Information processing apparatus and method, vehicle, transmission method and storage medium

Abstract

This invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a vehicle, a transmission method, and a storage medium, displaying an appropriate operation screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle. Whenever any switch in the switch group (14A) of the smart key (12) is operated, and a signal of the operated switch is sent from the smart key to the corresponding ECU (56), the information of the operated switch is stored as switch information (86) in the storage unit (76) of the digital key control ECU (70). In addition, if a smartphone that can act as a digital key successfully connects to the BLE of the ECU (70) on the vehicle (50) side, the ECU (70) sends the switch information (86) to the smartphone, and the smartphone displays an operation screen on the touch panel (32), which displays icons corresponding to all the switches (14) included in the received switch information as icons for controlling the vehicle (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program storage medium, vehicle, transmission method, and transmission program storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-120530 discloses a digital key system that enables vehicle control through operation on an information processing device such as a smartphone that can function as a digital key, specifically enabling the locking and unlocking of vehicle doors.

[0003] Generally, vehicle control via smart keys is not limited to locking and unlocking doors. The specific features vary depending on the vehicle model, class, and configuration options. Therefore, it is expected that digital keys, like smart keys, can display the appropriate operating screen corresponding to the vehicle being controlled. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure was made in consideration of the above facts, and provides an information processing device, an information processing method, a storage medium storing an information processing program, a vehicle, a transmission method, and a storage medium storing a transmission program, all capable of displaying an appropriate operating screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle.

[0005] The information processing device involved in the first method can be used in the control of a vehicle, including: a first acquisition unit that acquires information about a switch that has been operated in a smart key corresponding to the vehicle; and a display control unit that controls the display of an operation screen for controlling the vehicle based on the information about the switch acquired by the first acquisition unit.

[0006] In the first method, since the operation screen for controlling the vehicle is displayed based on information about the switches operated in the smart key corresponding to the vehicle, it is possible to display the appropriate operation screen corresponding to the vehicle.

[0007] The second method is completed based on the first method, wherein the first acquisition unit obtains the information of the switch by receiving it from the vehicle.

[0008] According to the second method, even if the information processing device is not working when the switch in the smart key is operated, the first acquisition unit can still obtain the information of the switch from the vehicle.

[0009] The third method is based on the first method. The first acquisition unit obtains information about the switch by listening to the communication from the smart key to the vehicle that accompanies the operation of the switch in the smart key.

[0010] According to the third method, the information of the aforementioned switch can be obtained without changing the structure on the vehicle side.

[0011] The fourth method is completed based on any one of the methods 1 to 3. When the switch in the smart key is not operated, the display control unit controls the display to display an operation screen that includes a first icon for locking the door of the vehicle and a second icon for unlocking the door of the vehicle.

[0012] According to the fourth method, even when the smart key switch is not activated, it is possible to perform the minimum common control of locking and unlocking the vehicle's doors.

[0013] The fifth method is completed based on any one of the methods 1 to 4. The information processing device further includes a first storage unit that stores permitted access information, which specifies the control of the vehicle permitted to be used in the information processing device. The display control unit controls the display to show an operation screen including an icon, which is an icon corresponding to the control of the vehicle permitted to be used by the permitted access information stored in the first storage unit, corresponding to the control of the vehicle corresponding to the switch for which information has been obtained by the first acquisition unit.

[0014] According to the fifth method, an appropriate operating screen can be displayed in an information processing device where the control of the available vehicle is limited.

[0015] The vehicle involved in the sixth method includes: a second acquisition unit that acquires information about a switch that has been operated in the corresponding smart key; and a transmission unit that transmits the switch information to the information processing device in order to display an operation screen corresponding to the switch information acquired by the second acquisition unit in the information processing device.

[0016] In the sixth method, since information about the switch operated in the smart key corresponding to the vehicle is sent to the information processing device, the appropriate operation screen corresponding to the vehicle can be displayed.

[0017] The seventh method is based on the sixth method. The second acquisition unit includes a second storage unit that stores information about the operated switch whenever the switch is operated in the corresponding smart key. The transmission unit sends the information stored in the second storage unit to the information processing device.

