WO2007064061A1

WO2007064061A1 - Method for synchronizing data between vehicle terminal and computer system

Info

Publication number: WO2007064061A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/001318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyung-Bok Sung; Jae-Jun Yoo; Ji-Hoon Choi
Original assignee: Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute
Priority date: 2005-12-02
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

Provided is a method for synchronizing data between a vehicle terminal and a computer system. The method receives non-updated data after automatically accessing to the computer system based on authentication information pre-stored without inputting the authentication information from a user, performs an authentication process when the computer system storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal receives the authentication information from the vehicle terminal, and updates the data when there are non-updated data after checking data stored in the vehicle terminal. The method includes the steps of: a) storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal; b) performing an authentication process when authentication information is transmitted from the vehicle terminal which accesses to a network; c) checking whether there are non-updated data in the vehicle terminal when the authentication process is normally performed; and d) transmitting the non-updated data to the vehicle terminal when there are non-updated data.

Description

METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING DATA BETWEEN VEHICLE TERMINAL AND COMPUTER SYSTEM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a method for synchronizing data between a vehicle terminal and a computer system; and, more particularly, to a data synchronizing method between a vehicle terminal and a computer system for receiving non-updated data after automatically accessing to the computer system based on authentication information pre-stored without inputting authentication information on the part of a user when the vehicle terminal storing information on a predetermined area providing wireless connection for synchronizing the data, performing an authentication process when the computer system storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal receives the authentication information from the vehicle terminal, updating the data when there are non-updated data after checking data stored in the vehicle terminal when the authentication is normally processed, and turning on the power of the vehicle terminal when the power of the vehicle terminal is off so that the vehicle terminal can transmit and receive data. Background Art

[2] In the present invention, a computer system means Personal Computer (PC) at home and office and a server system, and data signify all files used in a computer.

[3] In a conventional method for transmitting data from a present computer system to a terminal for a vehicle, the data are transmitted by a physical device such as Compact Disk (CD), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick and a portable disk.

[4] The conventional method has problems that it requires users to carry the physical device such as a CD, a USB memory stick and a portable disk, and attach the physical device to the computer system to copy data and attach the physical device to the vehicle terminal again.

[5] Another conventional technology discloses a method for transmitting data by using the Internet in the vehicle terminal through a wireless connection. However, the method requires many processes that a user should directly log in and browse the Web for Internet connection.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[6] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a method for synchronizing data between a terminal for a vehicle and a computer system by receiving non-updated data after automatically accessing to the computer system based on pre- stored authentication information without inputting the authentication information from a user when the vehicle terminal storing information on a predetermined area providing wireless connection for synchronizing the data enters a predetermined area, performing an authentication process when the computer system storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal receives the authentication information from the vehicle terminal, checking data stored in the vehicle terminal to see if there are non- updated data, updating the data when there are non-updated data when the authentication is normally processed, and turning on the power of the vehicle terminal when the power of the vehicle terminal is turned off so that the data can be transmitted and received.

[7] Since the vehicle terminal of the present invention is connected to the computer system although a user leaves his vehicle after parking the vehicle, it is possible to synchronize data. For this, there is a server program connected to the vehicle terminal in the computer system, and the vehicle terminal is always equipped with normal power source supporting a terminal program and the vehicle terminal to be continuously operated.

[8] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be understood by the following description and become more apparent from the embodiments in accordance with the present invention, which is set forth hereinafter. It will be also apparent that objects and aspects of the invention can be embodied easily by the means defined in the claims and combinations thereof.

Technical Solution

[9] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for synchronizing data in a computer system, including the steps of: a) storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal; b) performing an authentication process when authentication information is transmitted from the vehicle terminal which accesses to a network; c) checking whether there are non-updated data in the vehicle terminal when the authentication process is normally performed; and d) transmitting the non-updated data to the vehicle terminal when there are non-updated data.

[10] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for synchronizing data in a vehicle terminal, including the steps of: a) storing information on a predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided to synchronize the data, authentication information including identification and a password, and update information; b) accessing to a computer system based on the pre- stored authentication information without input of the authentication information by a user by being positioned in the predetermined area where the wireless connection is provided; c) receiving non-updated data from the computer system; and d) registering the update information.

