Card key and vehicle control method using card key

Abstract

A card key and a vehicle control method using the same are disclosed, in which a card key for obtaining a specific function from a vehicle includes a card key memory configured to store permission information for judging whether the vehicle provides the specific function, and a card key communication module configured to transmit a signal for obtaining the specific function and the stored permission information to a vehicle communication module. The card key communication module can be configured to receive information of a user terminal input from a user terminal communication module. The stored permission information can be changed based on the input information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a card key and a vehicle control method using the card key, and more particularly, to a card key capable of controlling a vehicle and a control method of a vehicle registering the card key. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of vehicle IT technology, today's vehicles provide various functions for the convenience of users in addition to the function as a basic means of transportation.

[0003] More specifically, the existing vehicle access method is a physical method of directly inserting a key into a vehicle, but recently, technologies capable of accessing a vehicle in a more convenient manner have been developed, such as a smart key or a digital key that is wirelessly recognized at a certain distance outside the vehicle and controls the vehicle door to be unlocked.

[0004] The smart key system authenticates the smart key by transmitting an LF (Low Frequency) signal from a smart key controller (SMK ECU) to the smart key to determine whether the smart key has proper authority for the vehicle, and receiving a radio frequency (RF) response signal corresponding to the LF signal from the smart key.

[0005] However, in recent years, research is being conducted on a vehicle access start system that opens a vehicle door by near field communication (NFC) rather than the above-described communication method. SUMMARY

[0006] The disclosure aims to provide a card key and a vehicle control method that allow or restrict various functions of a vehicle controlled by a card key to be able to prevent the risk of a vehicle being stolen when the card key is lost or lent.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a card key for obtaining a specific function from a vehicle is provided. The card key includes a card key memory configured to store authority information for determining whether the vehicle provides the specific function, and a card key communication module configured to transmit a signal for obtaining the specific function and the stored authority information to a vehicle communication module. The card key communication module can be configured to receive information input to a user terminal from the user terminal. The stored authority information can be changed based on the input information.

[0009] The card key storage can be configured to store card key information. The authority information can be changed based on the input information in response to the card key information being included in registered card key information stored in the user terminal.

[0010] The registered card key information can be information of a card key registered in the vehicle received by the user terminal from the vehicle. The card key information can be information including authority information.

[0011] The specific function can be at least one or more functions provided by the vehicle. The authority information can include information about functions allowed to be provided by the card key and functions restricted to be provided in the specific function.

[0012] The specific function can include a vehicle door unlocking function and an engine start function of the vehicle using the card key. The authority information can include information restricting the engine start function of the vehicle using the card key to be provided.

[0013] The specific function can further include a trunk unlocking function of the vehicle using the card key. The authority information can include information restricting the vehicle door unlocking function of the vehicle using the card key to be provided.

[0014] The card key storage can be configured to store validity period information judging whether the vehicle provides the specific function. The card key communication module can be configured to transmit the stored validity period information to the vehicle communication module. The stored validity period information can be changed based on the input information.

[0015] The card key communication module can be configured to communicate with the vehicle or the user terminal in a near field communication (NFC) method.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a vehicle control method of providing a specific function using a card key, the method including the steps of: receiving a signal for obtaining the specific function from the card key; receiving authority information changed based on information input to a user terminal from the card key; and judging whether to provide the specific function based on the authority information.

[0017] The authority information can be changed based on the input information in response to the card key information being included in registered card key information stored in the user terminal.

[0018] The method can further include the step of transmitting registered card key information stored in a vehicle storage to a user terminal communication module. The registered card key information can be information of a card key registered in the vehicle. The card key information can be information including authority information.

[0019] The specific function can be at least one or more functions provided by the vehicle. The authority information can be information regarding functions allowed to be provided by the card key in the specific function and functions restricted to be provided.

[0020] The specific function can include a vehicle door unlock function and an engine start function of the vehicle using the card key. The authority information can include information restricting the engine start function of the vehicle using the card key to be provided.

[0021] The specific function can further include a trunk unlock function of the vehicle using the card key. The authority information can include information restricting the vehicle door unlock function of the vehicle using the card key to be provided.

