Patent ID: 12208752

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First, modes for carrying out the disclosure will be enumerated and described. At least some of the modes described below may be discretionarily combined.

Mode (1)

In mode (1), an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to one mode is an in-vehicle information processing apparatus to be mounted in a vehicle and for executing a program, the apparatus including a processing unit, whereby the processing unit determines whether a travel distance of the vehicle from when usage of the program is started exceeds a threshold value, and, if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, restricts subsequent execution of the program.

In this mode, an in-vehicle information processing apparatus that executes a program such as a trial version of an application program acquires the distance that the vehicle has traveled from when usage of the program was started, determines whether the acquired travel distance exceeds a threshold value, and restricts subsequent execution of the program, if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus is thereby able to make the program available to the user until the travel distance of the vehicle exceeds the threshold value. By setting the travel distance of the vehicle as the restriction condition, the restriction condition of the program will not be reached during a period in which the vehicle is not being used. The state in which the travel distance of the vehicle is increasing is a state in which the user is using the vehicle, and in which the user is able to use this program. Therefore, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus is able to provide the user with an opportunity to fully use the program.

Mode (2)

Preferably, in mode (2), the processing unit acquires the program and information relating to the threshold value from a device provided externally to the vehicle.

In mode (2), the in-vehicle information processing apparatus acquires the program and information relating to the threshold value serving as a restriction condition from a device provided externally to the vehicle. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus is, for example, thereby able to acquire a program from an external device according to the preferences of the user and execute the acquired program, and to restrict execution of the program using information relating to a threshold value acquired together with this program.

Mode (3)

Preferably, in mode (3), the processing unit determines whether position information of the vehicle indicates a specific position, and, if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, and it is determined that the position information indicates the specific position, restricts subsequent execution of the program.

In mode (3), the in-vehicle information processing apparatus acquires position information of the vehicle and determines whether the acquired position information indicates a specific position. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus restricts subsequent execution of the program, if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, and it is determined that the position information is the specific position. By including a position information condition in the program execution restrictions in addition to the travel distance condition, execution of the program being restricted due to the travel distance exceeding the threshold value while the vehicle is traveling, for example, can be prevented. For example, the position of the user's home, a destination position set in a car navigation device, or the position where the program was acquired can be employed as the specific position.

Mode (4)

Preferably, in mode (4), the processing unit determines whether an elapsed time from a point in time at which it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value exceeds a predetermined time period, and, if it is determined that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time period, restricts subsequent execution of the program, even if it is not determined that the position information indicates the specific position.

In mode (4), the in-vehicle information processing apparatus acquires the elapsed time from the point in time at which it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, and determines whether the acquired elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time period. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus restricts subsequent execution of the program in the case where the elapsed time from when the travel distance exceeds the threshold value exceeds the predetermined time period, even if the position information of the vehicle does not indicate the specific position. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus is thereby able to prevent a state where execution of the program cannot be restricted due to the vehicle not reaching the specific position from continuing for longer than necessary.

Mode (5)

Preferably, in mode (5), the processing unit restricts execution such that the program is unavailable for usage.

In mode (5), the in-vehicle information processing apparatus restricts the program so as to be unavailable to the user, in the case where the restriction condition is satisfied. For example, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus may apply restrictions by not executing the program. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus is thereby able to make a program unavailable to the user if the restriction condition is satisfied, and to provide this program to the user as a trial version with restricted usage conditions.

Mode (6)

In mode (6), a program execution restriction method according to one aspect is a program execution restriction method for restricting execution of a program by an in-vehicle information processing apparatus mounted in a vehicle, the method including determining whether a travel distance of the vehicle from when usage of the program is started exceeds a threshold value, and if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, restricting subsequent execution of the program.

In mode (6), similarly to mode (1), the user can be given an opportunity to fully use the program.

