, an image sensor and the like) used in the remote parking function. The plurality of sensors may be installed at a plurality of positions of a vehicle body.

The DCM <NUM> is configured having a first communication module <NUM>, a second communication module <NUM>, a GPS antenna <NUM>, a GPS module <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a storage <NUM> and a communication unit <NUM>.

The first communication module <NUM> is a communication module that performs communication with the outside by cellular communication. The first communication module <NUM> is configured including antenna elements that perform input/output of wireless signals. In the present embodiment, the antenna elements are those that are in conformity with mobile communication (for example, <NUM>, LTE, <NUM> and the like).

The second communication module <NUM> is a communication module that performs communication with the outside based on a standard for communication other than cellular communication. As communication standards that the second communication module <NUM> can adopt, Wi-Fi, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), millimeter wave communication and the like can be exemplified. The second communication module <NUM> is configured including antenna elements that perform input/output of wireless signals, similarly to the first communication module. The antenna may be configured including a plurality of physical antennas. For example, in the case of performing communication using high frequency band radio waves such as microwaves or millimeter waves, the plurality of antennas may be distributedly arranged to stabilize the communication.

In the present embodiment, the second communication module <NUM> performs communication using Wi-Fi.

The second communication module <NUM> is configured to be operational in any of a mode for performing connection to an access point as a client and a mode for accepting connection from another apparatus as a server. The former is referred to as a client mode, and the latter is referred to as a server mode. In the case of operating in the client mode, it becomes possible to access to an external network via an access point. In the case of operating in the server mode, it is possible to directly connect to the user terminal <NUM> to execute the remote parking function.

The GPS antenna <NUM> is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also referred to as a GNSS satellite).

The GPS module <NUM> is a module that calculates position information based on a signal received by the GPS antenna <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is an arithmetic unit that realizes various kinds of functions of the DCM <NUM> by executing a predetermined program. The controller <NUM> may be realized, for example, by a CPU or the like.

The controller <NUM> executes a function of connecting to an external network via either a cellular communication network or a local network.

The controller <NUM> executes a function of mediating communication made between an external network and a component that the vehicle <NUM> has (a vehicle component). For example, when a certain vehicle component requires communication with an external network, the controller <NUM> executes a function of relaying data transmitted from the vehicle component to the external network. Further, the controller <NUM> executes a function of receiving data transmitted from the external network and transferring the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

Furthermore, the controller <NUM> can execute functions specific to the DCM <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> is configured to be capable of executing monitoring and telephone conversation functions of a security system and can make a security report, an emergency report and the like based on a trigger that has occurred in the vehicle <NUM>.

The storage <NUM> is a memory device that includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. In the auxiliary memory, an operating system (OS), various kinds of programs, various kinds of tables and the like are stored. By loading a program stored therein to the main memory and executing the program, each function meeting a predetermined purpose as described later can be realized.

The communication unit <NUM> is an interface unit for connecting the DCM <NUM> to an in-vehicle network. In the present embodiment, the plurality of vehicle components including the ECUs <NUM> are mutually connected via a bus of the in-vehicle network. As a standard of the in-vehicle network, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) can be exemplified. When the in-vehicle network is such that uses a plurality of standards, the communication unit <NUM> may have a plurality of interface devices corresponding to standards of communication destinations. As a communication standard other than CAN, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) can be exemplified.

The DCM <NUM> may be configured to be operational independent from the other components that the vehicle <NUM> has. For example, the DCM <NUM> may internally include an auxiliary battery so as to be operational alone without depending on an external power source. According to such a configuration, even if another component of the vehicle <NUM> malfunctions (for example, a power supply malfunction) due to a traffic accident or the like, it is possible to make an emergency report and the like.

Next, functions executed by the controller <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating function modules that the controller <NUM> has. Each of the function modules that the controller <NUM> has can be realized by executing a program stored in storage such as a ROM by the controller <NUM>.

A wireless connection controller <NUM> controls wireless connection using the first communication module <NUM> and the second communication module <NUM>. The wireless connection controller <NUM> manages information required for wireless connection, and performs connection to a cellular communication network and a local network via the first communication module <NUM> and the second communication module <NUM> under a situation where the networks are available.

