Vehicle management system, server, vehicle management method, communication terminal and storage medium

Abstract

The vehicle management system includes: a server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of the vehicle; and an on-board device mounted on the vehicle. The server includes: a receiving mechanism that receives a request for issuing a permission code for the vehicle associated with individual information of the vehicle from the communication terminal; a generating mechanism that generates a permission code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; and a transmitting mechanism that transmits the permission code generated by the generating mechanism to the communication terminal. The on-board device includes a use control mechanism that controls whether to put the vehicle into a control state that is available for use based on the permission code provided from the communication terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle management technology. Background Art

[0002] A technology capable of unlocking a vehicle using an electronic key has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which a server authenticates a user in a car sharing system and, if the authentication is successful, the server sends a driving permission instruction to the vehicle. In addition, Patent Document 2 proposes a technology in which an image of a passenger who wants to unlock the vehicle is provided to a terminal of an owner who is far away from the vehicle, and the owner who has confirmed the image sends an unlock instruction.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5588327

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-36251 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In a system that authenticates an electronic key used by a user through communication between a vehicle and a server, authentication is difficult when the vehicle does not have the function of accessing a wide area communication network such as the public network, or when wide area communication between the vehicle and the server is difficult due to geographical reasons.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0010] Means used to solve problems

[0011] According to the present invention, for example, a vehicle management system is provided, the vehicle management system comprising:

[0012] a server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of the vehicle; and

[0013] a vehicle-mounted device, the vehicle-mounted device being mounted on the vehicle,

[0014] It is characterized in that

[0015] The server has:

[0016] a receiving unit that receives, from the communication terminal, a request for issuance of a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle;

[0017] a generating mechanism that generates a usage permission code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; and

[0018] a sending unit that sends the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal,

[0019] The vehicle-mounted device includes a use control unit that controls whether to put the vehicle into a usable control state based on the use permission code provided from the communication terminal.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle management system.

[0023] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of authentication of a desired user of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a server and a diagram showing an example of information stored in a database.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of a communication terminal.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the character table used to generate the code and the structure of the code.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of a reference table for generating a code.

[0029] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 1 Flowchart of a processing example of a vehicle management system.

[0030] Fig. 9 It is a figure which shows the shape example of an information display part.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing another example of information stored in the vehicle-mounted device and another example of information stored in the vehicle database.

[0032] Fig.11 This is an explanatory diagram of a reference table for generating a code and the structure of the code.

[0033] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing an example of extraction of travel distance information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following detailed description of the embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention involved in the claims. In addition, the combination of features described in the embodiments may not all be necessary for the invention. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may also be combined arbitrarily. In addition, the same figure mark is marked on the same or similar structure, and repeated description is omitted.

[0035] <First embodiment>

[0036] <System Overview>

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle management system 1. System 1 is a system in which a server 2 issues a permission code for using a vehicle 4. In the case of the present embodiment, the permission code is an electronic key (virtual key) for unlocking the vehicle 4. Server 2 is connected to a communication terminal 30 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet in a manner capable of communicating. Communication terminal 30 is a communication terminal used by a user (hereinafter also referred to as a user) 3 who wishes to use the vehicle 4. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , two users 3 and two communication terminals 30 are illustrated, but the number is not limited to this number, and a plurality of users 3 can use the system 1 . The communication terminal 30 is typically a portable terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user 3 .

[0038] In the illustrated example, the vehicle 4 is a straddle-type vehicle, but it may be another type of vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 4 of this embodiment is a vehicle using an engine as a driving source, but it may be an electric vehicle using a motor as a driving source. Figure 1 In the example, two vehicles 4 are shown, but the number is not limited to this number, and a plurality of vehicles 4 can be the target vehicles of the system 1. In addition, not only vehicles of the same type but also vehicles of different types can be the target vehicles of the system 1.

[0039] The vehicle 4 includes an on-board device 40, an information display unit 4a, and an individual information display unit 4b. The on-board device 40 constitutes a part of the control device of the vehicle 4. The information display unit 4a is arranged near the handlebars of the vehicle 4 and displays various information to the rider. The displayed information includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel consumption efficiency, driving distance, etc. The information display unit 4a of the present embodiment includes at least an electronic image display device represented by a liquid crystal display device. The individual information display unit 4b is a display unit that displays the inherent information of the vehicle 4, such as a display medium such as a label printed with a two-dimensional barcode representing the inherent information, an engraving on a frame, etc. The so-called inherent information is, for example, the manufacturing number (body number) of the vehicle and the serial number of the control circuit.

[0040] <Service Overview>

[0041] Figure 2 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the authentication flow of the user 3 related to the use of the vehicle 4 in this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the issuance procedure of the permission code. The use of the vehicle 4 in this embodiment is, for example, a sharing service, which is a service that lends any vehicle 4 to the pre-registered user 3. The user 3 can receive the loan of the vehicle 4 at any place such as the destination of going out.

