Portable terminal and vehicle control system

Abstract

To provide a technology that can enhance operability of a vehicle utilizing a portable terminal.SOLUTION: A portable terminal is operated by an operator to operate a vehicle, and performs wireless communication with the vehicle. The portable terminal comprises a sensor, a touch panel, and a processor. The sensor detects an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the portable terminal. The touch panel includes a display screen and detects touch of an operator on the display screen. The processor selects one of first and second operation methods corresponding to first and second holding methods of the portable terminal by the operator based on orientation information indicating an orientation of the portable terminal, generates travel control information for vehicle travel control based on tilting operation of tilting the portable terminal during selection of the first operation method, and generates travel control information based on the tilting operation and touch operation to a prescribed position on the display screen during selection of the second operation method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for operating a vehicle using a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that controls the entry and exit of vehicles into a parking lot by operating a mobile terminal via wireless communication. In this system, the image displayed on the touch panel of the mobile terminal is changed depending on whether the mobile terminal is held horizontally or vertically. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6986518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system in which a vehicle is operated using a mobile terminal, the way of holding and the operation method of the mobile terminal that provide good operability may vary depending on the preferences of the operator. Furthermore, even for the same operator, the desired way of holding and the operation method of the mobile terminal may vary depending on, for example, the situation when operating the vehicle. Therefore, it is believed that making it possible to appropriately change the way of holding and the operation method of the mobile terminal according to the preferences of the operator will lead to improved operability of the vehicle using the mobile terminal.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique that can improve the operability of a vehicle using a mobile terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A mobile terminal according to the present disclosure is operated by an operator to operate a vehicle, and wirelessly communicates with the vehicle. The mobile terminal includes a sensor, a touch panel, and a processor. The sensor detects the tilt direction and tilt angle of the mobile terminal. The touch panel includes a display screen and detects the operator's touch on the display screen. The processor selects one of a first and a second operation method corresponding to a first and a second way of holding the mobile terminal by the operator, respectively, based on orientation information indicating the orientation of the mobile terminal, generates driving control information for controlling driving of the vehicle based on a tilt operation of tilting the mobile terminal while the first operation method is selected, and generates driving control information based on the tilt operation and a touch operation at a predetermined position on the display screen while the second operation method is selected. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the operability of a vehicle using a mobile terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining first and second ways of holding and first and second operation methods of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a touch panel used in a first selection example of an operation method of the mobile terminal. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to acquisition of orientation information according to a first selection example. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to acquisition of orientation information according to a second selection example. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram for explaining a process related to calculation and arbitration of vehicle control variables; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1. Vehicle Control System 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a vehicle control system 1 according to an embodiment. The vehicle control system 1 includes a mobile terminal (or simply a terminal) 10 and a vehicle 20. The terminal 10 is operated by an operator to operate (remotely drive) the vehicle 20. The terminal 10 performs wireless communication with the vehicle 20.

[0010] The terminal 10 includes, for example, a touch panel 11, a communication device 12, a processor 13, a storage device 14, and sensors 15. The touch panel 11 is formed on one plate surface of the terminal 10, and includes a display screen and a touch sensor. The touch sensor is configured to be able to detect an operator's touch on the display screen. The communication device 12 is configured to be able to communicate with the vehicle 20 via the wireless communication network 2. The terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is formed in a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape) with one side being a long side and the other side being a short side (for example, see FIG. 2(A)). More specifically, for example, the touch panel 11 is a rectangle having a long side and a short side, and the long side of the touch panel 11 coincides with the long side of the terminal 10.

[0011] The processor 13 executes various processes for operating the vehicle 20 using the terminal 10. The storage device 14 stores various information necessary for the processes by the processor 13. More specifically, the processor 13 executes various processes using various programs related to the operation of the vehicle 20. The various programs may be stored in the storage device 14, or may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The sensors 15 include, for example, an inclination angle sensor and a position sensor. The inclination angle sensor detects the inclination direction and inclination angle (attitude) of the terminal 10. The inclination angle sensor includes, for example, a six-axis gyro sensor. The inclination angle of the terminal 10 is used to operate the vehicle 20 using a "tilt operation A1" described later. The position sensor includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and detects the position and orientation of the terminal 10.

