Control device and control system

Abstract

To prevent theft of a vehicle without much cost.SOLUTION: In a control system 100, a drive device 2 of a vehicle 1 is configured to be started by performing start operation when a prescribed condition is satisfied, a control device 10 includes a control part 11 capable of setting the start of the drive device 2 to be either possible or impossible, and an application displays the possibility of the start of the drive device 2 on the screen of a communication terminal 20, in response to a signal from the control device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a function (immobilizer) that prevents the engine from starting unless an ID set on the vehicle side and an ID set on the key side match (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-095212 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in vehicles equipped with the above-mentioned functions, there was a problem in that if the vehicle's ID was rewritten using a device called an immobilizer cutter, it would be possible to start the engine by registering the rewritten ID on an unauthorized key.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a control device and a control system that can prevent vehicle theft without incurring too much cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device in one embodiment is a control device mounted on a vehicle and is equipped with a control unit that can set the startup of a drive device of the vehicle, which is configured to be started by a startup operation being performed when certain conditions are met, to either possible or impossible, and when startup of the drive device is set to impossible, the control unit prevents the startup of the drive device even if the startup operation is performed when the certain conditions are met.

[0007] A control system according to one embodiment is a control system including a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used in a communication terminal, the control device being configured to be capable of starting a drive device of the vehicle by performing a start-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control device including a control unit capable of setting the start-up of the drive device to be either possible or impossible, A control method according to one embodiment comprises a process A in which a control device mounted on a vehicle having a drive unit that is started by a start-up operation when certain conditions are satisfied sets the start-up of the drive unit to either possible or impossible, and a process B in which a communication terminal whose validity has been confirmed by the control device displays, in response to a signal from the control device, whether or not the drive unit can be started. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device and a control system that can prevent vehicle theft without incurring a large cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the vehicle 1 on which the control device 10 according to the first embodiment is mounted. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display by an application installed in the communication terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 1 equipped with a control device 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an application to display a pop-up. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an application to display a pop-up. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an application to display a pop-up. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions are different from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated.

[0011] (First embodiment) A control system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The control system 100 according to this embodiment is configured for the purpose of preventing the vehicle 1 from being theft.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system 100 according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a vehicle 1 equipped with a control device 10 according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display by an application installed in a communication terminal 20 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a control system 100 according to this embodiment includes a control device 10 mounted on a vehicle 1, a communication terminal 20, and a server 30.

[0014] In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 may be a vehicle having an engine (internal combustion engine), or may be any type of vehicle, such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), or an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle).

[0015] Furthermore, vehicle 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle that can be driven by wheels, caterpillars, or the like (including, for example, construction machinery and agricultural machinery), and in addition to a normal four-wheeled vehicle, it may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or a six-wheeled vehicle.

[0016] Vehicle 1 may also include a vehicle capable of unmanned driving by remote control (Level 4: fully autonomous driving under specific conditions, Level 5: fully autonomous driving).

[0017] A mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone is assumed as the communication terminal 20. Although the configuration of the communication terminal 20 is not specifically illustrated, it has, for example, a CPU that executes applications downloaded from the server 30 and controls execution of communications via short-range communication, WiFi, mobile phone line communication, etc., a screen that displays the execution contents of the applications, a GPS that detects position information, an input unit that accepts user input, a speaker that outputs sound, etc.

[0018] 1, a vehicle 1 is equipped with a drive unit 2 and a control unit 10. In addition, the vehicle 1 is equipped with other electrical devices such as headlights, a car stereo, and an air conditioner, electronic devices such as various ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and TCUs (Telematics Control Units), various harnesses, and the like.

[0019] The drive device 2 is configured to be able to be started by a start-up operation being performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0020] Here, the drive device 2 may be the above-mentioned engine, or in the case of an EV, HEV, PHV, FCV, or the like, may be a motor.

[0021] For example, the predetermined condition may be that the shift lever is in the parking range, that the brake is depressed, etc. The predetermined condition may also include that an encryption key held by the vehicle-mounted device 10A described later matches an encryption key in an application described later, that the communication terminal 20 is inside the vehicle 1, that the distance between the vehicle 1 and the communication terminal 20 is within a certain range, etc.