[0042] In this service, a user 3 who wishes to use a vehicle 4 sends a request for issuance of a use permission code from his or her communication terminal 30 to a server 2. The use permission code is a one-time password. The server 2 generates a use permission code based on information associated with the issuance request, and sends it to the communication terminal 30 that has sent the issuance request. The user 3 provides the use permission code from the communication terminal 30 to the onboard device 40 of the vehicle 4. The onboard device 40 determines the validity of the use permission code, and unlocks the vehicle 4 if it is a valid use permission code. The use permission code prevents unauthorized use of the vehicle 4, and on the other hand, the convenience of the user 3 is improved by not requiring the use of a physical key for unlocking.

[0043] The unlocking content here is, for example, permission to start the engine of the vehicle 4. In addition, the unlocking content may also be the release of the handlebar lock and the permission to start the engine. In the case where the vehicle 4 is a four-wheeled vehicle, it may be the release of the door lock (for use inside the vehicle), or it may be the release of the door lock and the permission to start the driving source such as the engine (permission for driving).

[0044] In the present embodiment, the permission use code is provided from the communication terminal 30 to the onboard device 40 of the vehicle 4 by short-range wireless communication. However, for example, the permission use code may be provided to the onboard device 40 by displaying an image (e.g., a two-dimensional code) representing the permission use code on the communication terminal 30, and the onboard device 40 reads the image to determine the validity of the permission use code.

[0045] <Server Configuration Example>

[0046] Figure 3 The block diagram of the server 2 and an example of information stored in the databases (DB) 221 and 222 are shown. The server 2 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The processing unit 21 is a processor represented by a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and a hard disk. The communication unit 23 includes a wired or wireless communication interface that can communicate with the communication terminal 30 via a communication network.

[0047] The storage unit 22 stores various data in addition to the programs executed by the processing unit 21. The various data include reference tables TL1 and TL2 (described later) used when generating the use permission code. Figure 7 ) and character table CT( Figure 6 ). The storage unit 22 further stores DB221 and 222. DB221 is a DB in which information of the vehicle 4 is registered, and DB221 is sometimes referred to as vehicle DB221. DB222 is a DB in which information of the user 3 is registered, and DB222 is sometimes referred to as user DB222.

[0048] The vehicle DB 221 stores records for each vehicle, including "individual information", "car model information" and "number of times code is issued" in the example shown in the figure.

[0049] "Individual information" is information for identifying each vehicle, and corresponds to the individual information displayed in the individual information display unit 4b. "Vehicle type information" is information related to the type of vehicle 4. In the case of the present embodiment, information related to the appearance of the information display unit 4a is included. In the present embodiment, as a condition for issuing a permitted use code, as described later, it is required that the "individual information" is consistent with the appearance of the information display unit 4a. However, it is also possible to issue a permitted use code without considering the appearance of the information display unit 4a. "Number of code issuances" is information indicating the number of permitted use codes that have been issued so far for the vehicle 4. In the present embodiment, this number is used when issuing a permitted use code.

[0050] The user DB 222 stores a record for each user 3. In the example shown in the figure, it contains various information such as "ID", "contact information", and "usage information", and "usage information" includes "time information" and "history information". "ID" is a code for identifying each user 3. "Contact information" is information on the contact information of the user 3, typically an e-mail address or a telephone number of the communication terminal 30. "Usage information" is information related to the use of the vehicle 4.

[0051] “Time information” is information about the time period when user 3 uses vehicle 4 next. The time period can be a time period set by user 3 each time vehicle 4 is used. In this case, user 3 specifies the time period when requesting issuance of a use permission code. In addition, the time period can also be a time period pre-set by user 3. For example, if user 3 is likely to use vehicle 4 only in the morning, only the time period in the morning is set. The service charge for user 3 can be different according to the length of the time period. “Historical information” is information about the actual situation of user 3 using vehicle 4 in the past. The service charge for user 3 can also be different according to the “historical information”.

[0052] <Configuration example of communication terminal>

[0053] Figure 4 3 is a block diagram of a communication terminal 30. The communication terminal 30 includes a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and a camera unit 35. The processing unit 31 is a processor represented by a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 32. The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as a RAM and a ROM. The program stored in the storage unit 32 also includes an application program for using the service related to the issuance of the license code of the present embodiment. The application program can be downloaded from a server such as the server 2, or can be distributed through a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0054] The communication unit 33 includes a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the server 2 via a communication network. In addition, the communication unit 33 includes a short-range wireless communication device capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 40. The display unit 34 is an electronic image display device with an input function, such as a touch panel display. The imaging unit 35 is a camera having an optical system such as a lens and an imaging sensor, and can capture images.

[0055] <Configuration example of vehicle-mounted device>

[0056] Figure 5It is a block diagram of the vehicle-mounted device 40. The vehicle-mounted device 40 includes a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and an RTC (real-time clock) 44. The processing unit 41 is a processor represented by a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 is a storage device such as a RAM and a ROM. The programs stored in the storage unit 42 include programs for performing processes related to the acceptance of the permission to use code. Various data are also stored in the storage unit 42. The individual information 42a is information for identifying the vehicle 4, and corresponds to the individual information displayed in the individual information display unit 4b of the vehicle 4. The unlocking count information 42b is information about the number of times the permission to use code has been effectively accepted so far, and is information that is the same number as the "number of code issuances" of the vehicle DB221 of the server 2. The character table 42c is the character table CT ( Figure 6 The reference table 42d is the same information as the reference tables TL1 and TL2 stored in the storage unit 22 of the server 2. The individual information 42a, the unlocking times information 42b, the character table 42c and the reference table 42d are used to analyze the validity of the permitted use code.