[0012] The vehicle 20 includes a communication device 21, an on-board electronic control unit (on-board ECU) 22, and a driving system 23. The communication device 21 communicates with the outside of the vehicle 20. For example, the communication device 21 communicates with the terminal 10 via the wireless communication network 2.

[0013] The in-vehicle ECU 22 includes a processor (in-vehicle processor) and a storage device. The in-vehicle ECU 22 generates a "vehicle control amount C" according to the "driving control information Itc" generated by the terminal 10. Although details will be described later, the in-vehicle ECU 22 includes a first control amount calculation unit 24, a second control amount calculation unit 25, and a control amount arbitration unit 26 as functional configurations related to the generation of the vehicle control amount C. The vehicle control amount C is output to the driving system 23.

[0014] The traveling system 23 includes a traveling device 27, sensors 28, and an ECU 29. The traveling device 27 includes a steering device, a drive device, and a braking device. The steering device includes an electric motor that steers the wheels. The drive device includes one or both of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine for driving the vehicle 20. The braking device includes a brake actuator for braking the vehicle 20. The sensors 28 include a recognition sensor, a vehicle state sensor, and a position sensor. The recognition sensor is, for example, a camera, and recognizes the surrounding situation of the vehicle 20. The vehicle state sensor detects the state of the vehicle 20. The vehicle state sensor includes, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The position sensor detects the position and orientation of the vehicle 20. For example, the position sensor includes a GNSS receiver. The ECU 29 controls the traveling of the vehicle 20 according to the vehicle control amount C from the on-board ECU 22.

[0015] 1, the functions of the in-vehicle ECU 22 may be provided in the terminal 10. That is, the terminal 10 may generate the vehicle control amount C after generating the driving control information Itc, and output (transmit) the generated vehicle control amount C to the vehicle 20.

[0016] 2. Vehicle driving control using mobile devices 2-1. How to hold and operate the device 2(A) and 2(B) are diagrams for explaining a first and a second way of holding the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a first and a second operation method.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2(A), the first holding manner (or vertical holding) corresponds to a holding manner in which one end 10e1 in the short direction D1 of the terminal 10 is held by one hand H1 of the operator. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2(B), the second holding manner (or horizontal holding) corresponds to a holding manner in which both ends 10e2 and 10e3 in the long direction D2 of the terminal 10 are held by both hands H1 and H2. In addition, in this embodiment, from the viewpoint of fail-safe, the control of the running (steering and speed) of the vehicle 20 by the first and second operation methods is configured to be effective on the condition that the operator continuously touches the touch panel 11.

[0018] 2-1-1. Vertical holding and first operation method First, the first operation method corresponding to the vertical holding utilizes a "tilt operation A1" to control the steering and speed of the vehicle 20. The tilt operation A1 here refers to an operation in which the operator tilts the terminal 10.

[0019] Specifically, the first operation method controls steering of the vehicle 20 in response to a tilt operation A1 centered on a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction D2. The rotation axis is parallel to a center line L1 (see FIG. 2(A)) that passes through the center P of the terminal 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction D2. More specifically, according to the first operation method, the vehicle 20 is steered to the right in response to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 along the rotation direction R1R with respect to a predetermined reference state. The reference state here is, for example, a state in which the center line L2 is horizontal. More specifically, in this steering control, the target steering angle during right turning is set to be larger, for example, as the amount of change in the tilt angle in the rotation direction R1R increases. The target steering angle corresponds to an example of a vehicle control amount C described later together with FIG. 6. Similarly, the vehicle 20 is steered to the left in response to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 along the rotation direction R1L.

[0020] The first operation method controls the speed of the vehicle 20 according to a tilt operation A1 about a rotation axis parallel to the short-side direction D1. The rotation axis is parallel to a center line L2 (see FIG. 2(A)) that passes through the center P of the terminal 10 and extends in the short-side direction D1. The "speed control of the vehicle 20" here includes control of the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle 20. The deceleration control includes control of braking. More specifically, according to the first operation method, the speed (forward speed) of the vehicle 20 is controlled according to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 so that the end 10e2 of the terminal 10 farther from the operator is lowered (i.e., along the rotation direction R2F) with respect to a predetermined reference state. The reference state here is, for example, a state in which the center line L1 is horizontal. More specifically, the larger the amount of change in the tilt angle of the rotation direction R2F caused by the tilt operation A1, the higher the target vehicle speed or target acceleration. The target vehicle speed and the target acceleration correspond to an example of a vehicle control amount C described later with reference to Fig. 6. In addition, the reverse speed of the vehicle 20 may be controlled in response to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 so that the end 10e2 rises (i.e., along the rotation direction R2R). Moreover, by additionally using shift range information of the vehicle 20, the control of the reverse speed may also be performed based on the tilt operation A1 in which the terminal 10 is rotated in the rotation direction R2F.

