Vehicle lock control method, and system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lock control method, and a system.SOLUTION: A vehicle lock control method used for a vehicle, and a system are provided. First, a specific electronic device is detected via a wireless network by using a processing unit of the vehicle. When the specific electronic device is detected and is connected to the vehicle via the wireless network, it is determined whether signal strength of the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value, the processing unit sets the vehicle to an unlocked state. Then, it is determined whether the signal strength is smaller than a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is smaller than the first predetermined value. When the signal strength is smaller than the second predetermined value, the processing unit sets the vehicle to a locked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lock control method and system, and more particularly to a method and system capable of controlling the lock state of a vehicle based on the signal strength corresponding to a particular electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] With the advancement of IT technology, the trend in automobile development is becoming increasingly intelligent. In addition to basic transportation functions, improving safety and more peripheral application functions are also themes of development in the industry.

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the advancement of electric vehicle technology, the development of electric vehicles powered by electrical energy has gradually become an important goal in the automotive field, replacing traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels, and therefore electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. In general, electric vehicles are equipped with more electronic components / devices, which can be combined with users' mobile devices to provide more personalized applications and experiences.

[0004] For example, vehicle theft has always been one of the biggest concerns for car users. Generally, to reduce the possibility of vehicle theft, users must turn off and lock their vehicles, whether they are temporarily stopped or parked for a long time. This is a tedious task for users, especially for some users who only need to temporarily stop their vehicles for a few minutes. Meanwhile, vehicle keys can also utilize electronic technology to realize smarter vehicle management. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lock control method and system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lock control method for use in a vehicle includes: detecting a specific electronic device via a wireless network using a processing unit of the vehicle; when the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle via the wireless network, determining whether a signal strength of the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value; when the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value, the processing unit puts the vehicle in an unlocked state; then determining whether the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value, the processing unit puts the vehicle in a lock state.

[0007] A vehicle lock control system for use in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a network connection unit and a processing unit. The processing unit detects a specific electronic device via a wireless network by the network connection unit. When the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle via the wireless network, the processing unit determines whether a signal strength of the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value, the processing unit puts the vehicle in an unlocked state. The processing unit determines whether the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value. When the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value, the processing unit puts the vehicle in a lock state.

[0008] In some embodiments, it is determined whether the vehicle has changed from a riding state to a stationary state within a predetermined period of time prior to the current time, and the processing unit locks the vehicle when the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value and the vehicle has changed from a riding state to a stationary state within a predetermined period of time prior to the current time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensing unit of the specific electronic device detects the amount of movement, and the specific electronic device transmits the amount of movement to a processing unit of the vehicle via a wireless network. It is determined whether the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value, the vehicle changes from a moving state to a stationary state within a predetermined period before the current time, and the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined amount, the processing unit locks the vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensing unit of the specific electronic device detects the amount of movement, and the specific electronic device transmits the amount of movement to a processing unit of the vehicle via a wireless network, and the processing unit determines whether the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value and the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined amount, the processing unit locks the vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of movement steps is calculated by a specific electronic device based on the amount of movement, and determining whether the number of movement steps exceeds a predetermined number of steps determines whether the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0012] In some embodiments, once the vehicle is locked up, the vehicle cannot be started.

[0013] The vehicle lock control method may take the form of program code embodied in a tangible medium which, when loaded into and executed by a machine, becomes an apparatus for performing the disclosed method. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The vehicle lock control method and system of the present invention can perform vehicle lock control based on the signal strength corresponding to a specific electronic device, thereby improving the anti-theft safety of the vehicle and the convenience of unlocking the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a vehicle lock control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle lock control system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following description is of the best contemplated mode for carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. It is to be understood that embodiments may be realized and obtained in software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle lock control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lock control system 100 of the present invention is applied to a vehicle such as an electric motorcycle. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lock control system 100 includes a network connection unit 110 and a processing unit 120. The network connection unit 110 can be connected to a network, so that the vehicle can be equipped with a network connection capability. In some embodiments, the network is a wired network, a telecommunication network, and a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth network, etc. The processing unit 120 can control the operation of related hardware and software in the vehicle and execute the vehicle lock control method of the present invention, which will be described in detail later. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the vehicle lock control is performed by controlling whether the vehicle can be started / operated through hardware and software. In some embodiments, the vehicle lock control is performed through a lock component to control whether the vehicle is locked by the lock component. For example, the lock component is any lock mechanism that can lock a specific part of the vehicle. The lock component has a locked state and an unlocked state. It should be noted that in some embodiments, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the locking component is used to lock the handlebars of the vehicle.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle lock control system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lock control system 200 of the present invention includes a vehicle 210 and a specific electronic device 230 connected to the vehicle 210 via a network 220. It should be noted that the specific electronic device 230 can be any electronic device with network connection capability, such as a mobile device, a beacon, or a wireless key of a vehicle user. The network 220 can be a wired network, a telecommunication network, or a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth network, etc.