[0057] The communication unit 43 includes a short-distance wireless communication device capable of performing short-distance wireless communication with the communication terminal 30. The communication unit 43 also includes a wired communication device capable of performing information communication with the ECU 45 and ECU 46 via the communication line in the vehicle. The ECU 45 is a control circuit that performs display control of the information display unit 4a, and the ECU 46 is a control circuit that performs fuel injection control and ignition control of the engine 4c. The RTC 44 is an IC that counts the time.

[0058] <Example of generating a license code>

[0059] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The generation rule of the license use code issued by the server 2 in this embodiment is described. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the character table used to generate the use permission code and the structure of the code. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of a reference table for generating a use permission code.

[0060] Figure 6 The use permission code CD shown is composed of three code parts CD1 to CD3. One of the code parts CD1 to CD3 is assigned a character derived from the individual information of the vehicle 4 using the character table CT, and the other two are assigned characters derived from the time information (DB222) of the user 3 using the character table CT. In the case of the present embodiment, the characters are numbers or English letters.

[0061] The character table CT includes columns with index items A to J and rows with index items 1 to 5. In the example shown in the figure, when column A and row 2 are selected, the character assigned to the code portion is "E". Similarly, when column G and row 5 are selected, the character assigned to the code portion is "6".

[0062] In the case of this embodiment, a pseudo code CD' consisting of three code parts CD1' to CD3' is first generated, and the order of the code parts of the pseudo code CD' is replaced according to a certain rule corresponding to the number of code issuances of the target vehicle 4 (vehicle DB 221) to generate a use permission code CD. The so-called certain rule corresponding to the number of code issuances is, for example:

[0063] Number of code issuances N: CD1', CD2', CD3' → CD1, CD2, CD3

[0064] Number of code issuances N+1: CD1', CD2', CD3' → CD2, CD3, CD1

[0065] Number of code issuances N+2: CD1', CD2', CD3'→CD3, CD1, CD2.

[0066] The following is similarly exchanged according to the number of code issuances. The case of the number of code issuances N+3 is the same as the number of code issuances N, and the case of the number of code issuances N+4 is the same as the number of code issuances N+1. Figure 6 The example shows the case where the number of code issuances is N+1.

[0067] To the code portion CD1', a character determined by referring to the table TL1 and the character table CT is assigned. Figure 7 An example of a reference table TL1 is shown. The reference table TL1 is a table for deriving characters from the individual information of the vehicle 4 using the character table CT. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the individual information of the vehicle 4 is a numeric column, and the last digit thereof takes any value from 1 to 0. In the reference table TL1, each last digit corresponds to a corresponding row and column of the character table CT. For example, when the last digit of the individual information is "1", the corresponding row and column of the character table CT is "A1", and the character "1" is assigned to the code portion CD1'.

[0068] To the code parts CD2' and CD3', characters determined by referring to the table TL2 and the character table CT are allocated. Figure 7An example of a reference table TL2 is shown. The reference table TL2 is a table for deriving characters from the time information (DB222) of the user 3 using the character table CT. In the reference table TL2, morning, afternoon, odd time, and even time correspond to the corresponding rows and columns of the character table CT. Morning, afternoon, odd time, and even time are all based on the start time of use. In addition, the "time" of the odd time and the even time distinguishes whether the "hour" in the hour, minute, and second is an odd number or an even number.

[0069] For example, when the time information is 13:00 to 15:00, it is "afternoon" and "odd time". The corresponding character table CT has "A4" and "C4" rows, and the character "M" is assigned to the code part CD2' and the character "I" is assigned to the code part CD3'.

[0070] In this way, a pseudo code CD' is generated, and the order of the code parts is changed according to the number of times the code is issued, and the final permission to use code CD is issued.

[0071] <Judgment of validity of license code>

[0072] The processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 determines the validity of the permission code CD provided by the communication terminal 30. The permission code CD shows the individual information of the vehicle 4, and when the current time is within the time period of the time information indicated by the permission code CD (or 5 to 10 minutes before), the processing unit 41 determines that the permission code CD is valid and unlocks the vehicle 4.

[0073] For the License Code CD, by following the Figure 6 and Figure 7The information included in the permitted use code CD can be extracted by performing a reverse operation on the generation rule described in the above. The vehicle-mounted device 40 stores individual information 42a, unlocking times information 42b, a character table 42c (character table CT), and a reference table 42d (TL1, TL2) in the storage unit 42. In addition, the current time can be acquired using the RTC 44. First, the pseudo code CD' can be determined by the unlocking times information 42b. From the code parts CD1', CD2', and CD3' of the determined pseudo code CD' and the character table 42c, the rows and columns on the character table 42c corresponding to the characters shown by the code parts CD1', CD2', and CD3' are determined. In the case where one character corresponds to multiple rows and columns (for example, "G1" and "H2" of the character table CT are the same character), multiple rows and columns are determined. From the determined rows and columns and the reference table 42d, the last digit of the individual information, the morning / afternoon distinction of the time information, and the odd or even time of starting use can be determined. The last digit of the determined individual information is compared with the individual information 42a, and the time information AM / PM distinction and the odd / even time of the start time are compared with the current time. If they match, it is determined that the use permission code CD is valid.