Mode (7)

In mode (7), a computer program according to one aspect causes a computer mounted in a vehicle to execute processing for determining whether a travel distance of the vehicle from when usage of the program is started exceeds a threshold value, and, if it is determined that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, restricting subsequent execution of the program.

In mode (7), similarly to mode (1), the user can be given an opportunity to fully use the program.

Specific examples of an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not restricted to these illustrative examples and is defined by the claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a schematic diagram for illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle information processing system according to the present embodiment. The in-vehicle information processing system according to the present embodiment is constituted to include an in-vehicle information processing apparatus2mounted in a vehicle1, a GW (gateway)4, a wireless communication device5and an odometer6. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is a device that is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat of the vehicle1, for example, and provides various services to the user of the vehicle1.

The GW4is a device that relays communication inside the vehicle1. In the present embodiment, devices such as the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2, the wireless communication device5and the odometer6are connected to the GW4, and the GW4relays communication between these plurality of devices. The wireless communication device5communicates with a server device9provided externally to the vehicle1, by wireless communication such as a mobile phone communication network or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), for example. The odometer6is a device for measuring the travel distance of the vehicle1. The server device9is a device for distributing various application programs (hereinafter, referred to as apps) that are executed by the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2.

In the in-vehicle information processing system according to the present embodiment, the user of the vehicle1is able to download various apps from the server device9by operating the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2, and to use the downloaded apps by executing the apps on the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2. The apps distributed by the server device9may be either paid or free. In the present embodiment, the server device9is able to distribute a trial version app of paid apps with restricted usage conditions.

In the in-vehicle information processing system according to the present embodiment, restrictions conditional on the travel distance of the vehicle1are placed on the trial version app. For example, the trial version app allows the user to freely use all functions until the vehicle1travels 100 km from when the app is installed, and the app becomes unavailable at the stage where the travel distance reaches 100 km. In the case where the travel distance of the vehicle1that is acquired from the odometer6reaches a predetermined threshold value, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2makes the installed trial version app unavailable for usage (stops the app or does not start the app) after that time.

FIG.2is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the first embodiment. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment is constituted to include a processing unit (processor)21, a storage unit (storage)22, a communication unit (transceiver)23, a display unit (display)24, an operation unit25, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception unit26.

The processing unit21is constituted using a computational processing apparatus such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), for example. The processing unit21is able to perform various processing, by reading out and executing programs stored in the storage unit22. In the present embodiment, the processing unit21provides various services to the user of the vehicle1, by reading out and executing an app22bstored in the storage unit22. Also, the processing unit21performs various processing such as processing for acquiring apps from the server device9and processing for restricting usage of trial version apps, by reading out and executing a program22astored in the storage unit22.

The storage unit22is constituted using a nonvolatile memory device such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), for example. The storage unit22stores various programs that are executed by the processing unit21and various data required in processing that is performed by the processing unit21. In the present embodiment, the storage unit22stores the program22aand the app22bthat are executed by the processing unit21and usage condition information22cof the app22b.

In the present embodiment, the program22ais a computer program that performs processing at a lower level than application programs, such as an operating system or firmware, for example. The program22amediates between hardware of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2and the app22b, and provides the execution environment of the app22b. Note that the program22amay be written to the storage unit22at the manufacturing stage of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2, for example, or the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2may acquire, through communication, a program that is distributed by a remote server device or the like, for example, or the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2may read out a program recorded on a recording medium99such as a memory card or optical disk and store this program in the storage unit22, for example, or a writing device may read out a program recorded on the recording medium99and write this program to the storage unit22of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2, for example. The program22amay be provided in a mode of being distributed via a network, or may be provided in a mode of being recorded on the recording medium99.

The app22bis an application program that provides a service to the user of the vehicle1or performs processing such as travel control of the vehicle1, and is a computer program that performs processing at a higher level than the program22a. In the illustrated example, one app22bis stored in the storage unit22, but a plurality of types of apps22bmay be stored in the storage unit22of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2.