[0018] According to the seventh method, in the smart key, even if multiple switches are operated during the off-time, the information of the multiple operated switches can be accumulated and stored in the second storage unit.

[0019] The information processing method involved in the eighth method performs the following processing by a first computer: obtaining information about a switch that has been operated in a smart key corresponding to the vehicle, and controlling the display of an operation screen for controlling the vehicle based on the obtained information about the switch.

[0020] According to method 8, similar to method 1, the appropriate operating screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle can be displayed.

[0021] The non-temporary storage medium involved in the ninth method stores a program that causes the first computer to perform information processing, the information processing including: obtaining information about a switch that has been operated in the smart key corresponding to the vehicle, and displaying an operation screen for controlling the vehicle based on the obtained information about the switch.

[0022] According to the 9th method, similar to the 1st method, it is possible to display the appropriate operation screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle.

[0023] The transmission method involved in the 10th method performs the following processing by a second computer mounted in the vehicle, the processing including: obtaining information about a switch that has been operated in the corresponding smart key, and sending the switch information to the information processing device in order to display an operation screen corresponding to the obtained switch information in the information processing device.

[0024] According to method 10, similar to method 6, it is possible to display the appropriate operating screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle.

[0025] The non-temporary storage medium involved in the 11th method stores a program that causes a second computer mounted in the vehicle to perform a transmission process, the transmission process including: obtaining information about a switch that has been operated in the corresponding smart key, and sending the switch information to the information processing device in order to display an operation screen corresponding to the obtained switch information in the information processing device.

[0026] According to method 11, similar to method 6, it is possible to display the appropriate operating screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle.

[0027] This disclosure has the effect of displaying the appropriate operating screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 It is a block diagram representing a simplified structure of a vehicle control system.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a smart key.

[0030] Figure 3This is a top view showing an example of what a smartphone looks like.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of a smartphone, a reference ECU, and a digital key control ECU.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the reference ECU and the digital key control ECU when the user operates the smart key switch.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the digital key processing performed by a smartphone.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart representing the digital key control process executed by the digital key control ECU.

[0035] Figure 8 This is an image displayed on the smartphone's touch panel when the smartphone and the vehicle's BLE connection is successful.

[0036] Figure 9 This is an image illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a smartphone's touch panel.

[0037] Figure 10 This is an image illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a smartphone's touch panel. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The vehicle control system 10 shown includes: a vehicle 50 equipped with an in-vehicle system 52; a smart key 12, corresponding to the vehicle 50 and held by the owner of the vehicle 50; and a smartphone 20 held by a user of the vehicle 50. The smartphone 20 is an example of the information processing device and the first computer involved in this disclosure.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the smart key 12 is equipped with multiple switches 14 for controlling different vehicles. Among them, Figure 2 The diagram shows a configuration with three switches 14, but the number of switches 14 on the smart key 12 and the vehicle controls assigned to each switch 14 vary depending on the vehicle's model, class, option settings, etc. Figure 1Multiple switches 14 are shown as switch group 14A. The smart key 12 includes: switch group 14A; and wireless communication unit 16, which transmits a switch signal corresponding to the operated switch 14 when any switch 14 in switch group 14A is operated.

[0040] The smartphone 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory) and other memory units 24. Additionally, the smartphone 20 includes: a non-volatile storage unit 26 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive); a first wireless communication unit 28 that manages wireless communication with the server 48; and a second wireless communication unit 30 that manages wireless communication with the vehicle 50 (e.g., wireless communication compliant with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard). The smartphone 20 also includes a touch panel 32 (see also...). Figure 3 The CPU 22, memory 24, storage unit 26, first wireless communication unit 28, second wireless communication unit 30, and touch panel 32 are connected via internal bus 34 and can communicate with each other.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the smartphone 20 is used as a digital key, the digital key application 36 and digital key information 38 are downloaded from the management server 48 to the smartphone 20 and stored (installed) in the storage unit 26. By using the digital key application 36 and digital key information 38, the smartphone 20 can be used as a digital key.

