JP7659371B2 - In-vehicle device, car sharing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

This technology relates to an in-vehicle device, a car sharing system, and an information processing method.

Conventionally, car sharing systems are known in which a vehicle is shared by multiple members, and each member can use the vehicle at a reserved time. In a car sharing system, a member who wishes to use a vehicle opens the door of the vehicle by holding a mobile phone or driver's license that has the member's identification ID over a dedicated device installed in the vehicle. In addition, the member unlocks a key box installed in the vehicle and removes a smart key. The member can then use the vehicle by using the removed smart key (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-237842 A

However, the car sharing system described in Patent Document 1 requires specialized modifications to the vehicle, such as the installation of a dedicated device for controlling the opening and closing of the vehicle doors using a mobile phone or other device that has a member's ID, and a key box inside the vehicle that opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the vehicle doors. This makes the installation of the car sharing system complicated, and introduces the system incurs large initial costs.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle device etc. that can control the opening and closing of a vehicle door with a simple configuration.

The in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device that is mounted in a car sharing vehicle together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, and includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a pressing unit that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, the portable device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle door, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the pressing unit.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle device can control the opening and closing of a vehicle door with a simple configuration.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a car sharing system S including an in-vehicle device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle device, etc.; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle device, etc.; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting use of a vehicle. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for ending use of a vehicle. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a power supply process executed by an in-vehicle device. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a pressing operation process of a door lock unit or a door unlock unit executed by an in-vehicle device.

[Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

(1) An in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device that is mounted in a car sharing vehicle together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, and includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a pressing unit that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, the portable device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle door, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the pressing unit.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device used in the car sharing system is mounted in the vehicle together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle for car sharing. By pressing an operation button on the portable device, the in-vehicle device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle's door using the functions of the portable device. That is, the in-vehicle device does not have a specific opening and closing function in itself, but uses the opening and closing function that the portable device associated with the vehicle has in advance to control the opening and closing of the vehicle's door via the portable device. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be easily installed in the vehicle without the need for specialized modifications to the vehicle or transportation of the vehicle for modifications, and the introduction and installation costs of the in-vehicle device are reduced. In addition, since the in-vehicle device can be used in any vehicle that is provided with a portable device in advance as an accessory, it can be applied to a variety of vehicles without limiting the vehicle model. In this way, the in-vehicle device executes control regarding the opening and closing of the vehicle's door with a simple configuration.

(2) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal, and outputs the control signal to the press unit when the input signal is authenticated.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device performs authentication processing on the input signal received from an external device owned by a user of the car sharing system, and outputs a control signal related to a press operation on the portable device when the input signal is authenticated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized opening and closing of the door caused by operating the portable device based on an unauthorized input signal that has not been authenticated.

(3) The in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power supply unit that supplies power to a power receiving unit provided in the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit, and when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit outputs the control signal to the power supply unit, and the power supply unit supplies power to the power receiving unit based on the control signal output by the control unit.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device supplies power to the power receiving section of the portable device when it receives an input signal from an external device. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can control the power supply to the portable device. The portable device can execute the door opening and closing function when power is supplied to it, and by the in-vehicle device controlling the power supply to the portable device, it becomes possible to execute the opening and closing function of the portable device under the control of the in-vehicle device.

(4) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal, and outputs the control signal to the power supply unit when the input signal is authenticated.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device performs authentication processing on the input signal received from the external device, and supplies power to the power receiving unit of the portable device when the input signal is authenticated. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized door opening and closing operations that would otherwise be caused by operating the portable device based on unauthorized input signals that have not been authenticated.

(5) In one aspect of the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure, when mutual communication with the external device is disconnected, the control unit outputs a control signal to the power supply unit to stop power supply to the power receiving unit.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device stops supplying power to the power receiving unit when mutual communication with the external device is cut off. Therefore, when the external device leaves the communication range, i.e., when the user leaves the vehicle, power supply to the portable device is stopped, thereby preventing unauthorized opening and closing of the door.

(6) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the power receiving unit is provided in a housing corresponding to the shape of a button battery, and the power supply unit includes a secondary coil having the shape of the button battery housed in the housing and a primary coil that transmits power to the secondary coil, and supplies power to the power receiving unit by a contactless power supply method.

In this embodiment, the power supply unit realizes power supply by a non-contact power supply method using a primary coil and a secondary coil. The secondary coil has a button battery shape and can be stored in a storage unit pre-formed in the portable device. The power supply unit can supply power to the power receiving unit mounted on the portable device 2 without laying out a power supply line. Therefore, specialized modifications, etc. are not required for the portable device attached to the vehicle.

(7) A car sharing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a car sharing vehicle, a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device that is mounted in the vehicle together with the portable device, the in-vehicle device including a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit, and a push-down unit that pushes an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal generated by the control unit, the portable device controls the opening and closing of the vehicle door, and when the control unit receives an input signal from the external device via the communication unit, it outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the push-down unit.

In this embodiment, the car sharing system can control the opening and closing of the vehicle doors with a simple configuration by using the functions of a portable device that is an accessory of the car sharing vehicle.