The usage condition information22cis information relating to the conditions for restricting usage of the app22b. In the present embodiment, usage restrictions that depend on the travel distance of the vehicle1are applied to the trial version app22b. Information on the travel distance for which usage of the trial version app is allowed, that is, information on the travel distance serving as a threshold value for restricting usage of the trial version app, is stored in the storage unit22as the usage condition information22c.

In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2acquires (downloads) the app22band the usage condition information22cfrom the server device9external to the vehicle1and stores the acquired app22band usage condition information22cin the storage unit22. An acquisition request for the app22bis transmitted from the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2to the external server device9via the GW4and the wireless communication device5. In response to this acquisition request, the server device9transmits the requested app22bto the vehicle1, and transmits the usage condition information22crelating to the app22bto the vehicle1. The app22band the usage condition information22ctransmitted from the server device9are received by the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2via the wireless communication device5and the GW4and stored in the storage unit22. Note that the app22band the usage condition information22cmay be provided in a mode of being recorded on a recording medium, rather than being acquired by the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2from the server device9through communication.

The communication unit23is connected to a communication line constituting a network inside the vehicle1, and communicates with in-vehicle devices such as the GW4via the internal network. In the present embodiment, the communication unit23transmits and receives messages, in accordance with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or CAN (Controller Area Network). The communication unit23can be constituted using an IC (Integrated Circuit) such as an Ethernet PHY (PHYsical layer) IC or a CAN controller IC. The communication unit23performs data transmission by outputting data provided from the processing unit21to the communication line as electrical signals. Also, the communication unit23converts the electrical signals on the communication line into digital data, by acquiring the potential of the communication line through sampling, and provides the converted data to the processing unit21as reception data.

The display unit24is constituted using a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, for example, and displays various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit21. The display unit24performs various display such as displaying menus, icons or the like for the user to perform operations and displaying messages to the user.

The operation unit25is constituted using a touch panel, mechanical buttons or the like, for example. The operation unit25receives operations by the user and provides information that depends on the received operations to the processing unit21.

The GPS reception unit26receives radio waves that are transmitted from GPS satellites and provides information that is included in the received radio waves to the processing unit21. The processing unit21is able to perform processing for specifying the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the vehicle1, based on the information provided from the GPS reception unit26. Note that, in the present embodiment, the processing unit21is configured to specify the position of the vehicle1based on the reception information of the GPS reception unit26, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the processing unit21may specify the position of the vehicle1using information that is obtained from sensors such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor in addition to the GPS reception information.

Also, in the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment, an app acquisition unit21a, an app execution unit21b, a travel distance acquisition unit21c, a travel distance determination unit21d, a restriction unit21eand the like are realized as software-like functional units by the processing unit21, as a result of the processing unit21reading out and executing the program22astored in the storage unit22. The travel distance acquisition unit21c, the travel distance determination unit21dand the restriction unit21emay, however, be functional units that are realized by execution of the app22b.

The app acquisition unit21aperforms processing for acquiring (downloading) the app22bthat is distributed by the server device9, by communicating with the external server device9using the wireless communication device5mounted in the vehicle1. The app acquisition unit21aacquires list information of apps that are distributed by the server device9by communicating with the server device9, displays an app list on the display unit24, and receives selection of an app to be downloaded from the user with the operation unit25. The app acquisition unit21agives a transmission request for the selected app to the server device9, receives the app22bthat is transmitted from the server device9in response to this request, and stores the received app22bin the storage unit22. Also, the app acquisition unit21aacquires the usage condition information22cfor the trial version app22bthat is transmitted together with the app22bfrom the server device9and stores the acquired usage condition information22cin the storage unit22.

The app execution unit21bperforms processing related to execution of the app22bstored in the storage unit22. The app execution unit21bperforms processing for starting and stopping the app22b, and managing the execution schedule of a plurality of apps22b, for example.