In the case of performing communication using the second communication module <NUM>, the wireless connection controller <NUM> selects an operation mode from between the server mode and the client mode. A specific method will be described later.

A data relay unit <NUM> relays data transmitted/received between vehicle components. For example, the data relay unit <NUM> executes a process of receiving a message sent out by a first apparatus connected to the in-vehicle network and, when necessary, transferring the message to a second apparatus connected to the in-vehicle network. The first and second apparatuses may be ECUs <NUM> or may be other vehicle components.

When receiving a message addressed to an external network from a vehicle component, the data relay unit <NUM> relays the message to the external network. Further, the data relay unit <NUM> receives data transmitted from an external network and transfers the data to an appropriate vehicle component.

When an abnormal situation occurs on the vehicle <NUM>, an emergency report unit <NUM> makes an emergency report to an operator outside the vehicle <NUM>. As an example of the abnormal situation, occurrence of a traffic accident or a vehicle breakdown is given. When a predetermined trigger, for example, a call button provided in the vehicle <NUM> being pressed or an airbag being developed occurs, the emergency report unit <NUM> starts connection with the operator and enables telephone conversation between the driver of the vehicle and the operator. At the time of making the emergency report, the emergency report unit <NUM> may transmit position information about the vehicle to the operator. In this case, the emergency report unit <NUM> may acquire the position information from the GPS module <NUM>.

A security management unit <NUM> performs a security monitoring process. The security management unit <NUM> detects that the vehicle has been unlocked not by a regular procedure, based on data received from an ECU <NUM> that is responsible for electronic lock of the vehicle, and transmits a security report to a predetermined apparatus. The security report may include position information about the vehicle. In this case, the security management unit <NUM> may acquire the position information from the GPS module <NUM>. When determining that a security problem of the vehicle <NUM> has occurred, the security management unit <NUM> may acquire the position information and periodically transmit the acquired position information to an external apparatus specified in advance.

An update unit <NUM> updates software used by the DCM <NUM> or the electronic control units (the ECUs <NUM>) that the vehicle <NUM> has. For example, the update unit <NUM> manages versions of pieces of firmware stored in the plurality of ECUs <NUM>, and, when new firmware is provided by an external apparatus, the update unit <NUM> downloads the firmware via a network and executes a process of applying the firmware to a target apparatus.

Though the emergency report function, the security function and the software update function have been given as specific functions provided by the DCM <NUM> here, functions that the DCM <NUM> has may include other functions. For example, it is possible to cause the DCM <NUM> to have a function of performing driving diagnosis, a function of monitoring a state of a driver, a function of performing energy management and the like.

Next, the parking ECU 200A will be described.

The parking ECU 200A is an electronic control unit that executes the remote parking function based on a request transmitted from the user terminal <NUM>.

The ECU <NUM> can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and an auxiliary memory such as an EPROM, a disk drive and a removable medium, similarly to the DCM <NUM>.

The parking ECU 200A is configured including a controller <NUM>, a storage <NUM> and a communication unit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is an arithmetic unit (a processor) that realizes various kinds of functions of the parking ECU 200A by executing a predetermined program. The storage <NUM> is a memory device that includes the main memory and the auxiliary memory.

The communication unit <NUM> is a communication interface that connects the parking ECU 200A to the in-vehicle network. The communication unit <NUM> executes a process of transmitting a message in a predetermined format generated by the controller <NUM> to the network bus and a process of transmitting a message received from the network bus to the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating function modules that the controller <NUM> has. Each of the function modules that the controller <NUM> has can be realized by executing a program stored in storage such as the ROM by the controller <NUM>.

A parking controller <NUM> generates an instruction to cause the vehicle to enter a predetermined area (for example, a forward/backward movement instruction or a steering instruction) based on sensor data acquired from the plurality of sensors included in the sensor group <NUM>, and transmits the instruction to a component that manages driving of the vehicle <NUM> (for example, another ECU <NUM>).

