Vehicle control method and vehicle control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle control method and a vehicle control device. When the vehicle movement control is performed based on the operation of a terminal device located outside the vehicle, the method receives a first signal from the terminal device indicating that a first button of the terminal device has been pressed, and based on the receipt of the first signal, unlocks the vehicle door and enters a state where the vehicle movement control is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle control method and a vehicle control device. Background Art

[0002] An invention related to a terminal device having a plurality of operating buttons for sending parking control-related signals such as a parking start signal for starting parking control and a parking stop signal for stopping parking control to a parking control unit mounted on a vehicle and performing parking control based on signals from the outside is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japan) Patent Publication No. 2019-97078 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, in addition to the door lock button and the door unlock button, a parking start button for sending a parking start signal and a parking stop button for sending a parking stop signal are added to the terminal device. Therefore, as the function of sending signals related to the parking control of the vehicle is added to the terminal device, there is a problem that the number of buttons of the terminal device increases and the manufacturing cost of the terminal device increases.

[0008] The present invention is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle control method and a vehicle control device, which can suppress the increase in the number of keys of a terminal device and can add a function of sending signals related to the parking control of the vehicle in the terminal device.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] When a vehicle control method and a vehicle control device of one embodiment of the present invention control the movement of a vehicle based on the operation of a terminal device located outside the vehicle, the vehicle receives a first signal from the terminal device indicating that a first button of the terminal device has been pressed, and based on the reception of the first signal, unlocks the vehicle door, thereby achieving a state in which movement control of the vehicle is allowed.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of keys of a terminal device and to add a function of transmitting a signal related to parking control of a vehicle to the terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the vehicle control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of buttons of a terminal device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] [Structure of vehicle control device]

[0018] Reference Figure 1 , a configuration example of a vehicle control device according to the present embodiment will be described. The vehicle control device 1 is mounted on a vehicle having a parking assist function for assisting entry into or exit from a parking space, for example.

[0019] Using the parking assistance function of the vehicle, after calculating the entry route of the selected parking space, the user gets off the vehicle holding the terminal device, and the user continuously sends execution instructions to the vehicle through the terminal device, thereby moving the vehicle into the parking space. Conversely, the user continuously sends execution instructions to the vehicle through the terminal device, thereby moving the vehicle out of the parking space along the exit route of the selected parking space.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle control device 1 includes a receiving unit 10 and a controller 20. In addition, the vehicle control device 1 is connected to a steering actuator 30, an accelerator pedal actuator 31, a brake actuator 32, and a door lock mechanism 40 of the vehicle.

[0021] In addition, the vehicle control device 1 is connected to a terminal device 60 located outside the vehicle through wireless communication. The terminal device 60 may be a portable terminal operated by a user, or a smart key that locks and unlocks the vehicle through the door locking mechanism 40.

[0022] It should be noted that if Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 60 has an unlock button 61 (first button). When the user presses the unlock button 61, the terminal device 60 sends an unlock signal (first signal).

[0023] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the terminal device 60 may also have a lock button 63 (second button) as a button different from the unlock button 61. When the user presses the lock button 63, the terminal device 60 sends a lock signal (second signal).

[0024] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 60 may also have a third button for specifying the direction of vehicle movement. Figure 3 In the example, the forward button 65 and the reverse button 67 are equivalent to the third button. When the user presses the forward button 65, the terminal device 60 sends a forward signal indicating that the vehicle should move forward. In addition, when the user presses the reverse button 67, the terminal device 60 sends a reverse signal indicating that the vehicle should move backward. The forward signal and the reverse signal are both recorded as the third signal.

[0025] It should be noted that if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a lock button 63 may be arranged between the unlock button 61 and the third button (forward button 65, back button 67). More specifically, when the unlock button 61, the lock button 63, the forward button 65, and the back button 67 are arranged in one direction, the unlock button 61 may be arranged in the arrangement direction ( Figure 3 the outermost side of the vertical direction).