[0021] During the selection of the first operation method, the processor 13 generates driving control information Itc based on the tilt operation A1 described above. The driving control information Itc is information for controlling the driving of the vehicle 20 using the terminal 10. The driving control information Itc generated during the selection of the first operation method is sensor information based on the detection value of the tilt angle sensor described above. More specifically, the driving control information Itc is each tilt direction of the terminal 10 (rotation direction R1R or R1L, and rotation direction R2R or R2L; see FIG. 2(A)) and the tilt angle of each tilt direction.

[0022] 2-1-2. Horizontal holding and second operation method Next, the second operation method corresponding to the horizontal holding uses "tilt operation A1" for steering control, but uses "touch operation A2" instead of tilt operation A1 for vehicle speed control.

[0023] Specifically, the second operation method controls steering of the vehicle 20 in response to a tilt operation A1 centered on a rotation axis parallel to the thickness direction D3 of the terminal 10. The rotation axis is parallel to a center line L3 (see FIG. 2A) that passes through the center P of the terminal 10 and extends in the thickness direction D3. More specifically, according to the second operation method, the vehicle 20 is steered to the right in response to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 along a rotation direction R3R (see FIG. 2B) with respect to a predetermined reference state. Then, the vehicle 20 is steered to the left in response to a tilt operation A1 in which the operator rotates the terminal 10 along a rotation direction R3L (see FIG. 2B). The reference state here is, for example, a state in which the center line L2 is parallel to a vertical plane.

[0024] The second operation method is to control the speed of the vehicle based on a touch operation A2. The touch operation A2 corresponds to an operation of touching (for example, tapping) a predetermined position on the display screen of the touch panel 11. The speed of the vehicle 20 is controlled according to the touch position. FIG. 2(B) shows an image IM, which is an example of an image displaying a touch position. The image IM is displayed at a position that accepts a touch by a finger of one hand H1, for example. As an example, the image IM includes an image IMv showing the direction of the vehicle 20, an image IMc of a circle, and an image IMy of multiple arrows of different sizes. The image IMc is touched when the vehicle 20 is stopped. The multiple images IMy indicate that the larger the arrow, the higher the target vehicle speed. According to the second operation method, the operator can control the speed of the vehicle 20 by changing the touch position in the image IM. For example, the operator can start the vehicle 20 by changing the touch position from image IMc to any of images IMy, and conversely, can decelerate (including brake) and stop the vehicle 20 by changing the touch position from any of images IMy to image IMc. In addition, the operator can accelerate the vehicle 20 by changing the touch position to an image IMy showing a larger arrow, and conversely, can decelerate the vehicle 20 by changing the touch position to an image IMy showing a smaller arrow. Note that the speed control of the vehicle 20 based on the touch operation A2 may be used not only for controlling the forward speed, but also for controlling the reverse speed.

[0025] During the selection of the second operation method, the processor 13 generates driving control information Itc based on the tilt operation A1 and the touch operation A2 described above. The driving control information Itc generated during the selection of the second operation method is a combination of sensor information based on the detection value of the tilt angle sensor and sensor information based on the detection value of the touch sensor of the touch panel 11. More specifically, the driving control information Itc includes the touch position of the touch panel 11 in addition to the tilt direction of the terminal 10 (rotation direction R3R or R3L; see FIG. 2(B)) and the tilt angle of the tilt direction.

[0026] 2-2.Selecting the operation method The processor 13 of the terminal 10 selects either the first or second operation method based on the orientation information Io indicating the orientation of the terminal 10. The orientation information Io is either "portrait (information indicating the orientation of the terminal 10 when held vertically)" or "landscape (information indicating the orientation of the terminal 10 when held horizontally)." Such selection of the operation method can be performed, for example, as in the following first selection example or second selection example.