[0022] In addition, startup operations may include the driver inserting and turning a key, pressing a start switch, or pressing a button on an application (digital key) installed on a smartphone serving as communication terminal 20.

[0023] The control device 10 includes a control unit 11 that can set the start of the drive device 2 to either enabled or disabled.

[0024] Here, the control device 10 may be an on-board device 10A mounted on the vehicle 1 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be built into an ECU 10B as shown in FIG. 5 for explaining the second embodiment described later.

[0025] In this embodiment, the control device 10 is an in-vehicle device 10A mounted on a vehicle 1.

[0026] The vehicle-mounted device 10A is an electronic device installed in the vehicle 1, and has a communication function for communicating with the server 30, the communication terminal 20, and the like via a wireless network.

[0027] For example, one vehicle-mounted device 10A is installed in one vehicle 1. The vehicle-mounted device 10A may be installed anywhere in the vehicle 1 as long as the vehicle 1 can be controlled by the vehicle-mounted device 10A.

[0028] When the vehicle-mounted device 10A is installed later, it can be placed in a place where the installation work is easy, such as inside the instrument panel. Also, from the viewpoint of theft prevention, the vehicle-mounted device 10A can be placed in a place where it is difficult to remove, such as the lower part of the engine room. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 10A can be built in the vehicle 1 when it is manufactured.

[0029] The vehicle-mounted device 10A is configured to be able to collect vehicle information about the vehicle 1 in which it is installed.

[0030] Here, the vehicle information preferably includes the position of the shift lever, detection information indicating whether the brake is being depressed or not, and vehicle position information obtained by GPS.

[0031] The vehicle-mounted device 10A may be configured to transmit the collected vehicle information to the server 30 via a wireless network, and to receive a control signal from the server 30 via the wireless network.

[0032] The vehicle-mounted device 10A is configured to be able to control the vehicle 1 based on such control signals, etc. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 10A has a control function for controlling the start-up of the drive device 2 (engine, motor, etc.) based on such control signals, etc.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle-mounted device 10A includes a harness 11A as the control unit 11 that can set the start of the drive unit 2 to either enabled or disabled.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, a signal line S1 indicating a predetermined condition, a signal line S2 indicating a start operation, and a signal line S3 indicating whether or not start is possible are connected to the harness 11A.

[0035] Here, the harness 11A receives, via the signal line S1, a signal indicating whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0036] Furthermore, the harness 11A receives a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed via the signal line S2.

[0037] Furthermore, the harness 11A can set the start of the drive unit 2 to be enabled or disabled according to a signal received via the signal line S3. Here, the signal line S3 is connected to the above-mentioned communication function. The signal received via the signal line S3 is a signal for remote control sent by the communication terminal 20 or the server 30.

[0038] The harness 11A is configured to prevent the start of the drive unit 2 when the start of the drive unit 2 is set to be disabled, even if a start operation is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0039] That is, even if the harness 11A receives a signal indicating that the predetermined condition is satisfied via the signal line S1 and receives a signal indicating that a start operation has been performed via the signal line S2, if the start of the drive device 2 is set to be disabled, the harness 11A is configured to prevent the start unit 3 from transmitting at least one of the signal indicating that the predetermined condition is satisfied and the signal indicating that a start operation has been performed. For example, such a transmission prevention may be realized by a relay or the like. Here, the relay may be a mechanical relay or an electronic relay. As a result, the start unit 3 cannot start the drive device 2.

[0040] On the other hand, when the harness 11A receives a signal indicating that the predetermined condition is satisfied via the signal line S1 and receives a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed via the signal line S2, if start-up of the drive device 2 is set possible, the harness 11A is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the predetermined condition is satisfied and a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed to the start-up unit 3. In such a case, the start-up unit 3 is configured to start the drive device 2 based on the signal indicating that the predetermined condition is satisfied and the signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed.