[0022] The method can further include receiving, from the card key, validity period information changed based on information input to the user terminal, and determining whether to provide the specific function requested by the card key based on the validity period information.

[0023] The steps of receiving the signal from the card key and receiving the authority information can be received through a near field communication (NFC) method.

[0024] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions executed by a processor in connection with a user terminal including a user terminal input device and a user terminal communication module. The computer readable medium includes program instructions to generate an authority information change signal for changing authority information stored in a card key based on user input received by the user terminal input device, and program instructions to control the user terminal communication module to transmit the generated authority information change signal to the card key. The authority information can be information for determining whether a vehicle provides a specific function requested by the card key.

[0025] The computer readable medium can further include program instructions to store card key information received from a vehicle communication module by the user terminal communication module in a user terminal memory, program instructions to determine whether card key information received from a card key communication module is included in the registered card key information, and program instructions to generate an authority information change signal for changing authority information stored in the card key when the card key information is included in the registered card key information.

[0026] The computer readable medium can further include program instructions to generate a validity period information change signal for changing validity period information stored in the card key based on user input received by the user terminal input device, and program instructions to control the user terminal communication module to transmit the generated validity period information change signal to the card key. The validity period information can be information for determining whether a vehicle provides a specific function requested by the card key. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, considered in connection with the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a view showing an appearance of a card key, a user terminal, and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is a control block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 (a) is a view for describing an example of obtaining a door unlock function using a card key according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 (b) is a view for describing an example of obtaining an engine start function using a card key according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 (c) is a view for describing an example of obtaining a trunk unlock function using a card key according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a view for describing an example of changing permission information and validity period information stored in a card key through a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 (a) is a view for describing an example of first storing registered card key information in a user terminal and registering a card key in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 (b) is a view for describing an example of first registering a card key in a vehicle and storing registered card key information in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 is a view of a flowchart showing a process in which a card key transmits changed permission information and validity period information to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 is a view of a flowchart showing a process of providing a specific function of a card key request based on permission information and validity period information received by a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the specification to refer to the same or like parts. Descriptions on all the elements in the embodiments of the present disclosure will not be given, and descriptions that are repeated with each other in the exemplary embodiments that are well known in the art will be omitted. The terms used throughout the specification, such as “~ part”, “~ module”, “~ member”, “~ block”, etc., can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and a plurality of “~ parts”, “~ modules”, “~ members”, or “~ blocks” can be implemented in a single element, or a single “~ part”, “~ module”, “~ member”, or “~ block” can include a plurality of elements.

[0039] It will be further understood that the term "connected" and its derivatives refer both to direct and indirect connections, and indirect connections include connections through wireless communication networks.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "include" and "comprise" are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0041] In addition, when it is stated that a layer is "on" another layer or substrate, the layer can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or a third layer can be disposed therebetween.

[0042] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", and the like can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section.

[0043] It should be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] The reference numerals for the method steps are only for the convenience of illustration and do not limit the order of the steps. Therefore, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the order recited can be practiced in other ways.

[0045] The operating principles and forms of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of a card key, a user terminal, and a vehicle of some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a control block diagram of a vehicle of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the card key 100 can include a card key memory 110 and a card key communication module 120.

[0048] The user terminal 200 can include a user terminal communication module 210, a user terminal processor 220, and a user terminal input device 230.

[0049] The vehicle 300 includes an engine 301, a door 302, a trunk 303, a vehicle communication module 310, a vehicle processor 320, a vehicle memory 330, a door locking device 340, an engine starting device 350, and a trunk locking device 360.

[0050] The card key 100 can have its own power supply device. However, the card key 100 can communicate with the vehicle 300 using power obtained from the vehicle communication module 310 without its own power supply device, or can communicate with the user terminal 200 using power obtained from the user terminal communication module 210.

[0051] The vehicle 300 can provide a user with a specific function using the card key 100.

[0052] The specific function can be at least one or more functions that the user receives from the vehicle 300 through the card key 100. The specific function provided by the vehicle 300 through the card key 100 can include a door unlocking function for unlocking the door 302 of the vehicle 300, an engine starting function for starting the engine 301 of the vehicle 300, and a trunk unlocking function for unlocking the door of the trunk 303.