(8) An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method for causing a computer installed in a car sharing vehicle to execute the information processing method together with a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle, the portable device controlling the opening and closing of the vehicle's doors, receiving an input signal from an external device, generating a control signal for opening and closing the vehicle's doors based on the received input signal, and outputting the generated control signal to a pressing section that presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal.

In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the vehicle doors can be controlled with a simple configuration.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of in-vehicle devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a car sharing system S including an in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment.

The car sharing system S includes a vehicle C used in the car sharing system S, an in-vehicle device 1 and a portable device 2 mounted on the vehicle C, and an external device 3. The external device 3 and an external communication device 51 mounted on the vehicle C are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a car sharing system server 4 via an external network N such as the Internet or a public line network.

The in-vehicle device 1 includes a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 is housed in a housing 101 that forms the outer shell of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 performs wireless communication with the external device 3 via an antenna 15. The in-vehicle device 1 is installed, for example, inside an instrument panel, trunk room, or the like of the vehicle C.

The portable device 2 controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C, and is, for example, a frequency operated button (FOB) key. The portable device 2 is provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the vehicle C as an accessory of the vehicle C together with the vehicle C. The portable device 2 includes a door lock unit 22 for locking the door and a door unlock unit 23 for unlocking the door (see FIG. 3 ). The portable device 2 includes a door 55 opening and closing function, and is configured in advance to output a signal corresponding to the operation to the vehicle C when the door lock unit 22 or the door unlock unit 23 is operated, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the door 55 of the vehicle C. Examples of the door 55 opening and closing function included in the portable device 2 include, for example, a keyless entry system function and a smart key system function.

The external device 3 is a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The external device 3 is carried by a user who actually rides in a vehicle C using the car sharing system S, i.e., the driver or passenger of the vehicle C. The user applies to use the car sharing system, for example, on a car sharing system service site on the Internet. When an application is made, a reservation record is added to the car sharing system server 4 based on the application, and a virtual key associated with the reservation record is generated. The external device 3 obtains the virtual key from the car sharing system server 4.

The car sharing system server 4 is a computer such as a server connected to an external network N such as the Internet or a public line network. The car sharing system server 4 stores various information related to the car sharing system service, including reservation records and virtual keys.

In the car sharing system S, when a user uses a vehicle C, the user operates a portable device 2 installed inside the vehicle C using an in-vehicle device 1, and the door of the vehicle C is unlocked or locked using the functions of the portable device 2. A user of the car sharing system obtains a virtual key for the vehicle C from a car sharing system server 4 using an external device 3. When opening or closing the door of the vehicle C, the user uses the external device 3 to transmit the virtual key to the in-vehicle device 1 installed in the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 determines the validity of the transmitted virtual key, and if it is valid, transmits an operation signal to the portable device 2 for unlocking or locking the door. The portable device 2 executes a predetermined function based on the operation signal, thereby unlocking or locking the door of the vehicle C, and the door can be opened or closed.

In addition to the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2, the vehicle C is equipped with an external communication device 51, a relay device 52, a BCM (Body Control Module) 53, an engine ECU 54, and the like. The external communication device 51 and the relay device 52 are communicatively connected to each other by a harness such as a serial cable. The relay device 52 is communicatively connected to the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, the engine ECU 54, and the like by an in-vehicle LAN consisting of in-vehicle communication lines compatible with a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (registered trademark).

The external-vehicle communication device 51 includes an external-vehicle communication unit 511 and an input/output I/F 512. The external-vehicle communication device 51 is a communication device for wireless communication using a mobile communication protocol such as 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi. The external-vehicle communication device 51 transmits and receives data to and from the car sharing system server 4 via an antenna 513 connected to the external-vehicle communication unit 511. Communication between the external-vehicle communication device 51 and the car sharing system server 4 is performed via an external-vehicle network N, such as a public line network or the Internet.

The input/output I/F 512 is a communication interface for, for example, serial communication with the relay device 52. The extra-vehicle communication device 51 and the relay device 52 communicate with each other via the input/output I/F 512 and a harness such as a serial cable connected to the input/output I/F 512. In this embodiment, the extra-vehicle communication device 51 is a separate device from the relay device 52, and these devices are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the input/output I/F 512 or the like, but this is not limited thereto. The extra-vehicle communication device 51 may be built into the relay device 52 as one component of the relay device 52.

The relay device 52 is, for example, a gateway, and relays communication between the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, and the engine ECU 54 mounted on the vehicle C. The relay device 52 communicates with each of the in-vehicle device 1, the BCM 53, and the engine ECU 54 connected to the in-vehicle LAN using a communication protocol such as CAN or Ethernet. The relay device 52 may be configured as one functional part of a body ECU that controls the entire vehicle C.

Doors 55, 55, an ignition switch 56, a display device 57, and other devices are communicatively connected to the BCM 53 via a wire harness such as a serial cable, and the BCM 53 controls these devices. The BCM 53 performs wireless communication using LF (Low Frequency) signals and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signals with the portable device 2 via an antenna, and opens and closes the door 55 of the vehicle C based on an operation signal from the portable device 2.