[0026] This can prevent the unlock button 61 and the forward button 65 from being accidentally pressed simultaneously by the same finger, or the unlock button 61 and the backward button 67 from being accidentally pressed simultaneously.

[0027] The receiving unit 10 receives signals (first signal, second signal, third signal) transmitted from the terminal device 60 , and transmits the signals to the controller 20 .

[0028] The terminal device 60 may send signals by long-wave or ultra-short-wave radio waves, or may send signals by infrared rays. In addition, the terminal device 60 and the receiving unit 10 may send and receive signals by using mobile communication functions such as 4G / LTE or 5G.

[0029] The controller 20 is a general-purpose computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a storage device, an input / output unit, and the like.

[0030] A computer program (vehicle control program) for functioning as the vehicle control device 1 is installed in the controller 20. By executing the computer program, the controller 20 functions as a plurality of information processing circuits included in the vehicle control device 1.

[0031] It should be noted that, although the example of implementing the multiple information processing circuits of the vehicle control device 1 by software is shown here, it is of course also possible to prepare dedicated hardware for executing various information processing as shown below to constitute the information processing circuit. In addition, multiple information processing circuits can also be constituted by independent hardware.

[0032] The controller 20 includes a determination unit 21 , a storage unit 23 , and an output unit 25 .

[0033] The determination unit 21 determines the reception status of various signals by referring to the signal transmitted from the terminal device 60 and received via the receiving unit 10. The determination unit 21 determines whether an unlock signal indicating that the unlock button 61 has been pressed has been received. When it is determined that the unlock signal has been received, the determination unit 21 generates a signal to unlock the door lock mechanism 40.

[0034] In addition, when it is determined that the unlock signal has been received, the determination unit 21 sets the vehicle to a state where movement control is permitted (permitted state). It should be noted that the permitted state may also be set when the door lock mechanism 40 is in the unlock state and the unlock signal has been received. Even in this case, the vehicle is in a state where movement control is permitted (permitted state) because the door lock mechanism 40 is in the unlock state when the unlock signal is received.

[0035] Among the states set for the vehicle, there are two states: a state in which movement control is allowed (permitted state) and a state in which movement control is prohibited (prohibited state). For example, in the permitted state, parking assistance for the vehicle is allowed based on the operation of the terminal device 60 located outside the vehicle. On the other hand, in the prohibited state, parking assistance for the vehicle based on the operation of the terminal device 60 is prohibited.

[0036] In addition, when the determination unit 21 determines that the unlock signal is continuously received, the determination unit 21 may also set the vehicle to be in the permitted state. More specifically, the determination unit 21 determines whether the unlock signal indicating that the unlock button 61 has been pressed is continuously received for more than a predetermined time, and when it is determined that the unlock signal is continuously received for more than a predetermined time, the vehicle may also be set to be in the permitted state.

[0037] Furthermore, the determination unit 21 may determine whether a lock signal indicating that the lock button 63 has been pressed has been received. When it is determined that the lock signal has been received, the determination unit 21 generates a signal for locking the door lock mechanism 40.

[0038] Furthermore, when it is determined that the locking signal is received, the determination unit 21 sets the vehicle to a state where movement control is prohibited (prohibited state). It should be noted that the door locking mechanism 40 may be in the prohibited state when it is in the locked state.

[0039] In addition, the determination unit 21 may determine whether a third signal is received together with the unlock signal (first signal). Then, when the vehicle is in the permitted state and it is determined that the third signal is received together with the unlock signal (first signal), a movement control signal is generated to move the vehicle in a movement direction corresponding to the third signal.

[0040] For example, if it is determined that a forward signal has been received, the determination unit 21 may generate a forward control signal instructing the vehicle to move forward. If it is determined that a reverse signal has been received, the determination unit 21 may generate a reverse control signal instructing the vehicle to move backward.