[0020] 3 is a flow chart of a vehicle lock control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a vehicle.

[0021] In step S310, a specific electronic device is detected through a wireless network. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the wireless network is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be pre-paired with the processing unit or network connection unit of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can know the identity of the specific electronic device. In some embodiments, the specific electronic device is a mobile device of the vehicle user, such as a smart device, a beacon, or a wireless key. When the specific electronic device is not detected (step S320, No), the process returns to step S310. When the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle through the wireless network (step S320, Yes), in step S330, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is not greater than the first predetermined value (step S330, No), the process proceeds to step S350. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value (YES in step S330), in step S340, the vehicle processing unit puts the vehicle into an unlocked state. It should be noted that, as described above, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. In some embodiments, the vehicle being locked means that the vehicle cannot be started / operated. In some embodiments, certain components of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or tires, are locked and cannot be moved. It should be noted that the above vehicle lock controls are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When the vehicle is unlocked, it means that the vehicle can be started / operated or moved.

[0022] Then, in step S350, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the particular electronic device is less than a second predetermined value. It can be understood that the second predetermined value is less than the first predetermined value. In some embodiments, the first predetermined value is -70dbm, and the second predetermined value is -58dbm. It should be noted that the above-mentioned predetermined values ​​are merely examples in this case, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When the signal strength is not less than the second predetermined value (step S350, no), the process returns to step S310. When the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value (step S350, yes), in step S360, the processing unit locks the vehicle. As mentioned above, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. When the vehicle is locked, the vehicle cannot be started / operated or moved.

[0023] 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lock control method being applied to a vehicle.

[0024] In step S410, the specific electronic device is detected through the wireless network. Similarly, in some embodiments, the wireless network is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be pre-paired with the processing unit or network connection unit of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can know the identity of the specific electronic device. In some embodiments, the specific electronic device is a mobile device of the vehicle user, such as a smart device, a beacon, or a wireless key. When the specific electronic device is not detected (step S420, No), the process returns to step S410. When the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle through the wireless network (step S420, Yes), in step S430, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is not greater than the first predetermined value (step S430, No), the process proceeds to step S450. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value (YES in step S430), in step S440, the vehicle processing unit puts the vehicle into an unlocked state. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. In some embodiments, the vehicle being locked means that the vehicle cannot be started / operated. In some embodiments, certain components of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or tires, are locked and cannot be moved. It should be noted that the above vehicle lock controls are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When the vehicle is unlocked, it means that the vehicle can be started / operated or moved.

[0025] Then, in step S450, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the particular electronic device is less than a second predetermined value and whether the vehicle has changed from a running state to a stationary state within a predetermined period before the current time. It is to be noted that the second predetermined value is less than the first predetermined value. In addition, in some embodiments, the processing unit of the vehicle can record the state of the vehicle over time, such as when the vehicle is being driven or stopped, and can retain the vehicle state data for the most recent period. When the signal strength is not less than the second predetermined value or the vehicle has not changed from a running state to a stationary state (fixed S450, no), the process returns to step S410. When the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the vehicle has changed from a running state to a stationary state within a predetermined period before the current time (step S450, yes), the processing unit locks the vehicle in step S460. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. When the vehicle is locked, it cannot be started / operated or moved.

[0026] 5 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lock control method being applied to a vehicle.