The IG switch 56 is a switch for starting and stopping the vehicle C. When the IG switch 56 is turned on or off, the BCM 53 acquires a signal output from the IG switch 56. Based on the acquired signal, the BCM 53 transmits information relating to whether the IG switch 56 is on or off (an IG on signal or an IG off signal) to the engine ECU 54. The engine ECU 54 acquires the information relating to whether the IG switch 56 is on or off transmitted from the BCM 53, and performs a predetermined operation based on the acquired information.

The display device 57 is, for example, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device such as a car navigation display. The display device 57 displays data or information output from the processing unit of the BCM 53 via the input/output I/F.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the in-vehicle device 1, etc. The in-vehicle device 1 has an outer shell formed by a housing 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 101 comprises an outer box with one side open, and a lid that covers the opening of the outer box. The housing 101 is mounted in the vehicle C with the lid facing upward. Inside the housing 101, a circuit board 100, a storage section 102, a push-down section 16, and a power supply section 17 are provided.

The circuit board 100 is made of a resin material such as BT resin (bismaleimide triazine resin) or glass epoxy resin. The circuit board 100 is connected to the push-down section and the power supply section via a connection line 6. The connection line 6 is, for example, a wire harness such as a serial cable. When an input signal is acquired from the external device 3, a control signal is output to the push-down section and the power supply section via the connection line 6.

The top of the storage section 102 is partially or completely open, and the portable device 2 is stored inside. The storage section 102 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of partition plates 103 and grooves 104 for fixing the partition plates 103, and is configured so that the storage area can be changed by changing the fixing position of the partition plates 103. By changing the storage area according to the size and shape of the portable device 2, it is possible to fix the portable device 2 at an appropriate position according to the non-contact power supply method described below. The partition plate 103 may be pressed by an elastic member 105 provided on the inner wall of the storage section 102 to hold the portable device 2 more firmly.

The portable device 2 is an FOB key as described above, and includes a board 201 on which various processing elements are mounted, and a cover member 202 forming the exterior of the board 201. The portable device 2 includes a door lock unit 22 that receives an operation to lock a door 55 provided on the vehicle C, and a door unlock unit 23 that receives an operation to unlock the door 55 provided on the vehicle C. Furthermore, the portable device 2 includes a storage unit 203 inside. The storage unit 203 includes a positive terminal (power terminal) 204 and a negative terminal (power terminal) 205, and includes a storage space for storing a power source such as a button battery.

The door lock unit 22 includes a door lock button (operation button) 221 and a switching element 222. The door unlock unit 23 includes a door unlock button (operation button) 231 and a switching element 232. A portion of the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 each protrudes outside the cover member 202 and accepts a push operation from the outside. When the door lock button 221 is pressed, the switching element 222 is switched on and a current flows. Similarly, when the door unlock button 231 is pressed, the switching element 232 is switched on and a current flows. The portable device 2 may also be provided with other operation buttons for accepting a sliding door operation, a trunk operation, etc.

The push-down portion 16 includes a first push-down portion 161 that pushes down the door lock button 221 and a second push-down portion 162 that pushes down the door unlock button 231. The first push-down portion 161 and the second push-down portion 162 each include a rod-shaped push-down member 163 and a driver 164 that moves the push-down member 163 in the up-down direction. The driver 164 is, for example, a stepping motor having a rotor. The push-down portion 16 is fixed by holding the driver 164 to a rib (not shown) or the like provided on the underside of the cover of the housing 101. The first push-down portion 161 is disposed above the door lock button 221. The second push-down portion 162 is disposed above the door unlock button 231.

When the drivers 164, 164 are driven to rotate the rotor, the pressing member 163 is moved in the longitudinal direction via a cam attached to the rotor. When the pressing member 163 is moved downward, it presses the door lock button 221 or the door unlock button 231 located below the pressing member 163. When the pressing member 163 is moved upward, it stops pressing the door lock button 221 or the door unlock button 231. In other words, the pressing member 163 is moved up and down by the driving bodies 164, 164 rotating forward or backward.

The above-mentioned up-down direction is based on the premise that the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 of the portable device 2 are stored in the storage section 102 facing upward in the vehicle C. In the case where the door lock button 221 and the door unlock button 231 are stored facing the left or right side in the vehicle C, the push-down section 16 may be installed on a side wall of the housing 101, etc., and the push-down operation may be performed by moving the push-down member 163 in the left-right direction.

The power supply unit 17 includes a power transmission unit 172 including a primary coil 171, and a power receiving unit 174 including a secondary coil 173, and supplies power to the portable device 2 in a non-contact manner. The power transmission unit 172 includes the primary coil 171, which is a power transmission coil, and a power transmission circuit (not shown) that supplies AC voltage to the primary coil 171. The primary coil 171 is connected to the output side of the power transmission circuit. The circuit board 100 is connected to the input side of the power transmission circuit via a connection line 6 and a switching element 7. The circuit board 100 applies a DC voltage to the power transmission circuit via the connection line 6. The power transmission circuit converts the DC voltage supplied from the circuit board 100 into AC voltage and applies it to the primary coil 171.