[0042] The digital key includes an owner key and a share key. The owner key is a digital key issued to the owner of vehicle 50 (the user holding smart key 12), which can control vehicle 50 without restriction (perform the same control as smart key 12).

[0043] On the other hand, the shared key is a digital key issued with the permission of the owner of vehicle 50. When the shared key is issued, the owner of vehicle 50 can also set restrictions on the control of vehicle 50 that can be performed via the shared key. For example, the shared key can allow locking and unlocking of the doors of vehicle 50, but not opening the tailgate (or trunk), starting the engine (or turning on the ignition), etc. (and vice versa). Additionally, the shared key can be set for a period (length, time limit) during which it can be used as a digital key. The restrictions on vehicle control set for the shared key are stored as permitted use information 40 in the digital key information 38. The digital key information 38 also includes key identification information indicating whether it is the owner's key or the shared key.

[0044] Thus, in this embodiment, by storing electronic information (digital key application 36 and digital key information 38) in the storage unit 26 of the smartphone 20, the smartphone 20 can function as a digital key (owner's key or shared key). Therefore, when a user borrows the vehicle 50 from its owner, there is no need for a physical handover of the smart key 12 between the owner and the user. Even when the user is far away, the key to the vehicle 50 can be shared simply by sending and receiving electronic information. Furthermore, the owner of the vehicle 50 can also benefit from using the smartphone 20 as a digital key, thus eliminating the need to carry the smart key 12 when going out, as long as they carry the smartphone 20.

[0045] The smartphone 20 functions by having the CPU 22 read the digital key application 36 from the storage unit 26 and expand it in the memory 24, and then executing the digital key application 36 expanded in the memory 24. Figure 4 The first acquisition unit 42 and the display control unit 44 shown function as follows: The first acquisition unit 42 acquires information about the switch 14 that has been operated in the smart key 12 corresponding to the vehicle 50. The display control unit 44 controls the display to show an operation screen for controlling the vehicle 50 based on the information about the switch 14 acquired by the first acquisition unit 42. Additionally, a storage unit 26, which includes digital key information 38 that allows the use of information 40, is used as... Figure 4 The first storage unit 46 shown functions. The digital key application 36 is an example of the information processing program involved in this disclosure.

[0046] The vehicle system 52 includes a system bus 54, on which a reference ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 56, a digital key control ECU 70, and vehicle equipment 94 are connected in a manner that enable communication between each other.

[0047] The ECU 56 includes a CPU 57, a memory 58 such as ROM and RAM, a non-volatile storage unit 60 such as HDD or SSD, a wireless communication unit 62 that manages wireless communication with the smart key 12, and a communication unit 64 that manages communication via the system bus 54. The CPU 57, memory 58, storage unit 60, wireless communication unit 62, and communication unit 64 are connected via an internal bus 66 and can communicate with each other.

[0048] A comparison program 68 is pre-stored in the storage unit 60. The comparison ECU 56 reads the comparison program 68 from the storage unit 60 by the CPU 57, expands it in the memory 58, and executes the comparison program 68 expanded in the memory 58. Figure 4 The second acquisition unit 88 shown in the figure performs a function.

[0049] The digital key control ECU 70 includes a CPU 72, a memory 74 such as ROM and RAM, a non-volatile storage unit 76 such as HDD or SSD, a wireless communication unit 78 that manages wireless communication with the smartphone 20, and a communication unit 80 that manages communication via the system bus 54. The CPU 72, memory 74, storage unit 76, wireless communication unit 78, and communication unit 80 are connected to each other via the internal bus 82 and can communicate with each other.

[0050] The storage unit 76 pre-stores the digital key control program 84 and switch information 86. In this embodiment, when the vehicle 50 leaves the factory, that is, in the initial state of the switch information 86 (the stage where none of the switches 14 of the smart key 12 have been operated even once in the smart key 12), the content of the switch information 86 is empty. Then, when any switch 14 of the smart key 12 is operated, the switch signal reception processing described later is performed by the ECU 56, and the switch information storage processing described later is performed by the digital key control ECU 70, thereby appending the information of the operated switch 14 to the switch information 86.