The travel distance acquisition unit21cperforms processing for acquiring the travel distance of the vehicle1, by communicating with the odometer6of the vehicle1using the communication unit23. Note that, in the present embodiment, the travel distance acquisition unit21cacquires the total travel distance of the vehicle1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the travel distance from the point in time at which the app22bis downloaded or first executed (i.e., point in time at which usage of the app22bis started), for example, may be acquired. The travel distance acquisition unit21cacquires the travel distance at the point in time at which the app22bis downloaded or first executed, repeatedly acquires the travel distance at predetermined periods (e.g., every several seconds to every tens of seconds) from at least this point in time, and provides the acquired travel distance to the travel distance determination unit21d.

The travel distance determination unit21dperforms processing for determining whether the condition relating to the travel distance of the vehicle1for restricting usage of the trial version app22bis satisfied. The travel distance determination unit21dsets the travel distance of the vehicle1at the point in time at which usage of the trial version app22bis started (point in time at which the trial version app22bis downloaded or first executed, etc.) as the initial value. In the usage condition information22cof the storage unit22, the distance for which each app22bis useable is stored as a condition, and the travel distance determination unit21dcalculates a value obtained by adding the distance serving as a usage condition to the initial value of the travel distance as the threshold value of the restriction. Thereafter, the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines whether to restrict usage of the trial version app22b, by determining whether the travel distance of the vehicle1periodically acquired by the travel distance acquisition unit21cexceeds this threshold value.

The restriction unit21eperforms processing for restricting usage of the app22b, in the case where the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. The restriction unit21emay restrict usage by prohibiting starting of the app22b, for example, or may restrict usage by deleting (uninstalling) the app22bfrom the storage unit22, for example, or may restrict usage by a method other than these. Execution of the app22bmay be restricted by the restriction unit21ewith any method. In the present embodiment, the restriction unit21erestricts execution such that the user is unable to use any of the functions of the app22b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and execution may be restricted such that only some of the functions of the app22bare not available. Also, the restriction unit21emay display the fact that usage of the app22bhas been restricted due to the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeding the threshold value as a message on the display unit24, and may prompt the user to perform an operation such as formally purchasing the trial version app22b.

FIG.3is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing that is performed by the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the first embodiment. The app acquisition unit21aof the processing unit21of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment communicates with the server device9based on operations by the user, for example, and acquires the trial version app22band the usage condition information22cof the app22bfrom the server device9(step S1). The app22band the usage condition information22care stored in the storage unit22.

The travel distance acquisition unit21cof the processing unit21acquires, from the odometer6of the vehicle1, the travel distance of the vehicle1at the point in time at which the trial version app22bwas acquired (step S2). The travel distance determination unit21dof the processing unit21calculates a threshold value for performing determination of the travel distance related to usage restrictions, by setting the travel distance acquired in step S2as the initial value and adding the distance for which the app22bis usable prescribed in the usage condition information22cto the initial value (step S3).

Thereafter, the travel distance determination unit21dacquires the travel distance of the vehicle1from the odometer6(step S4). The travel distance determination unit21ddetermines whether the travel distance acquired in step S4exceeds the threshold value calculated in step S3(step S5). If the travel distance does not exceed the threshold value (S5: NO), the processing unit21returns the processing to step S4, and travel distance acquisition by the travel distance acquisition unit21cand determination of the travel distance by the travel distance determination unit21dare repeated.

If the travel distance exceeds the threshold value (S5: YES), the restriction unit21eof the processing unit21restricts usage of the trial version app22bacquired in step S1(step S6), and ends the processing. At this time, the restriction unit21estops execution if the app22bis being executed, and prohibits subsequent starting of the app22b. Also, the restriction unit21emay display a message on the display unit24to the effect that the trial version app22bis no longer available.

Note that the illustrated processing could possibly be interrupted due to the ignition switch of the vehicle1being switched OFF, for example. In the case where such an interruption occurs, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2need only resume the processing when the ignition switch is switched ON, for example, and the resumption of processing can take place from step S4of the illustrated flowchart.