Advantageous Effects

[11] The present invention has a driver easily transmit data to a terminal for a vehicle while working in a desk-top Personal Computer (PC) by receiving non-updated data after automatically accessing to a computer system based on authentication information pre-stored without inputting authentication information from a user when the vehicle terminal storing information on a predetermined area providing wireless connection for synchronizing the data enters a predetermined area, performing the authentication process when the computer system storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal receives the authentication information from the vehicle terminal, checking data stored in the vehicle terminal when the authentication is normally processed, and updating the data when there are non-updated data.

[12] The present invention can continuously update data such as e-mail, news and a message without a separate work on the vehicle terminal. Although the power of the vehicle terminal is turned off, the present invention can transmit data of the computer system to the vehicle by remotely turning on the power of the vehicle terminal while the user works in an office or home. Accordingly, it is easy to update entertainment data such as a music file and a moving picture file, transmit office files to the vehicle and bring data the user worked in the vehicle to the computer system. Therefore, the technology of the present invention can realize a desired mobile office environment. Brief Description of the Drawings

[13] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[14] Fig. 1 shows an example of a data synchronizing system to which the present invention is applied;

[15] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer system to which the present invention is applied;

[16] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a vehicle terminal to which the present invention is applied;

[17] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a normal power source in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[18] Fig. 5 is a flowchart describing a data synchronizing method of the computer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[19] Fig. 6 is a flowchart describing a data synchronizing method of a vehicle terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [20] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, those skilled in the art that the present invention is included can embody the technological concept and scope of the invention easily. In addition, if it is considered that detailed description on related art may obscure the points of the present invention, the detailed description will not be provided herein. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings.

[21] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a data synchronizing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[22] As shown in Fig. 1, the data synchronizing system of the present invention includes a computer system 10, a vehicle terminal 20 and a normal power source 30.

[23] The computer system 10 stores information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal and performs an authentication process by receiving the authentication information from the vehicle terminal. Subsequently, the computer system 10 checks the data stored in the vehicle terminal and updates the non-updated data when the authentication is normally processed.

[24] The vehicle terminal 20 stores information on a predetermined area providing a wireless connection to synchronize the data and automatically accesses to a computer system based on pre-stored authentication information without inputting authentication information from the user by entering the area. Subsequently, the vehicle terminal 20 receives non-updated data. The normal power source 30 supplies power to the vehicle terminal 20.

[25] When the vehicle terminal 20 enters the area where the access to the wireless network is possible, the vehicle terminal 20 accesses to the computer system 10 through the wireless network without an operation of the user.

[26] Subsequently, the computer system 10 checks the data stored in the vehicle terminal

20. When the data existing in a specific directory, which is set up by the computer system 10, do not exist in the vehicle terminal 20, the computer system 10 transmits the data to the vehicle terminal 20. Herein, the data include a music file, a moving picture file and a text file.

[27] When the vehicle terminal 20 accesses to the computer system and there is no user input in the vehicle terminal for a long time in a state that an engine of the vehicle does not work, the vehicle terminal 20 operates only a part for receiving an operation request signal from a network on the maximum power saving mode to make the power consumption minimum.

[28] Also, the vehicle terminal 20 has a location information acquiring function and can check whether the vehicle terminal 20 is located in a predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided. [29] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [30] As shown in Fig. 2, the computer system of the present invention includes a terminal condition managing unit 11, a server managing unit 12 and a network managing unit 13. [31] The terminal condition managing unit 11 manages a present condition of the vehicle terminal 10 such as a sleep condition, which uses a minimum level of power and waits a request of a server, and a waiting condition capable of directly transmitting a program and data. [32] The server managing unit 12 processes the authentication, data transmission and program transmission of the vehicle terminal 20.

[33] The network managing unit 13 manages a connection with the vehicle terminal 20.

[34] Herein, the computer system stores information and data of the pre-registered vehi cle terminal in a storage (not shown). [35] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a vehicle terminal in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [36] As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle terminal of the present invention includes a server setting unit 21, a terminal managing unit 22 and a network managing unit 23. [37] The server setting unit 21 manages information on a computer system, which is an object of data synchronization, such as Internet Protocol (IP), a usage port number, a user Identification (Id) and a password. [38] The terminal managing unit 22 manages a present condition of the vehicle terminal

20 and transmits/receives data.