[0051] The digital key control ECU 70 uses the CPU 72 to read the digital key control program 84 from the storage unit 76, expand it in the memory 74, and execute the digital key control program 84 expanded in the memory 74. Figure 4 The second acquisition unit 88 shown functions as part of the unit and also functions as the transmission unit 90.

[0052] The second acquisition unit 88 acquires information about the switch 14 that has been operated in the corresponding smart key 12. The second acquisition unit 88 includes a second storage unit 92 that stores information about the operated switch 14 (the aforementioned switch information 86) whenever the switch 14 is operated in the corresponding smart key 12. Furthermore, in order to display an operation screen corresponding to the switch 14 information acquired by the second acquisition unit 88 on the smartphone 20, the transmission unit 90 transmits the switch 14 information to the smartphone 20. The comparison program 68 stored in the storage unit 60 of the comparison ECU 56 and the digital key control program 84 stored in the storage unit 76 of the digital key control ECU 70 are examples of the transmission programs disclosed herein. Additionally, the comparison ECU 56 and the digital key control ECU 70 are examples of the second computer disclosed herein.

[0053] The in-vehicle equipment 94 includes door locking devices, tailgate (or trunk) opening and closing devices, left and right door opening and closing devices of the vehicle 50, etc., and is installed in the vehicle 50 and can be controlled by the smart key 12 or the smartphone 20.

[0054] Next, as for the purpose of this embodiment, first refer to Figure 5 The following describes the scenario where smart key 12 is operated. Consider a user holding smart key 12 (the owner of vehicle 50) approaching vehicle 50 (also referred to...). Figure 5 Step 150) and operated any of the switches 14 in the switch group 14A of the smart key 12 (see also...) Figure 5 In step 152), in this case, in step 154, the wireless communication unit 16 of the smart key 12 sends a switch signal corresponding to the operated switch 14.

[0055] The switch signal sent from the smart key 12 is received by the wireless communication unit 62 of the reference ECU 56. In the reference ECU 56, the reception of the switch signal is used as an opportunity to perform switch signal reception processing. In step 156 of the switch signal reception processing, the reference ECU 56 (second acquisition unit 88) forwards the received switch signal to the digital key control ECU 70 (gateway) via the system bus 54, and the switch signal reception processing ends.

[0056] The switch signal transmitted from the reference ECU56 is received by the communication unit 80 of the digital key control ECU70. In the digital key control ECU70, the switch information is stored and processed based on the receipt of the switch signal.

[0057] In step 158 of the switch information storage processing, the digital key control ECU 70 (second acquisition unit 88) adds information about the switch corresponding to the received switch signal to the switch information 86 stored in the storage unit 76 (second storage unit 92). The switch information added to the switch information 86 includes information indicating the type of switch 14 that has been operated in the smart key 12.

[0058] In the next step 160, the digital key control ECU 70 performs processing corresponding to the received switch signal in the vehicle-mounted device 94. For example, when the switch 14 in the smart key 12 used to indicate unlocking the door of the vehicle 50 is operated, the digital key control ECU 70 causes the door locking device of the vehicle 50 to perform processing to unlock the door of the vehicle 50. If the processing in step 160 is performed, the switch information storage processing ends. Alternatively, the processing in step 160 described above can also be performed by the reference ECU 56.

[0059] Thus, in this embodiment, whenever any switch 14 in the smart key 12 is operated, the following is executed: Figure 5 The series of examples shown are shown. Furthermore, the storage unit 76 (second storage unit 92) stores information including information on the respective categories of all switches 14 that have been operated more than once in the smart key 12 as switch information 86.

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 6 The digital key processing performed on smartphone 20 is explained below. For example, in... Figure 7 As shown in step 170, if a user carrying smartphone 20 activates the digital key application 36 on smartphone 20 and approaches vehicle 50 to within the BLE communication range, the digital key processing is initiated.