The power receiving unit 174 has, for example, a button battery shape and is housed in the housing 203. The size and shape of the power receiving unit 174 may be configured so that it can be housed in the housing space of the housing 203 that is provided in advance in the portable device 2. The power receiving unit 174 includes a secondary coil 173, which is a power receiving coil, and a power receiving circuit (not shown). The secondary coil 173 is arranged to face the primary coil 174, and generates an electromotive force according to the magnetic field generated by the primary coil 174. The AC voltage output from the secondary coil 173 is converted to a DC voltage by the power receiving circuit and applied to the board 201 via the positive terminal 204 and the negative terminal 205. In this embodiment, an electromagnetic induction method has been described as an example of a non-contact power supply method, but this is not limited thereto, and a magnetic resonance method, for example, may be used.

As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 is configured to have a power supply unit 17 including a secondary coil 173 having a shape that can be accommodated in the accommodation unit 203 of the portable device 2, and a depression unit 16 for pressing an operation button of the portable device 2 from the outside, and to execute operations on the portable device 2. In other words, the in-vehicle device 1 realizes operations related to opening and closing and power supply control by using the configuration and functions of the portable device 2 without making any modifications to the portable device 2 provided in association with the vehicle C.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 11, a first communication unit 12, a second communication unit 13, an input/output I/F 14, a press unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. The control unit 10 may be configured as a single piece of hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) that integrates a processor, memory, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

The control unit 10 is configured using an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 can read and execute programs and data including the program 1P stored in the memory unit 11, thereby performing various processes related to the control of the doors of the vehicle C using the functions of the portable device 2.

The storage unit 11 is configured using a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores the program 1P executed by the control unit 10 and data referenced during processing.

The above-mentioned program 1P stored in the storage unit 11 may be a program 1P read from a recording medium 1A that is readable by the in-vehicle device 1. Also, the program 1P may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 11.

The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface for wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol, and transmits and receives data to and from the external device 3 via an antenna 15 connected to the first communication unit 12. The first communication unit 12 may also perform wireless communication according to a communication standard other than Bluetooth, such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark).

The second communication unit 13 is an input/output interface that uses a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The control unit 10 communicates with a relay device 52 connected to the in-vehicle LAN via the second communication unit 13. The control unit 10 communicates with the car sharing system server 4 via the relay device 52 and the external communication device 51, and executes processing related to authentication of the external device 3.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to being communicatively connected to the relay device 52 via the second communication unit 13. For example, the in-vehicle device 1 may be provided with a communication interface as the second communication unit 13 for wireless communication using a communication protocol such as 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 transmits and receives data directly to and from the car sharing system server 4 via an external network N such as a public line network or the Internet.

The input/output I/F 14 is a communication interface for, for example, serial communication with the push-down section 16 and the power supply section 17. The input/output I/F 14 is connected to the push-down section 16 via a connection line 6. The input/output I/F 14 is connected to the power supply section 17 via a switching element 7 and a connection line 6. The control section 10 outputs a control signal according to an input signal acquired from the external device 3 via the input/output I/F 14.

The push-down unit 16 uses a push-down member 163 and a driver 164 to push down the door lock unit 22 and the door unlock unit 23 of the portable device 2, respectively. The control unit 10 outputs a control signal related to the push-down operation to the push-down unit 16 via the input/output I/F 14.

The power supply unit 17 supplies power to the portable device 2 in a contactless manner using a power transmission unit 172 including a primary coil 171 and a power receiving unit 174 including a secondary coil 173. The control unit 10 outputs a control signal that controls the power supply by opening and closing the switching element 7 via the input/output I/F 14. When the switching element 7 is switched on in response to the control signal, power is supplied to the power supply unit 17 via the connection line 6. In response to the supplied power, power is transmitted from the power transmission unit 172 to the power receiving unit 174 by electromagnetic induction. The power supplied to the power receiving unit 174 is output to the power receiving unit 24.

The in-vehicle device 1 may further include a communication I/F for wired communication using a communication cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus/registered trademark) cable. For example, when a user is in a vehicle C and the external device 3 is located inside the vehicle C, it is possible to constantly check the communication state with the external device 3 by communicating via the communication cable. In addition, by transmitting power from the in-vehicle device 1 to the external device 3 via the communication cable, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the external device 3 and maintain a stable communication state.

The above-mentioned in-vehicle device 1 is connected to an electrical wiring box (junction box) such as a fuse box mounted on the vehicle C, and a drive voltage is applied from the electrical wiring box. The in-vehicle device 1 is not limited to being connected to an electrical wiring box of the vehicle C, and may be connected to, for example, an external diagnostic device mounted on the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 is also not limited to being connected to the vehicle C to receive a drive voltage, and may include a power source such as a dry cell inside the in-vehicle device 1, and a drive voltage is applied from the power source. In this way, the in-vehicle device 1 can be used by placing it on the vehicle C and supplying power, and therefore can be easily installed in the vehicle C without the need for modification of the vehicle C or complex wiring.

The portable device 2 is equipped with various processing elements that realize the opening and closing functions of a keyless entry system, etc., including a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a door lock unit 22, a door unlock unit 23, a power receiving unit 24, an LF receiving unit 25, a UHF transmitting unit 26, etc.

The control unit 20 is configured using an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 20 can read and execute programs and data stored in the memory unit 21 to perform processing related to the control of opening and closing the doors of the vehicle C.