[0053] For example, when attempting to unlock the door of the vehicle 300 using the card key 100, the user can contact the card key 100 with the door 302 or approach the card key 100 to the door 302, so that the vehicle communication module 310 communicates with the card key communication module 120. In this case, the vehicle communication module 310 can transmit information received from the card key communication module 120 to the vehicle processor 320. When the vehicle processor 320 judges that the card key 100 is a card key 100 registered in the vehicle 300 based on information received from the card key 100, the vehicle processor 320 can control the door locking device 340 to unlock the vehicle 300.

[0054] The card key communication module 120 can perform near field communication (NFC) communication or Bluetooth communication with the vehicle communication module 310 or the user terminal communication module 210, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The NFC communication, which is one of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, is a communication technology that transmits and receives wireless data within a short distance of 10 cm, and is a short distance communication technology with relatively good security and low price due to the short communication distance. The Bluetooth communication is a communication technology that performs low-power wireless communication between information devices at a distance of several meters to several tens of meters.

[0056] The vehicle communication module 310 can include a communication module installed on the door 302, a communication module disposed in the trunk 303, and a card key charging pad disposed inside the vehicle 300.

[0057] The vehicle communication module 310 can communicate with the user terminal communication module 210 in NFC communication or Bluetooth communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] In general, the card key 100 is very thin, typically within 1 mm, and thus there is a possibility that the card key 100 is lost or stolen when a user holds the card key 100. Thus, when the card key 100 is lost or stolen by a user, a device or method is needed to prevent other people from using the vehicle 300 by acquiring the card key. In addition, depending on the intention of the user, it can be necessary to allow the use of the card key 100 in some of the specific functions and restrict the use of the card key 100 for other specific functions, and thus it is necessary to provide a device or method that provides only allowed functions and does not provide disallowed functions even if the same card key is used for the same vehicle.

[0059] The card key storage 110 can store permission information that is a basis for determining whether the vehicle 300 provides a specific function requested by the card key 100.

[0060] The permission information can include information about functions that are allowed to be provided by the card key 100 among the specific functions and functions that are restricted to be provided. For example, the permission information can include information that restricts the provision of an engine start function using the card key 100, information that restricts the provision of a door unlock function using the card key 100, and information that restricts the provision of a trunk unlock function using the card key 100.

[0061] The card key storage 110 can store validity period information that is a basis for determining whether the vehicle 300 provides a specific function.

[0062] The validity period information can be information about a preset time in which a specific function is allowed to be provided by the card key 100. For example, when a user desires to allow a specific function to be provided by the card key 100 only for a desired time period, the validity period information can include information about a preset time for a time period desired by the user.

[0063] The preset time can be different for each of the specific functions using the card key 100.

[0064] The card key storage 110, the user terminal storage 240, and the vehicle storage 330 can store programs for performing the above-described operations and operations described later. The user terminal processor 220 and the vehicle processor 320 can execute the stored programs. In the case where the storages and the processors are plural, they can be integrated into one chip, or can be disposed at physically separated locations. Each storage can include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. Further, each storage can include a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EEPROM) for storing control programs and control data for a long time. Each processor can include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, can process data according to the programs provided from each storage, and can generate a control signal according to a processing result.

[0065] When the user wants to receive a specific function of the vehicle 300 with the card key 100, the user can approach the card key 100 to the vehicle communication module 310 corresponding to the specific function, so that the vehicle communication module 310 communicates with the card key communication module 120. At this time, the card key communication module 120 can transmit a signal for obtaining the specific function, the authority information, and the valid period information stored in the card key 100 to the vehicle communication module 310. The vehicle communication module 310 can transmit the authority information and the valid period information received from the card key communication module 120 to the vehicle processor 320.

[0066] The vehicle processor 320 can determine whether to provide the specific function requested through the card key 100 based on the authority information.

[0067] If the authority information includes information to restrict the provision of the specific function requested through the card key 100, the vehicle processor 320 can not perform the requested specific function. In contrast, if the authority information does not contain information to restrict the provision of the specific function requested through the card key 100, the vehicle processor 320 can control the configuration of the vehicle 300 to perform the requested specific function.