The network bus is a communication bus constituting the in-vehicle network. Though one bus is illustrated in this example, the vehicle <NUM> may have two or more communication buses. The plurality of communication buses may be mutually connected by the DCM <NUM> or a gateway that gathers the plurality of communication buses.

Next, the user terminal <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the user terminal <NUM> in the present embodiment.

The user terminal <NUM> is a computer associated with a user. The user terminal <NUM> is, typically, a terminal that a driver of the vehicle possesses. The driver of the vehicle can communicate with the parking ECU 200A via the user terminal <NUM> to cause the vehicle <NUM> to perform the remote parking function.

The user terminal <NUM> is a computer, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal information terminal. The user terminal <NUM> is configured including a controller <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM> and an input/output unit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is a unit responsible for control of the user terminal <NUM>. The controller <NUM> executes, for example, a process of transmitting a request to the parking ECU 200A, a process of performing interaction with the parking ECU 200A, and the like. The controller <NUM> may generate a GUI to be presented to the user based on information transmitted from the parking ECU 200A.

The controller <NUM> is configured, for example, with a microcomputer. The controller <NUM> may realize each of the above functions by executing a program stored in storage (such as the ROM) by a CPU.

The storage <NUM> is configured including a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is a memory where programs executed by the controller <NUM> and data used by the control program are developed. The auxiliary memory is a device where the programs executed by the controller <NUM> and the data used by the control programs are stored. In the auxiliary memory, what is obtained by packaging the programs executed by the controller <NUM> as an application may be stored. An operating system for executing such an application may be stored. By a program stored in the auxiliary memory being loaded to the main memory and executed by the controller <NUM>, each process described below is performed.

As the main memory, a RAM (random access memory) and a ROM (read-only memory) may be included. Further, as the auxiliary memory, an EPROM (erasable programmable ROM) and a hard disk drive (HDD) may be included. Furthermore, as the auxiliary memory, a removable medium, that is, a removable recording medium may be included.

The communication unit <NUM> is a module that performs wireless communication with the DCM <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> can use the Wi-Fi standard to perform communication with the DCM <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> may also serve as a communication interface for communicating with a wide area network such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit <NUM> may include a communication module for performing cellular communication.

The input/output unit <NUM> is a unit that accepts an input operation performed by the user and presents information to the user. The input/output unit <NUM> is configured, for example, with one touch panel display. The input/output unit <NUM> may be configured with a liquid crystal display and control unit therefor and a touch panel and control unit therefor.

Next, description will be made on a process of the user terminal <NUM> executing remote parking by performing interaction with the parking ECU 200A. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the process. The illustrated flow is started when an operation of requesting remote parking is performed by the user terminal <NUM>.

First, at step S11, the user terminal <NUM> transmits a request to the effect that remote parking is to be started, to the DCM <NUM>. When the DCM <NUM> is operating in the client mode, the DCM <NUM> cannot directly accept the request from the user terminal <NUM>. Therefore, at this step, communication between the user terminal <NUM> and the DCM <NUM> is performed via a wide area network such as the Internet. When the DCM <NUM> is operating in the server mode, the process of steps S11 to S12 may be omitted.

Receiving the request, the DCM <NUM> switches the operation mode to the server mode to start standby for connection from the user terminal at step S12. At this timing, existing connection to the local network is disconnected.

Next, the user terminal <NUM> issues a connection request to the DCM <NUM> at step S13A, and starts direct connection by Wi-Fi at step S13B. Further, a communication route via the DCM <NUM> is established between the user terminal <NUM> and the parking ECU 200A, and a start request is transmitted to the parking ECU 200A (step S14).

At step S15, the parking ECU 200A recognizes a place where the vehicle <NUM> is to be parked and generates a necessary trajectory. For example, the parking ECU 200A (the parking controller <NUM>) recognizes a space for the vehicle <NUM> to enter, based on sensor data acquired from the distance sensor and the image sensor included in the sensor group <NUM>.

The space for the vehicle <NUM> to enter may be recognized based on an instruction transmitted from the user terminal <NUM>. For example, the parking ECU 200A may transmit an image around the vehicle acquired by the image sensor to the user terminal <NUM> so that the user specifies a space to cause the vehicle <NUM> to enter, on the image.