[0041] When the harness 11A receives a signal indicating that the predetermined condition is not satisfied via the signal line S1 and a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed via the signal line S2, and the drive device 2 is set to be startable, the harness 11A is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the predetermined condition is not satisfied and a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed to the start-up unit 3. In this case, the start-up unit 3 cannot start the drive device 2 even if it receives a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed in response to the signal indicating that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication terminal 20 is configured to be able to display installed applications.

[0043] For example, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display as shown in FIG. 3(a) when the application is not monitoring the vehicle 1, and to display as shown in FIG. 3(b) when the application is monitoring the vehicle 1.

[0044] In other words, the application is configured to cause the communication terminal 20 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 3(a) when it is possible to start the drive unit 2, and to cause the communication terminal 20 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 3(b) when it is not possible to start the drive unit 2.

[0045] When a user of the communication terminal 20 presses the "remote control switch" while the display in Figure 3(a) is being displayed, the application sends a control signal to the control device 10 via the communication terminal 20, and the control unit 11 of the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 to be unable to be started in response to the control signal received via signal line S3.

[0046] That is, the control unit 11 may be configured to switch the setting of whether or not to start the drive device 2 in response to a control signal from the communication terminal 20.

[0047] In addition, when the user presses the "remote control switch," the application may recognize the user's pressing operation and, for example, blink the "remote control switch" or display a pop-up message saying "Start-up disabled." This allows the user to confirm that the "start-up disabled" setting has been made by his or her own operation.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may automatically set the activation of the drive unit 2 to be disabled when the communication terminal 20 moves away from the vehicle 1 by a predetermined distance or more.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may disable the activation of the drive device 2 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0050] For example, the control unit 11 may automatically disable the startup of the drive unit 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the communication terminal 20 left the vehicle, or may automatically disable the startup of the drive unit 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the key was locked, or may automatically disable the startup of the drive unit 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the engine was turned off, or may automatically disable the startup of the drive unit 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the user left the seat.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured not to automatically disable the activation of the drive unit 2 when the drive unit 2 is on, even if the communication terminal 20 is away from the vehicle by a predetermined distance or more. This makes it possible to prevent the drive unit 2 from being disabled from being activated when the driver temporarily leaves the vehicle.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to automatically switch the start-up of the drive unit 2 to enabled when the communication terminal 20 approaches within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 1 while the start-up of the drive unit 2 is set to disabled.

[0053] In addition, when payment of a car loan or lease for the vehicle 1 is delayed, the server 30 may be configured to send the above-mentioned control signal to the vehicle-mounted device 10A to prevent the drive unit 2 from being driven, and when such payment is confirmed, to enable the drive unit 2 to be driven by the above-mentioned control signal.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to give priority to the control signal transmitted by the server 30 when there is a conflict between a control signal transmitted by the communication terminal 20 based on a user operation and a control signal transmitted by the server 30.

[0055] For example, in a state where the control unit 11 has set the start of the drive unit 2 as not possible based on the control signal transmitted by the server 30 due to a delay in the payment of a car loan or lease for the vehicle (i.e., a state where the display of FIG. 3(b) is being performed), the application may be configured to ignore a user's operation for setting the start of the drive unit 2 as possible (i.e., an operation of pressing "Cancel"). In such a case, the application may be configured to display a pop-up message saying "Start-up not possible" indicating that the server 30 has set the start of the drive unit 2 as not possible.

[0056] In addition, the application may be configured so that the user cannot press “Cancel” when startup of the drive unit 2 is set to be prohibited (i.e., when the display in FIG. 3(b) is being displayed).

[0057] When the change in the settings is completed, the control device 10 transmits a signal indicating the completion of the change to the communication terminal 20. In response to the signal, the communication terminal 20 switches the display from that of Fig. 3(a) to that of Fig. 3(b).

[0058] The application may be configured to start monitoring the vehicle 1 at this timing.

[0059] On the other hand, when the user of the communication terminal 20 presses "Cancel" while the display in Figure 3(b) is being displayed, the application sends a signal to the control device 10 via the communication terminal 20, and the control unit 11 of the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 to be capable of being started in response to the signal received via the signal line S3.