[0074] <Processing example>

[0075] Reference Figure 8 An example of processing performed by the system 1 when the user 3 uses the vehicle 4 will be described. Figure 8 The flowchart shows the process executed by the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 , the processing unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 , and the processing unit 21 of the server 2 .

[0076] The user 3 turns on the power of the vehicle 4 that he wishes to use. The power switch of the vehicle 4 is provided on the vehicle 4 in a structure that can be operated by the user 3. In S1, the vehicle-mounted device 40 is started, and its processing unit 41 instructs the ECU 45 to perform a guidance display on the information display unit 4a. The guidance display shows information for enabling the user 3 to obtain a permission to use code. For example, the guidance display includes a display in the communication terminal 30 that urges the start of an application for obtaining a permission to use code. In addition, the guidance display includes a display that urges the acquisition of information required to request a permission to use code. In the case of the present embodiment, in order to request a permission to use code, individual information and an image of a specified part of the vehicle 4 are required. In the case of the present embodiment, the image of the specified part is the information display unit 4a, which varies greatly in the appearance design of the vehicle 4 depending on the vehicle model.

[0077] The user 3 starts an application for obtaining a use permission code in the communication terminal 30. In S11, the processing unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 receives input of information required for requesting the use permission code. If the user 3 takes a picture of the individual information display unit 4b using the camera unit 35, the processing unit 31 extracts individual information from the captured image, thereby inputting individual information of the vehicle 4. Alternatively, the user 3 may input individual information from a keyboard displayed on the display unit 34. The image of the information display unit 4a is input by the user 3 taking a picture of it using the camera unit 35. In addition, the user 3 can also input information related to the use time on the display unit 34.

[0078] If user 3 performs a request indication operation for a permission use code on the display unit 34, the processing unit 31 in S12 sends a request for issuance of a permission use code associated with the information received in S11 (individual information, captured image data of the information display unit 4a, usage time) together with the ID of user 3 to the server 2.

[0079] In S21, the server 2 receives the issuance request in S21, and performs a process of comparing the captured image data of the information display unit 4a associated with the received issuance request in S22. Here, first, the individual information associated with the issuance request is searched in the vehicle DB 221 to determine the "vehicle model information". As described above, the "vehicle model information" includes information related to the appearance of the vehicle 4, and in the case of this embodiment, includes graphic information related to the appearance of the information display unit 4a. Fig. 9 The graphic information M1 to M4 represents an example thereof.

[0080] The graphic information M1 shows a graphic of the information display unit 4a in which the analog meter 50 is arranged in the center and the liquid crystal display unit 51 is arranged on the left and right. The graphic information M2 shows a graphic of the information display unit 4a in which the liquid crystal display unit 51 is arranged in the center and the analog meter 50 is arranged on the left and right. The graphic information M3 shows a graphic of the information display unit 4a in which the large liquid crystal display unit 51 is arranged in the center and the analog meter 50 is arranged on the left and right. The graphic information M4 shows a graphic of the information display unit 4a in which the large liquid crystal display unit 51 is arranged in the center and does not have the analog meter 50.

[0081] In the "vehicle type information", a graphic information corresponding to the vehicle type of the vehicle 4 is determined. Figure 8 In S22, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 compares the captured image data of the information display unit 4a with the graphic information of the "vehicle model information" to determine whether the two are the same information display unit 4a. In S23, if the determination result in S22 is that the information display unit 4a is the same, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 enters S25; if they are not the same, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 enters S24.

[0082] In S24, because the individual information of the vehicle 4 does not match the appearance of its information display unit 4a, the processing unit 21 refuses to issue the use permission code and sends a notification to that effect to the communication terminal 30. By such processing, the safety related to the use of the vehicle 4 can be improved. The processing unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 that has received the notification displays the failure to obtain the use permission code on the display unit 34. The user 3 will try to obtain the use permission code again as needed.

[0083] In S25, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 generates a use permission code. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As described above, the individual information used to generate the code is the individual information received in S21, and the usage time is the information received in S21 or the information of the usage time corresponding to the user ID received in S21 and stored in the user DB 222. In S26, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 transmits the permitted use code generated in S25 to the communication terminal 30. The communication terminal 30 receives the permitted use code in S14.

[0084] In S15, the processing unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 provides the received permission to use code to the vehicle-mounted device 40. In this embodiment, the permission to use code is provided by transmitting the permission to use code from the communication terminal 30 to the vehicle-mounted device 40 through communication. In S2, the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 receives the permission to use code and determines the validity. The method for determining the validity is the same as described above.

[0085] In S3, the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 proceeds to S5 if the validity determination result in S2 is valid, and proceeds to S4 if it is not valid. In S4, the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 notifies the user 3 that the permission code is not validly accepted and the user cannot use the vehicle 4. The notification is performed, for example, by the processing unit 41 causing the ECU 45 to display a predetermined non-permission information on the information display unit 4a.