The memory unit 21 is configured using a volatile memory element such as a RAM, or a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory. The memory unit 21 stores various programs executed by the control unit 20 and data referenced during processing.

The door lock unit 22 accepts an operation to lock the door 55 provided on the vehicle C. The door lock unit 22 is configured using a door lock button 221 and a switching element 222. When the switching element 222 is switched on based on a pressing operation of the pressing member 163 of the first pressing portion 161, an operation signal is output to the control unit 20. Specifically, the door lock unit 22 applies a voltage to the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 receives an operation signal output from the door lock unit 22, it transmits a predetermined signal to the BCM 53. The BCM 53 locks the door 55 based on the received signal.

The door unlock unit 23 accepts an operation to unlock the door 55 provided on the vehicle C. Like the door lock unit 22, the door unlock unit 23 is configured using a door unlock button 231 and a switching element 232. When the switching element 232 is switched on based on the pressing operation of the pressing member 163 of the second pressing portion 162, an operation signal is output to the control unit 20. Specifically, the door unlock unit 23 applies a voltage to the control unit 20. When the control unit 20 receives an operation signal output from the door unlock unit 23, it transmits a predetermined signal to the BCM 53. The BCM 53 unlocks the door 55 based on the received signal.

The power receiving unit 24 is configured using a positive terminal 204 and a negative terminal 205 for receiving power. When the control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 instructs the start of power supply, power is supplied from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 24. The power receiving unit 24 transmits the supplied power to each element mounted on the board 201 of the portable device 2.

The LF receiver 25 includes an LF receiving antenna and a receiving signal processing unit (not shown). The LF receiver receives the LF signal transmitted from the BCM 53 via the LF receiving antenna. The UHF transmitter 26 includes a UHF transmitting antenna and a transmitting signal processing unit (not shown). The UHF transmitter transmits the UHF signal generated by the transmitting signal processing unit to the BCM 53 via the UHF transmitting antenna. The control unit 20 controls the LF receiver 25 and the UHF transmitter 26 to wirelessly communicate with the BCM 53 and transmit and receive signals and information to and from the BCM 53. Note that communication between the portable device 2 and the BCM 53 is not limited to using both the LF signal and the UHF signal. The portable device 2 may communicate with the BCM 53 using either one of them (e.g., the UHF signal).

The process executed in a car sharing system S having such a hardware configuration will be described. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for starting use of a vehicle C.

When using the car sharing system S, a user of the car sharing system S makes a reservation for use of the car sharing system S by inputting the user's contact information, the vehicle C to be used, the planned start time and end time of use, etc., in advance on a car sharing system service site or the like. The car sharing system server 4 adds a reservation record based on the reservation for use and generates a virtual key associated with the reservation record. The virtual key includes information such as a reservation number, usage time, and authentication code. The authentication code is a value that is different each time a reservation for use is made, such as a one-time password, and is desirably a value that is valid only for a specified period of time, such as a few minutes before the start time of use to a few minutes after the end time. A virtual key including such an authentication code may be generated as a code encrypted with a specified encryption key.

Before starting to use the car sharing system S, the user uses the external device 3 to launch a specific car sharing system application or the like and access the car sharing system server 4. The external device 3 communicates with the car sharing system server 4 and transmits the reserved usage details to obtain the virtual key generated in response to the usage reservation (step S11).

The external device 3 transmits a communication establishment request to the in-vehicle device 1 by wireless communication using a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Bluetooth) (step S12). In this case, the external device 3 transmits the communication establishment request together with information on the virtual key. The in-vehicle device 1 receives a signal from the external device 3 and acquires the communication establishment request and the virtual key of the external device 3 (step S13). That is, the in-vehicle device 1 detects the approach of the external device 3 to the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 transmits a response signal to the external device 3, and mutual communication is established with the external device 3 (step S14). In this way, pairing between the in-vehicle device 1 and the external device 3 is performed. After mutual communication is established, for example, polling is performed to constantly transmit data related to the communication state from the in-vehicle device 1 to the external device 3, and the communication state is maintained.

The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication process for the acquired virtual key (step S15) and determines whether the authentication code of the acquired virtual key is appropriate. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 may decrypt the received virtual key using an encryption key as necessary. The in-vehicle device 1 executes an authentication inquiry as to whether the acquired authentication code is appropriate, for example, by communicating with the car sharing system server 4.

If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-vehicle device 1 starts the process of supplying power to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2 (step S16). When power is supplied to the power receiving unit 24, the portable device 2 becomes capable of performing a predetermined operation according to the connection state of the door lock unit 22 and the door unlock unit 23.

The user then opens and closes the door of vehicle C. In the car sharing system S, when the user opens or closes the door of vehicle C, the user uses the external device 3 to send an unlock operation request for the door 55 to the in-vehicle device 1 (step S17). In this case, the external device 3 sends the unlock operation request together with information about the virtual key. The in-vehicle device 1 performs an authentication process for the virtual key based on the received unlock operation request and virtual key (step S18). The in-vehicle device 1 performs an authentication process similar to step S15, and determines whether the authentication code of the virtual key is appropriate.