[0068] The vehicle processor 320 can determine whether to provide the specific function requested through the card key 100 based on the valid period information.

[0069] That is, when the user requests the provision of the specific function through the card key 100, if a preset time in which the provision of the specific function is allowed has passed, the vehicle processor 320 can not perform the requested specific function.

[0070] The door locking device 340 can lock or unlock the door 302 of the vehicle 300 based on a signal received from the vehicle processor 320.

[0071] The engine starting device 350 can start the engine 301 of the vehicle 300 based on a signal received from the vehicle processor 320.

[0072] The trunk locking device 360 can lock or unlock the trunk 303 of the vehicle 300 based on a signal received from the vehicle processor 320.

[0073] The user terminal input device 230 can be a component for receiving information from a user. The user terminal input device 230 can include a button that receives a command from a user. In this case, the button can be implemented as a hard key type having a mechanical structure, or can be implemented as a soft key type so that a command can be input through a touch input method. The user terminal input device 230 can be displayed on a display provided in the user terminal 200 to receive a command through a touch input method.

[0074] A user can input information into the user terminal input device 230 to change the authority information and the validity period information stored in the card key storage 110. In this case, the user terminal input device 230 can transmit the input information to the user terminal processor 220.

[0075] The user terminal processor 220 can control the user terminal communication module 210 to change the authority information and the validity period information stored in the card key 100 based on the input information. In this case, the authority information and the validity period information stored in the card key storage 110 can be changed based on information received from the user terminal communication module 210 by the card key communication module 120.

[0076] The user terminal 200 can not be able to change the authority information stored in any card key 100. The user terminal 200 can need to receive a right to change the authority information stored in a specific card key 100 from the vehicle 300 in advance. That is, the user terminal 200 can receive information about card keys 100 registered in the vehicle 300 from the vehicle 300 in advance, and later when a user approaches a card key 100 to the user terminal 200 to change the authority information stored in the card key 100, the authority information can be changed only when the approached card key 100 is a card key 100 corresponding to the card key information received from the vehicle 300.

[0077] That is, the authority information stored in the card key 100 can be changed through the user terminal 200 only when information about card keys registered in the vehicle 300 is stored in the user terminal 200.

[0078] When the card key 100 is within a distance in which the user terminal 200 can communicate, the user terminal processor 220 can control the user terminal communication module 210 to change the authority information and the valid period information based on the input information.

[0079] At this time, the user terminal communication module 210 can receive the card key information stored in the card key memory 110 from the card key 100.

[0080] The card key information can be information unique to the corresponding card key 100. Also, the card key information can be information including the authority information and the encrypted key information corresponding to the vehicle 300.

[0081] When the registered card key information stored in the user terminal memory 240 includes the card key information stored in the card key 100, the user terminal processor 220 can change the authority information stored in the card key 100 based on the input information.

[0082] How the user terminal 200 receives the registered card key information including information about the card key registered in the vehicle 300 from the vehicle 300 will be described later with reference to Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b).

[0083] Figure 3 (a) is a view for describing an example in which a card key obtains a door unlocking function according to some embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 3 (b) is a view for describing an example in which a card key obtains an engine start function according to some embodiments of the disclosure, and Figure 3 (c) is a view for describing an example in which a card key obtains a trunk unlocking function according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0084] In general, a user can not use the card key 100, but use the card key 100 only when there is a special situation, or entrust the card key 100 to another person. In this case, the user can want to restrict all or only some specific functions of the vehicle 300 provided through the card key 100, and can want to allow the use of the specific function only at a designated time.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3 (a), Figure 3 (b), and Figure 3 (c), the user can bring the card key 100 close to the communication module corresponding to the specific function so that the card key communication module 120 communicates with the vehicle communication module 310. At this time, the card key communication module 120 can transmit a signal for obtaining the specific function, the authority information stored in the card key 100, and the valid period information to the vehicle communication module 310.