The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment having the above configuration acquires the travel distance of the vehicle1from when usage of the trial version app22bwas started, and determines whether the acquired travel distance exceeds the threshold value. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2restricts subsequent usage of the app22b, if it is determined that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is thereby able to allow the user to use the app22buntil the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. By setting the travel distance of the vehicle1as the restriction condition, usage of the app22bwill not be restricted during periods such as when the vehicle1is not being used. A state in which the travel distance of the vehicle1is increasing is a state in which the user is using the vehicle1, and in which the user is able to use the app22b. Therefore, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is able to provide the user with an opportunity to fully use the app22b.

Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment acquires the app22band the usage condition information22cfrom the server device9provided externally to the vehicle1, and stores the acquired app22band usage condition information22cin the storage unit22. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is, for example, thereby able to acquire an app22bfrom the external server device9according to the preferences of the user and execute the acquired app22b. Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is able to calculate a threshold value for the travel distance determination unit21dto perform determination of the travel distance, based on the condition of the travel distance for which the app22bcan be used prescribed in the usage condition information22c, and is able to determine whether to restrict execution of the app22busing this threshold value.

Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment applies restrictions such that the user is no longer able to use the app22b, if the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is thereby able make an app22bwhose restriction condition has been reached unavailable, and to provide an app22bto the user as a trial version with restricted usage conditions.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2performs processing such as performing determination of the travel distance and restricting usage of the app22b, but processing such as performing determination of the travel distance and restricting usage of the app22bmay be performed by another device included in the in-vehicle information processing system such as the GW4, for example. Also, in the present embodiment, the program22aof the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is configured to perform determination of the travel distance and to restrict execution of the app22b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and determination of the travel distance and restriction of execution may be performed by the app22bitself. Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2applies restrictions to the app22bat the point in time at which the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value, but a warning message may be displayed to the user at a point in time before the travel distance exceeds the threshold value.

Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the present embodiment applies restrictions to the app22bin the case where the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value, regardless of whether the app22bis being executed, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. A configuration may be adopted in which the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2adds the travel distance of the vehicle1only when the app22bis being executed, for example, and applies restrictions to the app22bin the case where the total value of the travel distance exceeds a predetermined distance set for each app22b.

Also, in the present embodiment, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2calculates a threshold value that is compared with the travel distance, based on the usage condition information22cacquired together with the app22b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when usage of the app22bis started, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2may require the user to input information such as a destination and transit points, calculate a prediction value of the travel distance from the current position to the destination, and calculate a threshold value based on this prediction value. The prediction value of the travel distance can be calculated from a route derived by a car navigation device, for example, and is preferably a value provided with a certain margin in consideration of detours by the user and other factors. Also, the prediction value of the travel distance may be a round-trip travel distance, rather than one way from the current position to the destination.

Second Embodiment

An in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to a second embodiment applies restrictions that are based on position information of the vehicle1and the passage of time, in addition to restrictions based on the travel distance of the vehicle1. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment determines whether the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds a threshold value, similarly to the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the first embodiment. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment does not, however, restrict usage of the app22bwhen the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, but restrict usage of the app22bwhen the travel distance exceeds the threshold value and the vehicle1is in a predetermined position. Note that the predetermined position can be a position registered as the user's home or a position at which usage of the app22bwas started, for example, and may be a surrounding range of positions that includes such a specific position.

After determining that the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2repeatedly acquires the position information of the vehicle1and repeatedly determines whether the position of the vehicle1is the predetermined position. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2restricts usage of the app22b, if it is determined that the position of the vehicle1is the predetermined position. It is thereby possible to prevent the app22bfrom becoming unavailable while the vehicle1is traveling, for example, due to the travel distance exceeding the threshold value.