[0060] That is, the control unit 11 may be configured to switch the setting of whether or not to start the drive device 2 in response to a control signal from the communication terminal 20.

[0061] When the change in the settings is completed, the control device 10 transmits a signal indicating the completion of the change to the communication terminal 20. In response to the signal, the communication terminal 20 switches the display from that of Fig. 3(b) to that of Fig. 3(a).

[0062] The application may be configured to end monitoring of the vehicle 1 at this timing.

[0063] That is, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display whether or not the drive device 2 can be started in response to a signal from the control device 10.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 3, the communication terminal 20 is configured to display whether or not the drive device 2 can be started by the display method (eg, color, etc.) of the "remote control switch" and "release."

[0065] Furthermore, the communication terminal 20 may be configured to display whether or not the drive device 2 can be started by an alarm or vibration.

[0066] In addition, if there is a change in the setting regarding whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started on the control unit 10 side, the control unit 10 transmits a signal indicating such change to the communication terminal 20, and the communication terminal 20 is configured to display whether or not the drive unit 2 can be started in response to the signal from the control unit 10.

[0067] According to the above-described configuration, the user can check whether or not the drive device 2 can be started by looking at the display of the communication terminal 20. As a result, when the user is away from the vehicle 1, the user can easily check whether or not the vehicle 1 has been monitored.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above-described configuration, the user can use the communication terminal 20 to easily switch the setting of whether or not the drive device 2 can be started.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to set the start of the drive device 2 to be impossible when it detects that the communication terminal 20 is outside a predetermined area.

[0070] For example, when the application is monitoring vehicle 1 (the state of FIG. 3(b)), it may be configured to monitor the distance between vehicle 1 (control device 10) and communication terminal 20, and if it detects that communication terminal 20 is outside a specified area, to notify the control device 10 of this via communication terminal 20.

[0071] Here, for example, the predetermined area may be a parking lot at home, a designated and registered location, or a location that has been visited several times or more.

[0072] For example, such an application may detect that the communication terminal 20 is outside a specified area when the vehicle 1 and the communication terminal 20 are outside the range of short-range wireless communication, or when the distance between the GPS location information of the vehicle 1 and the GPS location information of the communication terminal 20 becomes greater than a specified distance.

[0073] According to this configuration, even if the user forgets to set the drive unit 2 to be unable to be started when leaving the vehicle 1, the drive unit 2 can be automatically set to be unable to be started, which is more effective in preventing theft of the vehicle 1.

[0074] The application may be configured to constantly monitor the distance between the vehicle 1 (control device 10) and the communication terminal 20, and may be configured to automatically set the start of the drive device 2 to be disabled, as described above.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 of the detection of vibration when the control unit 11 detects vibration.

[0076] In such a case, when the application is monitoring vehicle 1 (the state of FIG. 3(b)), if it receives such a notification, it may be configured to notify the user of the same in a predetermined manner (such as an alarm notification, a flashing display, or a pop-up display on communication terminal 20).

[0077] With this configuration, the user can instantly detect when a window has been broken, when the vehicle is being stolen by a tow truck or other loader, or when the control device 10 installed in the vehicle 1 is being removed, and can easily contact a security company or the like by pressing the "emergency call button."

[0078] The control unit 11 may be configured to detect a change in voltage or the like that can be detected by the control device 10, and when the voltage exceeds a predetermined range, to notify the communication terminal 20 of this fact.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 of an abnormality detected in an image captured by a security camera.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 20 that when the drive unit 2 is started or the door lock of the vehicle 1 is unlocked after receiving a monitoring signal from the communication terminal 20 (i.e., after the application transitions to a state in which it is monitoring the vehicle 1).

[0081] In such a case, when the application receives such a notification, it may be configured to notify the user of the same in a predetermined manner (such as an alarm notification, a blinking display, or a pop-up display on the communication terminal 20).

[0082] In addition, when the above-mentioned detection is performed, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the user of the detection by emitting a warning sound in the vehicle 1 or by turning on a lamp in the vehicle 1.