[0027] In step S510, the specific electronic device is detected through the wireless network. Similarly, in some embodiments, the wireless network is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be pre-paired with the processing unit or network connection unit of the vehicle, and the vehicle can know the identity of the specific electronic device. In some embodiments, the specific electronic device is a mobile device of the vehicle user, such as a smart device, a beacon, or a wireless key. When the specific electronic device is not detected (step S520, No), the process returns to S510. When the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle through the wireless network (step S520, Yes), in step S530, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is not greater than the first predetermined value (step S530, No), the process proceeds to S550. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value (step S530, Yes), in step S540, the processing unit of the vehicle puts the vehicle into an unlocked state. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. In some embodiments, the vehicle being locked means that the vehicle cannot be started / operated. In some embodiments, certain components of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or tires, are locked and cannot be moved. It should be noted that the above vehicle lock controls are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When the vehicle is in an unlocked state, it means that the vehicle can be started / operated or moved.

[0028] Then, in step S550, the vehicle receives the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device from the specific electronic device via the wireless network. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the specific electronic device has a sensor that detects the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device. The specific electronic device can transmit the detected movement amount to the vehicle via the wireless network. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can convert the movement amount into a movement step number by calculating a movement step number based on the movement amount, and then transmits the movement step number to the vehicle. In step S560, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is less than a second predetermined value and whether the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device exceeds a predetermined amount. It is to be noted that the second predetermined value is less than the first predetermined value. As a note, in some embodiments, the movement amount can be converted into a movement step number. The determination of whether the movement amount exceeds a predetermined amount is to determine whether the movement step number exceeds a predetermined number of steps. When the signal strength is not less than the second predetermined value or the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device does not exceed the predetermined amount (No in step S560), the process returns to step S510. When the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device exceeds the predetermined amount (YES in step S560), the processing unit locks the vehicle in step S570. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. When the vehicle is locked, the vehicle cannot be started / operated or moved.

[0029] 6 is a flowchart of a vehicle lock control method according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lock control method being applied to a vehicle.

[0030] In step S610, the specific electronic device is detected through the wireless network. Similarly, in some embodiments, the wireless network is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can be pre-paired with the processing unit or network connection unit of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can know the identity of the specific electronic device. In some embodiments, the specific electronic device is a mobile device of the vehicle user, such as a smart device, a beacon, or a wireless key. When the specific electronic device is not detected (step S620, No), the process returns to step S610. When the specific electronic device is detected and connected to the vehicle through the wireless network (step S620, Yes), in step S630, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value. When the signal strength is not greater than the first predetermined value (step S630, No), the process proceeds to step S650. When the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value (YES in step S630), in step S640, the vehicle processing unit puts the vehicle into an unlocked state. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. In some embodiments, the vehicle being locked means that the vehicle cannot be started / operated. In some embodiments, certain components of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or tires, are locked and cannot be moved. It should be noted that the above vehicle lock controls are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When the vehicle is unlocked, it means that the vehicle can be started / operated or moved.

[0031] Then, in step S650, the vehicle receives the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device from the specific electronic device via the wireless network. Similarly, in some embodiments, the specific electronic device has a sensor that detects the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device. The specific electronic device can transmit the detected movement amount to the vehicle via the wireless network. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the specific electronic device can convert the movement amount into the number of movement steps by calculating the number of movement steps based on the movement amount, and then transmit the number of movement steps to the vehicle. In step S660, it is determined whether the signal strength corresponding to the specific electronic device is less than a second predetermined value, whether the vehicle has changed from a riding state to a stopped state within a predetermined period before the current time, and whether the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device exceeds a predetermined amount. It is to be noted that the second predetermined value is less than the first predetermined value. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the processing unit of the vehicle can record the state of the vehicle over time, such as during riding or stopping, and retain the vehicle state data for the most recent period. Similarly, in some embodiments, the movement amount is converted into the number of movement steps. The determination of whether the movement amount exceeds the predetermined amount is to determine whether the number of movement steps exceeds the predetermined number of steps. When the signal strength is not less than the second predetermined value, the vehicle does not change from a running state to a stopped state, or the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device does not exceed the predetermined amount (step S660: No), the process returns to step S610. When the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value, the vehicle changes from a running state to a stopped state, and the movement amount corresponding to the specific electronic device exceeds the predetermined amount (step S660: Yes), in step S670, the processing unit locks the vehicle. Similarly, the vehicle lock control can be implemented by hardware or software. When the vehicle is locked, the vehicle cannot be started / operated or moved.