Then, the parking ECU 200A generates a trajectory for entering the space. The trajectory may include quick turns. When the process is completed, the parking controller <NUM> transmits a preparation completion notification to the user terminal <NUM>.

At step S16, the parking controller <NUM> causes the vehicle <NUM> to move based on an instruction from the user terminal <NUM>. At this step, the user terminal <NUM> periodically transmits a movement instruction to the parking ECU 200A. The parking ECU 200A performs movement of the vehicle on condition that a movement instruction is periodically received. Thereby, the vehicle <NUM> moves along the decided trajectory.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the GUI provided on the user terminal <NUM>. In this example, when the user continues pressing a button (reference sign <NUM>), a movement instruction is periodically (for example, every <NUM> milliseconds) transmitted to the parking ECU 200A. The parking controller <NUM> causes the vehicle <NUM> to move while the movement instruction is periodically received, and causes the vehicle <NUM> to stop when the reception of the movement instruction is stopped. Thereby, it is possible to cause safety confirmation by the user to be performed. Though the form of continuing pressing the button is exemplified in this example, an operation form is not limited thereto if the user's intention can be confirmed. For example, the movement instruction may be transmitted when the user continues swiping on a predetermined area on the screen.

Sensor data about a situation of the vehicle <NUM> is periodically transmitted from the parking ECU 200A to the user terminal <NUM>. The sensor data may include, for example, video acquired by an in-vehicle camera and distance information acquired by the distance sensor. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to output images around the vehicle <NUM> and distance information on the user terminal <NUM>.

When the parking ECU 200A detects that the vehicle <NUM> has been parked at a predetermined position, an entry completion notification is transmitted to the user terminal <NUM> (step S17).

When the user performs an operation of ending remote parking, an end request is transmitted from the user terminal <NUM> to the DCM <NUM> (step S18). Further, the DCM <NUM> ends the wireless connection with the user terminal <NUM> and returns the mode to the client mode.

As described above, there may be a case where remote parking is started after the vehicle <NUM> arrives at a predetermined place (for example, the parking lot of the home). In such a case, if the DCM <NUM> connects to an access point, the DCM <NUM> has to be disconnected from the home network and newly connect to the user terminal <NUM>. That is, a problem occurs that it is not possible to connect to the user terminal <NUM> at once, and waiting time occurs.

Therefore, the DCM <NUM> according to the present embodiment performs switching to the server mode beforehand so that automatic connection to an access point is not performed.

Further, after the vehicle <NUM> stops, the DCM <NUM> performs switching to the client mode on condition that use of the remote parking function ends or that standby for connection from the user terminal <NUM> times out.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process executed by the DCM <NUM> and the parking ECU 200A. The illustrated process is started by the DCM <NUM> at a timing when the vehicle <NUM> starts traveling. The timing to start the process is not limited thereto if the timing is after a travel system of the vehicle <NUM> is started.

First, at step S21, the wireless connection controller <NUM> starts standby for connection from the user terminal <NUM>. Specifically, switching from the client mode to the server mode is performed, and standby for connection is started.

Next, at step S22, the wireless connection controller <NUM> determines whether the vehicle <NUM> has stopped or not. Here, if a positive judgment is made, the process transitions to step S23. If a negative judgment is made, the wireless connection controller <NUM> stands by until the vehicle <NUM> stops.

At step S23, the wireless connection controller <NUM> determines whether a connection request has been issued from the user terminal <NUM> or not. Here, if a negative judgment is made, the process transitions to step S28. If a positive judgment is made, the process transitions to step S24.

At step S24, the wireless connection controller <NUM> accepts connection from the user terminal <NUM> and establishes connection with the user terminal <NUM>. This step corresponds to steps S13A to S14 in <FIG>.

At step S25, the parking ECU 200A executes a remote parking process. At this step, a process as described at steps S15 and S16 in <FIG> is executed.

At step S26, it is determined whether parking has been completed or not. Here, if parking has been completed, the process transitions to step S27. If parking has not been completed, the process transitions to step S25, and the process is continued.

At step S27, the wireless connection controller <NUM> starts connection to the local network. Specifically, switching from the server mode to the client mode is performed, and search for and connection to an access point is started.