[0086] For example, when the user wants to unlock the door 302 of the vehicle 300 using the card key 100, the card key 100 can be brought into contact with or placed in the vicinity of the door 302, so that the vehicle communication module 310 installed on the door 302 communicates with the card key communication module 120. When the user wants to start the engine 301 of the vehicle 300 using the card key 100, the card key 100 can be brought into contact with or placed in the vicinity of the card key charging pad, so that the vehicle communication module 310 installed on the card key charging pad communicates with the card key communication module 120. When the user wants to unlock the trunk 303 using the card key 100, the card key 100 can be brought into contact with or placed in the vicinity of the trunk 303, so that the vehicle communication module 310 provided in the trunk 303 communicates with the card key communication module 120.

[0087] If the authority information stored in the card key 100 includes information that restricts the door unlocking function and the engine starting function, the user can unlock the trunk 303 of the vehicle 300 using the card key 100. However, unlocking the door 302 or starting the engine 301 is restricted.

[0088] At this time, when the user brings the card key 100 into contact with or places the card key 100 on the trunk 303, the vehicle processor 320 can control the trunk locking device 360 to unlock the trunk 303 because the authority information received from the card key communication module 120 does not include information that restricts the trunk unlocking function. However, when the user brings the card key 100 into contact with or places the card key 100 in the vicinity of the door 302, the vehicle processor 320 does not control the door locking device 340 because the authority information received from the card key communication module 120 includes information that restricts the door unlocking function.

[0089] The vehicle processor 320 can determine whether to provide each specific function based on the validity period information received from the card key communication module 120.

[0090] For example, if it is still the time in which the door unlocking function is allowed according to the preset time information of the door unlocking function included in the validity period information, and it is the time in which the engine starting function is restricted according to the preset time information of the engine starting function, the user can unlock the door 302 using the card key 100.

[0091] As such, the user can allow a person using the card key 100 to obtain only specific functions of the vehicle 300, and can determine in advance the specific functions that can be provided through the user terminal 200. Also, the user can allow a person using the card key 100 to obtain the specific functions of the vehicle 300 only for a time set for each specific function, and can set in advance the time set for each specific function through the user terminal 200.

[0092] Figure 4 is a view for describing an example of changing the authority information and the valid period information stored in the card key by the user terminal for some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to Figure 4 , the user can bring the card key 100 close to the user terminal communication module 210 provided in the user terminal so that the card key communication module 120 communicates with the user terminal communication module 210.

[0094] The user can input a specific function that is initially allowed to be used and later restricted to be used through the card key 100 to the user terminal input device 230.

[0095] For example, in a case where the user initially allows the card key 100 to implement a door unlocking function, a trunk unlocking function, and an engine start function, and later wants to restrict only the engine start function using the card key 100, the user can input information to restrict the initially allowed engine start function in the user terminal input device 230. At this time, the user terminal processor 220 can control the user terminal communication module 210 to include information to restrict the provision of the engine start function in the authority information stored in the card key 100, and thus the authority information stored in the card key memory 110 will include information to restrict the provision of the engine start function that did not exist initially. At this time, since the authority information still does not include information to restrict the door unlocking function and the trunk unlocking function, the vehicle 300 can still provide the door unlocking function and the trunk unlocking function using the card key 100 later.

[0096] The user can input a specific function that is initially restricted to be used and later allowed to be used through the card key 100 to the user terminal input device 230.

[0097] For example, in a case where a user initially restricts the door unlocking function and the engine start function using the card key 100 and later wants to allow the door unlocking function using the card key 100, the user can input the allowance of the initially restricted door unlocking function in the user terminal input device 230. At this time, the user terminal processor 220 can control the user terminal communication module 210 to delete the information of restricting the provision of the door unlocking function in the authority information stored in the card key 100. At this time, since the information of restricting the engine start function is still included in the authority information, the vehicle 300 can still not provide the engine start function using the card key 100 later.

[0098] The user can input the valid period of allowing the use of a specific function through the card key 100 into the user terminal input device 230.

[0099] For example, in a case where there is no period of restricting the provision of a specific function initially and the user wants to allow the provision of the specific function only for a desired period of time later, the desired period of time can be input into the user terminal input device 230. In this case, the user terminal processor 220 can control the user terminal communication module 210 to change the valid period information of each specific function stored in the card key 100 based on the input period of time.