If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-vehicle device 1 operates the door unlocking unit 23 (step S19). Specifically, the second depression unit 162 of the in-vehicle device 1 depresses the door unlocking unit 23 of the portable device 2 based on the control signal. Based on the depressing operation, the door unlocking unit 23 outputs an operation signal indicating an ON operation of the switching element 232. In response to the output operation signal, the portable device 2 executes an unlocking function included in a predetermined keyless system function (step S20).

The portable device 2 uses an unlocking function to transmit a UHF signal related to the operation of the door unlock unit 23 to the BCM 53. The BCM 53 receives the UHF signal from the portable device 2 and controls the locking and unlocking of the door 55 based on the received UHF signal. This unlocks the door 55, making it possible to open and close the door. These processes are executed by a specified keyless system function provided in the portable device 2, which is an accessory of the vehicle C.

The user opens and closes the door 55 to get into the vehicle C. The driver then turns on the IG switch 56. When the BCM 53 acquires an IG ON signal, it executes a predetermined start function (step S21). The BCM 53 performs ID matching by performing LF-UHF communication with the portable device 2. When matching is successful, the BCM 53 transmits information regarding the IG switch 56 being ON to the engine ECU 54. The engine ECU 54 acquires the information regarding the IG switch 56 being ON transmitted from the BCM 53, and performs operations related to starting the engine based on the acquired information.

In this way, when starting the engine, communication takes place between the BCM 53 and the portable device 2. The portable device 2 is constantly powered by the in-vehicle device 1 while mutual communication with the in-vehicle device 1 is established, so the LF receiver 25 and UHF transmitter 26 are operational and LF-UHF communication takes place with the BCM 53. In other words, if the portable device 2 is not powered by the in-vehicle device 1, LF-UHF communication does not take place, so the start function of the vehicle C is not executed and the engine does not start.

Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for terminating the use of vehicle C.

The user turns off the IG switch 56 and stops the engine of vehicle C. The user opens and closes the door of vehicle C to get out of vehicle C. After getting out of vehicle C, the user uses the external device 3 to send a request to lock the door 55 to the in-vehicle device 1 (step S31). In this case, the external device 3 sends the locking request together with information about the virtual key. The in-vehicle device 1 performs an authentication process for the virtual key based on the received locking request and virtual key (step S32). The in-vehicle device 1 performs an authentication process similar to step S15 in FIG. 4 and determines whether the authentication code of the virtual key is appropriate.

If the authentication code is determined to be valid, the in-vehicle device 1 operates the door lock unit 22 (step S33). Specifically, the first depression unit 161 of the in-vehicle device 1 depresses the door lock unit 22 of the portable device 2 based on the control signal. Based on the depressing operation, the door lock unit 22 outputs an operation signal indicating an ON operation of the switching element 222. In response to the operation signal, the portable device 2 executes a locking function included in a predetermined keyless system function (step S34).

The portable device 2 transmits a UHF signal related to the operation of the door lock unit 22 to the BCM 53 using the locking function. The BCM 53 receives the UHF signal from the portable device 2 and controls the locking and unlocking of the door 55 based on the received UHF signal. This causes the door 55 to be locked. These processes are executed by a predetermined keyless system function provided in the portable device 2, which is an accessory of the vehicle C.

The user ends the use of vehicle C. The user disconnects communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1, for example, by inputting a selection to end use (cancelling pairing) using the external device 3. Note that the user may also disconnect communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1 by moving a predetermined distance or more away from the vehicle C (in-vehicle device 1) while carrying the external device 3, without inputting a selection to end use. In other words, the mutual communication between the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1 is disconnected when the external device 3 carried by the user leaves the communication range with the in-vehicle device 1.

After starting power supply, the in-vehicle device 1 executes polling to constantly check the communication state with the external device 3. If the in-vehicle device 1 detects that mutual communication with the external device 3 has been cut off by not receiving a response from the external device 3 (step S35), it stops the power supply process to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2 (step S36). This prevents unauthorized operation of the vehicle C from the portable device 2 when the external device 3 leaves the communication range.

In this embodiment, an example in which a smartphone is used as the external device 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the external device 3 may include a portable ID card using NFC (near field communication) and a reader for the ID card mounted on the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 acquires information on the ID card via the reader. The ID card includes an ID code that corresponds to an authentication code for the virtual key, for example, and the in-vehicle device 1 executes authentication processing based on the ID code. The user can use the ID card as an alternative when the virtual key using the smartphone cannot be authenticated or when the smartphone runs out of battery, etc.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the power supply process executed by the in-vehicle device 1.

The control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 detects an input signal from the external device 3 by the first communication unit 12, and acquires a communication establishment request and a virtual key (step S41). The control unit 10 transmits a response signal to the acquired communication establishment request to the external device 3, and establishes mutual communication with the external device 3 (step S42). In the above, the control unit 10 may acquire the communication establishment request and the virtual key in different steps. In other words, the virtual key may be transmitted without being accompanied by the communication establishment request. In this case, the control unit 10 receives the communication establishment request, establishes mutual communication with the external device 3, and then receives the virtual key.