[0061] In step 172 of the digital key processing, the first acquisition unit 42 determines whether the pairing of the smartphone 20 and the vehicle 50 (digital key control ECU 70) is complete. If the determination in step 172 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 176; otherwise, it proceeds to step 174. Furthermore, in step 174, the first acquisition unit 42 performs the pairing of the smartphone 20 and the vehicle 50.

[0062] In the next step 176, the first acquisition unit 42 determines whether the BLE-based connection with the vehicle 50 is successful. For example, a failure to connect to the vehicle 50 via BLE could be due to noise. If the determination in step 176 is negative, the digital key processing ends. In this case, the operation screen described later is not displayed on the touch panel 32 of the smartphone 20.

[0063] Furthermore, if the BLE-based connection with vehicle 50 is successful, the determination in step 176 is affirmed. For example, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, a screen including a message 100 indicating a successful connection is displayed on the touch panel 32, and then the process moves to step 178. In step 178, the first acquisition unit 42 receives switch information 86 from the digital key control ECU 70. The transmission of switch information 86 from the digital key control ECU 70 will be described later.

[0064] In the next step 180, the display control unit 44 determines whether the device (smartphone 20) is the owner's key by referring to the key identification information included in the digital key information 38 stored in the storage unit 26. If the determination in step 180 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 182. In step 182, the display control unit 44 determines, based on the switch information 86 received from the digital key control ECU 70, whether one or more switches 14 provided on the smart key 12 are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key 12.

[0065] As described above, the content of switch information 86 is empty in the initial state. Whenever switch 14 is operated in smart key 12, information about the operated switch 14 is added and stored. Therefore, if the content of switch information 86 received from digital key control ECU 70 is not empty, the determination in step 182 is affirmed and the process moves to step 184.

[0066] In step 184, the display control unit 44 generates an operation screen displaying icons corresponding to all the switches 14 included in the received switch information 86 as icons for controlling the vehicle 50. An example of the operation screen generated in step 184 is as follows... Figure 9 As shown.

[0067] Figure 9The operation screen 102 shown includes icons 104 for locking the doors of vehicle 50, 106 for unlocking the doors of vehicle 50, and 108 for opening the rear door of vehicle 50 as icons for controlling vehicle 50. Furthermore, the operation screen 102 also includes icons 110 for opening the right door of vehicle 50 and 112 for opening the left door of vehicle 50 as icons for controlling vehicle 50.

[0068] If step 184 has been performed, the process proceeds to step 192, in which the display control unit 44 causes the touch panel 32 to display the generated operation screen 102. Thus, the user (owner of the vehicle 50) holding the smartphone 20, which functions as the owner's key, can control the vehicle 50 via the operation screen 102, corresponding to the switch 14 previously operated in the smart key 12.

[0069] Furthermore, if the switch information 86 received from the digital key control ECU 70 is empty, the determination in step 182 is negated, and the process proceeds to step 186. In step 186, the display control unit 44 generates an operation screen 114 (see reference) that only displays an icon 104 for locking the doors of the vehicle 50 and an icon 106 for unlocking the doors of the vehicle 50 as icons for controlling the vehicle 50. Figure 10 In the operation screen 114, icon 104 is an example of the first icon of this disclosure, and icon 106 is an example of the second icon of this disclosure. If step 186 has been performed, the process moves to step 192, in which the display control unit 44 causes the touch panel 32 to display the generated operation screen 114.

[0070] Locking and unlocking the doors of vehicle 50 are common controls for all vehicles, regardless of their model, class, or option settings. Therefore, by displaying the operation screen 114, which includes icons 104 and 106, the user (owner of vehicle 50) can perform basic common controls on vehicle 50 even when the switch 14 in the smart key 12 is not activated.

[0071] Furthermore, if the device (smartphone 20) uses a shared key, the determination in step 180 is rejected, and the process proceeds to step 188. In step 188, the display control unit 44 retrieves the access permission information 40 included in the digital key information 38 from the storage unit 26. In step 190, the display control unit 44 generates an operation screen displaying an icon corresponding to the switch 14 included in the access permission information 40 (the switch 14 corresponding to the control of the vehicle 50 that has been accessed by the owner of the vehicle 50 using the shared key) as an icon for controlling the vehicle 50.