[0086] In S5, the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 causes the vehicle 4 to enter a control state that can be used by the user 3. The user 3 can perform operations required to drive the vehicle 4, such as starting the engine 4c. In addition, the number of unlocking times information 42b is incremented by 1. In S6, the processing unit 41 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 sends a notification to the communication terminal 30 indicating that the permitted use code has been effectively accepted and the vehicle 4 has been unlocked. In S16, the communication terminal 30 receives the notification. The display unit 34 may display information notifying the user 3 that the permitted use code has been accepted.

[0087] In the next S17, the processing unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 transmits information indicating that the vehicle 4 has been successfully unlocked, together with the user ID and the individual information of the vehicle 4, to the server 2. In S27, the server 2 receives the information, and in S28, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 updates the vehicle DB 221. Here, the "number of code issuances" of the successfully unlocked vehicle 4 is incremented by 1. In this way, the unlocking number information 42b on the vehicle 4 side and the "number of code issuances" on the server 2 side can be synchronized.

[0088] In this way, one process is completed. In the present embodiment, a permission use code generated by the server 2 is generated and provided to the vehicle-mounted device 40 via the communication terminal 30. On the other hand, a rule is established for the method of generating the permission use code, and the vehicle-mounted device 40 can be used to identify the original information used in the generation of the permission use code. Thus, a technology can be provided that can authenticate the user 3 of the vehicle 4 without having the server 2 communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 40. This is advantageous in that the vehicle-mounted device 40 does not need the function of communicating with the server 2. In addition, even if the vehicle-mounted device 40 has the function of communicating with the server 2, but the communication environment is bad and communication is difficult, as long as the communication terminal 30 can communicate with the server 2, the user 3 can use the vehicle 4, which is also advantageous in this respect.

[0089] When the use of the vehicle 4 is completed, no particular description will be given. It is sufficient that information indicating the completion of the use is sent from the communication terminal 30 to the server 2, and the information of the vehicle DB 221 and the user DB 222 is appropriately updated in the server 2.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, when requesting issuance of a permission code, the communication terminal 30 is used to capture an image of the information display portion 4a and transmit it to the server 2, and the server 2 determines whether the individual information of the vehicle 4 is consistent with the appearance of the information display portion 4a in the received image. However, the captured portion of the vehicle 4 may be a portion other than the information display portion 4a, for example, it may be other portions of the vehicle 4 such as the headlight portion of the vehicle 4 that characterize the type of the vehicle 4.

[0091] <Second embodiment>

[0092] In the first embodiment, the use permission code is generated based on fixed information, which is the individual information of the vehicle 4 , but the use permission code may be generated by introducing variable information. Fig.10 In the present embodiment, examples of the information 42 ′ and the control information 42 f stored in the storage unit 42 of the vehicle-mounted device 40 and the information stored in the vehicle DB 221 are shown.

[0093] The information 42' includes the individual information 42a, the release frequency information 42b, the character table 42c, and the reference table 42d in the first embodiment, as well as the travel distance information 42e and the control information 42f. The travel distance information 42e is information on the travel distance of the vehicle 4 (for example, information on the total travel distance from a new vehicle). The ECU 45 calculates the travel distance from the detection result of the sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation amount of the wheel of the vehicle 4, and displays it on the information display unit 4a. On the other hand, the ECU 45 periodically sends the calculated travel distance information to the vehicle-mounted device 40, and the processing unit 41 stores and updates the received travel distance information in the storage unit 42 as the travel distance information 42e.

[0094] The control information 42f is information about control parameters used by the ECU 46 in controlling the engine 4c. The engine 4c has a case where the efficient ignition timing and fuel injection timing change due to its use. In this embodiment, the ECU 46 changes the ignition timing and fuel injection timing as basic values ​​according to the travel distance of the vehicle 4. Fig.10 The control information 42f illustrates the relationship between the driving distance and the ignition timing and the injection timing. When the driving distance is less than 10,000 km, "A" is set as the basic value as the ignition timing, and "X" is set as the basic value as the injection timing, and the adjustment is made appropriately according to the actual driving conditions. When the driving distance is more than 10,000 km and less than 20,000 km, "B" is set as the basic value as the ignition timing, and "Y" is set as the basic value as the injection timing. When the driving distance is more than 20,000 km, "C" is set as the basic value as the ignition timing, and "Z" is set as the basic value as the injection timing. By pre-storing the control information 42f in the storage unit 42, the processing unit 41 can determine the ignition timing and injection timing set by the ECU 46 from the driving distance information 42e. The storage unit 22 of the server 2 also stores the same information as the control information 42f, which is used in the generation of the permission use code of the present embodiment described later.

[0095] The vehicle DB 221 of the present embodiment stores information of "travel distance". The "travel distance" is the travel distance of the vehicle 4, and is updated to the same information as the travel distance information 42e when the use permission code is issued. Details will be described later.