[0041] For example, in the case of a vehicle having a parking assist function for assisting entry into or exit from a parking space, a route for entry into or exit from a parking space is calculated in advance, and a movement control signal is generated for moving the vehicle forward or backward on the route.

[0042] In addition, the determination unit 21 may determine that the third signal has not been received. Then, when it is determined that the third signal has not been received, a stop signal for stopping the vehicle may be generated.

[0043] The storage unit 23 stores the state set for the vehicle. More specifically, it stores whether the vehicle has been set to the permitted state or the prohibited state by the determination unit 21.

[0044] The output unit 25 outputs various signals generated by the determination unit 21. For example, the output unit 25 outputs to the door lock mechanism 40 a signal for unlocking the lock of the door lock mechanism 40 and a signal for locking the lock of the door lock mechanism 40.

[0045] In addition, the output unit 25 outputs the movement control signal generated by the determination unit 21 for moving the vehicle in the movement direction corresponding to the third signal to the steering actuator 30 and the accelerator pedal actuator 31. In addition, the output unit 25 outputs the stop signal generated by the determination unit 21 for stopping the vehicle to the brake actuator 32.

[0046] [Processing flow of vehicle control device]

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 2 The processing flow of the vehicle control device 1 of this embodiment is described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 2 The process shown in the flowchart. It should be noted that Figure 2 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , an example is described in which the state is set to the permission state when the determination unit 21 determines that the unlock signal is continuously received.

[0048] In step S101 , the receiving unit 10 receives a signal from the terminal device 60 and transmits the received signal to the controller 20 .

[0049] In step S103 , the determination unit 21 determines whether a lock signal indicating that the lock button 63 has been pressed has been received.

[0050] When the locking signal is received (YES in step S103), in step S121, the determination unit 21 locks the vehicle door via the door locking mechanism 40. Then, in step S123, the determination unit 21 sets the vehicle to be in a state of prohibiting movement control (prohibited state). Figure 2 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0051] On the other hand, when the lock signal has not been received (NO in step S103 ), in step S105 , the determination unit 21 determines whether an unlock signal indicating that the unlock button 61 has been pressed has been received.

[0052] If the unlock signal is not received (NO in step S105), the process ends. Figure 2 On the other hand, when an unlock signal is received (in the case of YES in step S105), in step S107, the determination unit 21 generates a signal to unlock the door lock of the door lock mechanism 40, and unlocks the vehicle door via the door lock mechanism 40.

[0053] In step S109 , the determination unit 21 determines whether the unlock signal is continuously being received.

[0054] When it is determined that the unlock signal is continuously received (YES in step S109 ), the determination unit 21 sets the vehicle to be in the permission state in step S111 . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115 .

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the unlock signal is not continuously received (NO in step S109), in step S131, the determination unit 21 determines whether the vehicle is in the permitted state. If the vehicle is not in the permitted state but in the prohibited state (NO in step S131), the process ends. Figure 2 When the vehicle is in the permitted state (YES in step S131), the process proceeds to step S115.

[0056] In step S115, the determination unit 21 determines whether a forward signal is received together with the unlock signal. If it is determined that a forward signal is received (if the answer is YES in step S115), in step S141, the determination unit 21 generates a forward control signal instructing the vehicle to move forward, and controls the vehicle to move forward. Figure 2 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that the forward signal is not received (NO in step S115), the determination unit 21 determines in step S117 whether a reverse signal is received together with the unlock signal. If it is determined that a reverse signal is received (YES in step S117), the determination unit 21 generates a reverse control signal instructing the vehicle to reverse in step S151, and controls the vehicle to reverse. Then, the process ends. Figure 2 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0058] If it is determined that neither the forward signal nor the reverse signal has been received (NO in step S117), the process ends. Figure 2 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0059] [Effects of Embodiment]

[0060] As described in detail above, when the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of this embodiment perform movement control of the vehicle based on the operation of a terminal device located outside the vehicle, the vehicle receives a first signal from the terminal device indicating that a first button of the terminal device has been pressed, and based on the reception of the first signal, the vehicle doors are unlocked, thereby achieving a state in which movement control of the vehicle is allowed.