[0083] According to this configuration, the user can immediately detect if the vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, and can easily contact a security company or the like by pressing the "emergency call button."

[0084] Alternatively, if the control device 10 detects that the vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, the user may be notified of this via the communication terminal 20, and a message may be automatically sent via the server 30 to at least one of the security company and the vehicle recovery company.

[0085] In such a case, the control device 10 may be configured to contact at least one of the security company and the vehicle recovery company via the server 30, along with at least one of the location information, time information, and type (car model) of the vehicle 1.

[0086] Furthermore, when the user is notified that the vehicle 1 is about to be stolen, the server 30 may command the control device 10 to return to the start-disabled state again. Alternatively, the user who has received the notification may command the control device 10 to return to the start-disabled state again via an application operation on the communication terminal 20.

[0087] In addition, the user can press "Monitoring Time Setting" to set the application to start and end monitoring of the vehicle 1 at a specific time each day. Alternatively, the application may be configured to start monitoring the vehicle 1 a set time after the drive unit 2 is stopped.

[0088] The application may be configured to instruct the control device 10 to disable activation of the drive unit 2 if, while monitoring the vehicle 1, the drive unit 2 is somehow activated and stolen, and then the drive unit 2 is stopped.

[0089] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the operation of the control system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S1001, the communication terminal 20 measures the distance to the vehicle 1 and transmits the measurement result to the server 30.

[0091] In step S1002 , the server 30 identifies the vehicle 1 corresponding to the communication terminal 20 .

[0092] In step S1003, if the distance between the communication terminal 20 and the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the server 30 transmits to the control device 10 a control signal instructing that activation is not permitted.

[0093] In response to this control signal, the control device 10 sets the start of the drive device 2 to be disabled.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S2001, when the user of the communication terminal 20 performs an operation to switch the start-up of the drive device 2 from disabled to enabled, the communication terminal 10 transmits to the server 30 a signal indicating that the operation is enabled.

[0095] In step S2002, the server 30 confirms the authenticity of the communication terminal 20. Here, the server 30 may confirm the authenticity of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20.

[0096] In step S2003, when the validity is confirmed, the server 30 transmits a control signal to the control device 10 to instruct it to be activated.

[0097] In response to this control signal, the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 so that it is possible to start it.

[0098] According to the control system 1 and the control device 10 of this embodiment, the theft of the vehicle 1 can be prevented without incurring a large amount of cost.

[0099] Second embodiment Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, focusing on the differences from the above-described first embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the control device 10 is built into the ECU 10B.

[0101] The ECU 10B is configured to be able to communicate with a predetermined server or the like via the TCU or the like. The ECU 10B is configured to be able to collect vehicle information of the vehicle 1 described above. Here, the TCU may be configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication terminal 20 by short-range communication.

[0102] The ECU 10B may be configured to transmit the collected vehicle information to a predetermined server via a wireless network, and to receive a control signal from the predetermined server via the wireless network.

[0103] Furthermore, the ECU 10B may be configured to directly transmit the collected vehicle information to the communication terminal 20 by short-range communication, and to receive a control signal from the communication terminal 20 via short-range communication.

[0104] The ECU 10B is configured to be able to control the vehicle 1 based on such control signals, etc. For example, the ECU 10B has a control function for controlling the start-up of the drive device 2 (engine, motor, etc.) based on such control signals, etc.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 3, the ECU 10B includes a starting unit 11B as the control unit 11 that can set the start-up of the drive device 2 to either enabled or disabled.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 3, the starting unit 11B is connected to a signal line S1 indicating a predetermined condition, a signal line S2 indicating a starting operation, and a signal line S3 indicating whether or not starting is possible.

[0107] Here, the start-up unit 11B receives a signal indicating whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied via the signal line S1.

[0108] Furthermore, the starting unit 11B receives a signal indicating that a starting operation has been performed via the signal line S2.

[0109] Furthermore, the starting unit 11B can set the starting of the drive device 2 to either enabled or disabled, depending on the signal received via the signal line S3.

