Vehicle function execution system, vehicle apparatus, portable device, recording medium, and information center

• US 8,193,905 B2
• Filed: 05/29/2008
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DENSO Corporation
• Original Assignee: DENSO Corporation
• Inventors: Tsuji, Katsuhisa
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): MEHRAVARI, PETER CYRUS
• Application Number:
  US12/155,016
• Publication Number:
  US 20080309454A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,468 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.6, 340/5.61, 340/5.7, 701/1, 701/32, 701/33, 701/35, 701/36, 701/49
• US Class Current: 340/5.6
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2081 combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric

Abstract

A storage circuit of a portable device stores setting data concerning a function installed on a used vehicle or an in-use vehicle. Stored setting data of the portable device is read when the user gets in an in-use vehicle after use of a used vehicle. Setting data stored in the storage section of the vehicle apparatus is also read. The two read setting data are compared. When a comparison result shows a difference, execution of a function is permitted based on setting data read from the storage circuit of the portable device. The user can be notified of a function not used by the user or a new function when execution of the functions is permitted.

Claims

1. A vehicle function execution system comprising:

a first storage means for storing a first setting data concerning a first function associated with a previously used vehicle when the first storage was coupled to the previously used vehicle;

a second storage means mounted on an in-use vehicle for storing a second setting data concerning a second function associated with an in-use vehicle, the in-use vehicle used after the previously used vehicle;

a read means for reading the first setting data stored in the first storage means when the first storage means is coupled to the in-use vehicle and the second setting data stored in the second storage means when a user uses the in-use vehicle;

a comparison means for comparing the first setting data with the second setting data read by the read means;

a permission means for permitting execution of the first function based on the first setting data read by the read means when a difference is found between the first setting data and the second setting data by the comparison means; and

an acceptance means for accepting a user input via an operation means,

wherein the permission means permits execution of the first function in accordance with a positive input accepted by the acceptance means and does not permit execution of the first function in accordance with a negative input accepted by the acceptance means,

wherein the first storage means updates the first setting data unless the permission means cancels execution of the first function a specified number of times in accordance with the user input accepted by the acceptance means.

2. A vehicle function execution system comprising:

a first storage means for storing a first setting data concerning a first function associated with a previously used vehicle when the first storage was coupled to the previously used vehicle;

a second storage means mounted on an in-use vehicle for storing a second setting data concerning a second function associated with an in-use vehicle, the in-use vehicle used after the previously used vehicle;

a read means for reading the first setting data stored in the first storage means when the first storage means is coupled to the in-use vehicle and the second setting data stored in the second storage means when a user uses the in-use vehicle;

a comparison means for comparing the first setting data with the second setting data read by the read means;

a permission means for permitting execution of the first function based on the first setting data read by the read means when a difference is found between the first setting data and the second setting data by the comparison means, the permission means displays a notification for determining whether or not to cancel a setting change of the first function that is permitted for execution instead of storing the setting change of the first function to the second storage means when the difference is found, wherein the permission means permits execution of a function when the difference is found and a specific condition is satisfied; and

a random number generation means for generating random numbers, wherein the permission means determines that the specified condition is satisfied when a random number generated by the random number generation means is greater than or equal to a specified value.

3. A portable device capable of use in a vehicle function execution system of a vehicle that is in-use, the portable device comprising:

a first memory for storing a first setting data including a first function associated with a previously used vehicle, the first setting data being stored when the portable device was coupled to the previously used vehicle;

a reader interface capable of coupling with a reader mounted on the vehicle that is in-use, the reader configured to;

read the first setting data when the portable device is coupled thereto;

read a second setting data stored in a second memory mounted on the vehicle that is in-use, the second memory storing the second setting data including a second function associated with a vehicle second storage means;

compare the first setting data with the second setting data read by the reader interface; and

permit execution of the first function based on the first setting data read by the reader interface when a difference is found between the first setting data and the second setting data by the comparison of the first setting data with the second setting data,

wherein the reader permits execution of the first function in accordance with a positive input from an input device and does not permit execution of the first function in accordance with a negative input from the input device,

wherein the first setting data is not updated in the first storage means, instead of updating the first setting data, when execution of the first function is canceled a specified number of times.