[0096] Fig.11This is an explanatory diagram of the method for generating a use permission code and a reference table in this embodiment. The use permission code CD in this embodiment is composed of six code parts CD1 to CD6. As in the first embodiment, a pseudo code CD' composed of six code parts CD1' to CD6' is first generated, and the order of the code parts of the pseudo code CD' is replaced according to a certain rule corresponding to the number of code issuances of the vehicle 4 to be used (vehicle DB 221) to generate the use permission code CD.

[0097] The code portions CD1' to CD3' are the same as those of the first embodiment. In other words, for the code portion CD1', the reference table TL1 ( Figure 7 ) and character table CT( Figure 6 ) is derived from the individual information of the vehicle 4. For the code parts CD2', CD3', the reference table TL2 ( Figure 7 ) and character table CT( Figure 6 ) Characters derived from user 3's time information.

[0098] For code section CD4', assign using Fig.11 The reference table TL3 and the character table CT ( Figure 6 ) is derived from the character. The reference table TL3 is a table for deriving a character from the travel distance of the vehicle 4 using the character table CT. If the travel distance is an odd number, the corresponding row of the character table CT is "C2", and the character "C" is assigned to the code portion CD4'. If the travel distance is an even number, the corresponding row of the character table CT is "J5", and the character "F" is assigned to the code portion CD4'.

[0099] As a prerequisite for this process, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 needs to recognize the travel distance of the vehicle 4. In this embodiment, the travel distance is extracted from the information display unit 4a of the vehicle 4 transmitted from the communication terminal 30 to the server 2. Figure 8 , the vehicle-mounted device 40 displays the travel distance information 42e on the information display unit 4a in the guidance display of S1. Fig.12 An example thereof is shown. The driving distance (6800 km) is displayed in the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display device 51 of the information display unit 4a. In the information input of S11, if the user 3 uses the communication terminal 30 to take a picture of the information display unit 4a, the captured image includes the driving distance displayed in the display area 51a. When the server 2 generates the code in S25, it uses a well-known image recognition technology to extract the driving distance displayed in the display area 51a from the captured image of the information display unit 4a received in S21. In addition to being used in the generation of the permission code CD, the extracted driving distance information can also be stored as the "driving distance" of the vehicle DB211, and the driving distance information can be used in the maintenance management of the vehicle 4.

[0100] Back to Fig.11 For code section CD5', use Fig.11 The reference table TL4 and the character table CT ( Figure 6 ) The reference table TL4 is a table for deriving characters from the setting of the ignition timing of the vehicle 4 using the character table CT. In addition, for the code portion CD6', the use of Fig.11 The reference table TL5 and the character table CT ( Figure 6 The reference table TL5 is a table for deriving characters from the setting of the fuel injection timing for the vehicle 4 using the character table CT.

[0101] As described above, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 can recognize the travel distance of the vehicle 4, and the storage unit 22 stores the information related to the travel distance of the vehicle 4. Fig.10 Therefore, the processing unit 21 of the server 2 can recognize the current setting of the ignition timing and injection timing for the vehicle 4 by referring to the recognized travel distance and the control information 42f.

[0102] If the ignition timing is "A", the corresponding character table CT row is "F2", and the code portion CD5' is assigned character "F". If the injection timing is "Z", the corresponding character table CT row is "J1", and the code portion CD6' is assigned character "3".

[0103] In this way, a pseudo code CD' is generated, and the usage permission code CD is generated by reversing the order according to the number of issuances.

[0104] The reference table 42d of the vehicle-mounted device 40 also stores the same information as the reference tables TL3 to TL5. The vehicle-mounted device 40 that has received the permitted use code CD from the communication terminal 30 can extract the information included in the permitted use code CD by performing a reverse operation based on the generation rule of the permitted use code CD, and can determine the validity of the permitted use code CD, as in the first embodiment. The travel distance and control information are known information in the vehicle-mounted device 40.

[0105] As described above, in this embodiment, by introducing the travel distance, ignition timing, injection timing and other change information of the vehicle 4 into the permitted use code, it is possible to improve the security against unauthorized use of the vehicle 4. Furthermore, by introducing the internal control information of the vehicle 4 such as the ignition timing and injection timing into the permitted use code, it is possible to further improve the security.

[0106] In addition, in the present embodiment, the driving distance is exemplified as the information included in the captured image of the information display unit 4a and constituting the object to be introduced into the permitted use code, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a random number may be displayed on the information display unit 4a, and the random number included in the captured image of the information display unit 4a may be extracted and introduced into the permitted use code. In addition, for example, the remaining amount of fuel may be displayed on the information display unit 4a, and the remaining amount of fuel included in the captured image of the information display unit 4a may be extracted and introduced into the permitted use code. In addition, for example, the last maintenance date of the vehicle 4 may be displayed on the information display unit 4a, and the maintenance date included in the captured image of the information display unit 4a may be extracted and introduced into the permitted use code. In addition, for example, the average speed or the maximum speed of the vehicle 4 on the previous day may be displayed on the information display unit 4a, and the average speed or the maximum speed included in the captured image of the information display unit 4a may be extracted and introduced into the permitted use code.

[0107] <Summary of implementation methods>

[0108] The above-mentioned embodiments disclose at least the following vehicle management system, server, vehicle management method, communication terminal, and program.