[0110] When the start-up of the drive device 2 is set to be disabled, the start-up unit 11B is configured to prevent the start-up of the drive device 2 even if a start-up operation is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0111] In other words, even if the start-up unit 11B receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that a predetermined condition has been satisfied and also receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a start-up operation has been performed, if start-up of the drive device 2 is set to be impossible, the start-up unit 11B is configured not to be able to start the drive device 2.

[0112] On the other hand, when the start-up unit 11B receives a signal indicating that a predetermined condition is satisfied via the signal line S1 and also receives a signal indicating that a start-up operation has been performed via the signal line S2, the start-up unit 11B is configured to start the drive device 2 if the start-up of the drive device 2 is set to be possible.

[0113] In addition, when the start-up unit 11B receives a signal via signal line S1 indicating that a predetermined condition is not satisfied and receives a signal via signal line S2 indicating that a start-up operation has been performed, if the start-up of the drive device 2 is set to be possible, the start-up unit 11B is configured not to be able to start the drive device 2.

[0114] Here, if a signal indicating that the encryption key held by the vehicle-mounted device 10A matches the encryption key in the above-mentioned application is input to signal line S1, and the action of pressing a button on the above-mentioned application is input to signal line S2, then even if the encryption key is intentionally changed for the purpose of theft, the control unit 11 can prevent the drive unit 2 from starting up.

[0115] (Change example 1) Hereinafter, the first modified example of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above.

[0116] In the first modified example, if the due date for a car loan or lease payment for a vehicle has arrived but the payment has not been made, the application may be configured to, in response to instructions from the server 30, display a pop-up message indicating this fact and stating, "Payment is outstanding. Please make payment arrangements."

[0117] When the user makes a payment for a car loan or lease on the vehicle (for example, when making an online payment using the communication terminal 20), the application enables the user to perform an operation to set the start of the drive unit 2 as possible (i.e., an operation to press "Cancel") in response to an instruction from the server 30. In such a case, the application may be configured to display a pop-up message saying "Cancel the setting not possible" to indicate that the payment procedure (payment procedure) for the car loan or lease on the vehicle has been completed.

[0118] Here, the application may be configured to display contact information (such as a telephone number or an email address) of the management center together with the above-mentioned pop-up display. When the user contacts the management center (by calling or emailing) in an emergency, the control unit 11 may be configured to allow the server 30 to start the drive device 2.

[0119] (Show pop-up) An example of the operation of an application to display the above-mentioned popup will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0120] First, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, when the due date for payment of a car loan or lease relating to a vehicle arrives, if such payment has not been made in step S102, the operation proceeds to step S103, and if such payment has been made, the operation ends.

[0121] In step S103, the application receives a signal from the server 30, and in step S104, in response to the signal, displays a pop-up message saying "Payment is unpaid. Please complete payment procedures" (a pop-up message indicating that the payment deadline has passed and the required payment has not been made). Here, the control device 10 sets the start of the drive device 2 as not possible.

[0122] After that, in step S103, the application may perform a pop-up display (a pop-up display showing contact information) server saying "(In case of emergency) Please contact server 30 (company). Telephone number: xxx-xxxx." Note that the application may display such a pop-up at all times, or may display such a pop-up when the driver performs a start-up operation.

[0123] 7, in step S201, when a driver performs a start operation while a predetermined condition is satisfied, the application determines whether start of the drive unit 2 is possible or not in step S202. Here, the application makes such a determination based on a signal from the server 30.

[0124] If it is determined that the drive unit 2 can be started, this operation ends, and if it is determined that the drive unit 2 cannot be started, this operation proceeds to step S203.

[0125] In step S203, the application displays a pop-up message saying "Start-up is disabled" (a pop-up message indicating that start-up of the drive device 2 is disabled).

[0126] After that, in step S204, the application may display a pop-up message saying "(In case of emergency) Please contact the server (company). Telephone number: xxx-xxxx." Note that the application may display such a pop-up all the time, or may display such a pop-up when the driver performs a start-up operation.