If a negative judgment is made at step S23, the process transitions to step S28, and it is determined whether the connection request from the user terminal <NUM> times out or not. Here, if timeout has not occurred, the process returns to step S23. If timeout has occurred, the process transitions to step S27. That is, if a predetermined time elapses without remote parking being started, the wireless connection controller <NUM> starts connection to the local network.

As described above, in the vehicle system according to the first embodiment, the DCM <NUM> prevents connection to a predetermined access point at least until a predetermined period elapses after the vehicle stops. Thereby, it becomes possible to accept a connection request from the user terminal <NUM> at once, and it becomes possible to quickly provide the remote parking function.

In the first embodiment, the DCM <NUM> performs switching to the server mode beforehand to stand by for connection from the user terminal <NUM>. Switching to the server mode, however, may be executed at a stage of detecting a sign that the vehicle <NUM> is going to be parked.

For example, switching to the server mode may be performed when it is detected that the vehicle <NUM> has entered an area corresponding to a predetermined parking lot.

The area corresponding to a predetermined parking lot is, for example, an area where remote parking is expected to be used. This area may be set by the user or may be automatically determined based on a history of use of remote parking in the past.

According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform communication via a local network (for example, a road-to-vehicle network provided around an intersection) while the vehicle <NUM> is traveling.

Switching to the server mode may be performed at a timing other than the above timing if the switching is performed at least before the vehicle <NUM> stops.

In the first embodiment, the DCM <NUM> performs switching to the server mode in advance before the vehicle <NUM> stops. In comparison, a second embodiment is an embodiment in which switching to the server mode is performed according to whether an access point registered beforehand has been detected or not.

The access point registered beforehand is an access point at which there is a possibility of conflict among wireless connections, for example, an access point connectable from a parking lot where the user uses the remote parking function. Such an access point may be automatically registered based on a parking history (or the remote parking function use history) of the vehicle <NUM> and an access point connection history.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process executed by the DCM <NUM> and the parking ECU 200A in the second embodiment. The illustrated process is started when the DCM <NUM> detects an available access point.

At step S20A, the wireless connection controller <NUM> acquires an identifier of an access point. For example, if the access point is such that uses a wireless LAN standard, the DCM <NUM> can acquire an SSID (service set identifier).

Next, at step S20B, the wireless connection controller <NUM> determines whether the acquired SSID is such that has been already registered beforehand or not. Here, if the acquired SSID is such that has been registered beforehand, the process transitions to step S21, where a process similar to that of the first embodiment is started. If the acquired SSID is not such that has been registered beforehand, the process transitions to step S27, where connection to the access point is started.

As described above, switching to the server mode may be executed at a timing when an access point for which automatic connection is to be prevented is detected. In other words, prevention of automatic connection may be started at a timing when an access point for which automatic connection is to be prevented is detected.

The processing described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the processing described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, what hardware configuration (server configuration) realizes each function can be flexibly changed.

Claim 1:
A vehicle (<NUM>) comprising an information processing apparatus (<NUM>) for controlling wireless communication performed by the vehicle (<NUM>), the information processing apparatus comprising a controller (<NUM>) comprising at least one processor configured to, when detecting a predetermined access point, establish wireless connection with the predetermined access point, wherein, before establishing the wireless connection, the controller (<NUM>) is configured to
prevent the wireless connection to the predetermined access point at least during a first period from when the vehicle (<NUM>) stops until a predetermined timing comes, wherein preventing the wireless connection comprises starting standby (S21) for a second wireless connection from a user terminal (<NUM>), wherein the predetermined timing is when the acceptance of the second wireless connection from the user terminal (<NUM>) times out;
accept (S24) the second wireless connection from the user terminal (<NUM>) during the first period;
perform (S25), when being connected with the user terminal (<NUM>), remote parking control of the vehicle (<NUM>) based on an instruction transmitted from the user terminal (<NUM>);
determine (S26) whether parking of the vehicle has been completed or not; and
establish (S27), when determining that the parking of the vehicle has been completed, the wireless connection with the predetermined access point.