[0032] Therefore, the vehicle lock control method and system can perform vehicle lock control based on the signal strength corresponding to a specific electronic device, thereby improving the anti-theft safety of the vehicle and the convenience of unlocking the vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle lock control method may take the form of program code (i.e., executable instructions) embodied in a tangible medium, such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium, which when loaded into a machine, such as a computer, and executed, causes the machine to thereby become an apparatus for performing the method. The method may also be embodied in the form of program code transmitted over some transmission medium, such as transmission over electrical wiring, cabling, or optical fiber, which when received, loaded into a machine, such as a computer, and executed, causes the machine to become an apparatus for performing the disclosed methods. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates analogously to application-specific logic circuits.

[0034] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed as described above, these are by no means intended to limit the present invention, and anyone familiar with the art may make various modifications thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 100...Vehicle lock control system 110…Network connection unit 120... Processing unit 200...Vehicle lock control system 210…Vehicle 220…Network 230...Specific Electronic Devices S310, S320, S330, S340, S350, S360, S410, S420, S430, S440, S450, S460, S510, S520, S530, S540, S550, S560, S570, S610, S620, S630, S640, S650, S660, S670… projects.

Claims

1. A vehicle lock control method for use in a vehicle, comprising: detecting, by a processing unit of the vehicle, a particular electronic device via a wireless network; determining whether a signal strength of the particular electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value when the particular electronic device is detected and connected via the wireless network; placing, by the processing unit, the vehicle in an unlocked state when the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value; determining whether the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value, the second predetermined value being less than the first predetermined value; and locking the vehicle by the processing unit when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

2. moreover, determining whether the vehicle has changed from a moving state to a stopped state within a predetermined period of time prior to a current time; and placing the vehicle in the locked state by the processing unit when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the vehicle has changed from the running state to the stopped state within the predetermined period prior to the current time; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

3. moreover, detecting the amount of movement by a sensing unit of the particular electronic device; transmitting, by the specific electronic device, the amount of movement via the wireless network to the processing unit of the vehicle; determining, by the processing unit, whether the movement amount exceeds a predetermined amount; and placing the vehicle in the locked state by the processing unit when the signal strength is smaller than the second predetermined value, the vehicle has changed from the running state to the stopped state within the predetermined period before the current time, and the movement amount exceeds the predetermined amount; 3. The method of claim 2, comprising:

4. moreover, detecting the amount of movement by a sensing unit of the particular electronic device; transmitting, by the specific electronic device, the amount of movement via the wireless network to the processing unit of the vehicle; determining, by the processing unit, whether the movement amount exceeds a predetermined amount; and placing the vehicle in the locked state by the processing unit when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the movement amount exceeds the predetermined amount; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

5. moreover, calculating, by the specific electronic device, a number of movement steps based on the amount of movement; and determining whether the number of movement steps exceeds a predetermined number of steps, thereby determining whether the movement amount exceeds the predetermined amount; 5. The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein when the vehicle is in the locked state, the vehicle cannot be started.

7. A vehicle lock control system for use in a vehicle, comprising: A network connection unit; and a processing unit for detecting a specific electronic device via the wireless network by the network connection unit; When the specific electronic device is detected and connected via the wireless network, the system determines whether a signal strength of the specific electronic device is greater than a first predetermined value, and when the signal strength is greater than the first predetermined value, unlocks the vehicle, and determines whether the signal strength is less than a second predetermined value, and when the second predetermined value is less than the first predetermined value, locks the vehicle.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processing unit further determines whether the vehicle changes from a moving state to a stopped state within a predetermined period before the current time, and places the vehicle in the locked state when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the vehicle changes from the moving state to the stopped state within the predetermined period before the current time.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensing unit of the specific electronic device further detects an amount of movement, and the specific electronic device transmits the amount of movement to the processing unit of the vehicle via the wireless network, and the processing unit determines whether the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined amount, and locks the vehicle when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value, the vehicle changes from the running state to the stopped state within the predetermined period prior to the current time, and the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined amount.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the sensing unit of the specific electronic device further detects an amount of movement, and the specific electronic device transmits the amount of movement to the processing unit of the vehicle via the wireless network, and the processing unit determines whether the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined amount, and locks the vehicle when the signal strength is less than the second predetermined value and the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined amount.

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