[0100] In addition, the period of time in which the specific function was originally available can be changed to a new period of time through the above-described process, and the valid period information of each specific function provided through the card key 100 can also be changed.

[0101] Figure 5 (a) is a view for describing an example of first storing registered card key information in a user terminal and registering a card key in a vehicle, which is some embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 5 (b) is a view for describing an example of first registering a card key in a vehicle and storing registered card key information in a user terminal, which is some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0102] Referring to Figure 5 (a), the user can first store the information of the card key 100 in the user terminal memory 240 and then store the card key 100 in the vehicle memory 330.

[0103] The user can input a command for transmitting the registered card key information stored in the vehicle memory 330 to the user terminal 200 to the input device of the vehicle 300. In this case, the vehicle processor 320 can generate card key information, and the registered card key information can include the generated card key information.

[0104] The registered card key information can be information about the card key 100 registered in the vehicle 300. That is, the registered card key information can be information about the card key 100 capable of requesting the vehicle 300 to provide a specific function. In this case, a plurality of card keys 100 can be registered in the vehicle 300.

[0105] The blank card can be a card in which no information about the vehicle 300 is stored.

[0106] The generated card key information can be information for later storage in the blank card to change the blank card to the card key 100 registered in the vehicle 300.

[0107] The card key information can include encryption key information corresponding to the vehicle 300. The encryption key information can be information including the same encryption key as the encryption key included in the processor of the vehicle 300. The vehicle processor 320 can control the vehicle communication module 310 to transmit the registered card key information including the generated card key information to the user terminal communication module 210.

[0108] The user terminal processor 220 can store the registered card key information received by the user terminal communication module 210 in the user terminal memory 240.

[0109] The later user can register the blank card as the card key 100 of the vehicle 300. At this time, the user can contact the blank card with the card key charging pad or place it near the card key charging pad, so that the vehicle communication module 310 provided in the card key charging pad communicates with the communication module of the blank card.

[0110] The vehicle processor 320 can control the vehicle communication module 310 to transmit the card key information previously generated to the blank card and store the generated card key information in the memory of the blank card. In this case, when the card key information generated by the vehicle processor 320 is stored in the memory of the blank card, the blank card can change to the card key 100 registered in the vehicle 300.

[0111] Referring to Figure 5 (b), the user can first register the card key 100 in the vehicle memory 330 and then store the card key information in the user terminal memory 240.

[0112] The user can first register the card key 100 in the vehicle 300. At this time, the user can contact or place the card key 100 near the card key charging pad, enabling communication between the vehicle communication module 310 on the card key charging pad and the communication module of the card key 100. Additionally, the card key communication module 120 can send card key information stored in the card key memory 110 to the vehicle communication module 310.

[0113] The vehicle processor 320 can include the card key information received by the vehicle communication module 310 in the registered card key information and store it in the vehicle memory 330.

[0114] Later, the user can store the registered card key information in the user terminal 200. In this case, the user can input a command to send the registered card key information to the user terminal 200 into the input device of the vehicle 300. The vehicle processor 320 can control the vehicle communication module 310 to send the registered card key information, including the card key information, to the user terminal communication module 210, and the user terminal processor 220 can store the registered card key information received by the user terminal communication module 210 in the user terminal memory 240.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, when a user attempts to change the permission information and validity period information stored in the card key 100 through the user terminal 200, the card key communication module 120 can send the card key information stored in the card key memory 110 to the user terminal communication module 210.

[0116] The user terminal processor 220 can determine whether to change the permission information and validity period information stored in the card key memory 110 based on the received card key information.

[0117] Specifically, the user terminal processor 220 can determine whether the registered card key information stored in the user terminal memory 240 includes the card key information received from the card key communication module 120. When the card key information is included, the user terminal processor 220 can change the permission information and validity period information based on the information input to the user terminal input device 230.

[0118] Therefore, users can use user terminal 200 to change the permission information and validity period information stored only for card key 100 registered in vehicle 300.

[0119] So far, reference Figures 1 to 5 (b) The methods for controlling the user terminal 200 described in some embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of a program driven by the user terminal 200.