The control unit 10 executes an authentication process to determine whether the authentication code of the acquired virtual key is appropriate (step S43). The control unit 10 communicates with the car sharing system server 4, for example, via the relay device 52 and the external vehicle communication device 51, and sends an inquiry as to whether the acquired authentication code is appropriate. The car sharing system server 4 executes an authentication code determination process and sends the determination result to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 receives the determination result as to whether the acquired authentication code is appropriate from the car sharing system server 4.

When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect by receiving a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect (step S43: NO), the control unit 10 transmits, for example, a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect to the external device 3, and ends the process. When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect, the control unit 10 may disconnect the mutual communication with the external device 3. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may perform a loop process that returns the process to step S41 when the authentication code is determined to be incorrect. By performing the loop process, the control unit 10 maintains a standby state in which it waits for a communication establishment request.

When the control unit 10 receives a determination result indicating that the authentication code is valid and determines that the authentication code is valid (step S43: YES), the control unit 10 switches on the switching element 7 and outputs a control signal to the power supply unit 17 to instruct power supply (step S44). The control signal is input to the power supply unit 17 via the switching element 7 and the connection line 6. The power supply unit 17 generates power using a non-contact power supply method based on the input control signal, thereby supplying power to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2.

After power supply starts, the control unit 10 constantly transmits data related to the communication state to the external device 3 and determines whether the mutual communication has been disconnected (step S45). If the control unit 10 receives a response from the external device 3 and determines that the mutual communication with the external device 3 has not been disconnected (step S45: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S45 and continues polling.

For example, if the user inputs a selection to end use (cancel pairing) using the external device 3, or if the external device 3 and the in-vehicle device 1 are separated by a predetermined distance or more, the external device 3 ends communication with the in-vehicle device 1 and does not send a response. If it is determined that mutual communication with the external device 3 has been disconnected because no response is received from the external device 3 (step S45: YES), the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to stop power supply (step S46). The control unit 10 switches off the switching element 7 and stops applying voltage to the power supply unit 17. As the application of voltage is stopped, power supply from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 24 is stopped.

The above-mentioned power supply stop process is not limited to when the use of the vehicle C is finished, but is executed at any time even while the vehicle C is in use. For example, if the external device 3 runs out of battery, the mutual communication between the in-vehicle device 1 and the external device 3 is cut off. If the in-vehicle device 1 detects that mutual communication with the external device 3 has been cut off because mutual communication with the external device 3 is not possible, the in-vehicle device 1 stops supplying power to the power receiving unit 24 of the portable device 2. When power supply is stopped while the vehicle C is in use, it is desirable for the in-vehicle device 1 to display screen information, etc., notifying the user that power supply will be stopped via, for example, the BMC 53 and the display device 57. The user can check the communication status of the portable device 2 from the notification screen information and avoid an unexpected power supply stop.

In the authentication process of step S43 described above, the control unit 10 is not limited to determining whether the authentication code is appropriate by communicating with the car sharing system server 4. The control unit 10 may store a verification program for determining whether the authentication code is appropriate in advance in the storage unit 11, read out the verification program, and perform the process of determining whether the authentication code is appropriate. Furthermore, if the virtual key is encrypted data, the control unit 10 may decrypt the received virtual key using an encryption key. By using a multi-stage authentication process, the security of the virtual key can be improved and unauthorized use can be prevented.

In addition, in the above-mentioned step S43, the control unit 10 may calculate an estimate of the distance between the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2, and switch whether or not to perform the power supply process depending on the calculated estimate of the distance. The control unit 10 calculates an estimate of the distance between the control unit 10 and the portable device 2 by measuring the radio wave strength of the received signal related to the virtual key received from the portable device 2. A publicly known method may be used to calculate the distance based on the radio wave strength. If the calculated estimate is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 3 m), the control unit 10 starts the power supply process. In this way, by switching whether or not to perform the power supply process depending on the distance between the in-vehicle device 1 and the portable device 2, it is possible to avoid power supply based on an unauthorized communication connection between the vehicle C and the portable device 2 located far away, and to prevent unauthorized operation of the portable device 2.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the pressing operation process of the door lock unit 22 or the door unlock unit 23 executed by the in-vehicle device 1. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 is performed by the control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 after the power supply process in step S44 in Figure 6 has been executed, for example. The control unit 10 may execute the process in the flowchart in Figure 7 in parallel with the process in step S45 in Figure 6.

The control unit 10 of the in-vehicle device 1 receives an input signal including an operation request for unlocking or locking and a virtual key from the external device 3 through the first communication unit 12 (step S51). The control unit 10 executes an authentication process to determine whether the authentication code of the received virtual key is correct (step S52). The control unit 10 may execute an authentication process similar to step S43 in FIG. 6.

When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code of the virtual key is incorrect by receiving a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect from the car sharing system server 4 (step S52: NO), the control unit 10 transmits, for example, a determination result indicating that the authentication code is incorrect to the external device 3, and ends the process. When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is incorrect, the control unit 10 may perform a loop process that returns the process to step S51. By performing the loop process, the control unit 10 maintains a standby state in which it waits for an input signal.