[0072] If step 188 has been performed, the process proceeds to step 192, in which the display control unit 44 causes the touch panel 32 to display the generated operation screen 114. Thus, in a smartphone 20 (which operates as a shared key) where control of the available vehicle is restricted, an appropriate operation screen can be displayed on the touch panel 32.

[0073] In step 194, the smartphone 20 determines whether an icon on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 32 has been touched. If the determination in step 194 is negative, proceed to step 196. In step 196, the smartphone 20 determines whether the BLE-based connection with the vehicle 50 has ended. If the determination in step 196 is also negative, return to step 194, and repeat steps 194 and 196 until either determination is positive.

[0074] If an icon displayed on the touch panel 32 is touched, the determination in step 194 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 198. In step 198, the smartphone 20 sends information about the touched icon on the operation screen to the vehicle 50 (digital key control ECU 70). Alternatively, if the BLE-based connection with the vehicle 50 ends, the determination in step 196 is affirmed, and the digital key processing terminates.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 7 The digital key control processing performed in the digital key control ECU 70 when a BLE signal is received from the smartphone 20 will be explained.

[0076] In step 210 of the digital key control process, the digital key control ECU 70 determines whether pairing with the smartphone 20 is complete. If the determination in step 210 is positive, the process proceeds to step 214; otherwise, if the determination in step 210 is negative, the process proceeds to step 212. Furthermore, in step 212, the digital key control ECU 70 performs pairing with the smartphone 20.

[0077] In the next step 214, the digital key control ECU 70 determines whether the BLE-based connection with the smartphone 20 is successful. A possible reason for a failed BLE-based connection with the smartphone 20 is noise. If the determination in step 214 is negative, the digital key control process ends. If the determination in step 214 is positive, the process proceeds to step 216.

[0078] In step 216, the second acquisition unit 88 reads the switch information 86 from the storage unit 76, and the transmission unit 90 transmits the switch information 86 acquired by the second acquisition unit 88 to the smartphone 20. The switch information 86 transmitted here... Figure 6 In step 178, it is received by smartphone 20.

[0079] In step 218, the digital key control ECU 70 determines whether it has received information from the smartphone 20 regarding a touched icon displayed on the touch panel 32. If the determination in step 218 is negative, the process proceeds to step 220, where the digital key control ECU 70 determines whether the BLE-based connection with the smartphone 20 has ended. If the determination in step 220 is also negative, the process returns to step 218, and steps 218 and 220 are repeated until either determination is positive.

[0080] If information indicating a touched icon is received from the smartphone 20, the determination in step 218 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 222. In step 222, the digital key control ECU 70 performs processing corresponding to the received icon information on the device in the vehicle equipment 94 that corresponds to the icon information received from the smartphone 20. Furthermore, if the BLE-based connection with the smartphone 20 terminates, the determination in step 220 is affirmed, and the digital key control processing ends.

[0081] As explained above, the smartphone 20 according to this embodiment can be used for controlling the vehicle 50. The first acquisition unit 42 acquires information about the switch 14 that has been operated in the smart key 12 corresponding to the vehicle 50. Furthermore, the display control unit 44 controls the display of an operation screen for controlling the vehicle 50 based on the information about the switch 14 acquired by the first acquisition unit 42. Thus, an appropriate operation screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle 50 can be displayed.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first acquisition unit 42 obtains information about the switch 14 by receiving it from the vehicle 50. Therefore, when the switch 14 is operated in the smart key 12, the first acquisition unit 42 can obtain information about the switch 14 from the vehicle 50 even if the smartphone 20 is not working.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the switch 14 in the smart key 12 is not operated, the display control unit 44 controls the display to show an operation screen including a first icon for locking the doors of the vehicle 50 and a second icon for unlocking the doors of the vehicle 50. Therefore, even when the switch 14 in the smart key 12 is not operated, the minimum common control of the vehicle 50 can still be performed.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the access permission information 40 for the control of the specified vehicle 50 allowed to be accessed in the smartphone 20 (shared key) is stored in the first storage unit 46. Additionally, the display control unit 44 controls the display of an operation screen including icons, which are icons corresponding to the control of the vehicle 50 allowed to be accessed by the access permission information stored in the first storage unit 46, corresponding to the control of the vehicle corresponding to the switch for which information has been obtained by the first acquisition unit 42. Thus, an appropriate operation screen can be displayed in the smartphone 20 (shared key) where the control of the accessible vehicle 50 is restricted.