In the case where the state in which the position of the vehicle1is not the predetermined position continues for a long period of time, however, the user will be able to use the trial version app22bfor longer than necessary. In view of this, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment starts measuring elapsed time with a timer from the point in time at which the travel distance exceeded the threshold value, and, if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time period, restricts usage of the app22bregardless of the position of the vehicle1. A time period such as 24 hours or one week, for example can be set as the predetermined time period.

FIG.4is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment is constituted by adding a position information acquisition unit21f, a position determination unit21g, an elapsed time acquisition unit21hand a time period determination unit21ito the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the first embodiment shown inFIG.2. The position information acquisition unit21f, the position determination unit21g, the elapsed time acquisition unit21hand the time period determination unit21iare software-like functional units that are realized as a result of the processing unit21executing a program22aor an app22baccording to the second embodiment.

The position information acquisition unit21fperforms processing for acquiring the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the vehicle1, based on GPS signals received by the GPS reception unit26. Note that the position information acquisition unit21fmay acquire the position of the vehicle1using information that is obtained from sensors such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor in addition to information of the GPS signals. Also, the position information of the vehicle1may be specified by another device mounted in the vehicle1, in which case the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2acquires position information from the other device through communication. The position information acquisition unit21fperiodically repeats acquisition of the position information, at least after the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value, and provides the acquired position information to the position determination unit21g.

The position determination unit21gperforms processing for determining whether the position information of the vehicle1acquired by the position information acquisition unit21fmatches specific position information set in advance. The position of the user's home, for example, is used as specific position information. The position determination unit21gmay acquire the home position set in the car navigation device and set the acquired home position as the specific position information for use in determination, for example, or may request the user to input his or her home address or postal code at the point in time at which the app22bis acquired, and determine specific position information based on the input address or postal code, for example. Also, the position determination unit21gmay set a position such as where the app22bis acquired as the specific position information, for example, rather than the home position of the user. The position determination unit21gdetermines whether the position information of the vehicle1matches the set specific position information, after the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. A certain range of errors may, however, be taken into consideration in determining whether these two pieces of position information match.

The elapsed time acquisition unit21hperforms processing for acquiring the elapsed time from the point in time at which the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. The elapsed time acquisition unit21hmeasures the elapsed time using a timer function that the processing unit21is provided with, for example. The elapsed time acquisition unit21hstarts measuring the elapsed time with the timer if the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value. The elapsed time acquisition unit21hacquires the result of measuring the elapsed time with the timer, and provides the elapsed time to the time period determination unit21i.

The time period determination unit21iperforms processing for determining whether the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit21hexceeds a predetermined time period. A time period such as 24 hours or one week, for example, is set in advance as the predetermined time period for use in the determination. The predetermined time period may be information that is included in the usage condition information22c, and is acquired from the server device9together with the app22b.

The restriction unit21eaccording to the second embodiment restricts usage of the app22b, in the case where the position determination unit21gdetermines that the position information of the vehicle1matches the specific position information or where the time period determination unit21idetermines that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time period, after the travel distance determination unit21ddetermines that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value.

FIG.5is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment. The app acquisition unit21aof the processing unit21of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment communicates with the server device9based on operations by the user, for example, and acquires the trial version app22band the usage condition information22cof the app22bfrom the server device9(step S11).

Next, the position determination unit21gof the processing unit21determines specific position information to be used when determining whether to restrict usage of the app22b(step S12). At this time, the position determination unit21gmay acquire the home position set in the car navigation device of the vehicle1and set the acquired home position as the specific position information, for example, or may receive input of position information of his or her home by the user and set the input position information as the specific position information, for example, or may set position information that is based on the GPS signals received by the GPS reception unit26at this point in time as the specific position information, for example.

The travel distance acquisition unit21cof the processing unit21acquires, from the odometer6of the vehicle1, the travel distance of the vehicle1at the point in time at which the trial version app22bis acquired (step S13). The travel distance determination unit21dof the processing unit21calculates a threshold value for performing determination of the travel distance related to usage restrictions, by setting the travel distance acquired in step S13as the initial value and adding the distance for which the app22bis usable prescribed in the usage condition information22cto the initial value (step S14).