[0061] Thus, the user can instruct the unlocking of the vehicle door and the permission of the movement control of the vehicle by only pressing the first button of the terminal device. Therefore, the increase in the number of buttons of the terminal device can be suppressed, and the parking control function of the vehicle can be added to the terminal device. More specifically, there is no need to reset the button for allowing the movement control of the vehicle separately from the button for unlocking the vehicle door. Therefore, the increase in the manufacturing cost of the terminal device can be suppressed, and the terminal device can be miniaturized. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0062] In addition, when executing the above-mentioned control of the movement control of the vehicle based on the operation of a terminal device located outside the vehicle, it is usually executed on the condition that the vehicle doors are unlocked. However, since the vehicle doors are unlocked based on the reception of the first signal and the vehicle is in a state where movement control is allowed, the user can unlock the vehicle by only operating the first button to enter a state where movement control is allowed, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0063] In addition, the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment can unlock the doors of the vehicle based on the reception of the first signal that is less than the prescribed time, and can be in a state where movement control is allowed for the vehicle based on the reception of the first signal that continues within the prescribed time. Thus, when the time for pressing the first button of the terminal device is short, only the doors of the vehicle can be unlocked, and when the time for pressing the first button of the terminal device is long, the movement control of the vehicle can be permitted. As a result, the user can distinguish the content of the instruction according to the length of time the first button of the terminal device is pressed. Therefore, there is no need to separately set a button for unlocking the doors of the vehicle and a button for putting the vehicle in a state where movement control is allowed, and only the doors of the vehicle can be unlocked according to the length of time the user presses the first button. Therefore, the increase in the number of buttons of the terminal device can be suppressed without sacrificing the convenience of the user.

[0064] In addition, the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment may also receive a second signal indicating that a second button has been pressed from a terminal device having a second button different from the first button, and enter a state of prohibiting movement control of the vehicle based on the reception of the second signal. Thus, the user can instruct prohibition of movement control of the vehicle by only pressing the second button of the terminal device.

[0065] In addition, the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment can also lock the vehicle doors based on the reception of the second signal. Thus, the user can instruct the locking of the vehicle doors and the prohibition of the vehicle movement control by only pressing the second button of the terminal device. Therefore, the increase in the number of buttons of the terminal device can be suppressed, and the parking control function of the vehicle can be added to the terminal device. More specifically, there is no need to reset the button for prohibiting the movement control of the vehicle separately from the button for locking the vehicle doors. Therefore, the increase in the manufacturing cost of the terminal device can be suppressed, and the miniaturization of the terminal device can be achieved. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0066] In addition, when the movement control of the vehicle is performed based on the operation of the terminal device located outside the vehicle, it is usually performed under the condition that the vehicle door is unlocked. Therefore, when the user enters a state where the movement control of the vehicle is prohibited by operating the second button, the user's convenience is not impaired even if the vehicle door is locked at the same time.

[0067] In addition, the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment may also receive a third signal indicating that the third button has been pressed from a terminal device having a third button for specifying the moving direction of the vehicle, and move the vehicle in the moving direction corresponding to the third signal only when the vehicle movement control is allowed and the first signal and the third signal are received together. Thus, the user can indicate the moving direction of the vehicle by pressing the first button and the third button at the same time. Therefore, the increase in the number of buttons of the terminal device can be suppressed, and the parking control function of the vehicle can be added to the terminal device, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0068] In addition, in the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment, a second button may be arranged between the first button and the third button of the terminal device. Thus, it is possible to prevent the first button and the third button of the terminal device from being pressed simultaneously with the same finger, thereby suppressing the erroneous simultaneous pressing. As a result, the user's unintentional vehicle movement control is suppressed.