[0085] Furthermore, for the vehicle 50 according to this embodiment, the second acquisition unit 88 acquires information about the switch 14 that has been operated in the corresponding smart key 12. In addition, in order to display an operation screen corresponding to the information about the switch 14 acquired by the second acquisition unit 88 on the smartphone 20, the transmission unit 90 transmits the information about the switch 14 to the smartphone 20. Thus, an appropriate operation screen corresponding to the corresponding vehicle 50 can be displayed. Furthermore, compared to the case where all controls that can be realized by the smart key 12, which vary for each vehicle 50, are pre-registered on the vehicle 50 side or the server side, the structure on the vehicle 50 side or the server side can be simplified.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second acquisition unit 88 includes a second storage unit 92, which stores information about the operated switch 14 whenever a switch 14 is operated in the corresponding smart key 12. The transmission unit 90 then transmits the information stored in the second storage unit 92 to the smartphone 20. Thus, even when multiple switches 14 are operated during a period of inactivity, information about all operated switches 14 can be accumulated and stored in the second storage unit 92 in the smart key 12.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the method by which the first acquisition unit 42 obtains the switch information 86 by receiving it from the vehicle 50 has been described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the switch 14 is operated in the smart key 12, a switch signal is sent from the smart key 12 to the vehicle 50 (corresponding to the ECU 56). The first acquisition unit 42 can obtain the switch information 86 by listening to the switch signal sent from the smart key 12 to the vehicle 50 (corresponding to the ECU 56). According to this method, the switch information 86 can be obtained without changing the structure on the vehicle 50 side.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a smartphone 20 was described as an example of the information processing apparatus according to this disclosure. However, the information processing apparatus according to this disclosure is not limited to the smartphone 20, where the touch panel 32 (display unit) for displaying the operation screen is housed in the same housing as the CPU 22, memory 24, non-volatile storage unit 26, etc. For example, in the information processing apparatus according to this disclosure, the display unit for displaying the operation screen can be independently provided from the housing housing housing the CPU 22, memory 24, non-volatile storage unit 26, etc. In this case, the display unit can be smart glasses or the like.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the communication between the smartphone 20 and the vehicle 50 (digital key control ECU 70) is described as BLE-compliant wireless communication. However, the wireless communication standard is not limited to BLE; it can also be a structure that performs wireless communication compliant with other standards such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the method of having empty content in the initial state of switch information 86 has been described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the initial state of switch information 86, switch information 86 may pre-store information on switch 14 for locking the door of vehicle 50 and switch 14 for unlocking the door of vehicle 50.

[0091] Furthermore, the foregoing description has illustrated an example of the information processing program involved in this disclosure, namely, the digital key application program 36, which is stored (installed) in the storage unit 26; and an example of the transmission program involved in this disclosure, namely, the comparison program 68; and the digital key control program 84, which is pre-stored in the storage units 60 and 76. However, at least one of the information processing program and the transmission program involved in this disclosure can also be provided in a manner that allows it to be recorded on non-temporary recording media such as HDDs, SSDs, and DVDs.