[0027] 2-2-1. First selection example FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of touch panel 11 used in a first selection example of the operation method of terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 3, two selection buttons B1 and B2 relating to the operation method are displayed on the display screen together with an icon of the vehicle 20 to be operated. Selection button B1 is a button for accepting the selection of a first operation method (vertical holding) by the operator. Selection button B2 is a button for accepting the selection of a second operation method (horizontal holding) by the operator. The operator can select the desired operation method by touching selection button B1 or B2. In addition, in this first selection example, "vertical" or "horizontal" corresponding to selection button B1 or B2 selected by the operator corresponds to orientation information Io.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to acquisition of orientation information Io according to the first selection example. For example, the process of this flowchart starts when the operator operates the terminal 10 to display the screen display shown in Fig. 3 on the touch panel 11, and ends when the operator turns off the screen display. In addition, the terminal 10 may be configured so that the operator can display the screen display shown in Fig. 3 only when the vehicle is stopped. In other words, the terminal 10 (processor 13) may accept a switch (update) of the orientation of the terminal 10 (i.e., holding vertically or horizontally) by the operator on the condition that the vehicle 20 is stopped.

[0030] At the start of the process of this flowchart, an initial value is set as the orientation information Io. The initial value is, for example, "vertical" or "horizontal" that is determined in advance. Alternatively, the initial value may be, for example, "vertical" or "horizontal" that corresponds to the operation method used in the previous vehicle operation.

[0031] In step S100, the processor 13 of the terminal 10 waits for a touch (e.g., a tap) by the user (standby state). Next, in step S102, the processor 13 determines whether or not a touch by an operator on the touch panel 11 has been detected. As a result, if the operator's touch is not detected (step S102; No), the process returns to step S100. On the other hand, if the operator's touch is detected (step S102; Yes), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0032] In step S104, the processor 13 determines whether or not the touch position by the operator is the vertical holding position (selection button B1). As a result, if the vertical holding position is touched (step S104; Yes), the processor 13 proceeds to step S106 and updates the orientation information Io to "vertical". That is, the processor 13 selects the first operation method corresponding to the vertical holding. The updated orientation information Io is stored in the storage device 14. Thereafter, the process returns to step S100. In addition, with the selection of the first operation method, the processor 13 uses the touch panel 11 to perform a display related to the first operation method. The display includes, for example, a display indicating that the current operation method is the first operation method, and a display of vehicle information received from the vehicle 20.

[0033] On the other hand, if the touch position is not the vertical holding position (step S104; No), the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the processor 13 determines whether the touch position is the horizontal holding position (selection button B2). As a result, if the horizontal holding position is touched (step S108; Yes), the processor 13 proceeds to step S110 and updates the orientation information Io to "horizontal". That is, the processor 13 selects the second operation method corresponding to the horizontal holding. The updated orientation information Io is stored in the storage device 14. Thereafter, the process returns to step S100. In addition, with the selection of the second operation method, the processor 13 uses the touch panel 11 to perform a display related to the second operation method. The display includes, for example, a display indicating that the current operation method is the second operation method, a display of the vehicle information received from the vehicle 20, and a display of the image IM shown in FIG. 2(B).

[0034] If the touch position is neither the portrait nor landscape position (step S108; No), that is, if the orientation information Io corresponding to the most recent touch position indicates an abnormal value, the process returns to step S100 without updating the orientation information Io.

[0035] 2-2-2. Second selection example The second selection example differs from the first selection example in the method of acquiring (updating) the orientation information Io. In the second selection example, when the terminal 10 is held in a certain orientation for a predetermined time or more under the condition that the operator is not touching the touch panel 11, the processor 13 updates the orientation information Io to the held orientation. That is, in the second selection example, the orientation information Io is automatically updated by the processor 13 without accepting the selection of the holding manner by the operator's touch.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to acquisition of orientation information Io according to the second selection example. For example, the process of this flowchart is repeatedly executed during a period in which the operator operates the terminal 10 to operate the vehicle 20. Note that the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 and the process of this flowchart may be executed in parallel. That is, the first selection example and the second selection example may be used together to acquire (update) the orientation information Io and select the operation method.

[0037] In step S200, the processor 13 determines whether or not a touch by an operator has been detected on the touch panel 11. As a result, if a touch by an operator has been detected (step S200; Yes), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0038] In step S202, the processor 13 holds the current orientation information Io stored in the storage device 14. That is, the processor 13 holds the current orientation information Io on the condition that the touch on the touch panel 11 continues. As a result, the currently selected first or second operation method is held.