[0069] It should be noted that, although simultaneous pressing of the first button and the second button, and simultaneous pressing of the second button and the third button are not suppressed, in any simultaneous pressing, the second button is pressed. Therefore, the vehicle doors are locked and the vehicle movement control is prohibited. As a result, the vehicle movement control that is not intended by the user can be suppressed.

[0070] In addition, in the vehicle control method and the vehicle control device of the present embodiment, the first button, the second button, and the third button of the terminal device are arranged in one direction, and the first button is arranged at the outermost side in the arrangement direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent the first button and the third button of the terminal device from being pressed simultaneously by mistake.

[0071] Each function described in the above embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors or electronic circuits, and also devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or circuit components configured to perform the functions.

[0072] The above describes the contents of the present invention according to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above description, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made. The discussion and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art should understand various alternative embodiments, examples, and application technologies.

[0073] The present invention naturally includes various embodiments not mentioned here, etc. Therefore, according to the above description, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the invention-specified matters of the appropriate patent rights.

[0074] Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 vehicle control device; 10 receiving unit; 20 controller; 21 determination unit; 23 storage unit; 25 output unit; 30 steering actuator; 31 accelerator pedal actuator; 32 brake actuator; 40 door locking mechanism; 60 terminal device; 61 unlock button (first button); 63 lock button (second button); 65 forward button (third button); 67 reverse button (third button).

Claims

1. A vehicle control method, comprising: controlling the movement of the vehicle based on an operation of a terminal device located outside the vehicle, wherein the terminal device has a single first button, The vehicle control method is characterized in that a first signal indicating that the first button has been pressed is received from the terminal device, Based on the reception of the first signal indicating that the first button has been pressed, the door of the vehicle is unlocked, and then the movement control of the vehicle is allowed based on the operation of the terminal device.

2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the reception of the first signal when the first button is pressed for less than a specified time, the door of the vehicle is unlocked, and based on the reception of the first signal when the first button is pressed for more than the specified time, the movement control of the vehicle is allowed.

3. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal device has a second button different from the first button, receiving a second signal from the terminal device indicating that the second button has been pressed, Based on the reception of the second signal, the movement control of the vehicle is prohibited.

4. The vehicle control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Based on the receipt of the second signal, the vehicle door is locked.

5. The vehicle control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The terminal device has a third button for designating a moving direction of the vehicle, receiving a third signal from the terminal device indicating that the third button has been pressed, Only when the movement control of the vehicle is permitted and both the first signal and the third signal are received, the vehicle is moved in the movement direction corresponding to the third signal.

6. A vehicle control device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a signal from a terminal device located outside the vehicle; a controller for controlling movement of the vehicle based on the signal; The terminal device has a single first button, The receiving unit receives a first signal indicating that the first button has been pressed from the terminal device, The vehicle control device is characterized in that The controller unlocks the door of the vehicle based on receipt of the first signal indicating that the first button has been pressed, and then enters a state in which the movement control is permitted for the vehicle based on the operation of the terminal device.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller unlocks the door of the vehicle based on the receipt of the first signal when the first button is pressed for less than a specified time, and allows the movement control of the vehicle based on the receipt of the first signal when the first button is pressed for more than the specified time.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The terminal device has a second button different from the first button, The receiving unit receives a second signal indicating that the second button has been pressed from the terminal device, The controller is set to a state of prohibiting the movement control of the vehicle based on the reception of the second signal.

9. The vehicle control device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The controller locks the vehicle door based on receipt of the second signal.

10. The vehicle control device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The terminal device has a third button for designating a moving direction of the vehicle, The receiving unit receives a third signal indicating that the third button has been pressed from the terminal device, The controller moves the vehicle in the movement direction corresponding to the third signal only when the movement control of the vehicle is permitted and the controller receives both the first signal and the third signal.

11. The vehicle control device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second button is arranged between the first button and the third button.

12. The vehicle control device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The first button, the second button, and the third button are arranged in one direction, and the first button is arranged at the outermost side in the arrangement direction.

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