[39] The network managing unit 23 manages a connection with the computer system 10.

[40] Herein, the vehicle terminal stores information on a predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided to synchronize the data, data transmitted from the computer system 10 and update information in the storage (not shown). [41] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a normal power source in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [42] As shown in Fig. 4, the normal power source of the present invention includes an input unit 31, an output unit 32 and a condenser 33 for storing electricity. [43] The input unit 31 receives power from a generator in the inside of a vehicle while the vehicle is starting. [44] The output unit 32 supplies power to the vehicle terminal 20 through the condenser

33, when there is no separate power since the engine of the vehicle does not work. [45] Herein, the input unit 31 and output unit 32 can be formed individually or as one structure. [46] Fig. 5 is a flowchart describing a data synchronizing method of the computer system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [47] The information of the pre-registered vehicle terminal is stored at step S501.

[48] The power of the vehicle terminal is turned on at step S502 when the power of the vehicle terminal is off. [49] The authentication process is performed by receiving the authentication information from the vehicle terminal accessing to the network at step S503. [50] It is checked at step S504 whether there are non-updated data in the vehicle terminal when the authentication is normally processed. [51] When there are non-updated data, the data are transmitted to the vehicle terminal 20 at step S505. [52] Fig. 6 is a flowchart describing a data synchronizing method of the vehicle terminal in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [53] Information on a predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided to synchronize the data, authentication information including ID and a password and update information are stored at step S601. Herein, the wireless connection does not mean a communication network covering an entire area, but a network covering a narrow area around a house. [54] At step S602, the vehicle terminal automatically accesses to the computer system 10 based on the pre-stored authentication information without authentication information input from a user in the predetermined area where the wireless connection is provided. [55] The non-updated data are transmitted from the computer system 10 at step S603.

[56] The update information is recorded at step S604.

[57] Figs. 5 and 6 will be summarized as follows.

[58] Since the vehicle terminal is positioned in the predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided the pre-stored authentication information is transmitted to the computer system. [59] An authentication process is performed based on authentication information that the computer system receives. [60] When the authentication process is normally performed, it is checked whether there are non-updated data in the vehicle terminal, and the data are transmitted to the vehicle terminal.

[61] The data are synchronized by reception of new data from the computer system.

[62] As described in detail, the technology of the present invention can be realized as a program and stored in a computer-readable recording medium, such as CD-ROM,

RAM, ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk and a magneto-optical disk. Since the process can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art of the present invention, further description will not be provided herein. [63] The present application contains subject matter related to Korean patent application

No. 2005-0117081, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 2, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[64] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A method for synchronizing data in a computer system, comprising the steps of: a) storing information of a pre-registered vehicle terminal; b) performing an authentication process when authentication information is transmitted from the vehicle terminal which accesses to a network; c) checking whether there are non-updated data in the vehicle terminal when the authentication process is normally performed; and d) transmitting the non-updated data to the vehicle terminal when there are non- updated data.

[2] The method as recited in claim 1, wherein when power of a vehicle is turned on, the vehicle terminal receives power from the vehicle and simultaneously charges a normal power source; or when the power of the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle terminal is turned off and the normal power source supplies power only to a network managing unit; and when a specific signal is remotely transmitted to the network managing unit, the vehicle terminal is turned on and accesses to the computer system.

[3] The method as recited in claim 1, wherein when the power of the vehicle is turned on, the vehicle terminal receives power from the vehicle and simultaneously charges the normal power source, or when the power of the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle terminal receives power from the pre-charged normal power source and accesses to the computer system.

[4] A method for synchronizing data in a vehicle terminal, comprising the steps of: a) storing information on a predetermined area where a wireless connection is provided to synchronize the data, authentication information including identification and a password, and update information; b) accessing to a computer system based on the pre-stored authentication information without input of the authentication information by a user by being positioned in the predetermined area where the wireless connection is provided; c) receiving non-updated data from the computer system; and d) registering the update information.