[0039] On the other hand, if the operator's touch is not detected (step S200; No), the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the processor 13 determines whether the orientation of the terminal 10 detected by the tilt angle sensor is different from the current orientation information Io. The "detected orientation" here refers to either "vertical" or "horizontal" as described above. Whether the orientation is "vertical" or "horizontal" can be determined based on, for example, the range of the tilt angle in each rotation direction of the terminal 10 (see Figures 2(A) and 2(B)).

[0040] If the detected orientation is equal to the orientation information Io (step S204; No), the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the detected orientation is different from the orientation information Io (step S204; Yes), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0041] In step S206, the processor 13 determines whether or not a state in which a direction different from the current direction information Io has been detected has continued for a predetermined time or more. If the state has not continued for the predetermined time or more (step S206; No), the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the state has continued for the predetermined time or more (step S206; Yes), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0042] In step S208, the processor 13 updates the orientation information Io with the "detected orientation" while satisfying each of the determination conditions (step S200; No, step S204; Yes, and step S206; Yes).

[0043] 2-3. Calculation and arbitration of vehicle control variables 6 is a diagram for explaining the process related to the calculation and arbitration of the vehicle control amount C. The driving control information Itc generated by the processor 13 of the terminal 10 is transmitted to the vehicle 20 via the wireless communication network 2. In addition, the direction information Io acquired (updated) by the processor 13 is also transmitted to the vehicle 20.

[0044] As already described, the in-vehicle ECU 22 includes a first control amount calculation unit 24, a second control amount calculation unit 25, and a control amount arbitration unit 26 as functional configurations related to the generation of the vehicle control amount C. The first control amount calculation unit 24 calculates a vehicle control amount C1 during the selection of the first operation method using vertical holding based on the driving control information Itc corresponding to the tilt operation A1. Similarly, the second control amount calculation unit 25 calculates a vehicle control amount C2 during the selection of the second operation method using horizontal holding based on the driving control information Itc corresponding to the tilt operation A1 and the touch operation A2. More specifically, with respect to the steering control, the vehicle control amounts C1 and C2 may be, for example, the above-mentioned target steering angle, or may be, for example, a target yaw rate or a target lateral acceleration. With respect to the vehicle speed control, the vehicle control amounts C1 and C2 are, for example, the above-mentioned target speed or target acceleration.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the control amount arbitration unit 26 includes a first switching unit 30, an emergency stop determination unit 31, a third control amount calculation unit 32, and a second switching unit 33.

[0046] The first switching unit 30 selects one of the vehicle control amounts C1 and C2 based on the orientation information Io and outputs it to the second switching unit 33. Specifically, when the orientation information Io is "portrait", the first switching unit 30 outputs the vehicle control amount C1 for portrait holding. On the other hand, when the orientation information Io is "landscape", the first switching unit 30 outputs the vehicle control amount C2 for landscape holding. Also, when the orientation information Io is a value other than "portrait" and "landscape" (abnormal value), the first switching unit 30 holds the previous value of the currently selected vehicle control amount C1 or C2. Note that when switching the vehicle control amount C between the vehicle control amount C1 and the vehicle control amount C2, the vehicle control amount C may be gradually changed in order to suppress a sudden change in the vehicle control amount C.

[0047] The emergency stop determination unit (or simply the determination unit) 31 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 should be stopped in an emergency based on the orientation information Io and the vehicle information (vehicle speed information) from the travel system 23. Specifically, when a condition X1 is satisfied that the vehicle speed is higher than 0 (traveling) and the orientation information Io is switched by the operator, the determination unit 31 turns on the emergency stop flag. The determination unit 31 also turns on the emergency stop flag when the orientation information Io is a value (abnormal value) other than "portrait" and "landscape". When the emergency stop flag is on, the determination unit 31 turns on the emergency stop determination indicating that an emergency stop should be made. On the other hand, when the above condition X1 is not satisfied, the determination unit 31 turns off the emergency stop flag. When the emergency stop flag is off and the vehicle speed is 0 (stopped), the determination unit 31 turns off the emergency stop determination. When the emergency stop flag is off but the vehicle speed is higher than 0, the determination unit 31 holds the previous value.

[0048] The third control amount calculation unit 32 calculates a vehicle control amount C3 for bringing the vehicle 20 to an emergency stop.