[0109] 1. The vehicle management system (1) of the above embodiment comprises:

[0110] a server (2) capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of the vehicle; and

[0111] a vehicle-mounted device (40), the vehicle-mounted device (40) being mounted on the vehicle,

[0112] Wherein, the server has:

[0113] A receiving unit (23, S21) receiving, from the communication terminal, a request for issuing a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle;

[0114] A generating unit (21, S25) generates a usage permission code (CD) according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; and

[0115] a sending unit (23, S26) for sending the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal,

[0116] The vehicle-mounted device includes a use control mechanism (41, S2-S5) which controls whether to put the vehicle into a usable control state based on a permitted use code provided from the communication terminal.

[0117] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0118] 2. In the above embodiment,

[0119] In the issuance request, the individual information (4b) and an image of a predetermined portion of the vehicle photographed by a photographing means (35) of the communication terminal are associated,

[0120] The server determines whether to generate the use permission code based on the image (S22-S24).

[0121] According to this embodiment, security against unauthorized use of the vehicle 4 can be improved.

[0122] 3. In the above embodiment,

[0123] In the issuance request, the individual information (4b) and an image of a predetermined portion of the vehicle photographed by a photographing means (35) of the communication terminal are associated,

[0124] The predetermined location is an information display unit (4a) of the vehicle,

[0125] The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information and the information extracted from the image of the information display unit (S25).

[0126] According to this embodiment, security against unauthorized use of the vehicle 4 can be improved.

[0127] 4. In the above embodiment,

[0128] The information display unit displays the travel distance (51a) of the vehicle.

[0129] The information extracted from the image of the information display unit is the information of the travel distance.

[0130] According to this embodiment, by introducing fixed information and variable information into the permitted use code, it is possible to improve security against unauthorized use of the vehicle 4 .

[0131] 5. In the above embodiment,

[0132] In the vehicle, a control parameter of a driving unit (4c) of the vehicle is changed based on the travel distance information of the vehicle,

[0133] The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information, the travel distance information, and the control parameter based on the travel distance information.

[0134] According to this embodiment, by introducing fixed information, variable information, and internal control information into the permitted use code, it is possible to improve security against unauthorized use of the vehicle 4 .

[0135] 6. In the above embodiment,

[0136] The vehicle-mounted device has a function of timing time (44).

[0137] The generating unit generates the permitted use code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information and the usage time information of the vehicle.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the use time of the vehicle can be limited in the permitted use code.

[0139] 7. The server (2) of the above embodiment is a server capable of communicating with a communication terminal (30) of a desired user of a vehicle, wherein the server (2) comprises:

[0140] A receiving unit (23, S21) receiving, from the communication terminal, a request for issuing a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle;

[0141] A generating unit (21, S25) that generates the permitted use code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; and

[0142] A sending unit (23, S26) is configured to send the usage permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal.

[0143] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0144] 8. The vehicle management method of the above embodiment comprises:

[0145] a receiving step (S21) in which the server (2) receives a request for issuing a permitted use code for the vehicle associated with individual information of the vehicle from a communication terminal (30) of a desired user of the vehicle;

[0146] a generation step (S25), in which the server generates a usage permission code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information;

[0147] a sending step (S26), in which the server sends the use permission code generated in the generating step to the communication terminal; and

[0148] A use control step (S2-S5), in which the vehicle-mounted device (40) of the vehicle controls whether to put the vehicle into a control state available for use based on the permitted use code provided from the communication terminal.

[0149] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0150] 9. The communication terminal (30) of the above embodiment is a communication terminal for use by a user of a vehicle (4), wherein the communication terminal (30) comprises:

[0151] Filming mechanism (35);

[0152] a sending unit (33, S12) which sends a request for issuing a permission code for the vehicle by associating the individual information of the vehicle with an image of a predetermined part of the vehicle photographed by the photographing unit to the server (2);

[0153] A receiving mechanism (33, S14) that receives from the server a usage permission code generated by the server; and

[0154] A providing mechanism (33, S15) provides the permitted use code to an on-vehicle device (40) of the vehicle.

[0155] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0156] 10. The program of the above embodiment enables the communication terminal (30) for use by the intended user of the vehicle (4) to function as the following means:

[0157] Filming mechanism (35);

[0158] a sending unit (33, S12) which sends a request for issuing a permission code for the vehicle by associating the individual information of the vehicle with an image of a predetermined part of the vehicle photographed by the photographing unit to the server (2);

[0159] A receiving mechanism (33, S14) that receives from the server a usage permission code generated by the server; and

[0160] A providing mechanism (33, S15) provides the permitted use code to an on-vehicle device (40) of the vehicle.

[0161] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for authenticating a desired user of a vehicle without causing the vehicle to communicate with a server.