[0120] Here, the program can include a program command, a data file, a data structure, etc., alone or in combination. The program can be designed and generated using machine code or high-level language code. The program can be a program designed to implement the above-described code correction method, or can be a program implemented using various functions or definitions known and available to those skilled in the computer software field. The program for implementing the above-described method of controlling the user terminal 200 can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the user terminal processor. In this case, the recording medium can be the user terminal memory 240.

[0121] The user terminal memory 240 can store a computer program that generates a permission information change signal for changing the permission information stored in the card key 100 based on a user input received by the user terminal input device 230.

[0122] The user terminal memory 240 can store a computer program that controls the user terminal communication module 210 to transmit the generated permission information change signal to the card key 100.

[0123] The user terminal memory 240 can store the registered card key information received by the user terminal communication module 210 from the vehicle communication module 310 in the user terminal memory 240, and can determine whether the registered card key information includes the card key information received from the card key communication module 120. When the registered card key information includes the card key information, the user terminal memory 240 can store a computer program that controls the user terminal communication module 210 to change the permission information and the validity period information based on a user input.

[0124] The user terminal memory 240 can generate a validity period information change signal for changing the validity period information stored in the card key 100 based on a user input received by the user terminal input device 230, and can store a computer program that controls the user terminal communication module 210 to transmit the generated validity period information change signal to the card key 100.

[0125] Figure 6 is a view of a flowchart showing a process in which the card key of some embodiments of the disclosure transmits changed permission information and validity period information to a vehicle. This is only one preferred embodiment to achieve the purpose of the disclosure, and some configurations can be added or deleted as needed.

[0126] Referring to Figure 6 When the user wants to change the permission information and the validity period information stored in the card key memory 110, the user can input information to the user terminal 200.

[0127] The user can input a specific function which the user wants to restrict the use of later or input a specific function which the user wants to use later after initially restricting and a time period in which the specific function is allowed to be provided in the user terminal input device 230. At this time, the card key communication module 120 can receive information input to the user terminal 200 from the user terminal communication module 210 (1001).

[0128] The authority information and the valid period information stored in the card key storage 110 can be changed based on the input information (1002). At this time, the valid period information can be changed differently for each specific function.

[0129] The user can allow the card key communication module 120 to communicate with the vehicle communication module 310 by bringing the card key 100 close to the communication module corresponding to the specific function. At this time, the card key communication module 120 can transmit a signal for obtaining a specific function to the vehicle communication module 310 (1003). The vehicle communication module 310 can transmit the received signal to the vehicle processor 320. The vehicle processor 320 can judge whether the card key information included in the received signal is included in the registered card key information stored in the vehicle storage 330, and if so, can judge that the card key 100 is registered in the vehicle 300 and provide the specific function requested by the card key 100.

[0130] The card key communication module 120 can transmit the authority information and the valid period information stored in the card key 100 to the vehicle communication module 310 (1004).

[0131] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a view showing a flowchart of a process of providing a specific function requested by a card key based on authority information and valid period information received by a vehicle according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0132] Referring to Figure 7 The vehicle communication module 310 can receive a signal for obtaining a specific function, authority information, and valid period information from the card key communication module 120 (2001).

[0133] The vehicle processor 320 can judge whether the specific function to be obtained is a specific function which is restricted based on the authority information (2002).

[0134] In particular, when the information of restricting the specific function requested by the card key 100 is included in the authority information, the vehicle processor 320 can not provide the requested specific function (Yes in 2002).

[0135] On the other hand, when the permission information does not include information that restricts the specific function requested by the card key 100, the vehicle processor 320 can determine whether it is a time when the provision of the requested specific function is allowed (NO in 2002).

[0136] The vehicle processor 320 can determine whether the preset time that allows the provision of the specific function to be obtained has elapsed (2003).

[0137] In particular, when the preset time included in the valid period information has elapsed, the vehicle processor 320 can not provide the requested specific function (YES in 2003).

[0138] On the other hand, when the preset time included in the valid period information has not elapsed, the vehicle processor 320 can determine that the time when the specific function is requested is a time when the provision of the specific function is allowed (NO in 2003).