[0127] Third, as shown in FIG. 8, when the due date for payment of a car loan or lease for a vehicle arrives, if such payment has not been made and therefore it is set that starting of the drive unit 2 is not possible, if such payment is made in step S301, this operation proceeds to step S302, and if such payment has not been made, this operation ends.

[0128] In step S302, the application receives a signal from the server 30, and in step S303, in response to the signal, displays a pop-up message saying "The disabling setting will be cancelled" (a pop-up message indicating that the start-up of the drive unit 2 is now set to possible). Here, the control device 10 sets the start-up of the drive unit 2 to possible.

[0129] After that, in step S304, the application may display a pop-up message saying, "(In case of emergency) Please contact the server (company). Telephone number: xxx-xxxx." The application may display such a pop-up message all the time, or may display such a pop-up message when the driver performs a start-up operation.

[0130] (Change example 2) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a second modified example of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above.

[0131] 9, in step S3001, when the user of the communication terminal 20 performs an operation to switch the activation of the drive device 2 from disabled to enabled, in step S3002, the communication terminal 10 transmits a signal indicating that to the control device 10. Such a signal may be the above-mentioned control signal instructing that activation is enabled.

[0132] In step S3003, the control device 10 cooperates with the communication terminal 20 to verify the authenticity of the communication terminal 20. Here, the control device 10 and the communication terminal 20 may verify the authenticity of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20.

[0133] In step S3003, the control device 10 may cooperate with the server 30 to confirm the authenticity of the communication terminal 20. In this case, the control device 10 and the server 30 may confirm the authenticity of the communication terminal 20 by key authentication of the communication terminal 20.

[0134] In step S3004, if the validity is confirmed, the control device 10 sets the drive device 2 to be capable of being started.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-mentioned embodiment, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the present specification. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100…Control system 1. Vehicle 2. Drive unit 3. Engine starting section 10...Control device 10A…Onboard device 10B…ECU 11...Control section 11A…Harness 20...Communication terminal 30…Server

Claims

1. A control system comprising a control device mounted on a vehicle and an application used in a communication terminal, the drive device of the vehicle is configured to be activated by a start-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control device includes a control unit that can set activation of the drive device to either enable or disable, The application displays whether or not the drive device can be started on a screen of the communication terminal in response to a signal from the control device.

2. The control system described in Claim 1, wherein the specified condition is that the encryption key held by the vehicle-mounted device installed in the vehicle matches the encryption key in the application installed in the communication terminal.

3. A control system as described in claim 1, wherein the specified condition is that the communication terminal is within the vehicle.

4. A control system as described in claim 1, wherein the specified condition is that the vehicle and the communication terminal are within a certain range.

5. a step A in which a control device mounted on a vehicle having a drive device that is activated by a start-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied sets the start-up of the drive device to either enable or disable; A control method comprising a step B in which the communication terminal, the authenticity of which has been confirmed by the control device, displays whether or not the drive device can be started in response to a signal from the control device.

6. If any payment in respect of said vehicle becomes due and said payment is not made, In the step A, the control device disables activation of the drive device in response to a signal from the server; 6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein in step B, an application installed on the communication terminal displays a pop-up message indicating that the payment has not been made because the due date has passed, in response to a signal from the server.

7. If said payment is made, In the step A, the control device sets the drive device to be startable in response to a signal from the server; 6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein in step B, the application displays a pop-up message indicating that the drive device is set to be startable in response to a signal from the server.

8. 6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein, in step A, when the control device has set startup of the drive device to be disabled and the startup operation is performed when the specified condition is satisfied, in step B, an application installed on the communication terminal displays a pop-up message indicating that startup of the drive device is set to be disabled.

9. The control method described in Claim 5, wherein the specified condition is that the encryption key held by the vehicle-mounted device installed in the vehicle matches the encryption key in the application installed in the communication terminal.

10. A control method as described in Claim 5, wherein the specified condition is that the communication terminal is located within the vehicle.

11. A control method as described in claim 5, wherein the specified condition is that the vehicle and the communication terminal are within a certain range.

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