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of being used in the control of a vehicle, wherein, include: The first acquisition unit acquires information about switches that have been previously operated in the smart key corresponding to the vehicle. and The display control unit controls the display of an operation screen for controlling the vehicle, based on information about the switch obtained by the first acquisition unit. This operation screen displays information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the smart key. During the control of the display control unit, the information processing device is activated as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the operation screen, using switches that have been previously activated in the smart key. The display control unit determines whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. When the vehicle is in a state that has not been operated in the past, the display control unit generates an operation screen that only sets an icon for locking the vehicle door and an icon for unlocking the vehicle door as icons for controlling the vehicle.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first acquisition unit obtains information about the switch by receiving it from the vehicle.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first acquisition unit acquires information about the switch by listening to communications from the smart key to the vehicle that accompany the operation of the switch in the smart key.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The information processing device further includes a first storage unit that stores permission information, which specifies the control of the permitted vehicle within the information processing device. The display control unit controls the display to show an operation screen including an icon, which is the icon corresponding to the control of the vehicle whose control is enabled by the access permission information stored in the first storage unit, corresponding to the switch whose information has been obtained by the first acquisition unit.

5. A vehicle, wherein, include: The second acquisition unit acquires information about the operated switch whenever the switch is operated in the corresponding smart key and stores it in the second storage unit. and The transmitting unit sends information about the switches stored in the second storage unit to the information processing device in order to display an operation screen in the information processing device that shows information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key. When the information processing device displays an operation screen showing information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key, the information processing device is activated as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the operation screen corresponding to the switches previously operated in the smart key. In the control, it is determined whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. In a state that has not been operated in the past, an operation screen is generated that only has icons for locking the vehicle doors and icons for unlocking the vehicle doors as icons for controlling the vehicle.

6. An information processing method, wherein, The information processing method performs the following processing via a first computer, the processing including: Retrieve information about switches that have been previously activated in the smart key associated with the vehicle. The control is based on the obtained information about the switches to display an operation screen that shows information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the smart key, which is used to control the vehicle's information processing device. In this control system, the information processing device functions as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the user interface, using switches that have been previously activated in the smart key. In the control, it is determined whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. In a state that has not been operated in the past, an operation screen is generated that only has icons for locking the vehicle doors and icons for unlocking the vehicle doors as icons for controlling the vehicle.

7. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a first computer to perform information processing, wherein, The information processing includes: Retrieve information about switches that have been previously activated in the smart key associated with the vehicle. The control is based on the obtained information about the switches to display an operation screen that shows information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the smart key, which is used to control the vehicle's information processing device. In this control system, the information processing device functions as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the user interface, using switches that have been previously activated in the smart key. In the control, it is determined whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. In a state that has not been operated in the past, an operation screen is generated that only has icons for locking the vehicle doors and icons for unlocking the vehicle doors as icons for controlling the vehicle.

8. A method for sending, wherein, The transmission method performs the following processing via a second computer mounted in the vehicle: Whenever the switch is activated in the corresponding smart key, information about the activated switch is obtained and stored in the second storage unit. In order to display an operation screen in the information processing device that shows information corresponding to the switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key, the information of the switches stored in the second storage unit is sent to the information processing device. When the information processing device displays an operation screen showing information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key, the information processing device is activated as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the operation screen corresponding to the switches previously operated in the smart key. In the control, it is determined whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. In a state that has not been operated in the past, an operation screen is generated that only has icons for locking the vehicle doors and icons for unlocking the vehicle doors as icons for controlling the vehicle.

9. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a second computer mounted in a vehicle to perform transmission processing, wherein... The sending process includes: Whenever the switch is activated in the corresponding smart key, information about the activated switch is obtained and stored in the second storage unit. In order to display an operation screen in the information processing device that shows information corresponding to the switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key, the information of the switches stored in the second storage unit is sent to the information processing device. When the information processing device displays an operation screen showing information corresponding to switches that have been previously operated in the corresponding smart key, the information processing device is activated as a digital key, allowing the vehicle owner to control the vehicle via the operation screen corresponding to the switches previously operated in the smart key. In the control, it is determined whether one or more switches installed on the smart key are in a state that has been previously operated in the smart key. In a state that has not been operated in the past, an operation screen is generated that only has icons for locking the vehicle doors and icons for unlocking the vehicle doors as icons for controlling the vehicle.

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