[0139] The vehicle processor 320 can provide the specific function requested by the card key 100 (2004).

[0140] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a user can change the range of vehicle control authority of the card key for each function and can change the period of time when the card key is allowed to control the vehicle using a user terminal.

[0141] So far, the forms of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure can be practiced by other forms different from the above-described forms without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the disclosure. The above-described forms are merely examples and should not be construed restrictively.

Claims

1. A card key for obtaining specific functions from a vehicle, said card key comprising: Card key storage, storing permission information used to determine whether the vehicle provides specific functions; as well as The card key communication module is configured to send a signal for obtaining the specific function and the stored authorization information to the vehicle communication module; as well as Receive information input from the user terminal. Among them, the stored permission information is changed based on the input information, and Card key information is stored in the card key memory, and the permission information is changed based on input information in response to the case where the card key information is included in the registered card key information stored in the user terminal.

2. The card key according to claim 1, wherein, The registered card key information is the information of the card key registered in the vehicle, received by the user terminal from the vehicle, and The card key information includes the permission information.

3. The card key according to claim 1, wherein, The specific function is at least one function provided by the vehicle, and The permission information includes information about the functions that are allowed to be provided through the card key and the functions that are restricted in the specific function.

4. The card key according to claim 1, wherein, The specific functions include unlocking the vehicle doors and starting the engine using the card key, and The permission information includes information restricting the use of the card key to provide the engine start function of the vehicle.

5. The card key according to claim 4, wherein, The specific function further includes a trunk unlocking function for the vehicle using the card key, and The permission information includes information restricting the use of the card key to provide the vehicle's door unlocking function.

6. The card key according to claim 1, wherein, The card key memory stores validity period information used to determine whether the vehicle provides the specific function. The card key communication module sends the stored validity period information to the vehicle communication module, and The stored expiration information is changed based on the input information.

7. The card key according to claim 1, wherein, The card key communication module communicates with the vehicle or the user terminal via near field communication, i.e., NFC.

8. A vehicle control method that utilizes a card key to provide specific functions, comprising the following steps: Receive a signal from the card key to obtain the specific function; Receive permission information that changes based on information entered from the user terminal from the card key; as well as Based on the permission information, determine whether to provide the specific function. In response to the case where the card key information is included in the registered card key information stored in the user terminal, the permission information is changed based on the input information.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the following steps: The registered card key information stored in the vehicle's memory is sent to the user terminal communication module. The registered card key information refers to the information of the card key registered in the vehicle, and the card key information includes the permission information.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The specific function is at least one function provided by the vehicle, and The permission information is information about the functions that are allowed to be provided through the card key and the functions that are restricted in the specific function.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The specific functions include unlocking the vehicle doors and starting the engine using the card key, and The permission information includes information restricting the use of the card key to provide the engine start function of the vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The specific function further includes a trunk unlocking function for the vehicle using the card key, and The permission information includes information restricting the use of the card key to provide the vehicle's door unlocking function.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising the following steps: Receive validity period information that changes based on information input from the user terminal from the card key; as well as Based on the validity period information, determine whether to provide the specific function requested by the card key.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The signal is received via near-field communication (NFC) in the steps of receiving the signal from the card key and receiving the authorization information.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a recorded program that instructs a processor: Based on user input received by the user terminal input device, an permission information change signal is generated to modify the permission information stored in the card key. Control the user terminal communication module to send the generated permission information change signal to the card key; and Based on the permission information, determine whether the vehicle provides a specific function requested by the card key. The processor is further configured to: Determine whether the card key information received from the card key communication module is included in the registered card key information; and When the card key information is included in the registered card key information, a permission information change signal is generated to modify the permission information stored in the card key.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to: The user terminal communication module stores the registered card key information received from the vehicle communication module in the user terminal memory.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein, The processor is further configured to: Based on the user input received by the user terminal input device, an expiration information change signal is generated to change the expiration information stored in the card key; Control the user terminal communication module to send the generated expiration information change signal to the card key; as well as Based on the validity period information, it is determined whether the vehicle provides a specific function requested by the card key.

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