[0049] The second switching unit 33 selects one of the vehicle control amount C1 or C2 and the vehicle control amount C3 based on the determination result by the determination unit 31, and outputs it to the traveling system 23. Specifically, when the emergency stop determination is ON, the second switching unit 33 outputs the output (C1 or C2) from the first switching unit 30 to the traveling system 23. On the other hand, when the emergency stop determination is ON, the second switching unit 33 outputs the vehicle control amount C3 for emergency stop to the traveling system 23. Note that when switching the vehicle control amount C between the vehicle control amount C1 or C2 and the vehicle control amount C3, the vehicle control amount C may be gradually changed in order to suppress a sudden change in the vehicle control amount C.

[0050] According to the above-mentioned control amount arbitration unit 26, when an operator requests to change the orientation of the terminal 10 while the vehicle 20 is traveling based on the operation of the terminal 10, the processor of the on-board ECU 22 (on-board processor) executes a process of bringing the vehicle 20 to an emergency stop. In an example of a vehicle control system in which the terminal 10, instead of the vehicle 20, has the function of the on-board ECU 22, the process of bringing the vehicle 20 to an emergency stop is executed by the processor 13 or another processor.

[0051] 3.Effects As described above, the mobile terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to select between first and second operation methods corresponding to the first and second holding styles, respectively. The first and second operation methods are switched depending on the orientation of the terminal 10. More specifically, as a specific example of this configuration, the terminal 10 is configured to be able to select between first and second operation methods corresponding to vertical holding and horizontal holding, respectively. This allows the operator to appropriately change the holding style and operation method of the terminal 10 according to his / her own preferences. This improves the operability of the vehicle 20 using the terminal 10.

[0052] 5, the terminal 10 maintains the selected first or second operation method on condition that the operator continues to touch the touch panel 11. That is, the terminal 10 is configured not to arbitrarily switch the operation method while the operator is operating the vehicle 20. This also leads to improved operability of the vehicle 20 using the terminal 10.

[0053] 4, the terminal 10 (processor 13) may accept a change in the orientation of the terminal 10 by the operator on condition that the vehicle 20 is stopped. This allows the way of holding and the operation method of the terminal 10 to be changed while appropriately considering the safety of the vehicle traveling using the terminal 10.

[0054] 6, if the operator requests to switch the orientation of the terminal 10 while the vehicle 20 is traveling, a process of making an emergency stop of the vehicle 20 may be executed. This allows the way of holding and the operation method of the terminal 10 to be switched while appropriately considering the safety of the vehicle traveling using the terminal 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Vehicle control system, 10 Mobile terminal, 11 Touch panel, 13 Processor, 15 Sensors, 20 Vehicle, 22 Vehicle ECU, 23 Driving system

Claims

1. A mobile terminal that is operated by an operator to operate a vehicle and that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle, A sensor for detecting a tilt direction and a tilt angle of the mobile terminal; a touch panel including a display screen and detecting a touch by the operator on the display screen; A processor; Equipped with The processor, selecting one of a first operation method and a second operation method corresponding to a first holding way and a second holding way of the portable terminal by the operator, respectively, based on orientation information indicating an orientation of the portable terminal; generating driving control information for controlling driving of the vehicle based on a tilt operation of tilting the mobile terminal while the first operation method is selected; The driving control information is generated based on the tilt operation and a touch operation at a predetermined position on the display screen while the second operation method is selected. A mobile terminal characterized by:

2. The mobile terminal is formed in a plate shape with one side being a long side and the other side being a short side, the first holding manner corresponds to a holding manner in which one end in the short side direction is held with one hand of the operator, The second holding manner corresponds to a holding manner in which the operator holds both ends of the longitudinal direction with both hands, the first operation method controls steering of the vehicle in response to the tilt operation about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and controls a speed of the vehicle in response to the tilt operation about a rotation axis parallel to the lateral direction, The second operation method controls steering of the vehicle in response to the tilt operation about a rotation axis parallel to a thickness direction of the mobile device, and controls the speed of the vehicle based on the touch operation.

2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 .

3. The processor holds the first or second operation method being selected on the condition that touch on the touch panel is continued.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The processor accepts the switching of the orientation by the operator on condition that the vehicle is stopped.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2; the vehicle including an on-board processor; Equipped with The processor of the mobile terminal or the in-vehicle processor executes a process of bringing the vehicle to an emergency stop when the operator requests the change in the orientation while the vehicle is traveling. A vehicle control system comprising:

Images