When the control unit 10 determines that the authentication code is valid by receiving a determination result that the authentication code is valid from the car sharing system server 4 (step S52: YES), the control unit 10 outputs a control signal corresponding to the input signal to the push-down unit 16 (step S53). Specifically, when the control unit 10 receives an unlocking operation request as an input signal, it outputs a control signal to the second push-down unit 162 via the connection line 6. Alternatively, when the control unit 10 receives a locking operation request as an input signal, it outputs a control signal to the first push-down unit 161 via the connection line 6.

The pressing unit 16 drives the driver 164 based on the acquired operation request, and operates the pressing member 163. The pressing member 163 presses the door lock button (operation button) 221 or the door unlock button (operation button) 231 of the portable device 2, and ends the process. The portable device 2 executes a predetermined door opening/closing function in response to the operation of the operation button.

As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 of the car sharing system S has a simple configuration and controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C. The in-vehicle device 1 controls the opening and closing of the door of the vehicle C using the opening and closing function provided in the vehicle C by supplying power to and operating the portable device 2 in response to an input signal from the external device 3. The in-vehicle device 1 performs authentication processing on the input signal to prevent operation of the portable device 2 based on a signal from an unauthorized user, controls the opening and closing of the door 55 of the vehicle C, and prevents unauthorized use.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

S Car sharing system C Vehicle N External vehicle network 1 In-vehicle device 100 Circuit board 101 Housing 102 Storage section 103 Partition plate 104 Groove section 105 Elastic member 10 Control section 11 Memory section 12 First communication section 13 Second communication section 14 Input/output I/F
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 15 Antenna 16 Depression section 161 First depression section 162 Second depression section 163 Depression member 164 Driver 17 Power supply section 171 Primary coil 172 Power transmission unit 173 Secondary coil 174 Power receiving unit 1P Program 1A Recording medium 2 Portable device 201 Board 202 Cover member 203 Storage section 204 Positive electrode terminal 205 Negative electrode terminal 20 Control section 21 Memory section 22 Door lock section 221 Door lock button (operation button)
222 Switching element 23 Door unlock unit 231 Door unlock button (operation button)
232 Switching element 24 Power receiving unit 25 LF receiving unit 26 UHF transmitting unit 3 External device 4 Car sharing system server 51 Exterior communication device 511 Exterior communication unit 512 Input/output I/F
513 Antenna 52 Relay device 53 BCM
54 Engine ECU
55 Door 56 IG switch 57 Display device (HMI device)
6 Connection line 7 Switching element

Claims (8)

An in-vehicle device that is an accessory of a car sharing vehicle and is mounted in the vehicle together with a portable device that controls opening and closing of the vehicle's doors ,
A communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit;
a pressing unit configured to press an operation button provided on the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the portable device in a non-contact manner under the control of the control unit,
the power supply unit includes a power receiving unit that is covered by a cover member of the portable device and has a size and shape that can be accommodated in a power supply accommodating portion of the portable device;
The control unit is
When an input signal is received from the external device via the communication unit, the in-vehicle device outputs the control signal corresponding to the input signal to the press-down unit. When the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal;
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the input signal is authenticated, and the depression unit is caused to press the operation button. When the control unit receives the input signal from the external device via the communication unit, the control unit executes an authentication process related to the input signal;
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply unit is caused to supply power to the portable device when the input signal is authenticated. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops power supply to the portable device when mutual communication with the external device is cut off. The portable device includes a power receiving unit provided in the housing,
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply section includes a power transmission unit that transmits power to the power receiving unit, and supplies power from the power transmission unit to the power receiving section through the power receiving unit. The housing portion corresponds to the shape of a button battery,
the power receiving unit is a secondary coil having the shape of the button battery,
The in-vehicle device according to claim 5 , wherein the power transmitting unit is a primary coil that transmits power to the secondary coil. A car sharing system includes a vehicle for car sharing, a portable device that is an accessory of the vehicle and controls opening and closing of a door of the vehicle , and an in-vehicle device that is mounted in the vehicle together with the portable device,
The in-vehicle device includes:
A communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a control unit that generates a control signal based on an input signal from the external device received via the communication unit;
a pressing unit configured to press an operation button provided on the portable device based on a control signal generated by the control unit;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the portable device in a non-contact manner under the control of the control unit,
the power supply unit includes a power receiving unit that is covered by a cover member of the portable device and has a size and shape that can be accommodated in a power supply accommodating portion of the portable device;
The control unit is
When an input signal is received from the external device via the communication unit, the control signal corresponding to the input signal is output to the press unit. An information processing method for causing a computer installed in a car for car sharing to execute the information processing method together with a portable device that is an accessory of the car sharing vehicle and controls opening and closing of the doors of the vehicle , the method comprising :
receiving an input signal from an external device via wireless communication;
generating a control signal for opening and closing a door of the vehicle based on the received input signal ;
outputting the generated control signal to a pressing section which presses an operation button provided on the portable device based on the control signal;
An information processing method that outputs an instruction to a power supply unit including a power receiving unit that is covered by a cover member of the portable device and has a size and shape that can be accommodated in a power supply accommodation unit of the portable device, based on the received input signal, to wirelessly supply power to the portable device.

Images