Thereafter, the travel distance determination unit21dacquires the travel distance of the vehicle1from the odometer6(step S15). The travel distance determination unit21ddetermines whether the travel distance acquired in step S15exceeds the threshold value calculated in step S14(step S16). If the travel distance does not exceed the threshold value (S16: NO), the processing unit21returns the processing to step S15, and repeats acquisition of the travel distance by the travel distance acquisition unit21cand determination of the travel distance by the travel distance determination unit21d. If the travel distance exceeds the threshold value (S16: YES), the elapsed time acquisition unit21hof the processing unit21starts measuring the elapsed time with the timer (step S17).

The position information acquisition unit21fof the processing unit21acquires the position information of the vehicle1that is based on the GPS signals received by the GPS reception unit26(step S18). The position determination unit21gcompares the position information of the vehicle1acquired in step S18with the specific position information determined in step S12, and determines whether the position of the vehicle1is the specific position (step S19). If the position of the vehicle1is the specific position (S19: YES), the restriction unit21eof the processing unit21restricts usage of the trial version app22bacquired in step S11(step S22), and ends the processing.

If the position of the vehicle1is not the specific position (S19: NO), the elapsed time acquisition unit21hacquires the elapsed time that is measured by the timer (step S20). The time period determination unit21iof the processing unit21determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the travel distance exceeds the threshold value, by determining whether the elapsed time acquired in step S20exceeds the predetermined time period prescribed in the usage condition information22c(step S21). If the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S21: NO), the processing unit21returns the processing to step S18, and repeats the determination that is based on the position information of the vehicle1and the determination that is based on the elapsed time. If the predetermined time period has elapsed (S21: YES), the restriction unit21erestricts usage of the trial version app22bacquired in step S11(step S22), and ends the processing.

The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment having the above configuration acquires position information of the vehicle1and determines whether the acquired position information indicates a specific position. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2restricts subsequent usage of the app22b, in the case where it is determined that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value, and it is determined that the position information of the vehicle1is the specific position. Adding the position information condition to the usage restrictions of the app22b, rather than having only the travel distance condition, makes it is possible to prevent usage of the app22bfrom being restricted due to the travel distance exceeding the threshold value while the vehicle1is traveling, for example.

Also, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2according to the second embodiment acquires the elapsed time from the point in time at which it is determined that the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds the threshold value, and determines whether the acquired elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time period. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2restricts subsequent usage of the app22bin the case where the elapsed time from when the travel distance exceeds the threshold value exceeds the predetermined time period, even if the position information of the vehicle1does not indicate the specific position. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus2is thereby able to prevent a state in which usage of the app22bcannot be restricted due to the vehicle1not reaching the specific position from continuing for longer than necessary.

Note that the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2may be configured to not apply usage restrictions that are based on the elapsed time from when the travel distance exceeds the threshold value to the app22b. Instead of restrictions based on elapsed time, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus2may restrict usage of the app22bin the case where the travel distance of the vehicle1exceeds a second threshold value, for example.

Also, since the remaining configuration of the in-vehicle information processing system according to the second embodiment is similar to the in-vehicle information processing system according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are similar, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

Each device in the in-vehicle information processing system is provided with a computer constituted to include a microprocessor, a ROM and a RAM. A computational processing unit such as a microprocessor may read out and execute a computer program including some or all of the steps of sequence diagrams or flowcharts, such as shown inFIGS.3and5, from a storage unit such as the ROM or RAM. The computer programs of these plurality of devices can each be installed from an external server device or the like. Also, the computer programs of these plural devices are each distributed in a state of being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or semiconductor memory.

The embodiments disclosed herein are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims rather than by the foregoing meaning, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.