[0162] Although the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle management system, comprising: a server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of the vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted device, the vehicle-mounted device being mounted on the vehicle, It is characterized in that The server has: a receiving unit that receives, from the communication terminal, a request for issuance of a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating mechanism that generates a usage permission code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; as well as a sending unit that sends the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal, The vehicle-mounted device includes a use control unit that controls whether to put the vehicle into a usable control state based on a use permission code provided from the communication terminal. In the issuance request, the individual information and an appearance image of a predetermined portion of the vehicle photographed by the photographing means of the communication terminal are associated with each other. The server determines the model of the vehicle based on the individual information, The server determines graphic information related to the appearance of a vehicle model corresponding to the determined vehicle model, The server compares the appearance image with the graphic information to determine whether to generate the usage permission code.

2. A vehicle management system, comprising: a server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of the vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted device, the vehicle-mounted device being mounted on the vehicle, It is characterized in that The server has: a receiving unit that receives, from the communication terminal, a request for issuance of a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating mechanism that generates a usage permission code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; as well as a sending unit that sends the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal, The vehicle-mounted device includes a use control unit that controls whether to put the vehicle into a usable control state based on a use permission code provided from the communication terminal. In the issuance request, the individual information and an image of the information display unit of the vehicle photographed by the photographing means of the communication terminal are associated with each other. The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information and the information extracted from the image of the information display unit. The information display unit displays the travel distance of the vehicle, The information extracted from the image of the information display unit is information of the travel distance. In the vehicle, a control parameter of a driving unit of the vehicle is changed based on the travel distance information of the vehicle, The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information, the travel distance information, and the control parameter based on the travel distance information.

3. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The predetermined rules include a rule corresponding to the number of issuances of the permitted use code issued to the vehicle specified by the individual information.

4. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vehicle-mounted device has a function of timing time. The generating unit generates the permitted use code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information and the usage time information of the vehicle.

5. A server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of a vehicle, characterized in that: The server has: a receiving unit that receives, from the communication terminal, a request for issuance of a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating mechanism that generates the permitted use code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; as well as a sending unit that sends the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal, In the issuance request, the individual information and an appearance image of a predetermined portion of the vehicle photographed by the photographing means of the communication terminal are associated with each other. The server determines the model of the vehicle based on the individual information, The server determines graphic information related to the appearance of a vehicle model corresponding to the determined vehicle model, The server compares the appearance image with the graphic information to determine whether to generate the usage permission code.

6. A server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a desired user of a vehicle, characterized in that: The server has: a receiving unit that receives, from the communication terminal, a request for issuance of a use permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating mechanism that generates the permitted use code according to a predetermined rule based on the received individual information; as well as a sending unit that sends the permission code generated by the generating unit to the communication terminal, In the issuance request, the individual information and an image of the information display unit of the vehicle photographed by the photographing means of the communication terminal are associated with each other. The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information and the information extracted from the image of the information display unit. The information display unit displays the travel distance of the vehicle, The information extracted from the image of the information display unit is information of the travel distance. In the vehicle, a control parameter of a driving unit of the vehicle is changed based on the travel distance information of the vehicle, The generating unit generates the use permission code according to the predetermined rule based on the individual information, the travel distance information, and the control parameter based on the travel distance information.

7. The server according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The predetermined rules include a rule corresponding to the number of issuances of the permitted use code issued to the vehicle specified by the individual information.

8. A vehicle management method, characterized in that: The vehicle management method includes: A receiving step, in which the server receives, from the communication terminal of the intended user of the vehicle, a request for issuing a permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating step, in which the server generates a permission code based on the received individual information according to a pre-specified rule; A sending step, in which the server sends the permission code generated in the generating step to the communication terminal; And A use control step, in which the in-vehicle device of the vehicle controls whether to put the vehicle into a controllable state for use based on the permission code provided from the communication terminal. In the issuing request, the individual information is associated with an appearance image of a pre-specified part of the vehicle captured by the imaging mechanism of the communication terminal. The vehicle management method includes the following steps: Determining the vehicle model based on the individual information; Determining graphic information related to the appearance of the vehicle model corresponding to the determined vehicle model; And Comparing the appearance image with the graphic information to determine whether to generate the permission code.

9. A vehicle management method, characterized in that: The vehicle management method includes: A receiving step, in which the server receives, from the communication terminal of the intended user of the vehicle, a request for issuing a permission code for the vehicle associated with the individual information of the vehicle; A generating step, in which the server generates a permission code based on the received individual information according to a pre-specified rule; A sending step, in which the server sends the permission code generated in the generating step to the communication terminal; And A use control step, in which the in-vehicle device of the vehicle controls whether to put the vehicle into a controllable state for use based on the permission code provided from the communication terminal. In the issuing request, the individual information is associated with an image of the information display part of the vehicle captured by the imaging mechanism of the communication terminal. In the generating step, the permission code is generated according to the pre-specified rule based on the individual information and the information extracted from the image of the information display part. The information display part displays the driving distance of the vehicle. The information extracted from the image of the information display part is the information of the driving distance. In the vehicle, the control parameters of the drive part of the vehicle are changed based on the driving distance information of the vehicle. In the generating step, the permission code is generated according to the pre-specified rule based on the individual information, the driving distance information, and the control parameters based on the driving distance information.

10. The vehicle management method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The pre-specified rule includes a rule corresponding to the number of times of issuing the permission code issued for the vehicle determined by the individual information.

Images